In this Issue
Policy Update: 2012 Legislative Session Comes to an EndThe 107th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned on May 1st after a relatively short session. This was the second year of the two-year session so any bills that did not make it out of committee are now inactive. CHN's Hillary Newton Selected to Attend National Conference
TPCA Now Accepting Awards of Excellence NominationsEach year, TPCA hosts an awards ceremony to recognize individuals and community supporters for Community Health Center contributions. This year, recipients will be acknowledged during TPCA Annual Conference that will be October 25-26, 2012 at the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott. The Association seeks your help by providing nominations to find those who have supported and shown dedication to primary health care in Tennessee, particularly in regards to the underserved. Nominations for the Association's Awards of Excellence are accepted year-round online. Click here to get started. We encourage you to nominate one candidate in each category! HRSA Release of Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2012-03The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced the release of Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2012-03, “Approved Uniform Data System Changes for 2012”. The changes described in this PAL include: (1) a new staff tenure table; (2) three new clinical measures; (3) reporting on all (versus primary) diagnoses for selected conditions; and (4) questions about electronic health record capabilities and quality recognition. National Health Center Week - August 5-11, 2012National Health Center Week is less than 100 days away and this year's celebration is shaping up to be the best yet. If you've already started planning your events, make sure to post event information on the brand new National Health Center Week website. The year we will once again recognize the work of health centers working with special populations by celebrating three special days within National Health Center Week (NHCW); Public Housing Health Center Day on Tuesday, August 7th, Health Care for the Homeless Day on Wednesday, August 8th and Farmworker Health Day on Thursday, August 9th. Don't forget to let TPCA know about your events, too! Contact Jackie Sourek at jackie@tnpca.org. Upcoming EventsClick here to see the complete calendar of events FRIDAY MAY 18, 2012 WEDNESDAY JUNE 13, 2012 FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2012 TUESDAY JULY 17, 2012 New to the TPCA Resource LibraryTPCA places recordings and handouts from our meetings in the Resource Library. You can visit anytime and see what you missed! New to the Resource Library are these Board of Directors videos from NACHC and some new Recruitment and Retention materials for workforce. We have also added the PowerPoint Presentations from the recent CEO face-to-face meeting in April. You can view them here. "Like" TPCA on facebook!
Send Us Your NewsWe want to know what is going on at your health center. Send your news and photos to Jackie Sourek at jackie@tnpca.org. |
From the CEO's Desk
2012 Membership DriveWe appreciate your membership and support of the Tennessee Primary Care Association’s mission to increase access to quality health care for all Tennesseans. Working together, we have made huge strides toward our goals. Membership is now open - click the appropriate category below to renew or join for the first time. Organizational Membership - Health Centers providing primary care services For instructions on renewal, click here. You can contact Jackie Sourek (615-329-3836 x5850) with any questions about renewal or new membership. Health care law helps community health centers build, renovate facilities, serve more patients
Funding of more than $728 million will support 398 renovation and construction projects, with over $18 million awarded to Tennessee health centers, boosting their ability to care for additional patients and creating jobs. The awards are part of a series of capital investments that are made available to community health centers under the Affordable Care Act, which provides $9.5 billion to expand services over five years and $1.5 billion to support major construction and renovation projects at community health centers. Congrats to our members who received the Capital Development – Building Capacity Program grants, including Cherokee Health Systems, Christ Community Health Services, Memphis Health Center, United Neighborhood Health Services and Rural Medical Services, Inc. Congrats to our members who received the Capital Development - Immediate Facility Improvement grants, including Hardeman County CHC, Cherokee Health Systems, Chota Community Health Services, Christ Community Health Services, Memphis Health Center and United Neighborhood Health Services. HHS announces $10.4 million to enhance rural health care
Lifespan Health Serves and Employs Veterans
