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| Updates for Massachusetts Top |
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Health Center Emergency Management Assembly 
MLCHC - Jan 3, 2013. The League will host a Health Center Emergency Management Assembly forEP Project Leads, Operating Officers and Executive Directors on Wednesday, February 13
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Community Health Centers vaccinate more than 6,000 people as they answer Mayor Menino's call to organize emergency flu clinics across the city
MLCHC - Jan 14, 2013. Part of an effort to increase access to quality care, close to home, Boston's community health centers vaccinated more than 6,000 people this weekend after the city of Boston declared a public health emergency on January 9 in response to the increasing numbers of influenza cases being reported in and around Boston. At the request of Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston community health centers organized 24 public flu clinics on January 11, 12 and 13. Visit our newsroom for media coverage of flu clinic efforts. In addition, health centers in Boston and across the state continue to provide flu shots to community residents in need. Click here to find a health center flu clinic near you.
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New tool for communicating with residents during emergencies
MDPH - Dec 21, 2012. The Emergency Preparedness Bureau at MDPH has created a simple, hands-on tool to reduce communication barriers and better assist individuals with access and functional needs during an emergency. Show Me: A Communication Tool for Emergency Shelters is a 21-page booklet that is divided into topic-themed sections, and contains a variety of icons including language needs, medical needs, and personal care needs. Using the booklet, individuals can make their needs and concerns known to professional shelter staff and volunteers within a community shelter setting during an emergency. Local public health departments and emergency management departments across the Commonwealth have received a copy of the tool which is a useful resource to support their whole community planning and response efforts. View the booklet here: Show Me- A Communication Tool for Emergency Shelters. |
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Flooding Preparedness Needs to Include Infection Prevention and Control Strategies
Science Daily - Jan 9, 2013. Flooding can cause clinical and economic damage to a healthcare facility, but reopening a facility after extensive flooding requires infection prevention and control preparedness plans to ensure a safe environment for patients and healthcare workers. In a study published in the February issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, clinical investigators report key findings and recommendations related to the closure and re-opening of hospitals impacted by black-water floods. The guidance builds on lessons learned from Thailand and the United States. The findings come as many flood-damaged healthcare facilities in New York and New Jersey look to reopen in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130109151202.htm
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Science, satellites and superstorms: Preparing for the next big one
CNN - Jan 7, 2013. Did you know that one of NOAAs primary weather satellites stopped worked about a month before Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast? Luckily, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, had a backup satellite to scramble into place. Without it, the early warning for Sandy's impending strike on the northeast might not have been as accurate. Meteorologists speculate that in this age of shrinking budgets aging satellites might not get the expensive repairs they need to operate, and NOAA might not be able to purchase backup satellites. Without these critical pieces of equipment, we would be blind to potentially dangerous weather patterns. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/04/us/us-superstorm-threat/index.html.
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Nonprofits Should Notify the State of Damage in Case a Public Assistance Grant Is Needed Main Content
FEMA - Dec 11, 2012. Certain private nonprofit organizations that experienced damage from Hurricane Sandy may qualify for reimbursement of certain costs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program. The program reimburses government entities, tribal nations and nonprofits for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure to pre-disaster condition. Federal regulations separate nonprofits into two categories: critical facilities, such as schools, utility companies, emergency service companies and hospitals; and noncritical facilities, such as low-income housing, assisted living homes and rehabilitation programs. Both may apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses under the PA program. Read more at http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2012/12/11/nonprofits-should-notify-state-damage-case-public-assistance-grant-needed.
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Did you know...
... if you are overwhelmed by getting started on personal preparedness, you are not alone. The folks at Do 1 Thing understand and have developed a very innovative program that guides one through preparedness by breaking it up into 12 topics, one per month.
