2005 News Archives

NRHA eNews; Vol. 6, No. 1
January 3, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here, for members only: http://www.NRHArural.org

Children's Mental Health Resources Available
January 5, 2005
Much like adults, children can suffer from mental health disorders that require urgent care. When untreated, mental health problems in children and adolescents can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Yet, in many communities, services for young people with serious emotional disturbances are not offered, are too costly, or are unsuitable. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)-through its Child, Adolescent, and Family Programs-promotes effective ways to organize, coordinate, and deliver mental health services and supports for children, adolescents, and their families. Readers can find a full description of the programs' efforts to meet the mental health needs of children and their families as well as links to related resources at the National Mental Health Information Center's Web site at http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/CA-0013/default.asp. We also are informing you of our featured SAMHSA/CMHS publications, monthly online features available on the National Mental Health Information Center's Web site, and a new SAMHSA-supported service. Based on your interest in issues related to mental health and mental illness, SAMHSA is offering these resources for your use. You can link to any of the online resources from your Web site, use them in your e-newsletters and listservs, or post the content to your site with a link to the National Mental Health Information Center's Web site as your source. All of the resources are described below. To order publications that are available in print format, go to http://store.mentalhealth.org/publications/ordering.aspx or call 1-800-789-2647 for bilingual information services; (TDD) 1-866-889-2647. Click here for even more info.

New Contract Announcement
Cancer Information Service Selections for Future Contract Awards Announced
January 9, 2005
Through the CIS Partnership Program, the Cancer Information Service reaches the medically underserved, including minority groups and people with limited access to health information and services, with cancer information. To effectively reach as many people as possible, the CIS partners with state and regional organizations that directly serve these audiences. By pooling resources toward common goals, the CIS and its partners design programs with wider reach and greater impact. The CIS can assist state and regional organizations by providing access to the latest, most accurate cancer information, cancer education program planning, implementation, and evaluation, cancer resources and experts, coalition building, networking and training. Click here for more information.

Primary Care and Prevention Network News-01/07/05
January 10, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

The Rural Monitor Winter Edition is now available
January 13, 2005
The Winter 2004/2005 issue of the Rural Assistance Center's quarterly newsletter, The Rural Monitor, is available. The Rural Monitor can also be found in HTML and PDF formats on RAC's web site at http://www.raconline.org/newsletter/index.html.

Department of Health Announces 500th Placement in Primary Health Care Program
January 14, 2005
Today's release announces the placement of the 500th health care practitioner in Primary Health Care Program. Clicking on the link below will take you directly to the release. http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?Q=240558&A=190

Pennsylvania Department of Health Announces Community Primary Care Challenge Grant Request for Applications
Applications are due in the Division of Contracts NL T 2:30 P.M., Wednesday, February 16,2005.
January 15, 2005
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Health Planning, announces the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Community Primary Care Challenge Grant program. The Community Primary Care Challenge Grant program is designed to assist 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 and address identified health disparities. Subject to legislative approval, grants up to $150,000 will be awarded for a project period up to but not exceeding 24 months. Since the program's beginning in 1994, a total of71 grants have been awarded. The RFA may be downloaded from the DOH website at www.health.state.pa.us or contact the bureau of health planning at (717) 772-5298 to request a copy of the RFA.

National Rural Health Association eNews Vol. 6; No. 2
January 19, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at : http://www.NRHArural.org

Osteoporosis Prevention and Management Program Offered
January 21, 2005
Make your plans now to participate in an upcoming StrongWomen's training program at Penn State on March 17, 2005. The StrongWomen program is an evidence-based strength-training program that outlines a complete program to prevent or manage osteoporosis through sound nutrition, targeted exercise, risk factor assessment, diagnosis, and medical treatment. Rebecca Sequin, a partner with Dr. Miriam Nelson of Tufts University, will lead participants through this strength-training workshop. The program received rave reviews at the NEAFCS annual meeting in Nashville last fall, so we have decided to bring it to Pennsylvania and offer it to extension educators and health professionals who teach healthy lifestyle programs.

Date: Thursday, March 17, 2005
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA
For more information or to register for this program, visit http://www.extension.psu.edu/strongwomen/. The registration deadline is February 18, 2005 (registration fee: $275.00). Space is limited and attendance will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Health Disparities Center Created
January 21, 2005
The University of Missouri (MU) Center for Health Policy has formed a partnership with Washington University (WU) in St. Louis to create a health disparities center in order to confront statewide health care discrepancies in rural and urban areas. According to a recent study by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, access to health care is elusive for many Americans, especially within minority populations. The Missouri Foundation for Health has identified some of the key areas in the state where this disparity is prevalent. By forming a center focused on developing and overseeing research, outreach, and training projects, the two institutions combine unique research perspectives. While MU has been serving the needs of rural Missourians for more than 150 years, WU has been dedicated to providing patient care and studying approaches to enhancing the health of urban populations. "The purpose of our collaboration is to share ideas, resources, and strategies for implementing high quality health care to racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations," said Kristofer Hagglund, PhD, Co-director of the Center for Health Policy (CHP). "This contract will create a network of Missouri people and organizations who are working to reduce health care disparities. The combined rural and urban focus will allow comparisons of similarities and differences across regions and allow the two universities and their surrounding communities to learn from each other." One current method being used by MU physicians to bridge the gap between underserved patients and health care needs in regions such as the Bootheel is through the medical school's Missouri Telehealth Network (MTN). Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, the state of Missouri, MU Health Care, and rural health care providers, the project provides high-quality specialty care in participating rural communities through the use of digital telecommunications technology. "It's exciting to be part of a great program that applies advancements in technology to cutting-edge medical treatments and being able to provide this service to those that may otherwise go untreated," said Karen Edison, MD, MTN Medical Director and Co-director of CHP. "A good example of this is our telehealth expansion into the Bootheel which has a large minority population with poorer health outcomes." Primary data collection will take place over an 18-month period and will be centered on urban St Louis and on the rural Bootheel region of Missouri. The Missouri Foundation for Health, a philanthropic organization with a vision to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves, funded the project in full.

Primary Care and Prevention Network News-01-21-04
January 21, 2005
Their newsletter is available online here: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Rural Assistance Center Newsletter
January 23, 2005
You can view the entire newsletter here: http://www.raconline.org/listserv/health/012305.html

CMS Announcess Publication of the Medicare Drug Benefit and Medicare Advantage Program Final Rules
January 21, 2005
This is a very special time for Medicare beneficiaries, full of many exciting program improvements and enhancements. We have the best opportunities ever, right now through the MMA, to make the Medicare program more personalized and more up to date, and to keep it up to date. The Medicare Drug Benefit and Medicare Advantage Program are two major steps in that direction. A very important step toward fulfilling that opportunity is right here in the final regulations for the Medicare Drug Benefit and the Medicare Advantage Program (Titles I & II of the MMA). Along with the new Medicare Preventive benefits, these major program improvements bring Medicare's coverage up to date with 21st Century prevention-minded medicine. To help navigate the regulations, CMS is providing easy-to-use tools through and newly established website (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/pdbma/). This easy-to-use website not only has general information (e.g., press release, issue papers, fact sheets, full copies and summaries of both regulations). The website also has select information for groups such as States, Tribal Governments, Medicare Advantage Plans, Prescription Drug Plan, Providers and Partner organizations. Simply follow the menu and select the area that best matches your area of interest.

CMS Releases Drug Benefit and Medicare Advantage Regulations
January 24, 2005
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued the final regulations implementing a new prescription drug benefit that will help people with Medicare pay for the drugs they need, announced Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and CMS Administrator, Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. This benefit begins in January 2006 and allows all Medicare beneficiaries to sign up for drug coverage through a prescription drug plan or Medicare health plan. The final regulations also provide new protections for retirees who currently receive drug coverage through their employers or unions, and they strengthen the Medicare Advantage program. To develop the final regulations implementing the Medicare prescription drug benefit, CMS relied on the expertise, input and recommendations from individuals and organizations such as consumer and beneficiary advocates, health plans, pharmacies, pharmaceutical benefit managers, actuaries, states, health care providers, employers, unions, and other affected groups and experts. In addition, thousands of written comments and an extensive series of public meetings, including Open Door Forums, provided CMS with helpful advice and information in response to the proposed regulations that were published in August 2004. Attached are a press release and two fact sheets that explain the final regulations in detail and summarize the changes made from the proposed rule. Extensive additional information including fact sheets about the drug benefit and Medicare Advantage, and the regulations themselves, can be found at www.cms.hhs.gov A stakeholder briefing call for will be held today beginning at 1:30. The call-in number is 1-888-950-5921 and the conference Passcode is: STAKEHOLDER.

