Public Health Resources

#CiteNLM Wikipedia Edit-a-thon  May 6, 2019. During the all-day online event, we invite you to add citations and content to Wikipedia articles using trusted National Library of Medicine (NLM) resources like MedlinePlus, PubMed, and Genetics Home Reference. Participants can follow the hashtag #CiteNLM on Twitter throughout the day to ask questions, post photos, and share personal experiences. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

#SaludTues Tweetchat 4/16: Why Housing Matters for Our Health  April 16, 2019 1:00-2:00pm ET. Use the hashtag #SaludTues to follow along on Twitter. (Salud America!)

#SaludTues Tweetchat 7/16: How to Win the Fight Against Sugary Drinks  July 16, 2019 2pm ET. (Salud America!)

+ Series  Series designed for any organization committed to fighting HIV stigma and HIV, regardless of where they are located in the United States. Visitors can download materials that show their commitment to ending HIV stigma and HIV, using them to educate and raise public awareness about stopping HIV transmission.

1 in 4 health care facilities lacks basic water services – UNICEF, WHO  One in four health care facilities around the world lacks basic water services, impacting over 2 billion people, according to a new report by WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP). (United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF))

10 Years Later: The Lasting Impacts of the H1N1 Flu Pandemic Response  Influenza pandemics are uncommon; only three have occurred since the 1918 pandemic. Yet, influenza pandemics are one of the world’s greatest public health threats because of their potential to overwhelm public health and healthcare systems, and cause widespread illness, death, and social disruption. And because influenza viruses continuously mutate and have shown the ability to generate viruses that humans have low levels of immunity to, we know an influenza pandemic could come at any time. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

12 new APHA policy statements now available online  Twelve policy statements adopted during the 2018 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo in San Diego in November are now available online. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

2015 Indian Health Surveillance Report: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (December 2018)  Report presents statistics and trends for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

2017 BRFSS Survey Data and Documentation  The CDC has just released the 2017 edition of the BRFSS, a unique, state-based surveillance system active in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Reaching participants on both landline and cellular telephones, the survey collects information on health risk behaviors, clinical preventive health practices, and health care access (primarily related to chronic disease and injury) from a representative sample of noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 years or older in each state. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires: Initial Observations on the Federal Response and Key Recovery Challenges  GAO analyzed FEMA policies, procedures, guidance, and data specific to disaster response and recovery programs. GAO focused on the busiest period of disaster response activity for the federal government—August 2017 through January 2018. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

2017 National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections Progress Report  Report provides a summary of select HAIs across four healthcare settings; acute care hospitals (ACHs), critical access hospitals (CAHs), inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs). (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

2018 Annual Surveillance Report of Drug-Related Risks and Outcomes (August 2018)  This is the second annual surveillance report summarizing the latest information at the national level for prescribing patterns, drug use, and nonfatal and fatal overdose related to the current drug overdose epidemic in the United States. This report is intended to serve as a resource for persons charged with addressing this ongoing national crisis. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

2018 Public Health Law and Policy Review  Blog post provides a state-level look at public health legislation and policies enacted over the course of 2018. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

2018 Report of the Lancet Countdown  The Lancet Countdown's 2018 report tracks 41 indicators across five key domains in health and climate change. (The Lancet)

2018 The Forces of Change in America's Public Health System  Local health departments (LHDs) face both challenges and opportunities as the public health environment evolves, and NACCHO has periodically surveyed LHDs to assess the impact of this changing environment on their budgets, workforce, and activities. The 2018 Forces of Change survey was distributed to a stratified random sample of 966 LHDs in the United States; 591 completed it for a response rate of 61%. The survey included six topics: Budget Cuts and Job Losses, Response to Opioid Use and Abuse, Population Health Activities, Influenza Preparedness and Response, Informatics Capacity, and Environmental Health Activities. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

2018 in Review: CDC Looks Back at the Year’s Most Pressing Health Threats  From the opioid overdose epidemic to foodborne disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance to the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CDC worked around the clock – and around the globe – to protect Americans from health threats in 2018. Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest health issues that CDC tackled in 2018. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

2019 County Health Rankings Key Findings Report  The 2019 Rankings are now available on the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps website. New measures include: Severe Housing Cost Burden, Homeownership, and Life Expectancy. Additionally, within the Quality of Care measures they have added a new ranked measure for Flu Vaccinations and updated the data source for the ranked measures of Preventable Hospital Stays and Mammography Screening. (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps)

2019 KIDS COUNT Data Book  The 30th edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Book begins by exploring how America’s child population — and the American childhood experience — has changed since 1990. And there’s some good news to share: Of the 16 areas of child well-being tracked across four domains — health, education, family and community and economic well-being — 11 have improved since the Foundation published its first Data Book 30 editions ago. (Annie E. Casey Foundation)

2019 National HIV Prevention Inventory (NHPI) Survey Report  Report works to better understand HIV prevention programs/services delivered through CDC-funded health departments. (National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD))

2019 National Inventory of Data Sharing Collaborations for Health  Survey to better understand the location and nature of multi-sector collaborations in the United States, their capacity for data-sharing to improve health, and to assess progress in this field among multi-sector collaborations. Your participation in The National Inventory will also help the All In program identify areas for further learning and opportunities to support and expand these activities. (All In: Data for Community Health)

2019 National Prevention Week Planning Guide and Resource Calendar  This planning guide and resource calendar helps communities plan and implement their National Prevention Week (NPW) 2019 activities. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

2019 Nevada Rural and Frontier Health Data Book - Ninth Edition  Data book contains a wide range of current county-level information on the resident population, economy, social environment, population health, health workforce, and the health care delivery system. It includes important data for public policy makers, health care professionals and administrators, rural health care advocates, and residents of rural and frontier Nevada. (University of Nevada Reno)

2019 Scorecard on State Health System Performance (June 2019)  The Commonwealth Fund’s 2019 Scorecard on State Health System Performance reveals that most states are losing ground on key measures related to life expectancy as premature deaths from suicide, alcohol, and drug overdose continue to increase. (Commonwealth Fund)

2019-2020 Update to the Texas State Health Plan  Proposes strategies to improve the efficiency of the healthcare delivery system in Texas with a particular emphasis on health literacy, access to care for rural areas, and the healthcare workforce. Addresses oral health, trauma care, and the availability of clinical training sites. (Texas Department of State Health Services)

2020 Census Barriers, Attitudes, and Motivators Study (CBAMS) Focus Group Final Report (January 2019)  This report presents the findings from the 2020 Census Barriers, Attitudes, and Motivators Study (CBAMS) Focus Groups conducted among racial and ethnic minorities, those with low internet proficiency, young people who recently moved, rural residents, and audiences at risk of low self response. (U.S. Census Bureau)

2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Call for Nominations  USDA and HHS are currently asking for nominations to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The Committee will be established to provide an independent, science-based review of specific topics and supporting scientific questions related to nutrition and health – from birth into older adulthood. Applications are open until October 6, 2018. (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA))

3rd Annual Children’s Environmental Health Day: October 11, 2018  Thursday, October 11th, 2018 is Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) Day. The Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN) established CEH Day in 2016, to be observed on the second Thursday of every October, to raise awareness and incite action regarding the importance of safe and healthy environments for all children. (Children's Environmental Health Network)

5 strategies rural hospitals are using to bolster their workforce  In order to meet the needs of rural residents, hospitals and health systems must think innovatively about delivery models, community partnerships, telehealth, care teams and recruitment. Post describes examples from the field on how rural hospitals and health systems are strategically and efficiently rethinking workforce planning and development to deliver high-quality care to their communities. (American Hospital Association)

7 States Now Report Obesity at or Above 35%  Today, CDC released new data on self-reported adult obesity prevalence for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The 2017 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps show that adult obesity prevalence across the country remains high and differs by race, ethnicity, and education. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

8 Zoonotic Diseases Shared Between Animals and People of Most Concern in the U.S.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its U.S. government partners have released the first federal collaborative report listing the top zoonotic diseases of national concern for the United States. Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can spread between animals and people. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

A Blueprint for Changemakers: Achieving Health Equity Through Law & Policy  This new resource presents legal strategies and best practices to help policymakers, practitioners, and communities improve health outcomes. The Blueprint outlines ways to leverage the unique power and efficacy of local policy solutions, incorporate health in all policies, and engage diverse community members in the policy process. At its core, the Blueprint focuses on comprehensive strategies to address the fundamental drivers of health inequities. (ChangeLab Solutions)

A Call for Papers: Writing for Public Health (2018)  Public Health Reports (PHR) invites submitted articles on the general topic of writing in public health. The journal seeks articles on public health writing quality, writing environment, writing for different genres, teaching students to write in public health, writing pedagogy, the history of writing training in educational settings, commentaries on public health writing, or other related topics. (Public Health Reports)

A Case for Solidarity: Common Challenges Involving Health and Health Care in the United States (October 2018)  Families USA recently commissioned original analysis of national longitudinal data documenting the prevalence of serious health problems and barriers to health care access. To shed light on claims about class, race, and ethnicity that have stoked divisions between communities, report examined selected measures to learn what happens at the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and place. (Families USA)

A Closer Look at the Senate’s Bipartisan Legislation Targeting the Opioid Epidemic  Next week the United States Senate is poised to pass its sweeping response to the opioid crisis. The bipartisan legislation includes more than 70 individual bills that fall within the jurisdiction of five Senate committees (Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Finance; Judiciary; Commerce; and Banking). (Commonwealth Fund)

A Cohort Review Approach Evaluating Community Health Worker Programs in New York City, 2015–2017  The objective of this study was to describe how a cohort review approach was applied as an evaluation framework for a community health worker intervention among adult residents in 5 public housing developments in New York City in 2015–2017. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

A Community-Wide Collaboration to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk: The Hearts of Sonoma County Initiative  Study describes outcomes and lessons learned from the Hearts of Sonoma County (HSC) initiative, a successful multi-sector collaborative effort to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Sonoma County, California. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

A Comparative Analysis of Affected Residents’ Views of the Response to Hurricanes Maria, Harvey and Katrina  Survey (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

A Critical Connection: The Water and Healthcare/Public Health Sectors (December 2018)  During emergencies, water utilities, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, public health agencies, primacy agencies and local emergency managers should work together to minimize detrimental impacts to public health caused by disruptions in drinking water and wastewater services. Early planning and communications are vital. Facilities such as hospitals need safe drinking water to care for patients, perform surgeries and sterilize instruments, especially when an emergency strikes a community. Water utilities need to know how they can best assist and advise their critical healthcare customers. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA))

A Guide to Requesting Health Data Reports within a Federally Recognized Tribe  This guide describes how tribal staff in various programs (e.g., environmental, housing, maintenance, etc.) can request health data to better understand and describe the scope of public health issues that affect the tribes they serve. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA))

A Guide to the Fundamentals of Economic Evaluation in Public Health  Guide presents an overview of methods and tools that can help to inform public health decisions based on economic principles. Although the guide’s perspective is economic, the principles address health outcomes. The guide is intended for public health program planners, managers, and funders who are not familiar with economic evaluation but want to become familiar with its fundamentals. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MEASURE Evaluation)

A Health Equity Approach to Obesity Efforts: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief  On April 1, 2019, the Roundtable on Obesity Solutions of the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of Sci­ences, Engineering, and Medicine, held a public workshop which explored the history of health equity issues in demographic groups that have above-average obesity risk and considered principles and approaches to address these issues as part of obesity prevention and treatment efforts. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

A Legal and Practical Guide for Designing Sugary Drink Taxes  Guide for local officials and advocates who are interested in pursuing sugary drink taxes and for anyone interested in learning more about this strategy. (ChangeLab Solutions)

A Marriage between Medicaid and Public Health: A Q&A on Partnering for Prevention  In this blog, Mark Larson, former Medicaid director of Vermont and current vice president of policy at CHCS, and Deborah Fournier, former Medicaid director of New Hampshire and current senior director, Clinical to Community Connections at ASTHO, demystify the distinct yet complementary roles of public health and health care — and how these state agencies can align efforts around prevention strategies to impact health and costs. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

A Multicomponent, Multi-Trigger Intervention to Enhance Asthma Control in High-Risk African American Children  Study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of implementation of a multicomponent, multi-trigger (MCMT) intervention through a public health department in a high risk population of African American children. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

A Netflix Model for Hepatitis C: One Price, Unlimited Meds  Two states fighting an escalating hepatitis C crisis will soon pay a flat fee for unlimited drugs to treat prisoners and low-income residents suffering from the deadly liver disease, with the goal of all but eliminating the infection. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

A Portrait of American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Families  This brief summarizes findings from the implementation of the first design for the American Indian and Alaska Native Early Childhood Needs Assessment, which used existing data to create a national picture of the AI/AN population of young children and their families, and their access to and participation in early childhood services using the 2010–2014 American Community Survey. (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

A Program for Local Health Departments to Adapt and Implement Evidence-Based Emergency Preparedness Programs  The goal of this project was to enhance the capacity of local health departments to translate and implement evidence-based programs in emergency preparedness by using the Getting To Outcomes approach. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

A Proposed Approach for Implementing Genomics-Based Screening Programs for Healthy Adults  Paper covers the optimal genes to include in genomics-based screening programs, the complexity of identifying a point in time at which to begin screening, who should perform the screening, where the programs should be administered, along with ethical and economic considerations. (National Academy of Medicine)

A Qualitative Evaluation of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program (October 2018)  In early 2018, the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition conducted a series of interviews with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2015 and 2016 Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program grantees and stakeholders in order to gain a better understanding of policy implications and to inform the future of healthy food incentive programs. (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA))

A Qualitative Study Identifying Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Rural Communities  The purpose of the study was to elicit rural residents’ thoughts and perceptions related to physical activity and walking trail use. (Journal of Environmental and Public Health)

A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty  Report identifies four packages of policies and programs that emphasize both poverty reduction and work incentives that could substantially reduce child poverty in the U.S. These packages expand upon existing policies and programs, such as SNAP, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and offer up new ones, such as a national job training program and a universal child allowance. (National Academy of Medicine)

A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty (2019)  A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty reviews the research on linkages between child poverty and child well-being, and analyzes the poverty-reducing effects of major assistance programs directed at children and families. This report also provides policy and program recommendations for reducing the number of children living in poverty in the United States by half within 10 years. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

A Rural Community Decided To Treat Its Opioid Problem Like A Natural Disaster  Snohomish County in Western Washington is taking a unique approach to tackle the opioid epidemic. Last year, leaders declared the opioid epidemic a life-threatening emergency. The county is now responding to the drug crisis as if it were a natural disaster, the same way it would mobilize to respond to a landslide or flu pandemic. (National Public Radio (NPR))

A community-based approach to rural health research  The Collaborative for Rural Primary Care, Research, Education, and Practice (Rural PREP) is dedicated to making research more accessible through its community of practice activities. Rural PREP programs bring people together in a community of practice around education, training, and research. (National Rural Health Association (NRHA))

A scoping study on the link between exposure to or interaction with the natural environment and mental health outcomes  The aim of this study was to identify, analyse and synthesise available scientific literature related to the following research question: 'Is there an association between exposure to or interaction with the natural environment and mental health outcomes?' A scoping review of reviews was used. (RAND Corporation)

A tale of two public dental benefit programs: Iowa dentist participation in traditional Medicaid versus a Medicaid expansion program  In Iowa from 2014 to 2017, there were 2 separate public dental benefit programs for Medicaid-enrolled adults: one for the Medicaid expansion population called the Dental Wellness Plan (DWP), and one for the traditional, non-expansion adult Medicaid population. The programs differed with respect to reimbursement, administration, and benefit structure. This study explored differences in patterns and predictors of dentist participation in the two programs. (BioMed Central)

AAP Substance Use ECHO Application  AAP's Substance Use ECHO serves as a forum for pediatric practices to develop and implement quality improvement processes for addressing substance use concerns in adolescents. This program connects primary care providers with a team of multidisciplinary experts on how to implement substance use prevention, detection, assessment, and intervention practices utilizing the SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) approach. Participants will meet monthly for eight sessions for a brief lecture followed by a deidentified patient case presentation and discussion. The application deadline is May 3, 2019. (American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP))

ACA Reduces Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health Coverage  This brief examines health care coverage rates and sources of coverage among nonelderly (under age 65) Californians based on the 2017 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), with 2013 and 2016 CHIS data used for comparisons before and after expansion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (University of California Los Angeles (UCLA))

AIDSVu Adds 2017 State-Level Data Visualizing PrEP Users Across the U.S.  AIDSVu just released new data and interactive state-level maps visualizing PrEP use in 2017, showing a 56% average annual increase in PrEP use across the U.S. from 2012 to 2017 — including a nearly 30% increase from 2016 to 2017. (Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health)

AIDSVu Releases 2017 City-Level Data and Maps  AIDSVu recently released new ZIP Code-level data and interactive maps for nearly 40 cities across the United States, illustrating the impact of the HIV epidemic within cities and neighborhoods. AIDSVu has also developed custom infographics and blogs about the HIV epidemic and local response for five cities: Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Philadelphia. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

AIDSinfo Releases Brief Versions of the HIV/AIDS Medical Practice Guidelines  AIDSinfo is pleased to announce the release of brief versions of the federally approved HIV/AIDS medical practice guidelines. Health care providers have requested shorter versions of the guidelines that are easier to use at the point of care, and AIDSinfo used this feedback to produce brief versions of specific guidelines. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

AIDSinfo Updates Consumer Fact Sheets on HIV Treatment  The updated AIDSinfo consumer fact sheets provide important information about HIV treatment. Each fact sheet includes a summary of key points and links to additional information and resources. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

AJPH Call for Proposals: Special Issue about Health Misinformation on Social Media  The American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, intends to publish a special issue focusing on research that can help us better understand and address the proliferation of health misinformation on social media. If you are interested in contributing to this special issue, please send an extended proposal to Ms. Anna Gaysynsky, Assistant Guest Editor, at Anna.Gaysynsky@nih.gov by 11:59 PM EDT on Friday, August 30, 2019. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

AJPH May 2019 Podcast: Public Health Workforce: Threatened by Mass Extinction?  This month the podcast tackles the massive wave of retirement that will slash a third of the workforce, what needs to be done to adapt the workforce to the current needs and challenges of public health 3.0, and how PH-WINS is conducted and what it tells us about the current interests and needs of the workforce. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

AJPH Podcast: Who Cares about the Health of Healthcare Workers  This podcast discusses a paper by Himmelstein and Venkataramani about the prevalence of low income and of poverty among female health care workers in the US and estimates the ability of a minimum wage of $15 to improve the condition of the currently 1.7 million female health care workers who live in poverty. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

AJPH Special Supplement: Building a Medical Home for HIV-Positive, Multiply Diagnosed Homeless Populations  Open-access supplement of the American Journal of Public Health highlighst best practices and lessons learned for providing patient-centered care, coordinated health care, housing, and social service system changes that are necessary to reduce homelessness and promote access to HIV, substance use, and mental health services for PLWH with multiple comorbidities. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

