The Community Clinic Voice News Digest highlights a selection of recent news, resources and events from our online community.

Visit the Community Clinic Voice Online Community for daily updates, lively discussions and more:

Please help build participation on the CCV by forwarding or printing this Digest for your colleagues.

**************************************
CCV NEWS DIGEST FOR JANUARY, 2007
** BUILDING CAPACITIES
** DISPARITIES
** FUNDING
** GREEN BUILDINGS
** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS
** HELP WANTED
** IT & HEALTHCARE
** PATIENT CARE: ORAL HEALTH, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
** QUALITY - PATIENT SAFETY
** RESEARCH & DATA
** WORKFORCE ISSUES
** UPCOMING EVENTS

** BULDING CAPACITIES:

ENHANCING COMMUNITY CLINIC CAPACITY BRICK BY BRICK - A report on the impact of the Community Clinics Initiative's Major Capital Campaign Gifts Program tells the story of a funding initiative to support community clinics to undertake capital campaigns to improve their facilities and enhance their fund development capacity. Three case studies provide real stories of clinics and their experiences with capital campaigns and projects.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=44509

FAQs: CCI's RFP #10 - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Major Capital Campaign Gifts and Green Building Grants have been posted in the CCV Library. The application deadline for RFP# 10 is February 2, 2007.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=44358

** DISPARITIES:

KAISER HEALTH DISPARITIES REPORT: A WEEKLY LOOK AT RACE, ETHNICITY AND HEALTH - Email and online coverage of news and events. Another tool to help Community Health Centers reduce racial health disparities, particularly among minorities who have diabetes, is Amigos en Salud /Friends in Health. Provided free from Pfizer Health Solutions, this site can help your organization implement a community health worker-based program.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=44598

HHS RELEASES REPORT ON MIGRANT FARMWORKERS AND BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE - The long-delayed report calls for increasing enrollment and access to Medicaid and SCHIP benefits through interstate compacts, demonstration projects, use of current law flexibility, national migrant family coverage, and public-private partnerships.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44591

** FUNDING:

RFP: IMPROVING CARE TRANSITIONS - Proposals due February 23 for California HealthCare Foundation project to implement the Coleman Care Transitions Intervention in up to ten locations in California. UCSF's Center for the Health Professions offers a Feb 5 seminar entitled "Handoffs: Transforming Your System to Mitigate Patient Harm."

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44590

U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR HIV/AIDS PREVENTION GRANTS PROGRAM - Up to $350,000 will be awarded to strengthen local capacities to carry out effective prevention activities. Application deadline is February 26.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44344

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NETWORKS OF CARE INITIATIVE - Applications due March 29 for HRSA funds promote the enhancement and evaluation of existing health information networks for people living with HIV/AIDS in underserved communities.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44392

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM - Application deadline is March 30 for assistance in repayment of qualifying educational loans for clinicians that demonstrate interest in serving the Nation's medically underserved populations.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44393

ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION FRESH IDEAS: IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES - Funding new community-based approaches to health and health care problems faced by immigrants and refugees. The foundation anticipates reviewing groups of proposals several times during the year. The next review deadline is April 13.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44926

LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION COMMUNITY PROGRAM/COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to U.S. nonprofits for research and community programs that promote the physical, psychological, and social recovery and care of cancer survivors and their loved ones. Apply by April 13.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45025

FUNDING FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION EFFORTS - The American Psychiatric Foundation is making up to $750,000 in total grant funds available to fund public education, information, and outreach initiatives that promote the early recognition and treatment of mental illness. Applications due August 30, 2007.

http://www.psychfoundation.org/call_for_proposals.cfm

** GREEN BUILDINGS:

GREEN GUIDE FOR HEALTH CARE - A best practices guide for healthy and sustainable building design, construction, and operations for the healthcare industry can be downloaded free. The Green Guide provides a voluntary, self-certifying metric toolkit of best practices that designers, owners, and operators can use to guide and evaluate their progress towards high performance healing environments.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_ID=45101