HHS Takes Major Step To Prescription Drug Benefit
Principal Changes In New Medicare From Proposed Rules To Final Rules
Final Rules Implementing the New Medicare Law

USDA/RUS Announces Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Opportunity; Focus on Access of Rural Residents to Education and Training Resources; States, Locals, Tribal Organizations Eligible to Apply
January 24, 2005
The Rural Utilities Service within the Department of Agriculture has announced its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program grant application window for funding during fiscal year (FY) 2005 subject to the availability of funding. RUS has published the announcement on December 3 to give applicants sufficient time to submit proposals and give that agency maximum time to process applications within the current fiscal year. A Notice of Funding Availability will be published announcing the funding level for the DLT grant program once an appropriations bill providing funding for DLT grants has been enacted. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant's risk. The distance learning and telemedicine grants are specifically designed to provide access to education, training and health care resources for people in rural America. The grants, which are awarded through competitive process, may be used to fund telecommunications, computer networks and related advanced technologies. Eligible applicants include: an incorporated organization or partnership, an Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b (b) and (c), a state or local unit of government, a consortium, as defined in 7 CFR 1703.102, or other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on a for-profit or not-for profit basis. RUS has determined "the maximum amount of an application for a grant in FY 2005 is $500,000 and the minimum amount of a grant is $50,000." Application guides and materials for the DLT grant program are available at the RUS Web site. The December 3 FEDERAL REGISTER provides full background on this specific funding announcement along with submission date requirements for both paper and electronic copies. [More Info]

Commissioned Officers; Recruitment of Clinicians and Assignment Sites
January 25, 2005
SUMMARY: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces that applications will be accepted from clinicians seeking to be hired as commissioned officers in the U.S. Public Health Service and from sites seeking the assistance of these commissioned officers. These commissioned officers will be primary care clinicians who are physicians, dentists, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and registered nurses (baccalaureate level) and will be considered for placement in ambulatory community-based systems of care. These officers will be assigned by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Ready Responder Program to the neediest Health Professional Shortage Areas throughout the Nation. The NHSC will pay the salaries, moving expenses and benefits for these commissioned officers. [More Info]

National Rural Health Association Unveils New Look
January 27, 2005
(KANSAS CITY, MO, January 27, 2005) ­Today, the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) announced the introduction of a new organizational logo to better reflect the future of rural America. The new logo will be visible on all NRHA publications, announcements and on all official communications. "We believe that the new look, with fresh and bold new colors, represents the National Rural Health Association’s eagerness to meet the future of health care in America," said Hilda Heady, NRHA President. "This new look reflects the hopes of many, that rural America can lead the way with quality healthcare and innovative healthcare delivery technology." In addition, the NRHA announced plans to release a re-designed Web site in Spring 2005, to both modernize its appearance and make it more user-friendly for rural Americans. The Web site currently highlights NRHA conferences and other opportunities available to those interested in rural health care, offers many resources on rural health care in America today, and houses NRHA’s e-communities and an online grassroots advocacy tool. "The new logo represents more than simply a new look for our association," said Heady. "This is about viewing rural American in a new and positive light and about the possibilities and potentials that all rural Americans hold for their communities." The NRHA is a national nonprofit organization, with more than 7000 members that provides leadership on rural health issues. The Association’s mission is to improve the health of rural Americans and to provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education and research. The NRHA membership is made up of a diverse collection of individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health

Contact: Julie Gibson
NRHA Communications Director
(816) 756-3140
www.NRHArural.org

Department of Health News Release 2
January 28, 2005
Today's release reminds Pennsylvanians of the work that must be done in preventing the risk of heart disease. Clicking on the link below will take you directly to the release. http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?Q=240705&A=190

Department of Health News Release
January 28, 2005
Today's release recognizes February 6-12 as National Burn Awareness Week. Clicking on the link below will take you directly to the release. http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?Q=240698&A=190

New HSC Study
February 2, 2005
Lower incomes are an oft-cited obstacle to recruiting rural physicians, but average physician incomes in rural and urban areas do not differ significantly, according to a new HSC study, and after adjusting for cost-of-living differences, rural physicians have 13% more purchasing power. "The study should dispel the myth that lower income potential is a major obstacle to recruiting physicians to most rural areas," said Paul B. Ginsburg, Ph.D., president of HSC, a nonpartisan policy research organization funded primarily by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "Nonetheless, the higher purchasing power of rural physician incomes may be needed to compensate physicians for other disadvantages of rural practice, including less control over work hours, professional isolation and a lack of amenities associated with urban areas," Ginsburg said. http://www.hschange.org/CONTENT/726/

National Rural Health Association eNews Vol. 6; No. 3
February 2, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at : http://www.NRHArural.org

Department of Health News Release
February 4, 2005
Today's press release announces the the Department will hold flu vaccination clinics across Pennsylvania. Clicking on the link below will take you directly to the release. http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?Q=240719&A=190

Primary Care and Prevention Network News-02-04-05
Februray 4, 2005
Their newsletter is available online here: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Rural Assistance Center Update
February 5, 2005
Their updated newsletter is available here: http://www.raconline.org/listserv/health/020405.html

President Proposes Devastating Rural Health Cuts
February 7, 2005
Today, President Bush released his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2006.Similarly to last year, the President proposes devastating cuts to many rural-specific health programs. Among those, the President proposes to eliminate the Rural Hospital Flexibility Grant and the Small Hospital Improvement Program, and essentially eliminates the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program, which includes Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grants, Rural Network Development Grants, Rural Network Planning Grants, and the Delta Initiative. The Presidents budget provides a framework that outlines his budget priorities as Congress begins the year-long process of appropriating federal funds for FY06. The NRHA has already contacted key rural allies on the Hill in our efforts to reverse these cuts during the appropriations process. We ask that you do the same. Please immediately contact your Representative and Senators to express your support for rural specific grants in the budget process. Ask them to work towards halting the proposed dramatic cuts to rural specific health programs. For information on your representatives, please visit the NRHA website at www.nrharural.org and enter your zip code under the Write to Congressbanner. Thank you for your contribution to NRHAs grassroots efforts to help rural communities. Please contact the NRHAs Government Affairs staff with any questions at (703) 519-7910 or lynskey@nrharural.org.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Announces 2005 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) AStudnet Research Paper Competition Call for Papers
February 11, 2005
The State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) is the Pennsylvania Department of Health's overall plan and strategy to sustain and improve the health of Pennsylvanians. Introduced in 1999, the plan emphasizes three principle focus areas:
* The prevention of death, disease, and disability by addressing the root causes of these conditions;
* Engaging in meaningful ways with organized community health improvement partnerships to give communities greater voice in identifying and addressing local health priorities and solutions; and
* Improving access by communities to relevant health and health related data and information.
To increase the awareness of SHIP and promote graduate level student research in community health improvement topics in Pennsylvania, the Department is sponsoring the SHIP Student Research Paper Competition for the sixth consecutive year. The Department, with the guidance provided by the SHIP Steering Committee, encourages graduate students in community health related topics to participate in the Competition with unpublished research papers which incorporate the SHIP principles. Through collaboration with the Pennsylvania Northcentral Area Health Education Center and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, the winners will be recognized at a public health conference in 2005, and will receive a cash award. If you have any questions, please contact Serina Gaston, Director, Division of Plan Development, at (717) 772-5298 or by e-mail at sgaston@state.pa.us. More information regarding SHIP is available on the Department's website at www.health.state.pa.us

Click for the Call for Papers document

Children of Alcoholics Week Observance
Februray 13, 2005
During the week of February 13-19, communities across the United States will observe Children of Alcoholics Week-an annual observance that recognizes the damaging effects of alcoholism on children. In addition to being at higher risk for alcohol and other drug problems, children raised in an environment of alcoholism typically experience pervasive tension and stress, have low self-esteem, experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, exhibit higher rates of behavioral disorders, do poorly in school, and have problems coping with everyday life. For the month of February, the Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Mental Health Information Center Web site, http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/, will feature this observance, among other current health events. Visitors to the site can access publications and resources that are relevant to families' and children's mental health and are related to family alcoholism or other conditions. Also, this month's SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services' (CMHS') special program spotlight focuses on the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals With Mental Illness Program (PAIMI). Through this Federal initiative, SAMHSA/CMHS funds State services that protect and advocate for the rights of individuals who reside in public and private mental health treatment facilities. More details about this CMHS program and resources are available at http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/P&A/. Based on your interest in issues related to mental health and mental illness, SAMHSA is offering these resources to you. You can link to them from your Web site, post the content to your site or e-newsletters, or use in any format convenient to you and your users. Please add a link back to the National Mental Health Information Center's Web site as your source. To order printed materials, go to http://store.mentalhealth.org/publications/ordering.aspx or call 1-800-789-2647 for bilingual information services; (TDD) 866-889-2647. A summary of all special February events on the National Mental Health Information Center Web site are described below, along with this month's featured SAMHSA/CMHS publications offers.