AJPH Supplemental Issue: New Perspectives to Advance Minority Health and Health Disparities Research  This special open access supplement of the American Journal of Public Health focuses on defining, standardizing, and measuring minority health and health disparities research. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Abortion Coverage in the ACA Marketplace Plans: The Impact of Proposed Rules for Consumers, Insurers and Regulators  This brief provides an overview of current ACA-related abortion coverage policies and analyzes the potential impact of the proposed changes. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Abortion Surveillance — United States, 2015  A total of 638,169 abortions for 2015 were reported to CDC from 49 reporting areas. Among these 49 reporting areas, the abortion rate for 2015 was 11.8 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years, and the abortion ratio was 188 abortions per 1,000 live births. From 2014 to 2015, the total number of reported abortions decreased 2%, the abortion rate decreased 2%, and the abortion ratio decreased 2%. From 2006 to 2015, the total number of reported abortions decreased 24%, the abortion rate decreased 26%, and the abortion ratio decreased 19%. In 2015, all three measures reached their lowest level for the entire period of analysis (2006–2015). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Abstract Digest on Maternal and Child Nutrition Research – Issue 26  Digest provides abstracts on recent articles on maternal and child nutrition, obesity, undernutrition, and climate change. (International Food Policy Research Institute)

Access by Design, Benefits if Convenient: A Closer Look at the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework’s Standard Material Transfer Agreements  Paper analyzed WHO's Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, its standard material transfer agreements, and secondary sources to determine whether the PIP Framework will effectively function as an access and benefit-sharing (ABS) instrument during an influenza pandemic. (Milbank Memorial Fund)

Access in Brief: Rural and Urban Health Care (October 2018)  Using data combined from the 2013-2015 National Health Interview Surveys, this brief examines characteristics of individuals with Medicaid coverage - children and adults - in rural areas, as well as their access to care and use of services, comparing their experience to their privately insured and uninsured counterparts. (MACPAC)

Access to Care for MH/SUDs is a Challenge for Many in Massachusetts (December 2018)  Brief examines the health care experiences of adults 19 to 64 who sought care for MH conditions and/or SUDs in Massachusetts. (Blue Cross Blue Shield Association)

Access to Rural Maternity Care (January 2019)  The majority of rural women give birth at their local hospitals and therefore rely on local maternity services. ii However, women have lost access to local services with over 10% of rural counties losing these services in the past fifteen years. Initial studies show a doubling of Infant mortality rate where counties have lost OB services, compared with a decrease in infant mortality rate where services are available. 39 Additionally, out of hospital birth, preterm birth and deliveries in hospitals lacking OB units increased. (National Rural Health Association (NRHA))

Achieving Behavioral Health Equity for Children, Families, and Communities: Proceedings of a Workshop (2019)  Publication summarizes a November 2017 workshop that used a socio-ecological developmental model to explore health equity of children and families, including those with complex needs and chronic conditions. Particular attention was paid to challenges experienced by children and families in both rural and urban contexts, to include but not limited to poverty, individual and institutional racism, low-resourced communities, and hindered access to educational and health care services. Workshop participants also engaged in solution-oriented discussions of initiatives, policies, and programs that aim to improve social determinants of health, opportunities for behavioral health promotion, and access to quality services that address the behavioral health of all children and families. (National Academies Press)

Achieving Equity in Lead Poisoning Prevention Policy Making  A report synthesizing deliberations from a national meeting to improve the consideration of equity in lead poisoning prevention policy making. (Human Impact Partners)

Achieving Health Equity and Reducing Disparities with Collaborative Policy Research, June 2019  The Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (TCC) for Health Disparities Research at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) has just published a special issue supplement with the Journal of Ethnicity & Disease titled “Advancing Health Equity and Reducing Disparities with Collaborative Policy Research.” This issue presents innovative and groundbreaking policy research, policy action, and health equity interventions from the TCC, a center funded by NIMHD. (Morehouse University, School of Medicine)

Achieving Health in Appalachia  Madison County, North Carolina, stands out in a region lagging in health and opportunity. (U.S. News)

Action plan to improve public health preparedness and response in the WHO European Region 2018–2023  This publication outlines the action plan to be implemented by States Parties and the WHO Regional Office for Europe in collaboration with key partners and in line with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (2005). (World Health Organization (WHO))

Actions in Support of Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease — United States, 2011–2018  By 2018, all U.S. states and the District of Columbia had implemented newborn CCHD screening policies. Opportunities for program improvement, particularly around data collection, persist. Not all jurisdictions collect screening data or share data among relevant programs. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Actions to Improve Physical Activity Surveillance in the United States  Discussion paper highlights discussion from a January 2017 roundtable to identify specific actions that could improve physical activity surveillance in the United States and to suggest approaches for moving forward on those actions. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Active People, Healthy Nation  Active People, Healthy Nation is a national initiative by CDC and its partners, with the goal of saving lives and protecting health by helping 25 million Americans become more physically active. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Actively Addressing Social Determinants of Health will Help Us Achieve Health Equity  Addressing the social determinants of health begins with identifying a patient’s needs and measuring their impact. Factsheet highlights CMS tools that can help in the identification process. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS)

Acute Flacid Myelitis (AFM) Investigation  Since August 2014, CDC has seen an increased number of people across the United States with AFM. They have not confirmed the cause for the majority of these cases. CDC has been actively investigating these AFM cases, and we continue to receive information about suspected AFM cases. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Additional Evidence of the Effectiveness of HIV Treatment as Prevention Published in The Lancet  Just published findings from the largest study of HIV treatment as prevention among men who have sex with men have added to the existing body of evidence that if people living with HIV take antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, there is effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative partners. The findings from the PARTNER2 study were published online May 2, 2019, in The Lancet. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

Addressing Incidents of Bias in Schools: A Guide for Preventing and Reacting to Discrimination Affecting Students  This guide is designed to bring together a school community in order to address and prevents incidents of bias, discrimination and hate crimes. It includes suggestions for facilitating the discussions so that they are safe, illuminating and productive, as well as for organizing the process so that it fits in the daily rhythm of the school community. (Public Agenda)

Addressing Rural Workforce Shortages and Healthcare Disparities (February 2019)  This bibliography includes a two-part series; the first reviews the current state of rural healthcare and the second reviews graduate medical education financing. (Robert Graham Center)

Addressing Social Isolation To Improve the Health of Older Adults: A Rapid Review  Brief reviews recent literature evaluating the effectiveness of interventions that target social isolation and loneliness to improve health and/or health care utilization. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Medication-Assisted Treatment at Health Care for the Homeless Programs  This brief describes the provision of buprenorphine (also known by trade names Suboxone®, Zubsolv®, and Subutex®, among others) at HCH programs relative to other health centers, the growth of these services between 2016 and 2017, and the availability of buprenorphine at HCH programs in states hard-hit by the opioid epidemic. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Addressing the Opioids Crisis: Data Sources and Linking Strategies  This report highlights key research questions and identifies opportunities to use existing data sources and implement data-linking strategies that can support the HHS five point strategy to combat the opioid crisis. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS)

Adolescent Beliefs About Hookah and Hookah Tobacco Use and Implications for Preventing Use  Hookah tobacco use is popular among youths and there is evidence that perceived risks and normative beliefs are associated with hookah use. The aim of this study was to further examine associations between perceived risks of hookah use, normative beliefs, and lifetime hookah use among youths. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Adolescent and Young Adult Substance Use: Federal Grants for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services and for Research  GAO identified 12 federal grant programs within three federal agencies that funded substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services in fiscal year 2017 and targeted adolescents' and young adults' use of illicit substances such as marijuana and nonmedical use of prescription opioids. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Adults with diabetes residing in “food swamps” have higher hospitalization rates  Open access article published in Health Services Research examines the relationship between food swamps and hospitalization rates among adults with diabetes. (Wiley Interscience)

Advanced search comes to PubMed Labs  Advanced Search is now available in PubMed Labs. The tools included with Advanced Search help you: search for terms in a specific field (such as Author); combine searches and build large, complex search strings; see how your query was translated by PubMed; compare number of results for different queries; and download your search history. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

Advancing American Kidney Health  The initiatives discussed in this paper are designed to tackle the challenges people living with kidney disease face throughout the stages of kidney disease, while also improving the lives of patients, their caregivers, and family members. The overall goals of these efforts are to: reduce the risk of kidney failure; improve access to and quality of person-centered treatment options; and increase access to kidney transplants. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS)

Advancing Health and Well-Being: Using Evidence and Collaboration to Achieve Health Equity  This volume is the second in RWJF's Culture of Health series, spanning a broad range of topics related to current public discourse, including the role of place, race, opportunity, and class in health and well-being; mass incarceration; health and climate change; new methods and approaches for research and dissemination of evidence; and a deep dive on health and well-being in Kentucky. Users can request a free hardcover copy. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

Advancing Population Health at Academic Medical Centers: A Case Study and Framework for an Emerging Field  Framework to advance both clinical and area-wide population health through institutional transformation and community and cross-sectoral partnerships. To help inform allied efforts at other AMCs, article offer examples of strategic collaborations, successes, challenges, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities. (Association of American Medical Colleges)

Advancing Racial Equity in Youth Diversion: An Evaluation Framework Informed by Los Angeles County (June 2019)  Report describes promising practices that can be used to ensure racial equity in pre-booking diversion, preventing youth from getting formally arrested or referred to probation during encounters with law enforcement. (Human Impact Partners)

Advancing Tobacco Prevention and Control in Rural America  This comprehensive report examines rates and patterns of commercial tobacco use across rural subpopulations; explores aspects of the rural context that may affect tobacco prevention and control efforts; and presents challenges and opportunities for improving rural health through tobacco prevention and control. The report highlights a variety of examples of tobacco prevention and control efforts underway in rural communities across America that can be replicated and scaled to reduce the prevalence of commercial tobacco use and improve public health. (National Network of Public Health Institutes)

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older — United States, 2019  In addition to incorporating new ACIP recommendations on influenza, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccinations, each vaccination section in the 2019 adult immunization schedule was revised for clarity, brevity, and, for vaccines that also appear in the 2019 child and adolescent immunization schedule, consistency between the two schedules. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger — United States, 2019  Vaccine changes in the 2019 immunization schedule for children and adolescents aged ≤18 years include new or revised ACIP recommendations for hepatitis A vaccine (HepA) (2), hepatitis B vaccine (Hep B) (3), influenza vaccine (4), and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) (5), as well as clarification of the recommendations for inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Affordable Health Care Keeps Children and Families Healthy (June 2018)  Study explored the relationship between parents’ and young children’s health when parents had to: forego needed medical care or prescriptions for themselves or other members of the household due to cost; forego needed health care or prescriptions for young children due to cost; sacrifice paying for basic household expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities or transportation, in order to pay for medical care or prescriptions. (Children's HealthWatch)

Age-Associated Trends in Diagnosis and Prevalence of Infection with HIV Among Men Who Have Sex with Men — United States, 2008–2016  During 2008–2016, the number of HIV diagnoses increased 3% annually among men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 13–29 years. The number of HIV diagnoses among MSM aged 13–29 years was four times that of MSM aged ≥50 years. Racial/ethnic inequities in HIV persisted, particularly among younger black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Airport Roles in Reducing Transmission of Communicable Diseases (2019)  Report summarizes an event held from March 6-7, 2018 in Washington, D.C. that discussed the roles of airports in reducing transmission of communicable diseases. Speakers represented the federal government, domestic and foreign airports, local public health agencies, an international aviation organization, and academia. The proceedings focused largely on strategies, best practices, and suggestions that pertain specifically to airports, as identified by the invited speakers. (National Academies Press)

Alcohol Use by Youth  This policy statement provides the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics on the issue of alcohol and is supported by an accompanying technical report. (American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP))

Alcohol and Drug Misuse and Suicide and the Millennial Generation – A Devastating Impact  Increases in alcohol, drug, and suicide deaths have affected all age groups and all communities, but the impact on people in their 20s and early 30s has been particularly pronounced. (Trust for America's Health (TFAH))

Alert: Phishing Email Referencing CDC and Flu Pandemic  CDC security officials have been working with multiple law enforcement agencies to track a campaign of phishing emails claiming to be from the CDC that reference a flu pandemic. The body of the email instructs the user to open an attached Microsoft Office document for details on how to prevent the spread of influenza. Please note that this email is not legitimate, and is actually from a malicious actor hoping to install malware on victim computers. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Aligning Early Childhood and Medicaid  Aligning Early Childhood and Medicaid, a national initiative made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will seek to enhance alignment across Medicaid and state agencies responsible for early childhood programs with the goal of improving the health and social outcomes of low-income infants, young children, and families. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

Allowing Pharmacists to Directly Dispense Opioid Antidote Can Sharply Cut Opioid Overdose Deaths  Allowing pharmacists to dispense the opioid antidote naloxone without a physician's prescription can sharply reduce the incidence of fatal opioid-related overdoses, according to a new RAND Corporation study. (RAND Corporation)

America's Health Rankings Annual Report 2018  America’s Health Rankings® presents its 29th Annual Report, continuing the United Health Foundation’s dedication to providing data that can help build healthier communities nationwide. The longest-running annual assessment of the nation’s health on a state-by-state basis provides updated data to serve as a benchmark for states and spark data-driven discussions on opportunities to promote the health and well-being of our country. (United Health Foundation)

American Cancer Society and Community Health Centers Partner to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening (2019)  The Community Health Centers of South Central Texas, Inc. (CHCSCT) and the New Orleans East Louisiana Community Health Center (NOELA) found colorectal cancer screening rates for their populations were below the national average. They partnered with the American Cancer Society to implement the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommendation for multicomponent interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening rates. (Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF))

American Indians and Alaska Natives must be included in research on adverse childhood experiences  Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are an increasing area of interest among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. As this field of study grows, an equity lens can facilitate a greater understanding of the structural, historic, and systemic contexts that relate to limited ACEs data for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), as well as disparate exposures to ACEs among this population. Three factors are important to consider in support of more equitable outcomes: AI/AN population characteristics, historical trauma and resilience, and tribal sovereignty. (Child Trends)

America’s Eating Habits: Food Away From Home (September 2018)  This report takes a comprehensive look at the role of food away from home (FAFH) in American diets, exploring nutritional composition of FAFH and key Federal programs that may influence FAFH. The report also discusses how FAFH choices and availability relate to diet quality, income, age, and other socioeconomic factors. (Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA)

An Assessment of State Laws Providing Gubernatorial Authority to Remove Legal Barriers to Emergency Response  This article outlines the findings of a 50-state legal assessment, which identified and examined state laws that give governors the discretion to modify existing laws or create new laws to respond effectively to any type of declared emergency. (Health Security)

An Evaluation Report: Senior Food Assistance, Related Programming, and Seniors' Experiences Across the Feeding America Network (April 2019)  The primary goal of this report is to provide a systematic, qualitative assessment of how food-assistance programming can, and does, align with seniors’ needs. A secondary goal is to shed light on some of the ways in which other types of programming (i.e., programming that aims to increase seniors’ access to or knowledge of nutrition and food-related services) operate and benefit seniors. (Feeding America)

An Oral Health Benefit in Medicare Part B: It's Time to Include Oral Health in Health Care (2018)  This white paper discusses the need and support for adding comprehensive oral health coverage to Medicare and proposes how a comprehensive oral health benefit could be integrated into Medicare Part B. (Oral Health America)

An RCT of Dating Matters: Effects on Teen Dating Violence and Relationship Behaviors  Teen dating violence is a serious public health problem with few effective prevention strategies. This study examines whether the Dating Matters comprehensive prevention model, compared with a standard of care intervention, prevented negative relationship behaviors and promoted positive relationship behaviors. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

An Underused Strategy For Surge In STDs: Treat Patients’ Partners Without A Doctor Visit  Federal health officials have recommended expedited partner therapy for chlamydia and gonorrhea since 2006. It allows doctors to prescribe medication to their patients’ partners without examining them. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

An Update on Insurance Coverage Among People with HIV in the United States  In this update, based on analysis of nationally representative data, researchers find that by 2015, just 1 in 10 (11%) nonelderly people with HIV were uninsured, on par with the rate in the general population (13%), which had fallen to historic lows due to the ACA. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

An Updated PubMed Is on Its Way  An updated version of PubMed, which will eventually replace the current version, is now available on the experimental PubMed Labs platform. The updated version includes enhanced search results, responsive design for mobile phones and tablets, updated technology, and user-driven development. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

Analysis of Express Legal Authorities for Mosquito Control in the United States, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico (October 2018)  A brief overview of the types of legal authority for mosquito control activities, a set of considerations for better understanding the legal authority, a summary of the findings on the express legal authorities for mosquito control found in state law, and a state-by-state summary of the express legal authority for mosquito control in the United States, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Analysis of Obesity Rates for School Children in Pennsylvania (June 2019)  This research tracked childhood obesity rates in rural and urban Pennsylvania public school districts over the 10-year period of 2005-2016, using data from the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health, and the U.S. Census Bureau. (Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health)

Announcing the National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems  The Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announce the launch of the National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS). The goal of NCAPPS is to promote systems change that makes person-centered principles not just an aspiration, but a reality in the lives of people who require services and supports across the lifespan. (Administration for Community Living (ACL), HHS)

Another Drug Crisis: Methamphetamine Use By Pregnant Women  A study published Thursday in the American Journal of Public Health confirms the rise in meth use among pregnant women and provides new data illustrating the scope of the problem. The research, which analyzed hospital discharge records between 2004 and 2015, found that as opioid use among pregnant women has grown in recent years, so has their use of amphetamines, and particularly methamphetamine. (National Public Radio (NPR))

Any Use and Frequent Use of Opioids among Non-Elderly Adults in 2015-2016, by Socioeconomic Characteristics (September 2018)  Brief presents estimates from the 2015 and 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS-HC) of fills of prescriptions for opioid medications that are commonly used to treat pain. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown Results in Charges Against 60 Individuals, Including 53 Medical Professionals  Charges Involve Over 350 Thousand Prescriptions for Controlled Substances and Over 32 Million Pills; ARPO Strike Force Grows to 10 Districts, Expanding to Include the Western District of Virginia. (U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ))

Apply Now: Free Training for New and Potential HIV Prevention Program Managers  Capacity for Health, a national project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide free training and capacity building to organizations involved in HIV prevention services, with support from the Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention Services (UCHAPS), is offering a FREE two-day training for new and potential HIV prevention program managers. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Applying Lessons of Optimal Adolescent Health to Improve Behavioral Outcomes for Youth: Public Information-Gathering Session: Proceedings of a Workshop--in Brief (2019)  The Committee on Applying Lessons of Optimal Adolescent Health to Improve Behavioral Outcomes for Youth is conducting a study to identify key components of youth-serving programs that have proved successful in improving health outcomes related to adolescent behavior. As part of this work, they held a public information-gathering session in April 2019. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the sessions. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Applying New Methods to Estimate Viral Suppression: The “Last 90”  Guidelines describe an operational protocol for applying new methods to estimate viral suppression—the “last 90” of the 90-90-90 cascade—at the clinical, programmatic, regional, or national level. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MEASURE Evaluation)

Applying Population Estimation Methods in Rural America Toolkit  Toolkit for population size estimation with specific emphasis on applying population estimation methods among people who inject drugs in rural communities. (Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health)

Approaches for Improving Oral Health Outcomes for Low Income Americans  Blog post highlights state strategies to improve oral health outcomes. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Are Marketplace Premiums Higher in Rural Than in Urban Areas? (November 2018)  Analysis of federal data shows insurance plans in urban areas had significantly lower premiums than plans in rural areas for the most commonly purchased coverage under the Affordable Care Act. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

As Awareness Around the Importance of Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity Increases, State Legislation Follows Suit  As of mid-February, 29 bills in 11 states have been introduced in the current session that explicitly mention the social determinants of health or health-related social needs. These bills originate from Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

As Syphilis Invades Rural America, A Fraying Health Safety Net Is Failing To Stop It  Public health officials say rural counties across the Midwest and West are becoming the new battleground for syphilis. While syphilis is still concentrated in cities such as San Francisco, Atlanta and Las Vegas, its continued spread into places like Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma creates a new set of challenges.

