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

National Health Center Week winners announced!

Food for thought:
Each season, nearly 111 million workdays are lost due to the flu, which amounts to approximately $7 billion per year in sick days and lost productivity. Consider taking your flu shot this year!
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 aneeqa@machc.com. 
September 14, 2015
MACHC SPOTLIGHT
Chase Brexton Health Care Launches SAGECAP Baltimore to Improve Care for Older LGBT Adults
Looking to improve care for older LGBT individuals who often live alone, Chase Brexton Health Care has launched SAGECAP Baltimore, an initiative that will provide resources, education and support for informal, unpaid LGBT caregivers in the community.
Through a partnership with SAGE - Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders - the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton will provide support groups for caregivers; one-on-one counseling to caregivers; referrals to financial, legal and medical assistance; and other information and training in a safe and welcoming environment. Services are available to unpaid caregivers who identify as LGBT themselves and/or care for someone who identifies as LGBT, helping them navigate their current situation and plan for future needs.

MACHC's Shared Services
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.
MACHC HAPPENINGS

MACHC EVENTS
   
(1) Communifier Training
September 14th, 2015  
11 am - 12pm

(2) Flu Vaccine Season Is Here!!!
September 16, 2015 12:30 - 1:30 PM   Register here
Heather Crouch, PharmD, is a Medical Science Liaison with GlaxoSmithKline.  During this webinar, Dr. Crouch will discuss the different types of flu shots now  available, the requirements for proper storage and the recommendations for patients with chronic conditions.

(3) 
Outreach & Enrollment Call 
Friday, September 18th, 11 am- 12pm
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.


(4) Board Meeting will be held on September 18th from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
1-866-740-1260 Access: 5770097

(5) Outreach & Enrollment Call 
Friday, October 2nd, 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.

(6) Operations / Leadership Conference  
Dec 3rd, 2015;  8:00AM -5:00PM
Turf Valley Conference Center
2700 Turf Valley Road
Ellicott, MD 21042
The learning sessions promise to be informative and empowering for our membership, partners, and collaborators to learn from one another and leading experts in areas of:
Advanced Access, Payment Reform, Human Resources/Workforce Development, Operationalizing Fee Scales, Shared Services, Care Coordination Complexity Scale, Pathways of Communication for Referral, Making the Leap to Becoming ACO's, Maximizing Your Human Capital, Community Partnerships / Collaboration, Fostering Innovations in Your Clinic or Health Center, Leading with Laser Focus (Studer Group) and Growing Your Health Centers Footprint Strategically.
Additional info about the conference will be posted HERE

(7) SAVE THE DATE
UDS Training
Dec 4th, 2015;  8:00AM
Turf Valley Conference Center
2700 Turf Valley Road
Ellicott, MD 21042
Additional details about Training and registration will be posted HERE
----------------------------------

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

    • (1)  Added New Features to the UDS Mapper!
    Upcoming Webinars:
    ***What's New in the UDS Mapper:
    (appropriate for all users of the UDS Mapper)
    Friday, September 18,  11:00AM - 12:00PM (Eastern Time)  

    ***Assessing Your Community Using the UDS Mapper (appropriate for advanced users who have taken the Introduction)
         -Tuesday, September 23    11:00AM - 12:00PM (Eastern Time)  
                          
    (2) Can We End the Epidemic? An Update on HIV Screening, Prevention, and Treatment Webinar - Thursday, September 17, 2015, 1:00pm - 2:00pm, ET.
    The National LGBT Health Education Center will summarize new research findings and practice guidelines on HIV treatment, and outline effective HIV screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for health center staff.

    (3) Building a Trauma-Informed Nation: Moving the Conversation into Action Conference - Tuesday, September 29, 2015 and Wednesday, September 30, 2015, 11:30am - 5:30pm, ET
    Join the Federal Partners Committee on Women and Trauma for this free 2-day conference in-person or via webcast. Learn from successful programs about how you can use models, tools and resources to create trauma-informed responses to violence, adversity, and trauma in your community. In addition to presentations, interactive sessions will facilitate participant discussions and strategic action planning in local areas or agencies. Register here.