Governor's Task Force for Working Families
February 14, 2005
On Wednesday, February 9, 2005 Secretary of Banking and Co-chair of this Task Force, William Schenck, announced the release of the Report. Attached, you will find a copy of the press release along with a copy of the Report. Also, for your convenience, below is a link for the Department of Banking's web site where you can find additional information about the Task Force. http://www.banking.state.pa.us/banking/cwp/view.asp?a=1344&Q=546115&bankingNav=|. Click for attached report.

NRHA eNews Vol. 6; No. 4
February 15, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at : http://www.NRHArural.org

PENNSYLVANIA’S BREAKTHROUGH DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM WINS DAVIES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
February 16, 2005
DALLAS, February 16, 2005 ­ The Pennsylvania National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (PA-NEDSS) was named public health winner of the coveted Davies Award sponsored by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) at an awards ceremony last night. PA-NEDSS is the first fully integrated disease surveillance system in the nation. Deloitte Consulting LLP (“Deloitte Consulting”) worked with Pennsylvania to design, build, integrate and maintain the system, which serves a public health role as well as a bioterrorism detection and response role. “This award enables Pennsylvania to showcase this critical system,” said Robert N. Campbell, vice chairman of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP and the national industry leader of Deloitte’s Public Sector practice. “Pennsylvania is a pioneer in this area, and this comprehensive, adaptable system should now be viewed as a model for other states to implement their own disease surveillance systems.” PA-NEDSS is a secure, web-based tool used by medical and public health professionals in Pennsylvania for disease reporting, disease surveillance and case management. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) worked with the Bureaus of Epidemiology, Communicable Diseases, Family Health, and Community Health and partnered with Deloitte Consulting LLP to integrate four standalone, legacy disease surveillance mechanisms and paper-based reporting for over 60 conditions within infectious diseases, vaccine preventable diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis and lead poisoning. All 67 counties in the state currently use the system. To date, the system has been used to issue 365,025 disease reports and 392,230 investigations electronically, resulting in faster statewide response to disease outbreaks. It is built on the standards defined by the Centers for Disease Control. District, county and municipal health departments, as well as state health centers, hospitals, laboratories, clinics, and physicians, currently utilize PA-NEDSS. The primary objective of the system is to enhance the Pennsylvania DOH’s decision-making process through faster and more accurate data exchange. Rather than rely on a paper-based process, public health interventions are now expedited through the availability of centralized, near-real-time data. Public health workers at both the local and state levels are able to view and analyze information in PA-NEDSS as soon as it has been entered. “PA-NEDSS has changed how we operate and has vastly improved how we’re able to react to and manage outbreaks,” said Michelle Davis, deputy secretary for Health Planning and Assessment at the Pennsylvania DOH. “Unlike other systems, PA-NEDSS does more than collect data and report on an individual level. It acts as an intelligent decision support tool, analyzing trends and providing an aggregate view of diseases and outbreaks across the state.” PA-NEDSS was instrumental in tracking and managing a Hepatitis A outbreak in November 2003. The use of the system quickly alerted the Pennsylvania Bureau of Epidemiology to an unusual number of Hepatitis A cases that appeared within a short timeframe. State public health investigators were then able to investigate the outbreak, track the source to a restaurant, close the restaurant and quickly locate, treat and monitor those that had been exposed in order to stop the disease from spreading. In addition to the Davies award, PA-NEDSS was recognized last year as one of 12 winners of the Gracie Hopper Government Technology Leadership (Gracie) Award from Government Executive magazine. As used in this press release, the term “Deloitte” includes Deloitte & Touche USA LLP and its subsidiaries Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP and Deloitte Tax LLP. About the Davies Awards of Excellence Dr. Nicholas E. Davies was an Atlanta-based practice physician committed to the ideal of improving patient care through better health information management. He was a member of the Institute of Medicine patient record study committee, which coined the term "computer-based patient record." Dr. Davies was chairperson-elect of the American College of Physicians. In April 1991, he was tragically killed in a plane crash with Senator John G. Tower (Rep.) of Texas. His ideals live on in the Davies Award of Excellence. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is an organization of member firms around the world devoted to excellence in providing professional services and advice, focused on client service through a global strategy executed locally in nearly 150 countries. With access to the deep intellectual capital of 120,000 people worldwide, Deloitte delivers services in four professional areas ­ audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services ­ and serves more than one-half of the world’s largest companies, as well as large national enterprises, public institutions, locally important clients, and successful, fast-growing global growth companies. Services are not provided by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein, and, for regulatory and other reasons, certain member firms do not provide services in all four professional areas. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names “Deloitte,” “Deloitte & Touche,” “Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu,” or other related names. In the U.S., Deloitte & Touche USA LLP is the member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and services are provided by the subsidiaries of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP (Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Tax LLP, and their subsidiaries) and not by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. The subsidiaries of the U.S. member firm are among the nation’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 80 cities. Known as employers of choice for innovative human resources programs, they are dedicated to helping their clients and their people excel. For more information, please visit the U.S. member firm’s website at www.deloitte.com/us.

Fellowship Announced for Students Interested in Farmworker Justice
February 17, 2005
The Sowing Seeds for Change Fellowship 2005-2006
Applications due May 6, 2005

Fellowship projects will focus on one of the following areas and will aim to be sustainable:

The Intergenerational Resources Newsletter is now available.

National Rural Health Association eNews Vol. 6, No. 5
March 2, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at : http://www.NRHArural.org

Primary Care and Prevention Network News-03/04/05
March 4, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Rural Assistance Center Update
March 4, 2005
Their updated newsletter is available here: http://www.raconline.org/listserv/health/030305.html

Pennsylvania Department of Health Launches Redesigned Web Site
March 7, 2005
HARRISBURG, Pa., - Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today unveiled the redesigned, easier to use Department of Health Web site. The Web site address is http://www.health.state.pa.us and can also be accessed through ennsylvania's official homepage at http://www.state.pa.us. "This new, more user-friendly Web site uses the latest technology to give Pennsylvanians easier, more direct access to Health Department programs, services and information," Dr. Johnson said. The redesigned site makes it easier for users to: obtain information on state health programs and services; acquire fact sheets on diseases or illnesses; and apply for official copies of birth certificates. The Web site also offers easy access to a wide range of health-related statistics the department compiles on a regular basis. The Web site is now broken down into three easy-to-understand tabbed areas: "You & Your Family's Health"; "Health Professionals & Providers"; and "About Your Health Department." "You & Your Family's Health" users will find customized sites for women and men's health, information on various health topics from A to Z, maternal and child health, tips for a healthy lifestyle and emergency preparedness information. "Health Professionals & Providers" users will find many resources including the PA Health Alert Network (PA-HAN) - a communication network among state and local public health agencies, health care providers, hospitals and emergency management officials to get the word out; Health Department Reports; Communicable Disease Fact Sheets; and the Healthy People 2010 and State Health Improvement Plan Goals. "About Your Health Department" users will find specific information about the structure and background of the Health Department including a message from the secretary and his bio, Health Department history and an overview, and other organization information. "This is the first major update of the Department of Health's Web site since 2001," Dr. Johnson noted. "As we move forward, we will work to make our Web site more accessible to the citizens of Pennsylvania."