Assessing and Monitoring Long-Term Opioid Use for People With Chronic and Disabling Arthritis Pain (June 2019)  This literature review summarizes the existing research on opioid use disorder (OUD) and long-term opioid use by people who experience chronic noncancer pain. (American Institutes of Research)

Assessing the Relationship Between a Composite Score of Urban Park Quality and Health  Combining 3 nationwide public data sets, this study modeled the relationships between a composite score of urban park system quality effects on physical activity and self-reported health while controlling for demographic and lifestyle variables. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Assessment of Child Health and Health Care in Ohio  Assessment identifies Ohio’s top child health and healthcare-related priorities and provides a starting place for a child-focused health policy agenda that can pave the way for a healthier Ohio. (Health Policy Institute of Ohio)

Assessment of Epidemiology Capacity in State Health Departments — United States, 2017  From 2013 to 2017, the number of state epidemiologists increased by 22%. Several emerging program areas remain seriously understaffed. The federal government continues to fund most (77%) state epidemiology activities and personnel. Capacity in four assessed Essential Public Health Services has remained stable or has declined in all areas except evaluation. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Assessment of Mortality and Smoking Rates Before and After Reduction in Community-wide Prevention Programs in Rural Maine  In this cross-sectional study of a rural Maine county, increasing mortality and smoking rates were observed within 5 to 10 years of program reductions. Also, mortality rates in Maine counties were more strongly associated with income in 2006 to 2015 than in previous decades. (American Medical Association (AMA))

Assessment of State, Local, and Territorial Zika Planning and Preparedness Activities — United States, June 2016–July 2017  Among 53 jurisdictions, Zika planning and response activities increased from June 2016 to July 2017, with the largest increases in percentage of jurisdictions reporting fully completed actions for the operations and planning, communications and community education, outreach to pregnant women, and blood safety domains. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Assessment of Town and Park Characteristics Related to Physical Activity in the Lower Mississippi Delta  Study determines aspects of the built environment that may have contributed to the low levels of physical activity reported in both the gestational and postnatal periods by women participating in a diet and physical activity intervention in the rural Lower Mississippi Delta. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Assessment of dietary patterns, physical activity and obesity from a national survey: Rural-urban health disparities in older adults  Open-access study assesses rural-urban differences in obesity rates in older adults, and the potential for the associations between obesity and physical activity and dietary patterns to vary by rural-urban status. (Public Library of Science)

Association of provider recommendation and HPV vaccination initiation among male adolescents aged 13-17 years – United States  Study assesses human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among adolescents by provider recommendation status. (Journal of Pediatrics)

Attempts to Lose Weight Among Adolescents Aged 16–19 in the United States, 2013–2016  In 2013–2016, 37.6% of adolescents aged 16–19 tried to lose weight in the past year. Weight loss attempts were higher among adolescent girls (45.2%) compared with adolescent boys (30.1%). (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Availability of Integrated Primary Care Services in Community Mental Health Care Settings  This study examined the availability of primary care and wellness services in community mental health centers (CMHCs) and outpatient mental health facilities (OMHFs). (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Availability of the National Diabetes Prevention Program in United States Counties, March 2017  Study assessed the presence of publicly available in-person lifestyle change program (LCP) classes, as of March 1, 2017, by diabetes incidence and socioeconomic status at the county level, because higher diabetes incidence and lower socioeconomic status are correlated and may be useful in targeting type 2 diabetes prevention efforts. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Awareness Among US Adults of Dental Sealants for Caries Prevention  Study assessed knowledge of dental sealants among US adults and adult parents of children younger than 18 and the differences in knowledge among demographic and socioeconomic groups. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Awareness of Heart Attack Symptoms and Response Among Adults — United States, 2008, 2014, and 2017  Analysis of National Health Interview Survey data for 2008, 2014, and 2017 found that knowledge of five common signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the appropriate emergency response increased significantly (from 40% to 50% and from 92% to 95%, respectively); however, sociodemographic disparities in knowledge persist. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Babesiosis Surveillance — United States, 2011–2015  For the 2011–2015 surveillance period, CDC was notified of 7,612 cases of babesiosis (6,277 confirmed [82.5%] and 1,335 probable [17.5%]). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Be Smoke and Tobacco Free in March!  Kick Butts Day is March 20, 2019. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Indoor Environments Division supports efforts to educate America’s youth about the health risks of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA))

Becoming Better Messengers: The Public Health Advantage  Article discusses how public health professionals need to appeal to the future public health workforce by communicating using different moral foundations. (Journal of Public Health Management and Practice)

Behavioral Health Conditions in Children and Youth Exposed to Natural Disasters (September 2018)  This issue of the Supplemental Research Bulletin focuses on mental health and substance use (behavioral health) conditions in children and adolescents following exposure to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Behavioral and Clinical Characteristics of American Indian/Alaska Native Adults in HIV Care — Medical Monitoring Project, United States, 2011–2015  Among adults receiving HIV care from 2011 to 2015, AI/AN patients had high poverty levels (51%), depression (27%), HIV stigma (78%), and suboptimal sustained HIV viral suppression (64%). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Behavioral and Clinical Characteristics of Persons with Diagnosed HIV Infection Medical Monitoring Project, United States 2016 Cycle (June 2016–May 2017) (February 2019)  Report describes the characteristics of adults with diagnosed HIV infection who are living in the United States or Puerto Rico. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Being teased about weight may lead to more weight gain among children, NIH study suggests  Youth who said they were teased or ridiculed about their weight increased their body mass by 33% more each year, compared to a similar group who had not been teased, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Best Practice Approach Report: The Role of Oral Health Workforce Development in Access to Care (March 2019)  This report provides an overview of two components of access directly influenced by workforce development initiatives: accessibility and availability. Recommendations to improve oral health workforce capacity and its ability to meet a diverse population’s needs for prevention and care follow. (Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors)

Best Practices and Barriers to Engaging People with Substance Use Disorders in Treatment (March 2019)  This study examines how higher-performing health plans improve initiation and subsequent engagement in SUD treatment. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS)

Best Practices and Innovative Solutions to Overcome Barriers to Delivering Policy, Systems and Environmental Changes in Rural Communities  To better understand the barriers to implementing policy; systems; and environmental (PSE) change initiatives within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) programming in U.S. rural communities; as well as strategies to overcome these barriers, this study identifies: (1) the types of nutrition-related PSE SNAP-Ed programming currently being implemented in rural communities; (2) barriers to implementing PSE in rural communities; and (3) common best practices and innovative solutions to overcoming SNAP-Ed PSE implementation barriers. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Best Practices for Rapid Syphilis Testing in Outreach and Non-Clinical Settings  Report is based on lessons learned from an evaluation of rapid syphilis testing (RST) demonstration projects in four local health departments: Crater Health District (Virginia), Pima County Health Department (Arizona), Salt Lake County Health Department (Utah), and San Joaquin County Public Health (California). The goal of this project was to better understand implementation practices for rapid syphilis testing and identify optimal uses and considerations in non-clinical or outreach settings. This report outlines the lessons learned from the experiences of the four local health department sites and provides questions to consider regarding implementation of RST in outreach and non-clinical settings. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Better Clinical Care for Obesity and Diet-Related Diseases Requires a Focus on Social Determinants of Health  The complications of obesity and diet-related diseases challenge the traditional model of health care delivery, in which care primarily rests with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. These conditions instead require health systems to restructure care delivery to consider underlying drivers, which have traditionally fallen to professionals outside of the health care delivery system. Key among these underlying drivers are the social determinants of health. (New England Journal of Medicine)

Better for You Foods: A Guide to Evaluating the Quality of Nutrition Standards  This report details the process used to review and evaluate “Better for You” nutrition standards, and the results from a preliminary implementation of this tool to review existing standards. It highlights the three standards that scored highest with this initial use, and explains why these standards scored the highest. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Beverage Consumption Among Youth in the United States, 2013–2016  In 2013–2016, water accounted for 43.7% of total beverage consumption among U.S. youth, followed by milk (21.5%), soft drinks (19.9%), 100% juice (7.3%), and other beverages (7.6%). The contribution of milk and 100% juice to total beverage consumption decreased with age, while the contribution of water and soft drinks increased with age. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2018 Benchmarking Report  What the 2018 Benchmarking Report shows is there is a public health crisis facing America due to bicyclist and pedestrian deaths and physical inacivity. With continued advocacy and leadership at the federal, state, and local levels to address this urgent crisis, we can build a more Bicycle Friendly America in which more people feel encouraged and safer biking or walking.

Big Ideas for HIV Prevention and Treatment  In advance of World AIDS Day on December 1st, the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law has released two new reports on emerging HIV issues in the United States, including policy ideas for states and local communities and for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. (Georgetown University)

Big Soda Pours Big Bucks Into California’s Capitol  Article discusses states' struggles to fight against big soda industry lobbying and funding to prevent soda and sugar taxes. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

Binge Drinking and Prescription Opioid Misuse in the U.S., 2012–2014  More than half of the 4.2 million people who misused prescription opioids during 2012–2014 were binge drinkers, and binge drinkers had nearly twice the odds of misusing prescription opioids, compared with nondrinkers. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Bolstering Latinx Gay and Bisexual Men to Promote Health and Reduce HIV Transmission (March 2019)  This issue brief examines the place of Latinx gay and bisexual men in the US HIV epidemic and explores emerging trends in new infections and engagement in care. Moreover, it examines how our response to HIV fits into a broader social context wherein many Latinx communities are under active threat. (Georgetown University)

Bridging Gaps to Build Healthy Communities (May 2019)  To gain a deeper understanding of how individuals perceive social determinants as compared to researchers and journalists, Anthem partnered with Quid to examine academic papers, news articles, and blog posts from patient forums focused on cancer, diabetes, and mental health conditions.

Building Cultures of Preparedness: Report for the Emergency Management Higher Education Community (January 2019)  This report highlights the vast diversity of American communities and households, indicating that a one-size-fits-all strategy is not well-suited to the specific demands of variable and distinctive environments – our Culture of Preparedness will have to be built one community at a time. (Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), DHS)

Building Health and Resiliency: Philadelphia’s 11th Street Family Health Services  This case study is the first in a series profiling how primary care clinics — federally qualified health centers, independent clinics, and clinics that are part of large health systems — are meeting the needs of patients with low incomes. (Commonwealth Fund)

Building Healthy Communities Twitter Chat  June 6, 2019 2:00pm ET. ASTHO will partner with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) to host a Twitter chat focused on building healthy and resilient communities. Follow along using the #healthycommunitieschat hashtag. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Building Public Health Capacity to Advance Equity: A National Environmental Scan of Tribal, State, and Local Governmental Public Health (January 2019)  An environmental scan to explore governmental public health’s role in advancing health equity with racial equity as a major priority and community engagement as a central strategy. (National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE))

Building Resilience to Biothreats: An Assessment of Unmet Global Health Security Needs (April 2019)  Report presents a framework for rethinking global health security in a way that captures, under a single umbrella, functional areas requiring inputs from the healthcare and public health, animal health, agriculture, environmental, law enforcement and counterterrorism, defense, and disaster risk reduction sectors. It also explicitly considers functions needed to defend against events regardless of their source, whether intentional or unintentional. (EcoHealth Alliance)

Building Sustainable Financing Structures for Population Health Insights from Non-Health Sectors: Proceedings of a Workshop (2018)  The results of an October 2016 workshop, which examined the use of financing strategies from other sectors in population health. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Building The Evidence Base For Global Health Security Implementation  Special supplemental issue of Health Security outlines how the CDC and its partners are working to develop a scientifically grounded evidence base of effective and measurable global health security interventions that can help guide future efforts.

Building Trust in Health Systems to Eliminate Health Disparities  A lack of clarity among contributing entities about the roles and responsibilities of health systems in addressing root causes of health disparities make the challenging goal of eliminating them even more so. (American Medical Association (AMA))

Building a Culture of Health: A Policy Roadmap to Help All New Jerseyans Live Their Healthiest Lives  Creating health equity through public policies is the focus of this new report, which recommends a comprehensive series of actions that will help to close health gaps, broaden opportunity, and ensure that everyone in New Jersey—no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make—can live the healthiest life possible. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Building and Measuring Community Resilience: Actions for Communities and the Gulf Research Program (2019)  Report summarizes the existing portfolio of relevant or related resilience measurement efforts and notes gaps and challenges associated with them. It describes how some communities build and measure resilience and offers four key actions that communities could take to build and measure their resilience in order to address gaps identified in current community resilience measurement efforts. (National Academies Press)

Building capacity for Public Health 3.0: introducing implementation science into an MPH curriculum  To tackle the challenges of the twenty-first century, public health leaders are promoting a new model titled Public Health 3.0 where public health practitioners become “chief health strategists” and develop interdisciplinary skills for multisector engagement to achieve impact. This requires broad training for public health practitioners in implementation science that includes the allied fields of systems and design thinking, quality improvement, and innovative evaluation methods. (Springer)

Building the Capacity of Public Health to Advance Equity  Report explores governmental public health’s role in advancing health equity with racial equity as a major priority and community engagement as a central strategy. Through literature reviews, key informant interviews and focus groups with health officials, public health experts and community leaders across the country, the report identifies a variety of opportunities for governmental public health to advance equity within health departments, in partnership with other departments and communities, and through national networks of leaders within and outside of public health. (National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE))

Burden, Need and Impact: An Evidence-Based Method to Identify Worker Safety and Health Research Priorities  Article outlines the NIOSH- developed evidence-based method that uses the criteria of ‘burden’, ‘need’, and ‘impact’ to identify research priorities in occupational safety and health. (Oxford Journals)

Business Engagement to Promote Healthy Communities Through Child and Family Well-Being  Paper explains how businesses can significantly bolster efforts to promote the well-being of children and families and why they should. (National Academy of Medicine)

CDC Activates Emergency Operations Center for Ebola Outbreak in Eastern DRC  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is announcing activation of its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Thursday, June 13, 2019, to support the inter-agency response to the current Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Earns Reaccreditation for Emergency Management  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s emergency management program, which includes the emergency operations center, has been accredited again by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Food Safety Alert: E. coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce  CDC is advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, serve, or sell any romaine lettuce as it investigates an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to romaine. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Grand Rounds: New Frontiers in Workplace Health  Article provides an overview of current workplace health promotion programs and evidence and best practice for programs, and introduces the CDC Workplace Health Resource Center. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Influenza Season Continues with an Increase in Influenza A(H3N2) Activity  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this health advisory to notify clinicians that influenza activity remains high in the United States, with an increasing proportion of activity due to influenza A(H3N2) viruses, continued circulation of influenza A(H1N1) viruses, and low levels of influenza B viruses. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update - Outbreak of Life-threatening Coagulopathy Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids Use  CDC is providing information on: 1) the current status of a multistate outbreak of coagulopathy from exposure to synthetic cannabinoid products containing a vitamin K-epoxide cycle antagonist, brodifacoum; 2) the emergence of 2 new clinical scenarios; and 3) recommendations to help clinicians make decisions related to these 2 new clinical scenarios. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Issues Guidance on Shingrix Vaccine Delays  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance to providers who are experiencing difficulty receiving sufficient supplies of the Shingrix vaccine to meet demand. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

CDC Media Statement: Measles cases in the U.S. are highest since measles was eliminated in 2000  As of 3 p.m. on April 24, 2019, CDC is reporting 695 cases of measles from 22 states. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the United States since measles was eliminated from this country in 2000. The high number of cases in 2019 is primarily the result of a few large outbreaks – one in Washington State and two large outbreaks in New York that started in late 2018. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Offers New Resource for Tick Season  CDC has an updated digital press kit available for journalists with the latest information about the increasing number of reported tickborne illnesses, newly discovered disease-causing germs, expanding ranges of ticks, and a novel tick species recently found in the US. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Provides First In-Season Estimates of Flu Illnesses, Medical Visits, and Hospitalizations  So far during the 2018-2019 season between about 6 and 7 million people have been sick with flu, up to half of those people have sought medical care for their illness, and between 69,000 and 84,000 people have been hospitalized from flu. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Public Health Surveillance Strategy Report: 2014-2018  Report chronicles CDC’s efforts to improve its surveillance systems and approaches and sets the stage for a more transformative data and IT modernization strategy. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Update on Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce  CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are now advising that U.S. consumers not eat and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any romaine lettuce from the Central Coastal growing regions of northern and central California. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC Update: Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce  Nine additional people have been reported since the last update on November 26, 2018. This brings the total to 52 cases from 15 states. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC activates Emergency Operations Center for Hurricane Florence  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) yesterday to coordinate 24/7 all CDC activities for public health needs before, during, and after Hurricane Florence, including the deployment of resources and personnel, as requested. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC launches new pneumococcal vaccination app: PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor  CDC recently launched an app to help vaccination providers quickly and easily determine which pneumococcal vaccines a patient needs and when. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC provides new funds to battle the opioid overdose epidemic  To address the opioid overdose epidemic, the CDC is increasing support to states, territories, tribes, and non-governmental organizations working to prevent opioid-related overdoses, deaths, and other outcomes. CDC has awarded $155 million in new funding to states and four U.S. territories to advance the understanding of the opioid overdose epidemic and to scale-up prevention and response activities, including improving the timeliness and quality of surveillance data. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System now includes all 50 states  The CDC just announced new state grants for the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). A total of $3.2 million in FY 2018 funds will go to the 10 new states to become part of NVDRS: Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. NVDRS will now receive data on violent deaths from all 50 states; Washington, DC; and Puerto Rico. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CDC’s successful “Tips From Former Smokers” campaign returns on April 1  New emotionally powerful ads today kick off the eighth year of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Tips From Former Smokers” campaign. The new ads share personal stories of Americans suffering from smoking-related illnesses—and the devastating impact of these illnesses on smokers’ families. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

CNE Opportunity: Recorded Webinar Introducing the Quad Council Coalition’s 2018 Community/Public Health Nursing Competencies  A recorded webinar introducing the updated Community/Public Health Nursing (C/PHN) Competencies from the Quad Council Coalition of Public Health Nursing Organizations (QCC) has been released. This educational webinar provides information about the development of this competency set, as well as strategies to support dissemination and implementation of the competencies, and offers 1.0 continuing nursing education (CNE) contact hours. (Public Health Foundation (PHF))

COP24 Special report: Health & Climate Change  Report aims to provide global knowledge on the interconnection between climate change and health; an overview of the initiatives and tools with which public health communities are supporting and scaling up actions to implement the Paris Agreement; and recommendations on maximizing the health benefits of tackling climate change. (World Health Organization (WHO))

California County Health Status Profiles 2018  Annual report presents public health data that can be directly compared with clearly established benchmarks, such as national standards, and populations of similar composition. (California Department of Health)

California County Health Status Profiles 2019  Report evaluates county-level data on health status indicators for monitoring progress towards achieving the goals set forth in Healthy People 2020. (California Department of Health)

Call for Nominations: Assessment of Long-Term Health Effects for Antimalarial Drugs  The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice is seeking nominations of experts to serve on a new consensus committee that will review the long-term health effects that might result from the use of antimalarials by adults. Nominations are due by November 2, 2018. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Call for Papers: Indigenous Food Sovereignty in North America  JAFSCD and the Journal of American Indian Education announce a joint call for papers and commentaries on Indigenous Food Sovereignty in North America. The deadline for manuscript submissions is January 15, 2019.

