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

ENROLLMENTS 
Submit your application on Marylan
dHealthC
onnection
.gov or HealthCare.gov and find a plan for coverage in 2016. 
DID YOU KNOW: 8 out of 10 people who enrolled in a health insurance plan qualified for financial help
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. 
January 19 2016
MACHC SPOTLIGHT
From MACHC Family to YOU:


MACHC wishes a happy and prosperous New Year to you and yours! Here's to a great year ahead...

A BIG SHOUTOUT AND THANK YOU....
Community Clinic Inc, West Cecil Health Center and Greater Baden Medical Services
for joining MACHC's event of Leadership Development Institute with Studer Group on January 14, 2016. Here is a quick snapshot of the day for you:





Also BIG KUDOS to CHOPTANK for hosting the successful 
Santa comes to Choptank Day where they collected toys and donations for the families that need it during the holiday time. 
What wonderful spirit! 
Check out some pictures from the day below:


MACHC HAPPENINGS

MACHC EVENTS
   
(1) Outreach & Enrollment Webinar Series Dates with Enroll America:
  • January 15, 2015 1pm -2pm Faith Engagement Webinar
(2)  Leadership Development Institute - Double Tree Annapolis, MD 
January 14, 2016

(3) Outreach & Enrollment Call 
Friday, January 15, 2016
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) Policy & Issues (P&I) Forum is OPEN! March 16-20, 2016 in Washington, D.C.
Join MACHC and your FQHC colleagues from across the state and country to get the most up-to-date information and tools to stay ahead, competitive and ready for another year of health center advocacy.

  • OTHER EVENTS

    • (1)  
    Integrating Behavioral Health Training into Primary Care

     Tuesday, January 19, 2016     

    (2) Healthy People 2020: Who's Leading the Leading Health Indicators? Webinar  
    Thursday, January 21, 2016, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, ET -
    Join this Healthy People 2020 webinar on injury and violence prevention focused on activities and interventions related to preventing teen dating violence.
    Click here

    (3) 
    Defensa de los centros de salud - Spanish-language advocacy webinar on 1/27 at 3PM ET
    Wednesday, January 27, 2016 3:00 pm  Register Here

    (4) Webinar Series:  Population Health Management
    and Health Systems Transformation
    to Insure Value Based Care 
    January 28-March 10, 2016
    NACHC, along with Shannon Nielson, VP of Consulting Services at Centerprise, Inc., is proud to present a five-part webinar series on Population Health Management and Health Systems Transformation to Ensure Value Based Care. The emphasis will be on helping PCAs and HCCNs understand the necessary components for success within Population Health Management at a state level as well as an introduction to how health centers approach these same concepts.  The focus of this webinar series is to partner with PCAs and Health Center Controlled Networks to operationalize the principles of health system transformation and integrated clinical networks to position health centers strongly in a managed care environment.

    Webinar 1 - Fundamentals of Value Based Care
    Date/Time:  Thursday, January 28th, 2016 | 12pm -1pm Eastern
    Register Now

    Webinar 2 - Actionable Data to Drive System Change
    Date/Time: Thursday, February 4th, 2016 | 12pm -1pm Eastern
    Register Now

    Webinar 3 - Optimizing Care Coordination to Manage Risk
    Date/Time: Thursday, February 18th, 2016 | 12pm -1pm Eastern
    Register Now

    Webinar 4 - Health Center Case Studies
    Date/Time: Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 | 12pm -1pm Eastern
    Register Now

    Webinar 5 - Alternative Payment Models and Systems
    Date/Time:  Thursday, March 10th, 2016 | 12pm -1pm Eastern
    Register Now
    Apr 10 - 12, 2016
    Cambridge, MD 
    Type: Conference/Meeting
    Sponsoring organization: Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center

    (6) Practice Operations Management, Level II(POM II) Training 
    April 20-21, 2016 | Charlotte, NC
    NACHC is pleased to present the Health Center Practice Operations Management Training - Level II (POM II). POM II offers health center Chief Operating Officers, Practice/Clinic and other managers, and Board Members an opportunity to learn and apply the critical management and leadership skills necessary to optimize performance. This training features a multidimensional approach to effective management and continuous improvement the areas in the health center: profitability, staffing, and patient workflow.
    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

    The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has launched
    The Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange
    (TRACIE) which now allows health and emergency preparedness professionals access to the nation's most comprehensive system of resources designed to help communities better manage the health impacts of disasters.  TRACIE features resource materials, a help line, just-in-time suggestions, and tools to share information gleaned from real-life experiences in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.To learn more about preparedness, response and recovery from the health impacts of disasters, visit the HHS public health and medical emergency website via clicking on the title above.