For more information about the Department of Health, visit http://www.health.state.pa.us, or call 1-877 PA HEALTH.

Rendell Administration Announces Healthresearch Grants From Tobacco Settlement Funds
March 16, 2005
HARRISBURG: On behalf of Governor Edward G. Rendell, Health Secretary Dr. Calvin Johnson today announced that five health research grants totaling approximately $20 million will be awarded from Pennsylvania’s share of the national tobacco settlement. These non-formula grants -- competitive grants based on research priorities and not dictated by a formula -- will develop Centers of Excellence to reduce disparities in neurodegenerative diseases and tobacco use. “Center of Excellence” is a special designation given to medical or educational institutions conducting concentrated, specialized research. “This year’s grants reaffirm the Rendell Administration’s commitment to identifying and funding projects that will have a positive impact on our residents and their health,” Secretary Johnson said. “By studying and becoming better informed on issues ranging from tobacco uses by minorities and high-risk populations, to dementia screening tools, these grants will enable us to actively improve the health of many Pennsylvanians.” The Tobacco Master Settlement Law, Act 77 of 2001, requires that each year settlement dollars will go toward addressing research priorities that are established and reviewed annually by a statewide Health Research Advisory Committee, chaired by the Secretary of Health. The five grants, totaling $20 million, include:

More information on the use of tobacco settlement monies can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Web site for health research grants program at www.health.state.pa.us/cure

Primary Care and Prevention Network News-03/18/05
March 18, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Department Of Health Announces Departure Of Physician General
March 18, 2005
HARRISBURG – Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today announced the resignation of the state’s Physician General, Dr. Robert Muscalus, effective March 21. Muscalus will leave the public sector for a position with Highmark Blue Shield. “We are losing a dedicated and talented public servant in Dr. Muscalus,” Dr. Johnson said. “We wish him the best in his new role.” Muscalus was appointed Physician General on Feb. 9, 1999. The full-time Physician General position was created by law in 1996 to serve as the primary advisor on medical issues to the Governor and Secretary of Health. More recently, Muscalus’s efforts were dedicated to the Patient Safety Authority where he focused on supervising the public policy activities that deal with health issues and strengthening and promoting collaborations among state agencies to enhance the delivery and quality of health care services in Pennsylvania. Muscalus will join Highmark Blue Shield as the Medical Director for Clinical Client Relationships. In that position, he will be responsible for working with large national and regional accounts based in Central Pennsylvania.

NRHA Launches National Quality Initiative
March 21, 2005
Today, the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) launched a five year effort to promote access to coordinated, high quality care in every rural community. NRHA President Hilda Heady unveiled Quality Through Collaboration: The NRHA Quality Initiative to NRHA members who are gathered in Washington for the annual NRHA Rural Health Policy Institute. The NRHA Quality Initiative was designed in response to an Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM) report released in November, 2004. The IOM report recommends we develop and highlight quality improvement models that work in the rural environment, engage federal partners to make rural health care a priority, and support rural communities in the areas of health care workforce, financing and information and communication technology (ICT). Two particular emphases of the report were the need for collaboration (between health care providers and between providers and community members) and the imperative to integrate population health care into personal health services. "The opportunity is now for us to join together and make significant advancements in the quality of rural health care," said Forrest Calico, MD, NRHA Senior Advisor for Quality. "Because there are fewer providers in rural communities, collaboration can be easier, and rural can actually lead in the quality movement. All rural Americans can get involved in NRHA’s Quality Initiative and help make quality health care a reality in all rural communities." Improvement in rural health care quality involves participation from individuals and organizations that impact the entire continuum of rural health care including educators, policymakers, public health administrators, hospital and outpatient care, as well as emergency medical services, home health care providers and primary care providers. Based on its membership and influence across the continuum of health care in rural communities, the NRHA is uniquely qualified to lead this quality improvement effort.

To learn more about the NRHA Quality Initiative and ways you can get involved, visit www.NRHArural.org/quality

Rural Assistance Center Update
March 23, 2005
Their updated newsletter is available here: http://www.raconline.org/listserv/health/032305.html

National Rural Health Association eNews Vol. 6, No. 6
March 25, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at : http://www.NRHArural.org

Measuring The Quality Of Pennsylvania's Commercial Hmos
March 31, 2005
The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) is pleased to announce the release of its latest report, Measuring the Quality of Pennsylvania's Commercial HMOs. The new report provides comparisons about the quality of care that Pennsylvania HMOs offer. It combines clinical results, preventive measures and member satisfaction measures to give Pennsylvanians a more complete picture of how well HMOs serve their members and to assist health care purchasers, policy makers and consumers with their health care decision-making. To view and/or download the report, visit us on the web by clicking the following link: Measuring the Quality of Pennsylvania's Commercial HMOs

For more information, you may contact PHC4 at (717) 232-6787.

Primary Care and Prevention Network News-04/01/05
April 1, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

National Public Health Week Kickoff - 04/04/05
April 1, 2005
National Public Health 2005 newsletter Check their most recent newsletter here: http://www.apha.org/nphw/newsletter-monday.htm

The Spring 2005 ASTHO Report Vol. 13 No. 1
April 4, 2005
In This Issue:

The Spring 2005 issue of the ASTHO Report is now available online.

The ASTHO Report is published quarterly by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials through the support of the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The current issue and archived editions can be accessed directly at www.ASTHO.org

Fiscal Year 2004 Statewide Financial Preview for Pennsylvania General Acute Care Hospitals
April 4, 2005
The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) is pleased to announce the release of its Fiscal Year 2004 Financial Preview for Pennsylvania General Acute Care Hospitals. The preview contains aggregate statewide numbers for operating and total margins, income, revenue and expense figures, and new uncompensated care figures. The numbers are NOT hospital-specific; the report containing hospital-specific numbers will be released later this spring. To view and/or download the report, visit us on the Web by clicking the following link: Fiscal Year 2004 Financial Preview for Pennsylvania General Acute Care Hospitals

Copies of the report can also be ordered by calling PHC4 at (717) 232-6787.

National Mental Health Information Center's Web Site Provides Valuable Resources
April 4, 2005
The Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) provides all consumers of mental health services and the general public with reliable mental health support through the National Mental Health Information Center's Web site ( http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov) and call center (1-800-789-2647, bilingual information services; 1-866-889-2647, TDD).

Each month we feature special online resources that link users to mental health resources, services, reports, and referrals. Among our special online features this month is a Web page, Managing Anxiety in Times of Crisis, developed to help individuals, families, and communities cope with traumatic events. Other features and a recent CMHS report on managing co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders are described below.

To help others find these resources, please post them on your Web site or listserv or use them in any other way that is convenient for you, with a link back to SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center Web site, and cite the center as your source.

To order printed materials, go to http://store.mentalhealth.org/publications/ordering.aspx or contact the call center.

****************************************************************************

Features for April 2005

* Managing Anxiety in Times of Crisis

* Featured Publication

* CMHS Program Spotlight

* National Observances

* Feedback

************************************************************************* Managing Anxiety in Times of Crisis

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/managinganxiety *************************************************************************

The emotional impact of traumatic events can have devastating effects on the mental well-being of individuals of all ages. This resource provides information and referrals to help individuals who experience a tragic event cope with their own mental health needs as well as that of families and others in their care.

************************************************************************* Featured Publication *************************************************************************

Building Bridges: Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Addiction: Consumer and Service Providers, Policymakers, and Researchers in Dialogue SMA 04-3892 http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA04-3892/default.asp The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health's Final Report highlights the importance of convening participatory dialogs to bring together consumers of mental health services and health professionals. As the lead agency for implementing the policies to improve coordination of treatment and services identified by the commission, CMHS convened a dialog in 2003 to address co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. This report summarizes the meeting and the recommendations made by the participants and is available for download and in print.