    (4) : Resources from the National Health Service Corps
    Date/Time: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 | 2:00pm-3:00pm (Eastern)
    Did you know that the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has resources to assist health centers to recruit and retain NHSC members? 
    Join this webinar to learn more about how your health center can take advantage of resources the NHSC offers to recruit and retain qualified health care providers who choose to work in areas where they are needed most.
    Webinar participants will be able to:
    ➤ Identify tools currently available from the NHSC to successfully recruit Scholars and clinicians interested in repaying student loans.
    ➤ Explain the process for determining eligibility for a NHSC Scholar placement and loan repayment.
    ➤ Define Corps members' responsibilities and health centers' commitments when employing NHSC members.

    (5) PACHC 2015 Annual Conference and Clinical Summit: October 6 - 8 Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

    (6) 2015 Rural Health Conference
    Navigating the Present and Building the Future of Rural Health 
    October 29-30, 2015
    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

    What to look forward to:
    MACHC has been working diligently to finalize this year's Emergency Preparedness Plan. The tentative goal for us is to 1.) increase participation at DHMH Regional Meetings (we are looking into mini grants to incentivize this effort further; we will keep you posted) 2.)  Gather the number of FQHCs that have existing MOUs and those who are currently working/partnering with a neighboring hospital/clinic (please email this information to Aneeqa Chowdhury at aneeqa@machc.com with the subject: EP MOU Status) and 3.) Conduct two Tabletop exercises and two Functional Exercises this year. The focus of our exercises this year will be mass care, ebola and pathogen illnesses. 
    Please remember to participate during Fall Regional Public Health and Medical Preparedness Conferences. The DHMH HPP Regional Preparedness Conferences are being held in October 2015. Please see below for schedule:

    Regions I and II
    October 2, 2015 / Wisp Resort Conference Center (McHenry, MD)
     
    Region III
    October 9, 2015 / Maritime Institute Conference Center (Linthicum, MD)
     
    Region IV
    October 23, 2015 / Princess Royale Conference Center (Ocean City, MD)
     
    Region V
    October 16, 2015 / Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center (Rockville, MD)
     
    Items on this year's agenda: Ebola "In Progress" Review; Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Planning; Regional Updates; 3M Fit Testing and PPE Donning & Doffing Training
     
    Who should attend: acute care and specialty hospitals, DHMH state facilities, community health center/FQHCs, local health departments, regional healthcare coalition members (current and prospective)
     
    To register, visit the DHMH/OP&R Events Calendar:
     
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 

    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)
    alison.robinson@maryland.gov 

     
    [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 
    casey.owens@maryland.gov

     
    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 (aneeqa@machc.com) 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
    The lack of adherence to usability testing standards among several widely used electronic health record (EHR) products that were certified as having met these requirements may be a major factor contributing to the poor usability of EHRs, according to a study in the September 8 issue of JAMA.
    Many EHRs have poor usability, leading to user frustration and safety risks. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has established certification requirements to promote usability practices by EHR vendors as part of a meaningful use program. To develop a certified EHR, vendors are required to attest to using user-centered design (UCD), a process that places the needs of the frontline user at the forefront of software development, and to conduct formal usability testing on 8 different EHR capabilities to ensure the product meets performance objectives.

    Million Hearts: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model Request for Applications 
    Million Hearts: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model Request for Applications - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting applications for the Million Hearts® CVD Risk Reduction model. Currently, providers are paid to meet specific blood pressure, cholesterol or other targets for their patients as a group. The Million Hearts® model will use a data-driven, widely accepted predictive modelling approach to generate personalized risk scores and modification plans for patients. Providers will be paid for reducing the absolute risk for heart disease or stroke among their high-risk patients.Letters of Intent and applications to participate in the model are due by 11:59, ET on September 10, 2015.
    For additional information about Million Hearts® CVD Risk Reduction model, including the request for applications, visit the CMS Innovation Center website

    It's going to be a busy September in Washington for health insurance companies as the industry's adversaries come before Congress in an effort to blunt the impact of unprecedented health plan consolidation. Beginning this week, American Medical Association and American Hospital Association representatives are expected to appear before a U.S. Senate antitrust panel, asking Congress to closely scrutinize unprecedented health insurance company mergers. Two months ago, Aetna said it will buy Humana and Anthem announced plans to buy Cigna, deals that could bring the number of publicly-traded health insurance giants from five to three.

