MACHC
Weekly E-Blast:  
Voicing the latest news on Communities in Need
In This Issue

National Health Center Week, IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW! What is your Health Center hosting to celebrate? Please inform us at MACHC of any events!
Have news to share with us? Want to be featured on our next E-Digest? Want to read about something in particular? Please email us at [email protected]

August 10, 2015
MACHC SPOTLIGHT
Happy National Health Center Week 2015 
This National Health Center Week 2015 (#NHCW15) stretches from August 9 to 15th! This year's theme is "America's Health Centers: Celebrating Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future." #NHCW15 will be action packed as it coincides with the 50th anniversary celebration of America's Health Centers. What event(s) is your health center hosting this year? Let us know by emailing [email protected]

 
*****MACHC Members' Facebook NHCW Contest*****
In celebration of NHCW, MACHC will join you in contributing and showcasing the various efforts through a bit of fun and healthy competition! We will be hosting a Facebook Picture & Video Contest for our members. MD and DE FQHCs are asked to LIKE us on Facebook  and post a NHCW picture or video showcasing the fun event! Winners will be chosen on how many 'LIKES' you can get for your picture so please ask your staff members to like MACHC's page. 
There will be four prizes: 1st Place for $1,000, 2nd Place will be $500; and 2 runner ups will win $250 each.  The contest will be the week of national health center week, starting August 9th and ending August 15th. 
The contest is an opportunity to use your creativity and teamwork to garner attention for your health center. The prizes for the contest is a surprise so check the next Eblast to find out more!
Meanwhile, please send MACHC a quick email telling us about your NHCW event(s) and start thinking about what kind of pic/video you want to capture and share for the contest.
Good luck and may the likes be ever in your favor!

 
National Teleforum to Take Place of BPHC All-Programs Call
On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, ET, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) will host a Health Center Week National Teleforum for health center staff to celebrate National Health Center Week and 50 years of health centers. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell, White House staff, and Dr. Jack Geiger will participate in the call and answer questions. This meeting will take the place of the BPHC All-Programs call. To participate, call (877) 229-8493 before 1:55 pm; passcode 15035.

 
To ensure your Health Center has a great celebration, prepare now:

MACHC HAPPENINGS

MACHC EVENTS
    
(1) Outreach & Enrollment Call 
Friday, August 14th, 2015
1-866-740-1260 Access 4319483
Who: Outreach Staff
Discuss state updates, best practices, barriers/issues that need attention and provide any support and advocacy where needed.

(2) Finance Committee Conference Call
Monday, August 17th at 10:30 am 
1-866-740-1260 Access 5770097

(3) MACHC's OPERATIONAL CONFERENCE has been moved to December
Please look out on the next Eblast for more details!

----------------------------------

Board of Directors Meetings:
(Third Friday @ 11:00 a.m.)

  • OTHER EVENTS

  • (1)  Title: Sustainability and Succession Planning in Health Centers
    Date/Time: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 | 2:00pm-3:30pm (Eastern)

    (2) FTCA Webinar: The Roles of Health Centers and Free Clinics - Tuesday, August 11, 2015, 3:00p, - 4:00pm, ET or Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, ET.
    TheECRI Institute is hosting this webinar to discuss the roles of healthcare providers in identifying and caring for patients with special social or emotional needs. Topics that will be discussed include patient screening, identification of red flag indicators for certain vulnerable populations, and treatment or referral to support services.
    (3) 
    HRSA Substance Abuse Service Expansion Resources Webinar - Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, ET.  

     


    (4) Join the "Asthma, Climate Change, and Health" webinar where participants will learn how climate change will affect their health, particularly their asthma; how to improve indoor air quality in the home by identifying and eliminating asthma triggers in the home; and actions people can take to mitigate the risks associated with asthma and climate change.
    This webinar, for all health and social service providers, will discuss climate change in general terms and provide take-home messages that can be shared with vulnerable populations. It will also teach about indoor environmental health and asthma triggers, like mold and pests, as well as how to identify and minimize these exposures.
    Thursday, August 13th, 2015
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT


    (5) Title: The Board's and CEO's Collaborative Roles in Succession Planning
    Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2015 | 2:00pm-3:30pm (Eastern)