... Report Finds Budget Cuts Put Preparedness at Risk, http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Daily-Reports/2012/December/20/public-health-needs-during-crisis.aspx?p=1
... pets are important members of our families. Be sure to have pet kit - or at minimum, a leash and a tag - for your pets. Ever see a cat walk on a leash? It's pretty funny... but worth it to keep them safe in a crisis! http://www.ready.gov/animals
... if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, make sure each room in your house has a safe place to go should a quake strike. Find a place indoors, away from where glass could shatter or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over. www.Ready.gov/earthquakes
... a quote taken out of context can have ultimately more universal meaning? The following quote is from an article "Inventing the Interoperable Universe," but can be applied to so many other things:
"During any given large scale incident, traditional public safety entities (police, fire, emergency management services) may work alongside hospitals/ERs, transportation modalities (airports, ports, rail, transit), public works, utilities, environmental departments, public health departments, departments of corrections, national guard, US military, the Red Cross, and even private sector personnel located at critical infrastructure facilities.... The integration of traditional public safety with other partners that are frequently involved in homeland security/ emergency management activities is key when discussing a truly all-hazard approach to public safety. Not to mention the fact that the inclusion of more partners may help... obtain financial solvency." [The Leading Edge Today, Dec. 2012. D. Meyerson] ... that your smartphone can save your life? Resolve to be Ready 2013 encourages smartphone owners to turn the technology in their purses and pockets into a life-saving tool during and after an emergency or disaster.
... that during winter, extreme temperatures are not only dangerous to our health, but also to our wallets? Learn how to protect your home from expensive repairs to common extreme cold damage at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather, click on "Winterize Your Home."
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| Public Health Advisories Top |
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Flu Update for Massachusettsby Donna Lazorik, MDPH
MDPH - Jan 15, 2013. CDC Influenza Update for Pediatricians 2012-2013 Influenza Season, Impact on Children, Summary Guidance http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/2012-2013-guidance-pediatricians.htm CDC Information for Pharmacists 2012-2013 Influenza Season http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/2012-2013-guidance-pharmacists.htm Use of Pediatric Flu Vaccine Formulations for Adults - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaxadmin.htm
MDPH - Jan 12, 2013. Temporary lifting of restriction on use of state-supplied vaccine. As you know, the use of state-supplied influenza vaccine has for several seasons been restricted to uninsured individuals. We appreciate your attention to this intended use. At the same time, the urgency of current demand for influenza vaccine and the Department's request that our immunization partners mount additional flu vaccine clinics, several of you have asked whether you can shift remaining supplies across sites to meet demand and have cited this use restriction as a potential barrier to supporting one another's need for additional vaccine supply. In response to the current demand the Department is lifting, until further notice, the restriction on the use of state-supplied vaccine for uninsured individuals. Therefore you should feel free to use state-supplied vaccine for all patients at your site and/or transfer available flu vaccine stocks to your partner sites in need of additional doses. As always, if you are transferring vaccine to another site please fully document the lot numbers and recipients of these donations on the attached form (email Tina Wright to request form), which should be faxed to the MDPH Vaccine Unit at the number listed on the form. Visit http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/provider/guidelines-resources/services-planning/diseases-conditions/influenza/information-for-healthcare-and-public-health.html for more flu related notices from MDPH. MDPH reports for week 2 show a decrease in ILI visits to "outpatient" facilities, down from 4.9% to 2.9%. This is a result of more facilities reporting to MDPH. 
CDC - Jan 11, 2013. Flu Season and Vaccine Effectiveness - CDC hosted a telephone-only media availability to provide an update on influenza in the United States and to provide update on effectiveness of the influenza vaccine for 2012-2013 season. http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/a0111_flu_season.html
MDPH - Jan 8, 2013. FREE Flu Materials Available. To help reduce the impact of flu on the health care system, the Department of Public Health has developed a brochure, low-literacy brochure, and poster " Flu: What You Can Do ? Caring for People at Home" as an informational resource to help residents care for themselves and their families without having to visit their health care provider. The materials explain basic concepts such as: What the difference is between a cold and the flu How to keep from getting the flu How to care for someone who has the flu When a person should call the doctor, or seek immediate assistance through 911 Flu: What You Can Do is available at no cost in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Vietnamese, Russian, Khmer, and Chinese. All versions are available for immediate download or in hard copy format in bulk quantities at http://www.maclearinghouse.com/category/FLU.html . Handwashing materials are available in multiple languages at http://www.maclearinghouse.com/category/HAND.html . MDPH encourages you to make this important informational resource available for your customers, patients, visitors, or other constituents.
