News from Policy If you have questions about CHCANYS' policy and advocacy work, please contact Beverly Grossman, bgrossman@chcanys.org.
Action Alert: Call Your Members of Congress Today and Ask Them to Preserve Health Center Funding Budget negotiations are happening in Congress right now to avoid going over a "fiscal cliff," the date on which certain automatic spending cuts are scheduled to go into effect in the event that a new deficit reduction plan is not passed. The entire Medicaid program, FQHC reimbursement and funding and even the ACA’s Health Center Trust Fund are at risk. Now is the time to make sure your Members of Congress understand and support health center priorities. As Health Center Advocates, it is our job to speak up loudly over the next month until a deal is reached.
Take Action!
Call your Members of Congress using NACHC’s Advocacy Hotline at 1-866-456-3949 and and tell your Representatives and Senators:
"I understand the importance of Congress' work on a Budget deal. I am calling to ask you to help ensure that Community Health Centers like mine are protected through any effort to reduce the deficit."
When you call the hotline, you will be asked to enter your zip code and select the name of your Member of Congress. Select either your U.S. Representative or one of your U.S. Senators; after your first call is complete, stay on the line to be connected with your other Members of Congress.
For more information about the fiscal cliff, deficit reduction, and what this situation means for community health centers, click here.
Decisions being made right now will affect access to care in your community! Please take a few minutes today to call your Members of Congress and let them know how important health center funding is to you.
New York’s Community Health Centers Featured in Crain’s Health Pulse The November 20th edition of Crain’s Health Pulse features an article on the damages sustained by New York’s community health centers during Hurricane Sandy and CHCANYS’ efforts to secure relief funding to cover lost revenue and repair costs. Click here to read it.
Save the Date for Advocacy Day 2013! It's time to start making plans to attend CHCANYS' Annual Community Health Center Grassroots Advocacy Day, scheduled for March 4, 2013 at the the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Additional details and an online registration form will be posted on the CHCANYS website in early January. In the meantime, we urge you to begin recruiting widely for this important event! Please contact Kate Graetzer in CHCANYS’ Albany office with any questions or concerns 518-434-0767 ext. 15 or kgraetzer@chcanys.org.
News from Health Center Support If you have questions about CHCANYS' health center support activities, please contact Rebecca Gaige, rgaige@chcanys.org.
Register Today! CHCANYS to Host Uniform Data System (UDS) Training in NYC on Monday, December 17th This one-day training will cover the preparation of the 2012 UDS report and is directed at fiscal staff, clinical staff responsible for clinical measure reporting, and management staff at FQHCs (section 330 Grantees and Look-Alikes) and New Access Points. Click here to register and to review the agenda. This training will follow the same agenda as the November 15th training in Rochester.
NYU Kimmel Center 60 Washington Square South New York, NY www.nyu.edu/kimmel.center Training Room: Rosenthal Pavilion - 10th Floor
Please note that the building does not open until 8:30 a.m. This is an all-weather training session. No-shows and cancellations will not be refunded.
CHCANYS 2012 Statewide Conference & Clinical Forum – A Great Success! A special thanks to all of our speakers, workshop presenters, partners, sponsors and exhibitors for a successful conference on October 24-26 in Saratoga Springs, NY. We have received great reviews and feedback. Click here to access copies of conference presentations. Click here to view photos taken during the conference.
Farmworker Justice, the National Center for Farmworker Health and NACHC to Host Webinar on Transportation Barriers for Farmworker Communities
Immigration Law and Transportation: Overcoming Transportation Barriers for Farmworker Communities Presenter: Megan Horn, JD, Staff Attorney/Policy Analyst, Farmworker Justice Moderator: Hilda Ochoa Bogue, Research and Development Director, National Center for Farmworker Health Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST
In the past few years, several states have passed laws with provisions that impose civil and criminal penalties for activities such as providing transportation to undocumented immigrants. Health centers and other organizations that serve farmworkers have expressed concern regarding their potential liability for transporting undocumented persons and the legality of law enforcement activity in the proximity of their health centers.
