U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs extends delay of upcoming Electronic Health Record deployments to June 2023 to address Technical and other System Performance issues | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) press release dated: October 13, 2022
Washington - - Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it is delaying upcoming deployments of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) until June 2023 to address challenges with the system and make sure it is functioning optimally for Veterans and for VA health care personnel.
This decision comes after Secretary Denis McDonough announced in July that VA would delay EHR deployments until January 2023 to ensure that the system’s issues had been resolved. During VA’s subsequent investigation at our current sites, several additional technical and system issues were identified – including challenges with performance, such as latency and slowness, problems with...
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VA extends delay of upcoming Electronic Health Record deployments to June 2023 to address Technical and other System Performance issues
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security Establishes New Office of Health Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Establishes New Office of Health Security | site |
Chief Medical Officer to Lead New Office for DHS Medical, Workforce Health and Safety, and Public Health Missions Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: July 19, 2022 Washington - - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week established the Office of Health Security, a new office that will serve as the principal medical, workforce health and safety, and public health authority for DHS. “Over the past several years, Americans have faced a series of unprecedented challenges impacting their health security, from the pandemic to natural disasters and more,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Our Department must be prepared to adapt to an ever-expanding, dynamic, and complex public health threat landscape. The Office of Health Security will lead our efforts to meet that charge... -
Remarks by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra at the Global COVID-19 Summit
Remarks by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra at the Global COVID-19 Summit | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) press release dated: May 12, 2022
Xavier Becerra
May 12, 2022
Second Global COVID-19 Summit
Virtual Event
On Thursday, May 12, 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra delivered remarks at the second Global COVID-19 Summit, co-hosted by the United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal. During the Summit, Secretary Becerra discussed our continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic—getting shots in arms, enhancing access to tests and treatments, protecting the health workforce, and financing and building health security for future pandemics and other health crises.
... -
U.S. Education Department to Host Summit to Spotlight Strategies to Support Students with Disabilities, Students with Mental Health Needs
U.S. Education Department to Host Summit to Spotlight Strategies to Support Students with Disabilities, Students with Mental Health Needs | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: May 16, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans for a first-of-its-kind virtual summit, Recovery to Thriving: Supporting Mental Health & Students with Disabilities, to highlight steps schools, colleges and communities can take to support students with disabilities and students with mental health needs. “As communities and our country heal and recover, it’s important to acknowledge that our students with disabilities have faced unique challenges amid the pandemic and that some long-standing inequities between students with disabilities and their peers were made worse during this time,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Ensuring that our students with disab... -
U.S. Health and Human Services Announces 5 Million Dollars in Funding to Advance Equity in Cancer Screening at Health Centers
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $5 Million in Funding to Advance Equity in Cancer Screening at Health Centers | site |
This investment supports President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative by promoting early detection and treatment through cancer screening.
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: March 11, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of $5 million for community health centers, funded by HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration, to increase equitable access to life-saving cancer screenings. This funding supports President Joe Biden’s Unity Agenda and his call to action on cancer screening and early detection as part of the Administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to end cancer as we know it. “Cancer screening saves lives – and it should be accessib... -
Health and Human Services Announces 16.3 Million Dollars to Expand Telehealth Care in the Title X Family Planning Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $16.3 Million to Expand Telehealth Care in the Title X Family Planning Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: May 10, 2022 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $16.3 million in grant funding to support 31 grantees to enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure and capacity of Title X family planning clinics in 26 states, one U.S. territory, and one freely associated state. Title X is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services in communities across the U.S. HHS used funds made available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to award these grants to current Title X family planning grantees for a 12-month project period starting on May 15, 2022. This increased funding is another step... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces 226.5 Million Dollars to Launch Community Health Worker Training Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $226.5 Million to Launch Community Health Worker Training Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 15, 2022 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announced the availability of $226.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to launch the Community Health Worker Training Program. This new program will increase the number of community health workers who play a critical role in connecting people to care, including COVID care; mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services; chronic disease care; and other important health services. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to building a robust public health workforce — the first line of defense in preventing disease, ... -
Health Resources and Services Administration Announces Availability of New Funding to Support Community-Based Doulas
Health Resources and Services Administration Announces Availability of New Funding to Support Community-Based Doulas || site |
Funding will Expand the Community-based Doula Workforce to Help Address Maternal Mortality
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 1, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the availability of $4.5 million for hiring, training, certifying, and compensating community-based doulas in areas with high rates of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. This announcement builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and address the nation’s Black maternal health crisis. “Every person deserves to have the best support and care during pregnancy,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’... -
Three Mile Island MUST BE TAUGHT
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Created by:
Staff Reporter 1
in ScienceThree Mile Island MUST BE TAUGHT
The Dooms Days Experiences of March 1979
Climate change! Climate change!! Climate change!!! How dare we teach about the urgency of climate change without fully educating young Americans about the existential catastrophe that could have resulted from the 1979 Three Mile Island crisis?
It was March 1979. Americans were going about their daily routines. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, we began to hear about a nuclear power plant located in the state of Pennsylvania. Most of us had no knowledge of the plant. "Three Mile Island" they called it. Something was going on at Three Mile Island. We came to understand that Three Mile Island was a nuclear power plant. As one news report after another emerged, we learned that some kind of accident had occurred at Three Mile Island. At first, the... -
Created by:
-
Three Mile Island MUST BE TAUGHT
-
Created by: Staff Reporter 1
in EducationThree Mile Island MUST BE TAUGHT
The Dooms Days Experiences of March 1979
Climate change! Climate change!! Climate change!!! How dare we teach about the urgency of climate change without fully educating young Americans about the existential catastrophe that could have resulted from the 1979 Three Mile Island crisis?
It was March 1979. Americans were going about their daily routines. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, we began to hear about a nuclear power plant located in the state of Pennsylvania. Most of us had no knowledge of the plant. "Three Mile Island" they called it. Something was going on at Three Mile Island. We came to understand that Three Mile Island was a nuclear power plant. As one news report after another emerged, we learned that some kind of accident had occurred at Three Mile Island. At first, the... -
Created by:
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OPM Announces 2022 Health, Dental, and Vision Program Premiums
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Announces 2022 Health, Dental, and Vision Program Premiums | site |
Federal Benefits Open Season begins November 8
(Information contained in U.S. Office of Personnel Management press release dated: September 29, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today the 2022 plans and premiums for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). OPM manages the health insurance enrollment for 8.2 million people, making the FEHB program the largest employer-sponsored program in the world. In the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, OPM and the federal benefits carriers have worked closely to negotiate benefits and rates for the 2022 plan year. OPM continues to focus on offering quality health, dental, and vision benefits that are affordable to the... -
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Sued by EEOC for Race Discrimination
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Sued by EEOC for Race Discrimination | site |
African American Worker Endured Co-Worker’s Repeated Use of Racial Slur, Federal Agency Charges
(Information contained in U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] press release dated: October 8, 2021) Tacoma, Wash. - - Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington (KFHPW) violated federal law when it tolerated repeated use of a racial slur over the objections of an African American employee at its Tacoma Medical Center, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit. According to the EEOC’s suit, for several months, Darlene Hayden, an African American laboratory assistant, endured a co-worker’s use of racial slurs. On the first occasion, Hayden informed her non-Black co-worker that the term, a version of the N-word, was offensive and discriminatory, and the co-worker apologized. However, when the co-wo... -
FCC announces new Covid-19 TeleHealth Program Awards totaling nearly 42 Million Dollars to Health Care Providers in every State and Territory
Federal Communications Commission announces new Covid-19 TeleHealth Program Awards totaling nearly $42 Million to Health Care Providers in every State and Territory | site |
(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: August 26, 2021)
Washington, August 26, 2021 - - The Federal Communications Commission today approved an initial set of 62 applications for funding commitments totaling $41.98 million for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Health care providers in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia, including those previously unfunded in Round 1, will use this funding to provide telehealth services during the coronavirus pandemic. The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program supports the efforts of health care providers to continue serving their patients by providing reimbursement for telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth... -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ensures access to Health Care as 9/11 Anniversary nears
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ensures access to Health Care as 9/11 Anniversary nears | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated: August 12, 2021) Washington - - As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Department of Veterans Affairs is providing those who served awareness of and access to all their health care services, specifically in areas of mental health and post-traumatic stress care. VA Mental Health officials said there has been an uptick in Veterans seeking help, which could increase more as they come to terms with their service and as the Afghanistan withdrawal comes to completion. “Our nation is indebted to the men and women who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, because they made our world infinitely safer,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Their service did not come without sacrifice as some carry physical and emotional wounds... -
Joint Statement from HHS Public Health and Medical Experts on COVID-19 Booster Shots
Joint Statement from HHS Public Health and Medical Experts on COVID-19 Booster Shots | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: August 18, 2021)
"Today, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the following statement on the Administration’s plan for COVID-19 booster shots for the American people." The statement is attributable to Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Dr. Janet Woodcock, Acting Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General; Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); Dr. Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health; Dr....
