Author: dianawinder

FentAlert: Empowering Youth for Safer Choices – SAMHSA Fentanyl Awareness Youth Challenge

January 2, 2024

FentAlert: Empowering Youth for Safer Choices – SAMHSA Fentanyl Awareness Youth Challenge

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is conducting this challenge under the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Reauthorization Act of 2010, as amended [15 U.S.C. § 3719].

In this challenge the best ideas from U.S. youth, aged 14-18, on a community strategy to increase youth awareness, education, and prevention around the dangers of fentanyl, especially the hidden dangers of fake pills and other contaminants that can lead to drug overdose deaths.

These are the facts:

  • Among adolescents aged 10-19, from 2019 – 2021:
    • Monthly drug overdose deaths increased 109%
    • Deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyls increased 182%
    • About 90% of these deaths involved opioids and 84% involved illicitly manufactured fentanyls
    • Counterfeit pills present in nearly 25% of these deaths
    • Two-thirds of those who died had one or more potential bystanders present
      • most didn’t provide overdose response
      • many bystanders were in another room or didn’t know that drugs were being used
  • Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills.
    • Look just like prescription drugs such as:
      • oxycodone (Oxycontin®)
      • Percocet®)
      • hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
      • alprazolam (Xanax®)
      • or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®).
  • 7 out of 10 fake prescription pills (seized by the DEA) contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl
  • Xylazine (often known as “tranq”), is a central nervous system depressant and animal tranquillizer that has been showing up in combination with fentanyl and has been involved in a growing number of overdose deaths.

SAMHSA wants to hear ideas, pitched by community, that educates youth in their communities (among friends, at school or within an organization to which they belong) about fentanyl and fake pills, and prevents overdose. Ideas could include any innovative ways to reach youth on this topic like social media posts, vlogs, podcasts, video journals, etc.

View the Challenge Here

How to Participate:

Awards:

  • Top 6 ideas – $5,000 prize
  • $2,000 to up to 25 youth for honorable mention

Submissions accepted December 1, 2023 – February 26, 2024

Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth

January 2, 2024

Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth

ProviderBridge.org was created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the Federation of State Medical Boards and HRSA’s Office for the Advancement of Telehealth.

The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing by state as well as a provider portal to connect volunteer health care professionals to state agencies and health care entities.

Go to ProviderBridge.org

HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network

January 2, 2024

HHS/DoD National Emergency Tele-Critical Care Network

A joint program of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) is available at no cost to hospitals caring for COVID-19 patients. Teams of critical care clinicians critical care physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialized clinical experts are available to deliver virtual care through telemedicine platforms, such as an app on a mobile device.

Hear from participating clinicians

Email matthew.t.quinn3.civ@mail.mil to learn more and sign up

New Information for Rural Emergency Hospitals

January 2, 2024

New Information for Rural Emergency Hospitals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated their fact sheet on the new provider-type designation that allows hospitals at risk of closure to remain in operation with Emergency Department services, observation care and a limited number of outpatient services. CMS recently added details for:

  • Indian Health Service and other tribal-operated hospitals making the change to Rural Emergency Hospital (REH);
  • Changes to monthly payment amounts to REHs and how they’re reported
  • The HRSA supported REH Technical Assistance Center that is helping hospitals meet the requirements for converting to this new provider type.

Click Here to View Fact Sheet

REH More Information

 

Upcoming MBQIP Deadlines and Reporting Reminders

December 28, 2023

Upcoming MBQIP Deadlines and Reporting Reminders

Please see the schedule below for upcoming MBQIP deadlines and reporting:

  • January 3, 2024 – HCAHPS Q3 encounters (7/1/23 – 9/30/23)
    • Submission is through the HQR Secure Portal-Vendor
  • January 31, 2024 – EDTC Q4 2023 encounters (10/1/23 – 12/31/23
  • February 1, 2024 – OP-18 Q3 encounters
    • Submission is through the HQR Secure Portal-Outpatient
  • February 29, 2024 – Safe Use of Opioids – Concurrent Prescribing measure for CY 2023 encounters (1/1/23 – 12/31/23)
    • This measure is not currently being submitted for MBQIP but is available for reporting to CMS

MBQIP Data Submission deadlines can be found in the Technical Assistance & Services Center (TASC) MBQIP Toolkit

RQITA Monthly Edition: December 2023

December 28, 2023

RQITA Monthly Edition: December 2023

The December issue of RQITA monthly has been released. Each issue includes a wealth of information on the MBQIP Program including:

New Notice of Funding Opportunity – Physician Assistant Rural Training in Behavioral Health (PCTE-PARB) HRSA-24-019

December 29, 2023

New Notice of Funding Opportunity – Physician Assistant Rural Training in Behavioral Health (PCTE-PARB) HRSA-24-019

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to increase the number of trained physician assistants who choose to practice in rural areas after graduation.

The Primary Care Training and Enhancement: Physician Assistant Rural Training in Behavioral Health (HRSA-24-019) aims to address the need to train primary care physician assistants to prevent, identify, diagnose, treat, and refer services for behavioral health conditions.

Eligible Applicants:

Only an academically affiliated physician assistant training program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education t=for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) may apply. To be eligible, your organization must be in:

  • The United States,
  • The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
  • The Northern Mariana Islands,
  • American Samoa,
  • Guam,
  • The US Virgin Islands,
  • The Federated States of Micronesia,
  • The Republic of the Marshall Islands, or
  • The Republic of Palau

The following program objectives must be met:

  • A 3-month minimum integrated behavioral health clinical rotation(s) in a rural primary care setting(s)
  • Develop program curriculum to address behavioral health and substance use disorders
  • Establish strategic partnerships that support primary care behavioral health integration in rural areas

HRSA anticipates awarding approximately $5 million to approximately 12 recipients through this funding opportunity.

