A Note from the Executive Director
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Dear Partners and Friends,
July might ordinarily be a time for rest and renewal as one school and fiscal year closes out and another is on the horizon. However, this year continues to be one like no other. For most of us, July is likely to be busier and more anxiety-producing than ever before, as we deal with the ongoing pandemic while simultaneously planning for the re-opening and re-entry to schools. We know that the school-based health care field is responding to the challenges with mounting innovation. From special COVID-19 testing pilots to the expansion of telehealth, SBHC provider teams are meeting the needs as best they are able. We hope that NMASBHC can provide support every step of the way. In that vein, we are working on a companion SBHC reentry guidance tool to the general one released by NMPED in June, and I encourage you to read below for details. Additionally, please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of help, and please share any information about your operations that you are able. Your input helps us ensure that the technical assistance we provide is the best it can be.
Yours with hope,
Nancy Rodriguez,
nancy@nmasbhc.org
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COVID-19 - Reentry Support Document Coming Soon
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As our state’s public health response to the pandemic of COVID-19 continues to unfold, the New Mexico Alliance for School-Based Health Care and the school-based health centers we support are all in the process of discerning how to respond appropriately. This is NOW turning to the planning for schools to re-open in August. NMASBHC is both collecting and working to create supportive tools for SBHCs to navigate reentry. We ask SBHCs and therir collaborative partners to do the following:
1) Visit the NMASBHC COVID-19 webpage section on School and SBHC Reentry:
2) Stay tuned to NMASBHC communications (facebook, basecamp, website, newsletter) for publication of our own reentry guidance documents in the coming weeks.
3) Contribute information and suggestions for the NMASBHC guidance on reentry by contacting NMASBHC staff with updates on what you are planning and what your school hosts are requesting of you.
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In July, we feature Hatch Valley SBHC.
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Pictured are: Santanna Duran, Reagan Dunnahoo and Amanda Juarez
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Hatch Valley SBHC is sponsored by Ben Archer Health Centers, Inc.
Thank you to Hatch Valley SBHC team for their service!
Thank you to all the SBHCs who contributed photographs for the 2020 SBHC Calendar.
A special note of gratitude to this year's sponsor: Presbyterian Health Plan Inc.
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*SBHA continues to host
Listening and Learning sessions and Webinars for SBHC staff and administration. Please see the
SBHA website for upcoming opportunities.
*SBHA also just announced the following opportunity:
Request for Applications (RFA) Released for 2020-2021 SBIRT-in-SBHCs Cohort
The RFA is out for the SBHA Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment-in-School-Based Health Centers (SBIRT-in-SBHCs) learning collaborative cohort. Join other SBHCs from around the nation in learning best practices for preventing substance use among adolescent clients.
Through the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Alliance is supporting SBHCs in preventing, identifying, and reducing substance use and depression in middle and high school-age youth. This project addresses several key areas for technical assistance requests from the field, including: depression, substance use, youth development, and alternatives to discipline. In light of the challenges and changes in provision of care due to COVID-19, we will support participating sites in adapting their SBIRT implementation for telehealth.
This RFA will fund eight to ten SBHC sponsor organizations and their affiliated SBHCs for participation in the SBIRT-in-SBHCs learning collaborative for one year. For more information, join us for an informational webinar on July 8, 2020 at 1:00PM Eastern or
apply now
!
Deadline for applications is July 23, 2020.
PLEASE NOTE: New Mexico has its own Hilton-funded SBIRT project, organized through UNM with support from NMASBHC. If you wish to participate in a local project focused on SBIRT, please reach out to nancy@nmasbhc.org.
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Advocate for SBHCs with Congress!
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NMASBHC has been working with other state alliances and the national School-Based Health Alliance to advocate for federal relief funds for school-based health centers. We made a request that such funds be included in the 3.5 version of the CARES ACT, but we are now focused on the imminent 4.0 version.
Now, NMASBHC needs your help. Reach out to your Senators and Representatives and let them know that SBHC operators need funds specifically to support ongoing operations.
Many of them will be in their home districts for Fourth of July events; this is a great opportunity to talk to them about SBHCs! Or, send an email message using the format below or visit your legislators' websites for contact instructions:
- Senate staff = firstname_lastname@senatorslastname.senate.gov. Example = Senator Smith staffer Tom Jones’ email address would be tom_jones@smith.senate.gov.
- House staff = firstname.lastname@mail.house.gov. Example = tom.jones@mail.house.gov.
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Help NMASBHC with AmazonSmile in the App!
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AmazonSmile customers can now support New Mexico Alliance for School Based Health Care in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
- Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app. Click
here
for instructions.
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Dear NM SBHCs,
In partnership with NMDOH/OSAH, we're sending out the link to the SBHC Summer Open/Closed status worksheet (
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fH3GQiEEIXiHsTWGrNCkODj05FleKRNaZlSYKGdhTq4/edit?usp=sharing
) and asking you to update your SBHCs' summer information as they shift. We've posted this on our website, and it is viewed by policymakers, just as the earlier versions for the school shutdown updates were. Whether or not you are open, your feedback on barriers, telehealth, COVID testing and current efforts with re-entry is especially important.
