On November 4th join a discussion on cancer and careers

In recent years, there has been tremendous progress toward extending and improving the quality of life for patients with cancer. However, this progress gives way to an entirely new range of workplace issues impacting patients, families and employers. In particular, those living with metastatic breast cancer, which has spread to other parts of the body, have an additional set of circumstances and decisions to face.

Susan G. Komen Utah and the Women’s Leadership Institute cordially invite you to participate in Utah’s first-ever interactive lunch discussion about cancer and careers. All attendees will have an opportunity to share personal insight and general guidance about how employers and families can create a supportive environment for cancer patients to better address their unmet needs.

The event will also include a brief presentation by Rebecca Nellis, Chief Mission Officer for Cancer and Careers, a national organization that strives to eliminate fear and uncertainty for working cancer patients. Cancer and Careers provides expert advice, interactive tools and educational events to educate people with cancer about how they can thrive in their workplaces.

• Approximately 6-10% of new breast cancer cases are initially Stage IV or metastatic
• The number of people living with metastatic breast cancer in the US is estimated to be more than 155,000, but no statistics are currently collected
• It is estimated that 20-30% of all breast cancer cases will become metastatic
• Median survival after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is three years. Median survival in 1970 was 18 months
• Men do get breast cancer and represent approximately 1% of the new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the US

Salt Lake Chamber

175 East 400 South #600

Salt Lake City, UT  84111

Wednesday, November 4

Registration & Lunch – 12:30 p.m.

Discussion – 1:15 p.m.

Including panelist,

Mary Nickles KUTV ANCHOR/REPORTER BREAST CANCER

  
Your perspective on this issue matters a great deal, and your insight can help others who are facing similar personal and professional challenges. We highly encourage you to join us for this unique event. Join in on the conversation via #MetsMattersInUtah

 RSVP with Marsha Boam at 801-990-1157 or mboam@summitslc.com

Racial and Health Disparities in Breast Cancer

Today at 2 pm ET: Webinar on Racial and Health Disparities in Breast Cancer

Register now!

Description: Dr. Lisa Newman, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Breast Care Center at the University of Michigan, will present on disparities in breast cancer and suggest ways preconception peer educators can address them. 

Since 1985, October has been observed as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For 30 years, there have been efforts during the month to address education on risk factors and protective measures. But there are still major disparities in cancer prevention and cancer risk. Learn about why these disparities exist and what you can do to help reduce cancer risk in your communities.

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

View System Requirements

Utah Minorities Continue to Lag Behind in Health

(Salt Lake City, UT) – While Utah consistently ranks among the nation’s “healthiest states,” a new report released by the Utah Department of Health Office of Health Disparities (OHD) shows that major health concerns still exist among Utah’s rapidly growing minority communities.

“Roughly one out of every five Utahns belong to an ethnic or racial minority group other than White. In fact, several cities in Salt Lake County are projected to be minority-majority communities within the next 20 years,” said Jake Fitisemanu, Outreach Coordinator with the OHD. “As the population diversifies, the data provided in our report can help policymakers, public health agencies, and health care institutions better plan for the needs of our minority community members.” 

While the data showed many health indicators have not improved significantly over time, several notable improvements were seen. For example, colon cancer screening is more common among Hispanics/Latinos aged 50 and older in 2015 than it was 15 years ago. Additionally, there has been an increase in mammograms among Asians and Blacks/African Americans as well as an increase in folic acid consumption among Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders women. And all racial/ethnic groups saw a decrease in teen pregnancy.

The 2015 Health Status by Race and Ethnicity report is the third edition in a series spanning 15 years. Data in the reports cover approximately 70 health topics, ranging from cancer and chronic diseases to maternal health and preventive services. Data compared underrepresented communities to the state population overall, and, where feasible, to previous editions of the report. Not all of the topics from the 2005 report were included in the 2010 or 2015 reports, and some indicators were measured with different methodologies; however, the reports can help identify general community health trends.

The full report is available at http://www.health.utah.gov/disparities/data/race-ethnicity-report/2015HealthStatusbyRace&Ethnicity.pdf.  

# # #

Media Contact:
Jake Fitisemanu, Office of Health Disparities. 385-315-0220

Affordable Care Act Outreach (ACA) to Citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau

November 5, 2015 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm (PST)

This webinar will highlight ACA implementation among citizens of the 3 Compact of Free Association (COFA) states - the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.