This webinar will provide an overview of laws and policies related to transportation and the ability of immigrant patients to access health centers. Megan Horn, Staff Attorney/Policy Analyst at Farmworker Justice, will discuss:
Legal implications for health centers when transporting unauthorized immigrants;
How and when law enforcement/immigration officers may question staff and patients regarding immigration status; and
Basic rights and responsibilities of health center staff and their patients.
Fund for Public Health in New York Solicits Neighborhood Contractors to Help Further Goals of Community Transformation Grant On behalf of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) and the Partnership for Healthier New York City, the Fund for Public Health in New York (FPHNY) is requesting proposals from Neighborhood Contractors to advance the work of New York City’s Community Transformation Grant. Details of the project and criteria for selection are included in the RFP. For key deadlines and other information, please click here.
Completed submissions are due to FPHNY no later than 3:00 p.m. on December 17, 2012 and should be sent to Liz Nguyen, Grant Manager at lnguyen@fphny.org.
NYS Department of Health Announces Availability of $6.4 Million for Rural Providers The NYSDOH’s Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health is proud to announce the availability of $6.4 million annually for up to five years for the Rural Health Network Development Program, which seeks to improve the health of New York’s rural communities by providing support for rural providers to improve access to care, enhance coordination of services, increase efficiency of service delivery, and introduce needed community services through the formation and operation of rural health networks. Click here to access the Request for Applications (RFA). Applications will be accepted through 4:00 p.m. on January 11, 2013.
HRSA Releases Revised Site Visit Guide The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) recently released a new Health Center Site Visit Guide, which includes a number of important changes to the program requirements as well as new terminology. Guidance revisions include:
After hours coverage
Sliding fee discounts
Key management staff
Collaborative arrangements
Click here to access the revised Health Center Site Visit Guide.
2012-13 Health Centers Salary & Benefits Report Now Available This report, now in its 16th edition and conveniently accessible on CD, is the most comprehensive source for compensation and benefits information pertaining solely to community-based health centers nationwide. It contains valuable compensation data for key health center positions - chief executive officers, chief operating officers, medical directors, physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and others - organized by budget and staff size, geographic location and a variety of other relevant factors. Please note: this report is only available on CD. To purchase 2012-13 Health Centers Salary & Benefits Report from the NACHC website, please click here.
November 2012 Medicaid Update The Office of Health Insurance Programs of the New York State Department of Health has approved the release of the November 2012 Medicaid Update. Click here to access it.
Developing Great Health Centers: Three-Day Training on July 9-11 2013 In anticipation of the upcoming New Access Point guidance release, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and the North West Regional Primary Care Association (NWRPCA) will host the popular three-day intensive training Developing Great Health Centers: Quality, Compliance, and Sustainability in Seattle, WA. This training will demonstrate how to effectively develop your program model, starting with performing a comprehensive needs assessment through developing health and business plans and budgets. Tips on how to present information in the proposal, what review committees look for, and how to help improve your opportunities for funding will be covered as well. For details, click here.
News from the Quality Improvement Program If you have questions about CHCANYS’ Quality Improvement Program, please contact Kathy Alexis, kalexis@chcanys.org.
Adolescent Sexual Health Webinar Series
Contraception Counseling: Quick Start, Emergency Contraception, and Oral Contraceptive Pills Date: Friday, December 14, 2012 Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
This webinar is presented by the American Academy of Pediatrics (District II NYS), Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH), and the NYC STD/HIV Prevention Training Center. There is no fee to attend. CME credit will be provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mental Health First Aid 12-Hour Training Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can help them.
Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan for offering assistance to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connecting them with the appropriate professional, peer, social or self-help care. Anyone can take the 12-Hour Mental Health First Aid course — first responders, students, teachers, leaders of faith communities, human resources professionals, and caring citizens.
