TCHF Special Projects Funding Deadlines

TCHF heard from communities and organizations around the state that more flexible funding options are necessary to respond to community needs. The Special Projects Program is designed to address those needs and to help TCHF learn over time how they can better support and invest in projects that are important to achieving the shared vision of a healthiest Colorado.

The purpose of the program is to fund time-limited projects that address a pressing community need, propose new work or build on existing work, support a promising innovation or practice, and may set the groundwork for sustainable collaboration and programs. The program funds project support for planning, implementation, evaluation or capacity building.

àGrant Application Deadlines:
Stage 1: Sept. 1
Stage 2: Oct. 15

àVisit their website for more information, including funding criteria and how to apply. 

àPotential applicants are encouraged to contact one of the assigned program officers before applying.

[Source: The Colorado Health Foundation]

HRSA Funding Announcement: Service Area Competition (SAC)

The purpose of the SAC funding opportunity is to ensure continued access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services for communities and vulnerable populations currently served by the Health Center Program, however, the populations served cannot be limited to a single age group (e.g., children, elderly) and/or service line (e.g., dental, behavioral health). The funding opportunity announcement details the SAC eligibility requirements, review criteria, and awarding factors for organizations seeking funding for operational support to provide primary and preventive health care services. Faith-based and community-based organizations, Tribes, and tribal organizations are eligible to apply.  

àFor application criteria and guidelines click here.

àApplications due September 6, 2016.
[Source:  HRSA]

New Tools on Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring

Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (SMBP) is the regular measurement of blood pressure by a patient outside the clinical setting. Strong scientific evidence shows that SMBP plus clinical support helps people with hypertension lower their blood pressure.

SMBP and clinical support improve access to and quality of care for individuals with hypertension and make blood pressure control convenient and accessible. Clinical support includes regular one-on-one counseling, web-based or telephonic support tools and educational classes.

Check out the Million Hearts Initiative's new SMBP resources:
Featured Tools
References and Resources
Success Stories

[Source: COPrevent]

HCPF to Seek Federal Authority Waiver for ACC Phase II

Through ongoing conversations with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department has received guidance that they can seek the necessary federal authority for the program through a 1915(b) waiver. A new 1915(b) waiver will give the Department the federal authority to fulfill key components of Phase II, including automatic enrollment of members into the ACC and the utilization of one entity per region to administer primary care and behavioral health services for members.

The Department intends to formally submit the waiver draft to CMS on September 1st in order to open up a dialogue with them and move towards the final draft submission in 2017.

[Source:  ACC Phase II Update]

Health First Colorado Member Handbook Now Available

HCPF has created a member handbook that gives member an in-depth look at their coverage and care plans, providers, benefits and more. Additionally, it highlights how to access information through PEAK and PEAKHealth

Click here to take a closer look at the new member handbook.

[Source:PEAKview]

Your Participation Needed in Brief Survey

Smart Mouths Smart Kids (SMSK) is an initiative developed by Oral Health Colorado (OHCO) to encourage communities, schools and providers to incorporate sustainable preventive oral health programs as an important component of general health programs in the schools.

SMSK is now ready to reach beyond the pilot communities. One of the useful tools that will be in the SMSK Toolkit is the Data Collection Tool (DCT). The DCT is essentially a “mini” electronic dental record that captures both demographic and service provision information for children who are seen in an in-school oral health program. Data collected will be available to the individual programs and providers, and will be de-identified and aggregated to be sent to CDPHE.  

The SMSK team has developed a survey to help them target the most important reports that will be included with the DCT. Clinic feedback is very important as it will help frame the reporting component of the DCT and ultimately inform the oral health status of Colorado students. We request that surveys be completed no later than August 5. Thank you so much for your assistance.
The link to the survey is:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H85NNVG

[Source:  Karen Cody Carlson at kcodycarlson@smartmouthssmartkids.org}

Save The Date: Comprehensive Outreach and Enrollment Training

Building Better Health 2016 : Roadmap to Health
Wednesday and Thursday | October 13th-14th
Crowne Plaza DIA
15500 E 40th Ave, Denver, CO 80239

This year, attendees will receive training on the health coverage application process and Marketplace plan selection. Individuals will be able to network with other health coverage guides, assistance site navigators, certified application assistants, brokers, community-based organizations and advocates to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period.

àSign up to be notified when registration opens

àFor more information about presenters, the agenda or how to connect online, please visit their website.