BPHC Survey for Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program Participants
HRSA is conducting a review of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program to support preparedness for future public health emergency response and programmatic planning. They would like to hear from program participants and supporting organizations throughout the health center network.

HRSA has sent an email with a link to the survey to the Project Director in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks from BPHCAnswers@hrsa.gov with the subject line, “Your Experience with the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program.”

Share your answers by 11:59 p.m. your local time on Wednesday, July 20.

If you have questions, please submit a ticket through the BPHC Contact Form or call 877-464-4772, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday (except federal holidays).

As NC State of Emergency Expires, Businesses and Health Care Providers Need to Prepare to Avoid More COVID Confusion
On Monday, July 11, 2022, Governor Roy Cooper announced that he would end North Carolina’s State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic on August 15, 2022, nearly two and one-half years after first declaring it. Governor Cooper’s announcement will have significant legal consequences.

The Governor’s announcement will mark the end of the temporary immunity that the North Carolina General Assembly unanimously created in 2020 for healthcare providers against ordinary negligence claims and for businesses generally against ordinary negligence claims for transmission of the virus.
(Read more)

New Moderna Pediatric Vaccine Codes for Ages 6 through 11
(Link)
The Current Procedural Terminology Editorial Panel has approved three new vaccine administration codes (0091A, 0092A, 0093A) for the Moderna vaccine product to address severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) in pediatric patients ages 6 through 11. These codes are to be reported with previously established Moderna vaccine product code 91309.

The Panel has also approved an additional vaccine administration code (0113A) that is to be reported with the previously established Moderna vaccine product (91311) for pediatric patients ages 6 months through 5 years.Lastly, the age for the adult Moderna vaccine product (91301) and its associated vaccine administration codes (0011A, 0012A, 0013A) has been revised from ages 18 and older to ages 12 and older. These changes are retroactively effective as of June 17, 2022.

NCDHHS Announces Limited Vaccines Available in NC for People Exposed to Monkeypox

The federal government has allocated North Carolina 444 doses of Jynneos, a vaccine that can prevent illness or lead to less severe symptoms if given within two weeks after someone is exposed to monkeypox. Those doses have been allocated to seven local health departments (Buncombe, Durham, Forsyth, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Pitt and Wake). As additional doses become available, more locations will be added.
(Read more)

Integrating Community Health Workers into NC Medicaid
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) supports the use of Community Health Workers (CHWs) who play important roles in improving population health and supporting equitable health outcomes. 

NCDHHS published guidance on integrating CHWs into NC Medicaid, providing some background on the important and evolving roles of CHWs throughout the state of North Carolina.  The guidance offers examples of how CHWs can serve NC Medicaid members and provides information on current CHW training and certification opportunities throughout North Carolina. 

NC AHEC Practice Support launched technical assistance services for practices interested in CHW integration and program optimization. An initial pilot for practices is underway, and we are actively recruiting for second cohort for August 2022. 

Participating practices will receive evidence-based practice support coaching, resources and tools to help enhance your CHW program, and the opportunity to learn directly from AMH practice peers who are also working on CHW program implementation or optimization. These services are available at no charge. Visit the NC AHEC Practice Support webpage for more information, or contact them at practicesupport@ncahec.net if you are interested in participating.

Excerpt: Health systems have to think about the growth problem as an end-to-end user experience problem. This requires a product management approach that works backward from user needs to design new multi-modal experiences and unlock new revenue streams from new digitally enabled healthcare business models.

(Read more)

Establishing the Framework for Health Equity at CMS

CMS is the nation’s largest health insurer and has a critical role in driving improvements in health equity over the next decade. As CMS continues to lead the way to a more equitable health care system, we are taking another bold step in asserting our commitment to move our health care system from disparities to equity, through the release of the CMS Framework for Health Equity. 

Read the full blog.

Address Disparities for People with Disabilities
People living with disabilities are less likely to have access to adequate health care. During the American Disabilities Act anniversary month, find out how you can help address these challenges:

• Modernizing Health Care to Improve Physical Accessibility web-based training
• Achieving Health Equity web-based training
• Improving Access to Care for People with Disabilities webpage
• Health Equity Challenges & CMS Resources to Help Address Them (PDF) infographic

Deadline Today! Encourage your House Members to Sign On to Bipartisan 340B Letter by July 14

The deadline has been extended to today for U.S. House Representatives to sign on to a bipartisan House letter urging the federal government to begin enforcement actions against pharmaceutical companies that refuse to honor 340B discounts on prescription drugs. In N.C., Reps. Adams, Butterfield, and Manning have signed on.

Call your Representative's office today to make the request or click here to send a quick letter urging your House Members to support the 340B program by signing on to the letter by the July 14 deadline (those Representatives who have already signed will receive a thank you message from you).

Representatives can sign on by contacting Nicholas Widmyer at Widmyer@mail.house.gov in Rep. Spanberger's office or Jeannine Bender at Jeannine.Bender@mail.house.gov in Rep. McKinley's office (their info is included in this easy-to-send template letter).

New Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number
On July 16, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to an easy-to-remember, 3-digit number (988).The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Community health centers can use the resources in the 988 Partner Toolkit to help inform their patients about the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Learn more.