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs extends delay of upcoming Electronic Health Record deployments to June 2023 to address Technical and other System Performance issues | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) press release dated: October 13, 2022 Washington - - Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it is delaying upcoming deployments of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) until June 2023 to address challenges with the system and make sure it is functioning optimally for Veterans and for VA health care personnel. This decision comes after Secretary Denis McDonough announced in July that VA would delay EHR deployments until January 2023 to ensure that the system’s issues had been resolved. During VA’s subsequent investigation at our current sites, several additional technical and system issues were identified – including challenges with performance, such as latency and slowness, problems with...10-22-2022, 11:48 PM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Establishes New Office of Health Security | site |
Chief Medical Officer to Lead New Office for DHS Medical, Workforce Health and Safety, and Public Health Missions Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: July 19, 2022 Washington - - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week established the Office of Health Security, a new office that will serve as the principal medical, workforce health and safety, and public health authority for DHS. “Over the past several years, Americans have faced a series of unprecedented challenges impacting their health security, from the pandemic to natural disasters and more,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Our Department must be prepared to adapt to an ever-expanding, dynamic, and complex public health threat landscape. The Office of Health Security will lead our efforts to meet that charge...07-19-2022, 09:31 PM -
Remarks by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra at the Global COVID-19 Summit | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) press release dated: May 12, 2022
Xavier Becerra
May 12, 2022
Second Global COVID-19 Summit
Virtual Event
On Thursday, May 12, 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra delivered remarks at the second Global COVID-19 Summit, co-hosted by the United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal. During the Summit, Secretary Becerra discussed our continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic—getting shots in arms, enhancing access to tests and treatments, protecting the health workforce, and financing and building health security for future pandemics and other health crises.
...05-17-2022, 03:47 AM -
U.S. Education Department to Host Summit to Spotlight Strategies to Support Students with Disabilities, Students with Mental Health Needs | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: May 16, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans for a first-of-its-kind virtual summit, Recovery to Thriving: Supporting Mental Health & Students with Disabilities, to highlight steps schools, colleges and communities can take to support students with disabilities and students with mental health needs. “As communities and our country heal and recover, it’s important to acknowledge that our students with disabilities have faced unique challenges amid the pandemic and that some long-standing inequities between students with disabilities and their peers were made worse during this time,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Ensuring that our students with disab...05-16-2022, 10:46 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $5 Million in Funding to Advance Equity in Cancer Screening at Health Centers | site |
This investment supports President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative by promoting early detection and treatment through cancer screening.
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: March 11, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of $5 million for community health centers, funded by HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration, to increase equitable access to life-saving cancer screenings. This funding supports President Joe Biden’s Unity Agenda and his call to action on cancer screening and early detection as part of the Administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to end cancer as we know it. “Cancer screening saves lives – and it should be accessib...05-13-2022, 10:10 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $16.3 Million to Expand Telehealth Care in the Title X Family Planning Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: May 10, 2022 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $16.3 million in grant funding to support 31 grantees to enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure and capacity of Title X family planning clinics in 26 states, one U.S. territory, and one freely associated state. Title X is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services in communities across the U.S. HHS used funds made available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to award these grants to current Title X family planning grantees for a 12-month project period starting on May 15, 2022. This increased funding is another step...05-11-2022, 04:40 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $226.5 Million to Launch Community Health Worker Training Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 15, 2022 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announced the availability of $226.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to launch the Community Health Worker Training Program. This new program will increase the number of community health workers who play a critical role in connecting people to care, including COVID care; mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services; chronic disease care; and other important health services. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to building a robust public health workforce — the first line of defense in preventing disease, ...04-16-2022, 04:09 PM -
Health Resources and Services Administration Announces Availability of New Funding to Support Community-Based Doulas || site |
Funding will Expand the Community-based Doula Workforce to Help Address Maternal Mortality
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 1, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the availability of $4.5 million for hiring, training, certifying, and compensating community-based doulas in areas with high rates of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. This announcement builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and address the nation’s Black maternal health crisis. “Every person deserves to have the best support and care during pregnancy,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’...04-04-2022, 11:46 PM -
The Dooms Days Experiences of March 1979
Climate change! Climate change!! Climate change!!! How dare we teach about the urgency of climate change without fully educating young Americans about the existential catastrophe that could have resulted from the 1979 Three Mile Island crisis?
It was March 1979. Americans were going about their daily routines. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, we began to hear about a nuclear power plant located in the state of Pennsylvania. Most of us had no knowledge of the plant. "Three Mile Island" they called it. Something was going on at Three Mile Island. We came to understand that Three Mile Island was a nuclear power plant. As one news report after another emerged, we learned that some kind of accident had occurred at Three Mile Island. At first, the...03-29-2022, 11:21 AM -
The Dooms Days Experiences of March 1979
Climate change! Climate change!! Climate change!!! How dare we teach about the urgency of climate change without fully educating young Americans about the existential catastrophe that could have resulted from the 1979 Three Mile Island crisis?
It was March 1979. Americans were going about their daily routines. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, we began to hear about a nuclear power plant located in the state of Pennsylvania. Most of us had no knowledge of the plant. "Three Mile Island" they called it. Something was going on at Three Mile Island. We came to understand that Three Mile Island was a nuclear power plant. As one news report after another emerged, we learned that some kind of accident had occurred at Three Mile Island. At first, the...03-29-2022, 11:21 AM -
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Announces 2022 Health, Dental, and Vision Program Premiums | site |
Federal Benefits Open Season begins November 8
(Information contained in U.S. Office of Personnel Management press release dated: September 29, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today the 2022 plans and premiums for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). OPM manages the health insurance enrollment for 8.2 million people, making the FEHB program the largest employer-sponsored program in the world. In the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, OPM and the federal benefits carriers have worked closely to negotiate benefits and rates for the 2022 plan year. OPM continues to focus on offering quality health, dental, and vision benefits that are affordable to the...10-14-2021, 12:57 AM -
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Sued by EEOC for Race Discrimination | site |
African American Worker Endured Co-Worker’s Repeated Use of Racial Slur, Federal Agency Charges
(Information contained in U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] press release dated: October 8, 2021) Tacoma, Wash. - - Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington (KFHPW) violated federal law when it tolerated repeated use of a racial slur over the objections of an African American employee at its Tacoma Medical Center, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit. According to the EEOC’s suit, for several months, Darlene Hayden, an African American laboratory assistant, endured a co-worker’s use of racial slurs. On the first occasion, Hayden informed her non-Black co-worker that the term, a version of the N-word, was offensive and discriminatory, and the co-worker apologized. However, when the co-wo...10-11-2021, 09:57 PM -
Federal Communications Commission announces new Covid-19 TeleHealth Program Awards totaling nearly $42 Million to Health Care Providers in every State and Territory | site |
(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: August 26, 2021)
Washington, August 26, 2021 - - The Federal Communications Commission today approved an initial set of 62 applications for funding commitments totaling $41.98 million for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Health care providers in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia, including those previously unfunded in Round 1, will use this funding to provide telehealth services during the coronavirus pandemic. The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program supports the efforts of health care providers to continue serving their patients by providing reimbursement for telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth...08-28-2021, 11:03 PM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ensures access to Health Care as 9/11 Anniversary nears | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated: August 12, 2021) Washington - - As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Department of Veterans Affairs is providing those who served awareness of and access to all their health care services, specifically in areas of mental health and post-traumatic stress care. VA Mental Health officials said there has been an uptick in Veterans seeking help, which could increase more as they come to terms with their service and as the Afghanistan withdrawal comes to completion. “Our nation is indebted to the men and women who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, because they made our world infinitely safer,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Their service did not come without sacrifice as some carry physical and emotional wounds...08-20-2021, 08:11 AM -
Joint Statement from HHS Public Health and Medical Experts on COVID-19 Booster Shots | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: August 18, 2021)
"Today, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the following statement on the Administration’s plan for COVID-19 booster shots for the American people." The statement is attributable to Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Dr. Janet Woodcock, Acting Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General; Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); Dr. Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health; Dr....08-20-2021, 06:59 AM -
U.S. Department of Defense Offers Mental Health Resources for Service Members and Their Families | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Defense [DOD] press release dated: August 18, 2021) You are not alone. Remember that what is happening now does not minimize or negate the experiences of all who served overseas. Countless service members answered the call of duty and did what was asked of them. Service is never for naught. Think about the times when valor and courage changed lives for the better. Focus on the present and what feels meaningful to you in this moment. Our veterans served honorably and completed missions as required and as necessary – protecting our freedoms and we are forever grateful for their service. Talking can be very therapeutic, whether it’s to a local chaplain, psychologist or someone you served with in the military. Do what feels right for you. There is not one way to think...08-18-2021, 06:45 PM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for HHS Health Care Workforce | site |
Becerra: ‘Our Number One Goal Is the Health and Safety of the American Public, Including Our Federal Workforce’
Action Will Impact More Than 25,000 Workers at IHS, NIH, and Members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: August 12, 2021)
To increase vaccination coverage and protect more people from COVID-19, including the more transmissible Delta variant, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will require more than 25,000 members of its health care workforce to be vaccinated against COVID-19.Staff at the Indian Health...
