New Standards Will Ensure Healthy Options at Vending Machines and Snack Bars in Schools

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Highlights New "Smart Snacks in School" Standards; Will Ensure School Vending Machines, Snack Bars Include Healthy Choices
	WASHINGTON, June 27, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that under USDA's new " Smart Snacks in School" nutrition standards, America's students will be offered healthier food options during the school day. "Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children," said Secretary Vilsack. "Parents and schools work hard to give our youngsters the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong, and providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines, and snack bars will support their great efforts." The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires USDA to establish nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools -- beyond the federally-supported meals programs. The "Smart Snacks in School" nutrition standards, to be published this week in the Federal Register, reflect USDA's thoughtful consideration and response to the nearly 250,000 comments received on the proposal earlier this year. "Smart Snacks in School" carefully balances science-based nutrition guidelines with practical and flexible solutions to promote healthier eating on campus, drawing on recommendations from the Institute of Medicine and existing voluntary standards already implemented by thousands of schools around the country, as well as healthy food and beverage offerings already available in the marketplace. Highlights of the "Smart Snacks in School" nutrition standards include: More of the foods we should encourage. Like the new school meals, the standards require healthier foods, more whole grains, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and leaner protein. Less of the foods we should avoid. Food items are lower in fat, sugar, and sodium and provide more of the nutrients kids need. Targeted standards. Allowing variation by age group for factors such as portion size and caffeine content. Flexibility for important traditions. Preserving the ability for parents to send their kids to school with homemade lunches or treats for activities such as birthday parties, holidays, and other celebrations; and allowing schools to continue traditions like fundraisers and bake sales. Ample time for implementation. Schools and food and beverage companies will have an entire school year to make the necessary changes, and USDA will offer training and technical assistance every step of the way. Reasonable limitations on when and where the standards apply. Ensuring that standards only affect foods that are sold on school campus during the school day. Foods sold at afterschool sporting events or other activities will not be subject to these requirements. Flexibility for state and local communities. Allowing significant local and regional autonomy by only establishing minimum requirements for schools. States and schools that have stronger standards than what is being proposed will be able to maintain their own policies. USDA is focused on improving childhood nutrition and empowering families to make healthier food choices by providing science-based information and advice, while expanding the availability of healthy food. America's students now have healthier and more nutritious school meals due to improved nutrition standards implemented as a result of the historic Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. USDA's MyPlate symbol and the resources at ChooseMyPlate.gov provide quick, easy reference tools for parents, teachers, healthcare professionals and communities. USDA launched a new $5 million Farm to School grant program in 2012 to increase the amount of healthy, local food in schools. USDA awarded $5.2 million in grants to provide training and technical assistance for child nutrition foodservice professionals and support stronger school nutrition education programs. Collectively these policies and actions will help combat child hunger and obesity and improve the health and nutrition of the nation's children; a top priority for the Obama Administration. The interim final rule announced today is an important component of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative to combat the challenge of childhood obesity. # Additional materials available: High-resolution version info-graphic Questions & Answers TV Feature Interim Final Rule For more information on Smart Snacks in School, please visit www.usda.gov/healthierschoolday

Underserved Utahns Offered Free Health Screenings

Underserved Utahns Offered Free Health Screenings 

(Salt Lake City, UT) – Throughout the summer, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), Office of Health Disparities (OHD) will partner with community groups and clinics to screen underserved Utahns for health risks. If problems are uncovered, volunteers will help participants find affordable primary care. 

The OHD Bridging Communities and Clinics (BCC) Outreach Team will offer screenings for blood glucose and cholesterol, hypertension, body mass index, and other health risk factors at several events hosted by multicultural, community-based organizations. In addition, local clinics that offer free, reduced-cost, or income-based primary care services partner with BCC to then address any health problems identified through the screenings. Eligibility workers will also be on hand to help qualified individuals apply for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if needed.

The BCC model was launched last year as a pilot project that included 24 outreach events through a network of 12 referral clinics and 22 community partners, for a total of 883 screenings.  Click here to see a complete report on the 2012 BCC pilot project.

Leaders of the underserved communities called the outreach effort a great success. "We are very thankful for the support of the Bridging Communities and Clinics program as we ensure that more members of the Latino community in Utah have access to appropriate health services." said Luis Garza, Director, Comunidades Unidas. 

Ivoni Nash of the National Tongan American Society agrees. "All the screenings that BCC offers are urgently needed by our people,” Nash said. “But many do not know where to go and this program gives them referrals to a clinic so they can get the help they need."