2013 Prevent Blindness America Investigator Award – Up to $30,000 Available
Grant Period: One (1) year; commences on July 1, 2013 Application Deadline: March 27, 2013
The 2013 Prevent Blindness America Investigator Award provides funding for research investigating public health related to eye health and safety. Applications will be accepted in the following priority areas in adult vision, children’s vision, or eye injury:
Burden/economic aspects of eye disease/vision loss on society
Best practices to integrate vision screening/follow up care to system care access
Vision program effectiveness/evaluation
All research grants need to promote the core mission of Prevent Blindness America – preventing blindness and preserving sight. Basic laboratory science research will not be supported under this program.
For more information, click here. Contact Nita Patel, PBA Director of Public Health at 312-363-6019 or npatel@preventblindness.org with any questions.
Meaningful Use Webcast for Clinicians Hosted by Open Door Family Medical Centers
Meaningful Use: A Clinician's Survival Guide Presented by: Daren Wu, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Family Physician, Open Door Family Medical Centers, Inc. Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST
As part of the overall goal of improving patient safety and care quality, the government has released Meaningful Use criteria intended to elevate documentation standards in electronic medical records. While the aim is welcome, medical practices and clinicians struggle with the shift in documentation habits that these criteria require. In this webcast, a background of Meaningful Use will be given, the Core Objectives and Menu Items will be reviewed, and clinicians will gain practical advice on how to achieve the standards.
This webcast is pending 1.0 Continuing Education credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Sponsored by Clinical Director’s Network (CDN), Clinical Leadership Network.
HIV Care for the Homeless Webcast for Clinicians Hosted by Inspired Consulting
Cultural Competence: Strengthening the Clinician's Role in Delivering Quality HIV Care within Homeless Communities Presented by: Corey Beauford, LICSW, President, Inspired Consulting Date: Thursday, December 13, 2012 Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST
Learning Objectives:
To identify factors that contribute to homelessness among people living with HIV/AIDS
To understand barriers that homeless people living with HIV/AIDS face when attempting to access quality medical care
To understand strategies for providing culturally competent, quality, HIV/AIDS care to persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
This activity has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 1.0 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Sponsored by Clinical Directors Network (CDN) and the AIDS Education and Training Center National Multicultural Center (AETC-NMC) at Howard University College of Medicine.
The Myth of the Required Pelvic Exam Many clinicians require patients to have a recent pelvic exam and pap smear before starting or renewing hormonal birth control. Do women really need a pelvic exam before starting hormonal contraception? Click here for more.
Estrogen Contraindications The birth control pill, patch and ring contain estrogen and progestin. Of those two hormones, estrogen carries more risk - especially to the cardiovascular system. Which women can't take estrogen? Click here for more. (To earn a free CME credit, all you have to do is read this Pearl and take a 3-question quiz.)
Do You Quickstart? When a patient wants to start hormonal contraception, many clinicians use the Sunday start method – but Sunday start isn’t the only way. Quickstart means initiating contraception on the day of an office visit, at any point in the patient’s menstrual cycle. Click here for more.
Free DLA-20 Training Hosted by the Institute for Family Health The Daily Living Activities functional assessment tool (DLA-20) is widely used and helps assess how much a client’s daily living is impacted by his/her mental illness or disability.
The Institute for Family Health will host two upcoming training sessions on Monday, December 10th for staff at all levels. RSVP is required. Click here for additional information and registration instructions.
News from Emergency Management If you have questions about CHCANYS' Emergency Management work, please contact Matthew Ziemer, mziemer@chcanys.org.
Important: Deadlines for Filing FEMA Request for Public Assistance Extended The deadlines for applying for Public Assistance (PA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been extended for 30 days and are now as follows:
Dec. 29, 2012: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens counties
Jan. 2, 2013: Rockland and Westchester counties
Jan. 12, 2013: Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties
Click here to read more information about the deadline extensions.
Your feedback on this application process will help CHCANYS to continue to advocate on your behalf and offer guidance on Hurricane Sandy recovery issues. Please let us know when you have submitted your RPA to FEMA and scheduled your kick-off meeting by e-mailing emteam@chcanys.org.
