HRSA October in Brief

HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson joined U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois at the Chicago M.O.M.S. Tour Stop on October 28.

The national baby shower tour is focused on reducing the unacceptably high maternal mortality and morbidity rates through raising awareness of maternal health care needs. The M.O.M.S. tour serves communities that often experience disproportionately high maternal mortality and morbidity rates.

As part of the event, Administrator Johnson, Senator Duckworth, and Representative Kelly took part in a roundtable discussion with health care providers, people with lived experience, and local leaders, and local service organizations, including Healthy Start programs, shared resources with members of the local community.

HRSA Administrator Johnson highlighted HRSA-supported health workforce opportunities at the 37th Annual Conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in Chicago.

As part of the HHS Health Workforce Initiative, HRSA is growing and supporting the health care workforce in the nation's highest need communities. Administrator Johnson discussed the importance of training and supporting providers from underserved backgrounds and HRSA programs that support education and training in health careers.

Megan Meacham, Allison Hutchings, and Sarah O'Donnell from the HRSA Federal Office of Rural Health Policy accepted the People's Choice Award at the Partnership for Public Service 22nd annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals®, or Sammies, awards ceremony on October 17.

Considered the "Oscars" of government service, the Sammies have earned a reputation as the premier awards program recognizing excellence and leadership in the federal government. The People's Choice Award grants special recognition to the team that receives the most votes from the general public, highlighting how the work of the federal government resonates in communities.

On October 16, HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) Associate Administrator Dr. Michael Warren participated in a panel at the National Association of Counties briefing event to discuss current resources and innovative solutions for addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates.

Dr. Warren emphasized the importance of tailoring efforts to the needs of local communities and highlighted HRSA's Healthy Start Initiative, which is designed to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities before, during, and after pregnancy.

On October 10, HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) hosted a "State of the Field" roundtable on current health workforce research and government initiatives.

Representatives from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as nine HRSA-funded Health Workforce Research Centers, shared information about their latest research and how to use this research to inform programs and policy initiatives.

HRSA's MCHB Associate Administrator Dr. Michael Warren met with case managers, community health workers, and mothers and fathers who are part of "MomsFirst," a HRSA-funded Healthy Start program in Cleveland, Ohio.

MomsFirst has been a Healthy Start grantee since 1991. Healthy Start programs across the country provide education, home visits, referrals for additional resources, and general support for mothers and babies.

HRSA Administrator Johnson joined the White House Office of Public Engagement to present to nearly 300 rural partners on HRSA's work to address the opioid epidemic. Administrator Johnson highlighted the success of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, which has helped millions of people in rural communities across the country receive opioid use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. She also highlighted the more than $80 million in new awards HRSA made in fiscal year 2023 to address opioid overdose risks.

On National Child Health Day (October 2), HRSA released the annual National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) dataset.

The NSCH is the largest, most comprehensive survey on the health and well‐being of children, their families, and their communities. It provides timely information and data on topics such as:

• Frequency and impact of special health care needs
• Health care quality and access
• Physical and mental health
• Adverse childhood experiences

The 2022 NSCH dataset includes new data about housing instability, eating- and weight-related behaviors and concerns, fetal alcohol syndrome disorder, and supplemental security income recipients.

A new video provides more information about the 2022 NSCH release.

HRSA observed National Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on October 15. Nearly 25% of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clients are Hispanic/Latinx.

The observance is an opportunity to:

• Highlight the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latinx communities
• Promote HIV testing
• Increase access to prevention, care, and treatment services
• Stop HIV stigma

Throughout October, HRSA hosted Grants 101 workshops for local and state governments, health departments, colleges and universities, and community-based organizations across the country to highlight HRSA programs, resources, funding opportunities, and the federal grant application process, including:

• On October 10, HRSA Region 9 San Francisco Administrator Valeria Gallo provided an overview of HRSA programs and a Grants 101 training for 40 stakeholders. The training was held during the California Primary Care Office/State Office of Rural Health Fall HPSA Designation Workshop in Monterey, California.
• On October 26, HRSA Region 7 staff presented on the federal grants registration process and HRSA funding opportunities for 28 attendees. The training was held during the Heartland Federal Partners Grant Writing Workshop Series at the request of the Environmental Protection .

HRSA Region 5 Administrator Commander Sharyl Trail presented an overview of HRSA workforce programs and initiatives at the National Governors Association – National Health and Human Services Policy Advisors Institute Summit on October 2.

The Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, aimed to build connections and relationships with the 200 Governors Policy staff in attendance.

HRSA Region 4 Public Health Analyst Priya Shah represented HRSA at a career fair led by the White House Initiative for Black Americans and Discovery Education in Suwanee, Georgia, on October 12.

This event aimed to promote equitable access to economic and health resources for Black communities. HRSA shared information with participants about the National Health Service Corps, Nurse Corps, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA / 1-833-852-6262), and the Find a Health Center and Ryan White Program Provider tools.