Patient Navigation, Community Health Work and Care Coordination in Colorado Survey Results

“The Community Health Workers and Patient Navigator Work Group is a statewide coalition comprised of local and state agencies, advocacy groups, philanthropic organizations and public and private health plan representatives.  This group coalesced in an effort to align all the various patient navigator/community health worker/promotoras groups in Colorado and develop a sustainable model for this important work.

The Regionalization Committee recently spearheaded a state wide survey to learn about who, what and where: services, research, training and policy are delivered/underway in Colorado.  Click here to learn more about the survey and view the results.”  [Source:  CO Community Health Worker and Patient Navigator Work Group]

Registration now open for the PCPCC 2014 Western Regional Conference

“You are invited to join the PCPCC, HealthTeamWorks, the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, and hundreds of health care professionals for the PCPCC 2014 Western Regional Conference June 9-10, 2014!  Register online today and receive an early bird discount!

This one-and-a-half day convening will focus on identifying the challenges and tough issues that primary care and patient-centered medical home (PCMH) advocates will face in pursuit of delivery system reform. Discussion topics will include payment reform, behavioral and mental health integration, health system consolidation, state health reform, and community partnerships. Our agenda includes a distinguished group of experts who will lead interactive panel discussions, as well as workshops that provide a deep dive on best practices and the "how-to's" of PCMH implementation.  Visit the website for more information.”  [Source:  PCPCC]

Energy Outreach Colorado looking for candidates

“Energy Outreach Colorado is currently looking for good candidates for their Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP).  If you are a 501c3 organization that serves Colorado’s low-income population and own your building, you may be a good fit.  Their ideal candidate is:

• A customer of Xcel Energy for both Gas and Electric service
• Works out of a large facility (20,000+ sq. ft)
• Has high annual utility bills (over $20,000)
• Needs energy efficiency improvements in their facility
• Currently using the building for day-to-day operations/services.

Visit the website for more information on the program.  The application deadline was recently extended to February 17th, 2014.  If you have questions regarding qualifications or the application process, contact Hillary at htaylor@energyoutreach.org or 303-226-5060.”  [Source:  Energy Outreach Colorado]

Financing Webinar Opportunity for ClinicNET Clinics

“Join us for a webinar on Monday, February 24, 10:00-11:30am hosted by the Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) and Capital Link that highlights the fundamentals and best practices for nonprofits considering seeking financing, including information about the resources available to health centers and clinics.  This training will help health centers and clinics understand why and how to leverage their resources, as well as discuss developing the necessary business plan and financial forecasts.  Cost of attendance is free.  Click here to register for Building the Future: Financing for Colorado Health Centers and Clinics.”  [Source:  CCHN]

You’re Invited: Increasing Access to Dental Care Information Session

“Please join us on February 4th, 8:30-10:30am for an information session to learn more about oral health delivery models at work in AK and MN that are increasing access to care for underserved populations.

 Thanks to the Caring for Colorado Foundation for supporting this dialogue as part of its efforts to create a shared understanding of key oral health workforce issues and strategies.

This session will be held at Rose Community Foundation | Richard L. Robinson Board Room | 600 South Cherry Street #1200 | Denver, CO 80246. Space is limited to 40 participants, so register today!”  [Source:  Oral Health Colorado]

Dental Day at the Capital – Feb. 7th

“Please join us at the State Capital in the Old Supreme Court Chamber on Friday, February 7, from 8-9am as we rally to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month and add to the growing chorus of supporters dedicated to winning Colorado’s oral health battle.

The event is designed to increase dental health awareness, especially around the oral health winnable battle – not to support any specific piece of legislation.  Join us to discuss the importance of oral health and its impact on our state with Colorado law makers.  This is a battle we can win!  Visit the website for more information.”  [Source:  OHCO]

New ACA Communications & Training Webinars Online Now

“New ACA Communications Webinar Online Now:
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, Division of Insurance and Connect for Health Colorado have released a new joint communications webinar. The webinar discusses how community partners can assist in reaching the uninsured and begin to educate consumers on how to use their coverage. The webinar also provides an overview of the resources available for consumers, partners and providers about the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion, Connect for Health Colorado and the changes to private health insurance.  The new webinar can be found on Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACAResources or by clicking here.