New Hurricane Sandy Recovery Resources Available
Small Business Administration Low Interest Loans The U.S. Small Business Administration’s electronic loan application (ELA) is the speedy, user-friendly way for homeowners, renters and businesses to apply for a disaster loan for Hurricane Sandy damages in New York. The ELA provides a convenient alternative to visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or mailing in a paper loan application. The deadline for economic injury applications is December 31st, 2012. To apply online, click here. For more details on the Small Business Administration Loans, click here.
New Resources from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) SAMHSA has released a number of resources for helping providers to recognize and deal with mental health and substance abuse issues in the wake of disaster. Access resources geared toward children and youth here. SAMHSA has also put together a number of Behavioral Health Resources, including a disaster distress helpline and a number of fact sheets. Access them here.
NYC Nonprofit Recovery Loan Program The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, the Ford Foundation, Capital One Bank, Robin Hood, and several other funders have initiated a loan program to help nonprofits that were effected by Hurricane Sandy. Click here for more details and to learn how to apply.
Please visit the CHCANYS website for these and other resources compiled to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Biosurveillance Update Please click here for a detailed update on Influenza.
News from HIT If you have questions about CHCANYS' HIT work, please contact Lisa Perry, lperry@chcanys.org.
Special Edition Medicaid Update on Health Home Implementation Released
The NYS Department of Health Medicaid Program has just issued a Special Edition Medicaid Update on Health Home Implementation. Topics covered include:
Status of implementation for each of the three Phases of the program
If you have questions about CHCANYS' Workforce Development Program, please e-mail us at workforce@chcanys.org.
Free CUNY Training for the Health Care Workforce of the Future
The CUNY CareerPATH program offers students the opportunity to learn about community health and outreach and how to effectively work as part of a care-coordination team. Students graduate with:
Preparation for emerging occupations such as patient advocates, patient navigators, and community health workers;
An understanding of chronic disease and preventative care, self-management strategies, and current healthcare policy;
Competencies crucial to patient-centered caregivers, including effective communication, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, advocacy, and organizational skills; and
Internship experiences that provide real-world work exposure.
During this semester-long program, CUNY CareerPATH students strengthen their academic skills, earn college credits to support future advancement, and access enhanced student services, including job-readiness training. Free programs will begin at Hostos Community College and LaGuardia Community College in January and at Kingsborough Community College in February. Interested individuals may contact the CUNY CareerPATH offices at Hostos (718-664-2544), LaGuardia (718-482-5031), and Kingsborough (718-368-5568) for enrollment information. Organizations and employers may contact Curtis Dann-Messier (718-254-7263) for partnership information.
Free Medical Billing and Coding Certification Training
NYACH (New York Alliance for Careers in Health), in partnership with NYC REACH, NYC Business Solutions, and the SUNY Brooklyn Education Opportunity Center, is offering free training for employees of any NYC medical practice in medical billing and coding. Those who successfully complete this 20-week training course will obtain a Medical Billing and Coding certificate. This program is designed for incumbent workers who live and work in NYC. Classes will be held on either Monday and Wednesday evenings or Wednesday and Friday evenings at the BEOC campus and begin on February 4, 2013. Anyone interested in more information should contact Amanda Brown, Workforce Development Coordinator at CHCANYS, as soon as possible at 212-710-4183 or abrown@chcanys.org.
1199/SEIU Training in Health Coaching and Care Coordination
The 1199/SEIU Training Funds has developed a 48-hour training program in Care Coordination. This free training may be completed on site at health centers by any paraprofessional staff who deliver any kind of care coordination as well as by prospective health care workers. The training evolved out of a set core competencies identified by NYC health sector employers and is geared toward emerging workforce needs in health settings such as ACOs, Health Homes, and PCMH. The program is offered to staff at health centers regardless of union affiliation. For more information, please contact Amanda Brown, Workforce Development Coordinator at CHCANYS, at 212-710-4183 or abrown@chcanys.org.
If your health center has a training or technical assistance program that you'd like to share with others around the state, or if you would like to subscribe others at your health center to Your CHCANYS, please email the pertinent information to Rebecca Gaige-Troxell at rgaige@chcanys.org. We welcome your feedback and comments.