For questions please contact:

View Funding Opportunity

Apply Now

2024 Rural Hospital Virtual Performance Improvement Conferences – Register Now

December 29, 2023

2024 Rural Hospital Virtual Performance Improvement Conferences – Register Now

Wintergreen, in partnership with the National Organization for State Office of Rural Health is hosting the second annual Hospital Performance Improvement Virtual Conferences specifically for rural hospitals and clinics. The two regional, three-hour sessions will be hosted by Wintergreen and will highlight actionable topics:

  • Harsh Realities of Rural Operations – Jonathan Pantenburg, Wintergreen
  • Policy and Program Priorities – Meredith Anderson, Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
  • Eliminate the Ego in Rural Recruitment – Nicole Barbano, Hunter Ambrose
  • Benefits: Strategic Asset, Not Cost – Kristen Ogden, The Compliance Team
  • Harness Technology to Drive reimbursement – Bryan Richman, InnoVative Capital

Regions A, B and C: Wednesday, January 31st at 11:00 AM Pacific Time

Register Here for Regions A, B and C

Regions D and E:  Thursday, February 1 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Register Here for Regions D and E

NRHA Seeks Rural Healthy Aging Initiatives, Best Practices

December 29, 2023

NRHA Seeks Rural Healthy Aging Initiatives, Best Practices

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has partnered with the John A. Hartford Foundation to enhance access to resources for rural healthy aging and age-inclusive care by engaging stakeholders and disseminating information as a primary component of the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative. NRHA is producing a compendium of rural healthy aging initiatives and best practices.

No matter where a person lives, getting older requires support – but rural adults face unique concerns not shared by their urban peers. In addition to economic factors, cultural and social differences, policies that don’t adequately acknowledge or serve rural  and geographic distance, older small-town residents must also grapple with traveling farther for care, fewer community spaces and activities, social isolation, hospital closures, and health care provider shortages. These issues put rural older adults at higher risk for worsening health outcomes.

If you are part of an organization with programs, models, or policy aimed at enhancing the quality of aging in rural communities, consider completing a submission form to be included in NRHA’s compendium.

This initiative will share resources with rural stakeholders and provide accessible and creative practices to rural communities.

Learn more about the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative

Complete a submission form

NRHA 2024 Rural Health Award Nominations Now Open

December 29, 2023

NRHA 2024 Rural Health Award Nominations Now Open

Nominations are now open for NRHA’s 2024 Rural Health Awards. Each year NRHA honors outstanding individuals and organizations in the field of rural health who have dedicated their time and talents to improving the health and well-being of others.

Previous Rural Health Award recipients have stretched the boundaries of possibility by forging innovative programs and services, making rural life healthier and more compassionate.

Consider nominating your favorite rural health individual, program or organization.

  • Selections made solely based on a 300–500-word narrative

Organizational Awards:

  • Outstanding Rural Health Organization
    • Recognizes any community-based group or organization that has improved access to health services and information for rural people through innovative, comprehensive approaches.
    • Factors considered include:
      • Outreach
      • Preventive health and education
      • Quality and efficiency of care
      • Strong community support and involvement
  • Outstanding Rural Health Program
    • Recognizes a community, regional or statewide program involving one or more health professionals or entities that promotes or facilitates the development of rural health delivery systems.
    • Factors considered include:
      • Coordination of services with other health care agencies to avoid duplication of services, networking and collaboration with other health care entities to achieve common goals
      • Innovation in development and implementation
      • Lasting impact on populations and areas served

Individual Awards:

  • Louis Gorin Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Health Care
    • Award recipients selected based on their:
      • creativity
      • unselfishness
      • compassion and
      • cooperative attitude in seeking ways to make lasting contributions to rural health care
  • Rural Health Practitioner of the Year
    • This award is inclusive of all health disciplines
    • Factors taken into consideration include:
      • Providing outstanding care
      • Involvement in the community
      • Lasting contributions to the health care system
  • Outstanding Researcher or Educator Award
    • Criteria considered include:
      • Scope of accomplishments
      • Significance of the work to rural health
      • Sophistication of the scholarly effort
  • NRHA/JSI Awards
    • Eligible candidates include:
      • Individuals enrolled in an institution of higher learning in some form or capacity
  • Student Leadership Award
    • This award recognizes extraordinary leadership activities demonstrated by a student in the field of rural health.
    • Candidates will have displayed a vested interest in improving rural health care and demonstrated an ability to work towards this improvement
      • Efforts may include:
        • Organizing and directing rural health activities or groups
        • Significant achievements
        • Unique approaches to identifying or meeting needs
        • Commitment of time/effort
  • Student Achievement Award
    • This award recognizes extraordinary student-initiated activity within the field of rural health
    • Nominees will have significant accomplishments in:
      • Rural health care delivery
      • Education
      • Promotion
      • Research and/or advocacy

Nominations that do not meet the membership requirement will be disqualified without notice.

  • No more than three nominations per individual or organization
    • Only the first three nominations will be given consideration
    • Letters of recommendation or other materials are not allowed

NRHA accepts online submissions only and the deadline is Tuesday, February 20.

  • Click here to nominate an organization or program
  • Click here to nominate an individual

You can meet the winners during the NRHA’s Annual Rural Health Conference in New Orleans next spring.

Learn More about the NRHA Annual Rural Health Conference