2003 News Archives

Winter 2004 Issue of The Rural Monitor
December 30, 2003
The Winter 2004 Issue of the Rural Monitor is available, please click the following link to view it. [more info]

Reissue of the Winter, 2003 Edition of "The Pulse of CMS"
December 23, 2003
The Winter, 2003 Edition of the Pulse of CMS is available. [Click Here]

PND News Brief
December 22, 2003
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY TOMMY THOMPSON NAMED DENNIS SMITH, HEAD OF THE FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR THE POOR, AS ACTING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS). Smith, a former Virginia Medicaid director and congressional aide, will run the CMS until a permanent replacement is nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the Senate, reported the Associated Press. CMS Administrator Thomas Scully, who had been deeply involved in drafting the new Medicare law, has left his post to pursue a job in the private sector, the Associated Press added. Associated Press, December 17, 2003 [more info]

Working Paper is available from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
December 19, 2003
Care Across the Continuum: Access to Health Care Services in Rural America. A seven-stage continuum of care is described, which can be used as a framework to guide policy development affecting the delivery of health care services in rural areas. Basic principles are developed which shape the description of the stages. The principles are derived from publications of the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Quality of Health Care in America and from the definition of primary care put forth by the IOM's Committee on the Future of Primary Care, which together argue for a system that is patient-centered, continuous, coordinated, accessible, and based on scientific knowledge. Individual copies of the paper are available on request; please visit the following link to download the abstract for P2003-10: [more info]

National Public Health Week
December 19, 2003
The observance of National Public Health Week (NPHW) will be April 5-11, 2004. The tagline is, "Eliminating Health Disparities: Communities Moving from Statistics to Solutions." With the sponsorship of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, and the Josiah Macy Jr., Foundation, we anticipate this year to be the most successful yet. To find out more about National Public Health Week 2004, please visit the following link.[more info]

Leadership Seminar Series for Primary Care Dental and Medical Residents and Faculty
December 19, 2003
Over the past decade, there has been a decline in the percentage of dentists and physicians who pursue advanced training in public health. At the same time, the United States aims to improve the population's health by working towards the goals of Healthy People 2010. These goals include preventing common medical diseases, improving oral health and helping to reduce health care disparities. To accomplish these goals, more dentists and physicians need to be trained as leaders in public health. The Leadership Seminar Series (LSS) was designed to help meet this need. Applications are being accepted from primary care residency program directors in the United States. Information and applications for the 2004 cohort (LSS II), which is the second year of the program and which will focus on rural health, are available at www.amsa.org/lss, then view links under 'LSS II'. For more information, please contact Shadia Garrison, AMSA Contract Manager, at (703) 620-6600 extension 214 or via e-mail at lss@www.amsa.org.

PHC4 FYI
December 17, 2003
The December PHC4 FYI addresses maternal health in the workplace and focuses on "modifiable individual behaviors." Several simple, but very cost effective workplace strategies are suggested. To view and/or download the December issue of PHC4 FYI, visit us on the web by clicking the following link: [more info]

PND News Briefs
December 17, 2003
THROUGH A $2.6 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT, TWO YORK COUNTY HOSPITALS, THE CITY’S HEALTH BUREAU AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WILL CREATE A WAY TO MORE EFFICIENTLY TRACK AND TREAT THE COUNTY’S UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED. The federal grant allows money to be used for computers, the pharmacy and personnel ­ but not to treat people who have no insurance ­ and will spread the $2.6 million over three years, reported the York Daily Record. The consortium hopes to create a connection between hospitals and community groups for identifying people who need health care coverage, the Daily Record added. York Daily Record, December 12, 2003 [more info]

KaiserNetwork Daily Health Report
December 17, 2003
There is a new Daily Health Report over at KaiserNetwork. Click the link for the report. [more info]

Department of Health Info
December 3, 2003
The Community Primary Care Challenge Grant Program from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Health Planning, invites applications from not-for-profit community-based organizations, local county/municipal governments, and/or community based health improvement partnerships to develop and implement new or expanded primary care medical and dental clinics specifically designed to increase access to primary care medical and dental services, and address identified health disparities. [more info]

Modern Healthcare Alert
December 3, 2003
CMS Administrator Tom Scully has informed President Bush and HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson that he is resigning from the agency effective Dec. 16, the CMS confirmed today. Scully, who played a central role in completing long-awaited Medicare reform legislation, is considering jobs with at least four different law and private equity firms, sources said. "I have loved every minute of this job, and would love to stay much longer -- but it is time to go," Scully wrote in an e-mail to the CMS staff. "We have accomplished great things on many fronts in the last three years, but this massive Medicare bill affords the CMS its greatest opportunity to change the world for the better." Among the rumored successors to Scully are Leslie Norwalk, CMS acting deputy administrator, and William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. During his tenure at the agency, beginning in May 2001, Scully spearheaded efforts to require public reporting of healthcare quality data and to link provider payments with participation in such efforts. He often has been a controversial figure: This year he was the object of a lawsuit filed by the Gallup Organization and took heat for the expense of blimp advertising for Medicare's 1-800 number for beneficiaries.

Medicare Legislation Passes Senate
November 29, 2003
Penn State’s Harrisburg Semester program offers students interested in public service a semester or summer long opportunity to live, work, and study leadership in the capital city of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students are selected to be Harrisburg Semester interns based on their academic performance and professional interests. Each semester, students from a wide-range of majors spend more than three months in Pennsylvania's capital city working as interns, meeting state leaders at a weekly public service leadership seminar and participating in community networking activities in the Harrisburg region. Internships are available in the Pennsylvania State Legislature, the Governor’s Office and a variety of other public service related organizations and agencies. The program is housed at the Penn State Downtown Center, which is located directly across the street from the State Capitol in the heart of downtown Harrisburg. Student housing in center-city Harrisburg is available at the International House – Harrisburg. For more information go the Harrisburg Semester website at http://www.hbg.psu.edu/hbg/hburgsem

Modern Healthcare Alert
November 25, 2003
The Senate this morning gave final congressional approval to the most sweeping changes to Medicare since the entitlement program's creation in 1965, including a new prescription drug benefit. The 54-44 vote sends the bill to President Bush, who is expected to sign it into law. Drug coverage under the $395 billion measure would not begin until 2006, but until then seniors would be able to purchase a drug discount card that the Bush administration has estimated could reduce their pharmacy bills by 15%. The measure also would increase reimbursement for doctors and hospitals, particularly in rural areas, and place an 18-month moratorium on physician referrals to specialty hospitals in which they own an interest. "I've been working on this for 15 years," CMS Administrator Tom Scully said. "In all, it's a great bill. In the long run, it's going to modernize the program."Support for the compromise legislation, drafted after months of intense politicking, was far from unanimous. Many Democrats vehemently opposed the measure, contending it would excessively benefit health insurers and drug manufacturers, and some consumer groups complained that the proposed drug benefit was inadequate. AARP support for the bill, however, helped push it through the House, where passage was less certain than in the Senate. Over the weekend, the bill passed the House 220-215, in a largely party-line vote. In the Senate, the bill survived a filibuster attempt and a budget challenge

Medicare Legislation Passes Senate
November 25, 2003
Today, the US Senate approved, H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act. Approved by the House over the weekend, this legislation now goes to the White House for approval. Included within this landmark legislation is a newly created prescription drug benefit for seniors, along with provisions creating increased equity in Medicare reimbursements to rural providers. These rural provisions, long fought for by NRHA, are a strong step forward in strengthening the healthcare system for nearly 61 million rural Americans. [more info]

2004 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program
November 21, 2003
The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program is Now Accepting Applications for the Summer of 2004. Application forms and additional information available. [more info]

USDA Study
November 21, 2003
Here's a nice new document just released by USDA with statistics regarding the current economic conditions in rural America [view document]

AHRQ To Support Health Information Technology Projects To Improve Patient Safety and Quality Of Care
November 21, 2003
Check out their latest article. [view article]

Department of Health News Release
November 20, 2003
Newest DOH release is available. [view document]

Rural Assistance Center Health Update
November 20, 2003
The Rural Assistance Center has posted their lastest news update issue. [view document]

Penn State Pesticide Education Garners National Recognition
November 19, 2003
Penn State's Pesticide Education Program recently was one of four such state programs to be recognized as models by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In its publication, "Helping People Use Pesticides Safely," USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service highlighted the pesticide safety education programs at Penn State, Purdue University, North Carolina State University and Washington State University, saying that the programs "demonstrate the commitment to excellence shared by most pesticide safety education programs.[more info]

NRHA eNews Vol. 4, No. 13
November 19, 2003
The latest eNews is available. Please go here to check it out. Member's Only.

