New Toolkit Available for High Blood Pressure Clinical Quality Improvement

“The Washington State Department of Health, in collaboration with CDC and the University of Washington Medical Center’s Hypertension Clinic, recently published a five-step implementation guide to improving high blood pressure control. The guide includes a package of evidence-based change concepts and supporting tools that can serve as a template for quality improvement work.

High blood pressure management is a key strategy of the Million Hearts Initiative, an effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over five years.  Colorado participates in this initiative and you can too. Be one in a million - make your commitment and pledge today.”  [Source: COPrevent]

The Colorado Health Foundation Applicant Information Webinar

“The Colorado Health Foundation is hosting an applicant information webinar for prospective grant applicants on May 7 at 12:00-1:00pm. The webinar gives representatives from nonprofits that work in health care, health coverage and healthy living a chance to learn about the Foundation’s grantmaking program.

During the webinar, Foundation staff will provide a concise overview of the application process, including: recent changes to the Foundation’s strategies and grantmaking approach, how to apply through a funding opportunity, how to prepare applications, important proposal requirements, and a step-by-step walk-through of the online application process.

This webinar requires advanced registration, so please register here. Please note that participation in the webinar is not a required part of the application process. If you have questions, please contact Beth Clemens, events manager, at BClemens@ColoradoHealth.org or 303.953.3691.” [Source: The Colorado Health Foundation]

Interested in signing up for Heath Information Exchange (HIE)?

CORHIO is a nonprofit, state-designated entity for HIE.  You can sign-up even if you don’t utilize an electronic health record. Find out more:

• Overview of CORHIO
• HIE service packages for physician practices
• HIE services fees:  Small & medium-sized practices (1-20 providers) or Large practices (21+ providers)

Learn more about CORHIO’s HIE products & Services on the For Providers page.

Questions? Contact Stacy Fox, Business Development and Outreach Manager at sfox@corhio.org.

RIHEL's Leadership for Health Community Design program now accepting applications

“The Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership is pleased to announce they are still accepting applications for the new Leadership for Health Community Design (LHCD) program. This is a 15-month advanced training program for community teams in Colorado that is centered on building leadership capacity to improve health through community design. Applications are due May 9th. Program details and application guidance available at www.rihel.org, or contact Leanne Jeffers at Leanne.jeffers@du.edu or 303-871-3550.” [Source: RIHEL]

A35 Regional Grant Writing Training Opportunities

“The A35 Regional Grant Writing Trainings are open for registration. These trainings are specifically designed for people who are intending to apply for Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Amendment 35 (A35) funding to support tobacco prevention, chronic disease, and health disparities-related efforts in their communities and who:

• Are new to grant writing
• May have applied for A35 funding in the past and did not receive funding
• Want to strengthen their grant writing skills

Click here to view descriptions of the trainings and the registration links.” [Source: Colorado School of Public Health]

Patient Navigator training available

"The Patient Navigator Training Collaborative has opened registration for Patient Navigator Fundamentals, Patient Navigator Supervisor and PN Evaluation courses this May and June. Visit the website for course locations, objects and audience.

• Colorado Springs May 12-15, 2014
• Durango May 19-22, 2014
• Denver June 24-27" [Source: COPrevent]

Cultural and Linguistic Standards Training for Oral Health Providers

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health has introduced a new, comprehensive e-learning continuing education program for oral health professionals. The Cultural Competency Program for Oral Health Professionals is a free, 3-course e-learning program that focuses on the development of fundamental knowledge and skills related to providing oral health care and services to culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The program will offer oral health professionals, such as dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants an opportunity to earn up to six continuing education credits at no cost.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please visit https://oralhealth.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/. If you have questions and/or feedback regarding the oral health training program, please email HHS staff.” [Source: COPrevent]

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Offerings

Through a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit Program, ClinicNET is pleased to once again offer access to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) offerings. This program offers ClinicNET affiliates access to conference registration scholarships and travel support funding to participate in IHI activities. Click here to see all offerings.  Upcoming seminars and training can also be viewed on IHI's website.

IHI is an independent nonprofit organization that works to accelerate improvement by building the will for change, cultivating concepts for improving patient care, and helping health care systems put those ideas into action. IHI offers conferences and courses throughout the year.  For a list of IHI offerings available for support funding click here. If you are interested in a particular offering please contact Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org or 720-863-7803.

