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WVPCA Weekly Outlook
A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare
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WVPCA News - Outreach and Enrollment News
Emergency Management News - State News - National News
Funding Opportunities - Upcoming Training Opportunities
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Ongoing Vaccination Efforts of AccessHealth |
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Chief Medical Officer for AccessHealth Dr. Rodney Fink sat down with Lootpress, and gave an update on the their COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
According to Dr. Fink, AccessHealth is one Raleigh County-based organization in a group of four that formed a COVID-19 vaccination clinic held regularly at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.
Although AccessHealth had been vaccinating since the inoculation was first released last year, the vaccination clinic began administering vaccinations the first week of January 2021.
“We feel like it’s a war. We describe it as a pandemic war,” Fink stated. “We have been very aggressive in testing both for the infection and antibodies. People have been so kind, so sweet and so supportive throughout the whole process.”
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Outdoor mask guidance echoes what many Americans already do
Read the entire article from WVNews here.
The number of fully vaccinated people has outpaced those with just one dose, CDC says
Read the entire article from CNN here.
India tops 200,000 dead as virus surge breaks health system
Read the entire article from WVNews here.
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Boosting Patient Engagement:
A Framework for Meaningful Engagement
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Please join the WVPCA and Coleman Associates, as we are excited to offer our members a four (4) part webinar series that will assist you in learning how to increase patient engagement in your health center. The webinar series will cover topics important to today's healthcare landscape, and focus on ways to improve productivity (i.e., the capacity to see patients), increase patient access, reduce patient waiting time, develop teamwork, improve staff satisfaction, further patient-centered medical homes, prepare for inevitable evolutions in healthcare reimbursement and optimize the use of technology wisely.
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Health Insurance Marketplace Resources Available
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New Mask Guidance For Those Fully Vaccinated |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveiled updated guidelines detailing activities that vaccinated people can safely resume, including attending small outdoor gatherings without the need to wear a mask.
The new "interim public health recommendations" detail a variety of situations in which individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can forgo wearing a mask, but urged the continued use of face coverings in most indoor settings and in crowded outdoor areas.
This latest update for mask guidelines allows people to not have to wear a mask outside while walking, running and biking, among other activities.
The CDC still recommends all people to wear masks when attending crowded outdoor events like concerts, fairs and sporting events, and to avoid large crowds when possible.
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FDA Updates Recommendations for
COVID-19 Testing Amid Mutations
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What's the news. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Medical Devices webpage with new information on how mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can affect COVID-19 tests—potentially providing false negative results. The FDA is recommending laboratory staff and healthcare providers consider repeat testing and evaluating any negative test results with "clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information."
Why it matters. Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated since the COVID-19 pandemic began, “the impact of mutations on a test’s performance is influenced by several factors, including the sequence of the variant, the design of the test, and the prevalence of the variant in the population,” the FDA says.
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Health Center COVID-19 FAQs |
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Information for COVID-19 Vaccination for Teens |
Please see this recent information from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources regarding the COVID-19 vaccination for teens. Share with others to inform students and families that vaccinations are the most effective path to building immunity to protect our students, families and communities.
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Make Plans to Attend the May 19 Appalachian Communities Opioid Response Summit |
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The State Rural Health Associations in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia have teamed up to gather ideas and resources for addressing the opioid crisis and other Substance Use Disorders in the Appalachian Region.
The online Appalachian Communities Opioid Response (ACOR) Summit will take place on May 19th. Registration is just $15. This will be your opportunity to (virtually) learn from experts in the field, hold discussions about specific topics related to Substance Use Disorders and meet other stakeholders in the region.
Did you know ACOR has funds available for local Substance Use Disorder Coalitions to engage in strategic planning? Whether you are just a small group of concerned citizens that want to do more or a large organization with full-time staff, this is an opportunity for you to plan your future impact.
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West Virginia to Get $393K for Hepatitis Detection |
West Virginia will receive $393,100 from the federal government to detect the spread of hepatitis. The funding comes as the state deals with one of the nation’s highest spikes in HIV cases related to intravenous drug use.
Nearly $78,700 of the total funding is devoted to infectious diseases stemming from opioid use. The state has had the nation’s highest rate of opioid drug addictions and drug overdose deaths.
