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

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Prevention Research Centers Improving Health Disparities in Rural Communities

Ask the Experts: Prevention Research Centers Improving Health Disparities in Rural Communities
June 29, 2018
2 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Hosted by: ASTHO and CDC

DESCRIPTION:
Join ASTHO and CDC to learn about policy, systems, and environmental change strategies for promoting public health in rural settings. Expert panelists will discuss innovative public health programs and partnerships for improving health disparities in rural communities.
When you register, submit up to two questions for the panel. This session will offer an engaging discussion about the intersections of community-based research, policy development, and program implementation.
This is the final event in a three-part series highlighting CDC’s Prevention Research Centers

EXPERT PANEL:
Sally Davis, Director, University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center
Lynn Gallagher, Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Department of Health
Diane Hall, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of the Associate Director for Policy, CDC
Sara Wilcox, Director, University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center

OBJECTIVES: 
Facilitate discussion between public health experts.
Identify policy, systems, and environmental change strategies for promoting public health in rural settings.

Understand how public health can incorporate innovative practices, like telemedicine, to improve health disparities in rural communities.

Learn how state health departments can partner with Prevention Research Centers and non-traditional partners to implement and adapt public health programs for rural communities.

Register at https://astho.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9SIyozfmeMIol3D

Publication Update: Finding Quality Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Now Available in Spanish

SAMHSA announces the release of the Spanish translation of the fact sheetFinding Quality Treatment for Substance Use DisordersThis fact sheet serves as a guide for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment. It outlines the three necessary steps to complete prior to utilizing a treatment center, and lists the five signs of a quality treatment center, which include a review of the accreditation, medication, evidence-based practices, position on the role of families, and support networks.



The Wellness Bus coming to locations in Salt Lake County


Depression in the workplace the focus of Utah County Health Department program

Braley Dodson, Daily Herald

An employee with depression may be at work, but that doesn’t mean their mind is there.


“You might be there physically, but you’re not there and it’s not going to be productive for them to have you there,” said Marla Brannum, the injury prevention program coordinator for the Utah County Health Department.

Utah County Health DepartmentGetting companies to recognize the role mental health plays in the workplace is one reason why the Utah County Health Department and Spanish Fork Active and Healthy Community are putting on the Working Minds: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace workshop Thursday.

People with depression miss an average of 4.8 workdays and have 11.5 days of reduced productivity over three months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The two-hour training teaches companies how to get more employees to take advantage of employee assistance programs, suggests the creation of a return to work plan for employees who have a suicide attempt or who have a family member who attempts suicide and encourages that sick days can be used for a mental health day.

Work is a second home for most people, but other workshops only focus on suicide prevention at the individual level.

“This is the only one out there specifically geared for HR and management,” Brannum said.

Working Minds is still a relatively new training for the health department. Brannum said ideally the department would go to individual businesses for the training, but it’s been a struggle to get into them. Thursday’s workshop is open to the community and available for any business in Utah County. Workshops next year will be dependent on funding.

The workshop aims to help companies understand that employees with a mental health condition aren’t “wild card” employees and tries to pass on the message that it’s ok to take time off to work on mental health. It gives companies tools to make changes and encourages changes to policies or procedures.

The workshop also addresses the signs that someone could be struggling with mental health or considering suicide, including a sudden or drastic change in behavior, a loss of a family member or mentor or someone who has asked another to take care of their pet.

While the focus is usually on teenagers, Brannum said the highest rates of suicide are adult men, which can go overlooked in suicide prevention efforts.

“If these men who are dealing with this stuff don’t have an outlet and they don’t think it’s ok to take that outlet, it is going to perpetuate the problem,” Brannum said.

The next Working Minds session will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at 40 S. Main St. in Spanish Fork. The training is free. Registration is required and can be done by calling Brannum at (801) 851-7513

U.S. Census Bureau has released statistics, Utah had the lowest percentage of seniors

    A More Diverse Nation: Hispanic Origin and Race Distributions by Age Groups graph
The US Census Bureau has released statistics for Population Estimates by Age, Sex, Race and Hispanic Origin, including data on how the US population is becoming more diverse by race and ethnicity. Nationally, the population of all race and ethnic groups, except for the non-Hispanic white alone group, grew between July 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017. Learn more.


