Utah Department of Health Office of Health Disparities
The Connection: News about overcoming health disparities in Utah

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

2017 Funding Opportunity Announcement

Office of Minority Health

NEW FY 2017 Funding Opportunity Announcement

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) administers grant programs to support projects that implement innovative models to improve minority health and reduce health disparities.

OMH expects to release a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA): Empowered Communities for a Healthier Nation Initiative.   It is anticipated that the FOA will be available onJune 1, 2017 with applications due by July 31, 2017 at 5:00 pm ET, and projects to start September 30, 2017.

The Empowered Communities for a Healthier Nation Initiative will seek to reduce significant health disparities impacting minorities and disadvantaged populations through the implementation of evidence-based strategies with the greatest potential for impact.  The program will serve residents in counties disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic; reduce the impact of serious mental illness at the primary care level for children, adolescents and/or adults; and reduce obesity prevalence and disparities in weight status among disadvantaged children and adolescents. 

Find out more about this expected FOA here.

Monday, May 22, 2017

Memorial Day Program 2017 sponsored by Larkin

Alzheimer's Association Upcoming Webinar: Conducting State Needs Assessments

FY16 Advocacy Public Health News Header
Upcoming Webinar: Conducting State Needs Assessments

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Alzheimer's Association will co-host a webinar exploring the role of public health in conducting state or regional needs assessments related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias on June 8 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. EST. Please register in advance.

Roadmap Action Item M-06Roadmap Action Item M-06The webinar will feature presentations from Dr. Babak Nayeri, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona and Director of Healthy Aging for the Arizona Department of Health Services, and Michelle Ries, Project Director of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine,  on assessments that were conducted in their states. Molly French, Director of Public Health at the Alzheimer's Association, will also provide an overview of the Alzheimer's Association's Needs Assessment Toolkit

Comprehensive needs assessments are essential to helping state and local public health officials meet the diverse needs of people with cognitive impairment. As recommended in the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map, public health practitioners can support local needs assessments to identify and address disparities. Jointly developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Alzheimer’s Disease + Healthy Aging Program and the Alzheimer’s Association, the Road Map outlines 35 actions state and local public health officials can take to promote healthy cognition, address cognitive impairment, and meet the needs of caregivers throughout their communities.

Friday, May 19, 2017

Webinar: Using the power of local health data

500 Cities Webinar

Earlier this year, census-tract data for 500 of the largest cities was published thanks to the Foundation's work with the CDC and the CDC Foundation. How are community leaders now leveraging the tool to drive change in their community?

Learn more at RWJF 

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Ingredients for a Better Life Free Seminar

Irmgard von WobeserPlease join us for a free dinner and seminar on the Ingredients for A Better Life with Irmgard Von Wobeser, a psychologist from Cancun, Mexico. 
During this presentation you will learn how to:
  • Stay calm in uncertain times
  • Manage your emotions
  • Be a better parent
  • Establish a support system
This presentation will also be offered in Spanish. 
When: Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 6 p.m.
Where: Intermountain Medical Center Education Center (Building 6) 5300 South and State Street in Murray, UT. 
Since dinner will be served, RSVP is required. Please sign up below.
Event Contact Information
Contact Name Nathan Peterson
Contact Phone 801-507-7919

Dates and Locations Available

Date 06/01/17
Time 6:00:00 PM - 9:00:00 PM
Intermountain Medical Center - Doty Education Center

 Los ingredientes para una mejor vida

Irmgard von Wobeser
Está cordialmente invitado(a) a un seminario gratuito presentado por Irmgard Von Wobeser, una psicóloga de Cancún, México. Aprenda cómo mantenerse calmado durante tiempos de incertidumbre, cómo lidiar con sus emociones, ser un mejor padre o madre y establecer un sistema de apoyo. El seminario será presentado en español.