NRHA Endorses Medicare Reform Legislation
November 19, 2003
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) today expressed its support for the conference report on H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act, expected to be considered by Congress in the near future. The newly created prescription drug benefit, along with provisions creating increased equity in Medicare reimbursements to rural providers, is a strong step forward in strengthening the healthcare system for nearly 60 million rural Americans.[more info]

Helping Addicted Youth Find Recovery Video Now Available
November 17, 2003
Young people who are experiencing substance abuse disorders have unique needs. SAMHSA's recent broadcast, Helping Addicted Youth Find Recovery, features a panel of experts that explores the complex issues and highlights effective and innovative treatment strategies. Several students also tell their stories of successfully overcoming substance abuse dependence to lead healthy lives today. [more info]

Medicare Agreement Reached
November 17, 2003
Over the weekend, House and Senate negotiators reached a tentative agreement on Medicare reform legislation. The approximately $400 billion legislation would create a prescription drug benefit under Medicare, enact numerous Medicare reform measures, and provide approximately $28 billion dollars to correct Medicare payment inequities to rural providers. [more info]

World AIDS Day Site
November 15, 2003
In recognition of World AIDS Day, The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a World AIDS Day Web site at www.omhrc.gov/worldaidsday. The site provides information on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, research, and care, as well as public awareness tools to help individuals spread information about HIV/AIDS to the media and their communities.

Executive Nurse Fellowship Announcement
November 15, 2003
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is accepting applications for its Executive Nurse Fellows Program for 2004. This fellowship is a leadership development program for nurses in senior executive roles in health services, public health, and nursing education. The three-year fellowships allow Fellows to remain in their current positions and are intended to offer participants the experiences and skills necessary to advance in executive leadership positions. The program is designed ultimately to increase the influence of nurses and nursing across many sectors of the economy. Up to 20 fellowships will be awarded in 2004.[more info]

CDC Call for Reviewers
November 15, 2003
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Adolescent and School Health, is soliciting names of individuals to serve as external reviewers for applicants to the Program Announcement, "Programs to Improve the Health, Education, and Well-Being of Young People." The purpose of this Program Announcement is to improve the education, health, and well-being of young people by strengthening coordinated school health programs and by enabling other youth-serving organizations to address health risks. [more info]

GAO study
November 15, 2003
Physician Workforce: Supply Increased in Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas but Geographic Disparities Persisted Describes the change supply of physicians from 1991 to 2001. Includes data nationally and by state on physicians in nonmetropolitan areas and on the number of specialists versus generalists. Includes list of Health Resources and Services Administration programs that address the supply and distribution of health professionals, with 1991 and 2001 expenditures for each program [view document]

NIH Loan Repayment Programs increase awards by 66%
November 14, 2003
NIH reported today that it awarded loan repayment contracts totaling $63.3 million to 1,200 researchers across the nation in Fiscal Year 2003. This represents a 66% increase in the number of awards over FY 2002, the first year NIH implemented the loan repayment programs nationwide. Loan repayment contracts are competitively awarded to health professionals who commit to engage in qualifying research.[more info]

Death of Small-town America is Greatly Exaggerated
November 12, 2003
Amid the onslaught of urban and suburban sprawl, the death of small-town America has been greatly exaggerated, according to a Penn State researcher. "When people care about each other and their community, the community persists in the face of enormous social, demographic and economic changes," says A. E. Luloff, professor of rural sociology and agricultural economics. "Places don't go away; the sense of community goes away." Basing his conclusions on a study of six rural towns going back to the 1940s, Luloff notes that a sense of collective pride can be engendered by a variety of community events and celebrations. The towns are Landaff, N.H.; El Cerrito, N.M.; Sublette, Kansas; Lancaster, Pa.; Irwin, Iowa; and Harmony, Ga. Read the full story at http://live.psu.edu/story/4630

Ideas for Intergenerational Living Newsletter
November 10, 2003
The latest issue of the Ideas for Intergenerational Living Newsletter is available. [view document]

Diabetes Awareness Month
November 10, 2003
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. During November, 59 state and territorial diabetes prevention and control programs, the National Institutes of Health, the American Diabetes Association, community-based organizations, other partners, and CDC will highlight activities that increase awareness about diabetes. [more info]

Child Abuse and Neglect Information New Web Site
October 8, 2003
The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned Web site!  While the information you've come to rely on will remain the same, effective October 10, 2003, our new Web address will be http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov

Health Policy Fellowship Announcement
October 10, 2003
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is accepting applications for its Health Policy Fellowship Program for 2004-2005.  This program provides an opportunity for mid-career health professionals and behavioral and social scientists to experience the health policy process at the federal level.  Applicants may have backgrounds in medicine, dentistry, biomedical sciences, nursing, public health, social and behavioral health, health services, allied health, economics, or other social sciences.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Application deadline is November 21, 2003. The complete Call for Applications is available on The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation web site www.rwjf.org/cfp/healthpolicyfellows or by calling (202) 334-1506.

Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured released two new publications
October 8, 2003
As the latest government data on America's health insurance coverage shows that the uninsured population is increasing, the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured released two new publications examining the health coverage characteristics of rural America, where nearly 1 in every 5 of America's uninsured reside. The chartbook, Health Insurance Coverage in Rural America (#4093) http://www.kff.org/content/2003/4093/, and the fact sheet, The Uninsured in Rural America (#225202) http://www.kff.org/content/2003/225202/, detail the health policy issues faced by the uninsured and low-income populations who live in rural areas.

Working Paper Series: The Impact of the Medicaid Budgetary Crisis on Rural Communities
October 6, 2003
Please click the link for the paper. [Working Paper Series]

NRHA Memebers Appointed To Rurual Health Advisory Commitee
October 3, 2003
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of three NRHA members to the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, a 21-member citizens panel of nationally recognized experts that provides recommendations on rural health and human services issues to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. [more info]

NRHA eNews Vol. 4, No. 10 Available
September 30, 2003
The newest edition is now available. For this and more information please click [here]

HRSA Awards $900,000 to Support Rural Health Services Research
September 30, 2003
HRSA today announced six grants totaling $899,254 to support research to help improve rural health care systems throughout the country. [more info]

WIC Reauthorization Background Paper
October 21, 2003
This paper examines the main reform issues affecting the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which is coming up for reauthorization this year. The paper provides background information on the WIC program, including its dramatic growth in participation and funding. It also reviews WIC's link to health care and its impact on health outcomes. [more info]

Consensus Project Created to Develop Rural Emergency Medical Services Agenda
September 30, 2003
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is pleased to join with the National Association of State EMS Directors (NASEMSD) and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) to begin to develop a major consensus document to serve as a guide for national policy and funding of rural and frontier emergency medical services (EMS) across the country. [more info]

Consensus Project Created to Develop National Policy Paper: "Rural/Frontier Emergency Medical Services Agenda for the Future"
September 26, 2003
Eli Briggs, Policy and State Affairs Manager for the National Rural Health Association, today announced the start of a project to develop a major consensus document to serve as a guide for national policy and funding of rural and frontier emergency medical services (EMS) across the country. The NRHA will partner with two national EMS and rural health systems leadership groups, the National Association of State EMS Directors (NASEMSD) and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. The project is supported by funding from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP). [more info]

HHS Awards $11.6 Million in Grants to Improve Access to Potentially Life-Saving Deffibrillators in Rural Communities
September 24, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced $11.6 million in grants to increase access to on-the-spot help for people who suffer heart attacks in rural America. [more info]

State Fiscal Conditions and Health Coverage: An Update on FY2004 and Beyond
September 23, 2003
The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured released three new reports today on how states are coping with the fourth year of fiscal stress. The third annual survey of the 50 states reveals a far-reaching impact on health coverage for low-income families at a time when enrollment is increasing due to sluggish economic conditions. [more info]

HHS Awards $13,7 Million to Support Community to Prevent Diabetes, Asthma adn Obesity
September 18, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced 12 grants totaling $13.7 million to promote community initiatives to promote better health and prevent disease. The grants are funded under HHS' new Steps to a HealthierUS program, which aims to help Americans live longer, better, and healthier lives by reducing the burden of diabetes, overweight, obesity and asthma and addressing three related risk factors -- physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use. A list of awards can be found here

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation Scholars in Health Disparities 2004 Grant Cycle
September 17, 2003
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Center for the Advancement of Health are pleased to announce recruitment for the 2004 cohort of W.K. Kellogg Foundation Scholars in Health Disparities. This program challenges post doctoral investigators from a variety of disciplines such as economics, sociology, political science, public health and law, to examine the causes and consider policy solutions for health disparities by race/ethnicity, gender and income/socioeconomic status. [more info]

Common Threads from the RTC: Rural
September 17, 2003
RTC: Rural researchers find that a person with a disability annually experiences an average of 14 secondary conditions that affect health and limit independence. Health promotion programs can help them maintain and improve their health and quality of life.

