Your CHCANYS: 08-11-16

National Health Center Week 2016 is Underway! 
This week, FQHCs across New York State and the rest of the country are celebrating National Health Center Week by hosting a variety of events designed to showcase the innovative model of primary and preventive care that they have been providing for more than 50 years. Members of Congress, state legislators, and local elected officials have been participating in these activities to show their ongoing support for the important work that FQHCs do, not only to ensure access to affordable, high-quality primary care for all who need it, but also to address the factors that cause illness in at-risk communities and empower patients to take charge of their health and stay out of the emergency room. On Monday, longtime FQHC champion Senator Bernie Sanders and HRSA Administrator Jim Macrae joined NACHC’s National Health Center Week “Kick-Off” TeleForum to congratulate FQHCs on their long and successful track record of providing better care at a lower cost.  

NYC Providers of Health Care for Homeless Honor Elizabeth Swain during National Health Center Week 
The NYC Providers of Health Care for the Homeless (PHCH), a coalition of FQHCs dedicated to ensuring access to high-quality, affordable health care for homeless individuals in NYC, hosted an event for health center staff, elected officials, and advocacy partners yesterday to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and honor the memory and contributions of former CHCANYS President & CEO Elizabeth Swain, who dedicated her life’s work to social and economic justice in health care with a keen focus on challenges faced by the homeless. Timed to coincide with Health Care for the Homeless Day, the event ended with an awards ceremony featuring the newly-named Elizabeth Swain Award for Outstanding Service, presented by CHCANYS' Interim President & CEO Lisa Perry to John Lozier of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council for his 26 years of leadership. A number of other homeless health care champions were recognized during the event, including Dan Sheppard, Deputy Commissioner of the NYS Dept. of Health’s Office of Primary Care and Health Systems Management, Dr. Barbara Zeller of Brightpoint Health, Debbian Fletcher-Blake of Morris Heights Health Center, and numerous other FQHC staff. CHCANYS' Senior Policy Director Beverly Grossman also presented a proclamation issued by Mayor Bill de Blasio in honor of National Health Center Week 2016. Congratulations to the awardees and kudos to PHCH on a fantastic event.To read Lisa Perry's remarks, click here. To view a copy of the event program, click here. To view the proclamation issued by Mayor de Blasio, click here.

Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program (SHCFTP) Applicant Webinar Recording Now Available
The NYS Dept. of Health’s Office of Primary Care and Health Systems Management has released a recording of the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program (SHCFTP) Applicant Webinar that was held on August 8. The slide deck may be accessed here.  Responses to Frequently Asked Questions will be posted on the Grants Gateway on or about August 17, 2016.

July Medicaid Update
The Office of Health Insurance Programs of the NYS Dept. of Health recently updated the web page housing the montly Medicaid Update to make it easier to view via mobile devices. To view the recently-released July 2016 issue, click here.

OMIG Webinar on Mandatory Compliance Programs & Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 Now Available Online
The Office of the Medicaid Inspector General’s (OMIG) Webinar #35 is now available online. This webinar introduces the form that must be used by New York's Medicaid providers when they attempt to meet their obligation to certify that their compliance program meets the requirements of New York's mandatory compliance program law and regulations. It also introduces the form that must be used by New York's Medicaid providers when they attempt to meet their annual certification obligation under the federal Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005. To access the webinar, click here. 

4th Annual United States Conference on African Immigrant and Refugee Health (USCAIH 2016)
Date: September 15-18, 2016
Location: New York LaGuardia Airport Marriot, 102-05 Ditmars Boulevard, East Elmhurst  

The theme of this year’s event is “Health Behaviors of African Immigrants and Refugees: Rethinking Integration, Challenges and Empowerment.” Building on the successes of previous USCAIH conferences,  USCAIH 2016 will bring together members of the community, health researchers, academics, public health workers, advocates, provider and community organizers to shed light on, enhance and advance the body of scholarship, best-practices and expertise in the increasingly complex field of African immigrant and refugee health.  For registration information and to view the agenda, click here.

Empire BlueCross BlueShield to Host Forums for Medicaid Providers 
Empire BlueCross BlueShield will host a number of educational breakfast forums for Medicaid Providers throughout New York State beginning later this month and extending through the end of the calendar year.  The forums are designed to drive collaboration between Empire and the Medicaid provider network and provide helpful information and resources as well as networking opportunities. Topics to be covered include quality incentive and shared savings program updates; New York’s Essential Plan; and Empire marketing and member programs. For more information  and to register, click here.

Are You Getting the Most for Your Money?
CHCANYS partners with the CommonWealth Purchasing Group (CPG) as a value-added service to FQHCs in New York State. With a portfolio of over 75 nationally recognized vendors, CPG can help you save money on day-to-day business purchases as well as larger, one-time expenses related to expansion projects. For a free assessment and to learn more, click here.

Zika Information and Resources 
With recently-identified local Zika transmission cases in Miami and a potential escalation of the Zika infection rates, the CHCANYS Emergency Management Team would like to remind you about available Zika resources from the NYS Dept. of Health, the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene,  and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, we encourage you to contact us at EMTeam@chcanys.org if you are seeking additional Zika information or resources.

Pokémon Go Away!  
Pokémon GO, an augmented reality video game, has generated a lot of attention recently. When your health center site becomes a virtual game location, however, fun may quickly become a burden. Click here for the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response ‘s (ASPR) view on the topic.

August 2016 Aware Prepare Update
Issued by the NYS Dept. of Health’s Office of Public Health, the monthly Aware Prepare electronic newsletter is your guide to upcoming emergency preparedness trainings. Sessions may be provided in one or more formats, including live webcasts, webinars and in-person trainings; archived webcasts and webinars; and/or on-demand eLearning. We encourage you to subscribe and receive this newsletter directly. The August edition may be viewed here.

