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WVPCA Weekly Outlook
A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare
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Emergency Management News - WVPCA News
Outreach & Enrollment - What We're Reading - State News
National News - Funding Opportunities
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All Community Health Centers are Taking
Part in Weekly Community Vaccine Events
Check Out How Community Care is Helping
to Set the Bar for Rural Vaccine Distribution
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Right in the heart of the Mountain State sits Gassaway Baptist Church, where last week more than 900 West Virginians received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Clinic workers said Thursday while they are responsible for serving the state’s central counties, people from Boone, Monongalia, Kanawha, Raleigh and Taylor counties have trekked to Gassaway just on the good word they heard from friends about the site.
“Community Care has really been at the forefront and the lead of this operation,” John Hoffman, director of Braxton County Office of Emergency Services said.
Gassaway Baptist, Community Care, Braxton emergency operations, the Braxton County Health Department and Braxton Memorial, which is operated under WVU Medicine, have formed the partnership to make this clinic happen. There were 62 people working the vaccine distribution at Gassaway Baptist: 22 church volunteers, 24 Community Care workers, 10 from Braxton Memorial, three from emergency services and three from the health department.
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The CDC says tight-fit masks or double masking increases protection
Read the entire article from The New York Times here.
WV Kids Count releases report about rising youth homelessness
Read the entire article from WCHS here.
How West Virginia's decade of bad luck steeled it to fight Covid
Read the entire article from The Guardian here.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Community-Based Organizations: Getting Started |
CDC has designed a toolkit to help community-based organizations provide education about the COVID-19 vaccine. Health centers and their partner organizations can use these resources to help educate patients. The toolkit includes outreach materials in many languages and targeted to those in specific professions. |
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Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Resources |
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ASPR TRACIE has compiled a library of COVID-19 vaccine resources, covering everything from patient education to vaccine logistics. |
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Deal Announced For 200 Million More COVID-19 Vaccines |
The government is working to buy 200 million more doses of Covid-19 vaccines, a move that could provide enough doses to fully inoculate nearly every American by the end of the summer, President Joe Biden said.
The government is seeking 100 million doses from Pfizer/BioNTech and 100 million from Moderna, an order that would be made available over the summer. They would be in addition to the 400 million combined doses the companies had already committed to provide the U.S., Biden said.
Additionally, Biden said, Pfizer and Moderna have agreed to expedite the delivery of 100 million doses each by a month — moving them up to May instead of June.
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Statement on Biden Administration’s Decision to Provide CHCs with COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation |
The WVPCA has released a statement on the COVID-19 vaccine allocation. The Biden administration, with HRSA and CDC, has announced a program that will allow community health centers the ability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine allocation directly. The program will initially be a pilot of less than a fifth of the nation’s community health centers, then ramp up to include more over time. Pilot community health centers will be ones serving hard-to-reach and disproportionately-affected populations.
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SCH Healthy Smiles Receives Grant from DentaQuest
Pictured here left to right Dr. Marcia Brand, DentaQuest; Mike Hassing, CEO, Shenandoah Community Health; Dr. Jeremy Richardson, Dental Director, Healthy Smiles. Dr. Richardson is a graduate of the WVU School of Dentistry who returned to his home community to practice.
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The DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement has again made Shenandoah Community Health Foundation the beneficiary of funds that will be used to purchase equipment for their oral health center, Healthy Smiles. Dr. Marcia Brand, Senior Advisor to DentaQuest and a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, designated the Foundation as her “charity of choice” for a DentaQuest philanthropic sponsorship. Dr. Brand also made a personal contribution toward the purchase. The funds will be used to replace the Automated Handpiece Maintenance System for Healthy Smiles. The new system will lengthen the lives of handpieces bought with a previous DentaQuest grant.