MDPH - Jan 7, 2013. Flu activity increasing. Flu activity continues to increase in the US, according to CDC's latest FluView report. "Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons," according to Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in CDC's Influenza Division. "Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now." During the past 10 seasons, ILI remained at or above baseline for an average of 12 consecutive weeks. One factor that may indicate increased severity this season is that the predominant circulating type of influenza virus is influenza A (H3N2) viruses, which account for about 76% of the viruses reported. Bresee explains "typically 'H3N2 seasons' have been more severe, with higher numbers of hospitalizations and deaths, but we will have to see how the season plays out." So far this season, 91% of the influenza viruses that have been analyzed at CDC are like the viruses included in the 2012-2013 flu vaccine. "While vaccination offers the best protection we have against influenza, it's still possible that some people may become ill despite being vaccinated," says Bresee. CDC has recommendations on the use of antiviral medications to treat influenza. Antiviral treatment, started as early as possible after becoming ill, is recommended for anyone with confirmed or suspected influenza who are hospitalized, seriously ill, or ill and at high risk of serious influenza-related complications, including young children, people 65 and older, people with certain underlying medical conditions and pregnant women. Treatment should begin as soon as influenza is suspected, regardless of vaccination status or rapid test results and should not be delayed for confirmatory testing. National Influenza Activity during week 52 (December 23-29) - US influenza activity increased. * Outpatient Illness Surveillance: Nationwide during week 52, 5.6% of patient visits reported through the US Outpatient ILINet were due to influenza-like illness (ILI). This percentage is above the national baseline of 2.2%. This increase may be attributed in part to a reduced number of routine health care visits during the Christmas holidays, which has been observed in previous seasons. * Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations: The most commonly reported underlying medical conditions among hospitalized adults were metabolic conditions, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and chronic lung disease (excluding asthma). Among 36 hospitalized women of childbearing age (15-44 years), seven were pregnant. The most commonly reported underlying medical conditions in hospitalized children were asthma, neurologic disorders, and immune suppression. Approximately 40% of hospitalized children had no identified underlying medical conditions. * Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold. * Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths: Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported and were associated with influenza B viruses. This brings the total number of influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported during the 2012-2013 season to 18. For more information on national flu activity, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/ Massachusetts Flu Activity* As of the week ending December 29, flu activity in Massachusetts continued to increase dramatically and is much higher than what is typically seen at this time of year. 
MDPH - Jan 3, 2013. Some vaccinated people may still get the flu. CDC has received reports of some people who were vaccinated against influenza becoming ill and testing positive for influenza. This occurs every season. It's not possible at this time to say whether or not there is more of this happening this season than usual. This is an early season, with more influenza activity being reported at this time than has been seen during recent flu seasons. CDC is watching the situation closely and will provide additional information, including interim vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates, as it becomes available. There are, however, a number of reasons why people who got an influenza vaccine may still get influenza this season:1. People may be exposed to an influenza virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with flu before the vaccine begins to protect them. 2. A person may be exposed to an influenza virus that is not included in the seasonal flu vaccine. There are many different influenza viruses that circulate every year. The composition of the flu shot is reviewed each season and updated if needed to protect against the 3 viruses that research suggests will be most common. Characterization of influenza viruses collected this season in the US indicates that most circulating viruses are like the vaccine viruses however, there is a smaller percentage of viruses that would not be expected to be covered by the vaccine. 