July 11, 2024

FEMA and HHS Announce Resources and Tips to Address Extreme Heat Sweeping the Nation

FEMA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are encouraging everyone to plan and act now to protect themselves against the dangers of heat-related hazards in the U.S., but this health impact is largely preventable.

Heat Related Resources:

• The Heat and Health Index (HHI)
  • helps communities prepare for heat events and prevent heat-related illness
• Quick Guide for Clinicians on Heat and Health
  • helps physicians and medical centers prepare and respond to heat emergencies
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and minor energy related home repairs
• A full List of Heat and Health Resources

Click Here to Learn More

July 11, 2024

NIH Request for Information: Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) seeks public input on how scientific research can address opioid use disorder, overdose and chronic pain.

All interested parties should submit questions and responses to: HEALquestion@od.nih.gov. Please put HEAL RFI in the subject line.

Interested Parties include the following:

• The Scientific community
• The private sector
• Community based organizations
• Health professionals
• Professional societies
• Advocacy groups
• Patient communities
• People with living/lived experience
• Caregivers
• Funding agencies
• Other interested members of the public

Send your comments and questions to: HEALquestion@od.nih.gov with “HEAL RFI” in the subject line.

Comments and Questions must be submitted by July 31.

June 24, 2024

CMS Seeks Feedback on Two Agency Information Collection Activities – Comment by July 11

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeks comments from the public on the following information collections:

• Identification of Extension Units of Medicare Approved Outpatient Physical Therapy/Outpatient Speech Pathology (OPT/OSP) Providers and Supporting Regulations, and
• Conditions for Certification for Rural Health Clinics and Conditions for Coverage for Federally Qualified Health Centers in 42 CFR 491.

To Submit Comments/Recommendations:

• Comments on the collection of information must by received by the OMB desk officer by Jully 11, 2024
• Written comments and recommendations should be sent to: reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain
  • You will find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review – Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.
  • For further information contact: William Parham at (410) 786-4669

See Notice of Comment Request

May 20, 2024

State Strategies to Improve Behavioral Health for Those Experiencing Homelessness

The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) issued an Informational Bulletin to highlight available Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) opportunities to improve access to mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

It discusses Medicaid demonstrations, the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Guidance and HRSN Framework to provide clinically appropriate services such as housing transition services and case management, and demonstration projects to improve access to the full continuum o9f care for SUD treatment, including in short-term residential treatment and inpatient settings.

It also provides a list of resources for improving access to MH and SUD treatment and to support for people with these conditions who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness.

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, about 18 percent of people experiencing homelessness live in largely rural Continuums of Care, which are local planning bodies responsible for coordinating the full range of homelessness services in a geographic area.

Read CMCS Bulletin