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “Please view a summary of open enrollment activities, which includes extensive data, and issued a press release about our progress. County data is also available as a separate document.
• If you have a life change event or if you have received an advance premium tax credit and your income has changed, please contact the Customer Service Center, 1-855-752-6749, to report changes.
• In May, Connect for Health Colorado and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will co-host meetings around the state about the single-streamlined medical application and training needs. Stakeholders will be contacted with further details as soon as they are available.” [Source:  Connect for Health Colorado]

National Health Services Corps site application open

The National Health Service Corps site application for NEW sites is now open through June 16th. Please contact the Primary Care Office at 303-692-2466 for assistance with your application. Click here for more information.

HCPF Updates

“More Kids in Colorado Gain Medicaid and CHP+ Coverage: The Department recently announced it has enrolled more than 22,700 children since October 1, 2013 who were previously eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), but had not yet enrolled in coverage. Since October 1, 2013, more than 14,450 new children have enrolled in Medicaid. Additionally, more than 8,250 new children are now receiving coverage through CHP+. For more information please see our press release here.

Upcoming Accountable Care Collaborative Stakeholder Meetings: The Department is seeking stakeholder input and feedback on the future of the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC). Through a series of stakeholder meetings, the Department, in collaboration with the Colorado Health Institute (CHI), seeks to collect client, provider, and stakeholder input on the next phase of the ACC strategic plan. Additionally, the stakeholder meetings will inform the Department’s development of the next Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCO). All stakeholder meetings are open to the public. For more information click here or visit Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACC then click on ACC Updates and News in the left navigation bar. If you have questions about the upcoming stakeholder meetings or RFP process, please contact RCCORFP@state.co.us.

Click here for the latest ACA Implementation News from April 17th. This issue will provide you information about the upcoming PEAK upgrades and accompanying trainings from the PEAK Outreach Team.” [Source: HCPF]

Free Nursing Course Available: SBIRT & Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

“SBIRT & Introduction to Motivational Interviewing June 20, Anschutz Medical Campus

This FREE one-day course will introduce participants to SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) and provide beginning skills for Motivational Interviewing (MI) which is integral to applying SBIRT in health care settings. Risky substance use is a factor in all aspects of health and wellness and addressing this topic is sometimes an uncomfortable process. SBIRT is proactive and preventive; screening everyone can identify substance use as a contributing factor to many medical conditions. SBIRT improves outcomes for chronic diseases, and can contribute to the wellness of patients. With a renewed focus on prevention in healthcare, alcohol screening and brief intervention is a piece of the future of healthcare. Taking little time, SBIRT is an opportunity to improve the health of patients. Lunch, materials and CE will be provided.

All health care professionals who work directly with patients/clients who are facing difficult choices in health behavior change, and/or those with chronic illnesses are invited to attend. Click here to register.

Continuing Nursing Education Credit: 8.25 total contact hours (5.25 standard hours, 3.0 pharmacology hours). Questions: NursingCE@ucdenver.edu or 303-724-6883.” [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center Updates]

Integration of Oral Health and Primary Care Practice Report from HRSA

“The Integration of Oral Health and Primary Care Practice report was released by the Health Resources and Services Administration. This report describes three components and makes recommendations. It is anticipated that the report and its recommendations serve as guiding principles and provide a framework for the design of competency-based, interprofessional practice model to integrate oral health and primary care.” [Source: HRSA]

Colorado Maternal Child Health Program releases oral health issue brief

“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Epidemiology, Planning, and Evaluation Branch and state Maternal Child Health Program is releasing Children's Oral Health in Colorado, the third in a series of MCH Epidemiologic Issue Briefs. These issue briefs provide a four-page summary of current state data related to MCH priorities and emerging MCH issues.  They include background information on a priority issue, highlight current related indicator data (including health disparities data), and describe trend data.

