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 [email protected]

September 28, 2015
MACHC SPOTLIGHT
***New Facility Alert***
Congratulations Family Healthcare of Hagerstown
(Walnut Street is now known as Family Healthcare of Hagerstown)

Congratulations Family Healthcare of Hagerstown and to the whole team working on such a modern and beautiful facility. The Grand Opening was successful with the Mayor, Representatives from various Legislators offices' present. What made the event even more memorable was having so many other FQHCs' leadership present in support. We are so proud of the new facility and the support. 
Let's help spread the word!



***Press Release***
Please join MACHC, as we welcome, Ephraim Kaba, named CEO of Henrietta Johnson Medical Center

EPHRAIM KABA NAMED HENRIETTA JOHNSON MEDICAL CENTER
The Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (HJMC) Board of Directors has named
Ephraim Kaba as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Henrietta Johnson Medical Center is a 48 year old
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHCs) serving the healthcare needs of vulnerable communities in
New Castle County and throughout the City of Wilmington.
Kaba served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the health center over the past five months. Prior
to his Interim Chief Executive Officer position, Kaba was the Chief Financial Officer for Henrietta Johnson
Medical Center for 7 years. Ephraim Kaba brings to the position an extensive background in health care
finance management. With more than 25 years of experience in health care finance and management,
Kaba has vast experience and knowledge that encompasses both the private and public sectors. Kaba
has a strong record of success in leading health care management teams.
As Chief Executive Officer, Kaba is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of
providing quality affordable medical and dental care throughout New Castle County and the City of
Wilmington. Under the leadership the Kaba, the health center is poised for growth by focusing on the
promotion of healthy practices, lifestyles and communities. Ephraim Kaba is passionate and dedicated
to making Henrietta Johnson Medical Center the health center of choice and the employer of choice
throughout the Greater Wilmington Area.
"I am committed to this community and providing excellent and affordable health care in the
communities we serve," said Ephraim Kaba.
Kaba earned his Master of Arts in International Business and Economic Development from Ohio
University and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central State University in Ohio.

MACHC HAPPENINGS

MACHC EVENTS
   
(1) 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.

(2) Operations / Leadership Conference  
Dec 3rd, 2015;  8:00AM -5:00PM
Turf Valley Conference Center
2700 Turf Valley Road
EllicottMD 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

(3) 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) Accountable Care Academy: Moving from Volume to Value and from Theoretical to Practical Application 
    San Diego, October 5th-6th

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

    (3) 2015 Rural Health Conference
    Navigating the Present and Building the Future of Rural Health 
    October 29-30, 2015

    Orlando, Florida
    November 2-3, 2015

    (5) Managing Ambulatory Health Care I: Introductory Couurse for Clinicians in Community Health Centers
    Delray Beach, Florida
    January 11-18, 2016

    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

    Check out the DHMH's Ebola Table Top Exercise's After Action Report RIGHT HERE!!!


     

    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 toolkitspublications

    , 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 [email protected] 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)
    [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
    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. 
    Health Center Impact of Planned Parenthood Defunding Fails
    Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate debated a legislative attempt to redirect Title X funding from Planned Parenthood in response to the current media frenzy over recent viral videos. Proponents of defunding Planned Parenthood stated that they want to ensure access to high quality women's health services and therefore sought to divert that funding to Community Health Centers . Many political insiders recognized that this measure would fail and require a reassessment by the plan's proponents. This delicate issue continues to be monitored by NACHC and health centers will be notified if any funding or programmatic issues gain momentum. 
    2015 UDS Available Manual 
    The 2015 Uniform Data System (UDS) manual which includes instructions for health centers to submit UDS data for Calendar Year 2015 is now available on the UDS Resources webpage. 
    HRSA's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop "HIPAA Basics for Providers: Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules." This fact sheet is designed to assist health care providers and others in understanding their obligations under the HIPAA Rules, and offers quick links to important HIPAA resources located on the OCR website. 