3. Unfortunately, some people can get infected with an influenza virus that is included in the vaccine despite getting vaccinated. Protection provided by influenza vaccination can vary widely, based in part on health and age factors of the person getting vaccinated. In general, the flu vaccine works best among young healthy adults and older children. Some older people and people with certain chronic illnesses may develop less immunity after vaccination. While vaccination offers the best protection against influenza infection, it's still possible that some people may become ill after being vaccinated. Influenza vaccination is not a perfect tool, but it is the best tool currently at our disposal to prevent influenza. It's important that health care providers and the public remember that influenza antiviral medications are a second line of defense against influenza. CDC has recommendations on the use of these medications (sold commercially as "TamifluŽ" and "RelenzaŽ") to treat influenza illness. Antiviral treatment as early as possible is recommended for any patients with confirmed or suspected influenza who are hospitalized, seriously ill, or ill and at high risk of serious influenza-related complications, including young children, people 65 and older, people with certain underlying medical conditions and pregnant women. Treatment should begin as soon as influenza is suspected, regardless of vaccination status or rapid test results and should not be delayed for confirmatory testing. A full list of people considered at high risk for serious influenza complications is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm. More information about antiviral drugs and CDC's recommendations are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/index.htm It's not too late vaccinate. MDPH at http://www.mass.gov/flu
Boston Public Health Commission at http://www.bphc.org/flu
CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu Flu.gov for Health Professionals at http://www.flu.gov/planning-preparedness/hospital/index.html#
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Public Health Matters Blog: People with Disabilities and Public Health
CDC COCA - Jan 15, 2013. On December 18, 2012, CDC hosted a Public Health Grand Rounds promoting opportunities for the best quality of life for individuals with disabilities. http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2013/01/4994/
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FEMA Answers Most Common Disaster Aid Questions
FEMA - Jan 14, 2013. As the Jan. 28, 2013 deadline to register for FEMA assistance approaches in New York, recovery officials want to make sure survivors have all the information they need about disaster aid.New York's Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Sandy, Michael Byrne, hosted the first of a series of 'live' chats on Twitter this week to address questions and concerns about disaster assistance, tweeting about FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and housing repair grants in the one-hour session. He will be doing additional chat sessions in the coming weeks. http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2013/01/14/answers-most-commonly-asked-disaster-aid-questions
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FEMA Continues Innovations to Meet Access and Functional Needs Integration
FEMA - Dec 17, 2012. Five tools new to help people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind are being used for Hurricane Sandy disaster response by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
At New York disaster recovery centers, survivors who are blind or have low vision are using text-to-speech software and a variety of magnifiers to access FEMA information. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing are offered enhanced listening devices, iPad 3s with real-time-video remote sign language interpreting apps, and captioned phones to get disaster recovery information accessible to them. Tools include:
- iPad 3 - this device has many apps to provide enlarged text for people with low vision, picture symbols for people with low literacy or communication disabilities, immediate access to sign language interpreters for people who are deaf and many other tools for immediate communication access
- Magnifying Readers - Enlarges text for people with low vision
- Enhanced Listening Devices - improves the clarity of sound for people who are hard of hearing, especially helpful for older adults in noisy settings like a Disaster Recovery Center.
- Live Video Interpreting - provides immediate access to sign language interpreters standing by at a remote location to provide access to people who are deaf.
- Captioned Phones - provide real-time voice-to-text for people who can speak on the phone but cannot hear the caller on the other end."We're not working for people with disabilities," adds Marcie Roth, "we're working with people with disabilities."
- Accessibility Tools in a DRC: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/7188
- Assistive Technologies at Disaster Recovery Centers: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/9367
- Disability Integration (Use of Interpreters in the DRC): http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/7506
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VA Offers Mobile App to Hurricane Sandy Responders
HSToday - Dec 7, 2012. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that is offering a mobile app to mental health personnel - including VA providers - who are helping Hurricane Sandy's victims. "This is one example of how innovation and technology within the federal government can have a broader reach than ever before," said Kathleen Frisbee, Director of Web and Mobile Solutions in the Veterans Health Administration's Office of Informatics and Analytics. As originally reported by AOL Government, shortly before the storm, VA sent a notice to a national list of emergency responders or their organizations about the Psychological First Aid (PFA Mobile) app for disaster responders.
"The app aids mental health providers and other response workers who provide psychological first aid to children and adults affected by disaster," Frisbee explained. Read more at http://www.hstoday.us/single-article/va-offers-mobile-app-to-hurricane-sandy-responders/b44a287e0e6dcd91b81b9f5271c1edb0.html.