We have already shared the unintended pregnancy and infant mortality issue briefs and soon will release briefs on child and youth injury and obesity across the life course. The Colorado Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program is responsible for monitoring data related to the MCH population and completing  a state-level needs assessment once every five years. MCH submits this assessment with the annual Colorado Title V MCH Block Grant Report and Application.” [Source: COPrevent]

Health IT webinar April 29th

“The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is hosting a webinar Friday, April 29, from 2-3:30 p.m. ET, on how health IT can support the information needs of patients served by primary care teams. The presenters will highlight the perspectives of practice-based research networks (PBRNs) on using health information technology to facilitate access to care, encourage patient engagement, and improve health care quality. Click here to register.” [Source: COPrevent]

Task Force Recommends Clinical Decision-Support Systems for CVD Prevention

“The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends clinical decision-support systems (CDSS) for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in improving screening for CVD risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol and practices for CVD-related preventive care services, clinical tests, and treatments. Read the full Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement for details including implementation issues, possible added benefits, potential harms, and evidence gaps.” [Source: COPrevent]

ClinicNET Conversations: April Blog Post by ClinicNET Executive Director, Sharon Adams

Check out Sharon’s April blog post, “Support for an Improved Tomorrow” that recaps The Forum 2014. Click here to view past ClinicNET Conversations blog posts.

“Every year I leave our annual conference, The Forum, energized and humbled by the work of our affiliates. This year was no exception as I listened to clinics describe how they are helping patients navigate the new world of health care reform and finding opportunities to improve care and expand the support they provide.” Continue reading…

Health IT Summit May 21st

“Please join us for a Health IT Summit: Clinical Quality Measurement and Population Health hosted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on May 21, 7:30-11:30am at History Colorado Center. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, with featured speakers from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and the National Quality Forum. Seating is limited – Confirm your attendance today!

Health information technology has the potential to improve performance through data-informed quality improvement processes. CDPHE is convening this Health IT Summit for partners and thought leaders from Colorado to help develop strategies to make health IT more effective statewide, improving clinical quality and reducing the provider, practice and system level burdens from measurement and reporting complexity.

During this Colorado Health IT Summit, we will hear from state and national experts, learn about federal initiatives and local efforts, and gather feedback from a diverse group of stakeholders. This Summit will set the stage for continued collaboration, dialogue and action to enhance the value of health IT in Colorado.

We look forward to your participation in this event. An agenda with additional details will be provided prior to the meeting. Please contact 303-692-6397 or ellen.steiner@state.co.us with any questions.” [Source: CDPHE]

2015 Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Deeming Application for Free Clinics

"This Program Assistance Letter (PAL) supplements Program Information Notice (PIN) 2011-02, Free Clinics Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Program Policy Guide, and provides guidance on the Calendar Year (CY) 2015 deeming application process for medical malpractice liability coverage under the provisions of section 224(o) of the PHS Act and the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This PAL contains instructions for free clinics on how to apply to HRSA for medical malpractice coverage under the FTCA for CY 2015 on behalf of their volunteer free clinic health care professionals, board members, officers, employees, and/or contractors.

Although the process isn’t exactly the same for free clinics compared to FQHCs, some technical assistance resources have been posted that may also be helpful to the process for free clinics." [Source: HRSA]

Professional Skill Development Distance Learning Series

“CCHN, in partnership with CHAMPS, is pleased to announce the launch of the “Lunchtime Learning” Professional Skill Development Distance Learning Series! These six one-hour leadership and skill development webcasts will take place between April and September of 2014 and are open to all Colorado Rural Health Centers, Community Safety Nets and Community Mental Health Centers.

Cost: Safety net staff who want to participate in the LIVE events will be charged $50/link after the event. We encourage multiple people to participate per purchased link. Scholarships and discounts are available should financial barriers be present. Contact CCHN for more information.

Webcasts take place Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00pm MST:

• April 30, 2014: Tell Your Money Who’s Boss – Learn to Get the Most Out of Your Paycheck. Register now.
• May 21, 2014:  Create Great Credit. Register now.
• June 18, 2014:  Using Core Dimensions – Building Values, Trust, and Relationships
• July 23, 2014:  Foundations for Influencing – An Essential Leadership Trait
• Aug. 20, 2014:  Influencing through Negotiation
• Sept. 17, 2014:  Motivational Interviewing” [Source: CCHN]

Mental Health First Aid Colorado offers Youth Instructor Training Opportunity

“Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Colorado is planning to host two Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor courses in the coming months and is now accepting applications for interested candidates. These are five-day “train-the-trainer” style courses for individuals to become certified to deliver the 8-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid training course in their community.  The Youth MHFA Application Packet asks applicants to indicate and rank their availability for the two planned courses.

