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WVPCA Weekly Outlook
A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare
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WVPCA News - Outreach and Enrollment
State News - National News - Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Training Opportunities
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West Virginia Department of Ed. announces quarantine, contact tracing and mask guidance for upcoming school year
Read the entire article from WVNews here.
Doctors worry that memory problems after COVID-19 may set the stage for Alzheimer's
Read the entire article from NPR here.
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2021 Annual CHC Leadership Retreat |
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming "Annual CHC Leadership Retreat" that will take place on September 19-21, 2021. After careful consideration, we have decided to have this year's conference as an in-person event and it will be held at the Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV. Registration and additional details will be coming soon.
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Please join the West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA) and Michelle Fox with Apexus as we host “Maintaining a Compliant 340B Program with Confidence” virtual webinar series. In this series, we will discuss topics common to FQHCs: how to build, maintain and self-audit your compliance program and have confidence that you are audit-ready. We will cover the areas of registrations/eligibility, auditing, oversight, prevention of diversion and duplicate discounts, inventory management, retail and contract pharmacy compliance and operations.
Webinar Series includes:
August 26, 2021 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Program Introduction, Compliance Cornerstones, Self-Auditing Best Practices
September 9, 2021 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
MFR Audits and GFI, Grantee Considerations, Medicaid, Inventory Management
September 23, 2021 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Implementing and maintaining compliant contract pharmacies followed by Implementing and maintaining compliant entity-owned retail pharmacies
October 7, 2021 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Pricing and State 340B Issues
The following is an overview of what will be covered:
- Review 340B compliance considerations that are especially important to FQHCs
- Discuss available resources for helping maintain a compliant program
- Introduce topics that grantees frequently ask about
TARGET AUDIENCE: Anyone in your CHC involved in 340B compliance, i.e. CEO, COO, CMO, FQHC 340B Managers, Pharmacy Leadership, etc.
Registration closes on August 25, 2021 at 5:00 PM ET.
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The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America is a ten-year initiative beginning in FY 2020 to achieve the important goal of reducing new HIV infections to less than 3,000 per year by 2030. As HRSA has noted, community health centers are an integral partner in reducing HIV in the communities they serve. Please join the West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA), HITEQ, MAAETC, and Gilead for an exciting five-part webinar series to assist health centers with preparing to meet the goal of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative by sharing useful strategies both with data/HIT and clinical interventions.
HIV prevention is one of the four pillars of Ending the HIV Epidemic as outlined by HRSA.
Please join the WVPCA in welcoming Jarrod Coffey, PharmD and Senior Medical Scientist in HIV Prevention as he defines PrEP, reviews prescribing guidelines and follow-up care, and describes how PrEP in primary care is integral in the prevention of HIV.
PRESENTER: Jarrod Coffey, PharmD, AAHIVE Senior Medical Scientist HIV Prevention Medical Sciences, Gilead Sciences
OBJECTIVES:
Following this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Define Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Discuss the importance of implementing PrEP in a primary care setting
- Describe the process of prescribing PrEP
- Discuss strategies for leveraging resources
See webinar series information here.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives.
This event is intended only for Community Health Center Staff.
Registration closes on September 27, 2021 at 4:00 PM ET.
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Affordable Care Act Special
Enrollment Period Closes August 15
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Open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act will close August 15. In a final push to enroll more West Virginians in federal subsidized health insurance, the non-profit WV Navigator is hosting sign-up events this week.
In previous years, open enrollment for federally subsidized health insurance lasted less than two months. President Joe Biden extended that period this year to six months.
Those who can’t get health insurance through an employer or programs like Medicaid are eligible for insurance through the health insurance marketplace. Subsidies were made available through the American Rescue Plan beginning in April.
“We've seen a lot of people that have been able to get health insurance this year for much more affordable rates than they ever imagined,” said Jeremy Smith with WV Navigator.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said more than 1.2 million customers have signed up this year for health plans costing less than $10 a month.
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The Critical Role of Monoclonal Antibodies
as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues
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Please join the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as they present an important webinar NEXT TUESDAY focusing on how monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutics can help prevent serious illness from COVID-19. This webinar will feature Michael R. Anderson, MD, a Senior Advisor to HHS’ Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Read more about the webinar and Dr. Anderson below.
The Critical Role of Monoclonal Antibodies as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues
Tuesday, August 10 | 4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
If you prefer to join by phone: 833-568-8864
When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID: 160 055 0780 and passcode: 828587
HRSA knows that this webinar conflicts with their 2020 Uniform Data System data trends webinar. Please know that they will record this webinar and share the recording. However, they strongly encourage providers who have questions about COVID-19 treatments to attend this webinar so they can participate in the Q&A portion.
About the Webinar
In the continued fight against COVID-19, we have seen how important monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutics are in helping prevent serious illness. As viral variants arise and spread, it is increasingly critical that health care providers have the latest treatment information at their fingertips. Dr. Anderson will share updates on available COVID-19 therapeutics including medication efficacy, new administration routes and novel treatments in the pipeline, fee reimbursement resources, and provider and patient tools and fact sheets. Dr. Anderson and HRSA representatives will also be available for a Q&A to answer providers’ questions about these important COVID-19 therapies.
About the Presenter
Michael R. Anderson, MD, MBA, FAAP, FCCM, FAARC, is a pediatric critical care physician, health care executive, child advocate, and a nationally renowned expert in disaster response and health policy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was asked to join HHS full time and is currently a Senior Advisor to HHS’ ASPR in Washington, D.C. He is a key leader on the COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapeutics team and has deployed with federal COVID-19 monoclonal antibody administration teams and focused on stakeholder engagement, product distribution, and the creation of innovative infusion centers aimed at saving lives and preserving hospital capacity.