Call for Papers: Theme Issue on Drivers of Health  Health Services Research (HSR) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are partnering to publish a Theme Issue on Drivers of Health, to be co-edited by Austin Frakt, PhD, and David Nerenz, PhD. Theme issue invites studies, evaluations, and policy analyses that use rigorous scientific research methods to illuminate the causal relationships between social and health care system factors that affect health outcomes, including mortality, as well as broader measures of quality of life and well-being. (Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET))

Call for Papers: “Public Health and Pharmacy: Collaborative Approaches to Improve Population Health”  Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) invites authors to submit manuscripts describing innovative and effective work to link public health and pharmacy in ways that improve population health. PCD seeks manuscripts that provide timely information on effective ways the disciplines of public health and pharmacy can collaborate to improve the nation’s health and/or improve population health globally. Submissions are due by October 31, 2019. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Call for Research Papers: Physical Activity Among Women & Girls  Public Health Reports is calling for manuscripts in the following areas: critical periods during the life course (e.g. puberty, marriage, educational transitions, pregnancy, and menopause) that impact physical activity levels among women and girls; organized sports participation among women and girls; and effective policies and/or programs that promote physical activity among women and girls. Abstracts are due November 3, 2018. (Public Health Reports)

Call for submissions: Examples of Educating and Training Health Workers on the Social Determinants of Health  WHO and UNESCO are calling for submissions of examples of education and training courses and programmes for future or current health workers that focus on, or integrate SDH. (World Health Organization (WHO))

Can Predictive Analytics Drive Implementation Research to Improve Population Health?  To improve implementation research, novel tools are needed to tap into many sources of information and develop models for health outcomes at the individual, population, and system levels. Enter predictive analytics! (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Cancer Mortality in Rural America 1999-2016 (November 2018)  Study analyzed mortality associated with some of the most common cancer types in the U.S.—breast, cervical, lung, prostate, and colon—over an eighteen-year period from 1999- 2016 and explored the roles played by rurality and region in this process. (Southwest Rural Health Research Center)

Cancer statistics for African Americans, 2019  Report provides data and information on cancer occurrence among the African American/black community in the United States, including incidence, survival, mortality, and the estimated numbers of new cases and deaths in 2019, as well as the prevalence of cancer risk factors and screening. It also estimates the total number of cancer deaths averted among blacks as a result of the continuous decline in cancer mortality since the early 1990s. (American Cancer Society)

Capacity-Building Toolkit for Including Aging & Disability Networks in Emergency Planning  The purpose of the Capacity-Building Toolkit for Including Aging and Disability Networks in Emergency Planning (hereafter, the “Toolkit”) is to serve as a resource to guide the aging and disability networks in increasing their ability to plan for and respond to public health emergencies and disasters. For organizations already engaged in emergency planning, this Toolkit can help expand and improve their capabilities. For organizations new to emergency planning, this Toolkit will help orient them to the process. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Capacity-Building Toolkit for Including Aging and Disability Networks in Emergency Planning  The toolkit will help your community-based organization plan to address the access and functional needs of older adults and people with disabilities and assist consumers with personal preparedness. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), HHS)

Case Studies of 6 Safety Net Organizations That Integrate Oral and Mental/Behavioral Health With Primary Care Services (2019)  Study describes efforts in federally qualified health centers in the United States to integrate oral health and mental/behavioral health service delivery with primary care. (Center for Health Workforce Studies)

Case Study: Harris County BUILD Health Partnership  The Harris County BUILD partners leveraged each of their individual strengths and created a shared vision to address food insecurity and high rates of childhood obesity. Follow their journey over the course of two years as they worked to restructure the local food system in Pasadena, TX, and make it healthy, sustainable, and community-supported in this new case study. (BUILD Health Challenge)

Case Study: How Alaska Addresses Its Health Care Workforce Challenges (November 2018)  Brief highlights the Alaska Health Workforce Coalition, which has facilitated many of the state’s workforce initiatives. (National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP))

Case Study: How Indiana Addresses Its Health Care Workforce Challenges (November 2018)  Indiana has achieved a number of successes to meet specific health care workforce development needs, such as providing Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker (CHW) services, a pre-nursing certificate pathway for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and a framework for comprehensive review of state licensing. Many of these successes have been supported by the Indiana Governor’s Health Workforce Council, a cross-agency funded body that serves as a forum to convene stakeholders, establish priorities, and develop policy recommendations. This case study highlights how Indiana has utilized these types of cross-agency approaches to bolster health care workforce development. (National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP))

Case Study: New Approaches to Healthy Housing in Cleveland  This report specifically highlights the BUILD Health Challenge related efforts of the Engaging the Community in New Approaches to Healthy Housing (ECNAHH) initiative, based in Cleveland, Ohio. (BUILD Health Challenge)

Casino Ownership and Health-Related Community Resources Among Native American Tribes in California  To investigate the association between casino ownership and health-related community resources among Native Americans, researchers surveyed 81 of California’s 110 federally recognized tribes about casino ownership and health-related community resources during 2015 and 2016. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week  This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). From April 27-May 4, 2019, NIIW will highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Center for Optimizing Rural Health Technical Advisory Center  The Center for Optimizing Rural Health is excited to partner with communities and facilities to identify opportunities to improve health outcomes, reduce costs and increase access to care. The first step will be for communities/facilities to apply to be a part of the Center’s outreach. Applications will be accepted October 30-November 30. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

Change in Children's Physical Activity: Predictors in the Transition From Elementary to Middle School  The purpose of this study is to identify, from a comprehensive, multidomain set of factors, those that are associated with change in objectively measured physical activity in children as they transition from elementary to middle school. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Changes in HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men — 20 Urban Areas, 2014 and 2017  From 2014 to 2017, PrEP awareness among MSM in 20 urban areas increased from 60% to 90%, and PrEP use increased from 6% to 35%. PrEP use increased in almost all demographic subgroups but remains lower among black and Hispanic MSM. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Changes in Obesity Among US Children Aged 2 Through 4 Years Enrolled in WIC During 2010-2016  Among children aged 2 through 4 years enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), obesity prevalence increased between 2000 and 2010 but declined through 2014. The decline was statistically significant among all racial/ethnic groups and in 34 of 56 state WIC agencies. The present study examines trends in overweight and obesity by age, sex, and race/ethnicity using WIC data from 2010 to 2016. (American Medical Association (AMA))

Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label  On May 20, 2016, the FDA announced the new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods to reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The new label will make it easier for consumers to make better informed food choices. FDA published the final rules in the Federal Register on May 27, 2016. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the United States from 1979 through 2016  In an effort to understand the opioid epidemic dynamics and perhaps predict its future course, researchers analyzed records of 599,255 deaths from 1979 through 2016 from the National Vital Statistics System where unintentional drug poisoning was identified as the main cause of death. (American Association for the Advancement of Science)

Characteristics of Deceased Solid Organ Donors and Screening Results for Hepatitis B, C, and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses — United States, 2010–2017  The number and proportion of increased risk donors have increased since 2010, likely because of the epidemic of opioid overdose deaths. Compared with standard risk donors, IRDs were significantly more likely to have HBV and HCV infection. Rates of nucleic acid testing have reached nearly 100%. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Characteristics of School-Associated Youth Homicides — United States, 1994–2018  Single-victim homicide rates remained stable overall during 1994–2016. School-associated single-victim homicides share characteristics with youth homicides in the community, often involving racial/ethnic minorities, males aged 15–18 years, and occurring in urban areas. Firearm-related injuries were the cause of death in 247 (62.8%) and 115 (95%) single- and multiple-victim homicides, respectively. Multiple-victim incidence rates increased significantly from July 2009 to June 2018. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2017  The Characteristics report is published annually, dating back to 1976, and provides information about the demographic and economic circumstances of SNAP households. (Food and Nutrition Service, USDA)

Characteristics of US Counties With High Opioid Overdose Mortality and Low Capacity to Deliver Medications for Opioid Use Disorder  Study identifies characteristics of US counties with high rates of opioid overdose mortality and low capacity to deliver medications for opioid use disorder. (American Medical Association (AMA))

Characterizing the Roles and Skill Gaps of the Environmental Health Workforce in State and Local Health Departments  Data from the 2014 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey were used to describe the self-reported roles, important daily work tasks, and skill gaps of environmental health workers and to compare and contrast these characteristics between state health agencies and local health departments. (National Environmental Health Association)

Check Out the New Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Infographic from Healthy People 2020  Each month, Healthy People releases an infographic with the latest data related to a Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator (LHI) topic. These infographics show progress toward Healthy People 2020 LHI targets — and show where there’s still work to be done. This month’s featured LHI topic is Maternal, Infant, and Child Health. (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), HHS)

Check Out the New Mental Health Infographic from Healthy People 2020  Each month, ODPHP releases an infographic with the latest data related to a Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator (LHI) topic. These infographics show progress toward Healthy People 2020 LHI targets — and show where there’s still work to be done. This month’s featured LHI topic is Mental Health. (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), HHS)

Child Trauma and Opioid Use: Policy Implications  Provides policymakers and other stakeholders with an overview of how substance use and trauma effects children, adolescents, and families; substance use-related impaired caregiving; and the impact of the opioid crisis on children and families. This policy brief offers recommendations for clinical interventions and training, as well as prevention efforts. (National Center for Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Children and Teens Who Drink Low-Calorie Sweetened Beverages Do Not Save Calories Compared to Those Who Drink Sugary Drinks  U.S. children and teens who consumed low-calorie or zero-calorie sweetened beverages took in about 200 extra calories on a given day compared to those who drank water, and they took in about the same number of calories as youth who consumed sugary beverages, according to a recent study. (George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health)

Chronic Disease After Natural Disasters: Public Health, Policy, and Provider Perspectives  Report highlights how agencies and other stakeholders can better address the unique needs of individuals with chronic diseases in disasters by providing a resource to aid in planning for this population, analyzing the results of 15 interviews with public health, public policy, and emergency management officials as well as direct service providers. (Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Prevalence Among Adults Who Have Never Smoked, by Industry and Occupation — United States, 2013–2017  During 2013–2017, an estimated 2.4 million (2.2%) U.S. working adults aged ≥18 years who never smoked had COPD. The highest COPD prevalences among persons who never smoked were in the information (3.3%) and mining (3.1%) industries and office and administrative support occupation workers (3.3%). Women had higher COPD prevalences than did men. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Arthritis Among US Adults, 2016  Adults with arthritis are more likely than adults without arthritis to have a higher prevalence of COPD (13.7% vs 3.8%). The relationships remained significant among all subgroups of selected characteristics after we controlled for covariates. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Smoking Status — United States, 2017  Geographic and sociodemographic patterns of COPD prevalence were similar among current smokers, former smokers, and adults who had never smoked. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Chronic illnesses: UN stands up to stop 41 million avoidable deaths per year  “Heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic Lyme disease, depression” – just some of the illnesses outlined by World Health Organization (WHO) chief Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, who drove home the danger by asking delegates to stand up, when they heard the name of an illness that had killed someone they loved: One by one, every single person in the room, got to their feet. (United Nations (UN))

City-Level Measures of Health, Health Determinants, and Equity to Foster Population Health Improvement: The City Health Dashboard  By providing accessible city-level data on health and its determinants, the City Health Dashboard complements local surveillance efforts and supports urban population health improvement on a national scale. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

City-Specific Check-Up for Children Reports  These five Check-Up for Children reports for Baltimore, Boston, Little Rock, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia show that hardship-free children and caregivers are healthier and are more likely to thrive. (Children's HealthWatch)

CityHealth Gives Local Communities Evidence-Based Tools to Improve Health  CityHealth provides city leaders with a package of evidence-based policy solutions that will help people live longer, better lives. Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendations are among the evidence-based resources CityHealth considered in their selection of policy solutions. (Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF))

Clarity Across Languages  Blog post discusses how the National Library of Medicine works to improve health literacy and cultural competence in MedlinePlus. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

Clinical Perspectives on Obesity Treatment: Challenges, Gaps, and Promising Opportunities  This discussion paper highlights the challenges, remaining gaps, and promising opportunities in advancing obesity treatment. The authors discuss challenges facing children and adults with obesity, including access to treatment, risks involved with treatment, responsiveness to treatment, and the importance of multidisciplinary care teams. (National Academy of Medicine)

Closing the Gap on Dental HPSAs: Louisiana Oral Health Workforce Assessment (August 2018)  In order to understand the challenges and successes related to oral health in Louisiana and trying to identify how the entire health care community can more effectively address oral health needs, the Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health (BPCRH) undertook a comprehensive assessment of the oral health system in Louisiana. (Louisiana Department of Health)

Closure of Specialized Information Services  Over the next few months, some SIS resources and programs will transition to other parts of NLM, be integrated into other NLM resources, made accessible on partner sites, or discontinued. NLM will provide notice of these changes as they are made. Links to SIS resources and programs in their new locations will be shared on the SIS homepage at https://sis.nlm.nih.gov. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

Collaborative Librarianship: Special Issue on Libraries and Disasters  Open access issue provides an expansive look at the important role public libraries play in their communities when disaster strikes.

Coming Soon: Opportunity to Provide Input on the Draft National Youth Sports Strategy  A draft of the National Youth Sports Strategy will soon be available to review and provide public comment. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health is developing a national strategy to expand children’s participation in sports by focusing on the following priority areas: increasing awareness of the benefits of youth sports participation; promoting private and public strategies or programs to promote youth sports participation; developing metrics; and recruiting volunteers. (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), HHS)

Communicable disease threats to public health in the European Union - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2018  This report covers the events and threats detected by the ECDC epidemic intelligence (EI) team in 2018 and the actions taken related to these findings. (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC))

Communications Toolkit: National Influenza Vaccination Week 2018  From December 2-8, 2018, we observe National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) to remind people six months and older that it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. To help promote this important information in your communities, check out resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Communities Talk: Starting Conversations About Preventing Underage Drinking  During Alcohol Awareness Month each April, the nation takes note of the progress in reducing rates of underage drinking and celebrate the efforts of communities across the country who are working together to prevent underage alcohol use. According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), we have seen a dramatic decrease over the past 15 years in the percentage of 12- to 20-year-olds who report any lifetime alcohol use: 56.2 percent in 2002 down to 41.0 percent in 2017. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Community Assessments for Mosquito Prevention and Control Experiences, Attitudes, and Practices — U.S. Virgin Islands, 2017 and 2018  Community assessments conducted in the U.S. Virgin Islands during the Zika outbreak response, hurricane response, and hurricane recovery found similar support for mosquito spraying, but support for specific spray methods varied. Concern about acquiring Zika decreased over time. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Community Health Center Financing: The Role of Medicaid and Section 330 Grant Funding Explained  This issue brief describes health centers’ role in health care and these two primary sources of health center revenue—Medicaid and Section 330 funding. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Community Health Centers and the President’s HIV Initiative: Issues and Challenges Facing Health Centers in High-Burden States and Communities (February 2019)  Reaching the President’s goal of ending HIV means significantly expanding outreach, clinical care, and patient support services to at-risk populations and communities. According to the administration, community health centers are expected to play a major role in this effort, given the scope of care they offer and their location in communities experiencing elevated poverty and health risks, and a shortage of affordable and accessible comprehensive primary health care. (Georgetown University)

Community Health Centers' Experiences in a More Mature ACA Market  This brief summarizes findings from the Kaiser Family Foundation/Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health Policy 2018 Health Center Survey to provide a snapshot of health centers’ outreach and enrollment activities as well as changes in service capacity, and overall financial condition since implementation of the ACA. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Community Health Needs Assessments: Elevating Consumer Voices, Increasing Accountability and Facilitating Collaboration  This report describes how community health needs assessment requirements can be leveraged to improve health in a community. (Altarum Institute)

Community Meal Site #bestlookingplate Event  During the week of March 25-29,2019, ACL is encouraging senior community locations/meal sites funded by Title IIIC of Older Americans’ Act to showcase your best looking plate. The Twitter Hashtag to use is #bestlookingplate. (Administration for Community Living (ACL), HHS)

Community of Practice Tackles Barriers to Increase Immunization Rates  Despite varied immunization policy landscapes across states, AcademyHealth identified three areas of opportunity including leveraging data, ensuring access & coverage, and enhancing provider/patient education and engagement. (AcademyHealth)

Community-Wide Efforts to Improve the Consumer Food Environment and Physical Activity Resources in Rural Kentucky  Study describes a Kentucky community project that consisted of collaborating with grocery store managers to improve the consumer food environment and partnering with community members to improve walking trails, bicycle racks, and other physical activity resources. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Comparison of US County-Level Public Health Performance Rankings With County Cluster and National Rankings: Assessment Based on Prevalence Rates of Smoking and Obesity and Motor Vehicle Crash Death Rates  Study compares county-level percentile rankings on outcomes of smoking, motor vehicle crash deaths, and obesity within sociodemographic peer clusters vs nationwide rankings. (American Medical Association (AMA))

Compendium of NACCHO Policy Recommendations (2018)  The 2018 Compendium of Policy Recommendations includes recommendations from more than 100 policy statements approved by the NACCHO Board of Directors. Topics added or updated in 2018 include the following: HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment, Immigrant Health, Medical Countermeasures Programs, Medical and Recreational Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Opioid Epidemic, and Youth Violence Prevention. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Competencies for Population Health Professionals  Competencies are primarily designed for hospital, health system, public health, healthcare, and other professionals engaged in assessment of population health needs and development, delivery, and improvement of population health programs, services, and practices. This may include activities related to community health needs assessments, community health improvement plans, implementation of community-based interventions, and coalition building. (Public Health Foundation (PHF))

Conceptual Framework for Community-Based HIV Program Data Demand and Use  This framework outlines a strategy for instilling a culture of data demand and use into community-based programs globally, in line with user needs. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MEASURE Evaluation)

Confused by Date Labels on Packaged Foods?  To help dispel the confusion over date labels on packaged food, the FDA is supporting the food industry’s efforts to standardize the use of the term “Best if Used By” on its packaged-food labeling if the date is simply related to optimal quality — not safety. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

Connecting the Dots Selector  Tool makes it easier for users to connect the dots and explore the relationships between multiple types of violence and the risk and protective factors they share at each level of the social-ecological model (SEM). (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Connecting the Dots: Health Inequities, Power, and the Potential for Public Health’s Transformational Role  Article highlights four examples of health inequities and their relationship to power imbalances — including examples where public health could do more transformational work and an example where public health has actively participated in policy change for equity. (Human Impact Partners)