Please note that the funding for this opportunity is still being confirmed and these training courses will not take place should those funds become unavailable for any reason. However, the intent is that selected applicants will receive a full scholarship to pay for their participation in the training ($2,000 value). Travel and related expenses would be the responsibility of selected applicants.

All applications must be fully completed and submitted via email to Rikke Siersbaek at rsiersbaek@cbhc.org or delivered in person to the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council at 1580 Logan Street, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203. Applications are due no later than 3:00pm, Friday, April 25th. Questions can be submitted to Brian Turner at bturner@cbhc.org.”  [Source: CBHC]

Basic Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) Training – Webinar hosted by HCPF

“The Department is hosting a basic training via WebEx. The training information will cover the very basic information for the CICP program; therefore new employees or employees with little knowledge of CICP are encouraged to participate.  The webinar will be held Tuesday, April 29 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Space is limited, reserve your space here!” [Source: HCPF]

PEAK April Updates

“Exciting changes are coming to PEAK on April 28th. There are some of the additions that are in store for this month:

• PEAK Introduces a Mail Center with E-Noticing:  All clients can access their personal PEAK Mail Center through Manage My Account on the PEAK website. This allows clients to access benefit letters (client correspondence) at any time.
• PEAK Application Status Checker: The eligibility experience is improving, and clients will be able to see what is happening with their submitted application by simply signing-in to their PEAK account.
• Retroactive Medicaid Enhancements: At the end of April, PEAK will include questions about expense and income information that are necessary to determine retroactive Medical Assistance.
• Level of Care Self-Assessment Added: Medical Assistance applications for Long-Term Services and Supports that are submitted through PEAK will now include the option to complete a self-assessment online.

PEAK will be holding webinars to learn more about the April Enhancements:

• April Enhancements Overview: April 25, 12:30pm
• April Enhancements Overview: April 28, 9:00am
• Account Creation/Status Checker: April 29, 1:00pm
• PEAK Mail Center/E-Notification: April 29, 2:30pm
• Retro Medical Assistance: April 30, 10:00am
• Level of Care Self-Assessment: April 30, 1:00pm

Support Calls:

• Post-Build Follow-up Call for Community-Based Organizations: Thursday, May 1, 3:00-3:45pm. Dial-in: 1-877-820-7831 | Passcode: 349141#
• PEAK Support Calls: Wednesday, May 7, 12:00-1:00pm. Dial-in: 1-712-432-0220| Passcode: 5642211#”  [Source: PEAK]

Adult, Children and Orthodontia Dental Benefits Updates

"Adult Dental Benefit

• Here are resources that describe this interim benefit, including an addendum to the Dental Fee Schedule and the path to the revised Dental Provider Billing Manual.
• Last Friday, the Medical Services Board (MSB) approved the rule that defines the more comprehensive dental benefit to follow.

Children's Dental Benefit
Due to the large volume of stakeholder feedback and the need to properly process that input and consider changes to the draft policy, we have pushed this date back by two months. The Children’s Dental Benefit will go before the MSB on June 13th for first reading.

Important dates related to the Children’s Dental Benefit are as follows:

• Tuesday, May 27 (9am) – Public Rule Review Meeting
• Tuesday, May 27 (9am) – Public Rule Review Meeting
• Friday, July 11 – Tentative: Second reading for final adoption of Children’s Dental Rule in front of Medical Services Board (MSB).

Children's Orthodontia Benefit

• The revised Children's Orthodontia Benefit will not go to the MSB at the same time as the revised Children's Dental Benefit.
• We have asked Oregon Health Science University's Medicaid Evidence Based Decisions Project (MED) team to independently review the research and data provided to us by the various Benefits Collaborative participation before making further policy decision."  [Source: HCPF]

Health Routes: resources to teach about nutrition and develop collaboration

“Healthy Routes is a group founded by CU Denver students to better the nutrition and health of communities through collaboration, advocacy and education.  It strives to connect patients, providers and producers to improve access and nutrition in Denver.