************************************************************************ CMHS Program Spotlight-Consumer Affairs Program ************************************************************************

In partnership with other Federal agencies, as well as public and private health and human service groups, CMHS's Consumer Affairs Program supports the participation of mental health consumers and their families in decisions about all aspects of mental health policies and services. To learn more about the program's activities, visit http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/consumersurvivor/about.asp

************************************************************************ National Observances-April 2005 ************************************************************************

Alcohol Awareness Month * Research suggests a close relationship between alcohol problems and mental health. This annual health observance encourages local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. To learn more about the prevalence of alcohol dependence in people with mental illness, visit http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/april2005/alcoholawareness/default.asp

Occupational Therapy Month * Occupational therapy promotes the health and well-being of individuals with both mental and physical disabilities. The purpose of this annual April event is to raise awareness of the role that occupational therapists play in helping individuals learn or relearn daily activities and lead purposeful lives. Learn more and get related mental health resources at http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/april2005/occupationaltherapy/default.asp

National Public Health Week (NPHW) April 4-10, 2005 * This year's NPHW theme is "Encouraging Americans To Live Stronger, Longer." NPHW recognizes the contributions of public health professionals to the Nation's well-being and focuses on major health issues in local communities, including mental health. For details and resources, go to http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/april2005/nationalpublichealth/default.asp

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) GIVES THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO HOSPITAL CARE DATA
April 12, 2005
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has launched a Web site that lets the public compare hospitals on how they treat certain medical conditions. To view the site, access the following web page...

http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/35447-1.html

Pennsylvania Department of Health Releases New Issue of Statistical News
April 10, 2005
The March 2005 issue of Statistical News can now be accessed on the Bureau of Health Statistics and Research web pages of the Department of Health's web site at:

http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=175&q=201890

Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) Annonces Patient Safety Web Site
April 12, 2005
Consumers can now access an on-line patient safety resource created by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. The AHRQ Patient Safety Network (PSNet) is a "one-stop" portal for patient safety and can be accessed at:

http://psnet.ahrq.gov

National Rural Health Association e-News April 14, 2005 Vol. 6, No. 8
April 16, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at:

http://www.NRHArural.org

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 04-15-05
April 4, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

The National Health Policy Forum is pleased to announce the availability of the following new background paper: Health Insurance Coverage for Small Employers
April 26, 2005
For workers of small employers, access to affordable health insurance coverage is a growing concern. This paper examines the problems these firms and their employees face in obtaining health insurance coverage they can afford. The degree to which these challenges become obstacles varies greatly, depending on, for instance, the size of the employer and the characteristics of its employees. Reviewed here are these challenges to access, as well as some of the efforts made through state and federal reforms to address them, including rules regarding guaranteed issue and guaranteed renewability. This paper also explores some of the more recent initiatives designed to help small employers, including group purchasing arrangements (such as association health plans) and health savings accounts.

An informational .pdf document is available Here

This publication is available on the What's New http://www.nhpf.org page of the NHPF Web site.

Congress Passes FY06 Budget Resolution
April 30, 2005
Congressional negotiators reached agreement early yesterday on the Congressional budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2006. Both the House and the Senate immediately took up the measure and passed it last night. The budget agreement calls for $10 billion in cuts to the Medicaid program over the next five years. However, as part of the agreement, none of those cuts will be made in FY 2006. In addition, the President will establish a bipartisan Medicaid Commission to make recommendations as to the best way to reform the Medicaid program. As strong proponents of the Medicaid Commission, we are pleased this step will be taken to ensure that any Medicaid reform will be done in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. We are disappointed the resolution still calls for future cuts in Medicaid. However, we can take some solace in the fact that the level of Medicaid cuts in the budget agreement is approximately half of what was proposed in the original budget.

In addition, the budget agreement contains no specific direction on the funding of rural health grant programs. Funding levels for individual program will be determined through the appropriations process later this year. Without clear direction from the budget, our efforts to educate Members of Congress on the importance of these rural health programs are that much more important. Please be assured the NRHA will continue to monitor these and other issues and provide you with appropriate updates throughout the year.

Thank you for your contribution to NRHA’s grassroots efforts to help rural communities. Please contact the NRHA’s Government Affairs staff with any questions at (703) 519-7910 or lynskey@nrharural.org

More Information is available: http://capwiz.com/nrha/utr/1/FQIIEQMBPR/OEPMEQMBSD/

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 04-29-05
April 30, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

RURAL QUALITY MODELS THAT WORK
April 30, 2005
The NRHA is soliciting the nomination of projects to be designated as models that demonstrate community-based, collaborative, quality/performance improvement projects in rural/frontier areas Projects selected will be publicized through NRHA publications and on the NRHA’s website. Disclaimer: Other than the honor, there is no reward for being nominated or selected. In fact, the fame resulting from this process could present a burden in some circumstances. Please see below, criteria for submission of model projects.

Criterion I:Essential characteristics of nominated projects

II Measure and improve the quality of personal and population health care programs in rural areas.

III and IV (workforce) Ensure that all rural health care professionals master core competencies of providing patient-centered care, working in interdisciplinary teams, employing evidence-based practice, applying quality improvement, and utilizing informatics. Work collaboratively to establish outreach programs to rural areas to attract applicants. Locate a meaningful portion of education in rural communities. Universities and 4-year colleges should expand distance learning programs and/or pursue formal arrangements with community and other rural tribal and traditionally black colleges. Make greater effort to recruit faculty with experience in rural practice, and develop rural-relevant curricula.Develop rural training tracks and fellowships that:

• Project objectives should further one or more of the aims of individual and population health as articulated by the IOM: Safe, Timely, Effective, Efficient, Patient-centered and Equitable.

Criterion II: Preferred characteristics of nominated projects

• The project has a mechanism for involvement of consumers of health care services in its management.

Criterion III: The primary contact person for the project should be involved in day-to-day project activities and planning.

More information is available: http://www.nrharural.org/quality/models.html

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
May 1, 2005
May is Older Americans Month. The 2005 theme is “Celebrate Long-Term Living.” Visit http://www.aoa.gov/press/oam/oam.asp to download the 2005 Older Americans Month commemorative poster and logo, submit your entry to the photography contest, and learn all about this important month-long celebration.

Financial Analysis 2004, Volume One: An Annual Report on the Financial Health of Pennsylvania's Hospitals
May 2, 2005
The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) is pleased to announce the release of its hospital financial report, Financial Analysis 2004, Volume One.

Volume One, the first report in PHC4's Financial Analysis 2004 series, presents a profile of the financial health of Pennsylvania's 182 General Acute Care (GAC) hospitals. The information contained in this report, which focuses primarily on Fiscal Year 2004 (FY04), was derived from annual financial statements and supplemental information supplied by each hospital.

Also, check out our new PHC4 Research Brief on Hospital Malpractice Expenses. This new PHC4 Research Brief reports that during Fiscal Year 2004, Pennsylvania's 182 General Acute Care (GAC) hospitals reported total hospital malpractice insurance expenses of $636 million. These malpractice insurance expenses represent an average of 2.67% of the total statewide net patient revenue (NPR). Consequently, $2.67 of every $100 paid for patient care at GAC hospitals was used to satisfy malpractice insurance costs.

To view and/or download the report, visit us on the web by clicking the following link:

Financial Analysis 2004, Volume One

Research Brief on Hospital Malpractice Expenses

Copies of the report can also be ordered by calling PHC4 at (717) 232-6787. In addition, a comprehensive hospital financial database containing additional data and analysis will be available for purchase. Contact PHC4's Special Requests Unit for more information.

Pennsylvania Rural Development Council Spring 2005 newsletter
May 3, 2005
Spring Edition of the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council is now available:PRDC 2005 newsletter

National Rural Health Association e-News April 14, 2005 Vol. 6, No. 9
May 3, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at:

http://www.NRHArural.org

A new PHC4 FYI, on the growth and consequences of the uninsured, has been released and is available on the Web site
May 6, 2005
Health care cost inflation limits the availability and affordability of health insurance. The Commonwealth has explored new ways to address these mounting pressures and this FYI looks at these concerns. PHC4 is an independent state agency charged with collecting, analyzing and reporting information that can be used to improve the quality and restrain the cost of health care. The PHC4 FYI newsletter is geared to a wide audience and focuses on topics pertinent to consumers faced with decisions about their health care. Please send feedback to Mike Berney, Manager of Purchaser and Community Relations, PHC4 mberney@phc4.org.