Shenandoah Community Health (SCH) established Healthy Smiles in 2009 with extensive community support to address the critical lack of access to oral health care in the Eastern Panhandle for children, especially those with Medicaid coverage, and for uninsured adults. In 2020, 65% of Healthy Smiles’ patients had Medicaid coverage and 20% were uninsured.
Shenandoah Community Health is a non-profit multi-disciplinary health center which provides women’s health, behavioral health, primary care services, pharmacy, and extensive ancillary services, in addition to oral health care.
Dr. Michael Monopoli, Vice President and Executive Director for Grants Strategy of the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement, said “Thank you for the opportunity to support the important work that you all do. I think it is a privilege to be the steward of funds that can be used to support the community, but it is an honor to support the work of so many who improve the lives of their communities. Thank you for the work that you do.” The DentaQuest Partnership is passionate about and committed to revolutionizing oral health to create an effective and equitable system that results in improved oral health and well-being for everyone.
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HHS Announced Marketplace Special Enrollment Period for COVID-19 Public Health Emergency |
In accordance with the Executive Order issued by President Biden, the Department announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families for Marketplace coverage in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which has left millions of Americans facing uncertainty and exceptional circumstances while millions of Americans have experienced new health problems during the pandemic. This SEP will allow individuals and families in states with Marketplaces served by the HealthCare.gov platform to enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage. Beginning February 15, 2021 and through May 15, 2021, these Marketplaces will operationalize functionality to make this SEP available to all Marketplace-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application. State-based Marketplaces (SBMs) operating their own platform have the opportunity to take similar action within their states.
"The Department is committed to ensuring that we deploy every available resource during the Public Health Emergency. This Special Enrollment Period will ensure that more individuals and families have access to quality, affordable health coverage during this unprecedented time," said HHS Acting Secretary Norris Cochran.
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Another what we’re listening to with this week’s selection. The “Mountaineer Media” podcast highlights native West Virginians by sharing their stories, opinions and goals. In a recent podcast, the hosts interview Hinton native Sylvia Mathews Burwell, who served as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary during the Obama administration. Burwell is now president of American University located in Washington, D.C.
Laughter, as the saying goes, is the best medicine. But could it also help your career? Two Stanford University business professors recently published a book on the topic, and they distilled their research and argument in a recent “Harvard Business Review” article.
Usually when a national headline reads “what West Virginia needs,” there is a healthy skepticism of an outside party determining the needs of West Virginians. However, “The New York Times’ ” The Upshot dissected the one-size fits all approach of federal poverty and economic development programs, with numerous insights offered by West Virginians. This article has been widely shared in West Virginia, and it is worth a read/listen.
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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All 55 Counties to Hold COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics |
Gov. Jim Justice, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the West Virginia Joint Interagency Task Force for COVID-19 Vaccines announced COVID-19 vaccine clinics that will be held in all 55 counties across the state this week through Operation Save Our Wisdom.
This week’s clinics are available for West Virginians who are 65 years of age and older. All clinics are listed as full as they are utilizing existing waitlists. Individuals will be notified if they are selected for an available slot to receive a vaccine in their area.
West Virginians can continue to pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine through the West Virginia COVID-19 Vaccine Registration System by clicking here.
Please note vaccine supplies are limited. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
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Multiple Funding Opportunities to Reduce Prevalence of Diabetes from Marshall University |
The Marshall University Division of Community Health is pleased to announce multiple funding opportunities available for healthcare systems and diabetes/health coalitions to improve health disparities in West Virginia by reducing the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease through chronic disease prevention and self-management education programs.
The following funding opportunities are available:
1. $2,500 value - Increase access to and participation in the National Diabetes Prevention Program through incentives and marketing materials.
2. $10,000 – Increase access to and participation in evidence-based programs for community-based organizations and diabetes-health coalitions on healthy eating, physical activity, chronic disease prevention and self-management education programs.
3. $10,000 - Increase access to and participation in Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Programs (SMBP) by providing technical assistance and funding to healthcare systems to establish SMBP monitoring programs.