Paper Application Training Online Now:
The Department has just released a new online training on the paper application. The training will guide individuals through the paper application, answer common questions about the paper application and provide tools to assist clients with the application.  You can access the training by going to traincolorado.com or by clicking here. Questions regarding the training should be directed to Patty Montoya at patricia.montoya@state.co.us.

Important Dates to Know:
February 15 is the deadline to select a private health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado that will take effect March 1, 2014.  Also, open enrollment for the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace closes on March 31 and won't re-open until November 15. Medicaid enrollment is year-round with no open enrollment periods.”  [Source:  HCPF]

March 10 and 11 Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Training in Denver

“Is your organization planning on delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program – the nation’s foremost evidence-based program for the prevention of type 2 diabetes?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is partnering with the Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center (DTTAC) at Emory University to bring National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Training to Colorado on March 10 and 11, 2014.

This training will be March 10 and 11, 9:00am – 5:00pm both days at Daniels Fund | 101 Monroe Street | Denver, CO 80206.  The fee is $670 per person, which includes all training materials.  Click here to register for the training by February 24th.

Learn more about DTTAC Lifestyle Coach Training.”  [Source:  COPrevent]

Built Environment Strategic Collaborative Quarterly Meeting Feb. 5th

“The Colorado Built Environment Strategic Collaborative (BESC) is a group of diverse stakeholders from communities across the state working to improve the health of Coloradans through the built environment.  If you are interested in health and the built environment, please join us at our next meeting: Feb. 5th, 8:30-11:00am at CDPHE, EOC, Blg. A, 1st Floor | 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver 80246.

We have a full agenda with several excellent presentations plus time for general announcements or requests form attendees.  Meeting schedules, agendas and other details about the collaborative can be found on the BESC website.”  [Source:  Built Environment Strategic Collaborative]

Medical Home Community Forum on February 11th

“The Colorado Medical Home Initiative invites all medical home stakeholders including you, your colleagues, families, policy makers, and organization/agency staff to attend the Medical Home Community Forum on Tuesday, February 11, 4:30-6:45pm.  It will be held at CDPHE, Building A in the DOC Room | 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South | Denver, CO 80246.

Please join us for a panel discussion with representatives from all seven RCCOs as we highlight successes and lessons learned in the first 2 ½ years of care coordination within the ACC program.

For questions or more information, contact Barbara Martin at barbara.martin@state.co.us or 303-692-2327.”  [Source: Colorado Medical Home Initiative]

ICD-10 Coding Basics MLN Connects Video

“Are you ready to transition to ICD-10 on October 1, 2014? To help make sure you’re prepared, CMS has released a new MLN Connects™ video on ICD-10 Coding Basics. Sue Bowman from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides a basic introduction to ICD-10 coding, including:  similarities to differences from ICD-9; ICD-10 coding structure; and coding process and examples.

To receive notification of upcoming MLN Connects videos and calls and the latest Medicare program information on ICD-10, subscribe to the weekly MLN Connects™ Provider eNews.”  [Source: CMS]

Community Provider Rate Increase (Medicaid Targeted Rate Increase) – Request for Input

"The Colorado Department for Health Care Policy and Financing (Department) is seeking stakeholder input regarding potential targeted rate increases using funds that may be appropriated.  Approximately $19 million may be available for targeted rate increases in FY 2014-2015.

The ultimate decision on moving forward with the 0.5% increase is dependent upon Joint Budget Committee (JBC) approval.  Even if we do not receive JBC approval to move forward with this request, we do plan to use the information you submit to us to help inform future budget and policy requests.

Any rate increase(s) MUST be implemented no later than July 1, 2014.  Stakeholders are asked to submit their input on or before 5pm, Friday, January 31, 2014 to allow the Department sufficient time to implement the increase(s).  Click here to view the intended purpose of the rate increase and guidelines for submitting input, and click here to view the framework of the allocations.  Visit the website for more information and updates.  All email responses as well as questions are to be submitted to Medicaid2015@state.co.us."  [Source:  HCPF]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

Please view the ACA Implementation Newsletter from January 17th and January 23rd.  These issues provide links to the Department’s updated ACA consumer resources and frequently asked questions.  Also, it contains the latest enrollment update from Connect for Health Colorado and Medicaid.  [Source:  HCPF]

The Colorado Trust Offers New Health Equity Funding Opportunity

“The Colorado Trust is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity to help expand and advance innovative ideas in health equity advocacy.