     New Guidelines Call for Kids, Health Care Workers to Get Flu Shots
    According to new policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), all eligible children and health care workers should get flu shots. In previous years, about 90 percent of children in the United States who died from the flu were unvaccinated. During last year's flu season, 145 children in the United States died from the flu, and many of them had no other health problems. Dr. Henry Bernstein, author of both policy statements, said, "Flu vaccine is the best way we have to protect children against this virus.

    The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule to advance health equity and reduce disparities in health care.  The proposed rule, Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities, will assist some of the populations that have been most vulnerable to discrimination and will help provide those populations equal access to health care and health coverage. It also includes requirements for effective communication for individuals with disabilities and enhanced language assistance for people with limited English proficiency.
    1. Need for improved data and information systems - In addition to ICD-10, Meaningful Use and other Health Reform Initiatives and requirements, data optimization will continue to gain importance in medical decision making, population health approaches, identifying patients for intervention and value based payment.
    2. Changes in payment models and benefits - In January, CMS announces its most aggressive plan focused on value based payment. By 2018, CMS expects to have 50% of all Medicare Fee for Service payments on an alternative payment model and 90% of all payments linked to quality. This plan is one of few health reform issues that has achieved bipartisan support.
    3. Insufficient supply of primary care physician workforce - HRSA anticipates that based on current utilization patterns, demand for primary care is projected to grow more rapidly than physician supply making team based care approaches increasingly important for primary and preventive care.
    4. Changes in models of care - Simultaneous with the emergence of a "population health" model has been the emergence of a "patient centric" model both of which dictate a need for improved data and engaged patients to identify gaps in care, manage care and measurement of outcomes. Other models which are also of particular importance are the "behavioral health integration" and the "chronic care model" which are particularly adept to manage care for high utilizers.
    5. Focus on clinical performance measures - Payers continue to increase bonus payments and penalties based on patient outcomes and clinical performance.
    6. Attention on dual eligible and "super utilizers" - With 5% of the sickest patients utilizing 60% of healthcare resources, efforts continue towards identifying these vulnerable populations and managing their health effectively. This is an area of opportunity for FQHCs.
    7. Increased requirements for patient engagement and self-care supports - Much of chronic care management happens outside of the patient-clinician visit and in the result of lifestyle decisions made by patients daily. Therefore patient supports are considered a more important component of the patient experience.
    8. Reduction of fraud, waste and abuse - Efforts to reduce national health spending continue to focus on identifying and reducing, fraud, waste and abuse.
    9. Federal funds for innovation - Innovation to improve patient health and reduce costs is at the core of Obamacare. Significant funding has been made available through the CMS Innovation Center and the National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research program.  While non-profits are not eligible for this last program, FQHCs can partner with small businesses to develop products that attend to the needs of their populations.  Other funders, including Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Kresge Foundation are significantly invested in this work.
    10. Consolidation and partnerships - Consolidations continue to grow with hospitals struggling to offset reductions in inpatient stays and demands for reduced expenses. FQHCs are particularly vulnerable and joint ventures, open collaborations and non-traditional partnerships become more important in helping health centers maintain a competitive edge.
    Inside the White House, however, there is growing alarm that the congressional fight over the budget could result in the second shutdown in three years, after the government was shuttered for 16 days in 2013 over Republican opposition to Obama's health-care law. GOP leaders in both chambers have vowed not to repeat that process. But conservatives led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), a presidential candidate, have threatened to oppose a spending plan that maintains funding for Planned Parenthood. That has left the outcome uncertain as federal spending authority expires Sept. 30. 
    This model of care is one of the ways created by the Affordable Care Act to reduce health care costs while improving quality of care. You can also watch the accompanying video that explains ACOs. 
    Two new treatments for congestive heart failure cost too much in the short term and would drive up spending by insurers and government programs, a nonprofit group said in an analysis released Friday, just days after the same researchers took similar aim at expensive new cholesterol drugs.
    The treatments - one a $17,750 sensor implanted in the pulmonary artery and the other a $4,600-a-year prescription pill - are the first new treatments in more than a decade for heart failure, a life-threatening condition.
    Judge clears way for House lawsuit challenging health law
    A federal judge cleared the way Wednesday for a legal challenge by congressional Republicans to President Obama's health-care law to proceed. U.S. District Court Judge Rosemary M. Collyer ruled the House can pursue its claim that the administration violated the Constitution when it spent public money that was not appropriated by Congress. At issue is the more than $175 billion the government is paying insurance companies over a decade to reimburse them for offering reduced co-payments for lower-income people. 
    State News
    DELAWARE
    First Reports of Community Members in Delaware Using Naloxone to Revive Loved Ones Who Overdosed: The Department of Health and Social Services has received the first reports of people in Delaware overdosing on opiates and being revived by community members who administered the overdose-reversing medication naloxone themselves.
    Individuals who participate in the state's Syringe Exchange Program in Wilmington, coordinated by Brandywine Counseling, are receiving auto-injector naloxone units through a donation by kaléo, the Richmond, Va., company that manufactures the medication called Evzio. Participants are trained by Brandywine Counseling staff on how to use the naloxone.
    "Heroin and the misuse of prescription painkillers are so dangerous that in order to connect people to treatment for their addiction, sometimes we must save their lives first," DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "The new community naloxone bill, which Governor Markell signed into law last summer, is giving people in Delaware the opportunity to save their loved ones' lives. Our hope is that people in the throes of addiction will now embrace treatment for their disease and the opportunity for a lasting recovery."
    In June 2014, Gov. Markell signed into law a bill expanding the use of naloxone by members of the community who take a training class in how to administer it. Almost 300 people, including Secretary Landgraf, have been trained to use an intranasal spray version of naloxone and carry the medication with them to save the life of a loved one or friend in the event of an overdose.