Attribute to Molly Cromwell, Demographer

"One in five Floridians are age 65 years and older. Florida has the largest percentage of seniors in the nation by state at 20.1 percent.  That’s followed by Maine at 19.9 percent and West Virginia at 19.4 percent.  Utah had the lowest percentage of seniors at 10.8 percent, followed by Alaska at 11.2 percent and Washington, D.C. at 12.1 percent."

Monday, June 25, 2018

Tribal Opioid Response Grant (TOR) SAMHSA FOA Due August 20

Dear Tribal Leader and Tribal Health Representatives,

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently released a grant funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled, “Tribal Opioid Response Grants”. The short title for this program is “TOR” and applications are due no later than August 20, 2018!  Please share it with your colleagues and tribal stakeholders.  Information on the FOA is below and the link for additional information is: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/ti-18-016.

Description:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 Tribal Opioid Response grants (Short Title: TOR).  The program aims to address the opioid crisis in tribal communities by increasing access to culturally appropriate and evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using one of the three FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).  The intent is to reduce unmet treatment need and opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment and/or recovery activities for OUD.
The program supplements current activities focused on reducing the impact of opioids and will contribute to a comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic.  Tribes will use the results of a current needs assessment if available to the tribe (or carry out a strategic planning process to conduct needs and capacity assessments) to identify gaps and resources from which to build prevention, treatment and/or community-based recovery support services. Grantees will be required to describe how they will expand access to treatment and recovery support services as well as advance substance misuse prevention in coordination with other federally-supported efforts.  Grantees must use funding to supplement and not supplant existing opioid prevention, treatment, and/or recovery activities.  Grantees are required to describe how they will improve retention in care, using a chronic care model or other innovative model that has been shown to improve retention in care.

  • FOA Number: TI-18-016
  • Application Due DateMonday, August 20, 2018
  • Purpose:  The program aims to address the opioid crisis in tribal communities.
  • Eligibility:  Federally recognized tribes, and tribal organizations. Tribes and tribal organizations may apply individually, or in partnership with an urban Indian organization.
  • Anticipated Total Available Funding:  $50,000,000
  • Anticipated Number of Awards: 263
  • Anticipated Award Amount:  Funds will be distributed noncompetitively. For more information, view Appendix K in the FOA.
  • Length of Project:  Up to 2 years
  • Cost Sharing/Match Required?:  No

For questions on this announcement contact: OPIOIDTOR@samhsa.hhs.gov

Calling all Community Health Workers: CPR Training is Back!


13th Annual Governor's Native American Summit | July 17-18, 2018

The Utah Division of Indian Affairs celebrates the 13th anniversary of the Governor’s Native American Summit, July 17-18, 2018 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. This year's theme is "UNITY ~ Strengthening Our Nations and Culture." The theme reflects our continued focus on actively working together to strengthen our Sovereign Nations, tribal communities, and our culture.  Find out more.

Friday, June 22, 2018

Webinar - Strategies for Writing a Successful RCORP Program Application


Strategies for Writing a Successful Rural Communities Opioid Response Planning (RCORP) Program Application

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) invites you to join us for the webinar, Strategies for Writing a Successful Rural Communities Opioid Response Planning (RCORP) Program Application, on Friday June 29th at 2:00pm ET.

The objectives for this webinar are that, at the conclusion of the webinar, participants will be able to:
  1. Summarize the RCORP funding opportunity.
  2. Describe the steps and strategies to write a successful application.
  3. Identify resources available for supporting opioid-targeted funding opportunities.

This information will build upon NOSORH's previous webinar, Rural Opioid Resources: Preparing Your Organization for Future Funding Opportunities. You can find the recording and slides available on the NOSORH website.

NOSORH encourages all of our partners to share this information with potential applicants and other stakeholders. A recording will be made available within 24 hoursfollowing the webinar on the NOSORH website.

To register for this webinar, click here. Additional information can be found in theflyer.

For more information please contact Chris Salyers, Education and Services Director at NOSORH.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Naloxone Rescue Kits Available at the County Library



June 18, 2018
For Immediate Release


Contact: Tavin Stucki—801.944.7521

Naloxone Rescue Kits Available at the County Library

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah—The County Library has joined the fight against opioid deaths by distributing injectable Naloxone rescue kits to the public, no questions asked and no personal information collected or shared.