Marketing Health Promotion for People with Disabilities [more info]

Barriers and Best Practices: Marketing Health Promotion for People with Disabilities [more info]

CMS Southern Consortium HIPAA Web Casts
September 16, 2003
The CMS Southern Consortium's Achieving Compliance Together (ACT) Team has developed a series of HIPAA presentations. They can be accessed via the internet and there is no cost to you. [more info]

HHS Announces $26.6 Million in Grants to Train Health Workers for Bioterror Events
September 15, 2003
The Department of Health and Human Services said Sept. 12 that it is providing $26.6 million in new grants to bolster bioterrorism training for health professionals. The grants are the first under the HHS Bioterrorism Training and Curriculum Development Program, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration at HHS. The program was created as a result of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Pub. L. No. 107-188). [more info]

Fellowship Announcement
September 15, 2003
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is requesting applications for its Scholars in Health Policy Research Program. This program is intended to develop a new generation of creative thinkers in health policy research, from the disciplines of economics, political science, and sociology. [more info]

HHS Awards $3.7 Million to Improve Rural Telehealth Outreach
September 12, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced 15 grants totaling $3.74 million to support telehealth projects that help improve access to health care services in rural and remote areas. The grants will support existing telehealth networks, including projects that will help develop community-based clinical telemedicine efforts, establish distance-learning opportunities for health professionals, and support patient education programs on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis and congestive heart failure. [full article]

NRHA Urges Funding for Rural Health Programs
September 9, 2003
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) urges the Senate to adequately fund rural health programs as Senators consider the Fiscal Year 2004 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriation bill. [more info]

NRHA Advocates Rural Provisions in Medicine Legislation
September 9, 2003
"The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) draws attention to a report released by the Center for American Progress, which finds fewer Medicare recipients in rural areas have drug coverage through private insurance plans or benefits provided by former employers than their urban counterparts. The report also found that rural patients spend about 25 percent more on prescription drugs than their urban counterparts." [more info]

NRHA Executive Director: A Leading Voice in Healthcare
September 9, 2003
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is pleased to announce that Executive Director Stephen D. Wilhide has recently been recognized by Modern Healthcare as "one of the most powerful people in healthcare." [more info]

Prenatal Brochure Avavilable in Several Languages
September 6, 2003
A prenatal brochure is now available from the State Family Planning Administrators through a grant to the Center for Health Training in Seattle and the Washington State Department of Health. The brochure addresses topics such as timing of pregnancy, issues to discuss with a doctor when considering pregnancy, and other important pre-pregnancy issues. It is available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Somali, Russian, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese. [download brochure]

Bright Futures Announces New Web Site
September 6, 2003
The American Academy of Pediatrics announces the availability of a new Bright Futures web site. Bright Futures, initiated by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) is a philosophy and approach that is dedicated to the principle that every child deserves to be healthy, and that optimal health involves a trusting relationship between the health professional, the child, the family, and the community. As part of this initiative, "Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents" was developed to provide comprehensive health supervision guidelines, including recommendations on immunizations, routine health screenings, and anticipatory guidance. The Bright Futures web site provides information according to three specific areas: Health Care Professionals, Public Health Care Professionals, and Families and Communities. It includes components such as: Bright Futures in Practice, which allows you to find out how Bright Futures is being implemented in your particular state, newsletters, related literature, continuing education, presentations and marketing, and other tools and resources. [full report]

Survey Shows Majority of Childbearing Aged Women Not Taking Folic Acid
September 6, 2003
Results from the latest March of Dimes survey, "Folic Acid and the Prevention of Birth Defects" are now available. According to the survey, only 32% of women in the US between the ages of 18 and 45 take a multivitamin containing folic acid on a daily basis, an increase of only 4% since 1995. The survey also found that one-third of women polled who have seen televisions ads about folic acid believe that the ads are intended for a different group of women, such as women who are trying to get pregnant or women of a different age group. The results show that there has been an increase in folic acid awareness among women of childbearing age from 52% in 1995 to 79% in 2003. According to the survey, 33% of women would be more likely to consume a daily multivitamin containing folic acid if recommended by a doctor. The Gallup Organization conducted this survey for the March of Dimes under a grant from the CDC. Copies of the survey, item #31-1784-03, can be obtained by calling 1-800-367-6630.

NHPF Releases Report on WIC Reauthorization
September 6, 2003
The National Health Policy Forum (NHPF) recently released a revised background paper entitled "WIC Reauthorization: Opportunities for Improving the Nutritional Status of Women, Infants, and Children." The report examines the main reform issues affecting the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which is coming up for reauthorization this year. It provides background information on the program, including its dramatic growth in participation and funding. The paper also discusses WIC's link to health care and its impact on health outcomes and raises a series of questions about the future of the program such as food package and program eligibility changes, nutrition education strategies to reduce obesity, financial risks and health consequences of relying on infant formula rebates, and new opportunities for research and demonstration. [full report]

Urban Institute Releases Publications on Welfare Reform
September 6, 2003
Assessing the New Federalism, a project of the Urban Institute, released several new publications marking the seventh anniversary of welfare reform: Work and Barriers to Work among Welfare Recipients in 2002; Snapshots III; Work Activities of Current Welfare Recipients; Snapshots III, No. 4; Fewer Welfare Leavers Employed in Weak Economy; Snapshots III, No. 5; Use of Government Benefits Increases among Families Leaving Welfare; Snapshots III, No. 6; and Disconnected Welfare Leavers Face Serious Risks; Snapshots III, No. 7. [view reports]

Higher Prevelance of Heart Disease in Black Women, Lower Standrad of Care
September 6, 2003
According to a study published in the September 2 issue of Circulation, black women are less likely than white women to be given standard drugs to treat cardiac disease, even though they are twice as likely to suffer from heart problems. The research found that black women were twice as likely to have heart attacks and deaths related to heart disease than white women, partly due to an increase in risk factors, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. [view abstract]

Progress Shown in Death Rates from Common Cancers, Disparities Remain
September 6, 2003
Death rates from the four most common cancers - lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal - continued to decline in the late 1990s, according to new data from the CDC, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. The report, entitled "Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2000," provides an update on cancer mortality, incidence rates, and trends in the United States. It also includes data that can be used to develop cancer control plans and programs at the state and local levels. This year's report includes incidence data from 34 statewide cancer registries that cover 68% of the U.S. population. [more info]

Cross-Cultural Communication Resources Available
September 6, 2003
A satellite videoconference entitled "Cross-Cultural Communication in Health Care: Building Organizational Capacity", that was originally broadcast on June 4, 2003, has now been archived and is available for viewing right at your desktop. Go to www.hrsa.gov/financeMC and page down to the Cross-Cultural Communication hot link. While accessing the web site you can find information on the Center's other programs, trainings, and technical assistance opportunities.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators--August 2003
September 5, 2003
Statistical Indicators previously published in Agricultural Outlook addressing a broad spectrum of agriculture-related issues. Includes commodity and food prices, general economic indicators, government program expenditures, farm income estimates, and trade and export statistics. [more info]

Food Stamp Benefits and the Childhood Poverty in the 1990s
September 3, 2003
In 2000, 8.8 million children received food stamps, making the Food Stamp Program a crucial component of the social safety net. Despite its importance, little research has examined the effect of food stamps on children's overall well-being. Using the Current Population Survey from 1989 to 2001, we consider the impact of food stamps on three measures of poverty the headcount, the poverty gap, and the squared poverty gap. [more info]

Structure of the Global Markets for Meat
September 3, 2003
Meat trade flows among countries and world regions are determined largely by differences among countries in their resource base, their preferences for meat types and cuts, the extent and character of barriers to trade, and the industry structure. Future growth of meat trade depends on further liberalization of protectionist barriers, eradication of animal diseases, economic development, and population growth. Trade growth is likely to feature greater complexity in trade patterns, with more countries engaging in trade, and with an increased tendency for individual countries to import and export meat cuts and offal from the same animal species. [more info]

Monitoring the Health Care Safety Net
September 2, 2003
A Series of Three Free Web Assisted Audio Conferences, Co-Sponsored by HRSA and AHRQ - September 23, 24 and 25, 2003 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., EDT. Learn about a new, more systematic approach to measuring the viability of the health care safety net. AHRQ and HRSA are working together, leading a safety net monitoring initiative to improve the capacity of State and local analysts and planners to monitor the evolving structure, capacity and financial stability of a community's health care safety net. [more info]

Rual America at a Glance
September 2, 2003
Rural America At A Glance is a six-page brochure that highlights the most recent indicators of social and economic conditions in rural areas for use in developing policies and programs to assist rural areas. This brochure is the second in a series of reports that uses current social and economic data to highlight important population, labor market, income, and poverty trends in rural areas. The new metropolitan/nonmetropolitan classification is also discussed. The format of the report incorporates text bullets with charts and maps to make the report easy-to-read and visually interesting. This brochure provides information on key rural conditions and trends for use by public and private decisionmakers and others in efforts to enhance the economic opportunities and quality of life for rural people and their communities. [more info]

Dynamics of Poverty and Food Sufficiency
September 2, 2003
This study examines dynamics in poverty and food insufficiency using newly available longitudinal data from the 1993 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) and the follow-on Survey of Program Dynamics (SPD). The study uses these data to characterize the incidence and dynamics of poverty and food problems for the entire U.S. population and for different subgroups. It also estimates multivariate, discrete-choice regression models to examine the factors associated with transitions into and out of poverty and food insufficiency, and it analyzes the empirical results in the context of a life-cycle model of income and food consumption. [more info]

Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care
September 1, 2003
The newly released report Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America as just been released. [more info]

National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs
September 1, 2003
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) can repay up to $35,000 a year of qualified educational debt for health professionals pursuing careers in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility, or health disparities research. The programs also provide coverage for Federal and state tax liabilities. [more info]

NRHA e-News
August 28, 2003
NRHA e-News Vol. 4, No. 8 [full article]