    New Census Data Show Increases in Insurance Coverage but Poverty Rate Holds Steady
    The Census Bureau recently released two reports that present new data on insurance coverage andincome and poverty in the US in 2014. 
    The Bureau found evidence of a substantial decrease in uninsured between 2013 and 2014: 13.3%, or 41.8 million people, to 10.4%, or 33 million people. The report attributes this overall growth in coverage to increases in both private and government insurance coverage. Growth in direct-purchase health insurance and Medicaid led to the greatest changes in health insurance coverage. Direct-purchase health insurance coverage increased from 11.4% to 14.6% and Medicaid coverage increased from 17.5% to 19.5%. Individuals with lower incomes were more likely to have government coverage or no coverage, compared to those with higher incomes in 2014-65.3% of those with household incomes lower than $25,000 had government health insurance coverage, compared to 18.5% of individuals with the highest incomes.
    While there were substantial increases in insurance coverage seen in 2014, the Census Bureau reports that the national poverty rate held steady from 2013 to 2014, with 14.8%, or 46.7 million people, living in poverty in 2014. The poverty rate for children age 18 and under was 21.1%.

    Looking for an easy way to stay up-to-date on regulatory and policy developments?
    NACHC has revised its Regulatory Affairs website to provide one-stop shopping for people interested in following and being involved in the regulatory and policy-making process (particularly around CMS and HRSA policies.)   The new website -- www.nachc.com/regulatory - has 3 main sections:
    • Basic information on the Federal regulatory/policy process, including: a summary of the process, including the different types of documents, timelines, and authorities involved; tips for writing effective comments to Federal agencies; and instructions for submitting comments.
    • Information on regs/ policies that are currently "active":  This section includes a chart for each major phase of the reg/ policy process:  policies that are currently open for comment; policies for which the comment period recently closed, including NACHC's comments; and policies that were recently finalized.  Each chart includes links to relevant documents and contact persons at NACHC.
    • Information by topic area:  A listing of major policy areas (e.g., Medicaid, 340B) with links to important policy documents (proposed and final) and NACHC comments submitted over the past year.  

    The government stored sensitive personal information on millions of health insurance customers in a computer system with basic security flaws, according to an official audit that uncovered slipshod practices. The Obama administration said it acted quickly to fix all the problems identified by the Health and Human Services inspector general's office. But the episode raises questions about the government's ability to protect a vast new database at a time when cyberattacks are becoming bolder

    A California county voted Tuesday to restore primary health care services to undocumented adults living in the county. Contra Costa County, east of San Francisco, joins 46 other California counties that have agreed to provide non-emergency care to immigrants who entered the country illegally
    State News
    DELAWARE
    Did you Know??? September is National Preparedness Month. 
    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asks that we support America's PrepareAthon by making a plan now. Readiness plans should include our families, pets, and communities. At home, create a household emergency kit, buy batteries and a battery-operated or hand crank NOAA weather radio, keep car gas tanks half full, and trim trees now in preparation of high winds. Individuals with special health needs can visit ready.gov for tailored tips. Individuals should also ask their workplaces, schools, and daycares about their emergency plans and how to get copies. FEMA's National PrepareAthon! Day, is Sept. 30. Watch the video, "It Started Like Any Other Day" to be reminded of the importance of being prepared.

    �Million Hearts Delaware Month teaches "ABCS" of prevention
    Millions Hearts� is a national initiative working to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. In Delaware, over 70 partners across the state - including all major hospitals and the Division of Public Health (DPH) - are working hard to educate residents about prevention.
    Key messages for the public are identifying risk, knowing your numbers (blood pressure and waist circumference), connecting with care, and specific "ABCS" questions that at-risk individuals should ask their doctor: "Is Aspirin appropriate for me?", "What is my Blood pressure goal?", "Should I be taking Cholesterol medicine?" and "How can you help me to quit Smoking?"
    "Decreasing the incidence of smoking will have the largest impact on preventing heart attacks and strokes in Delaware," said Christiana Care cardiologist and MHD founder Dr. Ed Goldenberg. Smokers are encouraged to work with their healthcare provider or call the Delaware Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.quitsupport.com.
    For toolkits, videos, and a chance to be "counted" as a Delawarean that has heard the MHD message (click on 'Save Your Heart, Take the Pledge'), visit http://millionheartsde.com/ or contact Project Director Denise Taylor at [email protected].