In addition to serving veterans, Lifespan actively employs service members with veterans comprising 8% of their total employees. From doctors, nursing staff, and administration to patient accounts and maintenance workers. They recognize the unparalleled work ethic veterans demonstrate. Veterans training instills a focused discipline, the ability to assess and prioritize situations, anticipate change as well as workloads all while maintaining the spirit of teamwork and a “can-do” attitude. Lifespan was encouraged by the national initiative to hire veterans, knowing the value they add in the work place. Located in Hardin and Wayne counties, Lifespan Health operates seven clinics, including the VA clinic and a birthing center. HHS Secretary announces veterans’ priority in health professions training grants
“Many veterans received training as health care providers while they served in the armed forces,” said Secretary Sebelius. “The Obama administration is committed to helping these veterans translate the skills they learned in the military into a job when they return home.” These multi-year grants, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), are part of the administration’s initiative to increase the supply of primary care practitioners in the United States. For information on applying for these grants, visit www.grants.gov. The grants are expected to be awarded this summer. UT College of Nursing Answers First Lady's Call to Improve Veterans' CareThe invisible wounds of war, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), have impacted approximately one in six of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq — and many of them seek treatment with a health professional who may not be properly trained to address their needs. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Nursing is answering a call from First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, to serve the nation's veterans as well as they have served their country. The college will join more than 150 state and national nursing organizations and more than 500 nursing schools in a coordinated effort to further educate our nation's three million nurses so they are prepared to meet the unique health needs of service members, veterans and their families. "Whether we're in a hospital, doctor's office or a community health center, nurses are often the first people we see," said Obama. "Because of their expertise, they are trusted to be the frontline of America's healthcare system. That's why Jill and I knew we could turn to America's nurses and nursing students to help our veterans and military families get the world-class care they've earned." NACHC Officially Launches Community Health Vote 2012
On the newly revised Community Health Vote Page of our Campaign for America's Health Centers' website, you can now download a Community Health Vote Tool Kit. This tool kit contains guidelines on how to engage voters at your health center in a variety of ways, along with legal guidance for health centers and template materials. Qsource Extends Free Assistance for CMS Incentive Payment Requirement to PracticesStarting in 2013, physicians who don't report enough quality measures to the government will not only forgo an incentive but also see a cut in Medicare reimbursement for 2015. To prepare more practices by this deadline, Qsource is offering free technical assistance to healthcare professionals in Tennessee who are eligible to receive incentive payments from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). There is no fee for technical assistance, which they are extending to at least 50 more Tennessee practices by the end of the year, according to Qsource Population Health Manager Alyssa Chase. |
People & Places in the NewsPerry County Medical Center Holds Open House
After months of construction, Perry County Medical Center held an Open House recently, to showcase completion of renovations and the expansion that began in early 2011. Many local residents and officials attended the ribbon cutting, officially marking the occasion. This included Perry County, Linden and Lobelville officials from all levels of government, city alderman and county commissioners. Sheriff Tommy Hickerson and members of law enforcement were able to stop by and show support for PCMC, too.
UNHS Receives $1.7 Million Grant to Renovate and Build Diabetes Care Center
United Neighborhood Health Services (UNHS) has received a $1,724,816 grant to renovate its Main Street Clinic, Madison Clinic and Cayce Clinic and to establish a Diabetes Care Center announced Mary Bufwack, CEO of UNHS. The grant is funded by the Affordable Care Act. Bufwack noted that more than $1.2 million of the grant is designated to renovate its Main Street Clinic located in East Nashville at 905 Main Street. The funds will allow UNHS to create a multi-service Diabetes Center, with new space for dental services, a wellness center, education center and a pharmacy. The funds will also allow for some renovation to the two-story clinic, parking lot improvements, and furnishings for the first floor.