    Register NOW

    (6) Save the Date for the Maryland Chronic Disease Conference
    On September 8-9, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland, DHMH will be hosting the Inaugural Chronic Disease Conference.  The Maryland Chronic Disease Conference aims to explore challenges and opportunities in public health as well as approaches to prevent and control chronic diseases and associated risk factors. The conference will identify best practices, examine existing barriers, and develop a roadmap for future programs in Maryland. The core focus of the Conference will be the four CDC Chronic Disease Domains-Epidemiology/Surveillance; Environmental Approaches; Health Care System Interventions and Community Programs Linked to Clinical Services.
    For more information please visit: Maryland Chronic Disease Conference 
    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

    There is a possible Measles Outbreak being investigated in Maryland. 
    The Baltimore County Department of Health, Baltimore City Health Department, and DHMH are currently investigating a possible case of measles in a Baltimore County resident.  The patient presented with a febrile rash illness that was clinically diagnosed as measles.  Specimens tested at the DHMH Laboratories Administration were IgM positive but PCR negative. Given the discrepant laboratory results, we consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Specimens will be forwarded to CDC for additional testing that may help confirm or rule out measles, but CDC recommended proceeding as if this is confirmed measles while test results are pending.
    Baltimore County and Baltimore City are identifying and managing contacts, including persons who were in the Sinai Hospital ED on Thursday, August 6.  However it is possible that other local health departments might get questions about possible exposures to measles.  The case patient would have been potentially infectious from August 1 to August 9. 
    Key messages to the public:
    • The measles virus is highly contagious to susceptible persons. It is spread through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes (and by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions). The virus can remain contagious in the environment for up to 2 hours
    • Symptoms to look for include:
      • o   Rash that starts on the face and neck and then spreads. The rash fades in the order which it appears.
      • o   High fever
      • o   Runny nose
      • o   Red, watery eyes
      • o   Cough (sometimes like croup)
      • o   Small red spots, with blue and white centers inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
    • Infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of measles complications.
    • Measles immunization may be effective as prophylaxis for contacts if given within 72 hours of exposure.  If vaccine cannot be given, immune globulin may be administered to high risk susceptible persons within 6 days of exposure.   If outside the window for prophylaxis, contacts should be monitored for the development of symptoms consistent with measles.
    • Measles is considered a serious health risk to those who have NOT been fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR administered on or after the first birthday, do not have physician-diagnosed history of measles, or a titer indicating immunity.
    • Unvaccinated individuals should consult their healthcare providers or their local health department if they do not have a healthcare provider.
    • Person with a rash, fever and symptoms consistent with measles should first notify their doctor or a hospital emergency department prior to presenting, so appropriate infection control measures can be implemented.
    Suspect measles cases should be reported to DHMH immediately at (410)767-6679 or after hours by calling 410-795-7365.

     
    Do you have a personal preparedness kit yet? Sign up ASAP for this free workshop taught by Hopkins to learn about preparedness planning and to walk away with supplies and resources for your kit: http://1.usa.gov/1HVe1SZ

    How Prepared Is Your Community for an Emergency? 

    Download the kit checklist: 

    Family communication and evacuation plan: 


    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ATTENTION MD FQHCS 
     
    1. MACHC's Table Top Exercise (see slides attached) After Action Report Improvement Plan (AARIP). Please find AARIP attached here. Additionally, the Situational Manual discussed during the discussion is attached here

    2. DHMH Satellite Phone Recall FQHCs that still have the satellite phones distributed by DHMH 4 years ago, please send them back to: 
    L. Kay Webster, MPH
    Office of Preparedness & Response
    Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    300 W. Preston Street, Ste. 202
    Baltimore, MD  21201 
    3. Please get in touch with your Regional Coordinators if you have not already done so and be more active in your Regional Coalition. You should already have their contacts in emails I have sent within this year numerous times. Please find them below: 
     
    Regions I and II Health Care Coalition 
    [Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington Counties]
    Alison Robinson
    Allegany County Health Department
    12501 Willowbrook Road
    Cumberland, MD  21502
    301-759-5238 (Office)
    443-934-2232 (Mobile)
    301-777-2069 (Fax)
    [email protected] 