Fewer than 20% of Coloradans reach daily nutritional recommendations and the state is experiencing increasing rates of obesity and diabetes that lead to corresponding health issues such as heart disease and cancer.  Healthy Routes aims to provide access to healthy foods and education to change behaviors and perceptions with the ultimate goal of improving health.  The members of Healthy Routes will partner with local urban gardens and farmer’s markets to provide fruits and vegetable vouchers for each class the patient attends. The classes will cover nutrition, behavioral health education, cooking demonstrations, etc.

The registration information, location and time of the free four week class and more information about Healthy routes can be found at: Healthy Routes.” [Source: COPrevent]

State Women’s Wellness Connection now serving transgender women

“The Women’s Wellness Connection program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment now provides breast and cervical cancer screening for transgender women.

Due to the efforts of Jennifer Blair, an advocate for transgender services, program guidelines have been revised. Program funds now can be used to serve transgender women who meet Women’s Wellness Connection eligibility requirements for free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests for low-income women with little or no health insurance.

Emily Kinsella, Women’s Wellness Connection program manager, said, “Making this change is the right thing to do. Our thanks to Ms. Blair for raising this issue to the department.” Women can connect to http://www.womenswellnessconnection.org/ or call 1-866-951-WELL (9355) to find out if they qualify and to identify a local health care provider.” [Source: COPrevent]

HCPF Updates

“Upcoming ACC Stakeholder Meetings: The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is seeking stakeholder input and feedback on the future of the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC). Through a series of stakeholder meetings, the Department, in collaboration with the Colorado Health Institute (CHI), seeks to collect client, provider, and stakeholder input on the next phase of the ACC strategic plan. Additionally, the stakeholder meetings will inform the Department’s development of the next Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCO). All stakeholder meetings are open to the public. For more information click here or visit Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACC then click on ACC Updates and News in the left navigation bar. If you have questions about the upcoming stakeholder meetings or RFP process, please contact RCCORFP@state.co.us.

LTSS Stakeholders List: If you would like to be added to HCPF’s Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Stakeholder meail list, please contact John Barry at John.R.Barry@state.co.us or (303) 866-3173. This email list receives communications in the following areas: (1) periodic email to LTSS stakeholders from Executive Director Sue Birch, on accomplishments and developments in the LTSS arena; (2) Meeting information and updates on the Community Living Advisory Group, a stakeholder / Department group appointed by the Governor, which is formulating recommendations on the future of LTSS in Colorado.  This group will finish its work in September 2014 – we want to share these recommendations, when they are published, with as many LTSS stakeholders as possible; (3) Announcements of opportunities for public comment and stakeholder participation in various Department initiatives in the LTSS area; and (4) LTSS-related news from our partner organizations.”  [Source: HCPF]

Colorado Health Foundation released Health Report Card

“The Colorado Health Foundation publishes annual updates on the current status of health, health care and health coverage in Colorado using data provided by various sources. The Colorado Health Report Card, which is produced in conjunction with the Colorado Health Institute, provides data on 38 key health indicators, such as prenatal care, access to health care and obesity, in five life stages: Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Children, Healthy Adolescents, Healthy Adults, and Health Aging.

For in-depth information on report card factors, access to infographics describing each factor and a road map for becoming the healthiest state, go to the Colorado Health Foundation.” [Source: COPrevent]

We welcome Lorez Meinhold to the ClinicNET Board of Directors!

It is with much excitement that we welcome Lorez Meinhold to the ClinicNET Board of Directors!  Lorez is a Senior Associate at The Keystone Center and brings over fourteen years of health care policy experience as a director of multi-lateral initiatives involving the public, private and civic sectors, working at the local, state, and national levels. Lorez has worked in many capacities implementing and integrating health programs such as health care reform, access to health care, and delivery system reform.

Thank You from Connect for Health Colorado

“To our Stakeholders and Partners:  Thank you! It has been a historic six months. I hope you look back at this time for many years to come and know that you were part of something significant. With your support and input, we launched Colorado’s health insurance marketplace and helped more than 118,000 Coloradans get commercial health insurance, as well as supporting many of the 158,000 Coloradans who have been enrolled in Medicaid. As you know, many of the more than 277,000 Coloradans who have enrolled in coverage previously did not have coverage and can now take better care of their health and their finances. Each of you have contributed to improving access to coverage and affordability programs for the benefit of our state.