    New AmeriCorps members in Delaware are working with students in the Colonial School District, giving them extra one-on-one support with their reading skills. On Tuesday, AmeriCorps members were at Carrie Downie Elementary School in New Castle. The pilot is in coordination with the Reading Assist Institute. In Delaware, more than 7,500 kindergarten through second-grade students are reading below their grade level. Early intervention can make a difference
    MARYLAND
    There were 104 overdose deaths in Baltimore during the first quarter of 2015, a 49 percent increase over the 70 reported during the same period in 2014. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that essentially reverses an opioid overdose long enough for a person to get medical attention. Many cities now equip police officers and other first responders with the drug. And a growing number of places around the country are working to make it widely available in the community. Early studies show that naloxone programs do reduce overdose deaths.
    Finance & Business
    A high-profile Medicare experiment pushing doctors and hospitals to join together to operate more efficiently has yet to save the government money, with nearly half of the groups costing more than the government estimated their patients would normally cost, federal records show.
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers the lure of bonuses to health care practitioners who band together as accountable care organizations, or ACOs, to take care of patients. The financial incentives are intended to encourage these doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions to keep patients healthy rather than primarily treat illnesses, which is what Medicare payments traditionally have rewarded. ACOs that save a substantial amount get to keep a share of the savings as a bonus.
    The
    Latest News on ACA
    OUR WORK CONTINUES

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has now launched assister training for all enrollment assisters. For Navigators, there is a 14-course requirement and for certified application counselors (CACs), a 6-course requirement. All courses must be completed with adjoining assessments passed at a minimum of 80%. The assessments can be taken as many times as needed. CMS is encouraging all assisters to complete the training before November 1 in time for Open Enrollment.  Navigators who are returning from last year, can now take an abbreviated 2-course recertification instead of the 14-course certification. Some suggestions to make the training go smoother:
    • Please be patient with the new system, CMS is working on fixing the issues
    • Assisters can go back into completed sections of the curriculum to take a "refresher course." All completed courses can be found under the "Completed Lessons" tab.
    • Take screenshots of the last page of each completed course. This can be used if an error occurs.
    On September 3, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule to advance health equity and reduce disparities in health care.  Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended civil rights protections banning sex discrimination to health programs and activities.  Previously, civil rights laws enforced by HHS's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) barred discrimination based only on race, color, national origin, disability, or age. The proposed rule also extends civil rights obligations to the Health Insurance Marketplaces and HHS health programs and activities, and clarifies the standards HHS applies in implementing Section 1557 across all bases of discrimination. The proposed rule establishes that the prohibition on sex discrimination includes discrimination based on gender identity.  It also includes requirements for effective communication for individuals with disabilities and enhanced language assistance for people with limited English proficiency.