     
    [Baltimore City; Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties]
    Edward Johnson
    Harford County Health Department
    120 S. Hays Street, Suite 230
    Bel Air, MD  21014 
    410-877-1031 (Office)
    443-388-6290 (Mobile)
     
    Region IV -
    [Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties]
    Kristin McMenamin
    Kent County Health Department
    A.F. Whitsitt Center
    300 Scheeler Road, P.O. Box 229
    Chestertown, MD  21620
    410-778-4861 (Office)
    443-690-3091 (Mobile)
    410-778-4862 (Fax)

     
    NEW REGION V COORDINATOR
    Region V  Emergency Preparedness Coalition
    [Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's Counties]
    Casey Owens
    Office of Preparedness & Response
    Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    300 W. Preston Street, Ste. 202
    Baltimore, MD  21201 

     
    4. Find ATTACHED (Please click here) the guide was developed to provide hospitals in California with a useful tool for developing and implementing effective respiratory protection programs, with an emphasis on protecting health care workers from aerosol transmissible diseases. It was prepared by the Occupational Health Branch (OHB) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOS H) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL).  It sure looks like something that we can perhaps modify for Maryland.   
    , you will find the template for setting up a respiratory protection program in hospitals.  

    5. MACHC conducted two FQHCs with Planning for Onsite Drill/Exercise in February 5th & 6th, 2015. The follow up call with ALL MACHC member health centers and partners was held Thursday, March 12th. Due to the large file size of Active Shooter documents, an email to all attendees and FQHC POIs was sent out. Please alert Aneeqa Chowdhury ([email protected]) if you have not received the link.

    6. MACHC provided support to all Baltimore Health Centers during the Baltimore Riots end of April-May 2015. We thank all of our member FQHCs and partners for the support and seamless communication which created transparency and effective communication of needs during the pressing time. Please email us at MACHC if you have any comments regarding the events that occurred. 

     
    *** Look for the latest EP related updates RIGHT HERE!
    Policy, Advocacy and Legislation
    National News
    Harm reduction centers - where drug users and sex workers can get clean needles, syringes, free condoms and HIV prevention information - have existed for decades. They've generally operated on the outskirts of the health care system and pieced together shoestring budgets with the help of state and federal programs as well as private donations. But harm reduction centers are increasingly trying to reposition themselves as a commodity for hospitals and insurers because of their unique experience in coordinating care for high-risk and often marginalized patients.

    The 2014 UDS data and related reports (Rollup, Summary, and Trend report) will be available starting Friday, August 7, 2015 on BPHC's UDS website.

    Reminder: BPHC Scope Verification 
    On Friday, August 7, 2015 the Scope Verification Module was upgraded to a new user interface. The layout, fields, labels, and navigation will be updated. The scope verification process remains unchanged.  
    For more information, consult the Scope Verification User Guide on the Scope Verification help page or contact the BPHC Helpline directly at 1-877-974-BPHC (2742), Monday through Friday; 8:30am - 5:30pm, ET.