Secretary Xavier Becerra08-13-2021, 05:47 PM -
Veterans Affairs Secretary statement on Richard Stone, M.D. stepping down as Acting Under Secretary for Health | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated: June 10, 2021) The contributions of Dr. Richard Stone, Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. to the country and Department of Veterans Affairs are immeasurable. I admire and rely on him a great deal and have been discussing this important assignment and his role with him for months. I respect his decision to leave, especially given the reason he told me he would do so: to ensure the incoming Under Secretary, whom I strongly believe needs to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has the opportunity to fully assume leadership of the Veterans Health Administration. We owe Dr. Stone an immense debt of gratitude for his leadership, especially during the pandemic. When COVID-19 first began to spread, Dr. Stone was among the first people Veterans and their...06-21-2021, 11:00 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Releases Project [email protected] Draft Technical Specification Version 1.0 for Comment | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: June 16, 2021) The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in collaboration with standards development organizations and a broad community of experts today released the Project [email protected] (‘USA’) Draft Technical Specification Version 1.0 for public comment. Project [email protected] was created to develop a unified, cross-standards, healthcare industry-wide specification for representing patient addresses to improve patient matching. “With a clear target and industry-wide commitment, it’s been amazing to see how much progress has been made in six short months,” said Steve Posnack, deputy national coordinator for health information technology. “We reall...06-18-2021, 01:12 AM -
CVS Health signs Human Rights Campaign's Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation | site |
(Information contained in CVS Health press release dated: June 8, 2021)
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - - We take great pride in joining more than 100 companies that have signed the Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation, which builds on our history of support for the LGBTQ community. We’ll continue to use our voice and the collective power of our employees, members, and customers to promote inclusiveness and equal treatment for all.
Editor's note:
CVS Health article location...06-11-2021, 03:51 AM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks increase in Academic Relationships with Minority-serving Institutions to expand Health Professions Training | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated June 9, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hosted the 2021 Minority Summit: The Power of Collaborating with VA, June 9, to strengthen and expand its relationships with minority-serving colleges, universities and medical schools, and professional organizations. VA’s Office of Academic Affiliations hosted more than 700 participants in a collaborative effort to increase academic affiliations with minority-serving institutions to create a more diverse cadre of health professions trainees to learn and care for Veteran patients at VA. Summit discussions centered around affiliation, scholarship and research opportunities available through VA. Included were panels comprised of representa...06-10-2021, 05:17 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces New Members of Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health| site |
15-member panel will advise OSHA on safety, health in construction
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 27, 2021)
Washington, DC - - U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh has appointed 15 individuals to serve as members on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, which provides advice and assistance to the assistant secretary on occupational safety and health in construction standards.
Members will serve two-year terms and represent the interests of the public, employers, employees, and state and federal government. The committee generally meets two to four times a year. The appointed members include the following:
Five employee representatives:- Cheryl M. Ambrose, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the
05-29-2021, 02:32 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: May 25, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments: “HHS has made incredible progress expanding vaccine access, lowering health care premiums, and leading the advocacy charge for the American Families Plan,” said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. “Our growing team reflects our commitment to continue fighting for the health of this country during a time of great need and even greater opportunity.” These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, strengt...05-28-2021, 02:48 AM -
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Encourages Companies to Promote Quality, Affordable Health Coverage for Gig Workers | site |
(Information contained in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services press release dated: May 26, 2021) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging online platform companies to share information with gig workers on their ability to enroll in affordable, quality, health coverage during the 2021 Marketplace Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Digital platforms – including Delivery Drivers, Inc., DoorDash, Lyft, Postmates, StyleSeat, Uber, and Wonolo – are participating in “Gig Workers’ Week of Action” to promote Marketplace healthcare plans to their workforces. Workers in the U.S., including those working with gig companies following COVID-19 related unemployment, may now be eligible for reduced premiums and increased savings for health insurance coverage on HealthCare.gov. Under the American Rescue...05-27-2021, 11:21 AM -
U.S. Internal Revenue Service provides Guidance on Premium Assistance and Tax Credit for Continuation Health Coverage | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: May 18, 2021)
Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service today provided guidance on tax breaks under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for continuation health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA).
Notice 2021-31 provides guidance for employers, plan administrators, and health insurers regarding the new credit available to them for providing continuation health coverage to certain individuals under COBRA. The American Rescue Plan provides a temporary 100% reduction in the premium that individuals would have to pay when they elect COBRA continuation health coverage following a reduction in hours or an involuntary termination of employment. The new law provides a correspondi...05-18-2021, 06:41 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $3 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funding for SAMHSA Block Grants to Address Addiction, Mental Health Crisis | site |
HHS Secretary Becerra forms new Behavioral Health Coordinating Council
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 18, 2021) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is distributing $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding — the largest aggregate amount of funding to date for its mental health and substance use block grant programs. The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) Program and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program (SABG) will disperse $1.5 billion each to states and territories (with the latter also awarding money to a tribe). This follows the March announcement of supplemental funding of nearly $2.5 billion ...05-18-2021, 05:22 PM -
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Data Shows Vulnerable Americans Forgoing Mental Health Care During COVID-19 Pandemic | site |
(Information contained in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services press release dated: May 14, 2021)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released data today highlighting the continued impact the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) is having on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiaries and utilization of health services. The data show that, from March through October 2020, beneficiaries have foregone millions of primary, preventive, and mental health care visits due to the COVID-19 PHE, compared to the same time period in 2019. Although utilization rates for some treatments have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, mental health services show the slowest rebound. This decline in utilization is occurring at a time when preliminary evidence shows menta...05-15-2021, 06:25 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Statement on the Swearing-In of Andrea Palm as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 12, 2021) Today, following a bipartisan confirmation by the U.S. Senate, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra formally swore in Andrea Palm as Deputy Secretary. Palm previously served as the Secretary-designee of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services and in several leadership roles at HHS during the Obama-Biden Administration. “I want to congratulate Andrea Palm, a lifelong public servant, for her bipartisan confirmation to serve as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We are elated to have her join the HHS team. As a veteran of the Obama-Biden Administration and as the former top health official in Wisc...05-13-2021, 05:41 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Prohibition on Sex Discrimination Includes Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | site |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says its Office for Civil Rights to Enforce Prohibitions on Sex Discrimination in Line with Supreme Court Decision
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 10, 2021) Washington D.C. - - Today, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Office for Civil Rights will interpret and enforce Section 1557 and Title IX’s prohibitions on discrimination based on sex to include: (1) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in covered health programs or activiti...05-10-2021, 05:53 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 27, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments: "The growing team at HHS is working tirelessly to end the COVID-19 pandemic and expand access to health care through President Biden's American Rescue Plan," said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. "These appointees, under the leadership of Secretary Xavier Becerra, bring diversity and years of experience to the crucial mission of ensuring Americans' health and wellbeing." These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality an...04-29-2021, 11:15 PM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stands up Commission to Recommend new Veterans Health Administration Under Secretary | site |
(Information contained in U.S Department of Veterans Affairs press release dated: March 9, 2021)