Presenters will review the geopolitical relationship between COFA citizens and the United States; clarify the opportunities for coverage under ACA; and share best practices for enrollment outreach.

The target audience includes local/state/federal health officials, healthcare providers, and community advocates seeking to improve their knowledge regarding ACA eligibility and implementation for COFA citizens living in the US.

Advance registration is required.

To register for this free event:

1. Go to the URL https://www.mymeetings.com/emeet/rsvp/index.jsp?customHeader=mymeetings&Conference_ID=5681527&passcode=5325815

2. Provide your responses to the questions and then click submit.

If your browser does not include the pre-populated conference information:

1.     Go to the URL https://www.mymeetings.com/custom/site/mymeetings/index.jsp and choose Web RSVP under Join Events/Participant Join 

2.     Enter the conference number and passcode.

- Conference number: 5681527

- Passcode: 53258153. Provide your responses to the questions and then click submit.

If you have difficulty registering for this webinar, please contact customer service at 866-449-0701

We would appreciate your sharing this announcement with your networks and others who may be interested in this webinar.

This free webinar is hosted by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Region IX

US Department of Health and Human Services

90 7^th Street, Suite 5-100

San Francisco, CA. 94103

415-437-8096

For questions, please contact Mr. Subroto Banerji at SFOPHS_OPH@hhs.gov

Results of Largest Study of Public Health Workforce Published

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and de Beaumont Foundation released the results from the largest-ever study of the public health workforce. "The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) points to major changes for our nation's public health system: 38 percent of state public health workers plan to leave the public health workforce by 2020, either to retire or to pursue positions in other sectors. Maintaining a strong public health workforce is vital to protecting U.S. health."  For a news release and infographic.

Key findings included:

• Considerable workforce turnover. According to the survey, 38 percent of workers plan to leave their current position before 2020. Of those planning to leave, 25 percent plan to retire and 13 percent plan to leave for a position outside of public health. Of note, those most likely to leave for reasons other than retirement include individuals aged 25-40, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with fewer than 10 years of experience in public health.

• Progress on pay gaps by gender and race. Pay disparity in public health is better than the private sector and other areas of government, but more work remains to be done. Women and people of color make less than their white male counterparts despite the fact that the public health workforce is predominantly female and relatively diverse. On average, both women and people of color in state public health agencies earn 90 to 95 cents on the dollar compared to their male and white counterparts, after matching for seniority, experience, and educational attainment. There is no pay gap between Asian staff and their white counterparts. 

• Need for continued efforts to improve diversity. Only 7 percent of public health workers are Hispanic/Latino, compared to 17 percent of the general population. However, both the Black and Asian public health workforce are represented in proportion to the population as a whole, at 13 percent and 5 percent, respectively. Nevertheless, 70 percent of the workforce identifies as white, indicating room for improvement in supporting people of color in public health.

Read entire article.

Materials and Webinars: Stay Healthy Young America Week!

Stay Healthy Young America! Digital Week of Action

The Youth and Young Adult Enrollment Coalition will host and roll out several social media activities that will discuss staying healthy, address health disparities among various populations, and raise awareness on the upcoming Open Enrollment period that begins November 1^st.  In addition to hosting a Twitter chat and Google hangout, member organizations will share infographics, fact sheets, blogs, and other social media content.

Take action today! Join us and help us reach Youth and Millennials with healthcare messaging and information on resources that are available to help them make the best decisions when it comes to their and their family’s health and healthcare.  

  

October 26^th-30^th:  Show Us Your #HealthySelf!

Throughout the week Cabinet officials will post photos during the day to remind young people about Open Enrollment and the preventive service that are available to them at no extra cost thanks to the Affordable Care Act, such as flu vaccinations.  We ask that you post photos online to support this activity.

You can post photos while you are the gym, on your morning run, while you are eating a healthy lunch, getting your flu shot, or with your office mates. 

Remember to use the #HealthySelf and/or #HealthySelfie  hashtag and make sure to include others.

Recommended Hashtags: #HealthySelf, #HealthySelfie, #GetCovered, #ACA

October 26th: Millennial Monday: #HealthySelfie & Preventive Care Twitter Chat

We are looking to discuss preventive services provided under the Affordable Care Act.  With external partners, Advocates for Youth, and others, we are working to prepare young Americans for Open Enrollment.