    340B Proposed Definition
    As you may be aware, HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs (which oversees the 340B program) recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) addressing three issues:
    •          The definition of terms used in the 340B program
    •          How ceiling prices are to be calculated
    •          How Civil Monetary Penalties (CMPs) are to be imposed on manufacturers who knowingly and intentionally overcharge 340B covered entities. 
    Much of this NPRM simply takes long-standing policies (e.g., penny pricing, how ceiling prices are calculated) and puts them into regulations for the first time.  However, there are a few issues which are directly relevant to health centers, so NACHC will be submitting comments.  These issues include:
    •          Ensuring that FQHCs whose Medicaid PPS rates include pharmaceuticals can continue to use 340B drugs for Medicaid
    •          Requiring manufacturers to issue refunds for all overcharges.
             Ensuring that potential penalties on manufacturers are high enough to deter them from intentionally overcharging
    HRSA released 2014-2015 Area Health Resources Files 
    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) is pleased to release the 2014-2015 Area Health Resources Files (AHRF).
    The Area Health Resources Files are a no-cost, comprehensive source of healthcare data. Information on national, state and county-specific health and health-related resources includes health care professions, health care facilities, hospitals and population health data. 
    HRSA makes these data available to the public and to federal agencies, Congress, researchers, and policymakers to conduct research and inform policy formulations. A new release of the AHRF data file is issued annually. With each update, the AHRF scope is expanded to meet the growing demand for comprehensive health resources data from a wide range of users.
    To access and download the 2014-2015 Area Health Resources Files data files, please go to http://ahrf.hrsa.gov/download.htm. Information on all the AHRF resources and tools is available at http://ahrf.hrsa.gov.
    For questions or comments about the Area Health Resources Files, please contact Shafali Srivastava at [email protected] or 301-443-9257.
    A federal judge said on Friday that the Food and Drug Administration could not prohibit the truthful promotion of a drug for unapproved uses because doing so would violate the protection of free speech. The decision, by a district judge in Manhattan, could inhibit the ability of the F.D.A. to regulate one aspect of pharmaceutical marketing. Pharmaceutical companies have collectively paid billions of dollars in fines in recent years after being accused of marketing drugs for unapproved uses. 
    Fairfax County [Virginia] is launching a program to reduce the number of mentally ill inmates at its jail by diverting nonviolent offenders experiencing crises into treatment instead of incarceration. The move follows the high-profile case of Natasha McKenna, a schizophrenic woman who died in February after a team of sheriff's deputies at the jail repeatedly used a Taser on her and hit her when she resisted their efforts to transfer her to another facility. About 40 percent of the jail's 1,100 inmates suffer from mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction, or both, the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office has said. 
    Gentle Reminder: Contact Congress about Health Center Appropriations
    In April, Congress took action to avoid the "primary care funding cliff," which would have resulted in a drastic reduction in funding for FQHCs.   While that crisis has been averted, we need to continue engaging our congressional delegation to ensure that health center funding is adequate moving forward on two points: 1) To ensure that all available funds - the full $1.4 billion - are released this year; and 2) To advocate for health centers receiving a total funding level of $5.1 billion in the next fiscal year's budget.  If you are speaking with congressional offices in the near future, please remind them how important this funding is and ask for their support as budget discussions continue.   

    Super-utilizers are the frequent fliers of the health care system, whose serious illnesses send them to the hospital multiple times every year and cost the system hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Figuring out how best to address these patients' needs and reduce their financial impact on the health care system is a subject of intense interest among policymakers. Now a new study has found that, in contrast to the notion that "once a super-utilizer, always a super-utilizer," many patients who use health care services intensely do so for a relatively brief period of time
    State News
    DELAWARE
    Next Delaware Healthcare Comission Meeting is on September 3rd at 9am --- DelTech Terry Campus

    Delaware officials have decided not to develop the state's own health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act and instead will keep the current federal partnership model.
    Delaware was granted approval in June to develop a state-based health insurance marketplace, but Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf told the Delaware Health Care Commission the state will not move forward with the plan.
    Landgraf informed federal officials of the decision in an Aug. 5 letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell.
    MARYLAND
    Violence is a public health problem, and public health approaches--like violence interruption and prevention--have been proven to work. Last year, our Safe Streets program mediated 880 conflicts, 80% of which were deemed likely or very likely to result in gun violence. As part of NPR's reporting on Baltimore and public Health, Audie Cornish and Andrea Hsu came to us just as Safe Streets came under fire. 

    The main contractor in Maryland's initially flawed health care exchange website has agreed to repay $45 million to avoid legal action over its performance, officials announced Tuesday.
    Maryland's website crashed right after opening Oct. 1, 2013, as part of President Barack Obama's health care law, and it wasn't the only state to have problems. Oregon, Nevada and Hawaii abandoned their state-run exchanges and now use the federal one.
    Noridian Healthcare Solutions agreed to pay $20 million upfront, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said. The rest will come in yearly installments of $5 million for five years. The payments represent a recovery of 61 percent of the total paid to the company for the failed website.
    Finance & Business
    The Obama administration has decided that Medicare will pay for one of the newest, most expensive cancer medications, which costs about $178,000 for a standard course of treatment. Patients, doctors, hospital executives and insurers have expressed concern about the high cost of prescription drugs, especially new cancer medicines and treatments tailored to the genetic characteristics of individual patients. Medicare officials recognized the cost and value of one such product, the anticancer drug Blincyto, by agreeing to make additional payments for it starting Oct. 1. The drug is made by Amgen for patients with a particularly aggressive form of leukemia. The decision suggests a new willingness by Medicare to help pay for promising therapies that are still being evaluated. It is also significant because Medicare officials reversed themselves on every major scientific issue involved. 