Consumer Survey of Barriers to and Facilitators of Access to Oral Health Services (March 2019)  Study describes the extent to which adults in the US were unable to obtain necessary oral health care in the past year, the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of population groups that experienced a lack of access to oral health care services, the most critical access barriers to oral health services, and unique access barriers for different underserved population groups. (Center for Health Workforce Studies)

Consumption of Alcohol Beverages and Binge Drinking Among Pregnant Women Aged 18–44 Years — United States, 2015–2017  Analysis of 2015–2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data found that 11.5% of pregnant women reported current drinking, and 3.9% reported binge drinking during the past 30 days. Women who were not married were more likely to drink alcohol and binge drink during pregnancy than were married women. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Continuing Education: HIV Testing Intervals for At-Risk Adults  CDC’s MMWR and Medscape are proud to introduce a new FREE continuing education (CE) activity that describes compliance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for HIV infection screening among persons at increased risk, based on an analysis of 2006-2016 data from the General Social Survey (GSS). (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Contribution of Whole Grains to Total Grains Intake Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 2013–2016  This report provides estimates of the percentage of total grains intake consumed from whole grains sources, for adults aged 20 and over who reported consumption of grains (98.6%) on a given day during 2013–2016. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Cost Effectiveness of Two Lifestyle Interventions in the Vermont WISEWOMAN Program  Low-income women are disproportionately overweight or obese. The Vermont WISEWOMAN (Well Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) program, which serves Vermont women whose annual income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level, pays for members to attend 1 of 2 different evidence-based weight loss programs, Weight Watchers or Curves Complete. Study evaluated cost effectiveness of the weight-loss programs, conducted from April 2014 through March 2016, to determine which represented the best investment of WISEWOMAN program funds. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Cost-Effectiveness of the US Food and Drug Administration Added Sugar Labeling Policy for Improving Diet and Health  Implementing the US Food and Drug Administration added sugar labeling policy could generate substantial health gains and cost savings for the US population. (American Hospital Association)

Cost-effective Screening and Treatment of Hepatitis C  Issue Brief reviews recent evidence on the cost-effectiveness of screening and treatment strategies, and makes the case for universal, one-time HCV screening for all US adults. (University of Pennsylvania, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI))

Cost-effectiveness of financial incentives and disincentives for improving food purchases and health through the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A microsimulation study  Study aimed to estimate the health impact, program and healthcare costs, and cost-effectiveness of food incentives, disincentives, or restrictions in SNAP. (Public Library of Science)

County By County, Researchers Link Opioid Deaths To Drugmakers’ Marketing  A study recently published in JAMA Network Open looked at county-specific federal data and found that the more opioid-related marketing dollars were spent in a county, the higher the rates of doctors who prescribed those drugs and, ultimately, the more overdose deaths occurred in that county. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

Coverage for Obesity Prevention and Treatment Services: Analysis of Medicaid and State Employee Health Insurance Programs  This study examined changes in coverage for adult obesity treatment services in Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs between 2009 and 2017. (Obesity Society)

Critical Access Hospital Requirements CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule (March 2019)  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, increase patient safety during emergencies, and establish a more coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), HHS)

Critical Access Hospitals’ Community Health Needs Assessments and Implementation Plans: How Do They Align? (October 2018)  Issue brief provides a snapshot of how CAHs are using the CHNA process and information to address community needs. (Flex Monitoring Team)

Cross-Agency Approaches to Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment (March 2019)  Report highlights recommendations for structuring and advancing cross-agency approaches to SUD prevention and treatment. (National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP))

Cross-Sector Partnerships to Improve Health and Housing Outcomes: Resource Guide (October 2018)  CDC, HUD, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) brought together public, private, and nonprofit leaders on Nov. 29-30, 2016 to explore how they could work together to improve health and housing outcomes. This convening identified existing partnership, financing, and data-sharing approaches for cross-sector partnerships among healthcare, housing providers, and other sectors that improve health and housing outcomes. This resource guide synthesizes the lessons learned from the 2016 convening and provides public health leaders with strategies to build effective partnerships. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Crossing the Global Quality Chasm: Improving Health Care Worldwide  Study examines the global impacts of poor-quality health care and recommends ways to improve quality while expanding universal health coverage, particularly in low-resource areas. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Cryptosporidiosis Outbreaks — United States, 2009–2017  During 2009–2017, 444 cryptosporidiosis outbreaks, resulting in 7,465 cases were reported by 40 states and Puerto Rico. The number of reported outbreaks has increased an average of approximately 13% per year. Leading causes include swallowing contaminated water in pools or water playgrounds, contact with infected cattle, and contact with infected persons in child care settings. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Culture of Health Prize 2018 Winners Announced  The Culture of Health Prize honors and elevates American communities making great strides in their journey toward better health. Learn more about this year's winners.

Current Status and Response to the Global Obesity Pandemic: Proceedings of a Workshop (2019)  Proceedings from an October 2018 workshop which examined the collective prevalence, costs, and drivers of obesity around the world using cross-cultural comparisons. Panels and group discussions emphasized the need to reduce disparities in prevention and treatment efforts and to generate new policy and system initiatives related to nutrition and physical activity worldwide. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Current Status and Response to the Global Obesity Pandemic: Proceedings of a Workshop–in Brief  Summary of a October 2018 workshop which examined the status of the global obesity pandemic and explored approaches used to manage the problem in different settings around the world. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Current Tobacco Smoking, Quit Attempts, and Knowledge About Smoking Risks Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years — Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 28 Countries, 2008–2016  Across 28 countries, the median prevalences of tobacco smoking and smokers making a quit attempt were 22.5% and 42.5%, respectively. The median prevalences of knowing that tobacco smoking causes stroke, heart attack, and lung cancer were 73.6%, 83.6%, and 95.2%, respectively. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Cyclosporiasis Surveillance — United States, 2011–2015  For the 2011–2015 surveillance period, CDC was notified by 37 states and NYC of 2,207 cases of cyclosporiasis, including 1,988 confirmed cases (90.1%) and 219 probable cases (9.9%). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Daily Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among US Adults in 9 States, by State and Sociodemographic and Behavioral Characteristics, 2016  Study examined associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake — a chronic disease risk factor — and characteristics of 75,029 adults (≥18 y) in 9 states by using 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Accompanying infographic can be found here. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Data Collection Instruments for Obesogenic Environments in Adults: A Scoping Review  The aim of this study was to review and map data collection instruments for obesogenic environments in adults in order to provide an overview of the existing evidence and enable comparisons. (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)

Data Maps the Impact of Where a Child Grows Up  The Opportunity Atlas allows users to interactively explore data on children’s outcomes into adulthood for every Census tract in the United States. This can inform local efforts to build equitable, prosperous, and healthier communities. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Data Note: Public Awareness Around Antibiotic Resistance  This data note examines the public’s knowledge and concerns about antibiotic resistance, a topic of increasing importance to both the United States and the wider global health community. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Data Release: Beverage Tax Revenue and Expenditures  Information about the revenue and spending for the Philadelphia Beverage Tax. This release offers an update on the Beverage Tax through the end of the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2019

Data Sharing and the Law: Deep Dive on Consent  Proceedings from a 2018 workshop which explored when consent may or may not be the key to sharing data and how policies and regulations governing health care, education, and behavioral health data like HIPAA, FERPA, and 42 CFR Part 2 impact consent. (Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH))

Data Sharing in Public Health Emergencies: Ebola Outbreak (West Africa 2014-2016) and Yellow Fever Outbreak (Angola, DRC, Kenya, China 2016)  The EVD and YFV epidemics demonstrated two radically different models for data sharing during epidemic response - a routine data sharing environment, as compared to an extraordinary event classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Business as Usual vs. PHEIC. (UK Department for International Development)

Data Sources and Data-Linking Strategies to Support Research to Address the Opioid Crisis (September 2018)  This report presents findings from a scoping study to assess the types of data sources and data-linkage efforts that are currently being used or could potentially be leveraged to support research and evaluations relevant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Strategic Priorities to combat the opioids crisis. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS)

Data sources to support local services tackling health risks of cold homes  This guidance will: help local areas to estimate the number of people who may be at risk of cold-home-related death and illness in a particular population, using a range of housing, vulnerability and health indicators; and help local areas to identify individuals who may be at risk of experiencing health effects associated with living in a cold home, using data on housing and personal characteristics, as well as opportunistic approaches. It is aimed at public health teams, housing professionals and others with a role in local communities to prevent deaths and illness associated with cold homes. (Public Health England)

Days’ Supply of Initial Opioid Analgesic Prescriptions and Additional Fills for Acute Pain Conditions Treated in the Primary Care Setting — United States, 2014  For 10 acute pain conditions commonly managed in primary care settings, the probability of obtaining a refill after an initial 7-day opioid analgesic prescription ranged from 11% (headache) to 41% (musculoskeletal injury), with refill probability <25% for most conditions. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Deaths: Leading Causes for 2017 (June 2019)  This report presents final 2017 data on the 10 leading causes of death in the United States by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Decision-Making Guide for the Provision of PrEP Services in Title X-Funded Sites (2019)  The purpose of this resource guide is to help Title X-funded family planning service sites make evidence-informed decisions about their role in assuring access to PrEP services in their communities. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

Delivering Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services to High-Risk Youth: The Impacts of Teen Choice in New York  This report presents evidence on the impacts of the Teen Choice curriculum for youth in alternative schools in and around New York City. (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Demographics Dashboard  The data.hrsa.gov team recently launched a new demographics dashboard. This interactive tool combines population, income, age, and other Census data with HRSA grant funding, shortage areas, loan repayment, and scholarship awards. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

Dengue and Zika Virus Diagnostic Testing for Patients with a Clinically Compatible Illness and Risk for Infection with Both Viruses  This report summarizes existing and new guidance on dengue and Zika virus diagnostic testing for patients with a clinically compatible illness who live in or recently traveled to an area where there is risk for infection with both viruses. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Despite Infectious Disease Outbreaks Linked To Opioid Crisis, Most Substance Abuse Facilities Don’t Test For HIV Or HCV  To better understand what regions may not be adequately offering STD testing services, researchers conducted an analysis of substance abuse facilities to assess the availability of HIV and HCV testing nationally. (Health Affairs)

Developing a Web-Based Cost Assessment Tool for Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs  Researchers developed a web-based cost assessment tool (CAT) to collect cost data as an improvement from a desktop instrument to perform economic evaluations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) grantees. Article describes the development of the web-based CAT, evaluate the quality of the data obtained, and discuss lessons learned. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Developing an Equity-Focused Policy Research Agenda for Low-Income Families with Young Children  This brief summarizes an equity-focused policy research agenda for low-income families with young children, in the areas of nutrition, income supports, and early care and education (ECE). (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Diabetes Quality of Care and Maintenance in New England: Can Cross-State Collaboration Move Us Forward?  State efforts to identify subpopulations at higher risk for inadequate diabetes maintenance are sometimes hampered by small sample size. Study provides a model of a cross-state collaboration that might provide the foundation for identifying political and economic forces underlying inter- and intra-state variability in chronic disease care. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Diabetes: Combined Diet and Physical Activity Promotion Programs to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Among People at Increased Risk  Based on the evidence, combined diet and physical activity promotion programs are effective across a range of counseling intensities, settings, and implementers. Programs commonly include a weight loss goal, individual or group sessions (or both) about diet and exercise, meetings with a trained diet or exercise counselor (or both), and individually tailored diet or exercise plans (or both). Higher intensity programs lead to greater weight loss and reduction in new-onset diabetes. Economic evidence indicates that these interventions are cost-effective. (Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF))

Diagnosed Diabetes Prevalence and Risk Factor Rankings, by State, 2014–2016: A Ring Map Visualization  Study used a ring map to depict the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes and 5 associated risk factors (living below the federal poverty level, low educational attainment, obesity, no leisure-time physical activity, and current smoking) for adults in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Diagnoses of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2017 (November 2018)  This annual surveillance report summarizes information about diagnosed HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Diagnostic Methods Used to Classify Confirmed and Probable Cases of Spotted Fever Rickettsioses — United States, 2010–2015  A total of 16,807 SFR supplemental case report forms were provided to CDC with illness onset during 2010–2015; 1.0% met criteria for confirmation. Reasons for nonconfirmation included failure to submit a second serum specimen and low use of molecular diagnostic techniques. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Diet Quality of Pregnant American Indian Women in the Northern Plains  Study examined diet quality and intake of pregnancy-specific micronutrients among pregnant American Indian women in the Northern Plains. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Differences in Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes Among Hispanic/Latino Men and Women Receiving HIV Medical Care — United States, 2013–2014  During 2013–2014, among Hispanics/Latinos with HIV infection in care, women were significantly more likely than were men to live in poverty, have English language difficulties, and receive ancillary services. Prescription of antiretroviral therapy and sustained viral suppression did not significantly differ by sex. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Disaster Exposure and Mental Health Among Puerto Rican Youths After Hurricane Maria  Study determines the magnitude of disaster exposure and mental health outcomes among Puerto Rican youths after Hurricane Maria. (American Medical Association (AMA))

Disaster Preparedness Toolkit for State Medicaid Agencies (August 2018)  This memorandum which provides a high-level summary of the types of Medicaid and CHIP strategies that can be deployed by states and Territories. It is organized by operational area—eligibility and enrollment, benefits and cost sharing and provider workforce—and provides examples of how the strategies were used by other states and Territories. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS)

Disaster Survey Literature Search and Database  The CRGC developed the Disaster Survey Literature Search and Database to: 1) better understand the extent of the literature involving population-based survey research on the public health, social, and economic impacts of natural and manmade disasters in the United States; and 2) identify gaps in said body of literature. (Consortium for Resilient Gulf Communities (CRGC))

Discreetly Tracking Down Sex Partners To Stop A Surge In STDs  The U.S. is in the middle of a steep and sustained increase in sexually transmitted diseases. So how are public health officials responding? In northwest Oregon’s Clackamas County, health officials have decided to ask anyone who comes in with an STD who their sexual partners are — and then track those partners down.

Disease Intervention Specialist Education for the Future: An Analysis of Public Health Curricula  The objectives of this open-access study were to (1) determine the degree of alignment between an existing public health curricula and disease intervention specialist (DIS) workforce training needs, (2) assess the appropriateness of public health education for DISs, and (3) identify existing curriculum gaps to inform future DIS training efforts. (Public Health Reports)

Disparities in Diabetes Prevalence Among Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders and Asians in Hawai‘i  Study examined diabetes prevalence by age and race/ethnicity and assessed how socioeconomic status and lifestyle behaviors affected prevalence among Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, NHOPI, and white populations in Hawai‘i. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Disparities in Health Care Access and Health Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals in California  This policy brief examines differences in health care access, health behaviors, and health outcomes by sexual orientation among California adults. (University of California Los Angeles (UCLA))

Disparities in Incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Among Black and White Women — United States, 2010–2016  A population attributable proportion analysis found that in 2016, an estimated 3,900 of 4,200 (93%) incident HIV infections among black women would not have occurred if the incidence for black women were the same as that for white women. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Dissemination and Implementation Science for Public Health Professionals: An Overview and Call to Action  Article highlights the sustained relevance of the evidence-based public health (EBPH) work of some of the giants in the field, provides descriptions of the importance of explanatory, process, and outcome models, and outlines the common systems-focused basis for dissemination and implementation science and EBPH. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Do Health Impact Assessments Promote Healthier Decision-Making?  Study explored how health impact assessments affect social determinants of health—the social, economic, and environmental factors, such as income and housing, that shape health. The study also examined HIAs’ impact on two key drivers of health equity: resource allocation and community participation in decision-making. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Does a Program that Focuses on Lifestyle Changes Reduce Heart Disease Risk Factors in a Rural Community in Appalachian Kentucky? (2019)  Study determines the effect of an individualized, culturally appropriate, self‐care CVD risk reduction intervention (HeartHealth) compared with referral of patients to a primary care provider for usual care on the following CVD risk factors: tobacco use, blood pressure, lipid profile, body mass index, depressive symptoms, physical activity levels, and overall Framingham risk score. (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI))

Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence: Some Do’s and Don’ts for Health Providers  From the “do’s and don’ts” of screening to the “do’s and don’ts” when violence is disclosed, rural providers need to be prepared to meet the challenges of this ongoing public health crisis. (Rural Health Information Hub)

Donor Government Funding for HIV in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in 2018  Report tracks funding levels of the donor governments that collectively provide the bulk of international assistance for AIDS through bilateral programs and contributions to multilateral organizations. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Draft Guidance for Industry: Serving Sizes of Foods That Can Reasonably Be Consumed At One Eating Occasion, Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed, Serving Size-Related Issues, Dual-Column Labeling, and Miscellaneous Topics  Guidance on the definition of a single-serving container, reference amounts customarily consumed, which are used by companies to determine serving size, dual-column labeling, and miscellaneous issues, such as requirements relating to chewing gum and to multi-unit retail food packages. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

Draft Research Plan for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Screening in Nonpregnant Adolescents and Adults  The US Preventive Services Task Force is soliciting public comment for their draft research plan for " Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Screening in Nonpregnant Adolescents and Adults." Comments are open until January 2, 2019. (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF))

Drilling Down on Dental Coverage and Costs for Medicare Beneficiaries  This brief reviews the state of oral health for people on Medicare. It describes the consequences of foregoing dental care, current sources of dental coverage, use of dental services, and related out-of-pocket spending. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Drug Overdose Deaths Among Women Aged 30–64 Years — United States, 1999–2017  From 1999 to 2017, the death rate from drug overdose among women aged 30–64 years increased by 260%. Drug overdose deaths involving antidepressants, benzodiazepines, cocaine, heroin, prescription opioids, and synthetic opioids all increased. Among women aged 30–64 years, the average age at death for drug overdose deaths increased by nearly 3 years. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine and Psychostimulants with Abuse Potential — United States, 2003–2017  From 2016 to 2017, death rates involving cocaine and psychostimulants increased across age groups, racial/ethnic groups, county urbanization levels, and multiple states. Death rates involving cocaine and psychostimulants, with and without opioids, have increased. Synthetic opioids appear to be the primary driver of cocaine-involved death rate increases, and recent data point to increasing synthetic opioid involvement in psychostimulant-involved deaths. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Fentanyl, 2011-2016 (March 2019)  This report illustrates the rise in drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl from 2011 through 2016 nationally, and by age, sex, race and ethnicity, and public health region. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Drug Poisoning Mortality in the United States, 1999-2017  These figures present drug poisoning deaths at the national, state, and county levels. The first two dashboards depict U.S. and state trends in age-adjusted death rates for drug poisoning beginning in 1999 by selected demographic characteristics. The third, fourth, and fifth dashboards present a series of heat maps, grids, and trend-lines of model-based county estimates for drug-poisoning mortality beginning in 2003. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Drug Policy: Assessing Treatment Expansion Efforts and Drug Control Strategies and Programs  This statement includes information from GAO's 2016 and 2017 reports on access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, including selected recommendation updates as of May 2019. It also includes information from GAO's March 2019 testimony with preliminary observations on the 2019 National Drug Control Strategy and on GAO's ongoing work regarding ONDCP's efforts. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Drug Policy: Preliminary Observations on the 2019 National Drug Control Strategy  This statement includes preliminary GAO observations on the 2019 National Drug Control Strategy and related findings from select GAO reports on federal opioid-related efforts. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths — United States, 2013–2017  In 2017, among 70,237 drug overdose deaths, 47,600 (67.8%) involved opioids, with increases across age groups, racial/ethnic groups, county urbanization levels, and in multiple states. From 2013 to 2017, synthetic opioids contributed to increases in drug overdose death rates in several states. From 2016 to 2017, synthetic opioid-involved overdose death rates increased 45.2%. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Drug, Opioid-Involved, and Heroin-Involved Overdose Deaths Among American Indians and Alaska Natives — Washington, 1999–2015  During 2013–2015, total drug and opioid-involved overdose mortality rates for AI/AN were 2.7 times higher than those of whites in Washington. Misclassification of AI/AN race in death certificates underestimated Washington AI/AN overdose mortality by approximately 40%. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths: United States, 2011–2016 (December 2018)  This report identifies the specific drugs involved most frequently in drug overdose deaths in the United States from 2011 through 2016. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Dying Too Soon: County-level Disparities in Premature Death by Rurality, Race, and Ethnicity (March 2019)  Brief examines county-level differences in premature death (years of potential life lost before age 75 per 100,000 people) by county-level racial and ethnic composition, across rural and urban counties and calculates whether there were rural-urban disparities in mortality within counties with similar racial and ethnic compositions. (University of Minnesota, Rural Health Research Center)