And it wasn't easy. The Federal government changed rules. Market conditions shifted to reduce our potential customer base. We adjusted procedures and continuously upgraded our technology as necessary to open and serve our customers. We’re working on numerous initiatives to enhance the enrollment process through technology and customer service operations. And your input remains important as we move ahead and work to reach more Coloradans who need health insurance. We know that we could not have reached this milestone without you.” [Source: Patty Fontneau, CEO, Connect for Health Colorado]

Beyond Stage One Meaningful Use (Free HIMSS Regional Event)

“HIMSS congratulates those eligible providers who have successfully attested by demonstrating their Meaningful Use of EHRs. This in-person event will address some of the major Meaningful Use changes beyond Stage 1 criteria. Subject matter experts will provide you with the resources, tools, the guidance, and the practical know-how to continue on a successful path towards achieving Meaningful Use initiatives throughout 2014 and beyond.

During this event, our experts will provide an overview of Meaningful Use Stage 2 criteria, as well as an in-depth discussion on Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs), in order to ensure and realize the many benefits which can be recognized in the Meaningful Use Health IT journey. We will also offer a glimpse into local Health Information Exchange initiatives and Regional Extension Center services.

Date: May 8 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Denver Marriott Tech Center | 4900 S. Syracuse Street | Denver, CO 80237

Click here to view the learning objectives and the agenda.  Registration is required for this free event, click here to register.”  [Source:  CORHIO]

Colorado Community Health Worker and Patient Navigator Work Group – Introductory Call April 22

“The Colorado Community Health Worker and Patient Navigator Work Group is tentatively planning an Introduction Call on April 22 at 12:00p (Conference Code to be announced) for those who are just joining the Collaborative or would like to introduce the group to others. Visit the website for more information.” [Source: CHW PN Collaborative]

Colorado Medical Assistance Program Quarterly Work Group Meeting April 22

“The Colorado Medical Assistance Program Quarterly Work Group Meeting will be held April 22, 10:30am-12:00pm at 4500 Cherry Creek Dr. S. | Glendale, CO 80246. Click here for the agenda and teleconference information.”  [Source: HCPF]

HHS shares resources for National Minority Health Month

“Join the HHS Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in April to celebrate National Minority Health Month, which aims to raise awareness about the health disparities that affect minorities. For example, did you know that only 62% of African-American babies are ever breastfed, compared with 77% of all babies in the United States? This April, OWH wants your help to narrow this gap.

In April 2013, OWH launched a new campaign for African-American women about the importance of breastfeeding. It’s Only Natural provides new moms with easy-to-understand information that encourages them to make the choice to start breastfeeding. We need your help to continue spreading the word about the campaign by sharing resources with friends, family, and colleagues throughout April to tie in with the goals of National Minority Health Month. If you have any questions, please call the Office on Women’s Health Helpline at 800-994-9662.” [Source: COPrevent]

Level III: Patient Navigator Supervisor and Evaluation Courses offered this May

“The Patient Navigator Training Collaborative is pleased to announce that registration is open for two Level III Courses- Patient Navigator Supervisor and PN Evaluation courses this May.

Supervisor Course: Level III: Leading and Administering a Patient Navigation Program (May 20th, 1 day)
This course is designed for supervisors of navigators, program planners and administrators of patient navigator programs. The course provides a basic understanding of the patient navigator (PN) intervention model, reviews challenges facing PN program managers and provides strategies for an effective PN program. We will review evidenced-based clinical guidelines, utilizing registries for identifying patients, developing standard work flows, PN training, key supervision needs and evaluation of PN services. For more information and to register, click here.

Evaluation Course: Level III: Using Evaluation for Program Improvement and Capacity Building (May 21-22, 2 days)
This two-day course is designed for patient navigator supervisors who want to increase basic program evaluation skills. Participants will learn to use evaluation to improve prevention interventions, define common evaluation terms, use logic models to describe interventions, develop and prioritize evaluation questions, identify steps to prepare for evaluation, and identify strategies for building evaluation capacity within their organization. For more information and to register, click here.” [Source: Patient Navigator Training Collaborative]

The Forum 2014 is next week!

