The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has developed two fact sheets to help both patients and providers better understand their rights and responsibilities regarding access to COVID-19 vaccines. They address concerns about barriers to getting health care, particularly among people who are uninsured, such as undocumented immigrants.

The fact sheets underscore the point that COVID-19 vaccines are free to all individuals living in the United States regardless of their immigration or insurance status. Click below to learn more about the Spanish and English fact sheets.

HRSA continues to add new questions and answers to their COVID-19 FAQs webpage, and they recently added a new FAQ webpage on the American Rescue Plan – Funding for Look-Alikes.

• Coronavirus-related funding FAQs page.

• COVID-19 Information for Health Centers and Partners.

• Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) received a grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support the State’s response to opioid use. The State Opioid Response Grant (SOR) funding was used to expand the availability of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment and evidence-based services that identify and engage individuals in treatment and provide supports to help keep them in treatment and long-term recovery.

The intent of SOR funding is to reduce/prevent Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) related morbidity and mortality by expanding access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. SOR funding is time limited and focuses on expanding the West Virginia’s service delivery infrastructure, funding mechanisms, and relationships internal to the organization that will help sustain the system. Services are trauma informed and staffed by individuals with effective client engagement skills who are prepared to link individuals—or their loved ones—with Opioid Use Disorder to a full array of early intervention, treatment, and recovery resources.

Treatment is ultimately a decision between doctor and patient; therefore, individuals must be able to make an informed decision. Increasing access to and retention in Treatment with Medication, an evidence-based treatment, using the three FDA-approved medications for OUD is a key factor in the opioid continuum of care. Implementation of evidence-based approaches, such as contingency management, is essential to individuals diagnosed with Stimulant Usage Disorder.

This presentation to be held on May 24, 2021 is to learn more about stimulant use disorders and contingency management. Please register to attend this presentation by Dr. Patrick Marshalek and Dr. Josh Carter.

National Mental Health Awareness Month in May focuses on bringing tools, resources, and education to the general public

Each year Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and other mental health organizations across the country organize events, webinars, and more to improve mental health access across the country

The 2021 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) new site application cycle is now open for eligible health care 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 health care 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. 

The 2021 National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) awards scholarships to students pursuing an education in eligible primary care health professions. 

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.

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.

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. 

Access to advanced and even basic stroke care is limited in Appalachia, a Kaiser Health News investigative report found. In West Virginia specifically, a quarter of the state’s population lives more than 45-minutes away from a basic or advanced stroke center. That is the third worst rate in the country.

What is TechQuity, scholars ask in a recent issue of the “Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved?” Simply put, it is the development and deployment of technology in health care to achieve health equity. This centers on four goals: 1. workforce diversity; 2. data trust; 3. equity dashboards and 4. transparent AI. 

A column by Douglas Burns, VP for News and co-owner at Herald Publishing Co., urges those living in rural areas to see themselves as part of America’s diversity. Burns argues rural people should work with other marginalized populations to build empathy and common cause. 

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.

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.

The Pandemic Operational Recovery Guide for Health Centers and Free Clinics was written to assist health centers and free clinics in identifying and minimizing risks as they recover from operational disruptions related to a pandemic.

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.

View an archived webinar that provides a guided tour of the Manual and key features. For access to the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website or any other questions, email clinical_rm_program@ecri.org.