    Best Practices in ACA Outreach and Enrollment
    Learn from faith leaders who have conducted successful outreach and enrollment campaigns before and during open enrollment. On September 16, we will hear from Rev. Jeanette Salguero from the National Latino Evangelical Coalition. Rev. Salguero conducted successful outreach and enrollment using a one-stop-shop model. Rev. Salguero also specializes in reaching Latino populations. On October 8, we will hear from Abrar Quader from the Compassionate Care Network (CCN) which helped enroll people who are Muslim, Hindu and Sikh. CCN received a navigator grant from the Illinois state marketplace


    Assister Summer Webinar Schedule
    Please note that starting Friday, September 11, our summer schedule will end and assister webinars will resume taking place once a week. The schedule below reflects this change.
    • Friday, September 25, 2015
    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
    MHBE Slides too large to upload, please email Aneeqa Chowdhury (aneeqa@machc.com) for access
    Medicaid: Eligibility Issues
    MHBE Schedule Update
    Plan Services Management

    Join MACHC's next O/E Call on September 18th!  (see events section for full details--rescheduled again due to the MHBE CAC Training last week)
    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 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

    NEW HRSA Grant Opportunity
    Does your health center offer substance abuse services? Yesterday HRSA announced a new funding opportunity to section 330 grantees for up to $325,000 per year for a two-year (2016-2018) project period.  Applications are due September 28th. Click here for more. 

    The National Council on Aging is accepting applications for qualified organizations and agencies to become BECs. BECs help low-income seniors and persons with disabilities find and enroll in all the benefits programs for which they are eligible, and create coordinated, community-wide systems of benefits access. Up to 8 grants of $100,000 each will be awarded; proposals are due on Friday, November 13, 2015. 


    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. 

    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.

    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. 

    Rural Health Funding Opportunities

    Wrigley Company Foundation Community Service Grant
    Application deadline: Oct 1, 2015
    Provides funding to dental hygienists for projects aimed at improving oral health or providing oral health education.
     
    Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
    Application deadline: Dec 31, 2015
    Grants to support the needs of local communities in the areas of hunger, nutrition, women's economic empowerment, career opportunities, and sustainability.

    Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grants to community collaborations and initiatives that have used shared data and information to increase their capacity for planning, implementing, and evaluating health improvement activities. These community collaborations would be part of a nationwide learning collaborative that would create a cadre of lessons learned and promising practices.

    Community Response Fund
    The Community Response Fund supports organizations, activities, and events that address access to needed oral healthcare 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.
    DEADLINE: ongoing basis
    ELIGABILITY: The DentaQuest Foundation makes grants to a variety of organizations that are engaged improving oral health. Grants are not made to individuals.
    CONTACT: Matthew Bond, Grants and Programs Manager: Matthew.Bond@DentaQuestFoundation.org 

    Substance Abuse Service Expansion
    Funds to support the improvement or expansion of substance abuse services in existing Health Centers, with a specific focus on treatment of opioid use disorders in underserved populations. Programs should establish a new, or enhance an existing, integrated primary care/behavioral health model of care in order to coordinate the services necessary for patients to achieve and sustain recovery.
    Total funding available: $100,000,000
    Number of awards: Up to 310 awards
    Award amount: Up to $325,000 per year for 2 years
    DEADLINE: Sep. 28, 2015
    ELIGABILITY: Existing Health Center Program award recipients that currently receive funding under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. Health Centers that received new start/new award funding in FY 2015 are not eligible to apply.
    CONTACT: For business, administrative, or fiscal questions:
    Joi Grymes-Johnson
    jgrymes@hrsa.gov
    301.443-2632
    For programmatic or technical assistance questions:
    Shannon McDevitt
    bphcsa@hrsa.gov
    301.594.4300