Program Guidance Is Available for New Health Center Funding
August 27, 2003
Program guidance is now available for organizations seeking FY 2004 grants for operational support under HRSA's Consolidated Health Center Program. This notice includes eligibility requirements, review criteria and awarding factors. The program includes community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless, public housing primary care and school-based health centers. [full report]

PRHA Unveils Revised Document
August 27, 2003
Status Check III: Health Care in Rural Pennsylvania, the association’s premier publication, was unveiled at the 2003 Rural Health Conference. Originally published in 1997, the document was updated in 1999. The 2003 edition includes 2000 census data, a revised format, and new sections on insurance issues, the effect of malpractice issues on the delivery of rural health care services in rural areas, the status of public health in rural Pennsylvania, and bioterrorism and emergency preparedness in rural areas of the state. All members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and all PRHA members will receive a copy of the publication. [download]

NRHA Action Alert: Rural Provision Update
August 27, 2003
The House-Senate conference committee negotiations on the final Medicare reform package have slowed dramatically this week, because of a dispute concerning the consideration of non-controversial rural provider provisions. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has expressed concern the timetable set out for the conference does not reflect the importance of addressing rural equity issues. As a result, Senator Grassley has pulled his staff from all conference discussions. [more info]

Conference Explores Communicating With the Media
August 27, 2003
On October 15-17, 2003, join the Pennsylvania Public Health Association (PPHA), The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (PORH) and Penn State for the annual PPHA conference at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. The theme, Public Health: Communication in the 21st Century, will focus on the skills and knowledge that health professionals need to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. [more info]

Best Practices in Oral Helath Available on ASTDD Web Site
August 27, 2003
The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) announces a new web-based resource that presents best practices information for developing state-of-the-art oral health programs. Among the best practice topics are oral health surveillance, state oral health plans, community water fluoridation, and workforce development. [more info]

GAO Reports on Medicaid Funding Formula
August 27, 2003
The formula used to determine how much states receive in federal Medicaid matching funds is based on an "incomplete measurement" of states' resources and low-income populations, according to a new General Accounting Office (GAO) report. The report, "Medicaid Formula: Differences in Funding Ability among States Often Are Widened," found that the Medicaid formula narrows the average difference in states' funding ability by 20% but often widens the gap between individual states and the national average. [full report]

Updated State Medicaid Fact Sheets Available
August 27, 2003
The National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI), in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), has released 2003 updates of their state-specific Medicaid fact sheets. These fact sheets "detail the importance of the Medicaid program to the health care for children in every state, as well as the critical role of children's hospitals and pediatricians in serving all children." [more info]

Kaiser Releases Report on Medicaid and SCHIP Enrollment
August 27, 2003
A new report prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation entitled "Preserving Recent Progress on Health Coverage for Children and Families: New Tensions Emerge," presents the findings of a survey of Medicaid and SCHIP eligibility rules, enrollment and renewal procedures, and cost-sharing policies implemented in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2002 and the beginning of 2003. [full report]

Medicare Coverage Significantly Increases the use of Preventitive Services
August 27, 2003
A new study released by The Commonwealth Fund reports that gaining access to Medicare coverage significantly improved previously uninsured older adults' use of preventive health services such as cholesterol testing, mammography, and prostate exams. [full article]

EPSDT Knowledge Path Available
August 27, 2003
"Knowledge Path: Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) Services" is an electronic resource guide for health professionals and families with information on providing and strengthening EPSDT services. The guide, produced by the Maternal and Child Health Library, includes guidelines for the frequency, timing, and content of health promotion and disease prevention services for infants, children, and adolescents. [more info]

AMCHP Expands Tools Available to Help MCH with Assessment
August 27, 2003
The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) and the Johns Hopkins University Women's and Children's Health Policy Center have expanded the online CAST-5 resources available to state MCH staff. CAST-5 is a set of assessment and planning tools designed to assist state Title V programs in examining their organizational capacity to carry out core MCH functions. [more info]

NCD Report Examines Community-Based Services for People with Disabilities
August 27, 2003
The National Council on Disability (NCD) recently released a comprehensive, online analysis of federal and state implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision to move care from institutionalized settings to integrated, community-based settings for individuals with disabilities. According to the report, progress has been made in facilitating community-based services; however, further efforts are necessary to increase public awareness of Olmstead. [more info]

Language Services Action Kit Available
August 27, 2003
A Language Services Action Kit has been developed with support from The Commonwealth Fund, the Access Project, and the National Health Law Program to help people with limited English proficiency get appropriate language assistance in medical settings. The kit is designed for use by hospitals, health care providers, and immigrant advocates. [more info]

Workshop - Effectively Using the New 2000 U.S. Census Focus on Pennsylvania
August 26, 2003
The Census 2000 Workshop will teach participants to perform in-depth demographic studies using the recently released 2000 U.S. Census. Workshops will be held in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Participants will learn what information is available on the 2000 Census and how to easily extract the specific data they need. Each student will learn how to present detailed Pennsylvania demographic data in compelling new ways. [more info]

National Program Provides Affordable Health Care Coverage for Kids
August 15, 2003
As families get their children ready for a successful school year, the National Rural Health Association is pleased to join leading health experts and other organizations to encourage parents of uninsured children to apply for health care coverage through Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) as part of the Covering Kids program. [more info]

Kaiser, HRSA Release New Reports on Women's Health
August 12, 2003
Two new reports are available highlighting women's health issues. The first report, "Women's Health USA 2003," released by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), provides up-to-date statistics on women's health in the U.S. and highlights the impact of chronic health conditions on the status of women's health. The report examines population characteristics, health status and health services utilization. This year's report also includes a new section on special populations and looks at women's health along the U.S.-Mexico border, in rural and urban areas, and among immigrant, incarcerated and older women and monitors preventive health measures in HRSA-supported community and migrant health centers. The report finds that women who receive care at these centers have slightly higher rates for Pap smears and mammograms compared to women in the general population. The report also provides comparisons of men and women on 26 health indicators and behaviors and looks at racial and ethnic disparities among women for 29 health topics.

To order a free copy of the report, call 1-800-ASK-HRSA or go to our Website.

The second report, "Women's Access to Care: A State-Level Analysis of Key Health Policies," was prepared by the National Women's Law Center and the Kaiser Family Foundation. It examines state activity on policies that influence women's access to care, with a focus on private insurance, Medicaid, and reproductive health. Specific policies covered in the report include contraceptive coverage and emergency contraception, Medicaid eligibility expansions, managed care protections, and assistance with the costs of prescription drugs. [full report]

CDC Releases Summary Helath Statistics for U.S. Children
August 12, 2003
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released "Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children: National Health Interview Survey, 1999." This report provides statistics from the 1999 National Health Interview Survey on selected health measures for children below the age of 18, classified by variables such as sex, age, race/ethnicity, poverty status, health insurance coverage, region, and current health status. Topics covered include asthma, allergies, learning disability, attention deficit disorder, use of medication, respondent-assessed health status, days lost from school, usual place of medical care, time since last contact with a health care professional, selected health care risk factors, and time since last dental visit. [full report]

Despite Recent Improvements, Millions of Children Still Remain Uninsured
August 12, 2003
According to the Urban Institute's 2002 National Survey of America's Families' (NSAF) Snapshots, 7.8 million children in the U.S. were uninsured in 2002. While this represents a decrease of 1.8 million children over the past three years, it also signifies that at least 4 million children who were eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid were not enrolled. The survey found that the vast majority of low-income families with uninsured children would have enrolled their children if they knew that they qualified for benefits. The findings were released by "Covering Kids & Families," a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative, at the launch of its annual Back-to-School campaign, a nationwide effort to inform families about low-cost and free health care coverage.

According to Urban Institute data, children enrolled in SCHIP or Medicaid were 1.5 times more likely than uninsured children to receive well-child and other office visits and dental care. In contrast, uninsured children were three times more likely than those covered by SCHIP or Medicaid to lack a continuous source of medical care and 1.5 times more likely to have an unmet medical, dental, or prescription drug need. Additional findings revealed that, over the past three years, African-American and Hispanic children, along with those living in low-income households, made the largest strides in obtaining insurance coverage, primarily due to SCHIP and Medicaid coverage. However, the percentage of uninsured African-American and Hispanic children is greater than that of non-Hispanic white children. Approximately 10% of African-American and 21% of Hispanic children were uninsured in 2002, although a significant number of them were eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid. In comparison, about 7% of non-Hispanic white children were uninsured in 2002.

For more information, visit our Website. Additional information on the Covering Kids & Families campaign is available here.

GAO Reports on the Many Factors Behind Rising Malpractice Insurance Rates
August 12, 2003
Several factors, including falling investment income, rising reinsurance costs, and losses on medical malpractice claims contribute to rising malpractice premium rates, according to a recently released report by The General Accounting Office (GAO) to help Congress better understand the reasons behind the rate increases. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe the extent of the increases in medical malpractice insurance rates, (2) analyze the factors that contributed to those increases, and (3) identify changes in the medical malpractice insurance market that might make this period of rising premium rates different from previous such periods.

