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


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. 
June 20, 2016
MACHC SPOTLIGHT

HHS awards $156 million to health centers to expand oral health services
Last Friday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced nearly $156 million in funding to support 420 health centers in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to increase access to integrated oral health care services and improve oral health outcomes for Health Center Program patients.
This funding enables health centers to expand integrated oral health care services and increase the number of patients served. With these awards from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), health centers across the country will increase their oral health service capacity by hiring approximately 1,600 new dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, aides, and technicians to treat nearly 785,000 new patients.
"Oral health is an important part of our overall physical health and well-being," said Secretary Burwell. "The funding we are awarding will reduce barriers to quality dental care for hundreds of thousands of Americans by bringing new oral health providers to health centers across the country."
Oral health problems can be a sign of illness elsewhere in the body. Additionally, lack of access to preventive and routine dental care for underserved populations can result in dental conditions requiring more costly emergency dental treatment.
"HRSA will continue to explore ways to further integrate oral health services within primary care settings, and increase awareness of the connection between oral health and overall health," said HRSA Acting Administrator Jim Macrae.

Congratulations to our 5 MD FQHCS, who won awards totaling $1,750,000:

Health Center GranteeCityAward Amount
CHASE BREXTON HEALTH SERVICES, INCBALTIMORE$350,000
COMMUNITY CLINIC, INC., THESILVER SPRING$350,000
FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS OF BALTIMOREBALTIMORE$350,000
HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS, INC.BALTIMORE$350,000
WALNUT STREET COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC.HAGERSTOWN$350,000

Thank you for attending MACHC's Semi-Annual Conference last week! We hope you enjoyed the conference and the content. We thank you for attending and completing the surveys. We value your feedback as we strive to bring you the latest and greatest content. 




*Please look out for our December Conference details right here! 

 
   

National Health Center Week
August 7-13, 2016
Visit the Health Center Week website to access the NHCW Kick-off webinar recording and slides. The webinar featured Health Center leaders from Georgia and Virginia who shared best practices on how to plan and host successful Health Center Week celebrations. Also, be sure to take advantage of support and resources designed to help with event planning and implementation - visit the NHCW website. Plan ahead and inform us, your PCA, about any NHCW Happenings and whether we can assist in coordination of having your Congressman at your event. Remember, this week is the best week to showcase your health center successes.
MACHC HAPPENINGS
  
MACHC EVENTS

(1)  Outreach & Enrollment Webinar with Enroll America  Friday, June 24, 2016  11am- noon
Check next week for webinar link or ask Aneeqa to add you to OE Team listserv
641-715-3580 / Access Code: 941-597 / Login: https://enrollamerica.adobeconnect.com/_a1138253866/sageneral

(2) Gearing Up for National Health Center Week 2016
Thursday, June 30, 2016 10:00 am      Register HERE
Starting to think about National Health Center Week, but not sure where to begin planning? Do you want the latest information on sponsorships, engaging elected officials, and social media strategy? Join your colleagues in Maryland and Delaware for NHCW 2016 updates including event ideas, planning essentials, finding funding, and incorporating advocacy into your events. Learn from your Maryland and Delaware colleagues about the most successful events they've hosted, and get the ideas and motivation you need to make NHCW 2016 the most successful so far.

(3) Mastering the Art of Minute Talking
July 12, 2016 
12pm-1pm
*For webinar link, please email Deitra Bell at deitra@machc.com
  • OTHER EVENTS

    • (1) WHAT:  
    Baltimore Racial Justice Action's Workshop for White People
    WHEN:
    3 to 7 p.m. on Sundays, starting June 26
    MORE INFO: Registration fee. For more information and to participate, register on BRJA website, call 410-645-0878 or email.  
    This seven-week workshop is designed for white people who want to be more effective working for racial justice.  Participation will require a commitment of 28 hours of classroom time, plus 2-3 hours between sessions for reading and meeting with a learning partner. 

    (2) WHAT: Conference "Assessing the Implications of Parental Incarceration on Families"  June 29-July 1
    WHERE: Hilton Baltimore, 401 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
    MORE INFO: Free event, but space is limited. For more information and to participate,  register here.
    This conference will focus on the complex challenges that children and youths of incarcerated parents experience directly, while also encouraging fruitful dialogue and leadership development about our roles in advancing adequate and effective solutions. Join the Family League in sparking a powerful movement to improve communities impacted by parental incarceration in Baltimore and beyond. 