Habrá cena incluida. Los espacios son limitados, así que regístrese hoy proveyendo la información en los espacios a continuación.
Here is the link in Spanish for the public to sign up:
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/calendar/central/imed/los-ingredientes-para-una-mejor-vida/

CDC Vital Signs: African American Health

African Americans are living longer. The death rate for African Americans has declined about 25% over 17 years, primarily for those aged 65 years and older. Even with these improvements, new analysis shows that younger African Americans are living with or dying of many conditions typically found in white Americans at older ages. The difference shows up in African Americans in their 20s, 30s, and 40s for diseases and causes of death. When diseases start early, they can lead to death earlier. Chronic diseases and some of their risk factors may be silent or not diagnosed during these early years. Health differences are often due to economic and social conditions that are more common among African Americans than whites. For example, African American adults are more likely to report they cannot see a doctor because of cost. All Americans should have equal opportunities to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Public health professionals can:

  • Use proven programs to reduce disparities and barriers to create opportunities for health.
  • Work with other sectors, such as faith and community organizations, education, business, transportation, and housing, to create social and economic conditions that promote health starting in childhood.
  • Link more people to doctors, nurses, or community health centers to encourage regular and follow-up medical visits.
  • Develop and provide trainings for healthcare professionals to understand cultural differences in how patients interact with providers and the healthcare system.


State of Utah’s Peer Recovery Conference hosted by Latino Behavioral Health Services


Monday, May 15, 2017

Join SAMHSA for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Webinar and Roundtable


Join SAMHSA for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Webinar and Roundtable

Office of Minority HealthAs part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is hosting a webinar and a virtual roundtable discussion highlighting behavioral health and best practices of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) boys and men featured in SAMHSA’s A Snapshot of Behavioral Health Issues for Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Boys and Men: Jumpstarting an Overdue Conversation and Advancing Best Practices in Behavioral Health for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Boys and Men Issue Briefs.  
SAMHSA’s Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE) invites YOU to join both of these exciting events.
  • Webinar: Wednesday, May 17, 20173 – 4pm EST presented by Dr. Kevin Nadal (President, Asian American Psychological Association; Professor of Psychology, City University of New York; Executive Director, Center for LGBTQ Studies).  To register for the webinar, click here.
  • Virtual Roundtable Discussion: Wednesday, May 31, 20173 – 4pm EST facilitated by Dr. Ford Kuramoto (President, Magna Systems, Incorporated; National Director, Emeritus, NAPAFASA) and featuring three best practice behavioral health programs for AANHPI boys and men.  To register for the virtual roundtable discussion, click here

Mark you calendar! Juneteenth Festival and Events


Women's Health Week May 14-20: Your Health at Any Age


National Women's Health WeekNational Women's Health Week is an observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. The goal is to empower women to make their health a priority. The week also serves as a time to encourage women to take steps to improve their health. 
About National Women's Health WeekThe 18th annual National Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day, May 14, and is celebrated through May 20, 2017.

What steps can I take for better health?
To improve your physical and mental health, you can:

Visit a doctor or nurse for a well-woman visit (checkup) and preventive screenings.

  • Get active.
  • Eat healthy.
  • Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
  • Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.
  • Find out what additional steps you can take based on your age.

How can I participate in National Women's Health Week?
The Office on Women's Health invites women across the country to:

  • Spread the word through social media with our easy-to-use resources. Use the #NWHW hashtag.
  • Join the National Women's Health Week Thunderclap (link is external).
  • Take the National Women's Health Week quiz to learn about your health style.
  • Organize events or activities.

Learn what steps you should take for good health based on your age.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Native Americans Walk to the Four Corners to Fight Diabetes

Dept. of Health & Human Services
HHS Blog: Native Americans Walk to the Four Corners to Fight DiabetesHundreds of American Indians left their western tribal communities early in the morning on Friday, May 5th, on a journey that would take them to Four Corners. They walked as many as 20 miles to meet up at the Four Corners Monument to promote their people’s health and well-being.