Washington - - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a commission to identify candidates to lead and manage the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The position is for the Under Secretary for Health, who oversees the country’s largest health care system — which has an approximate annual budget of $61 billion — and supervises the delivery of care to more than 9 million enrolled Veterans. By law, the appointment is made without regard to political affiliation and solely on demonstrated ability in the medical profession, policy formulation, and health care administration and fiscal management. Those being considered must have substantial experience in connection with the programs of VHA or prog...03-16-2021, 01:27 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden-Harris Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: March 2, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden-Harris Administration appointments, building on an experienced team committed to President Biden’s mission to end the COVID-19 pandemic, expand affordable health care, and advance equity. “President Biden’s team at HHS is growing quickly and continues to work tirelessly to end the COVID pandemic and address our many health challenges,” said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. “Our appointees will work hand-in-hand with our dedicated team of career officials throughout HHS to protect and expand quality, affordable care to all Americans.” These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, wh...03-05-2021, 05:39 PM -
Office for Civil Rights Resolves Three Discrimination Complaints After Medstar Health System Ensures Patients With Disabilities Can Have Support Persons in Health Care Settings During Covid-19 Pandemic | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] news release dated: February 25, 2021) Today, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services announces the resolution of three disability discrimination complaints to ensure that patients with disabilities are allowed access to support persons in MedStar Health hospitals and care locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, similar disability service provider, or other individual knowledgeable about the management or care of the patient who is authorized to assist the patient in making decisions. None of the individuals in the complaints had COVID-19, but all w...02-25-2021, 11:46 PM -
National Institutes of Health’s TOPMed program publishes Data on over 53,000 diverse Genomes | site |
NIH says historic findings could boost precision medicine, reduce health disparities
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release dated: February 10, 2021)
Researchers supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, announced the publication of a groundbreaking study which analyzed more than 53,000 whole genomes, primarily from minority populations. The study, which appears in the Feb. 10 online issue of the journal Nature, examines one of the largest and most diverse data sets of high-quality whole genome sequencing—a person’s complete set of DNA. The genetic data could shed new light on how heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders impact people with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, who often are underrepresented in genetic...02-10-2021, 03:07 PM -
National Institutes of Health calls for greater inclusion of Pregnant and Lactating People in COVID-19 Vaccine Research | site |
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press releases: February 10, 2021)
Longstanding obstacles to include pregnant and lactating people in clinical research have led to this population now deciding whether or not to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine without the benefit of scientific evidence, writes Diana W. Bianchi, M.D., director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), part of the National Institutes of Health, and colleagues. Their viewpoint article appears online in JAMA. The manufacturers of currently available vaccines excluded pregnant and lactating people from the clinical trials needed to obtain Emergency Use Authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Now that the vaccines have been distributed, the U.S. Center...02-10-2021, 01:08 PM -
National Institutes of Health Networks to Advance Emotional Well-being Research | site |
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release dated: February 1, 2021)
Five new research networks totaling $3.13 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health will allow investigators to refine and test key concepts that advance the study of emotional well-being. Emotional well-being has been defined as an overall positive state of one’s emotions, life satisfaction, sense of meaning and purpose, and ability to pursue self-defined goals. The opportunity to research emotional well-being and its core components — a sense of balance in emotion, thoughts, social relationships, and pursuits — aligns with NIH’s broader objectives of fostering health promotion and disease prevention. For example, having a sense of purpose in life has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. These research networks, f...02-03-2021, 06:21 PM -
Federal Housing Administration issues Measures to protect Health, Safety, and Homeownership Security of Borrowers Impacted by COVID-19 | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: February 3, 2021)
Washington - - Today, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) issued a series of waivers of provisions in its Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 that would normally require in-person contact between mortgage servicers and borrowers, including seniors with FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion (HECM) reverse mortgages. These waivers allow important mortgage servicing activities to continue, but in a manner that allows for safe social distancing to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. “President Biden has made it clear that protecting the health, safety, and homeownership security of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, including seniors, are urgent and immediate priorities,...02-03-2021, 05:20 PM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks Feedback to guide Future Vision of VA Health Care | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press release dated: February 1, 2021)
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a draft decision for criteria Feb. 1 in the Federal Register to be used by VA’s Secretary to develop recommendations for the future of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care.
The criteria are based on specific factors outlined in the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (MISSION Act), which gives Veterans greater access to health care in VA facilities and the community, and input received through collaboration with stakeholders, including Veterans and Veterans Service Organizations. The criteria includes the following categories: Veterans’ need for care and services; accessibility of care for veterans; impact on mission; providing the highest quality whole health care...02-03-2021, 03:20 AM -
Prioritizing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of State press release dated: January 28, 2021)
Press Statement
Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State
January 28, 2021
Today, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum revoking the January 23, 2017 Presidential Memorandum on the Mexico City Policy. Pursuant to President Biden’s memorandum, the previous administration’s Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy has also been rescinded. In the Biden-Harris administration, the empowerment and protection of women and girls, including promoting their sexual and reproductive health and rights, is a central part of U.S. foreign policy and national security. Today’s action by President Biden will help improve the lives of women and children around the world by expanding the base of partners implementin...01-29-2021, 11:39 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Marketplace Special Enrollment Period for COVID-19 Public Health Emergency | site |
2021 SEP provides access to health coverage during the pandemic
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: January 28, 2021)
In accordance with the Executive Order issued today by President Biden, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families for Marketplace coverage in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which has left millions of Americans facing uncertainty and exceptional circumstances while millions of Americans have experienced new health problems during the pandemic. This SEP will allow individuals and families in states with Marketplaces served by the HealthCare.gov platform...01-28-2021, 10:42 PM -
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Remarks at the World Health Organization Executive Board Meeting | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: January 21, 2021)
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Remarks at the World Health Organization Executive Board Meeting
“Director-General Dr. Tedros, distinguished representatives, friends and colleagues: It is an honor for me to be here, representing the United States of America, on behalf of the newly inaugurated Biden-Harris administration, and as the Chief Medical Adviser to President Biden. I also am here to represent the scientists, public health officials and frontline healthcare workers, and community health workers who have worked so heroically this past year to fight COVID-19, developing medical countermeasures at truly phenomenal speed, adapting policy responses as we learn more about the virus, and courageously...01-21-2021, 11:03 AM -
National Institutes of Health Officials Highlight COVID-19 Vaccine Facts, Unknowns for Healthcare Providers | site |
(Information included in a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) news release dated: January 18, 2021)
Healthcare providers must be able to explain the latest data supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) so they can strongly encourage vaccination when appropriate while acknowledging that uncertainty and unknowns remain. This message comes from a new commentary co-authored by Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, and other leading NIAID scientists in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. The commentary provides an overview of the seven COVID-19 vaccines furthest along in development in the United States. For each vaccine candidate, the authors des...01-21-2021, 10:03 AM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Israel Ministry of Defense renew Partnership to Share Best Practices in Veteran Health Care
| site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press release dated: January 15, 2021)
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it is renewing its partnership with the Israel Ministry of Defense to continue sharing expertise on caring for Veterans. The partnership focuses on enhancing the quality of life for Veterans through the delivery of state-of-the-art, evidenced-based physical and mental health care that leverages the experience, resources and research of both partners. “The partnership with the Ministry will augment the important work VA does to support Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This collaboration will also identify opportunities for VA and the Ministry to share best practices in polytrauma rehabilitation and assessment, treatme...01-19-2021, 04:52 AM -
National Institutes of Health Scientists identify Nutrient that helps prevent Bacterial Infection | site |
Taurine, which helps the body digest fats and oils, could offer treatment benefit.