    (3) WHAT: Tim's Day- Annual Wellness and Resource Fair
    WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.
    MORE INFO: Free admission. For more information visit their webpage or send an email.
    Tim's Day is an all-day Wellness and Resource Fair for all, with every resource towards reaching those at-risk for/currently living with hear-related illnesses.  Giveaways and entertainment.  Free healthy/snacks, cooking demos, inspirational speakers, and fitness demos.  Lots of fun for the kids with a Kids Play area that includes fitness games, arts & crafts, and more.
    (4) Webinar: NCCRT Webinar on FIT Testing
    Wednesday, June 29, 2016 12:00 pm 
    The purpose of the webinar is to review the rationale for FIT-based testing programs, and discuss strategies for successful implementation of stool-based testing programs. Register Here
    WHERE: Druid Hill Park, Liberty Pavilion Flat, Liberty Heights Avenue, 3001 East Drive, Baltimore, MD 21217

    (5) SAVE THE DATE
    ParkWest's Janie B Geer Scholarship Fund Golf Classic Monday, August 8, 2016
    The Woodlands Golf Course
    2309 Ridge Road, Windsor Mill MD 21244 

    (6) 2016 COM­MU­NITY HEALTH INSTI­TUTE & EXPO More info here
    August 28-30, 2016
    Hyatt Regency Chicago
    151 East Wacker Drive
    Chicago, IL
    Health cen­ters, PCAs and HCCNs will have the oppor­tu­nity to hear about issues such as:
    * Fed­eral fund­ing oppor­tu­ni­ties * Out­reach and enroll­ment
    * Patient nav­i­ga­tors
    * Nego­ti­at­ing con­tracts with man­aged care plans and ven­dors
    * FQHC reimbursement/payment reform activ­i­ties under Med­ic­aid, Medicare and the Mar­ket­place
    * Work­force (vet­er­ans, suc­ces­sion plan­ning)
    * Clin­i­cal work­force recruit­ment and reten­tion
    * Clin­i­cal care team inte­gra­tion
    * PCMH recog­ni­tion and accred­i­ta­tion
    * Tele-behav­ioral Health
    * Qual­ity, com­pli­ance and sus­tain­abil­ity
    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

    Zika Virus Spreading Rapidly Across Puerto Rico 
    There are alarming signs the Zika virus is spreading rapidly in Puerto Rico, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday. Blood banks on the island have seen a steady rise in the portion of donations that have to be rejected because they contain Zika virus. Last week, 1.1 percent of the donated units were contaminated

    As doctors treated the horrific injuries of victims shot in the Pulse nightclub massacre here, a mistaken report of a gunman nearby forced officials to briefly lock down the emergency room; the medical staff shoved heavy X-ray machines against the doors, creating a makeshift barricade in a treatment bay. Emergency room physicians ran low on tubes needed to reinflate the lungs of patients shot in the chest. The doctors scrambled to make sense of gunshot wounds because paramedics had rushed victims in with no time to assess their conditions. The hospital's emergency preparedness manager, asleep at home, received an urgent email but did not respond until awakened by text. 

    On The Horizon...
    • MACHC Pre-Semi Functional Exercise, Technical Assistance session on dissecting Federally Qualified Health Center Emergency Preparedness Plans to find gaps.
    • Semi-functional exercise with all FQHCs as observers

    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]
     
    Kathleen Long
    Office phone: 410-877-1003
    Work cell: 443-388-6290
    Office address: 120 S. Hays Street
    Bel Air, MD  21014
    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]
    Corinne Edds
    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
    Modern Healthcare: Medicaid Expansion Hits Deep South
    Louisiana is the 31st state-and the first in the Deep South-to extend Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act to adults with incomes up to 138% of poverty. The expansion, fully supported by the federal government through this year, will be partly paid for in future years by fees levied on Louisiana hospitals, estimated at $27 million in the first year and $120 million by year five. ... Enacting the expansion may have been the easy part. Now Louisiana policymakers, providers and health plans face major challenges in redesigning a largely out-of-date healthcare delivery system that still relies heavily on fee-for-service payment, and in improving health behaviors in one of the nation's poorest and sickest states

    Preston Grundy started drinking at 14 to escape from his depression. He soon moved on to marijuana, Xanax, Adderall and cocaine, smoking pot when he woke each day and snorting pills in the bathroom between classes. The Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, teen went to treatment, but quickly relapsed upon returning to school, where he had constant access to drug dealers. Now 18, Grundy has been clean for 17 months and will begin college this fall to study social work and chemical dependency counseling. He credits his switch to a recovery school, PEASE Academy in Minneapolis, which he attends with about 60 other teens trying to beat addiction and where he says he wouldn't be able to find drugs if he tried. 

