(from HRSA)

The Health Resources Services Administration/Office of Federal Assistance Management recently published a one-page guide to help HRSA grantees develop effective financial management practices. The technical assistance document, titled "Tip Sheet for HRSA Grantees: A Guide for Developing Effective Financial Management Practices," provides suggestions to help recipients avoid misspending grant funds on unallowable expenditures or activities.

(from the Department of Health and Human Services)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the availability of $195 million in a new funding opportunity for Community Health Centers to expand access to mental health and substance abuse services focusing on the treatment, prevention, and awareness of opioid abuse in all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The awards are expected to be made in September of this year.

Health centers that receive an award will use the funds to increase the number of personnel dedicated to mental health and substance abuse services and to leverage health information technology and training to support the expansion of mental health and substance abuse services and their integration into primary care.  This funding will address two of HHS Secretary Tom Price, M.D.’s highest priorities: to better address serious mental illness and to fight the opioid epidemic.

Applications for the Access Increases for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (AIMS) award are due July 26, 2017.

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(This editorial first appeared in the Tennessean’s online edition on June 21, 2017, prior to the introduction of the Senate Better Care Reconciliation Act.)

Tennesseans have a long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors, including community members taking the initiative to increase access to health care in their communities. This proud tradition is exemplified by Tennessee’s 187 Community Health Center clinic sites -- locally governed, non-profit organizations that provide primary health care services. Located in economically distressed rural and urban communities, health centers also are economic anchors that create jobs and improve neighborhoods. Today, Tennessee’s Community Health Centers are facing a unique set of challenges that threaten their future sustainability: changes proposed by the American Health Care Act (AHCA); a reduction in funding from the state for care provided to uninsured adults; and a funding shortfall at the federal level.

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