To further the understanding of conditions in current and future medical malpractice markets, the study suggests that Congress consider encouraging the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and state insurance regulators to identify and collect additional, mutually beneficial data necessary for evaluating the medical malpractice insurance market. [full report]

March of Dimes Reports on State Newborn Screening Policies
August 12, 2003
A news release entitled "Few States Offer Adequate Newborn Screening; Most Fall Short of March of Dimes (MOD) Recommendations," is available on our Website. The MOD recommended in 2000 that all babies receive screening for a minimum of nine metabolic disorders and be given a hearing test. MOD reports that currently nine states screen for the nine recommended conditions. Also of note, the release urges Congress to appropriate funds to Title XXVI of the Children's Health Act, which would provide states with funding for newborn screening equipment, training, and public/professional education. ASTHO is collecting information on methods states have used to support increased newborn screening and will make that available soon.

NIHCM Releases Childhood Obesity Report for Health care Professionals
August 12, 2003
The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation has released an issue paper entitled "Childhood Obesity - Advancing Effective Prevention and Treatment: An Overview for Health Professionals." This report, geared towards health care professionals, provides an overview of prevalence and trends, health and economic impact, and current treatment and prevention options. The report also includes a list of resources highlighting numerous health care, school, and community initiatives for further guidance. [full report]

HHS Awards More than $30 Million to Strengthen Rural Hospital Networks and Improve Health Care for Rural Americans
August 7, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced more than $30 million in grants to states to improve health care for rural Americans by strengthening rural hospital networks, supporting State Offices of Rural Health and encouraging rural health care coalitions. [full article]

Health Department Receives Grant for Obesity Prevention
August 7, 2003
Secretary of Health Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today announced that the department has been awarded a grant for more than $649,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement nutrition and physical activity strategies to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases in Pennsylvania. [full article]

PHC4's 2002 Annual Report - Empowering Pennsylvanians for Efficient, Effective Health Care
August 7, 2003
For 17 years, PHC4 has provided Pennsylvanians with valuable information on the cost and quality of health care. In 2002, PHC4 expanded its flagship reports, advanced its abilities to collect and disseminate data, and furthered its education and outreach efforts. Furthermore, PHC4 s Web site continued to serve as a highly effective tool for health care information seekers, with over 372,000 reports downloaded in 2002 alone. [full report]

A very limited number of hard copies are available as well, which can be ordered by calling PHC4 at (717) 232-6787.

National Healthcare Disparities Report
August 1, 2003
In its reauthorization legislation, Congress mandated that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) produce an annual report on health care disparities in the United States (Public Law 106-129). The National Healthcare Disparities Report (NHDR) will include a broad set of performance measures that will be used to monitor the Nation’s progress toward improved health care quality for all Americans. [full report]

National Mental Health Information Center
August 1, 2003
The New Freedom Commission on Mental Health recently presented its final report to the President. It contains information about obtaining this report and descriptions of other new resources available in August from the National Mental Health Information Center), a service of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

***Federal Register Notice***
July 22, 2003
Information about the Office of Rural Health Policy's Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant was published in the federal register. This competitive grant provides funding for rural providers to develop integrated care networks. Information from the program can also be found at the Office of Rural Health Policy Website.

Health Department Awards over $1 Million for Medical and Dental Clinic Services
July 23, 2003
HARRISBURG: Department of Health Secretary Dr. Calvin Johnson today announced that nine organizations will receive more than $1 million in Community Primary Care Challenge Grants to develop and implement medical and dental clinic services in Pennsylvania. complete article

Reoprt Finds Uninsured pay more for Drugs: NRHA Concerned with High Costs
July 22, 2003
(Washington, D.C.) The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) today expresses concern over a new study which finds people without health insurance pay significantly higher rates for prescription drugs. The report, released last week by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, found uninsured consumers pay an average of 72 percent more for prescription drugs.

Medicare: Help for Caregivers Who Work
July 23, 2003
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has completed a project that provides the tools and information a caregiver needs when helping an individual with Medicare anticipate, plan for, and act on crucial Medicare decisions. Specific target audience is caregivers who work. Employers are the conduit for information delivery.

Download the materials "Medicare and Eldercare Essentials: A Toolkit for Employers and Employees".

Community Development Academy
July 21, 2003
The University of Missouri Community Development Extension Program offers a series of three courses called the Community Development Academy. Each of the three courses is an intensive, experiential, five-day course that explores ideas and develops practical skills for effectively involving and empowering local citizens and leaders in community-based efforts.

Course 1: Building Communities from the Grassroots, Course 2: Empowering Communities for the Future, Course 3: Creating Capacity for Dynamic Communities. Courses 1 and 3 are being offered September 28 October 3, 2003 at The Mercy Center, St. Louis, Missouri. Courses 1 and 2 are being offered March 21-26, 2004 at The Mercy Center, St. Louis, Missouri.

For additional course information and to register for Course 1 or 2, please visit the MU Conferences web site at: http://muconf.missouri.edu/CommDevelopmentAcademy.

Prescription Drug and Medicare Legislation Passes in House and Senate
July 18, 2003
At the end of June, the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed differing versions of legislation creating a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. Included in this legislation were a number of provisions improving reimbursement rates for a wide variety of rural health care providers. A conference committee has been convened to reconcile the differences in the competing legislation.

The members of the conference committee are as follows: Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Don Nickles (R-OK), Bill Frist (R-TN), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Max Baucus (D-MT), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Tom Daschle (D-SD), John Breaux (D-LA), Representatives Billy Tauzin (R-LA), Bill Thomas (R-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Tom DeLay (R-TX), John Dingell (D-MI), Charles Rangel (D-NY), and Marion Berry (D-AR).

Agreement on the final package is not expected for the next couple of months. The major areas of contention are expected to include coverage gaps, the extent to which private insurance plans will compliment or compete with the traditional Medicare program and the willingness of the federal government to guarantee drug coverage in areas where private competition does not materialize. For additional information and the latest updates on the Medicare reform legislation, please see NRHA's Rural Action Center.

Concern for Proposed Medicare Drug Benefit
July 18, 2003
Although not officially opposing the drug benefit proposals yet, AARP indicated to lawmakers this week that its members are unhappy and confused about the potential drug benefit in the 10-year, $400 billion plans. The association, representing 35.5 million members, has raised concerns with the proposals, and has asked for significant changes to be made prior to passage. [more details] The NRHA also has yet to take a formal position on the drug component of the Medicare bill, but we are raising questions with lawmakers about the implementation of such drug plans in rural America.

NRHA Conducts Policy Meeting
July 18, 2003
The Government Affairs Committee met on July 8, 2003, inWashington, D.C. to discuss the progress of NRHA policy priorities and to meet with key executive and legislative staff. The content of the Medicare Prescription Drug bill, particularly the rural provisions, and funding levels of interest to the NRHA in the House and Senate Appropriations bills were among the topics under consideration. The meeting also highlighted workforce recruitment issues as we discussed health professions appropriations and new workforce initiatives at the Department of Labor. Speakers at the one-day meeting included: Jeff Vorberger, Office of Representative John Peterson (R-PA); Jane Loewenson, Office of Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD); Marcia Brand and Tom Morris, Office of Rural Health Policy; Emily DeRocco, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor; and, Terry Kay, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Liability Reform Fails in Congress
July 18, 2003
On July 9, the Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to move to consideration a medical malpractice liability reform bill. Senators hope to return to this issue later in the year, but Democrats and Republicans appear unable to agree on an approach to address this issue. Earlier in the year, the House of Representatives passed legislation that focused on capping noneconomic and punitive damages at $250,000. Senate Republicans hoped to pass a similar measure, but Democrats opposed the bill, saying they preferred a different approach. This article from the Washington Post describes the issue in further detail. [full article]

Medical malpractice liability reform is an important issue for the NRHA because the rising cost of malpractice insurance drives up the cost of health care for those in rural communities. It also makes it difficult for some rural practitioners, particularly those practicing in states that have faced the sharpest premium increases, to continue offering much-needed health care services. In April 2002, the NRHA issued a policy brief outlining the scope of the problem and our association s approach to addressing the problem. [download brief]

NRHA Spearheads Rural Support Effort
July 18, 2003
The NRHA recently initiated a national effort to demonstrate broad-based support for passage of rural health improvement legislation this year in Congress. In letters to Congressional leadership, the NRHA called for a continued focus on passage of meaningful rural health provisions. The first broad-based letter was co-signed by national groups supporting rural provider improvements within the Medicare reform legislation. [full article]

The second letter, co-signed by individual state rural health associations, also supported congressional efforts to improve access, quality and equity in rural America. [download letter]

NRHA Urges Liability Reform: Presses Congres to Pass Legislation that Tackles Malpractice
July 17, 2003
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) today urges Congress to focus on comprehensive medical malpractice liability reform, which is necessary to address the current health care liability crisis on a national level. Last week, the Senate was unable to get the needed votes for consideration of medical malpractice liability reform. Although Senators say they hope to return to this issue later in the year, each day without reasonable malpractice liability reform equals continued strain on physicians and rural communities.