GREEN MACHINES: HEALTH CARE IT WITHOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGe - Health Care Without Harm coalition promotes "green purchasing," encouraging hospitals and health systems by them to buy products that have less of an impact on the environment. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), evaluates electronics based on three levels of environmental performance.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44340

BETTERWORLD TELECOM: SUSTAINABLE, ENVIRONMENTALLY NEUTRAL MISSION - BetterWorld Telecom donates 3% of customer revenues to nonprofits while sponsoring and promoting sustainable business practices.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=44557

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44852

** HELP WANTED:

Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley is looking for someone to do Accounts Payable, Shipping & Receiving, and light IT support. The Santa Cruz Women's Health Center is seeking a Director of Development and Strategic Planning. Valley Community Clinic is looking for a Nurse Manager. The Women's Community Clinic is looking for a Development Director. Family Practice physicians are needed at Petaluma Health Center. A new Program Analyst position is open in the Office of Interoperability and Standards, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. For information on the above positions, or to advertise your own openings, see the HELP WANTED topic in the CCV Discussion area.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_flat.htm?parent_doc_id=10318

New Positions at California Primary Care Association - CPCA has openings for a Project Manager, Health Information Technology, Health Data Analyst, and Health Policy Program Management.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_flat.htm?parent_doc_id=44872

The California Dental Association Foundation Pediatric Oral Health Access Program requests applications for Regional Oral Health Outreach Coordinators in each of six regions throughout California.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_flat.htm?parent_doc_id=44896

** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS:

$207 MILLION INCREASE FOR HEALTH CENTERS INCLUDED IN 2007 CONTINUING RESOLUTION - Lawmakers have introduced a Joint Continuing Resolution that includes a $207 million increase for Community Health Centers – including a specific $25 million to help existing health centers keep pace with the rising cost of providing health care services to underserved communities. The bill is expected to pass in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with the Senate scheduled to vote next week. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=44995

GOVERNOR'S HEALTH CARE REFORM PROPOSAL - Schwarzenegger's $12 billion plan would require all California residents to obtain health insurance coverage regardless of immigration status. The proposal calls for the state to expand Medi-Cal eligibility and increase Medi-Cal reimbursements by $4 billion; it also would require physicians to pay 2% of their gross revenue to the state. Insurers would be required to provide coverage to all individuals, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions A detailed description of the plan, along with analysis and expert discussion is available:

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44422

GOVERNOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL CUTS WELFARE, UPS HHS FUNDING - Schwarzenegger this month proposed a $143.3 billion budget that cuts welfare, public transit and drug treatment programs. $32 million would be added to streamline applications for the Healthy Families program, which is expected to result in about 74,000 additional children enrolling in the program, leaving nearly 700,000 uninsured children statewide. Overall health and human services spending would increase by 3.7% to $38.1 billion in FY 2007-2008. California Budget Project holds a Feb 2 budget briefing in Sacramento.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44495

AND SEE: CPCA’s Policy Team Analysis of the Governor's Health Care Reform Proposal and 2007-08 Budget Proposal:

http://www.cpca.org/govaffairs/caissues/index.cfm

RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT BUSH’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS - NACHC voices concern that proposed tax changes could erode current coverage without making health insurance more affordable to most Americans who lack that coverage. In particular, changes could lead consumers toward insurance policies that fail to cover crucial preventive and primary health care, which have been proven to be the most cost effective. Also of concern is that the President has indicated that he may use funding that currently flows to safety net providers to instead fund his new insurance coverage initiatives. President Bush said health IT could reduce costs and medical errors. However, momentum for federal health IT initiatives has slowed without a permanent National Coordinator for Health IT.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44844

