OHD Webinar: It Takes A Village

Webinar: It Takes A Village

How data, community, and culture combine to address birth outcomes disparities

Thursday, January 31, 2019

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST

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This webinar will review the work of the Utah Office of Health Disparities (OHD) on unveiling and addressing birth outcomes disparities among specific groups.

Using Pacific Islanders as an example, presenters will discuss the process behind identifying the health disparities and working with partners to create innovative and culturally sound solutions. They will also highlight the It Takes a Village: Giving Our Babies the Best Chance (ITAV) program, which raises awareness about birth outcomes disparities in the context of Pacific Islander cultural beliefs and practices.

The following learning objectives will be addressed:

• Learn to uncover health disparities through disaggregation of data.
• Identify ways to work with communities to move data to action by using culture as a pathway to address health issues. 
• Become familiar with the It Takes a Village curriculum and program outcomes.

Presenters:

Dulce Díez, MPH, MCHES, Director, Utah Office of Health Disparities, Utah Department of Health

Brittney Okada, MPH, CHES, It Takes a Village Program Coordinator, Utah Office of Health Disparities, Utah Department of Health 

Moderator: Susana Calderon, MPH, Regional Women's Health Coordinator/Acting Minority Health Consultant, DHHS/OASH, Region VIII

Hosted by: Region VIII Federal Interagency Women's Health Task Force

Register: https://hrsacqpub1.connectsolutions.com/content/connect/c1/7/en/events/event/shared/104279551/event_registration.html?sco-id=106761174&_charset_=utf-8

2019 Health Services Research Conference

Spina Bifida Most Common Neural Tube Defect Affecting Utah Infants

For Immediate Release:

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Media Contact:

Maria Huynh

(801) 883-4644

Spina Bifida Most Common Neural Tube Defect Affecting Utah Infants

Folic acid can help prevent birth defects

(Salt Lake City, UT) – A new report from the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) shows the most common neural tube defect in Utah is spina bifida. Neural tube defects are birth defects that impact the brain, spine, and spinal cord early in pregnancy. Although the majority of women have heard of folic acid and know healthcare providers recommend taking folic acid to prevent birth defects, data show only about 38% of Utah women aged 18-44 take a vitamin with folic acid daily. 

“Neural tube defects often occur before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. That’s why it’s important for women of childbearing age to take a vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid once a day to prevent neural tube defects,” said Maria Huynh epidemiologist with the UDOH Utah Birth Defect Network. “Folic acid is a B9 vitamin that helps with growth and development. Folate, naturally found in leafy greens, has been mentioned as an alternative for folic acid; however, it’s difficult for women to get the daily amount of folate through food alone.” 

The UDOH will give away bottles of free multivitamins to 500 non-pregnant women aged 18-44 living in Utah during January in an effort to prevent neural tube defects. To request a bottle of free multivitamins, visit http://bit.ly/2019FA.

Birth defects affect approximately 1,100 births every year in Utah and are one of the leading causes of infant mortality, accounting for one in five infant deaths. While not the most common type of birth defect in Utah (heart defects are the most common birth defect), an average of 22 Utah infants are born with a neural tube defect each year. These infants may face a lifetime of debilitating illness, long-term disability, or even death as a result of the birth defect. 

Other findings from the report showed:

• 750 pregnancies were affected by a neural tube defect in Utah from 1995-2015; 62.5% of these pregnancies resulted in a live birth. 
• Spina bifida is the most common type of neural tube defect in Utah affecting 4.0 infants per 10,000 live births, followed by anencephaly (2.3 infants per 10,000 live births), and encephalocele (1.0 infants per 10,000 live births). 
• Women at highest risk for having an infant born with a neural tube defect included:
• Women who were Hispanic or Latina
• Women who were obese (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30)
• Women who had no prenatal care
• Among women aged 18-44 in Utah, about 50% knew healthcare providers recommended folic acid as a way to prevent birth defects.  

January is National Birth Defect Prevention Month. A new campaign from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Birth Defects Prevention Network, “Best for you. Best for baby” encourages women to do five things to increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy and lessen the chance of their baby being born with a birth defect. 

• Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
• Visit with a healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medication.
• Become up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot. 
• Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight.
• Avoid harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

For a copy of the report, Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects in Utah 1995-2015, or for information about birth defects in Utah, visit https://health.utah.gov/cshcn/programs/ubdn.html.  

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HIV and Opioid Use Disorder Funding

HRSA has just released a NOFO for a new 3-year SPNS Initiative entitled "Strengthening Systems of Care for People Living with HIV and Opioid Use Disorder.”  The Initiative will fund an estimated one (1) to four (4) entities, referred to as System Coordination Providers (SCPs), to assist states in leveraging resources at federal, state, and local levels for people living with HIV (PLWH) and opioid use disorder (OUD).  