    340B Peer-to-Peer Program
    The purpose of the 340B Peer-to-Peer Network is to connect 340B entities and stakeholders with high performing sites, called leading practice sites that have exemplary 340B pharmacy service offerings. These sites serve as guides for covered entities that are interested in improving patient care. This approach provides the opportunity for practice sites to reach their peers and strengthen the 340B program from inventory management to quality care initiatives.
    Sites that receive the status of a 340B Peer-to-Peer recognized site will be asked to dedicate two members of their team to share their expertise and leading practices - for a limited amount of time per month - with other safety-net organizations to help these organizations achieve results and establish sound business practices.
    FUNDING AVALIABLE: Peer-to-Peer annual stipends of $10,000/year
    ELIGABILITY: Applications must be submitted by a 340B entity listed on the Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) 340B database as a participating 340B entity.
    Healthcare Connect Fund
    The Healthcare Connect Fund provides funding to healthcare providers for telecommunications and internet access services, as well as network equipment, at a flat discounted rate of 65%. Participants can apply as a member of the consortium or a stand-alone entity.
     
    FUNDING AVAILABLE: Participants will receive a flat rate discount of 65%. There is an annual spending cap of $400,000,000.
    ELIGIBLITY: Rural public or nonprofit healthcare providers (HCPs) are eligible. Consortia may be comprised of both rural and non-rural HCPs. All consortia must consist of more than 50% rural participation within three years of receipt of the first funding commitment obtained through the HCF Program. Connections to, and equipment located at, eligible off-site data centers and administrative offices are eligible for support.
    CONTACT: rhc-assist@usac.org

    USAC Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program
    Health care providers are permitted to apply to receive reduced rates for a variety of telecommunications services under the Rural Health Care Program. Health care providers may seek support for multiple telecommunications services of any bandwidth and for monthly Internet service charges.
     
    FUNDING AVALIABLE: The level of support depends on the HCP's location and the type of service chosen. Health Care Providers are permitted to apply to receive reduced rates for a variety of telecommunication services under the RHCD program. HCPs may seek support for multiple telecommunications services of any bandwidth.

    As a result of recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) action, health care participants may be eligible to receive a 25% discount on their monthly Internet service charges. These services are limited to the monthly Internet net access charge, monthly charges for web hosting and web addresses.
    ELIGIBILITY: Community health centers or health centers providing health care to migrants
    CONTACT: rhc-admin@universalservice.org

    Wells Fargo Corporate Giving Programs
    Wells Fargo supports nonprofit organizations that work on a community level in the areas of human services, arts and culture, community development, civic responsibility, education, environmental consciousness, and volunteerism.
    CONTACT: Ashley Williams -- Community Support Rep -- Wells Fargo
    ashley.l.williams@wellsfargo.com   

    Anthem Foundation Grants
    Anthem Foundation Grants (formerly known as WellPoint Foundation grants) support health and wellness programs in 25 states. MARYLAND!
    DEADLINE: August 28, 2015
    Priority areas include programs that promote:
    *Healthy hearts, including prevention and wellness programs that address  cardiovascular diseases and  strokes, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and stressful and sedentary lifestyles
    *Cancer prevention and early detection
    *Diabetes prevention
    *Healthy maternal practices
    *Healthy, active lifestyles
     
    Maryland Small Grants Program
    The Maryland Small Grants Program awards funding to nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to poor and vulnerable populations.
    FUNDING AVALIABLE: Award Ceiling: $50,000
    CONTACT: Amy Kleine, Program Director, Basic Human Needs
    410-654-8500, ext. 268
    Email: akleine@hjweinberg.org

    Delaware Collaborative Grants
    Delaware Collaborative Grants will offer funding for programs involving a collaboration of two or more nonprofits within a single county.
    A broad range of projects have been supported including:
    *Sexual abuse prevention
    *Financial empowerment programs
    *Anti-hunger coalitions
    *Aging networks
    *Homelessness prevention services offered through a community health center
    DEADLINE: Sep. 15, 2015
    AVALIABLE FUNDING: Award Ceiling: $100,000
    CONTACT: Beth Bouchelle
    302.504.5239
    bbouchelle@delcf.org

    Accelerating Community-Centered Approaches in Health
    Accelerating Community-Centered Approaches in Health will support innovative population health programs and policies that work to improve health at the community level, including the use of new financial models to achieve cost effective solutions.
    CONTACT: Phone: 248.643.9630
     