Help Me Grow May 2017 Salt Lake County Networking Breakfast

You're invited!
Granite School District Community Center will be hosting our upcoming Salt Lake County Networking Breakfast.
WhenTuesday, May 23rd
Time8:30 am - 10:00 am
Location: Granite School District
                 Auditoriums D and E
  2500 South State Street
  South Salt Lake, UT 84115 
  
Help Me Grow Utah presents:

Rene Hunter, MD: My Journey in Child Advocacy

Join us as we welcome our new Physician Champion! Dr. Hunter, a local pediatrician, will be sharing her passion for early childhood brain development, trauma and resilience, and the journey that lead her here.

Following Dr. Hunter's presentation we will have time for networking and collaborating on the important work within our communities!

A light breakfast will be provided

Community Health Survey for Salt Lake County Residents


SALT LAKE COUNTY RESIDENTS NEED TO BE HEARD…

Who:
Healthy Salt Lake, in partnership with Salt Lake County Health Department, is a coalition that brings together individuals, communities, and organizations committed to wellness in Salt Lake County.

Over the last month several focus groups have been conducted throughout the county to gain valuable input from residents on health issues that are important to them and what they feel can be done to address these issues. 

Why:
The focus group questions are now available online and feedback will be used by many groups, including health coalitions in your community, that are committed to address these concerns over the next several years. 

What:
Please encourage colleagues, friends and families to complete the survey by the end of May.  

THANK YOU FOR YOU SUPPORT!

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS)

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NA-1236 Social And Economic Development Strategies -SEDS Department Of Health And Human Services Administration For Children And Families - ANA

The following funding opportunity is from the Administration for Children and Families - ANA

Link to Funding Opportunity Announcement: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=289775

Description: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 funds for new community-based projects under the ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) program. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is focused on community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, strengthen Native American families, including the preservation of Native American cultures, and decrease the high rate of current challenges caused by the lack of community-based businesses, and social and economic infrastructure in Native American communities. Native American communities include American Indian tribes (federally-recognized and non-federally recognized), Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and Native American Pacific Islanders.

Link to Additional Information: https://ami.grantsolutions.gov/HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NA-1236 Grantor Contact Information: If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: ACF Applications Help Desk Email: app_support@acf.hhs.gov
Posted Date: May 08, 2017
Last Updated Date: May 08, 2017
Original Closing Date for Applications: Jun 22, 2017 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jun 22, 2017 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.
Archive Date: Jul 22, 2017
Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,200,000
Award Ceiling: $400,000
Award Floor: $100,000

Who’s Leading the Leading Health Indicators? Webinar: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health

Healthypeople.gov: News You Can Use

May 18, 2017 | 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET

If you haven’t already registered, please consider joining us on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. ET to learn about progress made toward achieving the Healthy People 2020 Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Leading Health Indicators. You’ll also hear about Cradle Cincinnati’s work to reduce infant mortality and preterm birth rates by focusing on spacing between pregnancies, reducing tobacco use during pregnancy, and promoting safe sleep practices.

Register Now

About Maternal, Infant, and Child Health

Improving the well-being of mothers, infants, and children is an important public health goal for the United States. Understanding the many factors that affect these groups—both negatively and positively—is key to improving the health of all Americans. Their well-being determines the health of the next generation and can help predict future public health challenges for families, communities, and the health care system. In addition, healthy birth outcomes and early identification and treatment of health conditions among infants can prevent death or disability and enable children to reach their full potential.

About Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicators
The Leading Health Indicators (LHIs) represent a smaller set of Healthy People 2020 objectives selected to communicate high-priority health issues and actions to help address them. LHIs are used to assess the health of the Nation, facilitate collaboration across sectors, and motivate action to improve the health of the U.S. population.

March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign Collaborative

Collaborative to Place Equity at Forefront of Work

March of DimesThe full Prematurity Campaign Collaborative launched on March 20 with a virtual meeting attended by more than 200 people. Thank you to the many Collaborative participants and organizations who helped to spread the word and recruit new participants! As a result of your efforts, more than 150 new people joined the prematurityprevention.org/collaborative website or signed up for a workgroup, including 45 new participants in the Health Equity Workgroup. We continue to invite new participants to the full Collaborative and all Workgroups.

