November 2023

Vibrant Joins 50+ Organizations Calling on Congress to Pass the Improving Access to Mental Health Act

Vibrant Emotional Health joined more than 50 national organizations urging the Senate Finance, House Energy and Commerce, and House Ways and Means Committees to advance the bipartisan Improving Access to Mental Health Act. The Act will support the United States’ aging population by ensuring clinical social workers (CSWs) can provide their full range of services to Medicare beneficiaries.

The Improving Access to Mental Health Act will ensure a stable mental health workforce for CSWs into the future by reducing the Medicare reimbursement disparity that many face. The Act will align the Medicare reimbursement rate for CSWs with the rate paid to most non-physician healthcare providers.

Please click here to read more.

Mental Health During Global Conflict

During periods of global conflict, individuals worldwide may grapple with challenges to their mental well-being. The impact extends beyond those directly involved in combat; humanitarian crises affect entire communities, regions, and beyond. This page delves into how major conflict events such as war, terrorism, geopolitical tension, territorial disputes, and political instability can influence your mental health.

The repercussions of global events are widespread. Whether you have family in the conflict zone, harbor concerns about rising identity-based hate, or bear witness to distressing images online, the mental health of the civilian population stands out as one of the most substantial consequences of war and major conflict. Whether you are directly or indirectly affected by the crisis, it's essential to acknowledge your feelings are valid.

Please click here to read more from our blog.

Biden-Harris Administration Allocates Over $230 Million for Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health Care Programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has recently awarded $232.2 million in grants. These grants are aimed at bolstering suicide prevention and enhancing behavioral health care, with a particular focus on at-risk communities. This funding includes over $200 million in fresh support for states, territories, Tribal nations, and organizations to establish local capacity for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related crisis services.

Please click here to read more.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Collaborates with Latino Community Leaders for Health Equity 

On Wednesday, October 25, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra engaged in a productive meeting with leaders representing national Latino civil rights organizations, direct-service providers, and advocacy groups. The primary focus of this meeting was to explore ongoing collaboration opportunities between HHS and these vital organizations in the pursuit of enhancing health outcomes within the Latino community and advancing health equity.

This roundtable discussion marked the latest in a series of interactions and engagements between Latino community leaders and HHS. Secretary Becerra emphasized the tangible results achieved by the Biden-Harris Administration in granting the Latino community increased access to healthcare, addressing behavioral health concerns, and facilitating connections between Latino organizations and available HHS resources. He expressed his gratitude to the Latino leaders for their contributions and reaffirmed HHS's unwavering commitment to working closely with Latino community organizations.

Click here for more information.

The Biden-Harris Administration Initiates Measures to Enhance Health and Wellbeing through Social Determinants of Health

The White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are unveiling a suite of resources designed to facilitate improved coordination among federal agencies, states, and local and tribal governments in delivering healthcare, public health, and social services. Notably, the White House is introducing the inaugural U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health in PDF format. In conjunction, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a Call to Action to Address Health-Related Social Needs and a Medicaid and CHIP Health-Related Social Needs Framework in PDF. These initiatives build upon the Administration’s commitment to advancing health equity by recognizing the influential role that individuals’ social and economic conditions play in their overall health and well-being.

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HHS Celebrates National Rural Health Day

On November 16th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) commemorated National Rural Health Day, acknowledging the ingenuity and innovation demonstrated by leaders nationwide in guaranteeing access to top-notch healthcare for the 60 million-plus Americans residing in rural communities. This annual observance takes place on the third Thursday of every November, honoring the endeavors of rural providers, communities, organizations, state offices of rural health, and other committed entities actively addressing the distinctive healthcare requirements of rural America.

Click here for more information.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Named Chair of U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and Unveils New Opportunities

Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been appointed chair of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). The USICH, comprising 19 federal agencies, works collectively to coordinate the national homelessness strategy and bolster state and local initiatives to prevent and end homelessness.