E coli cases prompt ground chuck recall from Publix stores  An investigation into Escherichia coli O26 illnesses, mostly in Florida, has prompted the Publix supermarket chain to voluntarily recall ground chuck shipped to stores in two dozen Florida counties, the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced last week. (University of Minnesota, Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP))

E-Cigarettes and Similar Devices  Article highlights e-cigarette use by children and young adults and provides clinician and policy recommendations. (American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP))

EPA Releases First Major Update to Chemicals List in 40 Years  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an update of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory listing the chemicals that are actively being manufactured, processed and imported in the United States. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA))

Early Care and Education  This brief is one in a series of six on key early childhood issues for state policymakers and focuses on safe and responsive early care and education environments. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Early Childhood Education and Care  This report summarizes 17 selected federal programs that are particularly important for early childhood education and care. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Early Childhood Education to Promote Health Equity: A Community Guide Economic Review  Economic review examines how the economic benefits of center-based early childhood education programs compare with their costs. (Journal of Public Health Management and Practice)

Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs And Health  Home visiting programs, which provide new and expectant parents with information, support, and referrals to community resources and services, promote good maternal and child health, home safety, food security, and positive parenting. (Health Affairs)

Early weight-loss surgery may improve type 2 diabetes, blood pressure outcomes  NIH-funded study followed teens, adults with long-term obesity five years after gastric bypass. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Easier Access to Naloxone Linked to Fewer Opioid Deaths  Between 2013 and 2016, nine states instituted laws that give pharmacists direct authority to dispense naloxone to anyone without a prescription. However, the impact of such changes has remained rather unclear. Now, an NIH-funded analysis has found that within a couple of years of these new laws taking effect, fatal opioid overdoses in these states fell significantly. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Eating Veggies Is Fun! An Implementation Pilot Study in Partnership With a YMCA in South Los Angeles  A pilot study to assess the feasibility of implementing an evidence-based intervention to promote liking of initially disliked vegetables among children enrolled in a YMCA summer camp. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern  WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). (World Health Organization (WHO))

Economic security and safe relationships: Pathways and actions for partner violence prevention (2019)  Brief identifies opportunities for violence prevention practitioners and advocates of economic justice to work together to change policies and systems to improve economic security and prevent partner violence in the first place. (Prevention Institute)

Economics of Community Health Workers for Chronic Disease: Findings From Community Guide Systematic Reviews (2019)  This paper examines the available evidence on cost, economic benefit, and cost effectiveness of interventions that engage community health workers to prevent cardiovascular disease, prevent type 2 diabetes, and manage type 2 diabetes. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Education and Health: Long-Term Trends by Race, Ethnicity, and Geography, 1997-2017  This study assesses trends in self-reported measures of general health, mental health, activity limitations, and obesity by educational attainment from 1997-2017, using data from the National Health Interview Survey. (Urban Institute)

Effect of a Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program on Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Consumption  The objective of this study was to describe the extent to which exposure to a fruit and vegetable prescription program was associated with changes in consumption among participants aged 2 to 18. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Effectively Communicating About Mosquito Control: A Guide for Mosquito Control Partners (October 2018)  Based on research and expert communications guidance, this guide is intended to further on-the-ground mosquito control efforts and provide tools that mosquito control partners can use to educate others about the need for adequate mosquito protection. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Effects of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder on Functional Outcomes: A Systematic Review  This systematic review addresses the question: What are the effects of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that use buprenorphine, buprenorphine combined with naloxone, methadone, or naltrexone for opioid use disorder (OUD) on functional outcomes compared with wait-list, placebo, treatment without medication, any other comparator, or each other (e.g., buprenorphine versus naltrexone)? (RAND Corporation)

Effects of Minimum Wages on Population Health  A new issue brief examines the minimum wage, its effects on unemployment, poverty, and the health of low-wage workers and their families. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Efforts to Expand Access to Oral Health Care to Continue in 2019  In 2019, many states are likely to continue efforts to expand access to dental care to more of their residents through multiple approaches, including extending dental coverage to those newly eligible for Medicaid and making greater use of dental therapists. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Eighth Annual Report to Congress on High-Priority Evidence Gaps for Clinical Preventive Services  In this annual report, the USPSTF highlights seven recent topics related to cancer prevention and cardiovascular health, the leading causes of death among adults in the United States, for which more research is needed. The report also calls for more research in populations who are disproportionally affected by these conditions, yet often underrepresented in studies. Future research in these areas can help fill these gaps and could result in important new recommendations that will help to improve the health of Americans. (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF))

Emerging Trends in State Lyme Disease Legislation  During the current state legislative sessions, ASTHO identified 109 bills related to Lyme disease. The proposed legislation centered on a number of strategies to address Lyme disease, including educational campaigns, research, testing, and treatment. Testing for Lyme disease and the limitations of these tests, insurance coverage for long-term antibiotic therapy, and physician exemptions for experimental treatment were noted as emerging trends. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Employment and Health Among Low-Income Adults and Their Children: A Review of the Literature  In this report, researchers distilled the findings from a voluminous literature to draw conclusions from the existing research base about the causal relationship between employment and health. The review focused on surfacing evidence on whether a change in employment is responsible for a change in health or vice versa. (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Ending the HIV Epidemic - HIV Treatment Is Prevention  The March 2019 issue of Vital Signs is focused on reducing new HIV infections and getting those with HIV the care they need. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States: A Roadmap for Federal Action  For the first time since the National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2010, the domestic HIV community has come together to call on the U.S. government to declare an official goal of ending the domestic HIV epidemic by 2025 and urging it to enact legislative and regulatory policies and sufficient appropriations to achieve this goal. The Act Now: End AIDS coalition, with a process managed by AIDS United, solicited input from the larger HIV, public health and reproductive health communities to develop the policy paper, titled Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States: A Roadmap for Federal Action. To date, 250 HIV and community organizations from across the U.S. have provided their endorsement. (AIDS United)

Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America  Blog post outlines the President's initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the next ten years. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for the United States  HHS has proposed a new initiative to address the ongoing HIV public health crisis with the goals of first reducing numbers of incident infections in the US by 75% within 5 years, and then by 90% within 10 years. This initiative will leverage critical scientific advances in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care by coordinating the highly successful programs, resources, and infrastructure of the CDC, NIH, HRSA, SAMHSA, and the Indian Health Service (IHS). (American Medical Association (AMA))

Engaging the Private-Sector Health Care System in Building Capacity to Respond to Threats to the Public's Health and National Security: Proceedings of a Workshop (2018)  To identify and understand approaches to aligning health care system incentives with the American public’s need for a health care system that is prepared to manage acutely ill and injured patients during a disaster, public health emergency, or other mass casualty event, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a 2-day public workshop on March 20 and 21, 2018. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Enlisting CRISPR in the Quest for an HIV Cure  Recent research shows promising results in eliminating HIV through antiretroviral therapy and genetic editing. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Environmental Biodetection and Human Biosurveillance Research and Development for National Security  This report examines the Department of Homeland Security's chemical and biological defense research and development portfolio to identify priorities for future investments to effectively address biological threats. (RAND Corporation)

Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century: Addressing Grand Challenges (2018)  Report identifies the biggest global challenges over the next several decades for which the expertise of environmental engineers will be needed. The study also describes how the environmental engineering field—and colleges and universities—might evolve to better address those challenges. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Environmental justice and drinking water quality: are there socioeconomic disparities in nitrate levels in U.S. drinking water?  The goals of this study are to identify determinants of nitrate concentrations in U.S. community water systems (CWSs) and to evaluate disparities related to wealth or race/ethnicity. (Springer)

Epidemiology of Imported Infectious Diseases, China, 2005–2016  Researchers collected data related to imported infectious diseases in mainland China from the National Information Reporting System of Infectious Diseases and analyzed demographic, temporal, and spatial distributions. The number of types of imported infectious diseases reported increased from 2 in 2005 to 11 in 2016. A total of 31,740 cases of infectious disease were imported to mainland China during 2005–2016; most of them were found in Yunnan Province. The cases were imported mainly from Africa and Asia. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Estimated Change in Prevalence and Trends of Childhood Blood Pressure Levels in the United States After Application of the 2017 AAP Guideline  This study estimated the prevalence of hypertension and high blood pressure among children aged 8 to 17 years in the United States per the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guideline and compared that with the 2004 National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLBI) guideline’s prevalence estimate during 2005–2008 and 2013–2016. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Estimated HIV Incidence and Prevalence in the United States 2010–2016 (February 2019)  Annual HIV infections in the US have been reduced by more than two-thirds since the height of the epidemic in the mid-1980s, but data indicate that progress has stalled in recent years. Following about five years of declines, the estimated number of new HIV infections began to level off in 2013 at about 39,000 per year — reinforcing the need for more action to end America’s HIV epidemic. The report also finds that new HIV infections declined in some populations, but decreased in others. (National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), CDC)

Estimating the Number of People Who Inject Drugs in A Rural County in Appalachia  Study demonstrates how to apply the capture–recapture method for population estimation directly in a rural Appalachian county (Cabell County, WV) to estimate the number of people who inject drugs (PWID). (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Estimating the Relative Impact of Clinical and Preventive Community-Based Interventions: An Example Based on the Community Transformation Grant Program  Public health focuses on a range of evidence-based approaches for addressing chronic conditions, from individual-level clinical interventions to broader changes in policies and environments that protect people’s health and make healthy living easier. This study examined the potential long-term impact of clinical and community interventions as they were implemented by Community Transformation Grant (CTG) program awardees. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Estimating the cost of vaccine development against epidemic infectious diseases: a cost minimisation study  Study estimates the minimum cost for achieving vaccine research and development preparedness targets in a portfolio of 11 epidemic infectious diseases, accounting for vaccine pipeline constraints and uncertainty in research and development preparedness outcomes. (The Lancet)

Ethical Considerations for Movement Mapping to Identify Disease Transmission Hotspots  Summary of models developed during a one-day meeting on the ethical aspects around the use of mobility data for mapping infectious disease transmission. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Evaluation of State-Mandated Reporting of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome — Six States, 2013–2017  Among six identified states with mandated NAS reporting laws during 2013–2017, NAS incidence could be quantified to inform programs and services. However, differences in reporting methods and case definitions might influence states’ abilities to monitor NAS incidence.

Evaluation of an HIV-Related Mortuary Surveillance System — Nairobi, Kenya, Two Sites, 2015  In 2015, a pilot HIV-related mortuary surveillance system was implemented in the two largest mortuaries in Nairobi, Kenya. CDC conducted an evaluation to assess performance attributes and identify strengths and weaknesses of the surveillance system pilot. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Evaluation of the Million Hearts® Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model: First Annual Report (February 2019)  The primary objective of this report is to describe how the Million Hearts CVD Model has been implemented during its first 16 months (January 2017 to April 2018), including the characteristics of the organizations, providers, and beneficiaries who are participating in the model. It also describes the degree of similarity between the intervention and control beneficiaries at enrollment and draw implications for the feasibility of a rigorous impact evaluation. (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Evaluation of the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant  The evaluation assesses the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant's value (i.e., its benefits and contributions) and describes and measures select outputs and outcomes, with the aim of strengthening performance and accountability.

Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of obesity in community settings  The Pennsylvania Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (PA AAP), developed a unique program to address the many facets of pediatric and adolescent obesity. Through the “EPIC: Pediatric Obesity: Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention in Community Settings” program, locally based, physician-registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN) teams bring a live, interactive update on pediatric overweight and obesity to community-based healthcare providers. (Contemporary Pediatrics)

Event registration opens for National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week  National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) announced recently that event registration is open for the next National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), to be held on Jan. 22-27, 2019. NDAFW is an annual, week-long series of educational events that link teens with scientific experts to SHATTER THE MYTHS about substance use and addiction. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Evidence for Action: Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health - 2019 Open Call for Proposals  Evidence for Action (E4A), a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), funds research that expands the evidence needed to build a Culture of Health. A Culture of Health is broadly defined as one in which good health and well-being flourish across geographic, demographic, and social sectors; public and private decision-making is guided by the goal of fostering equitable communities; and everyone has the opportunity to make choices that lead to healthy lifestyles.

Evidence-Based Interventions for Adolescent Opioid Use Disorder  Report provides evidence-based strategies to help develop county-specific plans for addressing OUD in adolescent populations.

Evolution of the U.S. Overdose : Understanding China's Role in the Production and Supply of Synthetic Opioids  Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations on September 6, 2018. (RAND Corporation)

Examining protective and buffering associations between sociocultural factors and adverse childhood experiences among American Indian adults with type 2 diabetes: a quantitative, community-based participatory research approach  The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of select adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among a sample of American Indian (AI) adults living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the associations between ACEs and self-rated physical and mental health. It also examined associations between sociocultural factors and health, including possible buffering processes. (BMJ Group)

Executive Action as a Tool for Promoting Evidence-Based Public Health Decision-Making  Gubernatorial executive orders and directives can serve as powerful tools for furthering public health goals. In addition to directing public health agency activities, establishing policies and priorities, and responding to emergencies, executive orders or directives can also play a role in shaping agency culture to promote effective public health decision-making. (Network for Public Health Law)

Expanding Access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for Adolescents and Young Adults: Models for Addressing Consent, Confidentiality, and Payment Barriers  This report offers a brief examination of how three jurisdictions consider and address policy issues that arise related to consent, confidentiality, and payment barriers: Colorado, New York, and California. Each of them is discussed in the context of highlighting successful HIV efforts to reform public health laws or adopt programs specific to the adolescent and young adult populations. (American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR))

Expenditures on Screening Promotion Activities in CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program, 2009–2014  Study estimates the cost for evidence-based intervention and non–evidence-based intervention screening promotion activities and examine expenditures on screening promotion activities and identifies factors associated with the costs of these activities. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Explore Your Environment with the Updated Data Explorer  CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) is a Web-based system that connects people with a wide variety of vital public health information that can be used to plan, apply, and evaluate actions to prevent and control environmentally-related diseases. The Program’s recently redesigned Data Explorer is one available tool that provides easy-to-use data tools and visualizations, allowing users to stay informed and quickly share environmental health information. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Exploring Lessons Learned from a Century of Outbreaks: Readiness for 2030: Proceedings of a Workshop  Proceedings of a November 2018 workshop to examine the lessons from influenza pandemics and other major outbreaks; understand the extent to which the lessons have been learned; and discuss how they could be applied further to ensure that countries are sufficiently ready for future pandemics. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Exploring Lessons Learned from a Century of Outbreaks: Readiness for 2030: Proceedings of a Workshop (2019)  In November 2018, an ad hoc planning committee at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine planned two sister workshops held in Washington, DC, to examine the lessons from influenza pandemics and other major outbreaks, understand the extent to which the lessons have been learned, and discuss how they could be applied further to ensure that countries are sufficiently ready for future pandemics. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from both workshops. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Exploring Medical and Public Health Preparedness for a Nuclear Incident: Proceedings of a Workshop (2019)  This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop to explore current assumptions behind the status of medical and public health preparedness for a nuclear incident, examine potential changes in these assumptions in light of increasing concerns about the use of nuclear warfare, and discuss challenges and opportunities for capacity building in the current threat environment. (National Academy of Medicine)

Exploring Tax Policy to Advance Population Health, Health Equity, and Economic Prosperity: Proceedings of a Workshop (2018)  The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Population Health Improvement has been focused on the subject of dependable resources for population health since its inception in 2013. On December 7, 2017, the roundtable convened a workshop to explore tax policy as it relates to advancing population health, health equity, and economic prosperity. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Exploring the Causes of State Variation in SNAP Administrative Costs  Using state reported data from FY 1999 to FY 2016 for the 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC), this study explores a number of factors, including state economic conditions, SNAP caseload characteristics, state SNAP policies, to try to explain the variation by state. (Food and Nutrition Service, USDA)

Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Minority Health and Reduce Health Disparities  Over the last 20 years, the diagnosis and treatment of disease has advanced at breakneck speeds. Currently, we have technologies that have revolutionized the practice of medicine, such as telemedicine, precision medicine, Big Data, and medical artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies, especially AI, promise to improve the quality of patient care, lower health care costs, and better patient treatment outcomes. However, the impact of AI on minority health and health disparities has been largely understudied. (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), NIH)

Exploring the Potential of Tax Credits for Funding Population Health  This paper reports the outcomes of research exploring the potential of tax credits as both a sustainable financing source for population health and a sound investment for taxpayers. (National Academy of Medicine)

Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Among Nonsmokers — United States, 1988–2014  Although secondhand smoke exposure among U.S. nonsmokers declined from 87.5% to 25.2% during 1988–2014, one in four nonsmokers, including 14 million children, were exposed to secondhand smoke during 2013–2014. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Extragenital Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Community Venue–Attending Men Who Have Sex with Men — Five Cities, United States, 2017  Among community venue–attending MSM in five cities in 2017, approximately one in eight had an extragenital chlamydial or gonococcal infection. Rectal gonorrhea prevalence was higher in MSM infected with HIV than in those not infected with HIV. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

FDA In Brief: FDA proposes updated standards for fluoride added to bottled water to maximize health benefits while avoiding excess exposure  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today released a proposed rule, “Proposed Rule to Revise the Allowable Level of Fluoride in Bottled Water to which Fluoride Has Been Added,” to lower the allowable level of fluoride in bottled water to which fluoride is added by the manufacturer to 0.7 mg/L to be consistent with the 2015 recommendation by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) for community water systems that add fluoride for the prevention of dental caries. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

FDA Releases Five-Year Plan for Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has just unveiled its five-year action plan for supporting antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary settings. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

FDA approves first generic naloxone nasal spray to treat opioid overdose  The FDA today granted final approval of the first generic naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, commonly known as Narcan, a life-saving medication that can stop or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

FDA authorizes marketing of first diagnostic test for detecting Zika virus antibodies  The FDA has authorized marketing of a diagnostic test to detect Zika virus immunoglobulin (IgM) antibodies in human blood. The ZIKV Detect 2.0 IgM Capture ELISA is the first Zika diagnostic test the FDA has allowed to be marketed in the U.S.; (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