    MARYLAND
    Healthy Harford Inc. has spent the past five years working to improve the physical health of Harford County residents, but the nonprofit coalition has recently incorporated mental health and fighting addiction into its mission of promoting healthy lifestyles.
    That was evident with the inclusion of the Human Rope to Stop the Dope program in this year's Healthy Harford Day.
    The fifth annual health fair was held Saturday morning off Thomas Street in Bel Air; about 2,500 people attended, according to organizers.
    "We're adding mental health to our definition of a healthy lifestyle," Bari Klein, health promotions for Healthy Harford Inc., said. "We're encompassing it in our mission."
    Finance & Business
    The final decision on whether Aetna (NYSE: AET) will be allowed to merge with Humana (NYSE: HUM), and Anthem (NYSE: ANTM) to combine with Cigna (CI), is in the han`ds of the Department of Justice. But Tuesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was a chance for the CEOs of two of these companies to make their case on why their mergers will be good for consumers and won't drive up premiums by reducing competition. If these mergers go through, there will be only three major health insurance carriers in the U.S.

    While the Republicans running for president are united in their desire to repeal the federal health law, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton is fashioning her own health care agenda to tackle out-of-pocket costs - but industry experts question whether her proposals would solve the problem. In addition to defending the Affordable Care Act, Clinton released two separate proposals this week. One would seek to protect people with insurance from having to pay thousands of dollars in addition to their premiums for prescription drugs; the other would set overall limits on out-of-pocket health spending for those with insurance.
    The
    Latest News on ACA
    OUR WORK CONTINUES

    QPR Reminder 
    The next Outreach and Enrollment (O/E) Quarterly Progress Report (QPR), covering the period of July 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015, is due Thursday, October 15, 2015.

    The following O/E QPR, covering the period of October 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015, is due January 14, 2016. The data fields for this reporting period will be reset to zero, as of October 1, 2015.
    If you have questions, please email [email protected].


     


    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***
    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.

    In a speech at the Howard University College of Medicine on Tuesday, Sept. 22 U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Sylvia M. Burwell reflected on the progress of the first five years of the Affordable Care Act and provided a look at the upcoming third Open Enrollment period. In her speech, the secretary described how the law is working to deliver access, affordability, and quality coverage and outlined how HHS will meet the challenges of the upcoming Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplaces.


    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 [email protected]
    • 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.
     
    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: [email protected] 

    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
    [email protected]
    301.443-2632
    For programmatic or technical assistance questions:
    Shannon McDevitt
    [email protected]
    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.
    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
    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
     
    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: [email protected]


    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: [email protected]
    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 
    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 
    Enhancing Clinical Services in Health Centers: Leveraging an Understanding of Health Center Reimbursement Methods  Register here
    The Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN) is offering a webinar on Sept. 30, 2015 at 1:00 pm to discuss how to structure clinical improvements to fit the income model of your health center.  Case studies and key methods by which health centers are reimbursed for services, including some of the latest payment methodologies being used by health centers, will be discussed.  The webinar will place an emphasis on the role of the clinical team in improving the financial viability of health center organizations.  It will also provide strategies clinicians can employ to generate interest in grassroots ideas for fiscal improvements that work within their organizational mission.
    Health Observances This Week


    Ovarian Cancer Awareness
    Get the Facts. Recognize the Signs.
     
    Ovarian Cancer is one of the most deadly of women's cancers. Each year, approximately 21,980 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In 2014, approximately 14,270 women will die in the United States from this disease. It is estimated by the World Health Organization IARC department that there are over 238,000 new cases diagnosed annually and nearly 152,000 deaths worldwide.
     
    This cancer typically occurs in women in their fifties and sixties with the median age being 63. Many women who are diagnosed with Ovarian cancer have a genetic history that may include carrying the BRCA mutation gene and having a strong family history of ovarian cancer.
     
    Unfortunately many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often subtle and easily confused with other ailments.
     
    Symptoms may include:
     
    * Bloating
    * Pelvic or Abdominal pain
    * Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
    * Urinary urgency or frequency
     
    Other symptoms may include:
     
    * Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea
    * Extreme fatigue
    * Shortness of breath
    * Backaches
    * Weight Gain
     
    There is no adequate screening test of ovarian cancer at this time which is one of the reasons that this cancer is often discovered in later stages.
     
    Talk to your doctor if symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks. You are your best advocate.

    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] |