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release: January 15, 2021)
Scientists studying the body’s natural defenses against bacterial infection have identified a nutrient — taurine — that helps the gut recall prior infections and kill invading bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn). The finding, published in the journal Cell by scientists from five institutes of the National Institutes of Health, could aid efforts seeking alternatives to antibiotics. Scientists know that microbiota — the trillions of beneficial microbes living harmoniously inside our gut — can protect people from bacterial infections, but little is known about how they provide protection. Scientists are studying the microbiota ...01-15-2021, 01:43 PM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Celebrates 75 Years of the Veterans Health Administration | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press release: January 12, 2021)
Washington - - This year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) commemorates 75 years of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Originally established in 1946 as the Department of Medicine & Surgery to care for Veterans returning from World War II, VHA has evolved to meet the unique challenges and care needs of Veterans from every era and at every stage of their lives. “As we celebrate this historic milestone, we are presented with an opportunity to share VHA’s rich history while looking toward our next chapter as a learning organization that is committed to continuous improvement,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “It is also a fitting occasion to recognize the extraordinary efforts of VHA staff and volunteers during the ...01-14-2021, 01:54 AM -
National Institutes of Health Scientists Study Salmonella Swimming Behavior as Clues to Infection | site |
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release: January 13, 2021)
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium bacteria (S. Typhimurium) commonly cause human gastroenteritis, inflammation of the lining of the intestines. The bacteria live inside the gut and can infect the epithelial cells that line its surface. Many studies have shown that Salmonella use a “run-and-tumble” method of short swimming periods (runs) punctuated by tumbles when they randomly change direction, but how they move within the gut is not well understood.
Salmonella bacteria (pink), a common cause of foodborne disease, invade a human epithelial cell (yellow). Courtesy: NIH/NIAID
National Institutes...01-14-2021, 12:39 AM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Fitbit help support Veteran Health and Wellness during COVID-19 Pandemic | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press release: January 11, 2021)
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today a new initiative with Fitbit that will provide eligible Veterans, caregivers and VA staff with access to Fitbit programs and services to help manage stress, improve sleep and increase physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative will be focused on participants who currently use Fitbit devices. VA has contracted with Fitbit to initially provide 10,000 eligible Veterans, caregivers and VA staff a one-year free membership to Fitbit Premium. This includes access to guided programs, hundreds of workouts, mindfulness content, a wellness report and a health metrics dashboard. Participants will also have access to Fitbit Health Coachi...01-11-2021, 06:20 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Lead Federal Grants Management Innovations and Efficiencies | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: January 11, 2021)
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) today formally designated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Quality Service Management Office (QSMO) for grants to lead efforts to transform the Federal grants management process end-to-end. With this designation, the Grants QSMO will drive standardization and modernization of systems to increase efficiency and reduce burden for grant applicants and recipients and for the federal workforce government-wide. “The designation of HHS as the Grants QSMO affirms the long-standing role of HHS as the largest grant-making agency and leader in improving grants management. We look forward to working across the stakeholder community of awarding agencies, service pro...01-11-2021, 04:15 PM -
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Issues Alert Regarding SARS-CoV-2 Viral Mutation to Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratory Staff | site |
Impact on molecular tests remains low
(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press release: January 8, 2021) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting clinical laboratory staff and health care providers that the FDA is monitoring the potential impact of viral mutations, including an emerging variant from the United Kingdom known as the B.1.1.7 variant, on authorized SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests, and that false negative results can occur with any molecular test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 if a mutation occurs in the part of the virus’s genome assessed by that test. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can mutate over time, like all viruses, resulting in genetic variation in the population of circulating viral strains, as seen with the B.1.1.7 variant. The FDA is taki...01-08-2021, 05:19 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Continues Community Based Testing Sites for COVID-19 | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: January 7, 2021) Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the extension of the Community Based Testing Site program for COVID-19 testing, through partnership with national pharmacy and retail chains CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Quest (through services at Walmart) and service provider eTrueNorth (through services at Health Mart and Topco locations). The partnership has resulted in establishing more than 3,300 COVID-19 testing locations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To date, more than 5.6 million tests have been conducted as a result of this partnership. The Community Based Testing Site program began in the spring of 2020 and includes a large percentage - over 70% - of testing sites located in communities ...01-07-2021, 04:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $22 Billion in Funding to Support Expanded Testing, Vaccination Distribution | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: January 6, 2021)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced two upcoming actions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide more than $22 billion in funding to states, localities, and territories in support of the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as directed by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
Funding will provide critical support for testing and vaccination-related activities to jurisdictions before January 19, 2021:- More than $19 billion will be allocated to jurisdictions through the existing CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) cooperative agreement. These awards will support testing, contract tracing, surveillance,
01-07-2021, 04:30 AM -
CVS Health Corporation Announces Quarterly Dividend | site |
(Information contained in CVS Health Corporation press release dated: January 4, 2021)
Woonsocket, R.I., — CVS Health Corporation (NYSE: CVS) today announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.50 (50 cents) per share on the corporation’s common stock. The dividend is payable on February 1, 2021, to holders of record on January 22, 2021....01-05-2021, 10:54 AM -
National Institutes of Health says Peer-reviewed Report on Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Publishes | site |
NIH says "Data from Phase 3 clinical trial confirm vaccine is effective".
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release dated: December 30, 2020)
The investigational vaccine known as mRNA-1273 was 94.1% efficacious in preventing symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to preliminary results from a Phase 3 clinical trial reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. The vaccine also demonstrated efficacy in preventing severe COVID-19. Investigators identified no safety concerns and no evidence of vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD). The vaccine was co-developed by Moderna, Inc., a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. ...01-02-2021, 01:44 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes Statements on FDA Authorization of Moderna Vaccine | site |
(The following information was contained in a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: December 18, 2020)
HHS and DoD Statements on FDA Authorization of Moderna Vaccine
On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it had issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, the second COVID-19 vaccine to receive an EUA. Operation Warp Speed has allocated more than 5.9 million doses of the vaccine for jurisdictions to receive in the coming week. Below are statements from HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller. “On January 7, before China had reported even one death from the novel coronavirus or confirmed human-to-human transmission, NIH scientists and innovators at Moderna agreed to b...12-22-2020, 12:14 PM -
CVS Health begins Administering COVID-19 Vaccines in Long-term Care Facilities | site |
CVS Health says "Majority of facilities nationwide have selected CVS Pharmacy as vaccination provider"
(Information contained in CVS Health press release: December 21, 2020) Woonsocket, R.I. — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) has formally launched its COVID-19 vaccination program for long-term care facilities, whose residents have been disproportionality impacted by the pandemic. CVS Pharmacy teams will administer the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in facilities across 12 states this week, and the company expects to vaccinate up to four million residents and staff at over 40,000 long-term care facilities through the program. "Today's rollout is the culmination of months of internal planning and demonstrates how the private sector can use its expertise to help solve some of our most critical challenges," said Larry J. Merlo, President and Chief Executive Off...12-22-2020, 01:10 AM -
American Medical Association article says AHA, AMA, ANA urge Health Care Workers to take COVID-19 Vaccine | site |
The following information is contained in American Medical Association (AMA) press release dated December 15, 2020 and titled as follows:
AHA, AMA, ANA urge health care workers to take COVID-19 vaccine
Washington, DC — With the initial distribution and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine underway, leading U.S. medical, nursing and hospital organizations thanked health care professionals in an open letter today and urged them to continue their battle against COVID-19 by taking a vaccine and sharing their experience with others, noting their position as trusted and valued voices in their communities.
The open letter from the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, and American Nurses Association is available here. The full text is below: An open letter to all health care prof...12-17-2020, 08:58 PM -
Statement published by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on FDA Emergency Use Authorization of a COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: December 11, 2020) Today the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Pfizer for its COVID-19 vaccine, the first authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. Operation Warp Speed and private sector partners now begin distributing the first allocation of doses to sites designated by the public health jurisdictions and five federal agencies with which OWS and CDC have been working to plan distribution. HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller released the following statements: “It is nothing short of a medical miracle to have FDA authorization of a vaccine for COVID-19 just over 11 months since the virus was made known to the w...12-12-2020, 12:08 AM -
National Institutes of Health says Baricitinib plus Remdesivir shows Promise for Treating COVID-19 | site |
NIH says "Peer-reviewed results of NIH clinical trial published".