    U.S. Not Doing Enough To Halt Childhood Lead Poisoning
    Despite dramatic declines in childhood lead poisoning over the past few decades, the United States is doing too little to prevent new poisonings, the nation's leading group of pediatricians said Monday. The statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, published in the journal Pediatrics, comes at a time when lead is receiving renewed public attention, largely due to the apparent poisoning of thousands of children who drank contaminated water in Flint, Mich. 

    As Cancer Group Pushes For Expansion, Researchers Find Medicaid Boosts Local Economies
    Just as new research highlights the economic advantages of expanding Medicaid, medical organizations have entered the fight for expansion, arguing that, for many, it could be a matter of life and death. Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, recently sent letters to Gov. Terry McAuliffe, House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, and Sen. Stephen D. Newman, R-Lynchburg, the president pro tem of his chamber. In the letters, Hansen offers to help identify a way in which Virginia can become the 32nd state in the U.S. to accept federal funds and expand coverage to uninsured Virginians, an effort that has been thwarted by the General Assembly

    Antitrust Regulators Concerned About An Anthem-Cigna Merger
    U.S. antitrust regulators have privately expressed concerns about Anthem Inc.'s $48 billion proposed acquisition of Cigna Corp., and are skeptical that the health insurers can offer concessions that would fully preserve competition in the industry, according to people familiar with the matter. Company representatives met June 10 in Washington with Justice Department staffers and representatives of more than a dozen state attorneys general, the people said. At the meeting, government officials outlined their worries about combining two of the nation's top health insurers, the people said

    Earlier this week, HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cuba's Ministry of Public Health, an important milestone between the two countries since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations in 2015.
    The MOU establishes coordination across a broad spectrum of public health issues, including global health security, communicable and non-communicable diseases, research and development, and information technology.

    On Thursday, June 23 from 2-3pm EDT, HRSA will host a webcast featuring speakers from the CDC, Midwest AIDS Education and Training Center, and Chase Brexton Health Care. Presenters will discuss the latest testing campaigns, efforts around pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and provide examples from the field. There will also be time for questions and answers

    Medicare Patients with Alzheimer's Disease, Depression, Asthma and More The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid joined the open data movement by opening up their trove of data. PolicyMap now features some key indicators related to chronic conditions. 

    Drug Overdose Death Data now on PolicyMap
    As a part of the national dialog around opioid addiction and overdoses, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released drug overdose death statistics that are now available on PolicyMap.
    State News
    DELAWARE
    ORLANDO RESPONSE: #lovewins
    DELAWARE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMUNITY RESOURCES
    The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced community resources today in response to the shootings at an Orlando gay club over the weekend. Adults and youth struggling with grief or wanting to learn more about local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community resources, can call 2-1-1 in Delaware.
     
    "Many of our hearts were broken yesterday as we woke up and learned about the Orlando shooting," said DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf. "Now is the time to wrap ourselves around our LGBT youth, and indeed the entire community, and say we stand with you as our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends and co-workers."
     
    Despite recent gains, too many LGBT youth and adults still face discrimination and are more likely to be the victims of violence, particularly transgender individuals. They are also more likely to suffer trauma and depression and to have suicidal thoughts.
     
    "Stress and trauma negatively impact mental and physical health," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. "As we all work together to reduce health disparities in our community, it is important to recognize the special stress and trauma when faced with discrimination and violence simply for trying to live your honest life. There are numerous resources in the community to find support and today we want to spread the word that help is out there."
     
    Added Lisa Goodman, President of Equality Delaware, Inc., "No one should get the message from this tragedy that they are alone. We all stand together and we all matter. If you are struggling with grief or if you want to help, please reach out and take advantage of community resources available nationally and in Delaware."
     