Rendell Administration Announces New Resource Guide to Help Pennsylvanians Become Better Prepared for Emergencies
July 11, 2003
Gov. Ed Rendell today announced the distribution of a new;easy-to-use brochure to help Pennsylvanians become better informed and prepared for a natural disaster, large-scale emergency or unexpected attack. The Pennsylvania Department of Health will distribute more than 3 million copies of the new guide in home-delivered newspapers statewide this Sunday, July 13. [full article]

Women’s Access to Care: A State-Level Analysis of Key Health Policies
July 10, 2003
A new report from the National Women’s Law Center and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Women’s Access to Care: A State-Level Analysis of Key Health Policies, provides a detailed review of state health policies of importance to women, including private insurance mandates, Medicaid eligibility and benefits, and the provision of reproductive health care. Free copies of the report are available online at http://www.kff.org/content/2003/20030709a.

Vital Statistics
July 9, 2003
The 2001 edition of Vital Statistics can now be accessed on the Health Statistics web pages of the Department of Health Web site. Go to www.health.state.pa.us/stats and select Vital Statistics.

Enrollment in FEHBP Plans in Rural America: What Are the Implications for Medicare Reform?
July 8, 2003
Recent proposals to reform the Medicare program and add an outpatient prescription drug benefit have used the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) as the model for how private plans could be incorporated into the Medicare program. In this Policy Brief, we present information showing how FEHBP is functioning in non-metropolitan (rural) areas of the country. We present enrollment patterns into the various options available in the FEHBP, descriptions of the choices typically available in rural areas, and location of primary care providers used by plans in a sample of rural communities. Principal policy implication: In places where the competing health plans are unlikely to ever emerge, any policy predicated on assumptions that competing plans will deliver health insurance benefits needs to have a "fallback" option that is guaranteed to work.

Please visit the following link to download PB 2003-8 (http://www.rupri.org/ruralHealth/publications/PB2003-8.pdf)

American Journal of Public Health
June 30, 2003
The AJPH is planning a theme issue on rural health scheduled for publication in October 2004. The guest editors at the School of Rural Public Health of the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center are soliciting contributions to the "Research and Practice" section of that issue. Twelve to seventeen articles focusing on major research issues and practice activities in rural public health will be selected for possible publication in that issue. All papers will undergo peer review by the AJPH's editorial team, as per usual practice. In order to be conidered for inclusion in the theme issue, articles must be submitted by January 15, 2004 through the online submission at http://submit.ajph.org/. This web site also provides Instructions for Authors, including specific guidelines for Research and Practice articles. When submitting articles, please select "Rural Health" under the Theme Issue menu. Additional information concerning the theme issue can be obtained by contacting Charles D. Phillips, PhD, MPH.

Telehealth Project to Improve Mental Health Care for Elders in Central Pennsylvania
June 29, 2003
The Department of Psychiatry of the Penn State University College of Medicine has obtained a grant to develop telehealth services for elders and children in rural central Pennsylvania. The grant is through the office of Rural Health and was obtained with federal money with the support of Senator Arlen Specter in the U.S. Congress. Telehealth is using video and audio equipment to engage in clinical care or clinical teaching to augment existing health care services for our clients. In the section of the grant pertaining to elders, we seek to partner with existing agencies to link with the Penn State College of Medicine. In particular, we are working with the Pennsylvania Department on Aging with the many Area Agencies on Aging as well as the PHFA. These agencies have a long history of excellent service to elders in Pennsylvania. For more information, download the press release.

Home Health Information Resource for Medicare
June 26, 2003
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announces the new "Home Health Information Resource for Medicare" located at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/hha/. There are many features on the page including an alphabetical listing of topics, an OASIS section, mailing list access and a highlight section to emphasize current home health activities.

Medicare Prescription Drug Info
June 20, 2003
The NRHA has established a Medicare Debate page on their website to assist rural advocates. It provides a central location for frequent updates and supporting materials on Medicare prescription drug legislation, which is rapidly moving through Congress. Please check this page regularly and share this information with your members for the latest news from Congress on Medicare reform. Contact Greg Lynskey, Government Affairs Manager at NRHA, with any questions at 703-519-7910.

HHS to Fund Demonstrations to Recruit and Retain
June 20, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today called for proposals for programs to recruit and train direct service workers, those workers who provide personal assistance to people with disabilities who need help with eating, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living. A part of the President's New Freedom Initiative, the Demonstration to Improve the Direct Service Community Workforce will fund seven to ten projects around the U.S. designed to develop and implement programs that will recruit and retain direct service workers. The notice soliciting proposals will be available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/newfreedom. Applications must be received by August 12, 2003.

$6.7 Million Funds Projects for At-Risk Youth, Families
June 20, 2003
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced that more than $6.7 million will fund 13 new and 33 renewal projects under the National Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) program. Since 1991, CYFAR, administered by USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, has supported more than 600 communities in every state and territory. Land-grant university Cooperative Extension offices distribute CYFAR dollars to selected at-risk community sites in their states. The federal appropriation has been matched or sometimes exceeded by both public and private funding. For the press release, visit http://www.reeusda.gov/.

State Rural Health Association Installs New President, Unveils New Publication
June 18, 2003
At the June 18 annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association (PRHA), Ron Mezick, Jr., PA-C, a Physician Assistant at the Lycoming Medical Association in Hughesville, was installed as the association's new president. During his two-year term, Ron will be responsible for leading the Board of Directors and the association toward its goals and continuing its reputation as a strong rural health advocacy organization.

And, during the 2003 Rural Health Conference, Status Check III: Health Care in Rural Pennsylvania, the association's premier publication, was unveiled. Originally published in 1997, the document was updated in 1999. The 2003 edition includes 2000 census data, a revised format, and new sections on insurance issues, the effect of malpractice issues on the delivery of rural health care services in rural areas, the status of public health in rural Pennsylvania and bioterrorism and emergency preparedness in rural areas of the state. The publication will be available soon on the PRHA Web site at http://porh.cas.psu.edu/prhaweb/prhahome.htm. For more information, contact Ron Mezick at 570-584-5144 or via e-mail to rbmezick@aol.com.

CMS Region III 'CHECK-UP' Provider Newsletter
June 13, 2003
The Region III Office of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is pleased to share with you the third edition of CHECK-UP, a quarterly newsletter designed to provide the region's provider community with current updates on CMS programs and CMS Region III provider outreach activities.

Medicare Debate Alert
June 13, 2003
For the next several weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate will be debating legislation to provide a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. The legislation also contains numerous Medicare reform provisions, including NRHA-supported provisions to address equity in reimbursements to rural providers. The House and Senate are expected to complete their respective bills by the 4th of July, with the final package being completed by the end of July. In an effort to keep our members informed during this rapidly-changing process, the NRHA has launched a page dedicated solely to the Medicare reform debate. The Medicare Reform Debate page, which can be found on the NRHA web site, will provide a central location for frequent updates and supporting materials on the Medicare debate. Please check this page regularly for the latest news from Congress on Medicare reform.

Applications for Physicians with J-1 Visas
June 12, 2003
The HHS Exchange Visitor Program announces the availability of applications to request waiver of the two-year foreign residency requirement for physicians with J-1 visas who agree to deliver health care services for three years in primary care or mental health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or medically underserved areas or populations (MUA/Ps). Applications to request waivers to deliver health care services are available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/.

Latino and African-American Children Pocket Guides
June 3, 2003
The Annie E. Casey Foundation has Latino children and African-American children pocket guides that provide statistics on economic, educational, and social well-being for minority children and highlights gaps that persist between minority kids and non-Hispanic white children in the US. Derived from the 2000 Census, these booklets contain a national overview, state-by-state data, and state rankings. To view the booklets, visit www.aecf.org/kidscount/latino_pocketguide.pdf.

National Women and Diabetes Town Hall Webcast
June 2, 2003
A 3-hour informative webcast on the prevention and management of diabetes for women. Speakers included both Federal and non-Federal experts, and remarks are provided by senior HHS officials and members of Congress. You can find the webcast archive at http://www.mchcom.com/diabetes_frame.htm.

2003 PPHA Annual Conference
June 2, 2003
The Pennsylvania Public Health Association invites individuals to submit abstracts for paper presentations, poster sessions and workshops at our 2003 Annual Conference being held October 15 - 17 at the Harrisburg Hilton. As reflected in the array of public health issues represented at past annual conferences, a wide range of health-related abstracts are welcome. We are especially encouraging topics related to Healthy People 2010 national health objectives and this year's conference theme, "How We Talk About Health: Public Health Communication in the 21st Century" Download the form online and submit abstracts to Robert Gage by e-mail or FAX at 215-204-7486. All submissions are due by July 10th.

New FEHBP data are available from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
May 27, 2003
Recent proposals to reform the Medicare program and add an outpatient prescription drug benefit to the program have used the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) as the model for how private plans could be incorporated into the Medicare program. RUPRI Center researchers present information on the enrollment patterns in FEHBP plans in every county in the U.S. This study of the health plan enrollment decisions made by rural retirees and federal workers could provide insights into how an FEHBP plan may work when applied to Medicare. Please visit the following link for details: http://www.rupri.org/healthpolicy/FEHBP/index.html.