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release media advisory: December 11, 2020)
The combination of baricitinib, an anti-inflammatory drug, and remdesivir, an antiviral, reduced time to recovery for people hospitalized with COVID-19, according to clinical trial results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. The clinical trial is the second iteration of the NIH Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT-2), a study protocol to evaluate therapeutics for people hospitalized with COVID-19. Remdesivir is a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Baricitinib was discove...12-11-2020, 11:35 PM -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expands Local Area Health Estimates to Include Data for the Entire U.S. | site |
New PLACES data help inform local health decisions
(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] press release: December 9, 2020)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the expansion of the 500 Cities Project, a 2016 initiative to provide city- and neighborhood-level health estimates for a large portion of the nation’s population. The project is being renamed PLACES, and now provides Population Level Analysis and Community Estimates to the entire United States to show the prevalence of chronic diseases and the health impacts on underserved communities. Many Americans face health-related challenges like chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity that put them at increased risk for severe illness from diseases such as COVID-19...12-09-2020, 03:28 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Publishes COVID-19 Hospital Facility-Level Data | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: December 7, 2020)
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing new hospital COVID-19 capacity data at the facility level. Previously released data about hospital capacity that had been released was aggregated at the state level. This new, more granular, data release aggregates daily hospital reports into a "week at a time" picture to protect patient privacy, while providing a view of how COVID-19 is impacting hospitals and local communities across the country. With this data release, how hospitals are impacted by COVID-19 will be shown on a per-hospital basis, allowing researchers, policy makers, and others to have greater insights into local COVID-19 response efforts. This time series data will update weekly, going back to Aug...12-07-2020, 08:56 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says Tribal Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations Choose How They Will Access the COVID-19 Vaccine | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release: December 1, 2020) The Department of Health and Human Services is laying the necessary groundwork for the distribution of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine by ensuring that all tribal health programs and urban Indian organizations have the choice on how they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Today, HHS is announcing that all tribal health programs and UIOs have chosen their preferred method for receiving the vaccine. Tribal health programs and UIOs had the option of receiving the vaccine either through the Indian Health Service or their respective state. Once available, COVID-19 vaccines will be allocated to jurisdictions, including the IHS, who will then distribute to tribal health programs and UIOs. “By offeri...12-01-2020, 08:47 PM -
National Institutes of Health says Fourth Iteration of COVID-19 Treatment Trial underway| site |
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release: November 25, 2020) The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health, today announced that the fourth iteration of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT-4) has begun to enroll hospitalized adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who require supplemental oxygen. The NIAID-sponsored trial will enroll up to 1,500 patients at approximately 100 sites in the United States and other countries. Participants will be assigned at random to one of two treatment arms of equal size. One group will receive both dexamethasone, a corticosteroid available as a generic drug, and remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral discovered and developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc., of Foster City, California. Remdesivir, also known as Veklury, was r...11-25-2020, 10:28 PM -
American Hospital Association says, As COVID-19 Cases surge again, four Major Health Care Organizations release Updated Guidance on Maintaining Essential Surgery during the Ongoing Pandemic | site |
(Information contained in American Hospital Association press release: November 24, 2020)
As COVID-19 cases surge again, four major health care organizations release updated guidance on maintaining essential surgery during the ongoing pandemic
Joint roadmap addresses the dual need to meet health care demands for patients hospitalized with COVID-19, along with patients who need essential surgical services; calls for centralized coordinated governmental action to deploy necessary supplies
CHICAGO (November 24, 2020): Hospitals in many regions across the United States are now reporting near or at bed and ICU capacity due to the resurgence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is presenting new...11-25-2020, 02:26 AM -
Statement from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Chief of Staff Brian Harrison on Efforts to Increase Transparency at HHS | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: November 24, 2020)
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through a Notice published in the Federal Register announced a policy to enhance transparency at HHS by requiring that all assumptions, working papers, models, and other information used as part of any impact analysis associated with a rule or demonstration project are shared at the time the results of that analysis are publicly disclosed. HHS Chief of Staff Brian Harrison issued the following statement:
“We are providing needed transparency by requiring the Department to show its math so the American people can know and challenge the methods government uses to calculate effects of regulations it imposes on them.”
Frequently...11-24-2020, 03:24 PM -
National Institutes of Health says Commonly used Antibiotic shows Promise for Combating Zika Infections | site |
NIH preclinical study suggests FDA-approved tetracycline-based antibiotics may slow infection and reduce neurological problems.
(Information contained in National Institutes of Health [NIH] press release: November 24, 2020)
In 2015, hundreds of children were born with brain deformities resulting from a global outbreak of Zika virus infections. Recently, National Institutes of Health researchers used a variety of advanced drug screening techniques to test out more than 10,000 compounds in search of a cure. To their surprise, they found that the widely used antibiotic methacycline was effective at preventing brain infections and reducing neurological problems associated with the virus in mice. In addition, they found that drugs originally designed to combat Alzheimer’s disease and inflammation may also help fight infections. ...11-24-2020, 02:57 PM -
HHS and DOD Award $11.6 Million Contract to Puritan Medical Products to Boost U.S. Production of Swabs for Cue Health COVID-19 Tests | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: November 23, 2020) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) have jointly awarded an $11.6 million contract to Puritan Medical Products Company, LLC, to expand domestic production capacity of Cue Sample Wands, the nasal swabs used exclusively with the COVID-19 cartridge-based molecular testing system developed and manufactured by Cue Health, Inc. The test generates results in about 20 minutes at the point-of-care (POC). Awarded November 19, the new contract will allow Puritan Medical to expedite upgrades at its Maine facility and increase production capability of Cue’s nasal swabs to 3 million per month by March 2021. These efforts support the federal government’s procurement of 6 millio...11-24-2020, 12:31 AM -
American Medical Association CEO says "COVID-19 is a Painful Validation of Our Long-term Vision for Health Care" | site |
(Information contained in American Medical Association [AMA] press release: November 13, 2020)
AMA CEO James L. Madara, MD
In his address to the House of Delegates at the American Medical Association (AMA) November Special Meeting, AMA CEO James L. Madara, MD, highlights how the AMA has supported physicians during the pandemic and how COVID-19 is a painful validation of the organization’s long-term strategic vision for health care.
...11-24-2020, 12:02 AM -
Decades of National Institutes of Health Research help lead to first FDA-approved Treatment for Progeria | site |
(Information included in a National Institutes of Health [NIH] news release media advisory: November 23, 2020)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first treatment for progeria, a rare and fatal pediatric disease, characterized by dramatic, rapid aging beginning in childhood. The treatment was made possible thanks in part to work at the National Institutes of Health over nearly two decades to identify and understand the function of the mutant gene and the protein it encodes (called progerin), with the goal of identifying new therapeutic drugs for the disorder. Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is a rare, multisystemic disease that causes premature aging and premature death in children. Progeria is caused by a genetic mutation in the LMNA (“lamin A”) gene, which helps maintain the normal ...11-23-2020, 10:11 PM -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues revised COVID-19 Travel Health Notice Levels and Testing for International Travelers| site |
(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) press release: November 22, 2020)
On Saturday, November 21, CDC revised the Travel Health Notice system for COVID-19 and released new recommendations for testing before and after international air travel to help the public make informed decisions for safer, healthier, and more responsible travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CDC’s Travel Health Notices inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues in destinations around the world. For most diseases, the Travel Health Notices have 3 levels. This new 4-level travel health notice system is specific to COVID-19 and details the level of COVID-19 in international destinations and U.S. territories. The COVID-19 Travel Health Notices now indicate low, moderate, high, and...11-23-2020, 02:25 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Launches Pilot Program of Fast Molecular POC Test for COVID-19 | site |
HHS says Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Texas Receive First Shipments of Test Used in NBA Bubble
(Information contained in HHS press release: November 19, 2020) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a pilot program with five states to use portable, cartridge-based COVID-19 molecular test kits that provide rapid results. The pilot program will assess how to best integrate diagnostic technology developed by Cue Health, Inc., into strategies for disease surveillance and infection control in institutions such as nursing homes. Used successfully as the primary molecular point-of-care (POC) test to control the spread of COVID-19 within in the National Basketball Association “bubble,” as well as by leading healthcare providers in the U.S., the nasal swab POC test generates results in ab...11-19-2020, 11:02 PM -
CDC Expands U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System with new Social Determinants of Health Module | site |
New tool identifies Diabetes-Related Health Disparities
(Information contained in CDC press release: November 17, 2020)
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded the U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System with a new social determinants of health (SDOH) module to help identify under-resourced areas of the United States and assess the potential impact of health disparities on diabetes burden and risk factors.
The expanded U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System now overlays diabetes data with 15 social vulnerability variables. The SDOH module gives public health professionals and researchers a more complete look at factors potentially impacting people’s ability to successfully manage diabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes around the U.S. Data are available at the national level to compare counties across stat...11-19-2020, 07:22 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA announces $2,856,533 in Coronavirus Violations | site |
(November 13, 2020) - - On November 13, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor published information that included the following:
WASHINGTON, DC – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Nov. 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 204 citations arising from inspections for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $2,856,533.
