HHS Healthcare Provider and Community News
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing changes to expand telehealth permanently, consistent with the Executive Order on Improving Rural and Telehealth Access. To learn more about the public input CMS is seeking and additional information about the proposed rule read the press release here.
HHS Awards Over $101 Million to Combat the Opioid Crisis
HHS awarded over $101 million to combat substance use disorders (SUD) and opioid use disorders (OUD). $89 million was awarded to rural organizations across 38 states as part of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Implementation (RCORP). Another nearly $12.5 million went to organizations through the Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program (OIFSP) for workforce development.
Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19
SAMHSA is committed to providing regular training and technical assistance (TTA) on matters related to the mental and substance use disorder field as they deal with COVID-19.
Tues., Aug. 11, 2020, 1:00 p.m. EDT, Register here.
Learn the results of an important new study, “Mentoring During COVID-19”, and how mentors are employing ways to stay in contact with mentees during this time of social distancing and technological interventions.
Webinar on Using Social Determinants of Health Data to Fight COVID-19
Wed., Aug. 12, 2020, 12:00 p.m. EDT, Register here.
This webinar is for those interested in accelerating data-driven solutions to improve the prevention, treatment, and management of resources to fight COVID-19 and support the recovery effort.
Using Data to Measure Social Capital and Build Social Connections for Vulnerable Youth
Next Week- Thurs., Aug. 20, 2020, 2:30 p.m. EDT, Register here.
This interactive training will discuss the latest research on social capital, or the value we get from our relationships with others, as well as lessons from the field.
Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Specific Populations
Visit https://www.coronavirus.gov/ for most recent COVID-19 related news, information, and guidance. In Spanish.
CDC Updated Toolkit for Young Adults – 15 to 21
Resources and tools designed for youth and young adults to keep them healthy as they venture out.
Guidance on Unsheltered Homelessness and COVID-19 for Homeless Service Providers and Local Officials
Updated interim guidance on unsheltered homelessness and COVID-19 for homeless service providers and locals shelters.
COVID-19 in Newly Resettled Refugee Populations
Updated information for refugees to the U.S., especially those who are recently resettled, may be in living or working conditions that put them at risk of getting COVID-19.
Data on COVID-19 during Pregnancy
Updated information on tracking data on COVID-19 during pregnancy to protect pregnant women and their babies.
FAQ about Antibody Testing for COVID-19: Information for Patients and Consumers
The FDA posted frequently asked questions for patients and consumers about antibody (serology) testing during the COVID-19 public health emergency- including “Antibodies and Antibody Tests: The Basics.” CDC updated their guidelines for antibody testing in clinical and public health settings.
The Experts Talk about Vaccine and Related Programs
FDA Commissioner: “No Matter What, Only A Safe, Effective Vaccine Will Get Our Approval”
This Op-ed by Dr. Stephen Hahn, FDA Commissioner, writes about the large-scale clinical trials already have begun for several promising vaccine candidates and what information the FDA will require to decide whether approval of the vaccine for general use is justified.
HHS Podcast on Operation Warp Speed
On this episode of “Learning Curve,” HHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Michael Caputo sits down with Dr. Moncef Slaoui, to discuss ongoing vaccine development efforts, convalescent plasma, and the role of the military in Operation Warp Speed.
Facebook Conversation about Promising COVID-19 Treatment and Vaccines
NIH launched clinical trials for the use of monoclonal antibodies in treating COVID-19, the first prioritized therapeutics under the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) program. To learn about these investigative treatments, watch NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Charting a Rapid Course Toward Better COVID-19 Tests and Treatments
NIH Director, Dr. Francis Collins, says that it is becoming apparent that our country is entering a new and troubling phase of the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus continues to spread across our communities and talks about their urgent efforts to create accessible and affordable diagnostic testing.
Exploring Drug Repurposing for COVID-19 Treatment
In this blogpost, Dr. Collins talks about the exploration of existing drugs and/or experimental drugs that are already in the development pipeline and have potential to be repurposed for treating COVID-19.
Rural Community Health
Social Determinants of Health in Rural Communities Toolkit
A newly released toolkit that compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations implementing programs that address the social determinants of health in rural communities.
** Upcoming Webinar Introducing the Social Determinants of Health in Rural Communities Toolkit.
Wed. Aug. 19, 2020. 1:00 p.m. EDT. Register here. Speakers discuss the Social Determinants of Health in Rural Communities Toolkit and describe strategies to establishing rural programs to address various social determinants of health
CDC’s COVID-19 and Rural Communities
About 46 million Americans live in rural areas and are facing distinctive challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC updated its information on rural communities and their response to the crisis.
Resources Supporting Rural Healthcare Surge Readiness
A dashboard developed by the COVID-19 Healthcare Resilience Working Group, a partnership with HHS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to provide support and guidance for healthcare delivery and workforce capacity and protection.
Rural Community Toolbox.Org Launches
In case you missed it, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) launched the Rural Community Toolbox website, a clearinghouse for funding and resources to support rural leaders in addressing substance use disorder (SUD) and the opioid crisis. The Community Assessment Tool is especially helpful.
Grants and Funding Opportunities
Please see current funding announcements by visiting Grants.gov
