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

Thank you for attending P&I this past week!
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. 
April 4, 2016
MACHC SPOTLIGHT
IN LOVING MEMORY OF JANIE B. GEER
FOUNDER OF PARK WEST

GOODBYE
In our minds we always knew 
this time would come to pass.
But knowing it, and living it,
has come and gone so fast.

Goodbyes are often hard to say,
they hurt so very much.
Though you're not gone. 
You still remain,
in the minds, hearts, and lives you've touched.

 
In lieu of flowers
Please send donations to
Janie B. geer Nursing Scholorship fund
c/o Park West Auxiliary Committee
3319 W. belvedere ave, Baltimore, md 21215
 
Send cards & Condolences to
SHARON BRATCHER-Thomas & fAMILY
1688 Kirkwood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207

Thank you to those who sent prayers and attended the funeral on Friday, April 1st.
For she lives on through her legacy she left behind...Thank you Ms. Geer

MACHC HAPPENINGS
  
MACHC EVENTS
   
(1)
 Outreach & Enrollment Call 
Friday, April 8, 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.

(2) *SAVE THE DATE*
Cultural Competency Conference (Pick one day) - Dover Downs, DE
Thursday, May 19th AND Friday, May 20th, 2016

(3) MACHC Clinical Informatics/Quality/Finance Conference 
Thursday, June 16th, 2016
Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD
Transformation inHealthcare Delivery: Shifting from Volume to Value
The Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers provides an opportunity for community health centers providers / clinicians and other safety net providers to receive professional development and ongoing education while networking with colleagues in the primary care settings across Delaware, Maryland and other states in the region. Transforming health care payment and delivery systems is essential in order to achieve improvements in health care quality and reductions in costs that are needed to achieve the Triple Aim.  This conference seeks to share information and educate attendees on concepts of volume to value in all four breakout tracks - Finance, IT, Clinical and Quality. This is a conference you will not want to miss!
  • OTHER EVENTS

    • (1)  Technical Assistance webcasts for Calendar Year 2017 Requirements for Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Medical Malpractice Coverage Program for Health Centers - In anticipation of the release of 2017 FTCA Deeming Requirements Program Assistance Letter (PAL), BPHC has scheduled three webcasts (Click HERE): 
    (2) 
    United-National Healthcare for Homeless (HCH) Council Webinar: Managed Care and Homeless Populations: Linking the HCH Community and Managed Care Organization (MCO) Partners -April 5, 2:30-3:30 p.m. EST-
    In
    many states, people experiencing homelessness became newly-eligible for health insurance, often enrolling in a Medicaid plan offered through an MCO.  This webinar will offer homeless health care providers an overview of managed care, as well as familiarize MCOs with the needs of people who are homeless and the model care provided by HCH projects. Connect here
    the day of the webinar.


    Apr 10 - 12, 2016
    Cambridge, MD 
    Type: Conference/Meeting
    Sponsoring organization: Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center

    2016 Uniform Data System (UDS) Changes Webinar - Tuesday, April 12, 2-3:30 p.m. EST
     BPHC is hosting this webinar to highlight proposed changes for the 2016 UDS information to be reported by Health Center Program grantees and look-alikes in February 2017. The changes include: 
    adding to patient characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity (Table 3A, 3B),adding quality improvement staff, community health workers, and dental therapists in the staffing tables (Table 5, 8A),revising clinical measures to improve measure alignment and data standardization (Table 6B, 7), and adding two new elements on the electronic health record (EHR) capabilities and quality recognition form. 
    Connect herethe day of the webinar. 
     Call-In: 888-628-9520
    Participant Passcode:
    2170393

    (5) Protecting Farmworkers: Revised EPA's Worker Protection Standard - Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET  
    Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN) is hosting this webinar to address the recently revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Worker Protection Standard (WPS). MCN will provide participants with resources to help educate migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families about pesticide exposure and to assist clinicians in the recognition and management of pesticide exposure. View more information and register for this webinar.

    (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.