    Important Announcement for Maryland FQHCS
    Please get in touch with your Regional Coordinators if you have not already done so and be more active in your Regional Coalition. MACHC has reached out to you in order to make sure you know who your coordinators are and has planned MINI GRANTS as incentives to help with travel for the Coalition meetings.
    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 UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2016
    New Regional Coordinator will be posted here
    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 will be leaving end of Jan, 2016; new Coordinator TBA
    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)

    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


    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.
    , and public service announcements. 

    What to look forward to:
    MACHC has been working diligently on this year's Emergency Preparedness Plan. The tentative goal for us is to 1.) increase participation at DHMH Regional Meetings (Have you signed the MOUs?)  2.) Conduct two Tabletop exercises this year. The focus of our exercises this year will be mass care, natural disaster and pathogen illnesses 3) ICS400 and 700 Webinar Trainings
     
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 

    How Prepared Is Your Community for an Emergency? 

    Download the kit checklist: 

    Family communication and evacuation plan: 


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

    Past: ATTENTION MD FQHCS 
     
    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. 

     
    *** Look for the latest EP related updates RIGHT HERE!
    Policy, Advocacy and Legislation
    National News
    Covered entities that participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program must ensure program integrity and maintain accurate records documenting compliance with all 340B Program requirements.  With the start of Fiscal Year 2016, the HRSA Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) is providing some news and reminders to help facilitate covered entities through the auditing process and minimize operational burden. 

    Reminder: June 1 Start Service Area Competition (SAC) Applications
    - FY2016 SAC Applications for service areas with a June 1, 2016, project period start date (under HRSA-16-008) are due in HRSA's Electronic Handbooks (EHB) by 5:00pm, ET on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. Technical assistance materials are available on the SAC Technical Assistance website.

    CMS Announces Accountable Health Communities Funding Opportunity to Improve Community Linkages to Address SDOH
    The Accountable Health Communities Model is based on emerging evidence that addressing health-related socials needs through enhanced clinical-community linkages can improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Over a five-year period, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) will implement and evaluate a three-track model based on promising service delivery approaches. Each track features interventions of varying intensity that link beneficiaries with community services (from referrals to actual alignment).
    CMMI will award a total of 44 cooperative agreements to successful applicants to implement the Accountable Health Communities model through one of the three tracks in partnership with state Medicaid agencies, clinical delivery sites, and community service providers.
    NACHC strongly encourages health centers, PCAs, and HCCNs to apply!  If your organization is considering an application, please let us know!  Email Michelle Proser at mproser@nachc.org. 
    CMMI will host webinars on January 21st and 27th to provide more information about this opportunity.  CMMI staff will also speak on a January 20th webinar  hosted by the American Public Health Association, Prevention Institute, Public Health Institute, Trust For America's Health and its Dialogue4Health.  

    Community Stakeholder Activities Request for Information - HHS is seeking public input on several key areas with respect to non-federal efforts throughout calendar years 2014-2015 that are consistent with the four main goals of the Viral Hepatitis Action Plan. 

    The Migrant Clinicians Network released a short video to provide an overview of the Health Network. The Health Network is a bridge case management system for mobile populations, such as migratory and seasonal agricultural workers. It provides comprehensive case management, medical records transfer, and follow

    The electronic exchange of health information has increased over time and is used most in hospitals and the least in long-term care settings. However, the practice of exchanging health information electronically remains low overall. Some evidence suggests electronically exchanging health information may reduce duplicative laboratory and radiology testing, lower emergency department costs, reduce hospital admissions, improve public health reporting, increase ambulatory quality of care and improve disability claims processing. Barriers to electronically exchanging health information include lack of participation, inefficient workflows and poorly designed features. To advance our understanding of how to better exchange health information electronically, future studies need to address comprehensive questions, use more rigorous designs and be part of a coordinated, systematic approach to studying the electronic exchange of health information.

    HHS announced a funding opportunity of up to $157 million to test whether screening beneficiaries for health-related social needs and associated referrals to and navigation of community-based services will improve quality and affordability in Medicare and Medicaid. The five-year program, called the Accountable Health Communities Model, is the first Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center model to focus on the health-related social needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, including building alignment between clinical and community-based services at the local level. 
      
    HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) Grantee Data Now Contributes to National Center for Interprofessional and Education (NCIPE) Network -
    The NCIPE is growing its national network that provides data on interprofessional education and collaborative practice, and recently added as contributors the award recipients supported by the Division of Nursing and Public Health in BHW. Award recipient data will now be included in research findings to share with institutions and healthcare delivery systems throughout the nation. This NCIPE growth effort is a result of a three-year literature review published as peer-reviewed articles in 2015. The review confirmed a need of evidence to link team-based care to health improvements and lower costs.

