February 2023 | Issue 23
MARCH OBSERVANCES: TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 12-18)
Although real progress has been made in patient safety over the last two decades, current estimates still cite medical harm as a leading cause of death around the world. In fact, some studies suggest as many as 400,000 deaths happen in the U.S. each year as a result of preventable harm. Patient Safety Awareness Week serves as a dedicated reminder to focus on safety and recognize the work being done to prevent harm.

Readmissions and Medications
One of the top reasons for readmission is the lack of understanding and adherence to medications. Studies have consistently shown that 20-30% of medication prescriptions are never filled, and approximately 50% of medications for chronic disease are not taken as prescribed. For information on how to improve medication adherence:
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month spotlights this disease, encouraging more people to get checked starting at age 45.

The American Indian Cancer Foundation provides several resources and educational tools
to support regular screenings, including the following:
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National Kidney Month
National Kidney Month takes aim at raising awareness about kidney health, especially because
kidney disease is a "silent disease" due to its lack of symptoms in early stages.

The IHS website offers kidney health basics and care to share with patients. Because people with diabetes are at a higher risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), you can also find
the kidneys when living with diabetes.
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National Nutrition Month
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created National Nutrition Month 50 years ago.
This year's theme is "Fuel for the Future," with a focus on nourishing ourselves during every phase
of life while protecting the environment. To discuss nutrition with your patients, try using
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Brain Injury Awareness Month
American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) children and adults have higher rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related hospitalizations and deaths than other racial or ethnic groups. Brain Injury Awareness Month is meant to shed a light on the significant role brain injuries play in death and impairment.
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National Native HIV/AIDS Day (March 20)
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is held every year on the first day of spring.
Its focus is on promoting HIV testing and educating about HIV/AIDS.
Learn about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Ready, Set, PrEP program, which makes medications available to prevent HIV infection.
WHAT'S NEW FROM PATH
Health Care Equity Plan Template | Download template
This editable Word document helps your organization provide a framework for
improving health care equity and reducing health care disparities..
IN THE KNOW
Hear Her Campaign | Learn more
To address that disparity, the Hear Her campaign offers culturally tailored resources, such as:

These resources encourage partners, friends, family members, coworkers and health care professionals to listen and act quickly when a pregnant or postpartum person says something does not feel right.
IHS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating an Accomplishment in PCMH Certification
Diligence, preparation and agility recently paid off for one IHS service unit. After years in the making, this facility can tout Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) certification.

How did they do it when they were ineligible for The Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation?
UPCOMING EVENT:
2023 CMS Quality Conference
The 2023 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Conference is scheduled for May 1-3. This year's theme is Building Resilient Communities: Having an Equitable Foundation for Quality Health Care.

This conference is virtual, representing the widest reaching gathering of health care quality leaders to have a broader, positive impact on pervasive health system challenges. Leaders in health care will explore and educate how advocates, providers, researchers and champions in health care quality improvement can spread solutions.
PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE TRIBAL HEALTH (PATH) | Visit the PATH website
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-333-02/16/2023