We believe that supporting policy change through advocacy efforts is an essential strategy to address health inequities and social challenges. We know that certain groups consistently experience greater challenges to accessing quality health coverage and care, and suffer poorer health outcomes than other groups. We know that health is more than health care, that it is deeply affected by social, systemic and institutional dynamics that extend beyond health coverage and care. We also know that effective, efficient and inclusive advocacy and public engagement efforts can lead to positive changes in those dynamics, and in turn help support individuals and families who are most vulnerable.

The first phase of this new funding will begin this spring. The Trust anticipates selecting approximately 30 grantees to receive up to $40,000 for a six-month grant period. Applications are due by noon on February 19, 2014. View the Request for Applications and application for more details on this grant program. We are encouraging a broad array of groups to apply for these grant resources. This is a new type of grant strategy for The Trust, one that aspires to more authentically partner with grantee organizations, and in doing so, assures that the work is guided and driven by you.

To better inform and answer any questions from prospective applicants, The Trust is holding a series of Applicant Briefings beginning next week that include:

• January 22, 9:00-10:00am: Applicant Briefing Webinar – Statewide.  Webinar Login: Click here.  Webinar Dial In:  866-740-1260 Access Code: 7930268
• January 24, 10:30am-12:00pm:  Applicant Briefing – Denver Metro Area. At Blair Caldwell African American Research Library | 2401 Welton Street, Denver, CO 80205.  Please RSVP by emailing abourne@coloradotrust.org.
• Regional Application Briefings:  Additional regional briefing for prospective applications will be held through the state in late January and early February.  Please see the Request for Applications for more information about these briefings.

For more information about how to apply for this grant program, please contact Scott Downes (scott@coloradotrust.org) or Chris Armijo (chris@coloradotrust.org).”  [Source:  The Colorado Trust]

Regional Federal Partners host webinar series on mental health

“Region VIII Federal Partners are hosting "Improving the Mental and Emotional Well-Being of Communities through the National Prevention Strategy," a series of webinars based on the National Prevention Strategy. Each webinar in this series highlights ways Federal agencies are working with communities to increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life – physically and mentally - by shifting the nation from a focus on sickness and disease to one based on prevention and wellness.

The target audience for the series is staff from Federal, State, and local governments; Tribal nations and communities; community based-organizations; academia; advocacy groups; and faith-based organizations. All webinars are on Thursdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. MT.  Click here to learn more or register.

• Community and Historical Trauma: Surviving and Recovering – Feb. 20
• Recognizing and Responding to Trauma – March 20
• Reducing Stigma and Misunderstanding of Mental Health – May 22
• Prescription Drug Abuse:  Why Does it Matter and What Can We Do? – July 17
• Recovery Oriented Systems of Care – Sept. 18
• Suicide Prevention and Response: Successful Community Strategies – Nov. 20”  [Source:  COPrevent]

Webinar: Stage 1 & 2 Changes – Use of DIRECT to Send Patient Data Through CORHIO

“Big changes are in store for Stages 1 and 2 of the Meaningful Use EHR Incentive Program.  Stage 2 includes the “Transitions of Care” core measure, which requires referring providers to exchange summaries of care electronically.

This webinar, on January 23, 12:00-1:15PM, will show you how to use DIRECT messaging to send patient data to other provides and how CORHIO can help.  Speaks include Mark Carlson from CORHIO and David Ginsberg from CRHC.  This session is ideal for your IT, QI and ICD-10 team.  Click here to register.  This webinar series is fee to CRHC members and hospitals participating in the FY2013 SHIP grant program.  All other facilities will be invoiced $49 following the webinar.”  [Source:  CORHIO]

Kaiser Permanente Colorado Introduces new Charitable Health Coverage Program, Colorado Bridge

“SAVE THE DATE:  Colorado Bridge Program – Community Information Meeting on January 27, 2014 9am-noon, Renaissance Denver Hotel. Click here to RSVP.

Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit provides a Charitable Health Coverage (CHC) Program in all regions. The current CHC program in Colorado is Kaiser Permanente Step (KPStep) — This plan does  not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and will be discontinued on June 30, 2014.  Therefore, Kaiser Permanente Colorado (KPCO) has a new CHC Program, Colorado Bridge Program.