    The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has announced a funding opportunity of up to $157 million to test whether screening beneficiaries for health-related social needs and associated referrals to and navigation of community-based services will improve quality and affordability in Medicare and Medicaid. The five-year program, called the Accountable Health Communities Model, is the first Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center model to focus on the health-related social needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, including building alignment between clinical and community-based services at the local level. 
    State News
    DELAWARE

    No enrollment grace period this year
    Here's an important caution about the deadline for getting coverage in 2016.
    The federal government has said it will not offer a grace period for uninsured people to sign up for coverage leading up to the April 15 tax filing deadline, as it did for those signing up for 2015 coverage. 
    Consumers have until Jan. 31 to sign up for insurance in 2016 or face a penalty when they pay their 2016 taxes in early 2017.


    Be familiar with Code Purple sites
    During extreme cold events, Code Purple sites open in houses of worship and community centers. Homeless individuals and families can come out of the cold to sleep and eat hot meals. Many Code Purple sites often need volunteers and donations of money, sleeping supplies, and food. Other items include:
     blankets, cots, and sleeping bags
     towels, wash cloths, hand wipes, sanitizers
     feminine products
     hats, scarves, gloves, hand or feet warmers
     coats, boots, long underwear
     bottled water and instant hot drinks
     frozen meals and ready-to-eat food with easy-opening lids
     garbage bags and disinfectant spray
    To connect with Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1 or use the Delaware 2-1-1 mobile app, or visit www.delaware211.org.

    Health officials agree no alcohol during pregnancy
    To prevent birth effects and neurodevelopmental disabilities, pregnant women should not have a drop of alcohol, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently declared.
    Drinking during pregnancy greatly increases the chances that the baby will develop a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Prenatal alcohol exposure causes structural or functional effects on the brain, heart, bones and spine, kidneys, vision and hearing. It's also associated with a higher incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning and behavioral problems, and emotional and social issues.
    "We wholeheartedly support the AAP's announcement regarding no alcohol use during pregnancy," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division of Public Health (DPH). "The only sure way to prevent FASDs is to completely avoid alcohol use while pregnant. This also applies to women who are trying to conceive. Damage from prenatal alcohol exposure can occur even during the earliest weeks of pregnancy, even before a woman realizes she's pregnant."
    For tips for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby, visit http://dethrives.com/healthy-mothers. Men and women struggling with addiction can visit http://www.helpisherede.com/ for local resources, or call 800-652-2929 (New Castle County) or 800-345-6785 (Kent and Sussex counties)
    MARYLAND
    Profectus BioSciences launches human trials of Ebola vaccine
    Baltimore biotechnology company Profectus BioSciences is testing a vaccine to guard against the Ebola virus on 39 human subjects, a first step toward administering it more broadly to people at risk of exposure to the deadly pathogen. The experiment is one of a handful to advance beyond trials.

    Maryland Health Connection Enrollment Events
    Region Day Date Time Location
    (listed are those coming up)
    Saturday
    1/23/2016      10am-2pm
    Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury, MD 21804
    Southern Region will have extended and Saturday hours throughout open enrollment.
    Finance & Business
    Are You Ready for Value-Based Payment?
    As the shift from volume-based to value-based payment accelerates, primary care providers, including Community Health Centers , must make critical changes to become ready for these payment changes and ensure financial sustainability. Fortunately, there are resources available to help.  These include:
    • NACHC's Payment Reform Readiness ToolThis tool is designed to begin the conversation among health center leadership and staff about successful engagement in payment reform models.
    • HMA and CohnReznick Free WebinarOn Jan. 27, 1:00 - 2:00 pm webinar, Value-Based Payment Readiness: A Self-Assessment Tool for Primary Care Providers, FQHCs, and Behavioral Health Providers, will demonstrate how an online self-assessment tool can be used to pinpoint specific strengths and gaps in value-based payment readiness and identify core care delivery, operational, and financial capabilities and high-priority elements to implement. The tool was designed by HMA and CohnReznick in partnership with the DC Primary Care Association.
    The
    Latest News on ACA
    OUR WORK CONTINUES

    Open Enrollment Ends in 12 DAYS on January 31
    The  Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period ends January 31, 2016.  All consumers who are enrolling for the first time or reenrolling must select a plan by January 15 for February 1 coverage or by January 31 for 2016 coverage before open enrollment closes.  Navigators and Assisters are encouraged to make every effort to ensure in-reach and outreach activities are focused on enrollment deadlines for this final enrollment push. 


    HHS reports: Young Adult Marketplace Enrollment Success
    The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) this week touted new figures showing that 35 percent of people who signed up for or were re-enrolled through Affordable Care Act marketplaces during the first eight weeks of open enrollment were under age 35.  According to HHS, 3 million people were between the ages of 18 and 34 out of the total 11.3 million, while almost 4 million were under age 35.Overall, the new report from HHS found that 8.6 million people signed up for coverage in the 38 states that use the federal insurance website through Jan. 2 and 2.7 million in the 13 state-run exchanges through Dec. 26.