Medicaid Copay Increase
Effective July 1, 2022, copays for certain services covered by Medicaid that were previously eligible for $2 or $3 copays will be a $4 copay. The change only applies to services and beneficiaries who were previously charged copays. The copay increase only applies to NC Medicaid and not NC Health Choice. A provider cannot refuse to provide services if a Medicaid beneficiary cannot pay a copay at the time of service. Learn more.

Now Available! Workforce Workgroup Resources Webpage
We have a variety of timely templates and other guidance now available for you to access on our website.

Newly posted: A selection of guidance and documents for developing a new HPET program at your health center. You can access the page from this link, or anytime by going to ncchca.org then hover your cursor over “About Us”, then click Workforce Workgroup Resources, under the Workgroups Heading. As always, for targeted support with your HPET/Strategic Workforce Plan or your Comprehensive Workforce Plan, please connect with NCCHCA: Josie Lane-Kuzniar.

Join your CHC colleagues to share information, challenges, and best practices on workforce planning, development, and partnerships in your CHCs. Our July meeting will focus on your recently submitted or in-progress HPET Plans, how to optimize and augment, plus your own current priorities. We’ll also include a new workforce resiliency highlight.

Promoting Equitable Access to Language Services in Health and Human Services
Deadline: Tomorrow, July 15, 2022
Application Link

This notice solicits applications from public and non-profit private entities to be demonstration sites that identify and implement innovative strategies to enhance language access services through: (1) policy development and implementation; (2) technology utilization; (3) education for individuals with LEP; and (4) education for providers, including medical support staff.

NEW: Department of Labor Growth Opportunities Round 2
Deadline for Round 2: October 5, 2022
Application Link

The Department of Labor (DoL) recently announced awards for Round 1 of the Growth Opportunities (GO) initiative. I am reaching out to you today to ask for your assistance in promoting the Round 2 GO competition (FOA-ETA-22-03).

GO aims to help youth avoid violence and build conflict resolution skills; introduce and prepare youth for the world of work; help youth identify career interests and attain skills and good work habits; and provide income to youth to start them on the path of earning living wages. The grant awards prioritize projects serving high-crime, high-poverty areas, as well as communities where students of color have disproportionate rates of expulsions and suspensions. For more information on this initiative, please see the GO overview.

DoL intends for approximately 50 percent of Round 2 funds to be awarded to applicants that have not received a previous Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) grant, subject to receiving sufficient fundable applications. We need your help reaching these organizations and making them aware of the GO Round 2 opportunity! Applications must be received by October 5, 2022, for Round 2 consideration.

Now is the time to become an NHSC site!

The 2022 NHSC New Site Application Cycle is now open for sites that have never been approved for NHSC or are currently an inactive NHSC. Why be NHSC approved? 

• Recruit and retain qualified providers using NHSC loan repayment programs and attract NHSC scholars who are ready to fulfill their service obligation at sites like yours.

• Post vacancies to the Health Workforce Connector.

• Participate in HRSA Virtual Job Fairs to connect with job-seeking primary care trainees and practicing clinicians.

Click Here to learn more.

TODAY: How (and Why) to Build Customized Plan Selection Resources
Hosted by Beyond the Basics
July 14, 2022 | 2:00pm
Register

The team at Beyond the Basics will provide an overview of how to build two resources that enrollment assisters can use when helping consumers compare their plan options: (1) a network overview chart, which can help make the process of identifying the hospitals and health care providers that are in-network for each plan more efficient, and (2) detailed plan comparison tools, which can help streamline the process of comparing out-of-pocket costs and pre-deductible services among different plans.

Nonprofit Vote Webinar: Staying Nonpartisan During Voter Engagement
Hosted by Nonprofit Vote
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 | 2:00 PM
Register

Activities that promote voting and civic participation are allowed for 501(c)(3) organizations, but those activities, including candidate engagement, voter registration, and education, must be strictly nonpartisan. However, how can you be sure your communications, interactions, and plans are unbiased and nonpartisan? Join Nonprofit Vote to get the answers you need! During this webinar, we will discuss what is considered to be nonpartisan, what activities are acceptable, and will provide further IRS guidance around tax-exempt voter engagement.

NACHC’s July 340B Office Hours Webinar
Thursday, July 21 | 3:00-4:00 PM ET
Register

Join NACHC and 340B experts from the field to discuss the latest operations, compliance, and 340B policy updates. July’s Office Hours will include a health center presentation featuring Anthony Armstrong from Howard Brown Health Center, who will provide an educational overview of how Louvir, a 340B data monitoring platform, helps their health center make better business decisions and leverage their 340B program.

Register for ADA’s Award-Winning Safe at School Campaign Webinars
The Safe at School Campaign will once again offer back-to-school virtual events this summer. Pediatric diabetes health care providers are invited to attend the American Diabetes Association’s upcoming Safe at School® Back-to-School Virtual events. Both events will offer the opportunity to ask questions in real time. 

The Rights of Students with Diabetes session will cover legal protections, written care plans, and resources available to help parents prepare for returning their child to the classroom this fall.
July 21, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. ET.
Pre-registration on Zoom is required. 