Interns studying in health sciences fields will conduct the screenings this summer. Many have multicultural backgrounds and speak more than one language. Dulce Lisle, a BCC intern, said, “I am thrilled to be a part of this program because it feels like we're really making a difference for these communities that need health care so badly."

The screening events begin this Thursday, June 13. Click here for a complete event schedule.

# # #

National Survey to identify initiatives focused on improving outcomes for families

The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) is conducting a national search for comprehensive, integrated, multi-sector initiatives focused on improving outcomes for the population of young children and families who reside in a defined, local geographic area (i.e., neighborhood, city, or county). Of specific interest are initiatives that promote optimal health and well-being of families with children fromthe prenatal period through eight years of age.

The purpose of this search is twofold: (1) to identify and “map” the current landscape of exemplary and promising community-focused, early childhood initiatives; and (2) to begin to build learning and networking opportunities across interested initiatives and other key partners.

CSSP is particularly interested in identifying local community/neighborhood initiatives that:
• Are grounded in supporting the importance and role of families in raising healthy and resilient children.
• Are using intentional developmental activities that work to increase parental skills and capacities and build the full range of protective factors shown to improve outcomes for children.
• Are working to align and integrate multiple sectors and systems critical to early childhood development, i.e. parenting, health, mental health, early learning and development, and family leadership and support.
• Use shared results across multiple sectors to drive change and improve outcomes for young children and their families.
• Analyze data to inform continuous system, program, and practice improvements and innovations.
• Seek to strengthen social networks, a sense of community, and opportunities for leadership and collective action among residents.
• Wish to share lessons learned that could inform other community-level efforts to improve the health and well-being of young children and their families.

To participate in the survey, go to http://CSSPearlychildhoodcommunities.questionpro.com. This project is led by the Early Childhood – Learning Innovation Network for Communities (ECLINC) at CSSP.

For more information on EC-LINC or to provide contact information for exemplary, place-based early childhood initiatives that fit the above criteria, please contact: Rachel Schumacher at rachel.schumacher@cssp.org.

Salt Lake County Health Department Public Health Nurse

Requisition Number:	13-1491
Job Title:	Bilingual/Spanish Speaking Public Health Nurse
Salary:	$25.92 Hourly $53,904 Annual
Salary Grade:	30
Opening Date:	06/20/2013
Closing Date:	06/30/2013
Position Type:	Full-Time
Work Hours:	40
Department:	Human Services
Division:	Salt Lake County Health Department-2150
Section:
Work Location:	South Main Clinic - 3690 South Main Street
Important Information:	Applicants are required to read, write, and speak English and Spanish fluently. A valid Driver’s License, insurance, and access to a private vehicle is required. It is mandatory all new hires receive the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) vaccine before beginning employment or provide a copy of their immunizations card prior to starting. The immunizations card must show the vaccine name and date received. Successful completion of a criminal background check. May be required to work in various environments with uncomfortable conditions, i.e. hot, cold, aromatic, or dirty. Must have the ability to stand, bend, sit for extended periods of time, or perform repetitive motor tasks. May be required to be respiratory fit tested. Must adhere to OSHA blood-borne pathogens and respiratory precaution standards. Learn more about the Salt Lake County Health Department.

The Health Care Law and You / O ‘Oe ma le Tūlāfono o Tausiga Fa’asoifua Mālōlōina

The Health Care Law and You is a presentation developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to educate community members about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. This resource has been translated by the Office of Public Engagement at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services into the following languages: Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hindi, Bengali, Hmong, Khmer, Samoan and Tongan.   Sponsored by the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare, this webinar will feature Dorothy Vaivao from the Samoan National Nurses Association, who will speak about how the Affordable Care Act will increase health care access and reduce health care disparities.   Please sign up and share this unique opportunity with your friends and family and encourage all to join. Register Title: The Health Care Law and You – [Samoan] Date: Monday, July 1, 2013 Time: 4:00PM EST ***You can view all the in-language presentationshere.***

