Young adults aged 18-29 years old who live in rural areas and self-report injection drug use are at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Researchers in New Mexico identified gaps in knowledge about risk and prevention, screening, treatment, and reinfection as a source of this risk and highlight the importance of risk reduction counseling by frontline public health providers. The study was published earlier this year and is now available in the library of the National Institutes of Health. Click here for the full report.
Understanding the Dynamics of Rural Communities in America
A report from the RAND Corporation “describes a basic, multi-level framework for mapping the system of factors and mechanisms that most influence positive and negative outcomes in rural communities.” Researchers sought to go beyond data and statistics on national trends and investigate variables at the local level. The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization researching solutions to public policy challenges.
Up to $120K in Loan Repayment for Graduating Medical and Dental Students
It’s worth your time to apply. This NHSC loan repayment option has a higher acceptance rate than others because of its exclusive availability to a small cohort.
Start your application today.
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program (S2S LRP) application has been extended and will now close on Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Read the Application and Program Guidance (PDF-1.2 MB) carefully before you start your application.
About the Program: S2S LRP provides up to $120,000 in tax-free student loan repayment to medical (MD and DO) or dental (DDS or DMD) students in their final year of school.
- You commit to provide primary health care at an approved NHSC site in a Health Professional Shortage Area of greatest need after graduating.
- Service commitment is full-time for at least 3 years or part-time for 6 years.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or national and enrolled in an eligible medical or dental degree program at a U.S. accredited school.
- Installments are paid to you annually in a lump sum. When applied to qualified health professional student loans, these can significantly lower your overall student debt by reducing accrued interest.
- You may continue service through the NHSC Loan Repayment Program and could potentially pay off all of your educational debt.
Additional Resources
- Application and Program Guidance (PDF-1.2 MB)
- Fact Sheet (PDF-190 KB)
- Search for NHSC-approved sites on the Health Workforce Connector
Stories from the Field: Dr. Brian Freeman, Fairfax, VA
Addressing the Crisis: Adolescent Substance Misuse and Suicide
Trust for America’s Health released a report which highlights evidence-based and cross-sector approaches that can improve adolescents’ life circumstances, protect them from harm and can assist in creating mentoring programs and connections for teens that may help to save lives. Over the last decade, there has been an 87 percent increase in suicide rates – an alarming statistic. This report shares changes in policies, funding, and programs. To read the report, click here.
HIV and Stigma Resource Guide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “HIV stigma includes negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV. It is the prejudice that comes with labeling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable. HIV discrimination is the act of treating people with HIV differently than those without HIV.” In response to research that has shown how providers with limited stigma reduction education are more likely to exhibit stigmatizing behavior towards their patients, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) has created Talking Points: The Resource Guide for Facilitating Stigma Conversations. This “microsite” also includes videos, tools and tips on how to implement your own stigma conversation.
Federal Data Rules Moving Forward with Big Implications
Fierce Health reports that two major federal rules aimed at stopping information blocking and spurring data sharing are now one step closer to being finalized. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT’s (ONC) interoperability and information blocking rule is now under review at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the last step before publication. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed interoperability rule also is under review at OMB. That rule would require insurers participating in CMS-run programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Affordable Care Act exchanges by Jan. 1 to have the capability to give 125 million patients electronic access to their personal health information at no cost to patients. The new rules are a centerpiece of the 21st Century Cures Act and are designed to drive increased efficiency and transparency in health care and expand patient access to their healthcare information. Organizations that do not comply with the new regulations, which apply to essentially any organization handling patient medical records, could face substantial penalties. The combined rules will have significant implications for healthcare providers, payers, and health IT vendors.
HRSA to Host Virtual Job Fair for Health Centers in Rural Communities
In celebration of National Rural Health Day, HRSA is hosting a Virtual Job Fair specifically for health care facilities serving rural communities. It takes place Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 6:45-10:15 pm ET. Employers and job seekers can register here. HRSA’s virtual job fairs connect job-seeking primary care trainees and practicing clinicians with health centers with employment opportunities.
Pennsylvania Rural Hospital Global Budget Pilot in the Limelight
An October 28, 2019 interview with Rachel Levine, MD, the Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, addressed rural hospital closures and the state’s approach to sustainability. She described the Department of Health pilot as moving from a fee-for-service arrangement to a monthly global budget, which emphasizes population health and outpatient services. Read more.
Things You Need to Know about Community HealthChoices
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania’s mandatory managed care program for individuals who are dually eligible for both Medical Assistance and Medicare–older adults and individuals with physical disabilities. This program was implemented in southwestern Pennsylvania in January 2018, southeastern Pennsylvania in January 2019, and will be implemented in the remainder of the state on Jan. 1, 2020. CHC information for providers or participants can be found at www.healthchoices.pa.gov. Fact sheets and online trainings can be found here. Access a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CHC by clicking here. To become part of the provider network contact:
- AmeriHealth Caritas: 1-800-521-6007; email: chcproviders@amerihealthcaritas.com
- Pennsylvania Health & Wellness: 1-844-626-6813; email: information@pahealthwellness.com
- UPMC Community HealthChoices: 1-844-860-9303; email: CHCProviders@UPMC.edu
Pennsylvania Senate Advances Telemedicine Bill
During the week of October 28, 2019, the Pennsylvania Senate quickly fast-tracked a telemedicine bill that nearly made it to Governor Wolf’s desk last December. Senate Bill 857 expands the use of telemedicine for providers, including Community Health Centers , to provide care and receive reimbursement from both managed care organizations (MCOs) and commercial insurance. One new caveat to the bill is a requirement for any affected licensure boards overseeing specialties to promulgate regulations within 24 months of passage. As of October 30, the legislation is before the House for consideration.