The HIV surge, clustered primarily around the capital of Charleston and the city of Huntington, is being attributed at least in part to the cancellation in 2018 of a needle exchange program that offered clean syringes to injection drug users not able to quit the habit altogether.
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Celebrating National Infant Immunization Week |
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, in particular, it’s critical to ensure that families stay on track for children’s routine checkups and recommended vaccinations — even during COVID-19. |
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National Limb Loss Awareness Month |
April is also National Limb Loss Awareness Month. Complications from diabetes are the primary cause of non-traumatic lower extremity limb loss in the United States. Annual foot screenings, patient education, and early medical care can help prevent limb loss. To learn more about how to protect patients from limb loss, visit HRSA’s Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention website link below:
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New Resource: Community Health Worker Checklist |
The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved is excited to announce the release of a new resource produced by their colleagues at the National Association of Community Health Workers! This new checklist is designed to help health center administrators, managers, and care teams effectively leverage the skills and experience of Community Health Workers as part of vaccine rollout efforts. Health center teams have employed CHWs in essential roles throughout the pandemic response and this resource will help onboard and incorporate them as part of the next stage. |
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National Health Service Corps New Site Application Open, Inactive Sites May Apply |
The 2021 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) new site application cycle is now open for eligible healthcare sites that have never been approved as NHSC sites. This year’s application is also open to formerly approved NHSC sites that have become inactive. Eligibility includes healthcare sites that provide outpatient, ambulatory and primary healthcare services (i.e., medical, dental, and behavioral health) in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Additional eligible site types include facilities providing general substance use disorder treatment, a medication-assisted treatment program, or an opioid treatment program. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 25. Click below to learn more about the NHSC new site application.
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2021 NHSC Scholarship Program Application Cycle Open |
About the Program:
The NHSC Scholarship Program applicants include health professional students studying to become physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives or physician assistants with a commitment to practice in underserved communities. In exchange, they commit to serve a minimum of two years in high-need, underserved communities. Scholars receive one year of financial support (up to four years) for each year of service at an NHSC-approved site. Accepting applications through May 11, 2021, at 7:30 PM EST.
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Funding and Financial Opportunities |
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Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program Application Portal to Now Open |
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) accepting applications for Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program on Thursday, April 29 at 12 p.m. ET.
The filing window will last seven days and close on Thursday, May 6 at 12 p.m. Round 2 of the program is a $249.95 million federal initiative that builds on the $200 million program established as part of the CARES Act.
This funding will be prioritizing hardest hit areas, low income areas, Round 1 unfunded applications, Critical Access Hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, FQHC Look-alikes, Medicare Dependent Hospitals, providers located in a rural county, and providers in health provider shortage areas.
The telehealth program was established with the intent of supporting providers' efforts to continue serving patients by offering telecommunications services, information services and all of the necessary connected devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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HHS Announces $1 Billion from American Rescue Plan for Construction and Renovation Projects |
HHS has announced the availability of $1 billion for HRSA-Health Center Program funded health centers to support major construction and renovation projects across the country. The funding builds on President Biden’s commitment to ensuring equity in access to COVID-19 response efforts and high quality primary healthcare services.
Health centers that receive this funding will be able to use it for COVID-19 related capital needs and to construct new facilities, renovate and expand existing facilities, and purchase new equipment. Read the press release.
Applications are due in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) by 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 24. Visit the American Rescue Plan funding for Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements technical assistance (TA) webpage for award submission guidance, information about upcoming question and answer sessions, and other resources.
Join the general overview session for applicants:
Thursday, May 6 | 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 936 3792
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PPP Application Deadline Moved to May 31 |
Applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will now be accepted through May 31, 2021. Health centers are eligible for First Draw PPP Loans if they have 500 or more employees but fewer than 500 employees per location. Existing PPP borrowers that did not receive loan forgiveness by Dec. 27, 2020, can reapply for a First Draw PPP loan.