Effective January 13, 2014, KPCO will begin accepting Colorado Bridge Program Applications. 

The Colorado Bridge Program is designed to help those who are uninsured and income eligible pay for a standard Kaiser Permanente Individuals and Families (KPIF) plan KP CO Gold 0/20.  KPCO will subsidize between 90 and 95 percent of the fixed premium for up to 24 months but not beyond December 31, 2015 and members will be invited to re-apply annually during open enrollment.

Members of the Colorado Bridge Program will also be receiving Medical Financial Assistance (MFA) for services received at KP facilities, guaranteed for the first year. This MFA award lowers cost sharing for services provided at Kaiser Permanente medical offices to $0. For services not provided at Kaiser Permanente medical offices, Colorado Bridge Program members will be responsible for the full cost sharing under the KP CO 0/20 plan.  Colorado Bridge members will not need to apply for MFA separately.

The Colorado Bridge Program has specific eligibility criteria, learn more here.

Please contact Medicaid Charitable Programs Outreach & Retention Specialist, Tonya Bruno, at tonya.x.bruno@kp.org or 303-344-7642. To attend the Colorado Bridge, Community Information Session.”  [Source:  Kaiser Permanente]

MAXIMUS CO EEMAP Quarterly Meeting

“Greetings from MAXIMUS.  Our quarterly meetings this year will have a standing agenda and will focus on updates from various partner agencies on: volumes (calls, applications, general requests for information), and issues being experienced, additional trainings needs, and success stories.  The CO EEMAP work group meeting will be held in the first floor conference room at 4500 Cherry Creek Dr. S. on Tuesday, January 28th from 10:30am – 12:00pm.  A call in option is available. Click here to view the agenda.”  [Source:  MAXIMUS]

Improving the Mental and Emotional Well-Being of Communities throug the National Prevention Strategy

“The National Prevention Strategy was developed in 2011 as a key component of the Affordable Care Act. The Strategy prioritizes prevention by integrating recommendations and actions across multiple settings to improve health and save lives.

During 2014, the Health Resources and Service Administration will host a series of webinars on the National Prevention Strategy as it relates to community-level mental health. Registration is open to the public and will be available approximately one month before the date of each webinar. All webinars will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. Mountain Time.  Click here for a brief summary of each webinar and information on how to register.

• Feb. 20:  Community and Historical Trauma: Surviving and Recovering
• March 20:  Recognizing and Responding to Trauma:  The ACE Study and Trauma-Informed Care
• May 22:  Reducing Stigma and Misunderstanding of Mental Health
• July 17:  Prescription Drug Abuse:  Why Does it Matter and What Can We Do?
• Sept. 18:  Recovery Oriented Systems of Care
• Nov. 20:  Suicide Prevention and Response:  Successful Community Strategies” [Source:  COPrevent]

Do you have questions about transitioning CICP clients into Medicaid?

Please view the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) Health Care Reform FAQ for Providers from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing if you have any questions about the transition.

“HCPF has also provided a Partners in Covering Colorado document to clarify who is covered under the Adult MAGI Medical Assistance Group (Colorado Medicaid Expansion).  Adult MAGI Assistance provides medical assistance to eligible adults from the age of 15 through the end of the month the individual turns 65, who do not receive or who are ineligible for Medicare.

Medicare covers the “essential health benefits” requirement under the Affordable Care Act; therefore applicants applying for CICP are not required to provide CICP providers with a Medicaid denial.”  [Source:  HCPF]

HCPF Update and Resources

“CHIPRA Performance Bonus
Colorado has received a $58.5 million Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) Performance Bonus from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  This marks the fourth consecutive year Colorado has earned CMS recognition for its ongoing efforts to identify and enroll eligible children in Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and the second consecutive year that Colorado’s award has been the highest in the nation.  For more information click here.