OSHA inspections have resulted in the agency citing employers for violations, including failures to:- Implement a written respiratory protection program;
- Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper use of a respirator and personal protective equipment;
- Report an injury, illness or fatality;
- Record an injury or illness on OSHA recordkeeping forms; and
- Comply with the General Duty Clause of
11-16-2020, 02:20 AM -
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program Managed Care Final Rule Fact Sheet | site |
(November 9, 2020) - - On November 9, 2020 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the following:
Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Final Rule - CMS-2408-F
Overview The announcement of the 2020 Medicaid & CHIP Managed Care final rule highlights the Trump Administration’s continued commitment to reduce administrative burden and cut red tape, support state flexibility, and promote transparency and innovation in the Medicaid and CHIP programs for the growing number of people in Medicaid and CHIP managed care. This final rule finalizes policies from the Notice of Proposed Rule Making issued in November 2018. Based on 2018 state Medicaid and CHIP enrollment data, eighty three percent, or around 66 million people, are enrolled in...11-16-2020, 01:32 AM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirms Authority for its Health Care Professionals to Practice across State Lines | site |
(November 13, 2020) - - Today, November 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it published an interim final rule affirming VA’s current policy allowing VA health care professionals to practice across state lines in accordance with the scope and requirements of their VA employment, regardless of conflicting state requirements.
This regulation allows VA the flexibility to mobilize and hire qualified health care professionals from any state and quickly place them in areas of need — which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
VA maintains and continues to exercise this authority. Reaching beyond the coronavirus pandemic and as identified in “VA’s Fourth Mission”,...11-13-2020, 08:27 PM -
National Institutes of Health says Cardiac Arrest Treatment that uses Life Support Machine boosts Survival | site |
(November 13, 2020) - - Today the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the following information:
Using a life support machine to replicate the functions of the heart and lungs significantly improved the survival of people who suffered from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a new study published today in The Lancet . The treatment program involving the life support machine called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) proved so much more effective than the standard treatment for this usually fatal condition that the trial was stopped early after enrolling just 30 of the expected 165 patients. The study, known as the Advanced Reperfusion Strategies for Refractory Cardiac Arrest (ARREST) trial, was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. It found th...11-13-2020, 01:54 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allocates Lilly therapeutic to treat Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 | site |
(November 10, 2020) - - Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced plans to allocate initial doses of Eli Lilly and Company’s investigational monoclonal antibody therapeutic, bamlanivimab, which received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration November 9 for the treatment of non-hospitalized patients with mild or moderate confirmed cases of COVID-19.
On October 28, the federal government announced a purchase of 300,000 doses of bamlanivimab. HHS will allocate these doses to state and territorial health departments which, in turn, will determine which healthcare facilities receive the infusion drug. The federal government can purchase up to 650,000 additional...11-10-2020, 03:48 PM -
National Institutes of Health Question and Answer conference on COVID-19 Vaccine Research | site |
An Update on COVID-19 Vaccines featuring Drs. Francis Collins and Anthony Fauci
(October 29, 2020) - - On October 29, 2020 National Institutes of Health (NIH) officials discussed COVID-19 Vaccine Research. The video conference is available at https://youtu.be/rDT1WrzHWH8 or press HERE
Credit: NIH...11-10-2020, 11:07 AM -
National Institutes of Health says Hydroxychloroquine does not benefit Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19 | site |
(November 9, 2020) - - Today the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the following information:
A National Institutes of Health clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has formally concluded that the drug provides no clinical benefit to hospitalized patients. Though found not to cause harm, early findings in June when the trial was stopped indicated that the drug was not improving outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Final data and analyses of ...11-09-2020, 03:58 PM -
AHA says Project Firstline brings Flex, Easy-access COVID-19 Training to the Health Care Front-linesAmerican Hospital Association says Project Firstline brings Flex, Easy-access COVID-19 Training to the Health Care Front-lines| site |
American Hospital Association is proud to partner with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reach and engage all health care personnel with this vital online curriculum
(October 28, 2020) - - On October 28, 2020 the American Hospital Association published the following information: CHICAGO (October 28, 2020) — In a time when health care personnel are working tirelessly on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19, bringing them quick and easy access to critical infection prevention and control training is essential. Project Firstline, a national training collaborative between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and some of the nation’s leading health care organizations, including the American Hospital Association (AHA), is designed to help health care workers increase their ...11-07-2020, 02:15 PM -
National Institutes of Health says the Gut trains the Immune System to Protect the Brain| site |
Gut-trained immune cells at CNS borders guard against meningitis and other infections.
(November 5, 2020) - - Today, November 5, 2020, the National Institutes of Health published the following information: The membranes surrounding our brains are in a never-ending battle against deadly infections, as germs constantly try to elude watchful immune cells and sneak past a special protective barrier called the meninges. In a study involving mice and human autopsy tissue, researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Cambridge University have shown that some of these immune cells are trained to fight these infections by first spending time in the gut. “This finding opens a new area of neuroimmunology, showing that gut-educated antibody-producing cells inhabit and defend regions that surround the central nervous system,” said Dorian McGavern, P...11-05-2020, 03:47 PM -
National Institutes of Health Scientists discover Key Pathway in Lysosomes that Coronaviruses use to Exit Cells | site |
Targeting cells’ ‘trash compactor’ could lead to new antiviral strategy to fight COVID-19.
(October 28, 2020) - - Today, October 28, 2020, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the following information:
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a biological pathway that the novel coronavirus appears to use to hijack and exit cells as it spreads through the body. A better understanding of this important pathway may provide vital insight in stopping the transmission of the virus—SARS-CoV-2—which causes COVID-19 disease.
In cell studies, the researchers showed for the first time that the coronavirus can exit infected cells through the lysosome, an organelle known as the cells’ ...10-31-2020, 01:42 AM -
Statement — National Institutes of Health-Sponsored ACTIV-3 Trial Closes LY-CoV555 Sub-Study | site |
(October 26, 2020) - - Today, October 26, 2020, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases published the following information:
Statement—NIH-Sponsored ACTIV-3 Trial Closes LY-CoV555 Sub-Study
The ACTIV-3 clinical trial evaluating the investigational monoclonal antibody LY-CoV555 in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 will not enroll more participants into this sub-study following a recommendation from the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). The trial is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. ACTIV-3 is a master protocol designed to allow for the study of multiple investigational agents compared to placebo in adults hospitalized with COVID-19. Participants in the trial are randomly as...10-27-2020, 02:04 PM -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Awards $9.4 Million in Research Grants to Reduce Housing-related Health Hazards| site |
Funding to improve methods to identify and control key residential hazards
(October 26, 2020) - - Today, October 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published the following information:
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $9.4 million to 13 universities and public health organizations to improve our understanding of the longer term impact of housing interventions targeting lead and other residential hazards and improve methods to identify and control residential health hazards such as pests, injury hazards, and asthma triggers. These grants are particularly important to improve our ability to protect vulnerable populations, such as children and seniors, from exposure to these hazards. Read a complete project-by-project summary...10-27-2020, 02:53 AM -
Federal Partners Kick Off Workshop on Federal Government Human Health PFAS Research with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine| site |
(October 26, 2020) - - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published today, October 26, 2020, the following information: WASHINGTON (October 26, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) kicked off the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)’s Workshop on Federal Government Human Health Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Research. Aggressively addressing PFAS has been an active and ongoing priority for this Administration. This collaborative workshop will help to further coordinate PFAS research across the federal government and is an important part of EPA’s work under its PFAS Action Plan. “EPA is com...10-27-2020, 02:30 AM -
National Institutes of Health says Study discovers Gene that Helps us Know When it’s Time to Urinate | site |
(October 19, 2020) - - Today, October 19, 2020, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the following information:
In a National Institutes of Health-funded study involving both mice and patients who are part of an NIH Clinical Center trial, researchers discovered that a gene, called PIEZO2, may be responsible for the powerful urge to urinate that we normally feel several times a day. The results, published in Nature, suggest that the gene helps at least two different types of cells in the body sense when our bladders are full and need to be emptied. These results also ...10-24-2020, 06:27 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Expands Relief Fund Eligibility and Updates Reporting Requirements | site |
(October 22, 2020) - - Today, October 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is announcing the latest Provider Relief Fund (PRF) application period has been expanded to include provider applicants such as residential treatment facilities, chiropractors, and eye and vision providers that have not yet received Provider Relief Fund distributions. On October 1, 2020, HHS announced it would be making up to $20 billion in new Phase 3 General Distribution funding available for providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. HHS is also focused on ensuring the safe continuity of all types of health care delivery despite this pandemic. As such, the Adminis...10-23-2020, 05:38 AM -
Veterans Affairs completes Secure Transfer of Veteran Data ahead of new Electronic Health Record Launch | site |
VA completes secure transfer of Veteran data ahead of new electronic health record launch
(October 15, 2020) - - Today, October 15, 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it completed transferring patient data into its new electronic health record (EHR) solution in preparation for the system’s launch in the Pacific Northwest later this month.