Promotional Tweets

o   Join us on 10/26 at 3pm ET for #healthyselfie #MillennialMon chat to learn abt preventive care under the #ACA! [attach promotional graphic here]

o   Share your #healthyselfie & chat preventive care this Mon 10/26 for a special #MillennialMon ft. @WhiteHouse’s @PAniskoff44, @HHSgov & more!

o   Join us & @YoungInvincible TODAY @ 3pm ET for #MillennialMon to talk about #ACA, preventive care, & share your #healthyselfie! [attach promotional graphic here]

October 26^th : ACA Enrollment Resources Webinar

Spanish Only Webinar on Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment and outreach resources available to the Latino community. Brought to you by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

When:         Monday, October 26 at 4:00pm ET (1:00pm PT)

Audio:         1-877-267-1577      Meeting ID: 995 428 526

Web Link:   http://go.cms.gov/RecursosEnEspañol

Un seminario en español en línea sobre los recursos en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos disponibles para la comunidad Latina. Organizado por los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid. 

Fecha:     Lunes 26 de octubre 2015

Hora:        1:00pm Pacífico/ 4:00pm Este

Audio:      1-877-267-1577     Meeting ID: 995 428 526

Presentación:  http://go.cms.gov/RecursosEnEspañol

October 28^th: The Affordable Health Care Act 101 for Youth Community Leaders

Join us for a national webinar hosted by The Partnership Center at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and presented by Erin Hemlin, Young Invincibles for organizations that support teens and youth leaders.   

To participate please register by clicking the links below:

Session 1: 3:30- 4:30 p.m. EDT (12:30- 1:30 p.m. PDT)

OR

Session 2:  7:30- 8:30  p.m. EDT (4:30-5:30 p.m.  PDT)

October 29^th:   Connecting Kids to Coverage at 3:30 pm EDT

(2:30 pm CT, 1:30 pm MT, 12:30 pm PT)

Children and teenagers in your network or community may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid and theChildren’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Many parents may be eligible for Medicaid as well. Learn about the nationwide effort to identify children and youth eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and get them enrolled.

To participate please register at the link below:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4349618891179505921

October 30^th:   ACA Enrollment Resources for Youth/Young Adults and Youth-serving organizations Webinar (Spanish-Only) at3pm EDT

(2:00 pm CT, 1:00 pm MT, 12:00 pm PT)

Join us! Spanish Only Webinar on Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment and outreach resources available to youth/young adults and leaders in the Latino community.  Brought to you by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, The HHS Partnership Center and the Office Intergovernmental and External Affairs. 

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1394222895494909698

Utah Health Insurers Raise Rates to Offset Losses in Individual Market

By KUER Andrea Smardon

Utahns who buy their health insurance through the federal exchange can expect substantial rate increases next year. The Utah Insurance Department updated the state Health Reform Task Force on the changes Thursday.

On average, the insurance companies in Utah who offer plans on healthcare.gov, are raising their rates almost 22 percent. Utah Insurance Department actuaries say companies underestimated the pent up demand for healthcare and the cost of insuring the more than 126,000 Utahns who signed up. Two companies, Altius and BridgeSpan, will no longer be offering plans on the individual marketplace.

“The individual market, I think is headed toward catastrophe,” says Republican Representative Dean Sanpei of Provo and Assistant Vice President of Intermountain Health Care. “Either rates are going to become so exorbitant, they’re going to be cost prohibitive for anybody in that market and/or you’re going to have all the payers dropping out because they can’t absorb the losses.”

The Utah Insurance Department estimates that companies operated at a loss ratio of about 137 percent last year. But because of reinsurance – it was closer to 112 percent. State Assistant Insurance Commissioner Tanji Northrup says companies can’t sustain those kinds of losses every year.

“If they continue that, you will have a collapse of the individual market, and there will be no individual insurance to purchase,” Northrup says, but she doesn’t see that happening. “I think the insurers manage their premiums very well in our market and they will watch them and they will price as they need to.”

Northrup expects rates to go up again in 2017, but she thinks the market could stabilize by 2018. Next year, there are five insurers offering plans on the individual market in Utah. They’ve lost two, but added a new one – from the University of Utah. Northrup encourages everyone on the market to review the options. Premiums are going up, but tax credits to offset those costs will increase as well.