Updated Directory of Drug, Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs Available
May 23, 2003
The SAMHSA's updated guide to finding local substance abuse treatment programs is now available. The guide, National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs 2003, provides information on thousands of alcohol and drug treatment programs located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and four U.S. territories. The new directory includes public and private facilities that are licensed, certified, or otherwise approved by substance abuse agencies in each of the states. The directory is a nationwide inventory of substance abuse and alcoholism treatment programs and facilities that is organized and presented in a state-by-state format for quick-reference by health care providers, social workers, managed care organizations, and the general public. For the full press release go to the SAMHSA web site.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell proclaims June 16-20, 2003 Rural Health Week
May 20, 2003
In an effort to draw attention to the wide range of issues that impact rural health, June 16-20, 2003 has been declared Pennsylvania Rural Health week. The request for the proclamation was made by the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association. For more information, download the press release.

PORH Resource Library Now Online
May 20, 2003
The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health's Resource Library is now accessible online at http://porh.cas.psu.edu/library/. The library includes articles and materials on over 50 topics ranging from access issues to minority health to women's health. Information can be located by title, author, subject, or publisher. Copies of materials can be sent by contacting the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health at e-mail or by phone at 814-863-8214.

Resource Guide Assists With Insurance Options
May 20, 2003
The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health announces a new resource for consumers and consumer advocates who seek information on health insurance options. A Resource Guide to Low-cost or No-cost Health Insurance Options In Pennsylvania is an easy-to-use compendium of health insurance options for all age groups in all areas of the state and is especially designed for low-income populations and those who have lost access to health insurance options. The guide is available on the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health web site and hard copies can be requested by contacting the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health at 814-863-8214.

Kaiser Family Foundation Explains TV Violence Studies
May 19, 2003
The Kaiser Family Foundation has released a new fact sheet. Focusing on the prevalence of television violence, the fact sheet is the latest in a series on children, media and health. The fact sheet summarizes research, including the National Institute on Media and the Family's research study: What Goes In Must Come Out: Children's Media Consumption at Home and Aggressive Behaviors at School, on the following aspects of the issue:

• Prevalence of Violence on TV
• Scientific Studies of TV Violence Effects
• Opposing Viewpoint
• Conclusions Drawn by the Public Health Community

The National Institute on Media and the Family's research: What Goes In Must Come Out: Children's Media Consumption at Home and Aggressive Behaviors at School can be found at: http://www.mediafamily.org/research/report_issbd_2002.shtml.

Grassroots Rural Entrepreneurship Award
May 12th, 2003
The NCSC announces the Grassroots Rural Entrepreneurship Award, supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The Award recognizes and promotes achievement in entrepreneurial development resulting from the outstanding leadership of local government officials. Elected officials who serve small communities (less than 10,000 population) and have a demonstrated record in promoting local entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply. Grassroots Rural Entrepreneurship Award applications must be received by NCSC by June 30. Grassroots Rural Entrepreneurship Award information and application materials are posted on the National Center for Small Communities web site.

Five-Country Survey Finds Medical Errors, Lack of Coordination, and Poor Doctor-Patient Communication
May 6, 2003
A Commonwealth Fund/Harvard/Harris Interactive survey of adults with health problems in the United States and four other industrialized countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom) reveals disturbingly high rates of medical errors, lack of coordination in patient care, poor communication between doctors and patients, and barriers when accessing care. The findings, published in the May/June issue of Health Affairs, point to widespread error, inefficiency, and missed opportunities in the health systems in each of the five countries. The authors suggest that reforms targeted to populations with health problems could reap system-wide improved quality and potential cost savings. The article, Common Concerns Amid Diverse Systems: Health Care Experiences in Five Countries, discusses findings from a survey of the health care experiences of adults age 18 or older who reported fair or poor health, a serious illness, injury, or disability, or major surgery or hospitalization for something other than a normal delivery in the past two years.

Rural Research Focus: Minorities in Rural America
May 6, 2003
A new report Rural Research Focus: Minorities in Rural America by Michael E. Samuels, DrPH, Janice Probst, PhD, and Saundra Glover, PhD on rural minority poverty by the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center stresses that individual poverty (low incomes) and community poverty (limited economic resources overall) work together to limit economic opportunity and health care access. Policymakers must understand this reality in order to devise well-tailored solutions.

Great Pennsylvania Workout Month
May 1, 2003
On behalf of Governor Edward G. Rendell, Acting Health Secretary Dr. Robert Muscalus today marked the start of "Great Pennsylvania Workout Month" and noted that Wednesday, May 7, is "Great Pennsylvania Workout Day." "Engaging in moderate physical activity on a regular basis is a key factor to staying healthy," Dr. Muscalus said. "For some people, it may mean walking or jogging, while for others it may mean participating in sports activities or yard work. The key is to become active and to stay active." Regular physical activity can help prevent or manage a variety of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease and hypertension. It also has shown to have beneficial effects on a wide range of health conditions, including osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes, certain forms of cancer, and depression or anxiety. For the press release, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health web site.

HHS Awards $13.8 Million to Improve Health Care in Rural America
May 1, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced nearly $13.8 million in first-year funds for 73 Rural Health Outreach and Network Development grants to strengthen health care systems in rural communities and encourage innovative approaches to rural health care delivery. For the press release, visit the Health and Human Services web site.

Snow Shoe Clinic gets Federal Funding
April 29, 2003
The money is there for a new nonprofit medical clinic in Snow Shoe, even if the building still is not. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Centre County Commissioner Connie Lucas announced that U.S. Rep. John Peterson had secured a $150,000 federal grant to cover the first two years of operational costs for the fledgling Mountaintop Medical Center. The grant is conditional, Lucas said, pending Geisinger's transfer of the building to the nonprofit organization that wants to run it and the approval of the federal budget this October. For the press release, visit the Centre Daily Times web site.

Highlands Hospital in Connell Receives Federal Grant For Construction of a Wellness Center
April 29, 2003
The grant, obtained by U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, will be provided by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., reported the Tribune-Review. The wellness center, expected to open in November, will be the cornerstone of a research project to be conducted at Highlands as part of a partnership with the Windber Research Institute, an arm of the Windber Medical Center in Cambria County, and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. For the press release, visit the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review web site.

CDC Launches New Minority Health Web Site
April 25, 2003
CDC's Office of Minority Health recently launched a new web site that looks into the who, what, when, where, and why of minority health related concerns across the nation. Some of the questions answered by this web site include:

• Who is working to improve the health of the nation's racial and ethnic minority populations?
• What health conditions are associated with important racial and ethnic disparities?
• Why do racial and ethnic health disparities persist?
• Where can you find answers to other questions about minority health?

Options for Improving Health Insurance for Children Available
April 25, 2003
"Health Insurance for Children" released in the Spring 2003 issue of "The Future of Children," examines the current state of health insurance programs for children and discusses options for reform. The report, commissioned by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, focuses on various efforts to provide children with health insurance and summarizes knowledge, research and recommendations to advance and extend programs that insure children. It states that with improved financing structures and other changes, Medicaid and the CHIP program could cover 97% of all low-income children within three to five years. To read the report, visit http://www.futureofchildren.org/index.htm.

New Issue Brief Highlights States' Experience with Health Benefit Design
April 25, 2003
A new issue brief from State Coverage Initiatives discusses the challenges that three states faced while embarking on the process of modifying their Medicaid benefits. The author notes that "Health benefit design in public programs is one of the most complex public policy issues. It requires multi-dimensional discussion and a willingness to ask questions that may not have rational answers." This brief highlights the experiences of Oregon, Utah, and Washington; it also draws on other relevant examples of states that have developed new benefit strategies in the past two years. The brief can be viewed at http://statecoverage.net/pdf/issuebrief403benefits.pdf.

State by State Oral Health Report Card
April 24, 2003
Oral Health America's 2003 state-by-state Oral Health Report card was released yesterday and is now available on the Oral Health America's web site. The U.S. received lackluster grades in areas from oral health access and prevention to policies and infrastructure, contributing to an overall grade of C on the report card.

Governor Rendell Taps Dr. Calvin B. Johnson to Serve as the Commonwealth's Next Secretary of Health
April 22, 2003
Dr. Calvin B. Johnson, a pediatrician, professor and former Army National Guard doctor, stood in the Governor's reception room today as Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that Johnson was his choice to serve as Pennsylvania's next Secretary of Health.

"There are very few things as fundamental to the quality of life of every citizen in this Commonwealth than the health they stand in," Governor Rendell said. "Calvin will work tirelessly, as he has over the past decade, to ensure that government provides the most effective health management possible to our citizens."

Health Summit Provides Tools to Help Communities Build a Healtheir U.S.
April 15, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today called on Americans to take the steps that will lead to a healthier nation at a first of its kind national health summit he convened in Baltimore. The two-day summit, "Steps to a HealthierUS: Putting Prevention First," is being attended by a thousand community leaders, policy makers, health officials and others. Focusing attention on the importance of prevention and promising approaches for promoting healthy environments, the Secretary laid out his priorities and programs for Steps to a HealthierUS, a department-wide effort in support of the President's HealthierUS initiative. In the United States today, 7 of 10 deaths and the vast majority of serious illness, disability and health care costs are caused by chronic diseases. Underlying these serious diseases are several important risk factors: poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use and exposure; that can be modified years before they contribute to illness and death. For the press release, visit Health and Human Service's web site.