    If you are not yet ready for the transition to ICD-10, there is still time. Free help available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) includes the Road to 10, a resource specifically geared toward addressing the needs of small physician practices, but is also helpful for other provider types, including health centers. Other helpful resources include an ICD-10 Quick Start Guide and FAQs.
     
    The
    Latest News on ACA
    OUR WORK CONTINUES

     The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted updated guidance for survivors/victims of domestic violence, abuse and spousal abandonment. The special enrollment period (SEP) has been broadened to include any member of a household who is a victim of domestic abuse, including unmarried and dependent victims within the household, and is now permanently available to qualifying consumers. 

    Employer-Sponsored Plan Enrollment Rates Stabilize
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' new report reveals the Affordable Care Act has stabilized rates of consumers enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans.  Rates have remained steady over the last two years, according to the report, with approximately 72 percent of workers having access to employer-sponsored coverage and about 74 percent of those employees actually enrolled. 


    CMS Assister Webinars & Supplemental Webinars
    A list of supplemental webinars:
    • Affordable Care Act 101 Webinars for Small Employers**
      • **To view an audio recording of the ACA 101 webinar, click here
    • Spanish-language ACA 101 Webinars for Small Employers
     
    Marketplace Call Center and SHOP Call Center Hours
    Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center: For customer service support, to start or finish an application, compare plans, enroll or ask a question. 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).  Available 24/7. Closed Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
    SHOP Call Center: For customer service support, including assisting employers and employees apply for and enroll in SHOP. 1-800-706-7893 (TTY: 711).  Available M-F 9:00 am-7:00 pm EST. 
    MACHC Conference Call Updates

    The application period for new ACSE's has been extended! 

    The new dead-line is August 15, 2015. 

    In addition the application is now a Word Document that will be sent to the email [email protected]. As we were experiencing website application problems, this new submission process will allow the submitter to know the application was received.

    ACSE Application for new entities:

     http://www.marylandhbe.com/connectors-acses/application-counselor-sponsoring-entities-2/

     

    CAC Application for new application counselors: http://www.marylandhbe.com/certified-application-counselor-application/

     

    CAC Application for change of information: http://www.marylandhbe.com/certified-application-counselor-application/

     

    CAC Training Steps:

    Please see the attached instructions for the HUB.

    CREATE ACCOUNT IN THE HUB - All certified staff, including new applicants and returning application counselors and certified application counselors must create or re-activate an account on THE HUB Learning Management System.  THE HUB will deliver all web-based training, including the updated policy training (available in August 2015) which is mandatory for all certified staff.  Certified staff will also use THE HUB to register for any non-mandatory training and to register to take the on-site proctored exam. 


    Join MACHC's next O/E Call on August 14th!  
    (see events section for full details)

    As you are aware, there have been some changes for the 2016 ACA Open Enrollment Period. With these changes come the need for client recertification through the MD Healthcare Exchange. This mandate presents opportunities for the FQHC's to get a head start on their enrollment counseling. For this year's campaign, MACHC is working with Patrice Wallace again on a new broadcast and print creative; and, a new radio format that will not only reach our target demos but will enhance the diversity of the demos. Please attend the August 14th O/E call for some more details.

     

     

    Maryland--Call Center Note:

    Direct Line for Navigators and CAC to MHBE Call Center--Regarding the Call Center # 844-224-6762 It should be noted that: If you need customer assistance from the call center, CAC's should call this number.

    Grants & Funding Opportunities

    Service Area Competition (SAC) Funding Opportunity Announcement 

    BPHC released the FY 2016 SAC funding opportunity announcement (HRSA-16-005) for service areas with a March 1, 2016 project period start date. Technical assistance materials are available on the SAC Technical Assistance web site.