Community Health 'A step ahead'
Claudia Haltom noticed an entry-level pattern in the youth she encountered during her career as a judge at Memphis Shelby County Juvenile Court for 17 years, and in mediation, where she served after retirement. This pattern was that most juvenile offenders were young parents or parents of multiple, unplanned children. Haltom felt the young offenders could have better life options by being able to plan and be in control of their future through contraception. The use of contraception would put these high-risk youth "a step ahead." CHOTA Doctor Selected for the New Innovation Advisors Program to Improve Care for PatientsDr. Barb Levin was recently chosen to participate in the initiative. It was launched by the CMS Innovation Center in October 2011 and will help health professionals deepen skills that will drive improvements to patient care and reduce costs. After an initial orientation phase, Innovation Advisors will work with the CMS Innovation Center to test new models of care delivery in their own organizations and communities. They will also create partnerships to find new ideas that work and share them regionally and across the United States. Jim Azbill Recognized for Years of Service to Perry County Medical CenterPerry County Medical Center showcased their newly completed renovations and expansion of the medical facility recently. In addition, the conference space, designed for community education, clinic training and business meetings was dedicated to Linden Mayor Jim Azbill, Chairman of the PCMC Board of Directors since 1979. Phillip Tatum, CEO of Three Rivers Community Health Group which operates Perry County Medical Center presented the award which reads ‘Jim Azbill Conference Center, Dedicated April 3, 2012, In honor of Your Commitment and Years of Service to Perry County Medical Center’.
MHC Completes the Alliance Program for Nonprofit Excellence
Memphis Health Center, Inc. graduated from the Alliance's Program for Nonprofit Excellence during a ceremony held at BRIDGES on February 16th, 2012 along with Delta Arts, Memphis Area Legal Services, & Synergy Treatment Centers. The Alliance Program for Nonprofit Excellence (PNE) is a nationally recognized initiative that transforms participating nonprofits into high-performance organizations through a rigorous multi-year curriculum. Buffalo Valley Opens Primary Care Clinic
Open house at Buffalo Valley, Incorporated’s new primary care clinic and 48 bed treatment center, BVI West, located in Hohenwald, TN. Approximately 100 guests, dignitaries, and employees attended the festivities. The 17,000 square foot facility is equipped to treat clients with primary health problems from sinuses to a toothache, under the direction of Dr. Joe Hall. John Risner, Chief Financial Officer of BVI said, “This center integrates behavioral health services like alcohol and drug addiction counseling with primary health care." “Integrated models of care offer the potential to improve access to treatment and improve quality," states Risner. |
Hillary Newton has been selected as one of only 30 participants nationally to take part in the Rural Voices Leadership and Policy Workshop sponsored by the Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP). Newton currently serves as telehealth coordinator for Community Health Network, which provides technical assistance to federally qualified health systems. Congrats, Hillary! 
Our nation’s Community Health Centers have a proud history of providing quality health care to over 20 million of America’s poorest – and highest risk – populations, living in urban and rural areas. And they do more than provide access to care for vulnerable populations. As independent studies have documented, the care is both high quality and cost efficient – providing real value for America’s health care system and taxpayers. 
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius 
Rural health providers across the nation will receive more than $10.4 million to provide direct health care services to their communities. The funding announced recently by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will be used to meet a broad range of health care needs in rural areas, from health promotion and disease prevention to expanding oral and mental health services. Buffalo Valley, Inc. will received approximately $450,000 over a 3-year project period to address the needs of a wide range of population groups including, but not limited to, low-income families and individuals, the elderly, pregnant women, infants, adolescents, minorities and individuals with special health care needs.
Lifespan Health has been serving Veterans for over 10 years, as a contractor through the Veterans Administration in Memphis, offering primary care, mental health, nutritional support, and many specialty medicines via telehealth.
Two grant programs totaling more than $24 million will help veterans enter the health professions workforce and increase the nation’s supply of advanced practice nurses and physician assistants, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced recently. These steps are part of the Administration’s effort to help veterans find jobs here at home after they have fought for our country overseas. Last fall, the Administration announced that it would expand opportunities for veterans to enter health professions by giving funding priority to programs that help train veterans for careers as physician assistants and nursing schools that help veterans pursue nursing careers.
NACHC recently launched 
