In mid June, HHS, through HRSA, announced the launch of Building Bridges to Better Health: A Primary Health Care Challenge, a national competition with a total of $1 million in cash prizes to encourage innovation through technical assistance (TA) to health centers. Participants will accelerate the development of low-cost, scalable solutions to help health centers improve patient access to primary care and strengthen the link between health care and social services.
The competition is open to broad public participation, including individuals, groups, health care organizations, and other entities. Phase 1 submissions are due Tuesday, August 2. Read the bulletin here.
Source: HRSA
HRSA’s National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges.* Access counselors by phone or text at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746. Counselors offer support in English and Spanish, and interpreter services are available in 60 additional languages.
HRSA thanks their funded health centers for participating in the pilot phase of the hotline and encourage you to share it with everyone you serve, your colleagues, and your networks. These promotional materials (in English and Spanish) make that easy and include social media graphics, printable wallet cards, and newsletter copy.
If health center staff have questions about the hotline, HRSA’s website includes an FAQ page. If you still have questions, you can also contact hotline@postpartum.net. This email address should NOT be distributed to help-seekers. It is for informational questions only.
*The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line. Individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Source: HRSA
Cases of monkeypox have recently been reported in the United States and other countries that don’t normally report monkeypox. The disease is characterized by a rash with skin lesions, which can be concentrated on certain body parts or appear all over the body, as well as flu-like symptoms. Monkeypox is known to transmit through close contact with someone who is infected. It is much less transmissible than fast-spreading respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
CDC has published a Health Advisory Notice, hosted a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call, and published recommendations for a monkeypox and smallpox vaccine, to ensure health care providers are aware of the current U.S. situation. HRSA encourages health centers to continue to monitor this situation and follow CDC guidance as it develops.
Source: HRSA
June marked the start of both hurricane and wildfire season. But we know that emergencies can impact health centers at any time. Health centers and Primary Care Associations (PCAs) play an important role before, during, and after emergency events. During emergencies, PCAs gather critical health center information and report the status of service delivery sites to HRSA. For health centers in impacted areas, we ask that you report site-level status to your PCA as soon as you are able. If you have questions about program requirements or scope of project, please use the BPHC Contact Form.
Visit HRSA’s Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources for Health Centers webpage for information about change in scope for temporary sites, 340B program enrollment under emergency declarations, and FTCA coverage during emergencies.
Source: HRSA
June 16: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded nearly $115 million to 60 recipients to help implement the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative, which is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce the number of new HIV infections in the United States by at least 90 percent by 2030. Awards will support innovative strategies that help people with HIV access care, support, and treatment services to live longer, healthier lives.
“With this investment, we’re increasing our efforts to end the HIV epidemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s awards reaffirm our Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program work in communities that need it most as we continue to ensure everyone with HIV receives the care they need to thrive.”
Awards fund 60 recipients linking people with HIV to essential care, support, and treatment, and providing workforce training and technical assistance. They include:
Read the full press release here.
Source: HHS
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