More information available at: http://www.phc4.org/reports/fyi/fyi29.htm

PA Commission for Women is Seeking African American and Latina Role Model Book Nominations
May 9, 2005
For over thirty years, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women has served as an important advocate for women and women's issues. The mission of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women is to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of Pennsylvania women and girls; to inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential. To underline this mission of empowerment, the Commission is focusing on the critical need for visible role models for African-American and Latina girls. The Pennsylvania Commission for Women will produce a hard cover role model book featuring renowned and successful African-American and Latina women across the Commonwealth who have excelled in diverse fields such as communications, law, medicine, politics, arts and entertainment, business and industry, technology, education, and social sciences. It is the Commission's goal to distribute the book to libraries in every county and public middle school across the state.

The Pennsylvania Commission for Women is currently seeking nominations for their Role Model Book. The deadline for submission is May 31, 2005. You can access the form on our web site at http://www.pcw.state.pa.us Please ensure that your nomination materials are completed according to the instructions found on the nomination form. Incomplete or late nominations will not be accepted.

Download the Nomination Form: Here

Rural Assistance Center Health Update
May 11, 2005
The latest update is now online at: http://www.raconline.org/listserv/health/051005.html

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 05-13-05
May 13, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

May 2005 Health Law PA News
May 16, 2005
May 2005 edition of the Pennsylvania Health Law Project's newsletter, Health Law PA News.
Read this issue right away to find out more about:

Questions and comments about our newsletter and about PHLP are welcomed! Please call our help line at 1-800-274-3258, Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Download the newsletter in .PDF format: Here

Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) Posts Annual Report
May 29, 2005
In 2004, Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) forged ahead on several new initiatives that represent opportunities to improve patient safety and health care quality, and to restrain costs. These initiatives going forward are expected to provide further evidence that superior health care costs less.

The first initiative involves reducing hospital-acquired infections, which are not only life threatening, but costly. In 2004, PHC4 began collecting information on hospital-acquired infections, making Pennsylvania one of the first states to undertake such an initiative.

The second initiative involves streamlining the process of collecting and validating the data hospitals submit to PHC4. These Web-based upgrades will move us further along towards a primarily electronic, nearly paperless process, which we hope will result in efficiencies for hospitals and PHC4.

Please please contact Joe Martin, PHC4's Director of Communications and Education with any questions or comments. He can be reached at (717) 232-6787 or via e-mail to jmartin@phc4.org

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council's Annual Report for 2004 has been posted online at www.phc4.org

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 05-27-05
May 29, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

About 900,000 Pennsylvania Residents Lacked Health Insurance in 2004, Survey Finds May 11, 2005
May 29, 2005
About 8% of Pennsylvania residents were uninsured in 2004, and nearly half of those without health insurance were between ages 18 and 43, according to the first such statewide survey conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. For the report, state officials surveyed 6,733 households by phone, finding that 900,000 residents lacked health insurance. Overall, 20 percent of Pennsylvania residents between ages 18 and 34 lacked health insurance during 2004, the survey found. Forty-four percent of all uninsured residents said they worked full time, and 62 percent of those were employed in service jobs and 21 percent in retail jobs, according to the survey. In addition, about 27 percent of uninsured Pennsylvania residents said they lacked coverage for more than five years, and 70 percent of the uninsured cited cost of coverage as the reason. The survey also found that uninsured residents primarily lived in Pennsylvania's cities, with 30 percent living in Philadelphia and 19 percent living in Pittsburgh. Future surveys will examine trends, such as the reduction in health benefits provided by employers.

Access http://www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/lib/ins/chip_ab/uninsured_study_web.pdf for the full report.

National Rural Health Association e-News April 14, 2005 Vol. 6, No. 10
June 7, 2005
The issue is online and available for members only at:

http://www.NRHArural.org

National Rural Health Association Issues Call for Concurrent Sessions, Abstracts and Student Papers
June 7, 2005
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has issued a call for Concurrent Sessions, Abstracts and Student Papers for its 2006 Annual Conference in Reno Nevada, which will be held May 17-19, 2006.

PDF copies of these documents are available on the NRHA website at the links below and can be filled out and either mailed or faxed in to the NRHA office. The Call for Concurrent Sessions deadline is July 8th, 2005, so don't delay if you are interested in presenting a session at next year's conference!

Download the Call for Abstracts at this link: http://www.NRHArural.org/conferences/pdf/06Abstracts.pdf

Download the Call for Concurrent Sessions at the following link: http://www.NRHArural.org/conferences/pdf/06concurrent.pdf

Download the Call for Student Papers at the following link: http://www.NRHArural.org/conferences/pdf/06Student.pdf

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 06-10-05
June 11, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Penn State awarded $1.3 million for Northern Appalachian Cancer Network
June 11, 2005
Hershey, Pa. -- Penn State was awarded a five-year, $1.3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for ongoing support of its work to reduce cancer-related health disparities in medically-underserved rural communities of Pennsylvania and southern New York. The efforts are organized through the Northern Appalachian Cancer Network, a partnership of Penn State faculty, physicians, staff and community members to improve cancer outcomes through the development and testing of community interventions and the collection of data about their effectiveness.

For the full story go to http://live.psu.edu/story/12362

NRHA eNews; Vol. 6, No. 11
June 19, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here, for members only: http://www.NRHArural.org

Summer 2005 Edition of "The Pulse of CMS"
June 28, 2005
The Philadelphia Regional Office of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is pleased to share with you the Summer '05 edition of "The Pulse of CMS." Included in this edition are articles on the extra help for the Medicare prescription drug benefit, the National Provider Identifier, a link to the new provider MMA outreach toolkit, as well as local information. We hope that you find the information useful.

Please feel free to share this electronic newsletter to any and all members of your provider audiences, including members of any list servs you currently operate. Also, you may post the newsletter on your organization's website. If you have any questions regarding this edition, please contact me either via e-mail, or by telephone at 215.861.4097. The next regularly-scheduled edition of "The Pulse of CMS" is scheduled to be released in September. Thank you for your continued partnership and cooperation.

download the full .pdf version: Here

Rural Assistance Center Health Update
June 28, 2005
Check out their new newsletter from here: http://www.raconline.org/listserv/health/121304.html

Pennsylvania Rural Leadership Program Seeks Participants
June 28, 2005
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Rural Leadership (RULE) program, a two-year leadership development initiative, is seeking applicants interested in becoming members of the program's 11th class. Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2005.

Administered by the department of agricultural economics and rural sociology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, RULE is open to all adult, rural Pennsylvania residents -- or those with rural constituencies -- who want to develop their leadership skills and improve the quality of life in their local communities.

The program focuses on developing proficiencies in four target areas: communication skills, group process, personal leadership and specific community issues. During the first year, the emphasis is on local, regional and state public policy issues. The second year focuses on national and international issues. Participants take an active role in the learning process and in program development. New skills are directly applicable to current public policy issues and personal growth.

The program's selection criteria are designed to include participants from diverse backgrounds with different interests and goals, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community involvement and solving public issues. Consideration will be given to an applicant's experience, needs and potential.

The RULE program combines the resources of Penn State with expertise from the private and public sectors of the commonwealth and the nation. The result is a diversified leadership program for adult Pennsylvania leaders concerned about public issues.

The RULE program is collaboratively funded by individual participants, sponsoring organizations, private and public contributions, the Pennsylvania State Legislature, the Department of Community and Economic Development, and Penn State. RULE fellows are admitted without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation or veteran status.

For applications or information, write to RULE Program,

The Pennsylvania State University
6 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone#: (814) 863-4679.
More information also is available at http://www.rule.psu.edu

Catholic Healthcare Partners and Geisinger Health System Sign Agreement
June 29, 2005
Wilkes-Barre, PA - Catholic Healthcare Partners, parent organization of the Mercy Health Partners, has signed an agreement to transfer ownership and operation of the Mercy's Wilkes-Barre Hospital to Geisinger Health System.

For the full story in .Doc format: Here

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 06-24-05
July 2, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Total Hip and Knee Replacements State Releases New Report on Orthopaedic Surgery
July 2, 2005
The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) is pleased to announce the release of its newest report, Total Hip and Knee Replacements Report.

Hospital readmissions due to complications following total hip and knee replacement surgery resulted in $35 million in hospital charges and nearly 7,700 additional hospital days. Total hip and knee replacements are frequently performed, costly surgeries.