HEALTH COVERAGE PROPOSALS ADVANCED BY LAWMAKERS, PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR COALITIONS - The Health Partnership Act (S. 325/ H.R. 506) would fund states or local governments to expand health care coverage and access to care, including health centers. Meanwhile, the Health Coverage Coalition for the Uninsured (HCCU), a broad coalition of diverse groups, unveiled a unified plan to provide health insurance coverage for children and adults last week. The proposal, which includes a combination of public and private sector initiatives, recommends the expansion of SCHIP and Medicaid, as well as tax credits to help pay for health insurance. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), a 2008 presidential candidate, called for a timetable for universal coverage, saying all U.S. residents should have health care coverage within the next six years.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44783

SENATOR KENNEDY PROPOSES EXTENDING MEDICARE TO ALL - The federal government should implement a program to provide health insurance to all U.S. residents by 2010, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Edward Kennedy (D-MA) said at a hearing January 10, 2007, proposing a plan that would extend Medicare to all residents. In invited testimony, Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis detailed how the health care system in the United States lags behind several other industrialized nations--and how innovations in those countries offer options for improving heath care delivery in the U.S.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44468

UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE: WEIGHING THE OPTIONS - To help inform the development of solutions, California HealthCare Foundation funded a project to identify workable coverage models. Their report compares three models, estimating costs for each.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44597

ACP PROPOSALS TO ADVANCE PATIENT-CENTERED PRIMARY CARE - Proposals in American College of Physicians annual State of the Nation’s Health Care would fundamentally change the way that primary care is organized, delivered, financed, and valued. ACP proposes a health care system that would pay primary care physicians based on their coordination of care for patients, saying it would boost preventive care in the U.S. and reduce the number of costly hospitalizations.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45002

TOP 10 HEALTH POLICY STORIES OF 2006 - The Commonwealth Fund highlights Massachusetts's universal coverage law, the growing number of uninsured Americans, Democrats' takeover of Congress in the midterm elections, the Medicare prescription drug law, the ongoing push for health care transparency, and more.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44469

** IT & HEALTH:

NEW COALITION TO OFFER FREE WEB-BASED e-PRESCRIBING - To help physicians come on board with electronic prescribing, considered by many healthcare insiders as the first step toward moving from paper based to digital medical records, the National E-Prescribing Patient Safety Initiative will offer e-prescribing capability at no cost to every physician in the country. The program deploys nationwide on Jan. 31; physicians can sign up now.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44601

HHS REPORTS ON IT ACHIEVEMENTS, NEXT STEPS - Among "major accomplishments" cited are contracts with the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology to test and certify IT systems, the Health Information Technology Standards Panel to harmonize IT standards for specific use cases and four consortia for the development of prototypes of a National Health Information Network (NHIN). "Next steps" described in the report include connecting the prototype architectures for a NHIN delivered in January, 2007 to state and regional health information exchange efforts in trial implementations that will make up the networks of networks of the NHIN. HHS in March or April will seek contract proposals for developing a trial implementation of the core elements of a nationwide health information network, and expects in June or July to award a contract that would incorporate the first set of interoperability standards and system certification criteria.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44858

RESEARCHERS CALL FOR RAPID LEARNING THROUGH ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS TO ADVANCE MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE, IMPROVE CARE - Rapid learning through EHR databases and other IT tools could dramatically expand the health care system’s research capacity, making it possible to combine information from millions of patients each year to advance medical understanding of such diseases as cancer and diabetes, according to studies in a special edition of Health Affairs on "rapid learning" published this month.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44951

STUDY: EHRS IMPROVE QUALITY, BUT INCREASE COSTS AT CHCs - There's insufficient government support for CHCs that want to implement IT systems, says UCSF researcher.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44673

CCHIT ANNOUNCES 18 NEW PRODUCTS EARN CERTIFICATION - A total of 55 electronic health-record products for ambulatory care are now certified, covering an estimated 25% of software companies in ambulatory EHR market.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45010