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| Training and Education Top |
Upcoming Courses/Events by DelValle Institute for Emergency Preparedness
The DelValle Institute for Emergency Preparedness serves Eastern Massachusetts emergency preparedness and response training and education needs by offering the following opportunities for a wide spectrum of providers: Online Courses:
Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP): Awareness Incident Command System (ICS): Just-in-Time Training Mass Dispensing Clinics: Just-in-Time Training Classroom Courses: All Hazards Disaster Response and Protection for Healthcare Personnel - Awareness - Jan 17
BMRC Promoting Resiliency in an Emergency: Psychological First Aid - Jan 24
Medical Preparedness and Response to Bombing Incidents (PER233/MGMT348) - Jan 24-25
Boston MRC Introduction to Radiological Materials Response - Jan 29
Core Disaster Life Support - Jan 31
All Hazards Disaster Response and Protection for Healthcare Workers (Operations) - Feb 6-8
BMRC Orientation - Feb 7, Mar 5
Medical Preparedness and Response to Bombing Incidents (MGT 348/PER 233) - Feb 12-13
BMRC Managing a Mass Dispensing Clinic - Feb 12
Continuity of Operations Planning Made Practical - Feb 14
BMRC Leadership Under Pressure - Feb 27
Shelter Operations and Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) - Mar 6
BMRC Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS) - Mar 13
Basic Disaster Life Support - Mar 13
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Incident Command System and other MEMA courses
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's Training and Exercise Unit offers emergency preparedness trainings, seminars, workshops and exercise support to help communities of the Commonwealth prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of disasters and emergency events. Incident Command System 300 - (3-day course) - Rowley Police Department on Jan 14
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on Jan 16 (Agawam)
- Worcester EMS on Jan 22
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on Feb 26
- DelValle Institute on Mar 6
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on Mar 27
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on May 1
Incident Command System 400 - (2-day course) - MPTC Building on Jan 22 (Randolph)
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on Feb 6
- Worcester EMS on Feb 20
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on Mar 13
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on Apr 3
- Worcester EMS on May 22
- MEMA Region 3/4 Training Room on May 30
Hazmat Awareness -
Visit our web site at http://mematraining.chs.state.ma.us/TRS/ for more details.
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Stopping Norovirus in its Tracks: What Every Clinician Should Know
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Hospital Response to Chemical Emergencies training
An MDPH program that is designed to help health care and hospital emergency department professionals and clinical laboratory staff to better respond to chemical emergencies by providing information on the public health response to chemical emergencies and concise instructions on how to properly collect, package and ship appropriate clinical specimens for chemical analysis. The role of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Rhode Island Regional Poison Center Control Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with other state and federal agencies during a chemical emergency will also be discussed. Credits available: two CME/CEU credits provided by Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention, Response & Services through MA Boards of Registration; two EMT credits provided by Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention, Response & Services approved by Office of Emergency Medical Services; and two CEU credits provided by Northeast Branch of American Society for Microbiology though American Society for Clinical Pathology. Multiple offerings, registration is FREE, email Nicole.Clark@state.ma.us for more details. Dates and locations:
- Jan 30 - Lowell
- Feb 6 - Winchester
- Feb 8 - Newton
- Feb 22 - Weymouth
- Mar 15 - Sturbridge
- Mar 27 - Gardner
- Apr 23 - Northampton
- Apr 24 - Palmer
- May 8 - Pittsfield
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Earthquake Safety & Mitigation for Schools
FEMA National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) is pleased to announce a one-hour webinar on Earthquake Safety and Mitigation for Schools (FEMA 395). Numerous school buildings are vulnerable to earthquake losses and damage. At this webinar on Jan 31, you will learn the following: * How to assess and analyze your earthquake risks * How to develop an actionable plan to reduce and manage earthquake risks * How to initiate an earthquake risk reduction plan for existing school buildings that were not designed and constructed to meet modern building codes * How to secure "non-structural" elements of the school facility * How to apply "incremental seismic rehabilitation" to protect buildings and ensure occupant safety * Why "incremental seismic rehabilitation" is an affordable alternative for school safety Target Audience * School officials, teachers, facility managers, and other local stakeholders interested in school safety and continued operations. Recommended Prerequisite: IS-325-Earthquake Basics: Science, Risk, and Mitigation - A 30 minute independent study course that provides basic information on earthquake, its impacts, and general mitigation techniques. Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 2:00 pm EST at Adobe Connect Pro Meeting Login, audio line: 888-387-8686, participant Code: 5416036.
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Disaster Behavioral Health Training Series
The Center for Multicultural Mental Health (CMMH) at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and the Emergency Preparedness Bureau at the MDPH in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is offering disaster behavioral health training for public health, healthcare, public safety, and other disaster response personnel throughout the Commonwealth.
Dates:
Jan 29 & 30 - Psychological Resilience Basic, Charlton, MA
Feb 12 & 13 - Psychological Resilience Basic, Greater New Bedford CHC, New Bedford, MA
Mar 12 & 13 - Psychological Resilience Basic, Northampton, MA
Apr 23 & 24 - Psychological Resilience Train-The-Trainer, Northampton, MA
June 6 - Psychological Resilience Refresher/Advanced, Boston, MA
June 7 - Psychological Resilience Refresher/Advanced, Charlton, MA
Visit http://cmmh-cmtp.org/impar.php to learn more and to register.