If borrowers previously returned some or all of their First Draw PPP loan funds, they may request to modify their First Draw PPP loan amount if they did not accept the full amount for which they were eligible. Second Draw PPP Loans are only available to entities that have received, plan to use, or have used the First Draw PPP loan for authorized uses in its entirety. Entities must have no more than 300 employees per location and can demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
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HRSA Healthy Grants Workshop Registration |
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced that registration for the 2021 Healthy Grants Workshop – Presented as a Web Series, in now open. Register now for up to eight sessions.
There is no cost to attend, and you can attend as many sessions as you would like.
The first session begins in May, followed by a new session every two weeks through August 24. Each session includes two to three topics, from grants policies, financial monitoring, and grant budgeting, to Prior Approvals, an Electronic Handbooks overview, and more.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities |
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Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates |
Join Jim to hear the latest information on funding, the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program, and more.
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
2:00 - 3:30 PM EST
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Coordinating Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV Treatment in Primary Care |
Health centers are poised to prevent and treat these viral infections by understanding the implications of comorbidity and by creating a welcoming environment for those at risk for, previously infected, or currently living with one or both diseases. Join the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium and the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center to explore the link between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, and particular considerations for community-based primary care providers. Both organizations are HRSA-funded NTTAPs.
Monday, May 3, 2021
2:00 PM EST
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2021 Uniform Data
System Manual
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Join the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for this webinar in honor of National Minority Health Month. NACHC welcomes civil rights leaders to discuss how health centers have played a leading role in bringing healthcare to vulnerable communities.
Thursday, May 6, 2021
1:00 PM EST
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Going Viral for Hepatitis: Getting Back to the Basics |
Join HRSA and CDC to hear about updated HCV testing guidelines and recommendations, and why changes were needed (epidemiological and treatment). Speakers will also share how others are implementing the updated HCV testing recommendations.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
1:00 PM EST
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Many eligible Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Part D enrollees get their information from an insurance agent or the insurer itself. Insurance agents and insurers are not required to share information about all options that might be available to an enrollee, including those that may be better in terms of coverage and/or costs. A recent study by The Commonwealth Fund highlighted this potential conflict of interest and offered some policy solutions to end it.
A recent “Health Affairs” journal article highlighted the instability of insurance coverage among mothers to be and new mothers with Medicaid. This coverage is important in treating chronic diseases such as obesity and mental health issues such as depression among these women. House Bill 2266 passed this last legislative session and was signed into law by Governor Jim Justice. The bill extends Medicaid coverage to pregnant women and their newborn infants to up to one-year postpartum.
If you come across something worth sharing, please feel free to forward to Joshua Austin, WVPCA Policy and Communications Director, at joshua.austin@wvpca.org.
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Community Health Center Resources |
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Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.
All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.
Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA. Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at justin.harrison@jacksonkelly.com.
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Pandemic Operational Recovery Guide |
Operational disruptions to ambulatory care during and after a pandemic are significant. These disruptions may change many aspects of care delivery in ways that impact providers, staff, and patients alike.
Care may be temporarily limited or delivered in nontraditional ways, and recovery of operations may represent a "new normal."
The handbook contains links to tools as well as links to additional resources for a more comprehensive discussion of individual topics. Readers can refer to descriptive "Strategy" headings in each section, and consult the recommendations, tools, and resources that follow for more detailed information. Although some tools and resources focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, they can be adapted to respond to other public health emergencies.
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Risk Management Manual for Health Centers Now Available! |
The Risk Management Manual for Health Centers is now available on the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website! Designed to support a proactive approach to risk management at health centers and free clinics, the Manual provides background, tips, and how-tos in a manageable format.
Specific areas that are covered include:
Risk Management Programs & Plans
Claims and Lawsuits
Role of the Risk Manager
Patient Grievances and Complaints
Communication with Patients
Credentialing and Privileging
Communication among Providers, Staff, and Community Partners
Tracking Systems for Diagnostic Tests, Referrals, and Hospitalizations
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Debra Boyd | Chief Financial/Chief Operations Officer
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To sign up to receive the WVPCA Weekly Newsletter: |
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1700 MacCorkle Avenue, SE
Charleston, WV 25314
Phone: 304.346.0032
Toll Free: 1.877.WVA HLTH
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This project is/was supported partially/fully by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U58CS06834 State and Regional Primary Care Associations. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. |
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