Harvey Lawrence Appointed to PHHPC
CHCANYS congratulates Harvey Lawrence, President and CEO of BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers and CHCANYS board member, on his appointment to the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) of the NYS Department of Health. PHHPC makes decisions concerning the establishment and transfer of ownership of health care facilities, home care agencies and hospice programs; makes recommendations to the Commissioner of Health concerning major construction projects, service changes, and equipment acquisitions in health care facilities and home care agencies; and advises the Commissioner on issues related to the preservation and improvement of public health. Congratulations, Harvey!

HHS Awards $525K in FY2016 Patient-Centered Medical Home Awards to NYS Health Centers
On August 4, 2016, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $525,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Patient-Centered Medical Home Awards to 15 FQHCs across New York State. The awards are intended to assist providers in improving quality and experience of care through the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) health care delivery model and will help awardees to make the changes necessary to achieve, expand and optimize PCMH recognition.   

Buffalo’s Jericho Road Community Health Center Featured on PBS Newshour
Earlier this week, Jericho Road Community Health Center was featured in a PBS Newshour piece on the health challenges faced by Syrian refugees who have resettled in Buffalo and the programs available to address their unique needs. Click here to watch.

Urban Health Plan’s Dr. Samuel Deleon Named ACU Clinician of the Year  
It’s its annual conference earlier this month, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) named Urban Health Plan’s Dr. Samuel DeLeon “Clinician of the Year” for his over 20 years of service to vulnerable communities. Dr. DeLeon spearheaded Urban Health Plan’s adoption of health IT, supported a mentorship program to foster clinical retention, and developed a successful pay for performance program. He cofounded the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, created a Best Practices Committee, and guided a Community-Research Unit through clinical trials. Under his leadership, UHP was awarded the Asthma Leadership Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. CHCANYS congratulates Dr. DeLeon on this well-deserved award!

CHCANYS Statewide Conference & Clinical Forum 2016: Only a Few Tables Left! 
Whether you have existing clients or are new to the FQHC market, CHCANYS Statewide Conference and Clinical Forum is the venue to network with health center decision-makers and learn about their current product and service needs. This is a don’t miss, one-stop opportunity to network with over 500 CEOs, finance directors, medical directors and other senior leaders throughout New York State. Scheduled for October 30- November 1 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, this year’s activities will all take place in one building for easier access to vendors and conference events. Learn more about marketing opportunities, including ROI, by clicking here or contact rwynn@chcanys.org.  Don’t wait, spaces are limited.

CHCANYS/Latman Family Day at the Races is September 24, 2016
This year’s CHCANYS/Latman Family Day at the Races will take place on Saturday, September 24 at the beautiful Belmont Park Racetrack.  Scott Fein of BioReference Laboratories and Lynn Sherman of Charles B. Wang Community Health Center are this year’s honorees. This fun-filled family event will feature a BBQ lunch, activities and entertainment for children of all ages, raffles, a silent auction, and more! Proceeds will benefit CHCANYS and its mission to ensure high quality health care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. To purchase tickets, journal ads, and sponsorships, click here. 

NYSHealth Funding Opportunity: Sponsoring Conference Participation in Support of Healthy Communities
The New York State Health Foundation's Sponsoring Conference Participation in Support of Healthy Communities Request for Proposals (RFP) is open.  Many organizations across the state are doing smart, innovative work that is relevant to NYSHealth's priority area of building healthy communities. These organizations should be elevating their work and informing key stakeholders at conferences and other convenings in New York and nationally. Yet, because of a lack of resources, they are often unable to do so. Through this RFP, NYSHealth will sponsor community-based organizations, health departments, and other low-resource organizations to attend and present at local, state and national conferences related to building healthy communities. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2017. For more information and to apply, click here.    

Free Training and TA on Public Insurance Programs Covering Family Planning Services 
To receive free assistance on the Medicaid Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP), the Family Planning Extension Program (FPEP), and the intersection of FPBP and FPEP with other New York State Public Insurance programs that cover family planning services, contact Carmina Bernardo. Trainings are conducted in-person at your sites and scheduled according to your convenience. Multiple sessions are offered to accommodate staff schedules. Eligibility, enrollment, benefits and confidentiality provisions will be reviewed.  For a brief overview of FPBP, click here.

CHCANYS Receives HCCN Grant
We are happy to announce that CHCANYS recently received a Notice of Award (NOA) for the next round of HCCN funding!  The new 3-year funding period will begin on August 1 and the network plans to expand from 35 to 42 members.  Through this grant, we will support health centers in achieving meaningful use of Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)-certified electronic health records, adopting technology-enabled quality improvement strategies, and engaging in health information exchange to strengthen the quality of care and improve patient health outcomes. Additional information about the grant is available on HRSA’s HCCN technical assistance website. 

Meaningful Use Registration for Public Health (MURPH) System Updated
The Meaningful Use Registration for Public Health (MURPH) System has been updated to include additional enhancements and add Population Health Reporting (Specialized Registry). The Population Health Registry is a Specialized Registry for Eligible Professionals (EPs) who practice in NYC. For more information, click here. CHCANYS strongly encourages NYC Eps intending to submit data to the Population Health Registry to update their registration as soon as possible. EPs demonstrating Meaningful Use for the first time in 2016 will have a 90-day EHR Reporting Period and must register intent for each Public Health Meaningful Use Reporting Measure they intend to meet before or within 60 days of the start of their EHR Reporting Period.