O ‘Oe ma le Tūlāfono o Tausiga Fa’asoifua Mālōlōina o se folasaga na ātīa’eina e le Matāgāluega o le Soifua Mālōlōina ma ‘Au’aunaga mo Tagata a ‘Amerika e a’oa’oina ai sui ‘ese’ese o so’o se vāega o le atunu’u e fa’atatau i tūlaga e lelei ai le Tūlāfono mo Tausiga e Gafatia e Tagata ‘Uma. O lēnei pepa na fa’aliliuina e le ‘Ofisa o Feso’ota’iga i Nofoaga Tūtotonu mo ‘Au’aunaga tau Medicare & Medicaid i gagana nei: fa’aSaina, fa’aKōrea, fa’aVietnam, fa’aTagalog, fa’aHindi, fa’aBengali, fa’aHmong, fa’aKhmer, fa’aLao, fa’aSāmoa ma le fa’aTonga. O lo’o lagolagoina e le Fono o le Soifua Mālōlōina a Tagata ‘Āsia & Tagata Pasefika i totonu o ‘Amerika ma Nofoaga Tūtotonu mo ‘Au’aunaga tau Medicare & Medicaid, o lēnei webinar o le a tu’uina atu ai Dorothy Vaivao mai Samoan National Nurses Association, lea o le a talanoa e fa’atatau i le Tūlāfono mo Tausiga e Gafatia e Tagata ‘Uma ma pe fa’apēfea ona fa’atupula’ia ai o le maua e tagata o tausiga fa’asoifua mālōlōina ma fa’aitiitia ‘ese’esega tau tausiga fa’asoifua mālōlōina. Fa’amolemole ‘auai mai ma fa’asoa atu lēnei avanoa lē ‘au maua ma isi tagata i le mea o lo’o e aumau ai ma ia ‘u’una’ia tagata uma ‘ina ia ‘auai.   Resitara Igoa: O ‘Oe ma le Tūlāfono o Tausiga Fa’asoifua Mālōlōina Aso: Aso Gafua, Iulai 1, 2013 Taimi: 4:00PM EST

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day!

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day!  

It is an annual observance to promote HIV testing.

Please find attached fliers with the locations in Utah who are providing Free or Low Cost HIV/STD testing and/or are holding special events.

Also, please refer to the following internet sites for additional information,articles and materials:

http://aids.gov/news-and-events/awareness-days/hiv-testing-day/

http://hivtest.cdc.gov/stronger/

http://aids.gov/

http://aidsinfoutah.net/

National Survey of African Americans

African Americans report being satisfied with their lives in general, but many have economic and health concerns, and experience discrimination.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NPR, and the Harvard School of Public Health recently conducted a national survey examining African-Americans’ views on their personal and family lives, community, experiences of discrimination, and financial situations.

The findings show African Americans are generally satisfied with their lives and communities. However, large numbers report concerns about  economic stability and their resources to pay for a major illness. Many also report continued experiences of discrimination.


Key Findings:

• Over 80 percent of African Americans say they are satisfied with their lives overall (86%) and their communities (82%).
• Roughly half of employed (44%) and unemployed (41%) African Americans reported feeling very or somewhat concerned that they or someone in their household might be out of work and looking for a job in the next year; and almost half (45%) not confident they would have sufficient money or health insurance to pay for a major illness.
• Over one-third (36%) report experiences of a negative event as a result of racism.
• A majority (81%) report satisfaction with the health care services they or their family members have used; however, close to one-third (30%) of reported that they or a family member has had a serious problem affording doctor and hospital bills.
• Over one-quarter (26%) of African Americans listed crime as the most important issue facing their community.

Children’s Autism Program Now Accepting New Applicants

Medicaid Autism Waiver Program Opens Enrollment Today

(Salt Lake City, UT) – The Utah Department of Health’s (UDOH) Medicaid Autism Waiver Program opens for enrollment today and will accept applications until Friday, July 12 to fill 35 openings in the program.  The program was funded as a pilot project during the 2012 legislative session to provide treatment for approximately 250 children, ages two through six, who are clinically-diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Applications for the program are available online at http://health.utah.gov/autismwaiver.
The program, which launched late last year, has already received feedback from grateful parents recognizing the successes of their young children.  “Our family feels so blessed to be part of the Autism Waiver Program,” said one Utah mother.  “Our son, who is almost six years old, has been receiving behavioral services since February and we are so happy with the progress he has made.  This program has let us see his strengths and not focus on the weaknesses.  The doors that have been opened in his brain have built his confidence tremendously.”
The program provides intensive individual support for children with ASD, as well as respite care for families.  Data have shown that early, intensive treatment gives children with ASD the best chance to reach their full potential.
To enroll in the program, applications must be received by Friday, July 12.  Applications can be submitted online at www.health.utah.gov/autismwaiver.  Parents can also print the application and submit it by fax (801-536‐0153) or by mail (UDOH, PO Box 143112, Salt Lake City, UT 84114).
Applicants are not selected on a first-come, first-served basis.  Once the application period ends, if more than 35 applications are received, UDOH staff will assign a randomly-generated ranking to each eligible applicant.  In order to ensure statewide access, program openings will be assigned geographically by local health district based on each district’s population. Children currently participating in the program will not need to re-apply.
To be eligible for the program, a child must be a Utah resident with a date of birth between January 1, 2007 and July 31, 2011.  The child must also not have assets (bank accounts, trust funds, etc.) of more than $2,000 in his or her name. Unlike traditional Medicaid, a parent’s income and assets are not considered when determining the child’s eligibility.  Children currently enrolled in traditional Medicaid will not be automatically eligible for the program and will need to apply.
Another Utah mother of a three-year-old son added, “Within the last six months he has begun speaking and gives out hugs frequently.  Most people now have no idea he has autism.  They just see a kind, loving, handsome, intelligent boy with a bright future.”
  # # #

