In this month’s Member Update, you’ll find engaging and valuable content that matters to Oregon’s health centers. | |
National Health Center Week | |
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National Health Center Week is Next Month!
Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) sponsors National Health Center Week (NHCW) to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs). National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually.
#NHCW24 Theme: Powering Communities Through Caring Connections
Community Health Centers serve as a beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme focuses on empowering communities by connecting them with health centers and elected officials from all levels of government. Celebrate the uniqueness of your community and get to know those dedicated to lasting partnerships!
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Breaking Down Barriers to Care: How One Oregon CHC's Nurse-Led Initiative for Latinx/e and Marginalized Sexual Communities is Bridging Gaps in Care and Combatting Stigma
Wallace's Nurse-Led Sexual Health Clinic enhances access to care for Latinx/e, gender-expansive, and sexually marginalized patients. Launched in July 2023, the clinic offers same-day PrEP initiation, STI screening, treatment, and gender-inclusive care. By using standing orders, bilingual nurses provide timely, empathetic care, reducing provider burden.
In this 'What the HEC?' Q&A, OPCA's Health Equity Committee had the opportunity to interview Ari Rapkin, a nurse at Wallace, to learn more about how the clinic addresses language barriers and educates the community, serving as a model for expanding health equity.
Read Article
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Drug Affordability Board Highlight
and 340B Update
In this month's edition of OPCA's Policy Update, we highlight Oregon's Prescription Drug Affordability Board and we bring you updates on 340B, the Supreme Court, and Capitol Hill.
Don’t miss the news and policy updates that matter to health centers in our July Policy Update
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Join us for the OHP
Redetermination Office Hour
Tuesday, July 9th | 1-2pm PST
Join OPCA in collaboration with the Oregon DHS and OHA to hear updates and receive resources for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) renewals and OHP Bridge Program.
This month we will cover:
- The latest PHE Unwinding partner resources
- OHP Bridge updates
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Click the buttons below to read the July editions of the following newsletters: | |
You can find past editions of the Operations Peer Group News, HR Leaders Peer News, and the Integrated Clinic Peer Group News on OPCA’s Peer Groups page. Peer Group newsletters are curated by OPCA staff who lead these groups. | |
OPCA & AETC Offering & Events
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Did you Miss our Mobile Health Forum? Watch the Recording!
OPCA hosted a virtual forum last month to discuss challenges and opportunities related to mobile health units, featuring guest speakers from Mission Mobile Medical and Cohn Reznik.
Access the Recording
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Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Community of Practice
Facilitated by Dr. Milano of the OHSU Transgender Health Program, this monthly community of practice will support primary care providers in offering gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to their adult patients.
Each meeting depends on peer-to-peer learning and will include opportunities for general check-ins and case-based discussion on various topics. Participants are encouraged to submit cases in advance of each meeting.
This series will be on the 2nd Thursday of the month through June 2025 from 12-1pm via Zoom.
Register Here
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Secure a Spot at NACHC's Annual OSV Webinar Series
Is your health center preparing for an upcoming Operational Site Visit (OSV)?
Gain valuable insights and strategies with NACHC’s annual OSV Webinar Series designed to help you navigate the OSV process and maintain continuous compliance.
This is a three-part webinar series taking place July 16-18. This series is ideal for CEOs, CFOs, COOs, compliance officers, and board members involved in OSV preparation.
Register Here
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Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program
After a two year pause the Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (OBHLRP) is returning to the Office of Rural Health (ORH). Beginning at noon on July 11, 2024, ORH will accept applications from both licensed and pre-licensed behavioral and mental health professionals, as well as Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHAs) and Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHPs).
In exchange for service at a qualified practice site, participants receive funds to repay qualifying loan debt. Awards are calculated based on the balance owed on qualifying loans upon application to Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program. Full-time service providers must commit to a 3-year minimum service obligation in exchange for a tax-free award of 70% of their qualifying educational loan debt balance, up to $50,000 per obligation year. Part-time service providers must commit to a 3-year minimum service obligation in exchange for a tax-free award of 35% of their qualifying educational loan debt balance, up to $25,000 per obligation year.
To ensure your providers’ applications are not delayed practice sites are encouraged to complete a Site Application as soon as possible.
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Oregon Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program
Beginning at noon on July 11, 2024, the Oregon Health Care Provider Incentive Loan Repayment Program will begin accepting provider applications from Dental Assistants (DAs) and Dental Theripists (DTs). Providers interested in applying must have educational debt that is directly related to their current positions as a DA or DT.
In exchange for service at a qualified practice site, participants receive funds to repay qualifying loan debt. Awards are calculated based on the balance owed on qualifying loans upon application to Health Care Provider Incentive Loan Repayment. Full-time service providers must commit to a 3-year minimum service obligation in exchange for a tax-free award of 70% of their qualifying educational loan debt balance, up to $50,000 per obligation year. Part-time service providers must commit to a 3-year minimum service obligation in exchange for a tax-free award of 35% of their qualifying educational loan debt balance, up to $25,000 per obligation year.
To ensure your providers’ applications are not delayed practice sites are encouraged to complete a Site Application as soon as possible
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Health Center Financial Management: Best Practices and Mitigation
HRSA is partnering with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to present a webinar on the health center revenue cycle and ways to strengthen payment oversight. Content is geared toward CEOs, CFOs, billing cycle managers, risk managers, board members, and anyone involved in payment oversight.
NACHC faculty and a health center will share lessons learned and recommendations on securing your systems and processes in the wake of cyberattacks and health care data breaches.
Tuesday, July 9
3:00-4:30 p.m. ET
Registration page
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CHC Happenings & In the News
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