    Important resources:
     
    A gunman opened fire at an Orlando gay club early Sunday morning killing at least 49 people and wounding at least 53. 
     
    Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.
    MARYLAND
    Dr. Leana Wen is Baltimore City's Health Commissioner, and she joins us here on Maryland Morning each month for our Healthwatch segment -- conversations about issues affecting the health and well-being of Charm City residents.
    On the following program, Dr. Wen talks with Tom about her continuing campaign against opioid painkiller abuse, and her participation  last week with other Baltimore community leaders in a White House meeting on the city's social and economic resurgence.
    Finance & Business
    Oscar Health was going to be a new kind of insurance company. Started in 2012, just in time to offer plans to people buying insurance under the new federal health care law, the business promised to use technology to push less costly care and more consumer-friendly coverage. "We're trying to build something that's going to turn the industry on its head," Joshua Kushner, one of the company's founders, said in 2014, as Oscar began to enroll its first customers. These days, though, Oscar is more of a case study in how brutally tough it is to keep a business above water in the state marketplaces created under the Affordable Care Act. 


    The
    Latest News on ACA
     
    OUR WORK CONTINUES

    Resources: Minimum essential coverage chart and factsheet
    Last week, Health Reform: Beyond the Basics released two helpful tools about how to figure out minimum essential coverage (MEC): a reference chart and a FAQ page. These resources clarify what types of coverage meet the MEC requirement for the individual mandate and who can get financial assistance through the Marketplace. 


    CMS Update: Changes to SEP confirmation process to begin June 17
    CMS provided details about the new SEP confirmation process, announcing that it will go into effect June 17. 
    Under the new process, consumers applying for the most common SEPs will be asked for additional documentation, which will add more red tape to an already cumbersome process for consumers.  Model eligibility notices that consumers will receive through these SEPs are available for viewing. 

    Veterans Choice Program FREE Toolkit for Outreach Partners
    The fact sheets, social media content, frequently asked questions and other materials in this toolkit are designed to make it easy to share information and spread awareness about the Veterans Choice Program. It includes sample communications and templates you can customize for specific events.

    Resource: New rules for enrolling in Medicaid managed care 
    Check out the first analysis in our series explaining major changes to how Medicaid managed care works. This analysis explains the elements of the new Medicaid managed care rule that affect enrollment, including new requirements for states to create "beneficiary support systems" to help individuals with the enrollment process.  

    A new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) memo affirms that insurers selling plans with mandated benefits under the Affordable Care Act cannot require people to wait a certain amount of time before they can use those benefit

    Starting July 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented an interim final rule requiring consumers to prove they had qualifying health coverage for one or more days in the 60 days before their move, unless they are moving from a foreign country or United States territory. Also, moving only for medical treatment or staying somewhere for vacation doesn't qualify them for a Special Enrollment Period.  This interim final rule will not take effect until July 11, 2016, and CMS is accepting comments on the rule through July 5. 

    Marketplace Announces 2017-2019 Open Enrollment Dates
    • 2017 Benefit Year (OE4): November 1st, 2016-January 31st, 2017 (coming up!)
    • 2018 Benefit Year (OE5): November 1st, 2017-January 31st, 2018
    • 2019 Benefit Year (OE6): November 1st, 2018-December 31st, 2018
    NEW: Ending Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Retroactive Coverage
    On April 1st,  the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance announcing that after March 31, 2016 the Marketplace will no longer be accepting new requests for Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for retroactive coverage back to 2015. All retro SEP requests received after this date will receive a max retro date of January 1, 2016.
    MACHC Conference Call Updates
    Families USA June webinar: Optimizing special enrollment periods 
    Register now for our June 23 webinar on special enrollment periods (SEPs). This webinar will highlight assisters who have used SEPs to reach unique populations, including the justice-involved population and immigrants. The webinar will also explain the recent policy changes and developments related to SEP policy. 