“We’re not sure of the level of public interest, but we have already received inquiries as a result of local media coverage,” Library Spokesperson Liz Sollis said. “We want to make sure all of our staff are trained on the administration of the injectable medication and have all of the necessary information and resources should the person requesting the kit have questions.”

The County Library staff currently has the opioid antagonist in the form of a nasal spray (donated by Salt Lake County Health Department), which is available to library team members to administer in the event of a potential overdose. This training has been incorporated into the County Library’s CPR training since June 2017 and is available to all staff members.

Three Naloxone training sessions, provided by Peter Sadler, MS; and Dr. Jen Plumb of Utah Naloxone and the University of Utah, began Monday, June 18, and are scheduled to continue through June 20. All Salt Lake County Library staff are invited to attend these training sessions, which will review signs of an overdose, administration of injectable Naloxone, share local resources and credible information sources specific to opioid antagonists, and will address any questions or concerns staff may have.

“This is about saving lives and helping people get better,” Plumb said. “To have such a long-term strategy with multiple collaborative partners really says something about how bad the epidemic has become in Utah, and how much we need innovative, groundbreaking programs like this.”

Approximately 360 injectable rescue kits, which were assembled by volunteers from USARA (Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness), will be provided to the branches at these training sessions and, subsequently, will be available for the public to request.


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Utah Department of Heritage & Arts funding opportunity


The Utah Department of Heritage & Arts is offering three grant opportunities to support projects, programs, and events, which celebrate the 150th anniversary of the nation’s First Transcontinental Railroad. The Spike 150 initiative aims to inspire, educate, and reflect on the Transcontinental Railroad legacy as it unifies Utahns to see that great things are possible with vision, hard-work, dedication, and collaboration. Grants are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Projects must take place by September 1, 2019.

For more information, and to apply for these grants, please visit: https://heritage.utah.gov/arts-and-museums/spike-150-grant-opportunities

Immigrant Heritage Month Art Installation and Community Party on June 26th

The anchor of this year’s Immigrant Heritage Month celebrations in Salt Lake City will be an interactive public art installation at the Eccles Theater in downtown SLC. The “I ♥️ SLC" public art demonstration will include a physical installation of the art piece that proudly displays “I ♥️ SLC" and encourages participants to share their immigrant identity on the art itself by placing a flag of their identified heritage on the heart, during a day-long event. 

Join local leaders and influencers to #CelebrateImmigrants in Salt Lake City!

DATE AND TIME

Tuesday, June 26, 2018
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM MDT

LOCATION
McCarthey Plaza - Eccles Theater
131 Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

SCHEDULE:
11:00am - Kickoff and Press conference
11:00am - 7:00pm - Installation open to the public, t-shirts available
4:00pm - 7:00pm - Live music and dance performances; community organizations table with information

PARKING:
Closest parking garage is the Regent Street Garage, 55 East 200 South

The Downtown Alliance offers a parking finder app, where you can find where to park in garages, lots or on the street before you leave home or from a smartphone.

Metered paid parking is available from 8 am to 8 pm, for a maximum of 2 hours, Monday – Friday. Saturdays are free, with a 2 hour maximum. No restrictions Sunday. You can also learn how to find and pay for parking with the parkslc app.

GET INVOLVED!
If you would like to be involved in the celebration - as a community partner sharing information, as a performer or guest, or as a volunteer - e-mail Andrew Moriarty at andrew@fwd.us.

National HIV Testing Day- June 27, 2018

HIV Test Day 2018June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. During the observance, federal partners, health departments, and other organizations join together to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing 
and early diagnosis of the virus. Everyone is encouraged to get HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day to know their status and to get connected with treatment services and care if needed. Visit HIV.gov to learn more about National HIV Testing Day activities and resources. Testing Day to know their status, and to get connected with treatment services and care if needed. Visit HIV.gov to learn more about National HIV Testing Day activities and resources.

Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Health Study

Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Health Study 
Seeking Ethnically Diverse Participants
A research study is being conducted that requires information from people of African descent or any other non-Western European descent. A brief health history will be collected and a small amount of blood taken (about 50mL which is 1/10th of a standard Red Cross blood donation). Participants will be compensated $35 for each blood donation. There are a few exclusions. Participants must be 18 years old or older, not pregnant, not on daily blood thinning medications (including aspirin and ibuprofen), not diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, and must be willing to come to the University of Utah for a blood draw. This study is funded by the NIH and IRB approved. Click here for more information or email shugo@genetics.utah.edu. 

