Latest from PATH - Learn about the looming virus "trifecta" and more!

November 2022 | Issue 20

DECEMBER OBSERVANCES: TOOLS AND RESOURCES

World AIDS Day - Thursday, Dec. 1

While great strides have been made over the four decades since the first known reported cases of AIDS, this disease remains a public health challenge. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) news and events page provides information about programs and a digital media kit.
Indian Health Service (IHS) online Indian Country Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) training provides free session recordings. CME/CNEs available.

Be on the lookout for information in a later edition of The PATH Post for National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is always the first day of spring.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Saturday, Dec. 3

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes inclusion, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of those who live with disabilities. This year's theme is "Not all disabilities are visible." Diversity & Inclusion Speakers Agency offers ways to commemorate the day at work.

National Influenza Vaccination Week - Dec. 5-11

As you know, we are already in flu season, and activity typically peaks between December and February. National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great opportunity to encourage people to get their flu vaccine.

Who needs a flu vaccine?
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu.
The CDC offers a variety of communications resources, including this AI/AN infographic and this poster encouraging everyone to their circle, especially Native elders.
IHS also provides educational resources, including an annual influenza vaccination plan, like this one from last year that still has relevant guidance and information.

National Handwashing Awareness Week - Dec. 5-11

Science proves it: a big part of avoiding the flu and other infections is good hand hygiene. In fact, the CDC provides several articles, data and statistics backing the tenet that clean hands save lives.

The CDC provides materials to help educate people about how to wash hands the right way.
When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer may help stop the spread of germs when used at the right time and place.
The CDC has education and materials to promote hand hygiene in a variety of settings, including at home and in the community and in health care settings.
Other resources include frequent questions about hand hygiene, patient-facing fact sheets and social media graphics and other training and education.

WHAT'S NEW FROM PATH

Sustaining Compliance: Resources for New Standards | Access handout

This one-page overview provides information around new standards for compliance regarding

reducing disparities, antibiotic stewardship and workplace violence.

IN THE KNOW

Incidence of Selected Cancers in Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Populations | Check out data brief

Incidence rates for cancers in non-Hispanic AI/AN AYAs increased from 1999 to 2019.

Incidence rates for AYA cancers also varied by geographic region. Female breast, thyroid,

male testicular, lymphomas, colorectal, and female cervical cancer were the most common cancers among AYAs in AI/AN populations.

First White House Reception for Native American Heritage Month | Watch reception recording

First Lady Jill Biden hosted the first ever White House reception in honor of

Native American Heritage Month this month. The 30-minute recording of the event highlights

the recognition of Tribal leaders and Native American military service, among

other commemorations and activities. This comes after President Biden's declaration about

Native American Heritage Month signed at the end of October.

A Virus Trifecta: Wash those hands and cover those sneezes!

This season we may see a “tripledemic” of RSV, flu and COVID-19. Be in the know to help your patients identity the best prevention methods and treatment plans. Between the three viruses, symptoms are similar, transmission can be different and at-home treatment guidance is the same.

Wash hands, wipe surfaces, cover coughs and sneezes and take care of yourself. Get your vaccines. Unplug from news or social media. Connect with friends and family. Take time to breathe, drink water and rest.

Influenza

As with COVID-19, vaccination may not always prevent infection, but it can make symptoms less severe and reduce the risk of being hospitalized. A 2021 study showed vaccinated patients among adults hospitalized with flu had a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu compared to unvaccinated patients.
Receive continuing education credits! CDC webinar hosted on Nov 15, 2022: 2022-2023 Seasonal Influenza Testing & Treatment During COVID-19 Pandemic
More information from the CDC: Flu Symptoms and Complications

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus. People with RSV are contagious for three to eight days after exposure, but those with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer.
Handwashing and cleaning surfaces are critical!
No vaccines or antivirals target RSV, but researchers are working on this.
More information from the CDC: Symptoms and Care
IHS RSV flyer

COVID-19

Continue to promote boosters for your communities! Wes Studi, Oscar award recipient and Cherokee tribal member, encourages AI/AN communities to get vaccinated and boosted. Share these videos with your communities:

Wes Studi Offers COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance to Tribal Communities: 75-second video and a 35-second version
Note the CDC is currently updating and aligning guidance for various settings, including shared housing, retirement and more. On September 1, 2022, the CDC released a Revised COVID-19 K-12 School Surveillance Guidance for Identification and Classification of Outbreaks

IHS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

How to Always Be Accreditation Ready

This month’s spotlight started over a year ago, preparing the arrival of The Joint Commission (TJC) for one facility’s hospital accreditation and patient-centered medical home (PCMH) certification survey. The nearly yearlong delay was due to the COVD-19 public health emergency, but when you have a team and staff that work throughout the year to stay continuously ready, a delay is no problem.

Learn which PATH tools helped this facility stay prepared for a TJC visit, no matter when it happened.

This material was prepared by Comagine Health for the American Indian Alaska Native Healthcare Quality Initiative under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Views expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of CMS or HHS, and any reference to a specific product or entity herein does not constitute endorsement of that product or entity by CMS or HHS. NQIIC-AIHQI-298-11/23/2022