4. $10,000 - Increase access to and participation in Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs (DSMES) by providing technical assistance and financial support to healthcare systems to establish new programs.
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February 14th is National Donor Day |
Observed every year on February 14th, National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation. By educating and sharing the Donate Life message, we can each take small steps every day to help save and heal more lives, and honor the donor’s legacy of generosity and compassion. National Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of donation—organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow. Celebrate by participating in local events, sharing social media messages and encouraging others to register as donors.
National Donor Day is also a day to recognize those who have given and received the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation, are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and those who died waiting because an organ was not donated in time.
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Federal Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program Set to Launch |
President Biden announced his comprehensive National Strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The President announced that starting next week, the first phase of the federal pharmacy program will launch and select pharmacies nationwide will start offering vaccinations for their communities. These new steps will help meet the President’s goal of administering 100 million shots in 100 days and expand access to vaccines to more Americans in the coming weeks.
- Expanding Vaccine Supply: The Biden Administration will increase overall weekly vaccine supply to states, Tribes, and territories to 10.5 million doses nationwide beginning this week, a 22% increase since taking office on January 20.
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Launching First Phase of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination: Starting on February 11, those eligible for the vaccine will have the opportunity to be vaccinated at select pharmacies across the country through this program, a public-private partnership with 21 national pharmacy partners and networks of independent pharmacies representing more than 40,000 pharmacy locations nationwide. As the first phase of this program launches, select retail pharmacies nationwide will receive limited vaccine supply to vaccinate priority groups at no cost. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) worked with states to select initial pharmacy partners based on several factors including their ability to reach some of the populations most at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. More information is available at cdc.gov/covid19.
Increasing Reimbursements to States: President Biden already directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fully reimburse states for the cost of National Guard Personnel and emergency costs, will also retroactively reimburse states fully for FEMA-eligible services and is requesting $350 billion from Congress in American Rescue Plan.
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340B Program Recertification Reminder |
The 340B Program HRSA Recertification Period for HRSA and IHS grantees (except STD, TB, and FP) is February 1 to March 1, 2021.
Before certifying, Authorizing Officials and Primary Contacts must set up user accounts in the 340B Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System (340B OPAIS). Failure to set up accounts will result in removal from the 340B Program. AOs and PCs must create individual accounts. All active 340B IDs associated with an AO’s account must be updated for recertification and completed by the deadline.
For assistance with the 340B OPAIS, please utilize the online help that is available. HRSA also has information and tutorials available on the OPA website here. For further assistance, please contact the 340B call center at apexusanswers@340bpvp.com or 1-888-340-2787 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern).
Important: If you do not recertify, you will not be an eligible 340B entity!
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Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center Deadlines Extended |
The Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center will be going ALL VIRTUAL this year. They are committed to providing a great virtual experience and one way to do that is to break up the normally packed full days into smaller blocks of time across multiple days. The draft agenda is now available and will become even more detailed in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned – they will be sharing periodic updates about the innovative things they will be doing to make sure it’s not “just another Zoom meeting”!
Since we waited until the last possible minute to make the call to go all virtual, they have extended all of the deadlines!
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Discounted Early Bird Registration has been extended to midnight on Monday, February 22, 2021.
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Scholarship Request Submissions have been extended to midnight on Monday, February 22, 2021.
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Call for Poster Abstract Submissions have been extended to Monday, February 15, 2021.
And in case you missed it, we have a Group Registration rate this year for non-profits/government entities.
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Uniform Data System 2020 Reporting Season Underway |
The Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting period for calendar year 2020 is now underway. All HRSA-funded health centers are required to submit complete and accurate UDS reports by Monday, February 15.
Upon successful submission, they will assign your UDS report to a UDS reviewer who will work with you throughout March to finalize your data submission. They will not allow changes after Wednesday, March 31.
