Dear Colleague,

Happy National Health Center Week (NHCW)! This week and throughout the year, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved celebrates the singular achievements of health centers which served more than 30 million patients across the U.S. in 2021 alone.

"There is no one better at doing what health centers do," said Amanda Pears Kelly, ACU's Executive Director. "This is a time to celebrate the incredible work that you do caring for your communities and your patients every day. We cannot thank you enough for the incredible contributions you make to this healthcare system."

We were honored to convene with many of you in D.C. at our 2022 Conference and NHSC 50th Anniversary Gala, and we're equally excited to continue the vital work of improving health equity in the days to come. Learn more below about new resources to support the health center workforce, including a new webinar on intergenerational communication, last call for applications for our JEDI Champion train-the-trainer event, policy updates, new blog post on the 340B drug pricing program, and more.
Celebrating National Health Center Week
Exemplifying Resilience & Transformation in Care: A Look Back at ACU's 2022 Conference
Thank you to the myriad clinicians, students, administrators, and public health leaders who joined us at ACU's 2022 Conference and accompanying National Health Service Corps 50th Anniversary Gala. From HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson’s Gala address and Dr. Kameron Leigh Matthews’ keynote to the insights in practice, workforce, and emerging issues in our sessions, #ACUConf showcased the resolve, innovation, and fellowship of our community. Read our event recap and stay tuned for more highlights from #ACUConf!
Celebrating Our NHSC 50th Anniversary Gala Award Winners
ACU was honored to present awards to outstanding National Health Service Corps members and advocates at our NHSC 50th Anniversary Gala. Join us in congratulating these individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to improving access to and quality of care, as well as community impact, including:

  • Dr. Jim Hotz, MD, MACP: Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Mr. Eric Redman: NHSC Champion Award
  • Dr. Theodore Ross, MD: Outstanding NHSC Scholar Award
  • Dr. Sodabeh Etminan, DMD, MPH: Outstanding NHSC Member Award
Apply by Friday, August 12, to Attend JEDI's Train-the-Trainer Event in D.C.
Participating CHCs Will Receive a $2500 Stipend
We’re seeking two health center representatives to participate in our JEDI Champion Train-the Trainer event taking place at ACU’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 20-21. This training will help develop and enhance the skills of CHC champions working towards advancing organizational and community JEDI goals. Thanks to the generous support of the Centene Corporation, participating CHCs will receive a $2,500 stipend to help cover costs.
Join ACU's Team as Our JEDI Training Specialist
We’re seeking a new JEDI Training Specialist to help healthcare organizations advance JEDI principles and assist in the overall support of ACU’s JEDI Initiative. This position will develop educational content, conduct trainings and webinars, create assessment tools, and more. Read the job description and apply now.
In Case You Missed It: Explore Our Guide for Adapting to a Remote and Hybrid Workforce
As much of the workforce moves to remote or hybrid models, CHC leaders require new approaches to support staff engagement. Our STAR2 Center's new resource with the Health Information Technology, Evaluation, and Quality Center provides strategies and best practices for adapting policies and procedures to this new way of working. 
Don't Miss Our Webinar on Strategies for Communicating Across Generations
Thursday, September 8: 2-3 p.m. ET
Generational differences can sometimes lead to miscommunications and workplace conflict. An upcoming webinar from ACU’s STAR2 Center on Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. ET will focus on ways to resolve these conflicts and share strategies to communicate more effectively within the multigenerational workforce.
Catch Up on All Three Seasons of Our STAR2 Center's Podcast
Three seasons of our STAR2 Center Talks Workforce Success podcast are now available! The latest season features interviews with staff from Health Outreach Partners, Father Joe’s Villages, the Tennessee Primary Care Association, and more on how to navigate and overcome the challenges of burnout and moral distress in the workforce. Season two provides insights on the impact of the pandemic on health centers, and our first season gives listeners a glimpse into the role of Chief Workforce Officers. 
Don't Forget: CHC Data Dashboards Are Available
Did you miss our STAR2 Center’s updated health center Data Profile Dashboards? These interactive dashboards can help health centers analyze their recruitment and retention data and compare it to national trends. Contact us to learn more.
New Blog Explores "What the 340B Program Means to the Ohio Health Center's Patients"
Since its enactment in 1992, the 340B Drug Pricing Program has played a key role in allowing health centers and other safety-net providers to reach more patients with comprehensive care and access to discounted medications. The latest post in ACU's Allying for Health Equity blog explores 340B and how it has allowed PrimaryOne Health (P1H), an Ohio CHC, to ensure safe access to affordable medications for as many medically underserved patients as possible. Read the post authored by P1H's Director of Pharmacy Services Jangus B. Whitner, PharmD, MHA, BCACP, 340B ACE.
Soon-to-be-Passed Inflation Reduction Act Includes Significant Health Reforms
On August 7, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed the Senate by a party-line vote. This scaled-down version of the Build Back Better Act is expected to pass the House on Friday, before heading to President Biden for his signature. In terms of health reforms, the IRA would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and cap patients' annual out-of-pocket costs at $2,000. The bill also includes a cap of $35 in out-of-pocket costs for insulin through Medicare only, meaning that the cap won't apply to millions of privately insured patients with diabetes. Additionally, the IRA extends health insurance subsidies temporarily expanded by the American Rescue Plan. The IRA also includes more than $300 billion in energy and climate reform investments and imposes a mandatory 15% minimum tax on adjusted income for corporations with more than $1 billion in annual profits. While the long-term effects of this bill are unknown, the Penn Wharton Budget Model study predicts a $248 billion deficit reduction.
Honoring Civic Health Month
Join us and our partners at Vot-ER in recognizing August as Civic Health Month. Medically underserved populations are among the least likely to vote, but clinicians can and should be catalysts for increasing patients' civic engagement. Education and encouragement by trusted contacts is a prime motivator for nonvoters, and healthcare providers are among the most trusted. Learn how you can take action with ACU's patient civic engagement webinars and Vot-ER's further resources. Also, don't miss Vot-ER's free virtual Civic Health Conference on August 12-13 to learn more.
Calling 988: New Suicide Lifeline Now Available
Last month, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline designated 988 as the new three-digit number for callers experiencing a mental health crisis. 988 provides free and confidential support for individuals with mental health emergencies 24 hours a day and seven days a week throughout the U.S. Access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website for specific mental health resources, stories of hope, and more. Note: the previous number (1-800-273-8255) will continue to function indefinitely.
Apply to Participate in HRSA's Health Center Coaching Pilot Program
HRSA is calling for health centers without patient-centered medical home (PCMH) designation to apply to join its Health Center Coaching Pilot. The program funds short-term technical assistance by providing resources and additional payments to the National Committee for Quality Assurance PCMH Certified Content Experts who will partner with CHCs to begin the process of a Transforming Review.
The Latest from ACU's Career Center
Our Career Center is an excellent resource for job seekers or healthcare organizations looking to hire quality staff to serve under-resourced populations. ACU Members get premier access by logging in to our member portal and using the discount code. View new postings:

Publications & Resources
Webinars
From the Blog & Podcast
Policy Updates
Allying for Health Equity Blog: A Look Back at ACU's 2022 Conference


Allying for Health Equity Blog: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion & CHCs

ACU is here to help: if we can do anything to better support your work to improve care and advocate for patients living in historically marginalized communities, please contact our Executive Director Amanda Pears Kelly with any feedback. Thank you for all that you do.
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