KUER.org

CMS: Improving the Consumer Experience at HealthCare.gov

FACT SHEET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2015                                                                                                                          

Contact: CMS Media Relations

(202) 690-6145 | CMS Media Inquiries

Improving the Consumer Experience at HealthCare.gov

Open Enrollment is just around the corner, and we’re ready to welcome consumers back to HealthCare.gov. Over the last few months, our team has been hard at work, applying lessons learned and taking steps to make enrollment quicker and smoother for both returning and new customers. Ahead of Open Enrollment 2016, new features were added to HealthCare.gov based on consumer feedback about previous experiences with the site and the type of additional information they want in order to pick the right plan. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be rolling out additional features to provide consumers with even more information about their plan choices.

Take a look at just some of the improvements for 2016 Open Enrollment:

·         Streamlined Navigation: Directions, buttons, and page designs were improved to better communicate information and next steps to people visiting the website.

·         Consumer-Specific Information: We’ve tailored information specific to whether a consumer is new or is returning so that consumers will have an experience that matches their unique situation. New information has been added to the website to help each consumer understand exactly where they are in the enrollment process and what steps remain.

·         Simplified Re-enrollment: When returning consumers come back to HealthCare.gov, they will be able to easily find their current plan if it is available again for next year and compare it with other available plans in their area without having to manually search by entering a 14-digit plan identification number.

·         Understanding Marketplace Eligibility: This year, instead of needing to open their eligibility notice, consumers will immediately see on the screen the type of coverage they qualify for, how much financial help they are eligible for, and whether they need to submit additional information because there was a data matching inconsistency.  After seeing a summary on screen, consumers still will be able to view full details by downloading a PDF of their eligibility notice, which brings with it content enhancements and an improved section layout to increase awareness of key takeaways and next steps.

·         Reducing Data-Matching Issues: Additional prompts have been added to encourage people to enter a Social Security Number or an immigration document information if they are requested to and fail to do so initially. The prompt includes reminder messaging that explains that if they do not enter this information now they may have to provide additional documentation later.

·         Improvements to Log-In: We made it easier for consumers to reset passwords if they no longer have access to the email they used to create their HealthCare.gov account. If a consumer forgets her password and is unable to retrieve it, representatives at the Marketplace Call Center will be able to help her change her email address and reset her password to make sure consumers have access to their accounts.

·         Understanding True Costs: A new Out of Pocket Cost feature has been added to the website this year that will help consumers better estimate the cost of their health insurance based on their own personal situation. The new feature has been added to the Window Shopping tool and provides consumers with an opportunity to get an estimate of what their premiums, deductibles, and co-pays may be for each specific plan prior to enrolling based on a low/medium/high anticipated health care service utilization.

·         Searching for Providers and Prescriptions: In the coming weeks, two additional beta features will be launched – the new Doctor Lookup feature and the Prescription Drug Lookup feature when viewing plans and pricing. These features, which are in development, will provide consumers with easily searchable information about the doctors and prescriptions plans may cover as consumers shop and enroll in coverage.  

·         Adding new decision support features and making consumer-facing fixes represent one side of the improvements we made this year. Improvements to our information technology infrastructure and “back end” have enhanced the website’s stability and performance compared to last year and will provide a faster and smoother experience for consumers when they visit the website.  

·         Faster experience. We’ve made simplifications to our system that resulted in a reduction of hardware on the website by 40 percent. While visitors to the website will not see evidence of these improvements on their computer screen, users should find the website to be faster and more responsive than previous years.  

·         Updated account management system. We completely replaced the technical underpinnings of how consumers create accounts and log-in online. While the user will ultimately notice nothing different on screen, the simpler architecture we put in place is now faster, more stable, and allows for an increasing number of users to visit the website at the same time.

·         Improved ability to identify problems. The simplifications we made make it easier for us to address bumps along the road - we’ll be able to find and fix system errors faster.

###

CMS Fact Sheet can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Fact-sheets/2015-Fact-sheets-items/2015-10-23.html

Job opportunity: Health Clinics of Utah Manager

Department of Health has a recruitment open for the following position:

Health Program Manager I

$22.85 - $36.25

This is a full time, career service position with benefits.

Requisition #   6365

Closes:   11/01/2015 at 11:59 pm MST

In order to be considered for an interview, you must apply on-line at https://statejobs.utah.gov.  If you have not done so already, you must create a job seeker account.  

The Baby Watch Early Intervention Program in the Bureau of Child Development has a job opening for a Program Manager.  Initially, this person will have responsibility for the financial, budgeting, contracting, and Legislative reporting functions in the program. In the long term, this person will become the Part C Coordinator and Program Manager over all aspects of the Baby Watch Program.