The 2020 UDS Manual and other resources are available on HRSA’s website to help you complete an accurate report. The manual includes an introduction to the UDS, instructions for completing each of the tables, and information on how to submit the UDS through EHBs.
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Have You Taken the RTAT? Time is Running Out!
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The WVPCA invites you to complete the Readiness to Train Assessment Tool (RTAT) survey before February 28, 2021. This survey tool was developed to assess organizational readiness to implement Health Professions Training (HPT) programs in health centers across the country and is strongly encouraged by HRSA.
Every FQHC and FQHC look alike in the country is being invited to participate—make sure YOUR health center’s input is included!
So far, we have had a 55% completion rate among WV CHC’s! Thanks to all those who have completed the survey and to those who have not, please do so before the survey closes!
Every staff person is invited to complete an initial set of questions about general readiness to engage in health professions training. In addition, if you feel you can comment on your health center’s readiness to engage in one or more specific health professions training program(s), we welcome you to continue on and share your opinions on a wide range of programs, from medical assistant or dental assistant training, to NP and PA students, to postgraduate residents and fellows in multiple disciplines—and more.
Once the survey results are compiled, the WVPCA can help you develop a workforce plan to include health professions trainings and/or pipeline programs, as well as offering T/TA to help you achieve your workforce goals.
Please contact Shannon Parker, WVPCA Director of Health Center Operations at Shannon.parker@wvpca.org should you have any questions or concerns.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities |
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The Health Information Technology, Evaluation, and Quality (HITEQ) Center Highlights: 21st Century CURES Act and Information Blocking – How to Avoid Blocking Interoperable EHI |
Join the HITEQ Center as they discuss the 21st Century CURES act (CURES act) specifically focused on how it defined interoperability and information blocking and how that relates to health centers. With HHS recently extending the provider compliance date to April 5, 2021, we will review how ONC’s final rules defined information blocking requirements and exceptions. They will discuss common scenarios and health center policy practices that might be considered information blocking, and how they can reduce health center risks with early planning and policy definitions.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 PM EST
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NACHC, in collaboration with Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell (FTLF), will be holding three virtual FTCA Office Hours to answer health center clinical leaders’ specific questions.
Topics covered include coverage for COVID-19 related activities, navigating telehealth, coverage for virtual services, issues related to COVID-19 vaccine delivery, deeming of volunteer health professionals, preparing for a virtual site visit, and risk management.
The most up-to-date FTCA FAQ is available here; go to “FTCA Requirements.”
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Integrated Primary and Behavioral Health Care Services and Value-Based Reimbursement |
Value-based reimbursement (VBR) offers the opportunity to transform the health care system using a more equitable, integrated, and person-centered approach. Many health centers have begun the transition to VBR or are planning for it or other alternative payment models.
This webinar will review the basics of value-based reimbursement and what providers need to know and do to navigate the transition successfully to better meet the needs of complex and vulnerable populations, while effectively meeting targeted outcomes for quality and cost. Topics will include elements of a strategic “roadmap” that health centers can use to plan for VBR as they work towards health care that is viable and sustainable for all.
This webinar will address the following questions:
• What systems capabilities does my health center need to enhance or develop for successful implementation of VBR?
• How can we assess and plan for new processes (clinical, financial and technology) required for successful implementation of VBR?
• What are the workforce implications for VBR in an integrated care setting?
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET
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SAVE THE DATE
Today with MACRAE
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The HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care will provide health center program updates in “Today with Macrae”.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
2:00PM - 3:00PM EST
Access details coming soon
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Funding and Financial Opportunities |
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Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program |
The Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program (ISTP) program will integrate mental health and substance use treatment services in primary care settings. Grantees will train practicing professionals to provide addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services in underserved communities. Practicing professionals include the following disciplines: nurse practitioners, physician assistants, health service psychologists, and social workers. Approximately $6.5 million will be available in FY 2021 to fund two grantees. The application deadline is Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
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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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