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 21, 2015
MACHC SPOTLIGHT
Successful Leadership Development Institute
On September 17th, leadership from MACHC, Greater Baden, CCI, and West Cecil had the opportunity to participate in the first installment of Studer Group's Leadership Development Institute. This training session kicked off participants' 3-year partnership with Studer Group as they pursue the road of organizational excellence. Training promoted strategies designed to improve organizational processes and generate positive outcomes, concluding with executive leadership outlining and weighting purpose-driven goals. Participants actively engaged with one another and with the training instructor, generating a healthy dialogue that can continue with participants' staff back at their shops.



MACHC HAPPENINGS

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

(2) 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.

(3) 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

(4) 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)  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.

    (2) : 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.

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

    (4) 2015 Rural Health Conference
    Navigating the Present and Building the Future of Rural Health 
    October 29-30, 2015
    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

    Preparedness Resources 

    September is National Preparedness Month, a time for everyone to plan how to stay safe and communicate during the disasters that can affect your community. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed resources that can help you spread the word about preparedness in your community.

    View preparedness resources including media toolkits, publications

    , and public service announcements. 


    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: 


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

    Past: 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
    Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced nearly $500 million in Affordable Care Act funding to support health centers nationwide in providing primary care services to those who need them most.  The awards include approximately $350 million for 1,184 health centers to increase access to services such as medical, oral, behavioral, pharmacy, and vision care. In the District, Community of Hope, Family and Medical Counseling Service, La Clinica del Pueblo, Mary's Center for Maternal and Child CARE, Unity Health Care and Whitman-Walker Health, received more than 1.8 million to serve 3,470 new patients for comprehensive health services. 
    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. 
    Comments  on HRSA 340b Drug Pricing Program are being accepted until October 27 released by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).  Health centers participating in the 340B program or that are considering doing so should take the time to review and provide feedback on this draft guidance before it is finalized. A key initial area of concern identified by NACHC is that under the proposal FQHC patients will be unable to get 340B drugs for prescriptions written by non-FQHC providers, ie. specialists.  

    The number of uninsured Americans declined by 8.8 million in 2014, the first year the major insurance reforms of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect, according to a federal survey of 98,000 people released by the U.S. Census Bureau this week. The Current Population Survey found that 10.4 percent of the U.S population, or 33 million people, were uninsured in 2014, down from 13.3 percent in 2013.  The survey also found that the groups most at risk of lacking insurance, including lower-income adults, have made strong gains. For more, read The Commonwealth Fund blog on the subject where the authors point out that the majority of states with above-average uninsured rates have not yet expanded eligibility for Medicaid.

    The House GOP lawsuit charging that the administration illegally spent money on the Affordable Care Act is moving forward, Modern Healthcarereports. District Court Judge Rosemary Collyer found the House had made a compelling case that suing the White House was the only way to preserve its constitutional power to control federal spending and stop the administration from distributing $136 billion in insurance company subsidies Republicans say Congress never approved. She also ruled, however, that the House lacks standing to sue over an allegation that the administration had no right to delay the law's employer mandate.

    Maryland Loan Repayment Fall application cycle 
    is open for both the State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) and the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program (MLARP).  The Fall application cycle opened on September 1, 2015 and will remain open until October 15, 2015
    State News
    DELAWARE
    Delaware is in the midst of a heroin crisis that has received widespread media coverage, and was the subject of a News Journal forum last year.
    While "smack" is a street name for heroin, which Setting has targeted as a top priority for the force, the multijurisdictional investigation's name comes from the leader of the crew targeted with the illegal drug trafficking and acts of violence - Adrin Smack.
    Smack, the alleged kingpin, was one of more than 40 people indicted in connection with a heroin-dealing ring that was plaguing the Sparrow Run community in Bear, according Setting, who added that the men and women were a "torment" to people living in the development.

    MARYLAND
    The federal Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it had given $4.4 million in Affordable Care Act funding to Maryland 15 health centers.
    The money will help the centers expand services such as medical, oral, behavioral, pharmacy, and vision care. The funding was part of $350 million to be awarded to 1,184 health centers around the country.
    Baltimore centers that received money are Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc., Total Health Care Inc., Baltimore Medical System Inc., Park West Health Systems Inc., and Health Care For The Homeless, Inc.
    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

    Marketplace Updates   (Delaware)
    • Marketplace open enrollment notices will begin going out this week. Consumers who are not receiving financial assistance will receive their notices first.
        