    Commonwealth Fund Health Grants
    The Commonwealth Fund promotes a high performing healthcare system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable, including people with low-incomes, the uninsured, minority Americans, young children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
    The Fund supports independent research on healthcare issues and makes grants to improve healthcare practice and policy. The Commonwealth Fund actively seeks to support projects on innovative approaches to addressing problems within its areas of focus.
    CONTACT: Email: grants@cmwf.org
    Phone: 212.606.3800

    USDA Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program
    The USDA Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program provides loans, grants, and loan guarantees for essential community facilities in rural areas. Priority is given to healthcare, education, and public safety projects. Funds may be used to construct, enlarge, or improve facilities.
    AVALIABLE FUNDING: Amount varies. Grants are authorized on a graduated scale. Applicants located in small communities with low populations and low incomes will receive a higher percentage of grants.
    CONTACT: Bill McGowan, State Director
    1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200
    Dover, DE  19904
    Voice: (302) 857-3580 www.rd.usda.gov/de
    www.rd.usda.gov/md
    PCMH Corner 
    New Brief: How Strong Is the Primary Care Safety Net? Assessing the Ability of Federally Qualified Health Centers to Serve as Patient-Centered Medical Homes
    By expanding access to affordable insurance coverage for millions of Americans, the Affordable Care Act will likely increase demand for the services provided by federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which provide an important source of care in low-income communities. A pair of Commonwealth Fund surveys asked health center leaders about their ability to function as medical homes. Survey findings show that between 2009 and 2013, the percentage of centers exhibiting medium or high levels of medical home capability almost doubled, from 32 percent to 62 percent. The greatest improvement was reported in patient tracking and care management. Despite this increased capability, health centers reported diminished ability to coordinate care with providers outside of the practice, particularly specialists. Ongoing federal funding and technical support for medical home transformation will be needed to ensure that FQHCs can fulfill their mission of providing high-quality, comprehensive care to low-income and minority populations.
    Clinical Quality 
    Accountable care strategies are spreading from Medicare and commercial insurance arenas to Medicaid programs, thus extending the benefits of payment and delivery reform to the safety net. Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are now emerging in 18 states and a quarter of all ACOs nationally have contracts with Medicaid. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and many state Medicaid programs have committed to accelerate this movement toward accountable care.
    Community health centers are well suited to pursue accountable care strategies and serve as the integrators of care on a community basis for a variety of reasons. Health centers are a key provider of primary care to large segments of the Medicaid and uninsured populations, and a strong primary care system is critical to improving health outcomes, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and lowering costs. Unlike hospitals, health centers have a clear incentive to reduce inpatient use when medically appropriate. Finally, health centers have a history of addressing social determinants of health and behavioral health concerns, and a strong mission of improving the population health of the communities they serve.
    Health Observances This Week
    September is Pain Awareness Month

    The month of September has been declared Pain Awareness Month.  Pain Awareness Month is a time when various organizations work to raise public awareness of issues in the area of pain and pain management. 

    The first Pain Awareness Month was in 2001, when the ACPA led a coalition of groups to establish September as Pain Awareness Month.  ACPA established Partners for Understanding Pain and 80 organizations, both health care professionals and consumer groups, including the NAACP supported the effort. 

    Click here to read more about the history of Pain Awareness MonthThe key to raising awareness is to get involved.   There are many things that you can do to help promote Pain Awareness Month.
    • Talk with Friends & Family:  Let them know that September is Pain Awareness Month.  "Like" the ACPA on Facebook.  Encourage your friends to do the same
    •  Talk with your Healthcare Provider: Let them know that September is Pain Awareness Month. 
    • Call your local government and community leaders to let them know about Pain Awareness Month and issues of pain and pain management.  Tools to communicate with governmental and community leaders are available Click Here
    • Call your local media and ask them if they are doing a story on Pain Awareness Month. Tools to communicate with media can be found here
    • Donate to the ACPA: Your contributions allow us to help fulfill our mission  and work year-round to raise awareness and support for those with chronic pain. Click here to donate
    • Take care of yourself!  Take time out for yourself this month.  Tools to help take care of yourself are below:
    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.

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