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HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program Updates |
A reminder that COVID-19 services are free, including testing, treatment, and vaccination. Anyone can get services, no matter their insurance or immigration status.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program has paid more than 10 million COVID-19 vaccine claims.
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Over Half of West Virginia Counties Experiencing High Transmission of COVID-19 |
Over half of the counties in the state are experiencing high transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, including a majority of North Central West Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data tracker.
In all, 26 counties in the state had high transmission during the one-week period ending Wednesday, and another 20 had substantial transmission.
High transmission counties included Harrison, Barbour, Lewis, Randolph and Upshur. North Central West Virginia counties with substantial transmission were Marion, Monongalia and Taylor.
Doddridge County was the lone county in the state with low transmission of the virus. Another eight counties, including Preston, had moderate transmission.
The CDC now recommends wearing a mask in indoor public spaces in locations with substantial or high transmission to reduce spread of the Delta variant. The advice also applies to vaccinated individuals, as studies suggest they may just as easily spread COVID-19 as someone who is not vaccinated.
Although breakthrough cases of COVID-19 have occurred among vaccinated individuals, the likelihood of severe illness is reduced with vaccination, officials have said.
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Upcoming Grant Writing Development Series |
The West Virginia Partnership for Health Innovation (WVPHI) announces their Grant Writing Development Series opportunity. This is an innovative cohort-based grant writing training for individuals working for a healthcare organization (e.g., public health, behavioral health, hospitals, community health centers, health departments, nonprofit organizations focused on social determinants of health, etc.) in West Virginia.
The Goals
- Increase the skills and knowledge of participants to identify, write, and develop competitive grant applications.
- Create supportive partnerships among professionals to advance the health and well-being of West Virginians.
- Put knowledge into action through grant writing and grant review practice.
Process
- Up to 20 participants working in the healthcare field in West Virginia (e.g., public health, behavioral health, hospitals, community health centers, health departments, nonprofit organizations focus on social determinants of health, etc.).
- Must participate in all sessions and actively apply what you are learning by creating your own proposals.
- Complete registration
- WVPHI will notify you of your acceptance.
This free webinar is available through the West Virginia Partnership for Health Innovation’s Covid Capture Healthcare Sector Team. For more information, contact Deb Koester at DebKoester.wvphi@gmail.com.
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National Immunization Month |
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of community health centers to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life, including patients’ ability to attend important appointments and receive routine vaccinations. Many patients had to postpone or cancel appointments and still may not have had the opportunity to catch back up on needed healthcare.
During NIAM, encourage your patients to schedule appointments to ensure they are up to date on annual exams and recommended vaccines. Research has consistently shown that healthcare professionals are the most trusted source of vaccine information for parents and patients.
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“The Chemistry for Strong Communities” National Health Center Week 2021 |
National Health Center Week (August 8 – 14) is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades.
Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future. Let’s come together this week to celebrate the roles Community Health Centers have played in both our recent moments of loss and triumph. This National Health Center Week honors those front line providers, staff, and beloved patients who lost their lives during the (ongoing) coronavirus pandemic. From the very beginning of the crisis, Community Health Centers began finding innovative ways to provide preventative and primary care to their patients.
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Apply to Become a Healthy People 2030 Champion |
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) invites your health center to become a Healthy People 2030 Champion. These are organizations committed to working toward Healthy People's overarching goals and objectives. HHS will recognize Champions on health.gov, and Champions will receive a digital badge to highlight their participation on their own websites. Champions will also get information, tools, and resources to help them promote Healthy People 2030 among their communities, partners, and others. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. |
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Funding and Financial Opportunities |
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HRSA Announces $50 Million in Funding to Optimize Use of Virtual Care in Health Centers |
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced the availability of up to $50 million for HRSA-funded health centers to further efforts to advance virtual care. This competitive, one-time funding opportunity will support health centers in optimizing the use of virtual care to increase access and improve clinical quality for medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations.
Application Due Date:
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Tuesday, August 17, 5 p.m. ET in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs)
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Upcoming Training Opportunities |
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Schedule Changes for Today with Macrae Webcasts
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HRSA has made changes to upcoming Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates webcasts.
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The Aug. 19 session was canceled.
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The Sept. 30 session is moved to Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 3:00 PM.
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Better Assess Your Community Using the UDS Mapper Webinar |
The UDS Mapper is a collaboration between the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and is part of the HealthLandscape online mapping platform.
Attend this session to learn how to leverage the UDS Mapper tool to further understand the communities and populations served by the Health Center Program.
The webinar is geared toward users who are familiar with the UDS Mapper.
The webinar is open to the public and free of charge.
Friday, September 10, 2021
2:00 PM ET
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“Closing the Loop on the Referral”: How a Health Center Medical-Legal Partnership Cracked the Code to Facilitate Electronic Data-Sharing between Partners |
In this national webinar, join Siouxland Community Health Center to discuss how they joined forces with an HCCN and their civil legal services MLP colleagues to overcome the greatest tech challenge for MLPs: “closing the loop on the referral.” The team will share best practices to help other health centers advance their MLP practice beyond screening and referrals to conducting real-time tracking and analysis of legal needs interventions in the EHR.
Friday, August 13, 2021
2:00 PM ET
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2020 Uniform
Data System Trends
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Join a HRSA webinar to learn about 2020 Uniform Data System (UDS) trends in health center patient demographics, staffing and clinical quality measures. Gain insights on how health center awardees and look-alikes continued to deliver quality primary health care services to their communities during the pandemic, including expanding telehealth use and offering new lines of services such as COVID-19 screening and testing.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
3:30 PM ET
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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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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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