    (7) An In-Depth Look at FTCA Coverage for Health Centers.  Learn More
    Nashville, TN - May 4 & 5, 2016
    Philadelphia, PA - June 7 & 8, 2016
    Operating a health center within the confines of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) has never been more challenging. The myriad requirements and involvement of various agencies coupled with increased accountability and responsibility can make providing health care services to your patients a risky proposition. This training provides information from trusted and experienced health center attorneys, Marty Bree, Molly Evans, and Matthew Freedus, who for years have provided advice and counsel on the day-to-day issues that arise around FTCA at health centers.
    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

    MACHC's ICD-400 Training 
    Facilitated by Duane Taylor, CEO MACHC    
    March 31st, 2016  1:00 -2:00 p.m. EDT
    A webinar Outlook invite will be sent to Emergency Management staff
    If you would like to be included on the list of invites, please email Aneeqa Chowdhury (aneeqa@machc.com)
    This course provides training and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the ICS. This course expands upon information covered in ICS-100 through ICS-300 courses. These earlier courses are prerequisites for ICS-400.
    While FEMA provides standard course materials, this course is typically coordinated and taught in the field by State or other agencies. It is intended for senior personnel who are expected to perform in a management capacity in an area command or multiagency coordination entity.

    CDC's Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) prepares clinicians to respond to emerging health threats and public health emergencies by communicating relevant, timely information related to disease outbreaks, disasters, terrorism events, and other health alerts.

    If you are pregnant or trying 
    to become pregnant ...
    Take precautions to prevent Zika virus infection
    Zika is a generally mild illness currently widespread in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
    There have been reports of serious birth defects linked to the disease in other countries.
    * If you are pregnant, postpone travel to the countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
    * If you are pregnant or may become pregnant and must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
    * If you are trying to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before you travel about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus.
    Travel and transmission advisories
    * If your male sexual partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission, condoms should be used for the duration of the pregnancy. Discuss your male partner's potential exposures and history of Zika-like illness with your doctor.
    Zika is a generally mild illness currently widespread in Central and South America and the Caribbean. There have been reports of serious birth defects linked to the disease in other countries.
    * If you are not pregnant, but your male partner lives in or has traveled to a country with Zika, consider using condoms.

    Preventing mosquito bites
    * Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
    * Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
    * Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness.
    * Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
    * Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and not able to protect yourself from mosquitos.
    Preventing mosquito bites
    For more information, including a list of countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing, visit: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/zika.html

    Zika Resources at Your Fingertips 
    There are numerous resources about the Zika virus from the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. These include an overview of public health and healthcare system considerations and implications that are applicable to professionals in those systems, emergency management stakeholders, and other audiences.

    Get to Know Your Regional Coordinators!
    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]
    *VACANT*
    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]
    *VACANT*
    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. 
     
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 

    How Prepared Is Your Community for an Emergency? 

    Download the kit checklist: 

    Family communication and evacuation plan: 


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    *** Look for the latest EP related updates RIGHT HERE!
    Policy, Advocacy and Legislation
    National News
    CMS Announces Final Round of Applications for the Next Generation Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) Model
    The Next Generation ACO Model is a healthcare delivery and payment model created by the CMS Innovation Center. The goal of the Model is to test whether strong financial incentives for ACOs, coupled with tools to support better patient engagement and care management, can improve health outcomes and lower expenditures for Original Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries. The Model will begin its second performance year on Jan. 1, 2017.The deadline for Letter Of Intent submission has been extended to May 2, 2016

    The United States and Canada on Thursday issued a rare joint cyber alert, warning against a recent surge in extortion attacks that infect computers with viruses known as "ransomware," which encrypt data and demand payments for it to be unlocked. The warning follows reports from several private security firms that they expect the crisis to worsen, because hackers are getting more sophisticated and few businesses have adopted proper security measures to thwart such attacks. 

    For years, Eileen Shea says her former partner Eddie Sawyer struggled with a heroin addiction. But after losing his job and time with his daughter, he was ready to get help. He was on the waiting list for a bed at the Friendship House, northern New Hampshire's only residential treatment facility. He never made it to treatment. Instead, Sawyer was one of 428 people in New Hampshire who died last year from a drug overdose. When the police found him in his apartment, there was list of rehab facilities on the table next to his bed. It was a list Shea had given to him a month earlier, and there were check marks next to the name of each one. Sawyer had called every place on the list.

    Starting Friday , nearly 800 U.S. hospitals face sweeping new payment rules that could have a direct impact on their bottom line, but not everyone is ready, industry experts say. The rules will hold hospitals accountable for all the costs of hip and knee replacements for 90 days. If patients recover and go home quickly, hospitals could reap savings. If they have complications or need lengthy stays in a rehab facility, hospitals could owe Medicare instead, starting next year. 