FDA launches new, comprehensive campaign to warn kids about the dangers of e-cigarette use as part of agency’s Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan, amid evidence of sharply rising use among kids  “The Real Cost” Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign will target nearly 10.7 million at-risk youth through digital platforms, social media, and in-school ads nationwide (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

FDA launches public education campaign to encourage safe removal of unused opioid pain medicines from homes  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just announced the launch of a new education campaign to help Americans understand the important role they play in removing and properly disposing of unused prescription opioids from their homes. This new initiative is part of the FDA’s continued efforts to address the nationwide opioid crisis and aims to help decrease unnecessary exposure to opioids and prevent new addiction. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

FDA's Critical Role in Ensuring Supply of Influenza Vaccine  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are working toward developing new and better technologies for producing flu vaccines. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

FDA, CDC, and CMS launch task force to help facilitate rapid availability of diagnostic tests during public health emergencies  Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the launch of the Tri-Agency Task Force for Emergency Diagnostics. This task force has been created to help leverage the expertise of each agency to advance rapid development and deployment of diagnostic tests in clinical and public health laboratories during public health emergencies. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Spotlight on Opioids  The Spotlight on Opioids assembles opioid-related information from the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health into one document to better inform the general public, especially family and friends of people with an elevated risk of opioid overdose, opioid misuse, and/or opioid use disorder. (Office of the Surgeon General, HHS)

Fact Sheet: HIV and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders  This updated web content provides information and statistical data about HIV and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, including a fact sheet that visually displays this information. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Fact or Fiction: What to Know About Smoking Cessation and Medications  Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, resulting in more than 480,000 deaths annually. Almost 70 percent of current smokers report wanting to quit smoking, but quitting can be hard and often takes multiple attempts. A variety of FDA-approved medications are available to help people successfully quit smoking. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

Factors Affecting Obesity and Waist Circumference Among US Adults  Physical activity, sedentary activity, and food intake affect waist circumference and obesity among adults; however, the relationship is unclear. The objective of this study was to explore how these factors affect waist circumference and obesity prevalence among adults. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Factors Contributing to Congenital Syphilis Cases — New York City, 2010–2016  During 2010–2016, 578 New York City women with syphilis infection were noted to be pregnant, and in 510 (88.2%) pregnancies congenital syphilis did not occur. In the majority of the 68 congenital syphilis cases, maternal syphilis diagnosis occurred too late to prevent congenital syphilis. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Faith–Health Collaboration to Improve Community and Population Health: Proceedings of a Workshop (2019)  On March 22, 2018, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop to examine the collaboration between the faith and health sectors, and to highlight the unique opportunities these collaborations offer to help improve population health outcomes. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Family Economic Stability: Work Supports and Tax Credits  This brief is one in a series of six on key early childhood issues for state policymakers and highlights ways to promote financial stability for families, thereby allowing for access to safe housing, healthy food and other necessities. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Fast Food Consumption Among Adults in the United States, 2013–2016  This report presents data on the percentage of adults who consumed fast food on a given day in the United States during 2013–2016. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

February issue of the Journal of Urban Health: Special Supplement on Opioid Overdose  The New York Academy of Medicine’s Journal of Urban Health February Special Supplement focuses on new research on opioid overdose. (New York Academy of Medicine)

Federal Resources for Rural Communities to Help Address Substance Use Disorder and Opioid Misuse (October 2018)  A listing of Federal programs that can be used to build resilient communities and address opioid misuse in rural communities. (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA))

Federal report on health, well-being of America's children and youth now available  The latest annual report of federal statistics on the health and well-being of America's children and youth is now available. The 2018 America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, highlights six measures on the status of children and youth who face heightened risks to their well-being. (Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics)

Few California Children and Adolescents Meet Physical Activity Guidelines  ​This policy brief describes physical activity among California children and adolescents. Using data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) from 2013-14, the study found that only 31 percent of children ages 5-11 and 18 percent of adolescents ages 12-17 meet the physical activity guidelines of engaging in at least one hour of physical activity every day. (University of California Los Angeles (UCLA))

Fighting to Stamp Out Tobacco Use among Underserved Populations  In response to this continued health epidemic, two PCORI-funded research teams are investigating interventions designed to help people in underserved populations access and engage in evidence-based tobacco cessation interventions and successfully quit smoking. (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI))

Final Recommendation Statement: Intimate Partner Violence, Elder Abuse, and Abuse of Vulnerable Adults: Screening  The USPSTF has published its final recommendations on clinician screening for intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and abuse of vulnerable adults. (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF))

Final Research Plan for Healthful Diet and Physical Activity to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Adults With Risk Factors: Behavioral Counseling Interventions  This systematic review will examine the evidence on the effectiveness of behavioral counseling interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention among adults with hypertension, elevated blood pressure, or dyslipidemia, or in populations identified as at increased risk of CVD due to multiple risk factors. (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF))

Final Research Plan for Illicit and Nonmedical Drug Use in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Preventive Interventions  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today a final research plan on interventions to prevent illicit and nonmedical drug use in children, adolescents, and young adults. (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF))

Finding and Using Health Statistics  A newly revised Tutorial, designed to introduce librarians and students to the basic terminology and principles of Health Statistics, the course also provides a useful outline of the various U.S. sources for important statistical data. The course is eligible for 3 CE hours from the Medical Library Association. A certificate is also available upon completion of the course. (National Information Center on Health Services Research and Health Care Technology (NICHSR), NLM)

Firearm Homicides and Suicides in Major Metropolitan Areas — United States, 2012–2013 and 2015–2016  Recently, firearm homicide rates in large metro areas and the nation overall began increasing, reaching levels comparable to those a decade ago. Firearm suicide rates have continued to increase in large metro areas and the nation overall. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Five Things to Know About CDC's 6|18 Initiative  This blog post, authored by CHCS along with CDC and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice blog, highlights five things to know about the 6|18 Initiative now underway in 34 states, territories, and localities across the country. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

Five-Year Trends Available for Median Household Income, Poverty Rates and Computer and Internet Use  The U.S. Census Bureau just announced the release of the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates, which features more than 40 social, economic, housing and demographic topics, including homeownership rates and costs, health insurance, and educational attainment. (U.S. Census Bureau)

Flood Toolkit: A planning guide for public health and emergency response professionals (March 2019)  The purpose of this flood toolkit is to provide information to local governments, health departments, and citizens about preparing for and responding to flood events. The toolkit focuses on providing background information, practical guidance, strategies, media releases, talking points, definitions, and useful reference materials on this topic (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Flu vaccine reduces risk of flu hospitalization among pregnant women  Over the course of six flu seasons, getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized from flu by an average of 40 percent. The findings come from a multi-country, CDC-coauthored study published today in Clinical Infectious Diseases. This is the first study to show vaccination protected pregnant women against flu-associated hospitalization. Previous studies have shown that a flu shot can reduce a pregnant woman’s risk of flu illness. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Focusing on HIV Testing and Diagnosis: National HIV Testing Day 2019  This year’s National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) communication is happening in the context of the recent release of Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. The plan emphasizes the importance of HIV testing: “Early detection is critical and can lead to quicker results in treatment and prevent transmission to others.” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

Food Safety Education Month  September is National Food Safety Education Month. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about steps you can take to prevent food poisoning. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Food Safety Scares Are Up In 2018. Here's Why You Shouldn't Freak Out  Post highlights the improvements in foodborne disease surveillance. (National Public Radio (NPR))

Food Support Programs and Their Impacts on Young Children  This policy brief provides an overview and analysis of research on the health impacts on young children of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Foodborne Illness Outbreak Response Community of Practice  NACCHO is launching a new Foodborne Illness Outbreak Response Community of Practice (CoP), bringing together food safety professionals from across the country to share tips and best practices across jurisdictions. To join the CoP and find out about the first call, email Amy Chang at achang@naccho.org. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Foodborne Illness Outbreaks at Retail Establishments — National Environmental Assessment Reporting System, 16 State and Local Health Departments, 2014–2016  During 2014–2016, a total of 16 state and local public health departments reported data to the National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS) on 404 foodborne illness outbreaks at retail establishments. The majority of outbreaks with a suspected or confirmed agent were caused by norovirus (61.1%). The majority of outbreaks with identified contributing factors had at least one factor associated with food contamination by a worker who was ill or infectious (58.6%). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Foodborne illness source attribution estimates for 2016 for Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter using multi-year outbreak surveillance data,United States (November 2018)  The Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC), a collaboration between the USDA, FDA, and CDC, developed a method to estimate the sources of foodborne illness using outbreak data from 1998 through the most recent year for four priority pathogens: Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: USDA's Efforts to Prepare for a Potential Outbreak Could Be Strengthened  his report examines (1) USDA's planned approach for responding to an FMD outbreak; (2) challenges USDA would face in pursuing its response goals; and (3) how USDA identifies, prioritizes, and monitors corrective actions to mitigate the challenges. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

For Beating the Opioid Crisis, America has Better Weapons than Fentanyl Test Strips  Blog post from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use discusses using fentanyl test strips as a bandaid on the opioid epidemic. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT): A Service Delivery Model for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness Involved With the Criminal Justice System  This brief provides an overview of Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)—an intensive service delivery model intended for people with serious mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Free CE: HIV Care and Sexual Health Assessment for American Indian and Alaska Native Patients  Cardea is offering a free online continuing education opportunity on “HIV Care and Sexual Health Assessment for American Indian and Alaska Native Patients.” The course features four modules: Culturally Proficient Sexual Health Care for People of all Genders and Sexual Orientations, Sexual Health Assessment, and Biomedical Prevention of HIV (ART, PEP and PreP).

Frequency of Use Among Middle and High School Student Tobacco Product Users — United States, 2015–2017  During 2015–2017, the proportion of students currently using cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or hookahs who used each product ≥20 of the past 30 days ranged from 14.0% of cigar smokers to 38.7% of smokeless tobacco users among high school students and from 13.1% of e-cigarette users to 24.5% of hookah smokers among middle school students. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

From Local Action to National Progress on 5 Major Health Challenges: The Bloomberg American Health Initiative  The articles in this supplemental issue of Public Health Reports provide insight into what it will take for the field of public health to tackle 5 of the most complex and difficult health problems of our time: (1) large numbers of adolescents disconnected from work and school; (2) violence (including gun violence), intimate partner and sexual violence, and suicide; (3) opioid addiction and overdose; (4) a dysfunctional food system associated with obesity; and (5) threats to the environment. (Public Health Reports)

GW Health Workforce Institute Announces $1.8 Million Grant  The George Washington University (GW) Health Workforce Institute, based at the Milken Institute School of Public Health just announced a $1.8 million grant from HRSA to support a new Health Workforce Research Center focused on increasing diversity in health workforce education and training. The Health Workforce Research Center (HWRC) on Health Equity in Health Workforce Education will identify how pipeline programs, health profession schools and ongoing professional training contribute to workforce diversity, address maldistribution and prepare trainees to address social determinants of health. (George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health)

Game Changer: Pennsylvania’s Response to the Opioid Crisis  Podcast explores Pennsylvania’s multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic in the state and efforts to expand access to medicated-assisted treatment. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Gear Up for U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2018!  U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) kicks off on Monday, November 12. Post highlights specific CDC USAAW activities, along with data and resources focused on improving antibiotic prescribing and use in human healthcare, that you can use and promote during the week. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Genesee County Health Equity in All Policies Workshop Report (October 2018)  In 2016, in response to the ongoing lead water crisis, the Genesee County Board of Health in Michigan proposed a Health Equity in All Policies (HEiAP) Resolution to address inequitable health outcomes. Taking steps to implement the resolution, the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) worked with community groups to offer trainings and host public health conferences that incorporate aspects of HiAP. Building off these actions, GCHD decided to host a HEiAP workshop for community members, local government officials, and legislators. Report summarizes this workshop. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Geographic Expansion of Federally Qualified Health Centers 2007-2014  Study determines if the large increase in the number of FQHCs between 2007 and 2014 expanded access in geographic areas that may be deemed underserved based on more recent data (2010) characteristics. (National Rural Health Association (NRHA))

Geographic Variation in Substance-Related Inpatient Stays Across States and Counties in the United States, 2013-2015  From 2013 to 2015, there was an average of 1 substance-related inpatient stay annually for every 100 people in the United States. Alcohol, opioids, cannabis, and stimulants were the most common substances. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Geographic and Social Factors Associated With Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Participation: Going the “Extra-Mile” for Disease Prevention  Study examined geographic and social factors associated with participation in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) and the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) implemented at 144 sites in Illinois. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Geographic differences in obesity prevalence and its risk factors among Asian Americans: findings from the 2013–2014 California Health Interview Survey  This study aimed to examine the geographic differences in obesity prevalence and its risk factors among Asian Americans in California.

Gestational Diabetes and Health Behaviors Among Women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2014  Women with gestational diabetes are at 7 times greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than are women without gestational diabetes. The objectives of this study were to examine recent changes in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among women of reproductive age in the United States and assess the prevalence of factors associated with participating in healthy lifestyle behaviors. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Getting to Zero Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities  Report identifies many evidence-based and promising policies, programs, and systems changes to accelerate national progress in reducing deaths from alcohol-impaired driving. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

GloPID-R Roadmap for Data Sharing in Public Health Emergencies (June 2019)  This roadmap aims to accelerate effective data sharing by highlighting measures infectious disease preparedness research funders can take to improve research data sharing by their grantees and to advocate for increased research and public health data sharing more widely. (Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GLOPID-R))

Global Environment Outlook 6  Report outlines the current state of the environment, illustrates possible future environmental trends and analyses the effectiveness of policies. It emphasizes that urgent and inclusive action is needed by decision makers at all levels to achieve a healthy planet with healthy people. (United Nations (UN))

Global Epidemiology of Tuberculosis and Progress Toward Achieving Global Targets — 2017  In 2017, an estimated 10 million incident TB cases and 1.6 million TB deaths occurred, representing reductions of 1.8% and 3.9% from 2016, respectively. TB epidemiology varied by World Health Organization region. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Global HIV & Tuberculosis  CDC plays a unique role, bringing scientific know-how and on-the-ground expertise to bring about significant impact in the fight against these diseases. Just last year, their efforts accounted for 50 percent or more of key PEPFAR outcomes to treat and prevent HIV and TB. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Global Handwashing Day - October 15  Established by the Global Handwashing Partnership in 2008, Global Handwashing Day is celebrated each year on October 15 as a way to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of handwashing with soap. Global Handwashing Day is an opportunity to get involved in creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Global Measles Outbreak Notice  Measles outbreaks are now occurring in multiple countries around the world, meaning that the number of measles cases is higher than normal for those countries. Unvaccinated travelers infected with measles overseas have brought the disease back to the United States, causing outbreaks among unvaccinated people in their local communities. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Global Routine Vaccination Coverage — 2017  Global coverage with the third dose of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP3), third dose of polio vaccine, and first dose of measles-containing vaccine has remained at 84%–85% since 2010. In 2017, 62% of children who did not receive DTP3 lived in 10 countries; positive trends in vaccination coverage (2007–2017) were observed in seven of these countries. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Global influenza strategy 2019-2030  Report highlights the WHO strategy to enhance global and national pandemic preparedness, to combat the ongoing threat of zoonotic influenza, and to improve seasonal influenza prevention and control in all countries. (World Health Organization (WHO))

Grant Writing: How to Build Credibility with Your Budget Narrative  Need statements, program narratives, and discussions of impact aren’t the only parts of a federal grant application that require the touch of a good writer. The budget narrative – sometimes called the budget justification or budget detail – can also benefit from a skilled wordsmith. (Grants.gov)

Great American Smokeout — November 15, 2018  The American Cancer Society’s 43rd annual Great American Smokeout will be held on November 15, 2018. The Great American Smokeout is an annual event that encourages smokers to make a plan to quit smoking (https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Greener Guidance: Innovative Funding  This is the fifth edition of NACCHO’s Greener Guidance environmental health advice column, which discusses non-grant funding opportunities. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Guidance to States and School Systems on Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Schools  This Joint SAMHSA-CMS informational Bulletin provides guidance to states and school systems about addressing mental health and substance use issues in schools. It provides examples of approaches for services in schools and describes some Medicaid authorities that states may use to cover services. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Guidance to States and School Systems on Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Schools (July 2019)  Bulletin to provide the public, including states, schools, and school systems, with information about addressing mental health and substance use issues in schools. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS)

Guide to Evidence on the Health Care Impacts of Interventions to Address the Social Determinants of Health  A guide created to make a business case for health care and community-based organizations to enter into partnerships to better serve high-need, high-cost patients. (Commonwealth Fund)

Gut Bacteria from Breastfeeding Linked to Improved Infant Response to Vaccine  Higher levels of a customary gut bacteria enhanced by breastfeeding in early infancy were found to be coupled with an improved response to vaccines in infants through two years of age, according to a first-of-its-kind study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their colleagues. (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA))

H.R.2422 - Action for Dental Health Act of 2018  Legislation that allows HHS to award grants or enter into contracts to collaborate with state, county, or local public officials and other stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives to: (1) improve oral health education and dental disease prevention; (2) reduce geographic barriers, language barriers, cultural barriers, and other similar barriers in the provision of dental services; (3) establish dental homes for children and adults; (4) reduce the use of emergency departments by individuals who seek dental services more appropriately delivered in a dental primary care setting; or (5) facilitate the provision of dental care to nursing home residents. (U.S. House of Representatives)

HHS Awards Over $1 Billion to Combat the Opioid Crisis  This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded over $1 billion in opioid-specific grants to help combat the crisis ravaging our country. The awards support HHS's Five-Point Opioid Strategy, which was launched last year and enhanced this week. New data unveiled recently by HHS suggests that efforts are now yielding progress at the national level. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

HHS Launches New Web Page for the STI Federal Action Plan, HHS.GOV/STI  The Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP), in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is excited to announce the launch of its newest HHS web page, HHS.GOV/STI, the home page for the nation’s first-ever federal action plan to address the dramatic rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), HHS)

HHS Now Accepting Public Comments on Youth Sports Participation in the United States  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) invites you to provide comments related to youth sports participation in the United States. The comment period is open until April 1, 2019. (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), HHS)

HHS Sponsors Development of Intranasal Form of Long-acting Opioid Overdose Drug  To help save lives in the current opioid epidemic or following a deliberate attack, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will work with Opiant Pharmaceuticals of Santa Monica, California, to develop a fast-acting, long-lasting intranasal, potentially improved form of an opioid overdose drug. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

HHS announces $6.2 million in new grants in Fairbanks focusing on opioid and mental health services  Yesterday, HHS Deputy Secretary Eric D. Hargan announced three new grants to combat opioid addiction and improve access to mental health services for youth and young adults. The grants funding by HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) were awarded to Fairbanks Native Association and Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc., are expected to total over $6.2 million over the next few years. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

HHS awards $2.34 billion in grants to help Americans access HIV/AIDS care and medication  HHS just announced that approximately $2.34 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants were awarded to cities, counties, states, and local community-based organizations in fiscal year (FY) 2018. This funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supports a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, medication, and essential support services to more than half a million people living with HIV in the United States. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

HHS awards $50 million to assist American Indian and Alaska Native tribal efforts combating the opioid overdose epidemic  The Department of Health & Human Service’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded grants of about $50 million to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes Tuesday to strengthen their efforts to combat the opioid overdose epidemic. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