From the perspective of NMASBHC, this is important not just so that state agencies (DOH, Medicaid, PED) and community members can be aware of your crucial services; it is also a tool we're using to educate legislators and other policymakers as they address budget and planning challenges across the state.
Many thanks and wishes for your good health,
Nancy
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New Medicaid Regulatory Changes & Updates
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The New Mexico Human Services Department (NMHSD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are loosening and changing a number of regulations in light of the current pandemic.
At present, these include new telehealth codes and resources, details on COVID-19 testing coverage, and special behavioral health guidance.
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SBHC Medicaid Policy Open for Public Comment Through July 9th
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The Medicaid MCO Provider Manual is being updated by NMHSD, and the chapter impacting SBHCs is now open for public comment. NMASBHC encourages you to review and share your input from the field by July 9, 2020!
The document, the suggested revisions, and instructions for submitting your public comment are all available at:
https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/2017-comment-period-open.aspx
under
Section 14 of
Proposed Centennial Care Policy Manual Amendments
.
Please let NMASBHC know if you have input you'd like us to include in the feedback our organization will be providing (email nancy@nmasbhc.org). Categories of policy addressed include:
- SBHC Certification Processes
- SBHC Provider Types Allowed
- MCO Contracting Guidance
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Clinic Resources, Training Opportunities, and Community Announcements
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Below are upcoming trainings.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Non-Pregnant People & Contraceptive Management
Date: Tue, July 7, 2020 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM MDT (
Registration
)
This webinar will discuss contraceptive management of abnormal uterine bleeding in non-pregnant reproductive age people. 1.0 CME offered at no cost! During this hour we will do the following.
1. How to use the PALM–COEIN system to evaluate etiology of AUB
2. Review guidelines for evaluation of AUB
3. Discuss treatment recommendations for AUB
Adolescent Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Diagnosis & Contraceptive Management
Date: Tue, July 14, 2020 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM MDT (
Registration
)
This webinar will discuss adolescent polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosis & contraceptive management. 1.0 CME offered at no cost! During this hour we will do the following.
1. Discuss diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents.
2. Discuss treatment of PCOS in adolescents.
3. Long term considerations in patients with PCOS or at high risk for PCOS.
Trauma informed reproductive health or pelvic care
Date: Tue, July 21, 2020 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM MDT (
Registration
)
This webinar will discuss trauma informed reproductive health and pelvic care. 1.0 CME offered at no cost! During this hour we will do the following.
1. Discuss the importance of trauma informed gynecologic and reproductive health care
2. Trauma informed communication strategies
3. How to make patients more comfortable during pelvic exams
Anticipatory guidance around LARC insertion, removal, and side effects
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM MDT (
Registration
)
This webinar will discuss anticipatory guidance around LARC insertion, removal, and side effects. 1.0 CME offered at no cost. During this hour we will do the following.
1. How to explain what to expect during an IUD or implant insertion or removal
2. How to provide anticipatory guidance around IUD and implant side effects
3. How to provide anticipatory guidance around IUDs and implants using: Video case-based examples from around New Mexico
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Through funding and partnership with the NM DOH Asthma Control Program, NMASBHC is able to offer SBHCs the opportunity to participate in a mini-grant project to address Environmental Asthma Triggers. Please find information and forms below. The deadline for application and selection is
rolling, but as soon as possible.
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CDC Vaccination Guidance & Got Shots?
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R
ecent data from the CDC has shown a substantial reduction in pediatric vaccine ordering and administration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data show that from mid-March to mid-April 2020, providers in the VFC program ordered about 2.5 million fewer doses of routine non-influenza vaccines and 250,000 fewer doses of measles-containing vaccines compared to the same period in 2019.
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While each clinic setting is different, below is updated CDC and AAP guidance and recommended strategies to help address routine immunization gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Identify children who have missed well-child visits and/or recommended vaccinations and contact them to schedule in person appointments inclusive of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents.
- State-based immunization information systems and electronic health records may be able to support identifying those needing catch-up immunizations.
- Schedule sick visits and well child care visits during different times of the day.
- Separate patients spatially, such as by placing patients with sick visits in different areas of the primary care clinic or another location from patients with well visits.
- Collaborate with providers in the community to identify separate locations for holding well visits for children.
- Providers can also assure parents about the safety protocols already implemented in their offices.
- Reduce crowding in waiting rooms.
Specific details and updated recommended strategies:
The Immunization Program remains fully operational and committed to help you navigate this uncertain environment. For additional questions or assistance with managing vaccine inventory, please call the NMSIIS helpdesk at 1-833-882-6454.
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Got Shots?
NM's annual "
Got Shots
?" provides opportunities for children to stay up-to-date on their immunizations.
From July 25 - August 15, 2020, participating providers will open their doors for any child who needs immunizations, regardless of whether they are a patient or whether they have insurance.
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July Health Awareness Activities
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July is UV Safety Month
With summer arriving and more people finding activities to do outside, it is important to stay safe.
The following are some resources:
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July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
There is a common misconception that arthritis only affects older people.
Approximately 300K young people are affected by arthritis.
The following are some resources:
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www.nmasbhc.org | (505) 404-8059 | info@nmasbhc.org
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