    Senate approves Medicaid expansion in a divided vote
    Low-income adults will be eligible for publicly funded health insurance for two more years under the state's Medicaid expansion program, thanks to a 16-8 Senate vote on Thursday. Gov. Maggie Hassan has said she will sign House Bill 1696. During two hours of debate, a majority of senators rejected proposals to change the bill. Six Republicans joined all 10 Democrats to approve the program, begun nearly two years ago under the Affordable Care Act. 

    Health Outreach Partners released the Needs Assessment in Action Profiles report that highlights three innovative approaches for health centers to plan and implement their own needs assessment. 

    Philip Aubrey buys medicines for British government-funded hospitals across London, capital of the world's fifth-largest economy, but last year he struggled to secure supplies of a basic AIDS drug. He is not alone. Shortages of essential drugs, mostly generic medicines whose patents have long expired, are becoming increasingly frequent globally, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to suggest minimum prices may be needed to keep some products on the market. 

    CY2017 FTCA
    In anticipation of the release of the CY2017 Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Medical Malpractice Coverage Program for Health Centers Deeming Requirements Program Assistance Letter (PAL),  the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) has scheduled three technical assistance webcasts:
    1. General Information and Risk Management,  Thursday, March 31, 2016, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET 
    2. General Information and Credentialing and Privileging, Wednesday, April 6, 2016, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET 
    IMPORTANT: Deadline for FTCA redeeming applications is May 24, 2016

    "There are many viruses that have similar characteristics to dengue, yellow fever, and Zika that have the potential to emerge. We don't know why Zika emerged now. But we know how to develop surveillance systems that will allow us to pick these viruses up if they start to move as Zika has." This starting point was outlined by tropical medicine expert Duane Gubler at a World Health Organization (WHO) meeting in Geneva in early March. Gubler has spent his career studying tropical infectious diseases with an emphasis on dengue virus (DENV), a flavivirus closely related to Zika virus (ZIKV).1 His introductory presentation at the international meeting about the ZIKV challenge emphasized the complexity of the flavivirus-host relationship and the inevitability, thanks to urbanization and globalization, of emergence and spread of viruses that were previously confined to small, remote geographic areas. 
    Theranos Inspection Report Details Quality-Control Failures
    The document also includes Theranos's plans for corrections, saying the new lab director, Kingshuk Das, has implemented extensive new procedures to improve the facility's operations. "The lab directors during the period covered by the survey no longer hold any position with the lab," Theranos wrote in the document. ... "We have no reason to believe that the issues raised by CMS have affected patients health," company spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said Thursday in an e-mail. "We've made mistakes in the past in the Newark, CA lab, but when the company was made aware of the deficiencies we have dedicated every resource to remedy those failures." 
    State News
    DELAWARE
    Two more people died from flu-related complications, the state said a release late Wednesday.
    That makes three flu-related deaths so far this influenza season.
    Most recently, a 58-year-old woman died after contracting the H1N1 influenza A virus, also known as swine flu, and a 69-year-old man infected with a nonspecific influenza A died. Both were New Castle County residents and had existing health conditions, the Delaware Division of Public Health said.
    "DPH is keeping in our thoughts and prayers the families and loved ones who lost someone to flu last week," said Delaware Division of Public Health Deputy Director Crystal Webb in a statement. "The flu season is clearly not over, and taking precautions is still important."
    MARYLAND
    More than 162,000 Marylanders signed up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act, a 33 percent jump from last year that surpassed a state goal of 150,000 new people on the health insurance rolls.
    Officials with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which oversees the state's enrollment efforts, released Tuesday the final numbers for this year's three-month enrollment period, which ended Feb. 5. Consumers had an extra five days to get insurance this year because of the January snowstorm that crippled the region.
    In addition to those buying private insurance, another 362,415 state residents enrolled inMedicaid. A total of 1.2 million people were enrolled in the Medicaid program for low-income adults or the Maryland Children's Health Program for young people at the end of January. Consumers can enroll in Medicaid all year long.
    Finance & Business
    Insurers Cut Commissions To Restrict When And What Plans People Buy  
    Insurers increasingly are dropping agents' commissions to discourage the sale of the Affordable Care Act plans they're losing the most money on, especially when the consumers are more likely to be sick, according to health care industry officials and experts. The moves by nearly every major insurer over the last few months are often focused on times of the year and plans that attract the sickest people and starting to prompt action by state officials and legislators. Some, including the head of California's state insurance exchange, say federal regulators should help assure consumers get the help and plans they need, especially during special enrollment periods when they lose jobs, move or have babies. 