HCPF and DOI ACA Webinar
HCPF Executive Director Susan Birch and Division of Insurance Commissioner Marguerite Salazar recently recorded a joint webinar. The presentation provides an overview of implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Colorado, addressing both changes to the public and private health insurance markets. This recording is less than 20 minutes and can help give viewers key information about the health care law. You can view the webinar on Colorado.gov/Health.”  [Source:  HCPF]

Payment Information to Finalize Coverage

Connect for Health Colorado has put together information to help individual marketplace customers make their required premium payments and finalize their new coverage. All of this information and continual updates are available on the Enrollment Updates webpage.  [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

An Open Letter to ClinicNET

Thank you ClinicNET Board, Staff and Clinics,

I have had the honor and pleasure to be the President of the Board of Directors of ClinicNET for the past two years.  You know how volunteers always say that they “get more than they give”.  This has really been the case for me during my term in office.  I got to work especially close with Sharon and Brooke – outstanding individuals, incredibly dedicated staff, and passionate about building and strengthening the health care safety net.  Their commitment and confidence helped us stay focused on the mission, even during what I considered very uncertain periods of time.

A wise person once said to me that what is most expected in leadership is to wake up each day with a renewed sense of hope.  ClinicNET’s leadership wakes up every day believing that we have an opportunity to move the needle to expand coverage and improve access in an effort to reduce human suffering.  The Affordable Care Act, health reform as we know it, has been at the best of times confusing this year.   At the worst, it has caused us to wonder if our clinics are adept and adaptable enough to weather very uncertain expectations.  Will we evolve and thrive within the unknowns?  ClinicNET has been a stabilizing force by providing the tools, insight, and filter we need to navigate through the layers of information we need to improve the care our clinics deliver.

I feel blessed to have had this opportunity and will carry on as an active participant.  Please let me know how I may continue to serve our diverse efforts to make Colorado a healthier and more vibrant home for everyone that chooses to live here.

Bebe Kleinman
Immediate Past President
ClinicNET Board of Directors
Executive Director, Doctors Care

Please complete ClinicNET's Annual Affiliate Survey!

Are you a ClinicNET affiliate? If you have not done so already, please complete our 2013 ClinicNET Affiliate Survey by noon on Monday, January 13th. Your participation will help us understand our impact, your needs and how we can improve our technical assistance, outreach, education & advocacy work.  Thank you and Happy New Year!

Loan Repayment Opportunity – Application Open!

“The Kaiser Permanente Education Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff program is officially open.  The application cycle is open from January 6-31, 2014.  Application is due Friday, January 31st.

CCHN was funded by the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund to administer a loan repayment program for clinical support staff working at ClinicNET Safety Net Clinics, Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Rural Health Clinics in Colorado.  Loan repayment will help ease the burden of prior educational debt for clinical support staff in exchange for a one year service commitment to the safety net clinic.  The Kaiser Permanente Educational Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff program will help modernize and expand the safety net workforce by supporting recruitment and retention of high performing clinical support staff committed to serving in underserved areas.

There are two ways to complete applications: (1) Online or (2) Hard Copy.  For more information regarding eligibility, requirements and terms, and application materials view the entire application document or visit the webpage.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Angela Rose at 303-867-9511 or at Angela@cchn.org, or Stephanie Auxier at 303-867-9514 or at SAuxier@cchn.org.”  [Source:  CCHN]

Live Broadcast: RWJF Commission to Announce New Recommendations

"On Monday, Jan. 13, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America will issue new recommendation aimed at improving health now and for generations to come.   The recommendations and new report from a nonpartisan, diverse group of national experts and thought leaders, including Anne Warhover, president and CEO of the Colorado Health Foundation, will highlight the need to:

• Prioritize investments in America’s youngest children,
• Encourage leaders in different sectors to work together to create communities where healthy decisions are possible, and
• Challenge health professionals and health care institutions to expand their focus from treating illness to helping people live healthy lives.

Register for the Jan. 13 live online event.”  [Source:  The Colorado Health Foundation]

Webinars in English and Spanish on the Health Insurance Marketplace

“These webinars are co-sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families and the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Click here to learn more about each webinar.

• Latinos and the Health Insurance Marketplace (Spanish) – January 11th, 1:00pm MT
• How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace  – January 15th, 11:00am MT
• How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace  – February 4th, 1:00pm MT
• Questions and Answers on the ACA – January 30th, 1:00pm MT
• Questions and Answers on the ACA – February 20th, 11:00am MT”  [Source:  COPrevent]

Recruiting for state advisory committee on pregnancy-related depression

“The Maternal Wellness Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently recruiting new committee members for its Pregnancy-Related Depression State Advisory Committee.  The Maternal Wellness Team is responsible for implementing the state’s efforts to address pregnancy-related depression and relies on the Pregnancy-Related Depression State Advisory Committee to provide guidance and oversight to its work.  Click here to learn more or apply by January 24, 2014.”  [Source:  COPrevent]