Health Program Manager II - Baby Watch Early Intervention Program Operational Manager
$24.79 - $40.40

This is a full time, career service position with benefits.

Requisition #6459

Closes:   11/02/2015 at 11:59 pm MST
  
In order to be considered for an interview, you must apply on-line at https://statejobs.utah.gov.  If you have not done so already, you must create a job seeker account.

There’s still time! Apply for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize

Here’s how we know a Culture of Health is spreading: communities across the country are working differently—together—towards a common goal of improving health for all. Does this sound familiar? We want to hear your story. Up to 10 winning communities will each receive a $25,000 cash prize and have their successes celebrated and shared broadly to inspire locally-driven change across the nation. Applications will be accepted through November 12. Tell RWJF your story >

Select Health's SELECT 25 award application is now open!

The Select 25 program supports those who promote health and wellness, assist individuals with special needs, create safe environments, and build strong communities. Each year, we award $2,500 to 25 winners in Utah. These donations will help individuals and organizations make a healthy difference in our communities. Consideration is given to those who provide direct services and benefit local communities.

When are applications due?
January 18, 2016 at midnight.
Who is eligible for the award?
SelectHealth is looking for organizations and individuals that meet at least one of these criteria:
    Promote health and wellness
    Assist individuals with special needs
    Create safe environments
    Build strong communities
    Support the underserved
How do I apply? Complete and submit the Select 25 Utah Award Application here.
Does my organization have to be a 501(c)3 to apply?  No. Applicants do not need to be nonprofit organizations. 

For more information and to apply visit: http://selecthealth.org/stayhealthy/Select25/Pages/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.aspx 

Participate in the Healthy People 2020 Process — Public Comment Opens October 15

Participate in the Healthy People 2020 Process!

We’re happy to invite you to participate in the Healthy People 2020 process! The public comment period will be open from October 15, 2015 through November 13, 2015.

Public comment allow you to:

• Propose new objectives to be included in the 42 existing Healthy People 2020 topic areas
• Comment on proposed new objectives to be added to the following topic areas:Public comment allows you to:
• Family Planning
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
• Preparedness
• Social Determinants of Health

To participate in the public comment period, visit HealthyPeople.gov beginning on October 15. Comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. ET on November 13.

Public comment periods are a cornerstone of Healthy People 2020. We’ll be asking for your input throughout the decade to ensure that Healthy People 2020 reflects current public health priorities. We look forward to hearing from you!

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) Update

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 

 October 2015

2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS) Results Released
Today CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) released the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS) results on the DASH Healthy Youth website at www.cdc.gov/shpps.


The release includes
A comprehensive report that includes results on the following topics:

• health education
• physical education and physical activity 
• nutrition services and the school nutrition environment
• health services
• counseling, psychological, and social services
• safe and healthy school environment
• physical school environment
• employee wellness
• family engagement
• community involvement
• a fact sheet highlighting key 2014 results
• a fact sheet highlighting trends over time (2000-2014)
• all questionnaires
• public-use datasets and technical documentation

SHPPS Background
SHPPS is a national study periodically conducted to assess school health policies and practices at the state, district, school, and classroom levels. SHPPS was conducted at each of these levels in 1994, 2000, and 2006. In 2012, SHPPS was conducted at the state and district levels. In 2014, SHPPS was conducted at the school and classroom levels. 

Learn More! For more information about SHPPS:
Website: www.cdc.gov/shppsPhone: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)Email: nccddashinfo@cdc.gov

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) supports Technology Training

Technology Training (click for more information)
	The Division of Continuing Education at Salt Lake Community College has partnered with Utah Department of Workforce Services to provide basic technology training through the federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) grant. This grant will be utilized to assist the employed, unemployed, and underemployed gain valuable training to be more competitive in the workforce.  The training runs for 16 weeks and introduces basic PC, Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint applications.
Basic Technology I Option #1: Jan 13 - March 2, 2016 Wed., 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm South City Campus 1575 South State St Option #2: Feb 16 - April 5, 2016 Tues., 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm West Valley City Campus 3460 South 5600 West Option #3: March 10 - April 28, 2016 Thurs., 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Redwood Campus 4600 South Redwood Rd Basic Technology II Option #1: March 9 - April 27, 2016 Wed., 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm South City Campus 1575 South State St Option #2: April 12 - May 31, 2016 Tues., 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm West Valley City Campus 3460 South 5600 West Option #3: May 5 - June 23, 2016 Wed., 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Redwood Campus 4600 South Redwood R