The Oct. 1 migration includes clinical and demographic data for approximately 88,000 Veterans and equips VA health care providers with a longitudinal view of patient information when using the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) solution at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Spokane, Washington. “Giving our VA clinicians quick, secu...10-21-2020, 11:33 PM -
Department of Veterans Affairs says Federal Electronic Health Record connects with more Community Partners | site |
VA says addition of new health care network enhances patient care
(October 13, 2020) - - Today, October 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:
WASHINGTON — The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) program office announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) expanded their joint health information exchange (HIE) network with the private sector, Oct. 9, after connecting with the CommonWell Health Alliance. CommonWell brings a nationwide network of more than 15,000 hospitals and clinics to the 46,000 community partners already part of the joint HIE. Launched earlier this year, the joint HIE is a modernized health data sharing capability that enhances the abili...10-15-2020, 12:39 AM -
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Announces 2021 Health, Dental, and Vision Program Premiums| site |
(October 14, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today that for plan year 2021, the average total premiums for current non-Postal employees and retirees enrolled in plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program will increase 3.6 percent. This year’s increase is lower than last year’s increase.
This year, OPM has negotiated a new, seven-year contract for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). While the majority of current FEDVIP enrollees should not experience a significant increase in premiums, enrollees are encouraged to research the various FEDVIP plans and choose the dental and vision coverage that best fits their needs. “Our team has worked diligently ...10-14-2020, 05:53 PM -
National Institutes of Health Study aims to Identify promising COVID-19 Treatments for larger Clinical Trials | site |
(October 13, 2020) - - Today, the National Institutes of Health published the following information:
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, today launched a study designed to determine whether certain approved therapies or investigational drugs in late-stage clinical development showpromise against COVID-19 and merit...
This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round gold objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. SARS-CoV-2, also known as 2019-nCoV, is the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus shown was isolated from a patient in the U.S.
Graphic courtesy NIAID10-13-2020, 05:24 PM -
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Azar Statement on Mental Health Executive Order| site |
(October 5, 2020) - - Today, October 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information: On Monday, the White House issued President Trump's Executive Order on Saving Lives Through Increased Support For Mental- and Behavioral-Health Needs, which orders the creation of a Coronavirus Mental Health Working Group, co-chaired by the HHS Secretary and Brooke Rollins, Acting Director of the Domestic Policy Council (or their designees), the submission of a plan by the working group for addressing mental health impacts of COVID-19, and calls for agencies to maximize support, including safe in-person services, for Americans in need of behavioral health treatment. HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement: "We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has created or exacerbated serious behavioral health challenges for ma...10-08-2020, 07:12 PM -
U.S. General Services Administration and U.S. Department of Energy issue RFI for Resource-Efficient Technologies that Improve Building Health and Resilience | site |
(October 7, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration published the following information: WASHINGTON — The U.S. General Services Administration, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain responses from vendors and other interested parties on resource-efficient technologies that improve commercial building health and resilience. The RFI invites technology manufacturers and industry to submit information on technologies that are nearly ready for commercial use, or in the early stages of commercial application. Responses will be evaluated and considered for inclusion in the GSA Proving Ground (GPG) program (for federally-owned facilities) or voluntary partnership programs facilitated by DOE (for privately-owned fa...10-07-2020, 10:29 PM -
Health Resources and Services Administration - - HRSA | site |
(October 6, 2020) - - Are you familiar with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)? If not, you may find information about HRSA at https://www.hrsa.gov or press HERE
...10-06-2020, 03:47 PM -
National Institutes of Health to Assess and Expand COVID-19 Testing for Underserved Communities | site |
(September 30, 2020) - - Today, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the following information:
The National Institutes of Health has awarded nearly $234 million to improve COVID-19 testing for underserved and vulnerable populations. A part of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative, the RADx Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program will support 32 institutions across the United States and will focus on populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These groups include African Americans, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Latinos/Latinas, Native Hawaiians, older adults, pregnant women and those who are homeless or incarcerated. “It is critical that all Americans have access to rapid, accurate diagnostics for COVID-19, especially underserved and vulnerable populations who are bearing the brunt of th...10-01-2020, 06:48 AM -
National Institutes of Health expands Clinical Trials to Test Convalescent Plasma against COVID-19 | site |
Rigorous studies to build on earlier efforts to test the experimental treatment
(September 22, 2020) - - Today the National Institutes of Health published the following information: Two randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are expanding enrollment to further evaluate convalescent plasma as a treatment for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Preliminary observational studies indicate that convalescent plasma may improve outcomes among severely ill and hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Prospective, well-controlled randomized trials are needed to generate sufficient data on whether convalescent plasma is effective and safe for the treatment of COVID-19. Convalescent plasma is blood plasma taken from people who have recovered from COVID-19. It contains antibodies that can recognize and ...09-22-2020, 02:17 PM -
National Institutes of Health Funds Community Engagement Research Efforts in Areas Hardest Hit by COVID-19 | site |
(September 16, 2020) - - Today, September 16, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
The National Institutes of Health today announced a $12 million award for outreach and engagement efforts in ethnic and racial minority communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The award to RTI International, a non-profit research institution, will support teams in 11 states established as part of the NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities. These teams have received initial funding to immediately create CEAL programs, and RTI will serve as the Technical and Administrative Support and Coordination (TASC) center.
The CEAL research teams will focus on COVID-19 awareness and education research, especially among African Americans,...09-21-2020, 06:41 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Awards $11.2 Million in Worker Safety and Health Training Grants | site |
(September 18, 2020) - - Today, September 18, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has awarded approximately $11.2 million in Susan Harwood federal safety and health training grants to 90 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The grants will provide education and training programs to help workers and employers recognize serious workplace hazards, including the coronavirus, implement injury prevention measures and understand their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Under President Trump’s Qualified Opportunity Zones Executive Order, OSHA awarded 80 grants to conduct occupational safety and health training in urban and economically distressed areas. The 2020 Harwood grant awards al...09-21-2020, 08:55 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $15 Million to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Tribal Communities| site |
(May 28, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $15 million to 52 Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, and other health services providers to Tribes across 20 states to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID-19 in rural tribal communities. “President Trump stands with Tribal nations across the country as they grapple with COVID-19 in rural communities,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Today’s funding gives Tribes critical support to build up their capacity for fighting COVID-19, boost testing capabilities, increase purchases of PPE, and hire and pay the personnel they need.” These awards ...05-28-2020, 11:24 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces 45-Day Compliance Deadline Extension for Providers| site |
(May 22, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing a 45 day deadline extension for providers who are receiving payments from the Provider Relief Fund to accept the Terms and Conditions for Provider Relief Fund payments. This announcement means providers have now been granted 90 days from the date they received a payment to accept HHS Terms and Conditions or return the funds. HHS, alongside other federal agencies, has been working day and night to support local communities and has taken action to help our healthcare system respond quickly and effectively to this pandemic. The department has kept an open line of communication with our heroic frontline providers and is being responsive to their request for ad...05-23-2020, 02:33 AM -
U.S. Health and Human Services accepts Donations of Medicine to Strategic National Stockpile as Possible Treatments for COVID-19 Patients | site |
FDA issues emergency use authorization for donated hydroxychloroquine sulfate, chloroquine phosphate
(March 29, 2020) - - Today (March 29, 2020), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today accepted 30 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate donated by Sandoz, the Novartis generics and biosimilars division, and one million doses of chloroquine phosphate donated by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, for possible use in treating patients hospitalized with COVID-19 or for use in clinical trials. These and other companies may donate additional doses, and companies have ramped up production to provide additional supplies of the medication to the commercial market. “President Trump is ta...03-31-2020, 08:41 PM