Additionally, through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), HHS has announced nine new grants totaling $2.1 million. These grants are dedicated to enhancing supportive services for families residing in affordable housing. Furthermore, ACF has unveiled 11 new grants totaling nearly $4 million to prevent runaway and homeless youth.

Please click here to read more.

Biden-Harris Administration Initiatives Enhance Rural Community Health and Sustain Rural Healthcare Providers

The Biden-Harris Administration is actively implementing measures to enhance the well-being of rural communities and support the sustainability of rural healthcare providers. These initiatives include:

Building on Existing Legislation: Leveraging the Affordable Care Act and Inflation Reduction Act to expand access to affordable health coverage and care for residents of rural communities.

Sustaining Rural Hospitals: Implementing strategies to keep more rural hospitals operational, ensuring they can continue providing essential services within their communities.

Empowering the Rural Health Workforce: Strengthening the rural health workforce, focusing on bolstering primary care and behavioral health providers.

Facilitating Access to Care: Supporting access to crucial care services, including behavioral health, through promoting telehealth services.

Click here to read more. 

CISA, HHS Release Collaborative Cybersecurity Healthcare Toolkit

On October 25th, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) organized a roundtable discussion focusing on the cybersecurity challenges confronting the U.S. healthcare and public health (HPH) sector. The discussion aimed to explore collaborative solutions between the government and industry to bridge gaps in resources and cyber capabilities within the sector.

Prior to the roundtable, CISA and HHS unveiled a comprehensive cybersecurity toolkit. This toolkit is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of the healthcare and public health sectors, offering valuable resources to enhance cybersecurity measures.

Please read more here.

Take Action for Adolescents – A Call to Action for Adolescent Health and Well-Being

Many adolescents in the United States encounter obstacles in accessing the healthcare and services necessary to flourish, maintain good health, and fulfill their complete potential.

Take Action for Adolescents ‒ A Call to Action for Adolescent Health and Well-Being, commonly referred to as Take Action for Adolescents, is a concerted effort to ensure that every adolescent in the United States has access to safety, support, and resources, fostering their well-being and providing an equitable opportunity to realize their full potential.

This initiative is the outcome of extensive collaboration and input from various stakeholders, including federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, experts, and the adolescents themselves. It serves as a comprehensive guide, offering actionable recommendations to enhance and build upon the strengths, talents, and potential of the 64 million young people in the United States. The Office of Population Affairs (OPA) recently conducted a webinar on October 31, 2023, providing an in-depth discussion of the Call to Action. You can watch the recorded session to delve further into the details and gain insights from policymakers, researchers, and youth panelists.

 Please click here to read more.

Biden-Harris Administration Unveils Funding Opportunities of $74.4 Million to Enhance Behavioral Health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently disclosed funding opportunities for grant programs aimed at tackling behavioral health challenges at the community level. These programs are designed to prevent the initiation of substance use, minimize the escalation of substance use, and address associated concerns. The total funding available for these grants is approximately $74.4 million. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combat the overdose epidemic and address the mental health crisis, key components of the President’s Unity Agenda for the nation.

Please click here to read more.

Notice of Funding Opportunities

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program

Open through December 7, 2023

  • New this year, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has added a Maternity Care Target Area (MMCTA) Supplemental Award of up to $40,000  for eligible disciplines – physicians specializing in obstetrics/gynecology or family medicine, physicians who practice obstetrics on a regular basis, as well as certified nurse midwives. For more information, application instructions, and a link to the application portal, visit HRSA’s webpage.

 

SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center Invites Communities to Apply for Crisis Intercept Mapping Workshops

Applications due December 7, 2023

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and its Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center (SMVF TA Center) are currently soliciting applications from communities interested in Crisis Intercept Mapping (CIM) Workshops. CIM Workshops are designed to bring together interagency teams from counties, cities, or other local jurisdictions to:

  • Assess local crisis care systems to improve coordination and services
  • Strengthening collaboration through military, Veteran, and civilian community partners
  • Apply evidence-based and best practices in SMVF suicide prevention
  • Develop a tailored Crisis Intercept Map for your community with a corresponding action plan to improve crisis care services

 

Given that the majority of Veterans who die by suicide are not connected to the Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of their death, community-based partners in crisis response play a crucial role in prevention efforts. Your community’s commitment places you alongside other dedicated counties, cities, and regions from across the nation whom we are honored to support. Participating in the CIM initiative will empower an interagency team within your community to identify systemic gaps and enhance the delivery of evidence-based suicide prevention policies and practices, especially during a time of increased risk for SMVF. Apply here.