Friday, June 15, 2018

Refugee Employer Network, June 26

Seeking to hire and/or maintain refugees? Have you been wondering who refugees are and wanting to know how your business can assist. Attending our Refugee Employer Network, June 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm might be the solution. Come for lunch, learn about refugees and network with employers.

Salt Lake - Health Choice Utah Connect the Dots Community Network Breakfast Meeting - June 22nd

You are cordially invited to meet and mingle with community partners in an effort to network with others and bridge the gap between the community and its providers.

June 22, 2018
9:00 am to 10:30 am

Workers Compensation Fund
Large Training Rooms A-C
100 West Towne Ridge Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070

CDC releases results of 2017 Youth Behavior Surveillance System Survey

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six categories of health-related behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and disability among youth and adults, including—
  • Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence
  • Sexual behaviors related to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection
  • Alcohol and other drug use
  • Tobacco use
  • Unhealthy dietary behaviors
  • Inadequate physical activity
  • YRBSS also measures the prevalence of obesity and asthma and other health-related behaviors plus sexual identity and sex of sexual contacts.
YRBSS includes a national school-based survey conducted by CDC and state, territorial, tribal, and local surveys conducted by state, territorial, and local education and health agencies and tribal governments.

Read the entire report.

An Overview of the NIH All of Us Research Program


DATE: June 21, 2018

TIME: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
MODERATORDonney John, PharmD, Executive Director, NOVA ScriptsCentral
SPEAKER: Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron, Chief Engagement Officer, All of Us Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
This webinar focuses on providing the audience with an overview of the NIH All of Us Research Programa key element of the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI). All of Us is a participant-engaged, data-driven enterprise supporting research at the intersection of human biology, behavior, genetics, environment, data science, computation, and much more to produce new knowledge with the goal of developing more effective ways to treat disease. The webinar also will highlight the program’s engagement efforts with community and healthcare provider organizations. The audience will learn about how to become involved with All of Us and will be able to share information with those they serve and/or represent.
Register here*:

Thursday, June 14, 2018

UDOH Job Posting: Infection Prevention Nurse Position

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


Infection Preventionist Nurse 
$24.78 - $37.21

This is a full-time, career service position with benefits.
Requisition #   16124
Closes:   06/20/2018 at 11:59 pm MST 

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

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Disability Data at your Fingertips: Disability and Health Data System (DHDS)

Disability Data at your Fingertips: Disability and Health Data System (DHDS)

Thursday, June 21, 2018
3:00 PM - 4:00 P.M. ET

Register here now!

Adults with disabilities experience significant health disparities compared to adults without disabilities. To improve the health of this population, state epidemiologists, researchers and public health professionals need access to accurate and timely data to inform their state’s health promotion activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) to provide quick and easy access to data on demographics and health information for adults with disabilities. DHDS has been updated with 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, including for the first time hearing disability data, and an updated look and feel that makes it easy for users to find the information they need to help improve the health and well-being of adults with disabilities. 

State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables 2018

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect against a number of serious and costly chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. Despite the health benefits, Americans are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.
The State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2018 highlights approaches to increase the purchase, supply, and demand for fruits and vegetables in states and communities across the U.S.
The report shows the status of 10 indicators of fruit and vegetable access and production for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report also highlights state successes and provides strategies for improvement.
Read the entire report here.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

UDOH has released new tobacco-related fact sheets

Check out the Tobacco Fact Sheets created by the UDOH Tobacco program

Tobacco Fact Sheets (May 2018)

Utah Youth Smoking Trends

Vape Product Experimentation and Use

Utah Adult Smoking by Year and Age

Utah Adult Smoking by Sex and Sexual Orientation

Utah Adult Smoking by Local Health Department and Race/Ethnicity

Utah Adult Smoking by Education, Income, Poverty, and Home Ownership

Nicotine and the Developing Brain


WHO SHOULD ATTEND
MDs, PAs, NPs, and RNs that serve sexually active adolescents and adults in Utah
REGISTER AT http://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=2243

CME and CNE Provided!

SPEAKERS & TOPIC(S)
  
Danielle Osowski,
  Senior Trainer, Introductions

  Scott White, MS, MPH
  Utah Syphilis Epi Update

  Yomi Obafemi, MD
  Clinical Management of Syphilis

  John Kriesel, MD
  Clinic-based Syphilis Case
  Studies