     

    FY 2016 Substance Abuse Service Expansion FOA 

    HRSA is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2016 Substance Abuse Service Expansion Funding Opportunity Announcement (HRSA-16-074). This funding opportunity will provide approximately $100 million through competitive supplements to support an estimated 300 existing health centersto improve and expand the delivery of substance use disorder services, with a focus on medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

    Applications are due in Grants.gov by September 28, 2015 at 11:59pm, ET. Required supplemental information must be submitted via HRSA EHBs by October 14, 2015, 5:00pm, ET. 

     

    Federal Surplus Personal Property Program 

    Application Deadline: None  

    Eligible state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations, including health centers, can obtain property that the federal government no longer needs through the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.

     

    BJ's Charitable Foundation

    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
    Funding for hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, healthcare, and education to those who are underserved. 

     

    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
    Provides seed funding to emerging nonprofits, or to new projects of established organizations in the areas of education; environment; health and human services; and hunger and nutrition. Pennsylvania is one of 13 eligible states.

     

    Application Deadline:  Applications Accepted on an Ongoing Basis
    The Community Response Fund supports organizations, activities, and events that address access to needed oral health care and community resources that improve oral health. Programs that address an immediate response to an urgent issue that impacts access to clinical care, provide short-term access to needed care for the underserved, or sustain organizations experiencing short-term challenges are the focus. A limited number of program concepts that provide longer term solutions or essential services for particularly underserved populations will also be considered. The program will also support Missions of Mercy clinics.


     

    National Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NCA) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) (HRSA-15-140) - HRSA released Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 NCA FOA (HRSA-15-140)  which will provide approximately $3 million  to support 3-4 awards to national organizations that will provide training and technical assistance to potential and existing Health Center Program grantees and look-alikes. The organizations will provide training in the areas of oral health services, health information technology and data, and clinical workforce development.
    Applications are due to Grants.gov by Monday, June 1, 2015. This NCA funding opportunity is a Grants.gov only application. 

    Shared Services Corner 
    Check out the comprehensive Credentialing Checklist. This can help your health center adhere to all the regulations,receive the payments at the appropriate time and forecast any financial constraints due to credentialing early.

    MACHC now offers  a myriad of Shared Services for member convenience. 
    Please check out the attached flier for additional details on the services  offered.
    Clinical Quality 
    Veterans Mental Health Resources for Clinicians
    The following resources are being offered for healthcare communities working with veterans:
    The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has published the 2014 Diabetes Report Card providing information on the status of diabetes in the United States.  It includes data on diabetes, gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes, preventive care practices, risk factors, quality of care, outcomes, progress towards meeting national diabetes goals and, to the extent possible, national and state trends.
    Health Observances This Week


     
    National Immunization Awareness Month
    Immunization helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. To stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia, adults need to get their shots - just like kids do.
    National Immunization Awareness Month is a great time to promote vaccines and remind family, friends, and coworkers to stay up to date on their shots.
    How can National Immunization Awareness Month make a difference?
    We can all use this month to raise awareness about vaccines and share strategies to increase immunization rates with our community.
    Here are just a few ideas:
    • Talk to friends and family members about how vaccines aren't just for kids. People of all ages can get shots to protect them from serious diseases.
    • Encourage people in your community to get the flu vaccine every year.
    • Invite a doctor or nurse to speak to parents about why it's important for all kids to get vaccinated.
    How can I help spread the word?
    We've made it easier for you to make a difference! This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
    Has your FQHC joined the National Branding Campaign?

     

    With more than 43 billion people  eligible to enroll in private insurance starting this October 1, FQHCs strive to create an identifiable unifying identity for themselves. This is where the National Branding Campaign for Our Health Centers comes into place. 

    The campaign is a national branding effort to strengthen recognition of our Health Centers as a unified and nationwide network of quality community-based primary care providers.  Initially created at the state level by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) and its membership, the National Association of Community Health Centers has expanded the campaign nationwide.

     

    The FQHC Brand Components  

    MACHC recently hosted a Branding Webinar for MD and DE Health Centers with CEO of PACHC, Cheri Reinhart and Event and Communications Coordinator, Kirsten Keyes, as guest speakers. If you missed the webinar and would like access, please click here.

    Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers | | [email protected] |