For more information on this opportunity, please click here.

Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health

Applications due December 15, 2023

  • The purpose of HS is to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy and reduce the well-documented racial/ethnic differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes.[1],[2],[3] HS is intended to support projects in communities and populations experiencing the greatest disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. HS has two focus areas: 1) providing direct and enabling services (for example, screening and referrals, case management and care coordination, health and parenting education, and linkage to clinical care) to enrolled HS participants, and 2) convening Community Consortia (formerly known as Community Action Networks or “CANs”) comprised of diverse, multi-sector partners to advise and inform HS activities as well as to develop and implement plans to improve perinatal outcomes within the selected project area. HS continues to emphasize addressing social determinants of health, such as access to adequate food, housing, and transportation, to improve disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Based on stakeholder feedback, this FY 2024 HS competition also provides recipients with increased flexibility to tailor interventions to the unique needs of their community and/or target population. The goals of HS are to 1)  Continue reducing infant mortality rates in the United States and 2)    Decrease disparities in infant mortality and poor perinatal health outcomes in areas where those rates are high. Find out more information here.

 

Maternal and Child Health – Improving Oral Health Integration Demonstration Projects

Applications due January 22, 2024

  • Maternal and Child Health – Improving Oral Health Integration (MCH-IOI) projects aim to improve access to integrated preventive oral health care (integrated POHC) in primary care services accessible to MCH populations at increased or higher risk for poor oral health. Funding will support an MCH-IOHI Alliance (Alliance) to include key state stakeholders such as policy, practice, and public health leaders; healthcare providers; healthcare payers; and public health surveillance experts. Eligible entities include public or private, community-based, or tribal (governments, organizations) organizations based in the U.S.   Applications are due January 22, 2024. You can find more information here.

 

Rural Health Network Development Planning Program

Applications due January 26, 2024

  • The purpose of the Rural Health Network Development Planning Program (“Network Planning Program”) is to plan and develop integrated healthcare networks that collaborate to address the following legislative aims: (i) achieve efficiencies; (ii) expand access to and improve the quality of basic health care services and health outcomes; and (iii) strengthen the rural health care system. This program supports one year of planning and brings together members of the health care delivery system, particularly those entities that may not have collaborated in the past, to establish and/or improve local capacity to strengthen rural community health interventions and enhance care coordination. Eligible entities include public or private, non-profit or for-profit, community-based, and tribal governments (governments, organizations) in the U.S. The applicant organization may be located in a rural or urban area but must have demonstrated experience serving, or the capacity to serve, rural underserved populations. Applications are due January 26, 2024. You can find more information here.

 

Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) 

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on February 5, 2024

  • The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) funds accredited nursing schools to establish and operate a student loan fund and provide loans to students enrolled in advanced nursing degree programs who are committed to becoming nurse faculty. In exchange for completion of up to four years of post-graduation full-time nurse faculty employment in an accredited school of nursing, the program authorizes cancellation of up to 85 percent of the original student loan amount (plus interest thereon). The program also encourages Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to serve as full-time preceptors within an academic-practice partnership framework. Eligible applicants are domestic accredited schools of nursing with advanced education nursing programs.  The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on February 5, 2024.  You can find more information here.

What's Happening This Month in the States...

Click here to see the state legislation affecting mental health in your state. 

Find and Connect with Your Elected Officials Using our Action Center and Advocacy Toolkit!

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Click here to connect to your elected officials and learn about other free resources to help you advocate for your center's needs.

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