    • HealthCare.gov launched a new resource for consumers under 30. This online tool allows consumers to see what coverage is available once they answer a few quick questions.
       
    • The US Census released data based on the Current Population Survey (CPS) Wednesday morning. The report found that the share of Americans without health insurance declined sharply from 13.3 percent in 2013 to 10.4 percent in 2014. This is
    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
    Reminder:  MHBE ACSE Call next Monday, September 27th!

    MHBE Slides too large to upload, please email Aneeqa Chowdhury (aneeqa@machc.com) for access
    Medicaid: Eligibility Issues
    MHBE Schedule Update
    Plan Services Management

    Thank you to those who joined MACHC's O/E Conference Call last week. 
    • We had the opportunity to talk about the Outreach & Enrollment Fall 2015 Campaign details. Those who are interested and want to submit their responses, please do so by email to Aneeqa Chowdhury at aneeqa@machc.com. 
    • During the call we discussed some major barriers including, but not limited to: access to the internal portal, the help line/number (wait times), redetermination letter delays. MACHC will discuss with MHBE and other advocates and bring you the latest as they become available.
    • We are also preparing for the new Enrollment season so please email us topics for the webinars.
    Join MACHC's next O/E Call on October 2nd!  (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 (as discussed during the last call); 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. 

    Fiscal Year 2016 MAERDAF Grant
     
    For FY16 the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grant received $167,000 in funding.  During this grant cycle, the Rural Maryland Council received 53 applications with requests amounting to over $850,000.
     
    The MAERDAF Grant Review Board made full or partial grant awards to 16 organizations.  The Grant Review Board was created in statute and consists of Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Business and Economic Development, Housing and Community Development, Health and Mental Hygiene, and Natural Resources or their designees.
     
    Administered by the Rural Maryland Council, MAERDAF provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education.  Also eligible are rural community colleges that support small and agricultural businesses through enhanced training and technical assistance.
     
    MAERDAF's goal is to increase the overall capacity of rural-serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges to meet a multitude of rural development challenges and to help them establish new public/private partnerships for leveraging non-state sources of funding.


    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.


    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   

     
    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


    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 
    A recent Health Alert from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) alerts healthcare providers and facilities, to include doctor's offices, that utilize reusable medical devices about the public health need to properly maintain, clean, and disinfect their equipment.  Recent infection control lapses due to non-compliance with recommended reprocessing procedures highlight a critical gap in patient safety.  Please review your current reprocessing practices to ensure you are complying with all steps as directed by the device manufacturer, and have in place appropriate policies and procedures that are consistent with current standards and guidelines.  You can find examples of relevant guidance including the CDC's Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities and guidance from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

    Health Observances This Week
    Prostate Cancer Awareness
    The prostate is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It produces fluid that makes up a part of semen. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis and out of the body).
    Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and don't cause any health problems in men who have them. Learn about prostate cancer and talk to your doctor before you decide to get tested or treated.
    Symptoms
    Men can have different symptoms for prostate cancer. Some men do not have symptoms at all. Some symptoms of prostate cancer are difficulty starting urination, frequent urination (especially at night), weak or interrupted flow of urine, and blood in the urine or semen.
    Risk Factors
    There is no way to know for sure if you will get prostate cancer. Men have a greater chance of getting prostate cancer if they are 50 years old or older, are African-American, or have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer. African-American men with prostate cancer are more likely to die from the disease than white men with prostate cancer.
    Screening Tests
    Two tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer-
    • Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood, which may be higher in men who have prostate cancer. However, other conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH, an enlarged but noncancerous prostate), prostate infections, and certain medical procedures also may increase PSA levels.
    • Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor, nurse, or other health care professional places a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the size, shape, and hardness of the prostate gland.
    Should You Get Screened?
    Not all medical experts agree that screening for prostate cancer will save lives. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against PSA-based screening for men who do not have symptoms. The potential benefit of prostate cancer screening is finding cancer early, which may make treatment work better. Potential risks include-
    • False negative test results (the test says you do not have cancer when you do).
    • False positive test results (the test says you have cancer when you do not).
    • Follow-up tests such as a biopsy to diagnose cancer.
    • Treatment of prostate cancers that may never affect your health.
    • Mild to serious side effects from treatment of prostate cancer.
    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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