The Health Equity Workgroup is leading the effort to place equity at the forefront of the Collaborative. At their last meeting on April 12, 58 Workgroup participants discussed plans for the following three projects. Subgroups will be established for each of these items.
  • A scientific consensus statement recognizing the contributions of many scientific disciplines to equity;
  • Guiding principles on how the entire Collaborative and other organizations can incorporate equity into their work;
  • A glossary of language to help Collaborative members open up discussions about equity to a broad audience.
The next Workgroup virtual meeting will be held in June. If you have an interest in addressing systemic injustices and the social determinants of health and how these affect birth outcomes, we invite you to join the Health Equity Workgroup. You may sign up here.

WeBytes Session on Gender Norms, Health and Youth of Color

WeBytes: 30 Minute Webinars for the Busy Public Health Professional

The goal of WeBytes is to educate, stimulate and motivate in 30 minutes

Topic: Gender Norms, Health and Youth of Color

Decades of research has found that when young women and men internalize rigid ideals of femininity and masculinity, they have markedly lower life outcomes in a cluster of related areas that include health, education, reproductive health, and economic security. While programs are challenged to develop innovative models that include race and class, they have not been challenged to include gender. Programs that address gender norms have long been considered as best practice among major international donors like the World Health Using the recently published report, Gender Norms: A Key to Improving Outcomes Among Young Latinas, as an example, this webinar will explain what gender norms are and how programs can begin to adopt an intersectional approach that connects race, class, and gender to increase the return on their investment.

Speaker: Riki Wilchins is Executive Director of TrueChild, Inc., an action tank that helps improve life outcomes for at-risk youth through “gender transformative” approaches. The author of four books on gender theory and policies, Riki has been profiled in The New York Times; TIME selected Riki among its "100 Civic Innovators for the 21st Century."

Date: Thursday, May 11, 2017

Time: 2:00 to 2:30 pm Pacific Time

Event Registration Page:  

Video conferencing Information: https://oashr9.adobeconnect.com/webytes

Audio Conferencing Information:
Conference toll free number: 1 (877) 881-6327
Participant code: 7507140#

New funding opportunity for research from RWJF

Robert Wood Johnson FoundationAccess to quality health care is essential to good health—and is not possible without affordable, quality health insurance coverage and access to comprehensive, quality health care services and providers.

While there is consensus that more reform is needed to improve the value of the U.S. health care system, how do we get there?

RWJF will support empirical and policy–relevant analyses that can inform strategies to ensure access to high quality, affordable health care and insurance coverage. Priority will be given to research that is timely and will directly inform the policy process.

If you are a reasearcher—or a practitioner in the public and private sector working with researchers—we invite you to submit a proposal through your organizations.

The Hope Squad Program – Addressing Suicide Prevention and Untreated Mental Illness


AI AN May 18 Webinar Banner

Join us for a special webinar hosted by the American Indian and Alaska Native NPA Caucus

Each year, more than 44,000 Americans die from suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the country. The prevalence of suicide among American Indians and Alaska Natives is even higher than within the general population.

This webinar will feature the Hope Squad Program, a school-based peer advocate program that works to prevent suicide and decrease the incidence of untreated mental illness. The Hope Squad Program is currently working in American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Alaska, Oklahoma, and Utah.

TOPIC: The Hope Squad Program – Addressing Suicide Prevention and 
Untreated Mental Illness

DATE: May 18, 2017
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

SPEAKERS:
Moderator: Dr. Francine Gachupin, Member, American Indian and Alaska Native NPA Caucus
Presenter: Dr. Gregory A. Hudnall, Founder and Executive Director, HOPE4UTAH


View the abstract and bios here:   http://tinyurl.com/HopeSquadBios

The American Indian and Alaska Native National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities (NPA) Caucus provides a forum for members to increase dialogue across the country and to coordinate and enhance tribal, state and local efforts to address health disparities and the social determinants of health for AI/ANs.

Visit the AI/AN NPA Caucus website for more information: http://aian.npa-rhec.org/.