Connect for Health Colorado News and Events

• “Connect for Health Colorado and Colorado Medicaid Update. Learn more.
• Check our Metrics Page for an update on how the Marketplace is doing.
• Customers have until January 10th to send their first month’s premium for coverage starting January 1st.  More information is available here.
• The next sign-up deadline is January 15, 2014 for February 1 coverage for individual and family plans.
• Connect for Health Colorado will be conducting outreach at the National Western Stock Show, January 11 – 26.  Check our website for more details.”  [Source:  Connect for Health Colorado]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

Click here for the latest ACA Implementation Newsletter from January 3rd. This issue provides links to the Department’s updated ACA consumer resources and a new ACA webinar co-hosted by HCPF and Division of Insurance.  It also contains the latest enrollment update from Connect for Health Colorado and Medicaid.  [Source:  HCPF]

HCPF December Issue of At a Glance

The December At a Glance publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.  [Source:  HCPF]

The Colorado Health Foundation announces a new organization: Advocacy for Health Colorado

 “The Colorado Health Foundation is committed to elevating the importance of health in public policy debates and advancing policies that will print us closer to achieving our vision.  We are also committed to supporting individuals, communities and other organizations in taking action to move forward polices that are good for Colorado’s Health. In that spirit, the Colorado Health Foundation is pleased to announce that we have created and seed funded a new organization, Advocacy for Health Colorado, to serve as a partner in adding even more strength to those fighting for health public policies.

Advocacy for a Healthy Colorado is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) organization. It is separate and independent from the Foundation, with a mission to increase Coloradans' access to health coverage, quality health care and healthy living through changes in public policy. While the Foundation uses grantmaking, communications, policy advocacy, private sector partnerships and other tools in our efforts to make Colorado a healthier state, Advocacy for a Healthy Colorado's work will be narrowly focused on public policy. They will do this by working in partnership with individuals, communities and organizations to catalyze, organize and take action to pass policies that support Colorado's health. As a 501(c)(4) organization, Advocacy for a Healthy Colorado will have unique capabilities to add strength to Colorado's field of health advocates.

We are excited about Advocacy for a Healthy Colorado's promise to amplify the voices of existing and new advocates for a healthier state. We encourage you to learn more about Advocacy for a Healthy Colorado and to sign up to receive email updates from Advocacy for a Healthy Colorado.”  [Source:  The Colorado Health Foundation]

Loan Repayment Opportunity!

“CCHN was funded by the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund to administer a loan repayment program for clinical support staff working at ClinicNET Safety Net Clinics, Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Rural Health Clinics in Colorado.  Loan repayment will help ease the burden of prior educational debt for clinical support staff in exchange for one year service commitment to the safety net clinic.  The Kaiser Permanente Educational Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff program will help modernize and expand the safety net workforce by supporting recruitment and retention of high performing clinical support staff committed to serving in underserved areas.

Visit the webpage for more information and to apply.  Applicants who submit all required paperwork by January 31, 2014 will be considered for loan repayment.  Applicants will be notified within one month of the application due date. Application cycle opens January 6-31, 2014.  Click here to view the loan repayment flyer.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Angela Rose at 303-867-9511 or at Angela@cchn.org, or you can contact Stephanie Auxier at 303-867-9514 or at SAuxier@cchn.org.”  [Source:  CCHN]

CHOICE Contraceptive Counseling Webinar: January 7th

“Registration is now open for the CHOICE Project Contraceptive Counseling Webinar on January 7th! Provided by the Contraceptive CHOICE Project at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the Contraceptive Counseling Webinar will teach non-clinicians and clinicians alike to deliver comprehensive, medically-accurate, non-biased contraceptive counseling.

The contraceptive counseling model was utilized in the CHOICE Project, a large cohort study of St. Louis women and their contraceptive choices. Among the results, the study indicates that contraceptive counseling can be effectively provided by non-medical staff and that women choose highly effective contraceptive methods when given accurate, comprehensive information and when cost barriers are removed.

The webinar will take place on Tuesday, January 7th from 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. MST; there is no cost to participate. Click here to register now.  For more information please see the flier or contact cdphe_familyplanning@state.co.us.”  [Source:  CDPHE]