The specific goal of the Initiative is to strengthen system-level coordination and networks of care between the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) recipients and other federal, state and local entities funded to respond to the recent opioid epidemic, so that PLWH and OUD will have access to behavioral health care, treatment, and recovery services.  Information on the specific NOFO can be found at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=HRSA-19-038.  HRSA requires you to apply electronically, through Grants.gov using the SF-424 workspace application package associated with this NOFO and following the directions provided at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-forgrants.html.

A Pre-Application Webinar related to the NOFO is scheduled for 2-3:30pm ET, on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.  Responses are due on Tuesday, April 16.  Questions regarding this NOFO can be directed to Adan Cajina at ACajina@hrsa.gov,  or SPNS@hrsa.gov. 

2019 Advocacy Academy

Click here to register and to learn more: http://www.upha.org/advocacysummit2019.html

HRSA Funding for Health Center Program

HRSA announced the availability of $50 million in New Access Points (NAP) funding for the delivery of primary health care services for underserved and vulnerable populations under the Health Center Program. HRSA expects to make approximately 75 awards in September.

The purpose of the Health Center Program NAP funding opportunity is to provide operational support for new service delivery sites under the Health Center Program to improve the health of the nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations by expanding access to affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care services. Organizations can apply for up to $650,000 per year. Applications are due in Grants.gov by Tuesday, March 12 (11:59 p.m. ET), and HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks by Thursday, April 11 (5:00 p.m. ET). For more information, including eligibility requirements and key changes since the fiscal year 2017 NAP funding opportunity, please read the Notice of Funding Opportunity and visit the NAP technical assistance webpage.

Anticipated Total Annual Available FY 2019 Funding: $50 million (75 awards)
$40,750,000 is expected to be available for Community Health Center applicants
$4,300,000 for Migrant Health Center applicants
$4,350,000 for Healthcare for the Homeless applicants
$600,000 for Public Housing Primary Care applicants.

Link to the funding announcement: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/fundingopportunities/NAP/index.html.

Webinar: Filling the Gap in Oral Health for Older Adults

Filling the Gap in Oral Health for Older Adults: A Community Guide to Program Implementation 

Presenter: Phantane J. Sprowls, MPA 
Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs

January 23, 2019 at 2:00 PM CST

Research shows that oral health is an integral part of an older person's overall systemic health status. Yet, national and state data reflect that many older adults have poor oral health which impacts their ability to chew or speak, causes undue pain and poor nutrition is linked to multiple chronic conditions (cardiovascular, pulmonary, osteoarthritis, cancer, others) and can lead to social isolation and depression. However, dental benefits are not covered for adults through most federal health insurance programs and high costs are cited by older adults as the reason they lack dental coverage/care. 

Responding to this need, the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Administration for Community Living and the Office of Women's Health collaborated to create publicly available tools for communities which would enable them to start or enhance oral health program for older adults, including a searchable database of vetted, low-cost, community-based oral health services and a step by step guide on how to develop and operate cost-effective, sustainable oral health programs for older adults. 

This webinar will highlight these tools and their application by community public health professionals. 

Key points:

1. Learn how oral health is connected to a person’s overall health and will be provided context on the issues of oral health and older adults.
2. Overview of the Administration for Community Living on Aging (ACL), Administration on Aging (AoA), Office of Women's Health (OWH) Community Oral Health database that identifies and promotes vetted, low-cost, community-based oral health service models for older adults. 
3. Overview of the Administration for Community Oral Health Guide that includes key steps, case studies, and other resources for starting, or enhancing an Oral Health program.
4. Overview of materials essential for caregivers of older adults for flossing and brushing.  

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Short Film Festival: Escape the Vape

If you're in grades 7-12 in Salt Lake County, you could WIN CASH and great prizes just by creating a 30-60 second short film for your peers about the dangers of vaping.  Go to https://slco.org/health/tobacco-prevention/ for more information.

Building Capacity to Address Social Determinants of Health in HIV Prevention and Care Webinar Series

This webinar series provides an introduction to the new Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Resource Guide “Addressing Social Determinants of Health in HIV Prevention, Treatment, and Care: Lessons Learned from Real-World Implementation” for health departments, community-based organizations, and healthcare organizations. During each webinar, we will outline the SDH Resource Guide and provide examples of how to use this guide in a training environment. Case studies from the guide will be used to discuss what real-world implementation of SDH looks like in each of these three settings and how we can build the capacity of providers to comprehensively and systemically address social determinants of health in the field of HIV prevention and care. 