    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
    We sincerely hope you all found the December series of webinars helpful. If you have any questions or additional comments, please send us an email.

    What would you like to included as part of Maryland & Delaware's Outreach & Enrollment assistance from MACHC? Please send Aneeqa Chowdhury an email at aneeqa@machc.com.

    ***Reminder***
    Join MACHC's next Outreach & Enrollment Call ON FRIDAY, February 5, 2016!  
    As the new enrollment season kicks off, there will be a significant increase in consumers pouring in for assistance. During this time, it remains vital for Outreach & Enrollment staff to attend the Outreach & Enrollment calls we host to share the latest on the trends, barriers and share best practices. Remember, this is the way we can all be aware of State affairs, assist more seamlessly and learn from each other. Have a representative from your FQHC present on the call if your schedule does not permit attendance. 

     
    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

     
    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Funding to Connect Kids to CoverageApplication Deadline:  January 20, 2016
    CMS announced the availability of $32 million in funding to support efforts to help eligible children sign up for health coverage under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and help them stay covered for as long as they qualify.

    Application Deadline:  January 22, 2016
    The National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership (NCMLP) seeks up to 12 medical-legal partnerships to participate in a new, funded pilot program to capture and report data on specific medical-legal partnership performance measures outlined by NCMLP. Each funded program will receive $10,000, and will be expected to report data monthly to NCMLP for four months from April - July 2016.

    Application Deadline: January 25, 2016
    The SDS program promotes diversity in the health professions and nursing workforce.  Up to $650,000 per year will go to eligible schools for awarding scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Community Health Centers  may partner with educational institutions that apply for this funding in order to build academic-community partnerships and address long-standing workforce challenges in rural communities.

    Application Deadline:  Letter of Intent by January 29, 2016; Full proposals due March 31, 2016
    Invest Health is a new initiative that brings together diverse leaders from mid-sized U.S. cities across the nation to develop new strategies for increasing and leveraging private and public investments to accelerate improvements in neighborhoods facing the biggest barriers to better health. The program is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Reinvestment Fund.


    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

    Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program - applications due February 25, 2016.  Licensed registered nurses who are employed full time in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) may be eligible to apply for up for payment of up to 60 percent of their nursing student loans in return for a two-year service obligation in a HPSA, and an additional 25 percent of their original loan balance for an optional third year.  Applicants should attend one of two Technical Assistance conference calls on January 28 from 2-4 pm ET and February 11 from 7-9 pm ET.  Dial in 1-888-790-3148 ; passcode 7775191. 

    Rural Health Research Center Cooperative Agreement - applications due March 14, 2016.  FORHP is funding up to seven Rural Health Research Centers to conduct policy-oriented health services research on rural issues and synthesize the issues into publically available policy briefs designed to be easily understood by a non-technical audience.  Applicants can take part in a technical assistance webinar on Wednesday January 27th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST. 

    Building Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Capacity - applications due March 22, 2016. Community-based, faith-based and tribal organizations are among those eligible to apply for funding intended to build national capacity for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) recipients and engage People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) to increase their access to health care.  Funded organizations will work with HRSA, CMS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to assess and disseminate best practices culturally appropriate methods for improving health outcomes of PLWH.  Interested applicants should attend a technical assistance webinar on Wednesday, January 27 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET; go to https://hrsa.connectsolutions.com/coag/ and enter as Guest. To join the audio, dial 888-603-9810  with participant passcode 1165029.  



    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 

    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 
    No New Updates at this time: Come back next Week for more!

    Clinical Quality 
    On April 20, 2015, the Department of Health & Human Services' Office of
    Inspector General (OIG), in partnership with the American Health Lawyers Association and the Association of Healthcare Internal Auditors, published Practical Guidance for Health Care Governing Boards on Compliance Oversight.  The guidance describes the OIG's expectations of the compliance oversight role healthcare governing boards should play in a healthcare organization. The guidance is consistent with the compliance resources previously published by the OIG and emphasizes that boards should be actively engaged in compliance oversight. The new guidance provides additional practical tips for boards to implement in their efforts to comply with state and federal laws regulating the healthcare industry. 
    Health Observances This Week

    Cervical Health Awareness Month
    Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But over the last 30 years, the cervical cancer death rate has gone down by more than 50%. The main reason for this change was the increased use of screening tests. Screening can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find cervical cancer early − in its most curable stage. Another way to prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated against human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes most cases of cervical cancer.
    The American Cancer Society is actively fighting cervical cancer on many fronts. We are helping people get tested for cervical cancer, helping them understand their diagnosis, and helping them get the treatments they need. The American Cancer Society also funds new research to help prevent, find, and treat cervical cancer. Check out the links below to learn more about these activities.
    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 | | aneeqa@machc.com |
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