RWJF COMMON GROUND GRANTEES ANNOUNCED - Common Ground: Transforming Public Health Information Systems, a three-year, $15 million national initiative will help state and local public health agencies better respond to health threats by improving their use of information systems. in California, grantees include: County of Santa Cruz: Reassessing, Rethinking, and Redesigning Public Health in Santa Cruz County; Sonoma County Department of Health Services: Redesign of Billing and Accounts Receivable for Sonoma County Health Services; and State of California HHSA Building Bridges: Reducing Chronic Disease in California.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44460

CalRHIO LAUNCHES SECOND PHASE OF BLUE SHIELD HIE GRANT - $670,000 to support Health Information Exchange for safety net and rural providers.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44602

VENDOR TO BUILD AND FINANCE STATEWIDE HIE TO BE SELECTED MID-MARCH - Three of the eight firms responding to CalRHIO's request for proposals are among HHS contractors that last week released prototypes of a national health information network.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45014

** PATIENT CARE:

NEW SCHOOL REQUIREMENT FOR ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS - Effective January 1, 2007, children entering public school for the first time (in either kindergarten or first grade) are required to have an oral health assessment. California Dental Association provides answers to questions on how community clinics and health centers may respond to this new requirement.

http://www.cda.org/advocacy_&_the_law/legislation/kindergarten_oral_health_requirement/information_for_dental_professionals

FREE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY TRAINING - CDA Foundation's Pediatric Oral Health Access Program is a no-cost training program that provides general dentists with increased skills and comfort level necessary to expand their practices to provide dental services to children, including those with physical and developmental disabilities.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44135

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44950

** QUALITY - PATIENT SAFETY:

MODELS FOR ACHIEVING THE BEST HEALTH SYSTEM IN THE WORLD - Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis presents case studies demonstrating how seven key strategies for a high-performance health system can be put into practice. She identifies extending health insurance to all, developing the workforce to foster patient-centered and primary care, and expanding use of information technology and exchange among key strategies that show great promise.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44656

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: PREVENTIVE CARE GETS LOW MARKS ON AHRQ QUALITY REPORT CARD - The overall quality of the U.S. health care system is improving, but The 2006 National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report both found that the use of proven prevention strategies lags significantly behind other gains in health care. Only about 52% of adults reported receiving recommended colorectal cancer screenings, fewer than half of obese adults reported being counseled about diet, only 28% of people with asthma reported receiving a management plan.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=44779

FDA REPORT: THE FUTURE OF DRUG SAFETY - - In response to the the Institute of Medicine’s September 2006 report and ahead of the anticipated introduction of legislation calling for its overhaul, the Food and Drug Administration detailed how it will put IOM recommendations into place. They note the importance of improving communication and information flow, and announce the formation of an advisory committee on communications.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45087

LITERACY AND MISUNDERSTANDING PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABELs - Even those with adequate literacy skills had difficulty understanding label instructions, says a report that recommends standardization and making directions more simple and explicit.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44160

** RESEARCH & DATA:

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS NEW FACT SHEETS & DATA - National Association of Community Health Centers provides new fact sheets on how Health Centers serve as health care homes, and improve care for seniors.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45016

NEW CHIS DATA RELEASED - The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) this month released new data from its biannual survey, providing comprehensive information on hundreds of health topics. New content includes more data on mental health, as well as diet and physical activity.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=44959

NEW REPORTS FIND PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA'S SCHOOLS IS FAILING OUR KIDS - Escalating rates of childhood obesity and diabetes and the precipitous decline in children's physical activity levels constitute an alarming national health trend, according to reports commissioned by The California Endowment, that also offer strategies for improvement.