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Public Health Preparedness Summit
The goal of the Public Health Preparedness Summit (Mar 12-15 in Atlanta, GA) is to strengthen and enhance the capabilities of public health professionals and other participants to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and other public health emergencies. Conference attendees have the opportunity to engage in interactive learning sessions on a variety of public health preparedness topics; explore the newest products and services from vendors in the field; and meet public health and healthcare professionals, emergency managers, and other leaders to collaborate, learn, and share best practices. Early bird rates still apply. To learn more about why you should participate in the 2013 Summit, visit http://www.phprep.org
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18th Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference
Save the Date! The 18th Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference will take place on May 21, 2013 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Health care and public health leaders from across Massachusetts will come to support statewide efforts to increase adult immunization rates in Massachusetts. JSI and the MDPH are bringing together key immunization experts to provide updates that will inform and energize your work.
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Voices of Experience - Violence in a Healthcare Setting
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FEMA Interactive Web-based Courses
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Comings and Goings
Congratulations to the League's Mary Ellen O'Driscoll in her new role as Technical Services and Special Populations Director. She will be a key liaison to community health centers for technical assistance needs especially related to federal HRSA grants, policies and processes. She will also be a key lead on providing needed data from the UDS and other resources on services and demographics. Mary Ellen will be the lead person managing our grant submissions and continues to be the lead Director for the Connecticut River Valley Farmworker Health Program (CRVFHP) and will lead our efforts on engaging and addressing special population needs. Mary Ellen will serve as our direct representative to the State's HRSA Primary Care Office and will continue to lead our work on HPSA and MUA designation for the centers and the MLCHC . Congratulations are also given to our own Elizabeth Bench, now the League's Accounting Manager in our Administrative and Finance division. Elizabeth has been with the League for over eight (8) years and has recently achieved a Master's Degree in Accounting from Suffolk University. Congratulations Elizabeth! Robert Spellane joins the League staff in the new position of Community and Business Development Director. Bob's focus will be on identifying and expanding resources and affiliations to support the MLCHC engagement in areas of business development, work force and potential joint ventures. He will also be focusing on needs of central Massachusetts and western Massachusetts and addressing space and capital development needs of the League's services as well as centers services. Bob will also be working closely with CWPG on the potential development of new services opportunities and product lines. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Bob to the staff. Join us in welcoming Matt Matosic to the DelValle Institute of Emergency Preparedness. Matt will be working with healthcare facilities on creating an electronic hazard vulnerability analysis module. He brings with him wealth of knowledge from his military career. We look forward to working with you Matt, and welcome!
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Job Opportunities
Administrative Specialist - FEMA, Maynard, MA. This position is ideal for an administrative specialist looking for an opportunity to provide a variety of administrative support services to the Maynard MERS Chief and perform a variety of administrative functions to facilitate office operations. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/335521400
Emergency Preparedness Educator - DelValle Institute for Emergency Preparedness (BPHC), Boston, MA. Responsible for developing and delivering DelValle Institute education and training curricula, exercises and other programs to achieve the Institute's mission, with a focus on programming within the Institute's Planning and Preparedness Training Section. Plan, deliver and report on DelValle Institute activities for Metropolitan Boston and Eastern Massachusetts health and medical audiences, including but not limited to: Boston Medical Reserve Corps; public health professionals; neighborhood-based citizens groups; Community Health Center personnel; hospital staff; public safety professionals; pharmacy, medical and nursing students. https://www.governmentjobs.com/view_job.cfm?JobID=549422
Financial Management Specialist - FEMA, Boston, MA. This position is ideal for a Financial Management Specialist under the supervision of the Branch Chief looking for an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of operational expertise in the current financial management system, policies and procedures. This professional provides advice and assistance from a financial point of view to regional and field establishment personnel as they carry out their financial management responsibilities including providing financial guidance and fiscal support to a deploying emergency response team. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/334750900
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| If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
Tina Wright, Emergency Management Program Manager and Public Information Coordinator
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
40 Court Street, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
617-426-2225 ext. 231 twright@massleague.org
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