HHS Announces Public Health Action Plan For Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease and Stroke
April 15, 2003
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today introduced a strategy for developing a national health care system that addresses the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. The strategy, "A Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke," provides health practitioners and policymakers a framework to prevent and treat heart disease and stroke, the nation's first and third leading causes of death. For the press release, visit Health and Human Service's web site.

Hospital Information Resource for Medicare
April 14, 2003
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announces the new Hospital web page. The Hospital Information Resource for Medicare will be live on Thursday, April 10, 2003. There are many new features to the page including an alphabetical listing of topics, "Forms" section, and links to the redesigned Acute Inpatient and Hospital Outpatient pages. There is also a new Hospital link listed under the "Professionals" menu on the CMS home page. View the new site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/hospital.asp.

New HSC Bulletin Notes Drop in Physician Income
April 11th, 2003
A new Data Bulletin from The Center for Studying Health System Change entitled, "Behind the Times: Physician Income, 1995-99", revealed that between 1995 and 1999 the average physician net income dropped five percent (when adjusted for inflation). The authors also note that this decline stands in stark contrast to the trends experienced by workers in professional, specialty, and technical occupations. The growth of managed care was targeted as a likely factor behind the decline in real income for physicians. Also of note is the fact that Primary Care Physicians' incomes declined at a greater rate than did specialists. To view the entire bulletin, visit: http://www.hschange.org/CONTENT/544/.

New Data Profile on Chronic Backpain
April 1, 2003
The Center on an Aging Society has just released the eighth in a series of Data Profiles on chronic and disabling conditions, Chronic Back Pain: a leading cause of work limitations. The Profile reports that smaller proportions of adults with back pain than without pain are working. Back pain is the leading cause of work limitations among adults ages 18 to 64 and workers with back pain in that age group are more than three times as likely as workers without back pain to miss a substantial amount of work. In addition, workers with back pain have lower earnings. Outside the workplace, people with chronic back pain are less active socially and tend to have more of the feelings associated with depression. The condition affects adults of all ages and incomes. For more information, visit the Georgetown University web site.

Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 1, 2003
April 2003 marks the 20th anniversary of the first presidential proclamation of Child Abuse Prevention Month. In an effort to promote greater visibility of child abuse prevention activities for 2003-2004, a Prevention Month web site was developed.

Su Familia: A Bi-Lingual Helpline
March 29, 2003
On Wednesday, March 12, 2003, U.S. Heath and Human Service Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the creation of the "Su Familia" National Hispanic Family Health Helpline, designed to help Hispanic families get basic health information to prevent and manage chronic conditions and refer them to local health providers and federally supported programs. "Hispanics continue to face health disparities. This is unacceptable," Secretary Thompson said. "By establishing the Su Familia helpline, we are helping families get access to the best health information." For the press release, visit http://www.hhs.gov/

Compendium of Cultural Competence Initiatives in Health Care
March 29, 2003
Public and private sector organizations are involved in a number of activities that seek to reduce cultural and communication barriers to health care. These activities are often described as cultural competency and/or cross-cultural education. A recent Institute of Medicine report recommended that the health care system pursue several of these techniques as part of a multi-level strategy to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in medical care. To address this need, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has developed a compendium, as a first attempt to describe these activities in a single document. This resource also includes brief definitions for the major terms, organizational descriptions of initiatives and a list of experts in the field. For more information, visit http://www.kff.org/content/2003/6067/.

Kaiser Identifies Initiatives to Reduce Cultural Barriers to Care
March 28, 2003
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has developed a compendium to identify initiatives that seek to reduce cultural and communication barriers to health care. The compendium was prepared in response to the many requests from the media and others to define cultural competency and identify efforts underway in this emerging field. The initiatives included in the compendium are from 1990 to the present, and are divided into two categories: Public Sector Initiatives (Federal/state/local) and Private Sector Initiatives (health care institutions or professional organizations, foundations, academic institutions/policy research organizations, and other). One of the efforts featured in this document is ASTHO's collaboration with NACCHO, "Health Departments Take Action: A Compendium of State and Local Models Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health." The resource also includes brief definitions for the major terms, organizational descriptions of initiatives, and a list of experts in the field. To view this report, visit http://www.kff.org/content/2003/6067/6067v3.pdf. The ASTHO-NACCHO compendium, "Health Departments Take Action: A Compendium of State and Local Models Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health" is available at http://www.astho.org/templates/display_pub.php.

HHS Launches Spanish Hotline to Assist Hispanics with Health Issues
March 28, 2003
The HHS has created a toll-free bilingual national health hotline aimed at providing Hispanic families with basic health information to prevent and manage chronic conditions. The hotline, Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline, will refer callers to local health care providers and the CHIP. Callers can also request basic health information, referrals to information sources, or receive consumer friendly fact sheets on a variety of topics. The Su Familia Helpline can be reached at 866-783-2645/866-SU-FAMILIA, Monday thru Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST), or at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2003pres/20030312.html.

CMS Announces Open Door Forum for New Freedom Initiative
March 28, 2003
The CMS announces a new open door forum entitled the "New Freedom Initiative." This series will address Medicaid reform actions that can help remove barriers to community living and participation on the part of individuals with disabilities. The first call will take place on March 31, 2003 at 2 p.m. (EST). Materials for this series will be posted on a monthly basis at http://www.cms.gov/newfreedom.

STIPDA Reports on Using Hospital Discharge Data for Injury Surveillance
March 28, 2003
The STIPDA released recommendations to improve state injury surveillance to support injury prevention programs and policies. Entitled, "Consensus Recommendations for Using Hospital Discharge Data for Injury Surveillance," the report recommends a minimum set of state surveillance standards for hospital discharge data to help standardize injury surveillance at the state level and enable further collaboration between state injury prevention programs as well as integration of injury prevention within traditional public health activities. The recommendations are available on the STIPDA website. For more information, please contact the STIPDA National Office at 770-690-9000.

New CMWF Reports Detail Barriers to Care for Hispanics, Low-Wage Workers
March 28, 2003
Two new reports from the Commonwealth Fund detail barriers to care for low-wage workers and for Hispanics.
The first report examines the effects of insurance and English language proficiency on access and quality-of-care experiences among Hispanics living in the United States. The report concludes that expanding health insurance to working Hispanics and their families, as well as investing in programs that improve patient-provider communication in health care settings that serve the most vulnerable individuals, are essential for achieving better levels of care for Hispanics and other underserved Americans. For more information visit http://www.cmwf.org/programs/insurance/doty_hispanicdoubleburden_592.pdf.
The second report reveals that low-wage workers are less likely than higher-wage workers to be employed by firms that offer health coverage, or to be eligible for the company health plan when one is offered. Although employees of small companies are particularly unlikely to have coverage through their jobs, low-wage workers in firms of all sizes have less access than their higher-wage colleagues. The authors note that even when low-income workers are offered health insurance, many have difficulty paying their share of premiums for coverage that is often of inferior quality. As a result of either a lack of health benefits or high insurance premium costs, one in five low-wage workers is uninsured. Also, among those who are insured, low-wage workers have the least comprehensive coverage and report the least satisfaction with their health plans relative to higher-wage earners. For more information, visit http://www.cmwf.org/programs/insurance/collins_ontheedge_ib_626.pdf.

Despite Increase in Number of Trauma Centers, Gaps Remain in Coverage
March 28, 2003
Although the availability of trauma centers has improved since 1991, significant challenges related to the optimal number, distribution, and configuration of trauma centers remain, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The article explains that a full inventory of trauma centers in the United States from 1991 identified 471 trauma centers and 21 states with formal trauma systems. A recently updated national inventory of trauma centers identified 1154 trauma centers and 35 states with formal trauma systems. Despite this growth, gaps in trauma center coverage remain and are particularly acute in the nation's more rural areas. The study concludes that challenges in determining the optimal number and configuration of the nation's trauma centers need to be addressed, including more adequately addressing the role of trauma centers in responding to disasters, especially in light of the recent emphasis on hospital preparedness. For more information, visit http://jama.ama-assn.org/.

MCHB Webcast on Cost and Utilization Profiles for CSHCN Available Online
March 28, 2003
The archive of the MCHB Division of Services for CSHCN February 10, 2003 webcast, "Understanding Cost and Utilization Profiles for CSHCN" is now available on-line. The webcast featured presentations on "CSHCN in Commercial Managed Care: Patterns of Service Use and Cost" and "Health Care Use and Charges Across Clinical Risk Group and CSHCN Screener Categories for Children in Title XXI Programs." The webcast is available at http://www.uic.edu/sph/cade/kidsmco/feb2003/feb2003_session.htm.

National Woman's Check-Up Day
March 27, 2003
The first ever National Women's Check-Up Day on May 12,2003. It's the result of a joint coordination by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information and details, visit http://www.4woman.gov/whw/check-up-cal.cfm.

Secretary of HHS Welcoming Appointment of NGA Medicaid Task Force Members
March 26, 2003
Secretary of HHS Tommy G. Thompson welcomes the appointment of NGA Medicaid Task