TURNING RESEARCH INTO ACTION - The Commonwealth Fund presents a four-stage framework to support effective use of research in health policymaking.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44331

CPCA LAUNCHES ONLINE HELP DESK - Available to members to answer frequently asked questions about various topics.

http://www.cpca.org/about/general.cfm?appAction=displayRecord&NewsID=499

** WORFORCE ISSUES:

ADVANCING COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER PRACTICE AND UTILIZATION - As the role of these workers becomes more accepted and desirable in the overall system of care, they face the challenges of moving from being an exceptional add-on to the system to being more a part of the main stream. Issues such as educational preparation, formal credentialing, licensure and compensation are all part of this process. The National Fund for Medical Education report on sustainable financing models and practices.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44593

NEW NATIONAL PROGRAM TO INCREASE DIVERSITY OF LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT -The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico will be fully established in the fall of 2007 and expects to train approximately 100 students within five years of opening.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44952

CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN NURSING EDUCATION - Expert responses from The California Endowment's convening on cultural competency in nursing education and training are now online.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44638

STUDY: RACE IMPACTS PROFESSIONAL LIVES OF PHYSICIANS - Yale School of Medicine research offers a unique and detailed view of race and discrimination in the health care workplace and the negative impact on job satisfaction, career advancement and minority physician retention.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44806

2006 CPCA COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS SURVEY - Now available via email in PDF format or CD.

http://www.cpca.org/about/generalnews.cfm?appAction=displayRecord&NewsID=501

MANDATORY FLU SHOTS URGED FOR HEALTH WORKERS NATIONWIDE - California passed a similar requirement last fall.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44920

NACHC 2007 COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE - Nominations accepted through April 13.

** UPCOMING EVENTS:

For information on all events, and to post your own announcements, see the CCV Calendar:

CalRHIO Legislative Briefing on Health Information Exchange - February 1, Sacramento

CIO Task Force Quarterly Meeting - February 1, Irvine

Budgeting for the 330 Grant Application - NACHC Webcast, February 1

Pediatric Oral Health Access Program - February 3-4; also offered Feb 10-11, Sacramento

Briefing: What Does the Governor’s Proposed Budget Mean for California? - February 2, Sacramento

Pediatric Oral Health Access Program (POHAP) Free Pediatric Dentistry Training - February 3-4, Sacramento (also offered Feb 10-11)

Improving Handoffs to Reduce Patient Harm - February 5, San Francisco

Medicine Meets Virtual Reality Conference - February 6-9, Long Beach

CSLC 2 Plenary Convening - February 7, Sacramento

Council Connections Annual Conference - February 8-9, San Diego, CA

National Pay-for-Performance Summit - February 14-16, Los Angeles

Public Relations Training for Health Advocates - February 15, San Francisco (also March7 in Los Angeles)

Seminar: Health Informatics & eHealth in California - February 17, Sacramento

Medical Practitioner Job Matching Forum - February 24, Commerce, CA (additional Job Matching Forums will be in held in Northern CA on March 10, and in Central CA March 24)

HIMSS Annual Conference - February 25-March 1, New Orleans

Third Annual 340B Coalition Winter Conference - February 26-28, Salt Lake City

Rural Health Policy Institute - February 26-28, Washington, D.C.

Mental Health Services Act Statewide Conference Call on Education & Training - February 26

CPCA Tele-Training Series: Federal Tort Claim Act coverage for FQHCs February 27

California Budget Project Conference: How Can We Build a Better Future for All Californians? - March 15, Sacramento

2007 National Conference on Health and Domestic Violence - March 15-17, San Francisco

NACHC Policy and Issues Forum - March 16-21,Washington, D.C

Reproductive Freedom Day - March 21, Sacramento

National Hispanic Medical Association Annual Conference - March 22-25, San Antonio, TX

CCI Collaborative Leadership Program for Medical Directors and their Executive Directors/CEOs - March 26-29, San Francisco

CCI Medical Directors Alumni Session - March 28-29, San Francisco

Health Information Technology/HIPAA Summit March 26-31, Washington, D.C.

Billing and Compliance Workshop - May 1-3, Reno, NV

Farmworkers Health Conference - May 9-11, Newport Beach, CA

TEPR (Towards the Electronic Patient Record) - May 19-23, Dallax, TX

For information on all events, and to post your own announcements, see the CCV Calendar:

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/calendar/calendar.htm