To view and/or download the Total Hip and Knee Report, visit us on the web by clicking the following link:

Copies of the report can be ordered by calling PHC4 at (717) 232-6787

PHC4 FYI Issue Number 30: June 2005
July 2, 2005
The June PHC4 FYI focuses on health savings accounts. It delivers information about the newest form of consumer directed health plans, and takes a balanced look at its pros and cons.

To view and/or download the June issue of PHC4 FYI, visit us on the web by clicking the following link:

If you have any questions or concerns about the FYI, please contact Michael Berney, Manager of Purchaser and Community Relations, at (717) 232-6787 or mberney@phc4.org

Healthy Vision Community Awards Program To Support Healthy People 2010 Vision Objectives
July 5, 2005
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is pleased to announce the 2006 round of the Healthy Vision Community Awards Program. This program provides funding for the implementation of health education activities that support the Healthy Vision 2010 objectives and the Healthy People 2010 goals to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life.

The focus of the 2006 awards is on diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, occupational eye injury, personal protective eyewear, and vision rehabilitation.

Nonprofit organizations, including but not limited to community-based organizations and groups, minority-based organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, civic and fraternal groups, and State and local health departments and agencies are eligible to apply for an award. Universities and university affiliations, such as medical centers, are precluded from receiving an award directly, but are welcome as collaborators with community-based organizations. Each award is worth up to $10,000 per year. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, August 31, 2005.

For more information about the Healthy Vision Community Awards Program, visit www.healthyvision2010.org/news

NRHA eNews; Vol. 6, No. 12
July 10, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here, for members only: http://www.NRHArural.org

NRHA conference update
July 14, 2005
Check out the most recent news on NRHA conferences: http://www.NRHArural.org

Updated List of Rural Areas Now Available
July 14, 2005
The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy announced on July 8 that the list of areas eligible for rural health grants has been updated. The list can be accessed at ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/ruralhealth/Eligibility2005.pdf. The list includes only non-metro counties, micropolitan counties, and census tracts in metropolitan counties. To identify a census tract, access http://www.ffiec.gov/geocode/default.htm and enter the address. The state code, county code, and tract code that are listed can then be matched with the census tract identifier on the list of eligible areas.

For more information, contact the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy at (301) 443-0835 or the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health at (814) 863-8214.

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 07-08-05
July 27, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Releases Toolkit on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
July 31, 2005
CMS has released the Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. To access the toolkit and other educational resources, visit the drug coverage information webpage (Medlearn) for physicians and other healthcare professionals, www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/drugcoverage.asp, or click on the direct link below.

The Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/provtoolkit.pdf includes downloadable educational materials specifically for physicians and other healthcare professionals and their staff to learn the basics about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. It also includes materials to distribute to their Medicare patients. The kit contains reproducible artwork, a letter from the CMS Administrator, a fact sheet (english and spanish), a brochure, an article, and a list of other resources.

Physicians and other healthcare professionals and their staff, partner organizations, social workers, financial counselors, and discharge planners will find this toolkit a valuable resource to get information to people with Medicare. You may add your logo and business information to these materials and copy freely, if you wish.

NRHA eNews; Vol. 6, No. 13
August 2, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here, for members only: http://www.NRHArural.org

CMS Adopts NRHA Position on CAH Relocation Facilities
August 3, 2005
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule yesterday that addresses Critical Access Hospital (CAH) providers. The proposal impacts those CAHs that have been granted "necessary provider status" and are proposing to rebuild in a new location that does not meet the distance requirements of the so-called "35-mile rule."

The final rule removes the proposed distinction between a replacement and relocation of a necessary provider CAH, eliminates the proposed distance requirement, and also eliminates the proposed date restriction.

This new final regulation will be issued in the August 12th Federal Register.

A CAH facility will have to continue to meet the same criteria that led to its original state designation and serve at least 75% of the same service area, offer 75% of the same services, and utilize at least 75% of the same staff in its new location. CMS indicated that it will be offering guidance to its regional offices that will actually be making these decisions on a case-by-case basis.

AgrAbility to Host Free Health Screenings at Ag Progress Days
August 3, 2005
(Patton, PA) AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians will be hosting a number of free health screenings at the upcoming Penn State Ag Progress Days (APD), held at Rock Springs on August 16-18. Please note the following screenings and times:

At Ag Progress Days, the AgrAbility/Agromedicine tent is located at the west end of 6th Street, next to the Farm Safety Demonstration Area. AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians assists farmers and farm family members who are coping with a long term injury or health condition. The project is funded through a grant of the US Department of Agriculture and is conducted in Pennsylvania through a partnership between Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania and Penn State Cooperative Extension.

For more information regarding AgrAbility services, call toll free within PA to 1-866-238-4434, Contact: Crystal Smithmyer, AgrAbility Outreach Specialist 814-674-6277 or cmsmyer@aol.com, or visit the following website: http://AgExtEd.cas.psu.edu/agrab/

Rural Assistance Center Update
August 8, 2005
Check out their most recent update: http://www.raconline.org/listserv/health/080505.html

NRHA Announces The Rural Assistance Career Center
August 8, 2005
The NRHA is proud to announce the debut of a new feature-rich Rural Health Career Center. Jobs on this site will be fully searchable by location, job title or industry segment. The listings are also shared between other member networks of the system so that your job posting reaches the maximum number of viewers. Best of all, persons viewing your jobs will be doing so most often because they are looking for a job in a rural setting.

For job seekers, there is a new anonymous resume posting process which allows the job seeker to post their resume without their name and contact information being visible. If a recruiter sees your resume, and has an interest in talking to you, you will receive a blind request from them indicating their interest. If you have an interest in talking to them about their job, you will acknowlege their request and your contact information will be provided to them. If you are not interested in this position, a simple click will decline their invitation for further contact.

This new NRHA member benefit is advantageous to NRHA members in two ways. First, there is a dramatic discount to NRHA Individual, Organizational and Supporting members for the use of the job posting service. NRHA members who post resumes do so for free and "float to the top," with preferential placement above other non-members who post, so that NRHA members always get the highest visibility. NRHA membes will also be identified with a small NRHA icon next to their posting.

The Career Center is much more user friendly than the previous one and is entirely self-contained so that you do not need to contact NRHA to use it. You merely set up your user account and post your job listing or resume and it is instantly displayed.

Check it out online: http://careers.NRHArural.org and be among the first to post your job on our new site

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 08-05-05
August 8, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Pennsylvania Forum for Primary Health Care Announces Pennsylvania Health Center Week, August 6-12, 2005
August 13, 2005
Read Governor Ed Rendell's proclamation at: http://www.paforum.com/index1.htm

Kaiser Family Foundation Announces New Search Engine Tool
August 19, 2005
The Kaiser Family Foundations Web sites now feature a new search tool to provide faster and easier access to the thousands of Foundation reports, news summaries, webcasts, and data and analysis on Medicaid, Medicare, HIV/AIDS, the uninsured, health insurance, disparities in health care, public opinion and more.

Based on the Google search engine, the new search provides:

The new search is now available on http://www.kff.org , http://www.kaisernetwork.org , http://www.statehealthfacts.org , http://www.kaiseredu.org , and http://www.globalhealthreporting.org.

If you have any questions about this us online information, please contact the foundation's web master at webmaster@kff.org.

Medicare Part D Report Available
August 19, 2005
A new policy brief is available from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis: Preparing for Medicare Part D: An Opportunity for State Offices of Rural Health and State Rural Health Associations. This brief gives state offices and associations the information they will need to connect rural beneficiaries and providers with resources that will help them react appropriately to changes in the Medicare program.

Please visit the following link to download PB2005-2: http://www.rupri.org/ruralHealth/publications/Medicare_Ed_Brief_Revised_81105.pdf

NRHA eNews; Vol. 6, No. 14
August 19, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here, for members only: http://www.NRHArural.org

Primary Care and Prevention Network News: 08-019-05
August 19, 2005
Check out the newest edition: http://www.astho.org/newsletter/newsletters/8/index.html

Pennsylvania Department of Health Announces Maternal and Health Status Indicators Available
August 19, 2005
The edition of 2003 Maternal and Child Health Status Indicators for Major Municipalities is now available on the Health Statistics web pages of the Pennsylvania Department of Health's web site. Go to www.health.state.pa.us/stats/ and select Vital Statistics. Scroll down the list to find the title and click on it. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Brian Wright or Luan Stahl at 717-783-2548.