    GlaxoSmithKline PLC said it would stop seeking patents for its drugs in low-income countries, a move the drugmaker said could help the world's poorest people access copycat versions of its medicines at affordable prices. The U.K.-based company said it would take this approach in low-income and least-developed countries, a group totaling around 85 nations. In so-called lower-middle-income countries, a group of 51 nations that includes Vietnam, Cameroon and Sri Lanka, it said it would file patents but aim to grant licenses to generic manufacturers to supply low-cost versions of its drugs in those markets in return for a small royalty. 
     
    More wages, less health insurance. In a recent survey, one in five people with employer-based coverage said they would opt for fewer health benefits if they could get a bump in their wages. That's double the percentage who said they would make that choice in 2012. "I do these surveys all the time, and it's rare where you see things change that quickly," said Paul Fronstin, director of the health research and education program at the Employee Benefit Research Institute, which conducted the survey of 1,500 workers with Greenwald & Associates
    The
    Latest News on ACA
    OUR WORK CONTINUES

    Outreach and Enrollment (O/E) Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) Reminder

    The O/E QPR, covering the period of Jan. 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016, is due April 14, 2016. Health centers should report only on activities for this specific reporting period. Frequently asked questions and other resources can be found here. Any other questions should be directed to bphc-oe@hrsa.gov.

    MACHC Conference Call Updates
    *Please note, the next Outreach and Enrollment QPR (January 1 - March 31) will be available in the Electronic Handbook (EHB) on April 1 and is due April 14, 2016.

    Join MACHC's next Outreach & Enrollment Call ON FRIDAY, 
    April 8, 2016
    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.

    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




    Ongoing Accepted Applications

    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

    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 PCMH News this week, please check next week :)
    Clinical Quality 
    CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new recommendations for prescribing opioid medications for chronic pain, excluding cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care. TheCDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, United States, 2016 will help primary care providers ensure the safest and most effective treatment for their patients. View more information, including materials to assist providers with implementing the recommendations.

    Does Your Health Team Include a Lawyer? Attorneys Can Help Clinics and Communities Address the Social Determinants of Health 
    The HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion released  this article about how the medical-legal partnership model can address social determinants of health.  Find more information about medical/legal partnerships.

    Primary Care Providers Working in Mental Health Settings: Improving Health Status in Persons with Mental Illness
    This is an online curriculum created by the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions (CIHS) and the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network to acquaint primary care providers with the unique aspects of behavioral health settings, the people they'll see in these settings and the opportunities to improve the health of people living with mental illnesses. Register here.
    CDC has launched the Know Hepatitis B campaign designed to promote Hepatitis B testing among Asian Americans. While Asian Americans make up approximately 5 percent of the total U.S. population, they account for half of the 2.2 million Americans living with chronic Hepatitis B. The Know Hepatitis B campaign has a variety of free resources, including 

    Staff Satisfaction in Community Health Centers 
    April 14, 2016, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CST
    Join the National Center for Farmworker Health for this webinar to learn about strategies and tools to administer and assess staff satisfactions surveys.  View more information and register for this webinar
    Health Observances This Week



     April is Alcohol Awareness Month
    April marks the beginning of Alcohol Awareness Month, reminding Americans that alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the country.
    Alcohol abuse affects 17.6 million Americans, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The NCADD believes an integral part of Alcohol Awareness Month is Alcohol-Free Weekend, which begins today and concludes Sunday, April 3.
    The 72-hour period is designed to raise public awareness on the use of alcohol and how it affects the community.
    Community members also are encouraged to contact NCADD and other alcoholism agencies to learn more about alcoholism and its early symptoms.
    "Alcohol and drug use is a very risky business for young people, and parents can make a difference," Andrew Pucher, president and chief executive officer of NCADD, said in a news release.
    Since April 1987, the group has sponsored Alcohol Awareness Month to reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism and to increase public awareness and understanding.
    This year's theme, "Talk Early, Talk Often: Parents Can Make a Difference in Teen Alcohol Use" is aimed at educating the community about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism - particularly among youth - and the impact parents can have.
    According to the NCADD, the longer children delay drinking and drug use, the less likely they are to develop any problems associated with it.
    Annually, 88,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use. To get help or learn more about alcoholism, call 800-622-2255 or visit www.ncadd.org.
    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 |
    4319 Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706    |    www.machc.com    |    301.577.0097
     

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