Please join us for The Forum 2014: Essential Perspectives for Safety Net Providers, April 9-11 in Lakewood, CO. We have a great forward-looking and relevant agenda designed to engage participants in discussion about healthcare policy, oral and behavioral health, telemedicine, population health, health equity, and much more.  Check out the agenda and the website for more information. It’s not too late to register!!

The Forum has gone mobile! Schedule, maps, alerts and more on your iPhone/Android, free! Download now: http://t.co/BL1uLT9mAO

If you plan on attending the ICD-10 Workshop on Friday, April 10th:  Please bring your ICD-10 books. It is not a requirement, but you will get more out of the workshop of you bring them!

HCPF Updates

“Adult Dental Benefit Began April 1:  Beginning April 1, 2014 Medicaid enrolled adult clients age 21 years and over have access to basic adult dental preventive, diagnostic and minor restorative services and treatment planning! As a reminder, access to the more comprehensive benefit, which includes services that require prior-authorization, such as root canals, crowns, partial dentures and periodontal scaling and root planning, will become available July, 1, 2014, once the Department hires an Administrative Services Organization to manage dental benefit utilization and assist us to build a robust Medicaid dental provider network.

Reminder About Private Coverage: The deadline to purchase private health insurance coverage was March 31. Coloradans who completed a Medical Assistance application by the deadline but did not finish the private health insurance enrollment process through Connect for Heath Colorado will be able to get help from Connect for Health Colorado to finalize their purchase after March 31.

2014 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines: The income guidelines are used to determine eligibility for the MAGI Medicaid and the CHP+ program and are subject to change annually as the FPL is adjusted by the Federal government. The new FPL guidelines went into effect April 1, 2014. CBMS has been updated to reflect the new income guidelines for each program. For more information click here.

Click here to view the March issue of At a Glance.

View the latest issues of ACA Implementation News from March 27th and April 3rd.” [Source: HCPF]

Harris Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

“The ADA Foundation is accepting applications for its Harris Grant program. The application deadline is Friday, April 25, 2014. The ADAF will accept proposals from nonprofit organizations that sponsor early childhood caries prevention (ECC) education programs for parents/caregivers of infants. This year, approximately 23 competitive grants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded solely for prenatal and postnatal oral health instruction for mothers/caregivers.

The ADA Foundation Harris Grant Guidelines and Application template is posted at www.adafoundation.org.” [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center Updates]

RSVP for the Medical Home Community Forum on April 8!

“Topic: The Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative (CPCI) in Colorado
Time: Tuesday, April 8, 4:30-6:45pm
Location: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) - Building A in DOC Room

The Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) initiative is a multi-payer initiative fostering collaboration between public and private health care payers to strengthen primary care. Seventy-four primary care practices and multiple public and private payers in Colorado are engaged in this transformative work. Join us for a discussion on how CPCI is helping us to better understand new care delivery models. RSVP Now! Download agenda here!” [Source: CDPHE & HCPF]

RIHEL accepting applications for leadership training program

“The Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership (RIHEL) is accepting applications for the new Leadership for Healthy Community Design (LHCD) program. LHCD is a 15-month advanced training program for community teams in Colorado, and is centered on building leadership capacity to improve health through community design. The program is delivered through five multi-day retreat training sessions and addresses the core themes of leadership, collaboration, community engagement, and healthy community design. Participants in the program will hone their leadership skills and knowledge of healthy community design, and develop and implement leadership projects or initiatives that apply healthy community design principles and practices in their community.

Click here for more information and to apply.  Contact leanne.jeffers@du.edu with any questions.”  [Source: COPrevent]

Health IT Community Forums, CDPHE

“As part of CDPHE’s work with health IT, clinical quality measurement, and chronic disease management, CDPHE is hosting informational “Health IT Community Forums” in Greely, Pueblo, and Glenwood Springs in April and May.  Lunch will be provided during the meetings.  CDPHE is looking to get feedback on the challenges and successes in using electronic health records to help direct our work on this new initiative over the next several years.

• Click here for more information on the meeting in Greeley, April 16th.
• Click here for more information on the meeting in Pueblo, April 30th.
• The meeting in Glenwood Springs will be combined with the standing CME meeting held May 7th, 12-1pm at Valley View Hospital.”  [Source: CDPHE]