Pennsylvania Department of Health to Hold Public Hearing and Meeting of the Health Research Advisory Committee
August 19, 2005
The Health Research Advisory Committee of the Pennsylvania Department of Health will hold a public hearing on November 21 and a meeting on November 22, 2005. The public hearing and meeting will be held at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers, at the corner of Second and Market Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The primary purpose of the public hearing is to obtain suggestions for health research priorities under the Tobacco Settlement/Act 77, Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement Program for the state fiscal year 2006-07. Current and past state fiscal year priorities for both formula funded and nonformula funded health research are posted on the Department of Health' s website http://www.health.state.pa.us/cure.

The public hearing will be held on November 21 from 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. All public comments must be submitted by email to John Koch at jkoch@state.pa.us no later than 2:30 p.m. on October 24, 2005. Persons wishing to present written statements orally at the public hearing must contact John Koch at (717) 783-2548 no later 2:30 p.m. on October 24, 2005 to make a reservation for testifying at the hearing.

Written comments must be limited to no more than five single-spaced typewritten pages. Comments should recommend research on one or more health related issues that have a significant impact on the health of Pennsylvanians. Although comments may include data supporting the significance of a particular health related issue, written comments should identify, in priority order, the specific research issues and questions that need to be addressed. All testimony should include the specific aims of the research being proposed.

Oral testimony will be limited to three minutes. Prior to the public hearing, a copy of written comments will be provided to the Health Research Advisory Committee members for their review. Therefore, oral presentations should not repeat the written comments but instead should focus on the highlights or key research issues contained in the written comments. If time permits, two minutes will be allowed for questions and answers following the oral testimony. Persons will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis, as time permits. (Oral testimony that is duplicative of previously presented testimony may not be allowed, if time is limited.)

On November 22, 2005 a meeting of the Health Research Advisory Committee will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to review the findings of the nonformula health research projects related to health disparities and to discuss the research priorities for the state fiscal year 2006-07.

The hearing and meeting are open to the public. No reservations are required to attend the hearing or meeting but those wishing to present oral testimony at the public hearing must submit their written comments in advance in accordance with the guidance provided above.

For additional information please contact Patricia W. Potrzebowski, Director, Bureau of Health Statistics and Research or Robin C. Cohick, Administrative Officer, Bureau of Health Statistics and Research, 555 Walnut Street, 6th Floor, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101-1914 or at (717) 783-2548.

Persons with a disability desiring to attend the hearing or meeting and requiring an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation should contact Patricia W. Potrzebowski or Robin Cohick at (717) 783-2548 or V/TT (717) 783-6514 for speech and/or hearing impaired persons or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Services at 1-800-654-5984 (TT).

The hearing and meeting are subject to cancellation without notice.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Releases Reports on the Impacts of Safety Net Programs
August 19, 2005
This series of reports examines the research on the impacts and accomplishments of government programs that assist low-income families and individuals. Each report includes state-by-state data on the number of the people assisted by the program. Additional reports in this series will be forthcoming.

For more information on Center on Budget and Policy Priorities check out: http://www.cbpp.org/pubs/accomplishments.htm

Health Department Recieves Grant to Enhance Injury Prevention Program
August 24, 2005
Secretary of Health Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has received a grant for $600,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and control injuries and injury-related deaths in Pennsylvania.

"In 2003, injuries and complications due to injuries claimed the lives of more than 7,200 Pennsylvanians," Dr. Johnson said. "And injuries take more than just a devastating emotional toll on us. During 2002, there were 128,537 injury-related hospital discharges reported by the state's hospitals costing more than $3.54 billion. So anything we can do to reduce injuries is well worth the investment." (2003 is the most recent year for which data is available.)

The most common causes of unintentional injury deaths were motor vehicle-related injuries involving vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Firearm-related injuries accounted for 1,220 deaths in 2003. The most common causes of injury-related hospital discharges are falls, poisonings, motor vehicle-related injuries including both occupants and pedestrians, and assault.

According to CDC reports, in 2002 unintentional injuries were the fifth leading cause of death for Pennsylvanians of all ages, regardless of gender, race or economic status, and the leading cause of death among persons ages one to 44.

These CDC funds, which will be made available over a five-year period, will assist the department in pursuing specific planning, prevention and reduction activities for injuries and injury-related deaths such as: assessing the social and economic burden of injuries in Pennsylvania; assembling a statewide injury community planning group; holding annual injury prevention symposiums; developing a comprehensive injury prevention and control plan for Pennsylvania; and preparing an annual injury data report.

For more injury prevention information, programs, and services, contact DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or visit www.health.state.pa.us

America's Next Top Model of Care:Health Disparities Collaboratives
August 26, 2005
This call will focus on the health disparities collaboratives, featuring a federal, local, and state perspective. Many health centers are engaged in the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care’s (BPHC) Health Disparities Collaboratives in order to improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions, including diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression. These efforts are re-designing approaches to patient care by focusing more intense efforts on identifying high risk patients, proactively managing their health care, and promoting lifestyle changes and preventive services focused on improving health outcomes.

Morgan to Lead National Rural Health Association
September 3, 2005
(KANSAS CITY, MO SEPTEMBER 1) Today, the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) announced the appointment of Alan Morgan to the position of Chief Executive Officer for the organization. Mr. Morgan will oversee all operational activities of the Association, including oversight of offices in Kansas City, Missouri and Alexandria, Virginia.

"We believe that Alan's personal and professional background make him uniquely qualified for this position," said Hilda Heady, NRHA President. "Speaking on behalf of the NRHA Board of Trustees, we recognize that he is well respected, very competent, and dedicated to rural health. We are confident in his ability to carry out our mission of improving the health and health care for all rural Americans. He has the unanimous support of the Board."

"We did some soul searching, before we initiated our search for the right person," said past president David Sniff who chaired a Past President's Panel appointed by Heady to fully review the leadership needs of the Association, revise the position description, and determine the search process. This panel's recommendations were approved by the Board in July. Heady went on to say, "Alan is the right person for NRHA and we all look forward to productive growth under his leadership."

Mr. Morgan has been with the National Rural Health Association since February 2001, serving as Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy. He served as Interim Executive Director since February of this year.

Mr. Morgan is from Holton, Kansas. He has served as staff for former US Congressman Dick Nichols and former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden. Additionally, his experience includes tenures with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and with the Heart Rhythm Society where he established a Washington, DC based government affairs office. Prior to joining NRHA, he served as manager of government relations for VHA Inc.

In 2004, he was recognized by "The Hill" newspaper as being among the top sector specific lobbyists in Washington, DC. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from University of Kansas and a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University. Mr. Morgan and his wife, Kathy, live in Stafford, VA. He is the father of three sons, Robbie (age 11), Chandler (age 9), and Preston (age 4).

Mr. Morgan's health policy articles have been published in: The Journal of Rural Health, The Journal of Cardiovascular Management, The Journal of Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology Review, and in Laboratory Medicine.

The NRHA is a national nonprofit organization, with nearly 10,000 members focused on rural health issues. The Association's mission is to improve the health and well being of rural Americans and to provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education and research. The NRHA membership is made up of a diverse collection of individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health.

The Summer 2005 Issue of the Rural Monitor is now available
September 3, 2005
In this issue:

Cover story: Meth Abuse a Smoldering Crisis
Rethinking Human Services: Integrating Services with Different Institutional Cultures
Look What's Coming: Telehindsight
Around the Country: Dancing to Deter Diabetes (California); SPARC Project Saves Women's Lives (Connecticut); Healing Center Helps Children (Georgia); Public Health Certificates Offered (Tennessee)
Spotlight on Rural Research: Meth Mayhem Prompting More Research

HTML version: http://www.raconline.org/newsletter/web/summer05.html

PDF version: http://www.raconline.org/newsletter/pdf/summer05.pdf

NRHA eNews; Vol. 6, No. 15
September 3, 2005
Check their most recent newsletter here, for members only: http://www.NRHArural.org

HHS Releases Website and Toll Free Number for Deployment by Health Care Professionals
September 7, 2005
The Department of Health and Human Services has established a website https://volunteer.hhs.gov and toll-free number (1-866-KAT MEDI) to help identify health care professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.