Building Capacity to Address the Social Determinants of Health in HIV Prevention and Care: Lessons Learned from Real-World Implementation in Health Departments 

January 17, 2019   -   2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Eastern
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Building Capacity to Address the Social Determinants of Health in HIV Prevention and Care: Lessons Learned from Real-World Implementation in Community-Based Organizations

January 24, 2019  -   2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Eastern
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Building Capacity to Address the Social Determinants of Health in HIV Prevention and Care: Lessons Learned from Real-World Implementation in Healthcare Organizations

February 7, 2019  -  2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Eastern
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Job Opportunity: Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) has a position open for an Assisted Outpatient Treament Program Administrator. This job is open to all State Employees and the Public. Go to https://statejobs.utah.gov to apply for this job online to be considered.

Title: Utah Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care Program Administrator I (DSAMH)

Recruitment: #18428

Division:           Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health (DSAMH)

Location:          195 N. 1950 W. Salt Lake City, Utah

Closing Date: 1/20/2019    

Help Shape the Next Decade of Healthy People — Submit Your Comments

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is soliciting written comments on the proposed objectives for Healthy People 2030. The public comment period will remain open through January 17, 2019. You are invited to review and comment on the proposed objectives, and you may also propose additional objectives for consideration.

Let’s work together as a Nation to build Healthy People 2030! Learn more about the proposed objectives and see how to review and submit your comments

Martin Luther King Jr Day Proclamation

Come join the Salt Lake County at the Salt Lake County Government Center as we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to Black and American History by listening to the Proclamation of MLK Day. This proclamation recognizes 'MLK Day' as a federal holiday and a celebrated holiday, here in Salt Lake County.  

Where: Salt Lake County Government Center
North Building, County Council Chambers
2001 S State Street
Salt Lake County, UT 84190
When: January 15, 2019
Time: 4pm

PREDIABETES/DIABETES LUNCH AND LEARN TRAINING

Job opportunity at Safety Net Clinic in Salt Lake City

Medical Office Coordinator/Mental Health Clinic Coordinator

The Polizzi Clinic is a busy non-profit mental health clinic that provides critical services to low income, uninsured individuals so they are able to work, support their families, and achieve success. Our long-term goal is to improve individual’s overall mental health thereby decreasing health-related poverty and homelessness in our community.

Ideal characteristics in a candidate: acts professionally; does well in a fast-paced environment; ability to think critically; able to deal with stressful situations using emotional awareness and emotional intelligence; is reliable; is confident in face-to-face conversation as well as telephone communications; able to work independently; has a positive attitude. Experience in a medical office is required and mental health experience is strongly preferred.

Must be able to work Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8am-5pm. An additional 4 hours of admin time may be scheduled on Tuesday or Friday, depending on the availability of the applicant.

Responsibilities
• Answers calls and check-in patients
• Manages and oversees patient and provider scheduling
• Maintains patient files
• Verifies that patients are eligible for services
• Submits medical record requests
• Ensures patient reminder calls are made
• Maintains patient demographics and outcomes database
• Helps patients enroll in and maintain medication assistance applications
• Maintains adequate program, clinic and office supplies
• Coordinates and oversee translation
• Generates reports
• Maintains a clean environment in-between professional cleaning services (stocking paper products, light cleaning, vacuuming, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Medical office experience, mental health experience preferred
• EHR experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to read, write and speak fluently in Spanish and English required

To Apply: Email resume and cover letter to director@polizziclinic.org

2019 The Year of Cessation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) has designated 2019 as the Year of Cessation. From beginning to end, the Year of Cessation emphasizes efforts to help people who smoke quit. Each quarter will focus on different themes related to smoking cessation, with the first quarter focused on increasing quit attempts amongst those who smoke. More information and additional resources can be found here.

BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act Signed into Law

January 2019 BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act Signed Into Law Designed to activate a full-fledged public health response to Alzheimer’s, the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 2076) was signed into law just before the close of 2018. This bipartisan legislation authorizes a major expansion of the Alzheimer's public health infrastructure across the country, embracing a population-level approach to address the growing burden of Alzheimer’s, dementia and cognitive impairment. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish centers of excellence that expand and promote the evidence base for effective population-based interventions to improve dementia outcomes. The agency can also offer funding to state, local, and tribal public health departments to promote cognitive health and risk reduction, increase early detection and diagnosis, and better address the needs of caregivers. Just as significant, the legislation aims to improve collection, analysis and timely reporting of data on cognitive decline and caregiving related to Alzheimer’s to inform future public health actions. These collective investments significantly expand the capacity of state and local public health departments to implement actions of the Healthy Brain Initiative’s State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map. With a flexible agenda of 25 actions, the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map provides strategies that experts identified as having the greatest potential public health impact, while being adaptable for different health department priorities. Use of the HBI Road Map actions enables public health to meet the ambitious goals of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act: reduced population risk for cognitive decline and cognitive impairment, prevention of avoidable hospitalizations, mitigation of health disparities, and improved access to caregiver support.