The Expert Panel Round Table Discussion will discuss diabetes management and planning strategies for the new school year.
July 28, 2022 | 2:30 p.m. ET.
Pre-registration on Zoom is required.

Medicaid Managed Care Webinar Series

Hosted by Shannon Dowler, MD, Chief Medical Officer, NC Division of Health Benefits. Moderated by Hugh Tilson, Director of the NC AHEC Program    

• July 21, 2022 | Tailored Plan 101: Ready, Set, Launch Series
• August 18, 2022 | Medicaid Hot Topics
• September 15, 2022 | Medicaid Hot Topics
• October 20, 2022 | Medicaid Hot Topics
• November 17, 2022 | Medicaid Hot Topics
• December 15, 2022 | Medicaid Hot Topics

North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Survey
Deadline: July 22, 2022
Survey Link

On behalf of the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NCAFCC), we'd like to invite you to spend a few minutes to complete the short 12 question survey.

Your input will guide us as we prepare to launch an enhanced monthly newsletter for everyone interested in knowing more about what North Carolina’s free and charitable clinics are doing to expand access to health care for the uninsured, low-income people who are among our state’s most vulnerable residents.

If you are already a subscriber, the survey is an opportunity to tell us how the newsletter can better serve your needs. For those of you who are not currently receiving the newsletter, the survey invites you to opt in and also let us know what kind of information you would find valuable.

North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilots: A Medicaid Managed Care Program to Address Social Needs
Hosted by Duke-Margolis Center and NC Institute of Medicine
July 28, 10:00 – 11:30am
Register | Agenda

This virtual meeting will feature policymakers, researchers, evaluators, implementation leaders, and frontline providers discussing their experiences with the Healthy Opportunities Pilots (HOP) program. The meeting will also highlight the planning, capacity-building, and early implementation periods of the HOP program, including successes, lessons learned, challenges encountered, and innovative solutions for overcoming challenges. Please contact margolisevents@duke.edu with any questions.

Comments Requested: HHS Initiative to Strengthen Primary Care
Deadline: August 1, 2022
(Link)

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) seeks input from individuals; paid and unpaid caregivers; community-based organizations; health care providers; professional societies; community health centers and Rural Health Clinics; state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and public health departments; educators; academic researchers; global partners; health insurance payers and purchasers; health technology developers; and policy experts.  Respondents are asked to provide information on successful models or innovations that improve primary health care, as well as successful strategies to engage communities.

STAR2 Center Training Opportunity: Developing Clinical Leaders at Every Level
August 2, 2022 | 2:00-3:15 p.m. ET
Contact Narine Hovnanian to register.

ACU’s STAR2 Center will provide practical strategies to help health centers build leadership skills for all types of clinical providers in a training that is part of ACU’s 2022 Conference, “Resilience & Transformation in Care.” You’ll explore how to develop career paths and opportunities for advancement for rising clinical leaders. Join the training in-person in Washington, D.C., or online.

Prep Now for National Health Center Week
August 7-13, 2022
Register Your NHCW Event

We’re three weeks out from the start of National Health Center Week (NHCW) and we want to make sure you have the tools to make this event a success for your Center. Please review these action items:

• Plan a public event that celebrates the work of your Community Health Center. Get ideas for NHCW events and activities on this webpage.
• Invite a State Legislator, Member of Congress, or Candidate to your NHCW event. Use the NACHC template invitation letter.
• ** Important: ** Enter your NHCW event details on this brief form so NCCHCA staff can help promote it and consider plans to attend. (Form has been unlocked.) 

2nd Annual Virtual Statewide Quality Forum
August 11, 2022 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Register

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Benefits and North Carolina AHEC, in conjunction with the five Medicaid managed care health plans, will host the 2nd Annual Virtual Statewide Quality Forum to help providers, practice managers, and quality managers succeed with Medicaid Managed Care quality initiatives. Join us for this informative session which will cover: 

• Statewide Medicaid Standard Plan Metric Outcomes
• AMH Metrics: Maximizing Data Capture
• AMH Support

Join the NC Center for Nonprofits for Making Your Nonprofit’s Case, the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits' new 3-part advocacy series, which will offer concrete tools for everyone to be an effective advocate for their cause.

• August 16 – Making Your Nonprofit’s Case: Back to Basics – Define your nonprofit’s goals, audiences, and resources as you develop advocacy strategies and tactics to make your case with funders, policymakers, and other decision makers 

• August 30 – Making Your Nonprofit’s Case with Storytelling – Study proven narratives and practical storytelling tools to make the case for your programs and mission 

• September 13 – Making Your Nonprofits Case with Quantitative Data – Identify and track the data that supports the need for your programs and services.

Register for the full series or individual webinars. Registration for the full series begins at $60 and closes August 15. Registration for individual webinars begins at $25 and closes the day before each webinar.

Save the Date for NCCHCA’s 2022 Clinical Conference

We look forward to welcoming you at our 2022 Clinical Conference, which will be a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking. Please mark your calendars for October 20-21 and be on the lookout for more details and a registration link coming soon. We look forward to seeing you there!