    MACHC's Outreach & Enrollment Webinar with Enroll America  Friday, June 24, 2016  11am- noon
    Check next week for webinar link or ask Aneeqa to add you to OE Team listserv
    641-715-3580 / Access Code: 941-597 / Login: https://enrollamerica.adobeconnect.com/_a1138253866/sageneral

    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


    HRSA Funding Opportunity to Support Leadership Training for People Living with HIV
    The needs of people living with HIV have continued to evolve over time, and it is essential that the diverse perspectives and experiences of people living with HIV continue to be an integral part of program planning and implementation at all levels. To ensure that people living with HIV are engaged and their voices continue to be heard, HHS has directed $2.5 million from the Secretary's Minority AIDS Initiative Fund to support a new initiative to provide leadership training for people of color living with HIV.
    HRSA's HIV/AIDS Bureau is leading this effort and recently published a Funding Opportunity Announcement, Leadership Training for People of Color Living with HIV.

    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

    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 
    CMS Announces Additional Funding to Support Clinicians Delivering High Quality Patient-Centered Care
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a second round of funding for the Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative (TCPI). Support and Alignment Network. This opportunity will provide up to $10 million over the next three years to leverage primary and specialist care transformation work and to help prepare clinicians for Alternative Payment Models.
    How to Apply: Applications are currently being accepted for this funding opportunity through July 11, 2016. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a letter of intent by July 1, 2016. CMS anticipates announcing awards in Fall 2016.

    Free PCMH Technical Assistance is Available through NCQA's Government Recognition Initiative Program (GRIP) Register here
    The National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) Live Open Forum will address questions related to PCMH 2014 standards, the application, and survey process. NCQA staff will respond to your questions. You may attend the Open Forum as many times as you need.
    Clinical Quality 
    Telehealth for Diabetes Self-Management - Tuesday, June 21 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET.
    This webinar is designed to help you explore how telehealth may help increase access to Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) for rural and frontier patients. Fundamental considerations necessary for distance-based DSME programs will be identified and an overview of the technological components and patient privacy standards will be provided. Finally, details regarding third-party reimbursement for telehealth DSME will be discussed, with a focus on the Medicare coverage requirements.  Registration is free and required.  For more information, contact Ellen Ingram at

    Quality Payment Program Webinars 
    CMS is providing opportunities to better understand the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) under the new proposed rule for the Quality Payment Program.  Physicians and other eligible professionals in rural areas that serve Medicare beneficiaries may be subjected to requirements under MIPS.  MIPS would evaluate the quality of care delivered based on four performance categories: resource use, quality, advancing care information (use of electronic health records), and clinical practice improvement activities.  
    Register now for the MIPS: Clinical Practice Improvement Activities (CPIA) Overview on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm ET and a MIPS Scoring Overview on Friday, June 24 at 12:00 pm ET. 
    Space for these webinars is limited and registration is required.  After your registration is completed, you will receive a follow-up e-mail with step-by-step instructions on how to log-in to the webinar. CMS encourages review of the proposed rule ( CMS-5517-P) prior to these listening sessions and reminds that the feedback you give will not be considered formal commenting.  Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by 5pm on Monday, June 27, 2016.  

     CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain - Wednesday, June 22, 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET.
    According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in rural areas is 45 percent higher than in urban areas.  This webinarprovides recommendations for safer and more effective prescribing of opioids for chronic pain in patients 18 and older in outpatient settings outside of active cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care. During this COCA Call, clinicians will hear an overview of the CDC recommendations and learn when and how opioids should be initiated for chronic pain, how to assess risk and address harms of opioid use, and when and how opioids should be discontinued.

     
    Implementing Syringe Services - Thursday, June 23, 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET.  
    This webinar will cover the available guidance on syringe exchange from HHS, CDC, and HRSA into easy-to-understand and actionable terms. Participants will also hear from organizations that experienced HIV outbreak in rural Indiana and other communities who are building strong partnerships with their health departments needed to effectively address the HIV and harm reduction needs in their communities.

    Rural-Urban Differences in Practices for LGBT Patients - Monday, June 27th at 3:00 pm ET.
    This month's webinar from the Rural Population Health Learning Collaborative will feature David Tillman, Chair and Assistant Professor of Public Health at the Campbell University School of Public Health, Buies Creek, NC in a discussion about the impact of rural isolation for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) patients.  Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android at https://zoom.us/j/7069532956  , or dial:
    +1 415 762 9988 (US Toll) or +1 646 568 7788 (US Toll).  Learn more about the challenges to LGBT healthcare at the Rural Health Information Hub.
      Register Now:  3RNet Annual Conference - September 13-15.  The National Rural Recruitment and Retention Network (3RNet) is now accepting registration for its annual conference in Nashville, TN.  Members and nonmembers are 

    Training Programs and HHS Region III brings you the following webinars:
    August 3, 2016: Opioid Prescribing: Safe Practice, Changing Lives* (Choose to attend this event  in-person in Philadelphia, PA, or participate by webinar!)