Contact:

Kolbi Young

Public Relations and Marketing

Utah Department of Health

801.538.6847 (office)

801.231.6350 (cell)

New Video & Website Help Mothers-to-be Understand the Risks of Early Elective Deliveries

Learn why it's important to mother and baby's health to wait until at least 39 weeks of pregnancy to deliver if the mother or child's health is not in danger. This campaign is an effort of the National Child and Maternal Health Education Program and led by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.

View the video and website | Tweet  with campaign partners using the hashtag #babysetsthedate

Salt Lake County Survey: Examining needs of adults ages 55-70

HELP US PLAN FOR THE FUTURE NEEDS OF SALT LAKE COUNTY SENIORS!

The University of Utah College of Social Work and Salt Lake County Aging Services are working together on a 3 year research study to examine current and future needs of adults 55-70 years old in Salt Lake County.

To participate in the survey, respondents must be between the ages of 55-70 and a resident in Salt Lake County. The participation in this survey is completely voluntary and responses will be kept confidential.

Thank you for your participation and please pass along this link to friends, family and peers working in the field of aging.

***http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Boomers_Survey***

Ken Venables

Public Relations Coordinator

Administration

2001 S. State Street, Suite S1500 * PO Box 144575 * Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4575

385.468.3189 * Mobile: 801.486.6731 * kvenables@slco.org * www.aging.slco.org

Film screening and community discussion: Sin País

Sin País (Without a Country) 

Explore one family’s complex and emotional journey with deportation.

Event Information
Date & Time: June 18, 2013 from 6:30—8:00pm
Place: 2001 S State St, North Building – County Council Chambers, Salt Lake City. Free parking on the east side of the building.

Agenda
Reception: 6:30—6:45pmRefreshments will be served.
Film screening: 6:50—7:10pm
Discussion: 7:10—7:45
Call to action: 7:45—8:00pm

Presented by the Enriching Utah Coalition.

For more information, call 801-487-4143 or visit www.cuutah.org/EUC.

All About Logic Models!

Why All the Excitement About Logic Models?

The HHS Office of Minority Health Resource Center's Capacity Building Division invites you to an organizational training on understanding Logic Models. This Webinar will provide participants an understanding of what makes up a logic model and how the parts are connected to depict a theory of change. Successful organizations have a clear understanding of their mission, vision, values, goals, and program strategies to in order to attain their expected outcomes. This webinar will demonstrate how logic models show how a program is intended to work.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand Logic Model terminology and basic concepts
2. Recognize why funders request Logic Models – what is the Rationale and benefit of Logic Model
3. Apply Logic Model in program evaluation
4. Practice Creating a logic model of your program

Title: Why All the Excitement About Logic Models?
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Mac®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.6 or newer 

Mobile attendees
Required: iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phone or Android tablet 

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/644492274

Stakeholder Consultation Teleconference with HHS and CMS on the Health Insurance Marketplace in Utah

Date June 13, 2013

Time 1:00 pm

Register at http://cmsregion8himut1.eventbrite.com

Jeff Hinson, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Administrator, and Marguerite Salazar, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, invite stakeholders to a teleconference conversation regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace in Utah.  This call is part of the ongoing commitment by HHS to encourage public participation as it builds a new Marketplace in Utah.

This call is intended specifically for stakeholders in Utah.  HHS and CMS regional officials will update participants on policies and the operations of the Marketplace and there will be time for stakeholder comments, questions, and answers.  CMS will use the information and feedback provided by stakeholders in the development of the Marketplace.

Registration is required. Register at http://cmsregion8himut1.eventbrite.com  

Please forward this invitation to other stakeholders who may want to participate. 

We look forward to your participation!

We value the work you do to ensure that every American is aware of and enrolled in health insurance.

For more information on the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, please visit our Partner Resource page at marketplace.cms.gov.