    NACHC Webinars to Improve Compliance, Finance, Operations
    The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is offering several webinars to support health centers in making the best of the present, remain in compliance and prepare for the future.  There is no fee for any of the webinars, but registration is required.  
    For a FULL List of Webinars, CLICK HERE 
    Ask the Experts Webinar Series: State Policy & Behavioral Health 
    • Behavioral Health Integration--Tuesday, June 14, 2PM ET
    • Substance Use Disorder--Tuesday, June 21, 2PM ET
    • Behavioral Health Workforce--Tuesday, June 28, 2PM ET
    • Behavioral health experts will speak to state health policy challenges and opportunities related to behavioral health integration in health centers
    2016 Maryland Patient Navigation Network Annual Meeting & TrainingMaryland Patient Navigation NetworkTuesday, June 14, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM (EDT)                 Towson, MD
    Register Here
    Benefits Include:
    • Hearing from national and local speakers that are experts in topics pertaining to patient navigation and cancer care 
       
    • Learning about resources available to cancer patients and their families
       
    • Networking with other navigators across the state
       
    • Certificates of attendance will be distributed
    Health Observances This Week
     


    The month of June marks National Men's Health Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of preventable diseases and promote early detection and treatment.
    Back in 1920, men lived longer than women by an average of one year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But today, the average woman lives six years longer than the average man. Furthermore, men are 60 percent more likely to develop heart disease than women, and men are 44 percent more likely to get cancer. According to the Men's Health Network, this is because men are less likely to adopt preventative health measures and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Men are also more likely to go long periods of time without seeing a doctor.
    Men tend to be notorious for not worrying about their health. Aches, pains and discomfort are just something most men try to power through. Many don't want to see a doctor just to hear what's wrong with them. As with women, it is just as important for men to take time for preventative health care. The most important things men can do to help prevent disease and premature death is to eat healthy, be physically active, maintain a healthy weight, not smoke, only drink in moderation and manage stress. These small daily choices add up to big results.
    In addition to striving to be healthy every day, one of the most important decisions a man can make is to see a doctor for routine check-ups and screenings. Many of the major health risks that men often face, like heart disease and colon cancer, can be prevented and even treated with an early diagnosis. Doctors regularly screen for unhealthy blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, mental health, and weight.
    Men's Health Network recommends the following simple, lifesaving screenings:
    * Yearly physical and blood pressure (all men)
    * Skin cancer exam (all men)
    * Blood panel to check cholesterol, diabetes, kidney and thyroid (men 20 and older)
    * Blood panel with a prostate cancer screening (men 50 and older, though black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer may wish to begin prostrate screenings at age 40 or earlier)
    * Colonoscopy to check for colon cancer (men 45 and older)
    Men's Health Month also presents a special opportunity for women to play a role in helping the significant men in their lives-like grandfathers, fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers-take charge of their health. Start the conversation by asking them:
    * Have they had their blood pressure checked lately?
    * Have they talked to their doctor about being screened for conditions such as prostate or colon cancer?
    * Have they reviewed their family's medical history with a doctor?
    Has your FQHC joined the National Branding Campaign?

     

    With more than 43 billion people  eligible to enroll in private insurance starting this October 1, FQHCs strive to create an identifiable unifying identity for themselves. This is where the National Branding Campaign for Our Health Centers comes into place. 

    The campaign is a national branding effort to strengthen recognition of our Health Centers as a unified and nationwide network of quality community-based primary care providers.  Initially created at the state level by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) and its membership, the National Association of Community Health Centers has expanded the campaign nationwide.

     

    The FQHC Brand Components  

    MACHC recently hosted a Branding Webinar for MD and DE Health Centers with CEO of PACHC, Cheri Reinhart and Event and Communications Coordinator, Kirsten Keyes, as guest speakers. If you missed the webinar and would like access, please click here.

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