HHS releases additional $487 million to states, territories to expand access to effective opioid treatment; 2019 SOR grants will total $1.4 billion  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released an additional $487 million to supplement first-year funding through its State Opioid Response (SOR) grant program. The awards to states and territories are part of HHS’s Five-Point Opioid Strategy and the Trump administration’s tireless drive to combat the opioid crisis. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

HIMSS Co-leads Campaign to Modernize Public Health Surveillance  On Wednesday February 27, HIMSS along with the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, and NAPHSIS launched a campaign, Data: Elemental to Health aimed at securing $1 billion over 10 years – $100 million in Federal Fiscal Year 2020 – in a new appropriation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for an innovative initiative that will transform the public health surveillance enterprise. (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS))

HIV Among Women  Though HIV diagnoses among women have declined in recent years, more than 7,000 women received an HIV diagnosis in the United States and dependent areas in 2017. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

HIV Health Improvement Affitinity Group 2019 Evaluation Report  The HIV Health Improvement Affinity Group was a one-year activity co-led by federal agencies with participation from public health department and Medicaid agency staff in 19 states. The goal was to develop and implement state action plans that would lead to increased viral suppression and improve health outcomes for persons living with HIV enrolled in Medicaid. The evaluation focused on the processes and short-term outcomes associated with participation in the group. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

HIV Infection Risk, Prevention, and Testing Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men-National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, 23 U.S. Cities, 2017 (February 2019)  Report summarizes findings from the fifth NHBS data collection among men who have sex with men (MSM), which was conducted in 2017. The surveillance report provides descriptive, unweighted data that can be used to describe HIV infection among MSM, risk behaviors, HIV testing, and participation in prevention programs. (National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), CDC)

HIV Partner Service Delivery Among Blacks or African Americans — United States, 2016  In 2016, 78% of black index patients were interviewed for partner services. However, among black partners, fewer than half were tested for HIV infection, 17% received a new diagnosis of HIV infection, and 9% were previously infected. The prevalence of newly diagnosed HIV infection was particularly high among black partners who were gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) (37%) and transgender persons (38%). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis, by Race and Ethnicity — United States, 2014–2016  In 2016, among 78,360 persons who filled prescriptions for PrEP in the United States, women accounted for only 4.7%. Among PrEP users with available race/ethnicity data, 68.7%, 11.2%, 13.1%, and 4.5% were white, black, Hispanic, and Asian, respectively. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

HIV Prevention Progress Report (2019)  Report reports on 21 key HIV prevention and care indicators and provides an objective way to assess progress on key indicators of the DHAP Strategic Plan 2017-2020 and other federal reporting. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

HIV Prevention Study Finds Universal "Test and Treat" Approach Can Reduce New HIV Infections  New HIV infections declined by 30 percent in southern African communities where health workers conducted house-to-house voluntary HIV testing, referred people who tested positive to begin HIV treatment according to local guidelines, and offered other proven HIV prevention measures to those who tested negative. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

HIV Prevention for Hispanic / Latino Gay and Bisexual Men (October 2018)  CDC recently reported that the estimated annual number of HIV infections among Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) have increased over the past five years, despite having stabilized for MSM overall. CDC, along with its partners, is actively working to reverse this alarming trend. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

HIV Testing in 50 Local Jurisdictions Accounting for the Majority of New HIV Diagnoses and Seven States with Disproportionate Occurrence of HIV in Rural Areas, 2016–2017  This analysis of national survey data found that <40% of U.S. adults had ever been tested for HIV, and testing rates varied among jurisdictions comprising the initial focus of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Within these jurisdictions, rural areas had lower testing percentages and lower HIV diagnosis rates than did urban areas. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

HIV and Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children  This fact sheet contains visual information and statistical data about HIV among pregnant women, infants, and children. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

HIV and Transgender Communities (April 2019)  This issue brief presents the effects of HIV on the transgender community and the ways in which CDC and its partners in public health can continue to work together to address the HIV prevention needs of transgender people. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

HIV and Transgender People  This web content contains information and statistical data about HIV among transgender people. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

HIV prevention study finds universal “test and treat” approach can reduce new infections  New HIV infections declined by 30 percent in southern African communities where health workers conducted house-to-house voluntary HIV testing, referred people who tested positive to begin HIV treatment according to local guidelines, and offered other proven HIV prevention measures to those who tested negative. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Sentinel Network  The HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Sentinel Network (Sentinel Network) was formed to increase NACCHO’s understanding of local health department efforts, needs, challenges, and successes. The Network is comprised of more than 100 LHDs from over 40 states and the District of Columbia who complete brief surveys on an approximately quarterly basis. The Sentinel Network is open to all local health departments and NACCHO aims to expand Sentinel Network membership to include at least two local health departments from each state and ensure a spectrum of jurisdiction sizes and geographic locations and settings are represented. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

HIV.gov Has Launched A New Locator Tool  HIV.gov is thrilled to announce the launch of the updated HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator and Locator Widget. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

HIV/AIDS in the U.S. Deep South: Trends from 2008-2016 (June 2019)  This report updates a previous report from the Southern HIV/AIDS Strategy Initiative (SASI) that documented HIV/STI epidemiology from 2008-2013 by examining additional years of epidemiologic data (2014-2016). This report also describes federal funding for HIV prevention and care and utilization of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the Deep South and other U.S. regions. (Duke University)

HRSA Maternal Mortality Summit: Promising Global Practices to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes Technical Report (February 2019)  Report summarizes key findings from a June 2018 summit to discuss evidence-based approaches and identify innovative solutions to decreasing maternal mortality and morbidity rates both in the U.S. and across the globe. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

HRSA releases new data on child health across the U.S.  HRSA has released the 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health data from nearly 21,000 households across the U.S. This voluntary survey, funded and directed by HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau, provides annual national- and state-level estimates of key measures of child health and well-being. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

HRSA’S Home Visiting Program: Supporting Families Impacted by Opioid Use and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (October 2018)  This resource for Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program awardees provides essential information about the opioid epidemic, opioid use disorder (OUD), and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). (Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), HRSA, HHS)

HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Observes Hepatitis Awareness Month, Advances Efforts to Eliminate HIV/HCV Coinfection  May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19, 2019, is Hepatitis Testing Day. The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has a long-standing commitment to providing health care and support services for low-income people with HIV who are coinfected with hepatitis C. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

HUD Policy Brief on Rural Homelessness: Understanding the Impact and Potential for Health Centers  This resource outlines specific steps health centers serving rural areas can take to better connect their consumers experiencing homelessness or housing instability to housing and services. (Corporation for Supportive Housing)

Health Care Industry Insights: Why the Use of Preventive Services Is Still Low  Clinical preventive strategies are available for many chronic diseases; these strategies include intervening before disease occurs (primary prevention), detecting and treating disease at an early stage (secondary prevention), and managing disease to slow or stop its progression (tertiary prevention). These interventions, combined with lifestyle changes, can substantially reduce the incidence of chronic disease and the disability and death associated with chronic disease. However, clinical preventive services are substantially underutilized despite the human and economic burden of chronic diseases, the availability of evidence-based tools to prevent or ameliorate them, and the effectiveness of prevention strategies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Health Care, Family, and Community Factors Associated with Mental, Behavioral, and Developmental Disorders and Poverty Among Children Aged 2–8 Years — United States, 2016  Parent-reported data from 2016 showed that a higher percentage of children in lower-income households had ever received a diagnosis of an MBDD and a lower percentage had seen a health care provider in the previous year, compared with children in higher-income households. Most children in lower-income households were in families receiving public assistance benefits. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Health Care: Unlocking the Value of Data Sharing  Paper provide a basic method for reaching out to those in your community who may share your interest in collaborating and sharing data. (Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH))

Health Centers: Trends in Revenue and Grants Supported by the Community Health Center Fund  GAO analyzed HRSA data collected from health centers and compiled in its Uniform Data System to identify the sources and amounts of revenue health centers received from 2010 through 2017, the most recent data at the time of GAO's analysis. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Health Disparities Among American Indians/Alaska Natives — Arizona, 2017  Analysis of 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from Arizona found significantly higher prevalences of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, being overweight or having obesity, diabetes, hypertension, fair or poor health status, and leisure-time physical inactivity and a lower prevalence of having a personal doctor among AI/AN compared to whites. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Health Disparities PubMed Special Query Updated  In April 2019, the topic-specific PubMed Special Query, Health Disparities, was updated to include terms and resources on gender and sexual minorities. As of this update, the search retrieves over 230,000 citations. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

Health Disparities Related to Obesity in Appalachia Practical Strategies and Recommendations for Communities (April 2019)  This brief summarizes statistics on obesity and related disease in Appalachian communities, discusses key strategies and resources for preventing and reducing obesity, and provides recommendations for community leaders, funders, and policymakers. (Appalachian Regional Commission)

Health Disparities Related to Opioid Misuse in Appalachia: Practical Strategies and Recommendations for Communities (April 2019)  This brief summarizes statistics on opioid misuse and overdose deaths in Appalachian communities, discusses key strategies and resources for addressing opioid misuse and overdose deaths, and provides recommendations for community leaders, funders, and policymakers. (Appalachian Regional Commission)

Health Disparities Related to Smoking in Appalachia: Practical Strategies and Recommendations for Communities (April 2019)  This brief summarizes statistics on smoking and related diseases in Appalachian communities, discusses key strategies and resources for reducing tobacco use, and provides recommendations for community leaders, funders, and policymakers. (Appalachian Regional Commission)

Health Literacy and Older Adults: Reshaping the Landscape: Proceedings of a Workshop  Proceedings of a one-day workshop focused on changing the health needs of older adults, chronic disease and medication management, health communication challenges for older adults, health literacy needs and challenges for caregivers, and other topics related to health literacy for older people. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Health Services Research Special Issue: Putting Patients First: Today's Disparities Research Leading to Health Equity Tomorrow  Open access issue of Health Services Research is focused on identifying groups of people who do not benefit equally from our health system and identifying root causes of these differences. (Wiley Interscience)

Health System Interventions to Prevent Firearms Injuries and Death: Proceedings of a Workshop  Proceedings of a workshop that examined the roles that health systems can play in addressing the epidemic of firearm violence in the United States. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Health eBulletin - Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2018.  In this issue, contributors discuss the how experiences of violence and trauma intersect with substance use and addiction, how domestic violence advocates can support survivors who use drugs, and ways that we can use healing-centered policy and programs to address the current opioid epidemic. (Futures Without Violence)

Health from a Trusted Source: Barbershops Bring Health Services to African American Men  Studies show that partnering with barbershops to deliver health information and services can improve African American men’s health. However, these studies generally look at just one or two conditions, and researchers often leave once the study is over. Stephen Thomas, Ph.D., professor in the UMD School of Public Health and director of the Center for Health Equity, has a bigger vision: a national network of barbershops and salons, each partnering with a university and local hospital to address the health needs of their communities on an ongoing basis. (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), NIH)

Health in All Policies Technical Assistance Evaluation, January–June 2018 (February 2019)  In January 2018, with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NACCHO piloted a Health in All Policies (HiAP) technical assistance (TA) program for local health departments interested in implementing or currently implementing HiAP initiatives. At the end of the program period, NACCHO asked participants to complete an evaluation of the program. The purpose of this report is to describe the findings from the HiAP TA program evaluation. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Health, United States 2017 (2018)  The annual report on the health status of the nation, prepared by the National Center for Health Statistics and submitted by the Secretary of HHS to the President and Congress. This year’s Health, United States Special Feature focuses on selected trends in mortality. Measures of mortality (numbers and death rates), together with life expectancy, describe the burden of illness and assess the health of a population. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Health-Related Workplace Absenteeism Among Full-Time Workers — United States, 2017–18 Influenza Season  During the 2017–18 influenza season, absenteeism increased sharply in November and peaked in January, at a level significantly higher than the average during the previous five seasons. Workers who were male, aged 45–64 years, and working in certain U.S. Census regions and occupations were more affected than were other subgroups. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Healthy Brain Initiative: Roadmap for Indian Country (May 2019)  This Road Map highlights examples of Native leaders and community partners leveraging local strengths and resources within their tribal communities to address dementia in Indian Country. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Healthy Food and Nutrition  This brief is one in a series of six on key early childhood issues for state policymakers and focuses on policies to address hunger and access to healthy food for children. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Healthy Moms Raising Healthy Babies (June 2019)  This report focuses on the health of Texas mothers during the year after childbirth, with specific attention to improving new mothers’ behavioral health, including support for both mental health and substance use challenges. (Texans Care for Children)

Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Baby Factsheets  This series of four fact sheets emphasizes the importance of continuing a mother's treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) throughout pregnancy. The series includes information on OUD and pregnancy, OUD treatment, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and considerations to address before hospital discharge. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Healthy Vision Month — May 2019  May is Healthy Vision Month, an annual observance dedicated to making vision and eye health a national priority. During this month, CDC’s Vision Health Initiative (VHI) in the Division of Diabetes Translation joins with the National Eye Institute’s National Eye Health Education Program to educate the public about preventing vision loss and promoting eye health. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Healthy and Safe Swimming Week — May 20–26, 2019  This year’s Healthy and Safe Swimming Week theme, “Pool Chemistry for Healthy and Safe Swimming,” focuses on preventing pool chemical injuries. Pool chemicals prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses and disease outbreaks; however, these same chemicals can cause injuries if mishandled. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Hepatitis A Virus Outbreaks Associated with Drug Use and Homelessness — California, Kentucky, Michigan, and Utah, 2017  During 2017, California, Kentucky, Michigan, and Utah reported 1,521 hepatitis A infections, mostly among persons who reported drug use or homelessness, signaling a shift in hepatitis A epidemiology from point-source outbreaks associated with contaminated food to large community outbreaks with person-to-person transmission. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Hepatitis Awareness Month Twitter Chat 2019  Join Hepatitis B Foundation, NASTAD and CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis for a Twitter HepChat at 2 p.m. (ET) Thursday, June 13th. The chat will highlight Hepatitis Awareness Month outreach events and allow partner organizations to share their successes, challenges and lessons learned from their efforts. Join the conversation with the hashtag #HepChat19. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Hepatitis Awareness Month and Testing Day — May 2019  May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 is Hepatitis Testing Day. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C, the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States, can cause chronic infections, and many persons remain unaware of their infection until serious complications occur. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Hepatitis C Virus Potentially Transmitted by Opioid Drug Diversion from a Nurse — Washington, August 2017–March 2018  Routine surveillance detected acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in two hospital emergency department patients. Investigation identified an outbreak of at least 12 HCV infections in patients who had received opioid injections from a nurse who admitted to diverting injectable narcotic drugs. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Heroin-Assisted Treatment and Supervised Drug Consumption Sites  This working paper is part of a series of reports assessing the evidence on and arguments made about heroin-assisted treatment and supervised consumption sites and examining some of the issues associated with implementing them in the United States. (RAND Corporation)

Home visits helping to reduce asthma disparities: Addressing triggers  Home visits, in which community health workers come to people’s homes to assess potential asthma triggers and offer holistic solutions to illness, can be especially beneficial to low-income families who may lack the resources and support to make their homes conducive to easy breathing. (The Nation's Health)

Home- and Community-Based Services Beyond Medicaid: How State-Funded Programs Help Low-Income Adults with Care Needs Live at Home  This paper focuses on state-funded programs designed to support low-income older adults and adults with physical disabilities at home. (AARP)

Honoring Culture: A Public Health Approach  Blog post highlights how SAMHSA is partnering with tribes and tribal organizations to reduce health disparities and promote better overall health. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Hospital Admissions for Uncontrolled Diabetes Improving Among American Indians and Alaska Natives  Using IHS data, the National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) team found significant decreases in hospital admissions for uncontrolled diabetes in the AI/AN population receiving treatment at IHS facilities. However, the declines are not as pronounced in younger age groups. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Hospitals Look To Nursing Homes To Help Stop Drug-Resistant Infections  Hospitals and nursing homes in California and Illinois are testing a surprisingly simple strategy to stop the dangerous, antibiotic-resistant superbugs that kill thousands of people each year: washing patients with a special soap. (National Public Radio (NPR))

Hospitals Reported Improved Preparedness for Emerging Infectious Diseases After the Ebola Outbreak  This study seeks to assess infectious disease preparedness efforts by describing the reflections of hospital administrators regarding the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the actions that hospitals have taken to improve readiness since then. (Office of Inspector General (OIG), HHS)

House Introduces Legislation to Address Youth Tobacco Epidemic  Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Representative Donna Shalala (D-FL) have introduced comprehensive legislation to address and reverse the youth e-cigarette epidemic and lower youth tobacco use. The Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes, flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes. (National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH))

Housing Instability Among Families with Young Children with Special Health Care Needs  Study objective was to evaluate housing instability in households of children with and without SHCNs. (Children's HealthWatch)

Housing Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes  This research brief describes the health impacts that arise from housing insecurity, followed by evidence-based solutions that can address health-related housing needs. (Altarum Institute)

Housing and Food Insecurity and Chronic Disease Among Three Racial Groups in Hawaiʻi  Study examines chronic disease by housing and food insecurity among whites, Asians, and Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) in Hawaiʻi. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

How Can States Stop HIV Transmission? Increase Access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) (October 2018)  NASHP brought together officials from Maryland, Michigan, and Connecticut in a PrEP Policy Learning Series to learn and report on how states are effectively deploying and improving their PrEP initiatives to save lives and reduce health care costs. (National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP))

How Can Workers' Compensation Systems Promote Occupational Safety and Health?  Report explore the beliefs and priorities of key workers' compensation stakeholder groups about system challenges and research priorities that, if addressed, would be most useful for reforming workers' compensation systems to promote OSH and the well-being of workers. (RAND Corporation)

How Community Health Centers Are Addressing the Opioid Epidemic (April 2019)  Case study examines two important dimensions of the opioid epidemic: 1) the phenomenon of adolescents becoming addicted to opioids at home by trying a family member’s prescription and 2) the importance of providing medication-assisted treatment in primary care settings with integrated behavioral health services. (Milbank Memorial Fund)

How Connecting Justice-Involved Individuals to Medicaid Can Help Address the Opioid Epidemic  This issue brief identifies key lessons learned from how four states (Missouri, Ohio, New Mexico, Rhode Island) are connecting people leaving the criminal justice system to Medicaid coverage and services, with a focus on medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and supports for people with OUD. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

How Counties Can Use Evidence-Based Policymaking to Achieve Better Outcomes (December 2018)  Although significant research has been conducted on state-level efforts to advance evidence-based policymaking, little research exists about these practices at the county level. This report by the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative and NACo is a first-of-its-kind look at how counties engage in this work. It also identifies ways counties can support and sustain their success. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

How Doctors Can Stop Stigmatizing — And Start Helping — Kids With Obesity  A group of pediatric obesity specialists is working to change the conversation. At centers around the country, They offer intensive support for kids with obesity with teams of doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, and health coaches. And they take a radical approach: Don't make kids feel bad about their weight, they say, and it just might be easier for them to lose it. (National Public Radio (NPR))

How Easy Are Vaccine Exemptions? Take A Look At The Oregon Model  As measles outbreaks continue in the Northwest and across the nation, newly revealed health records from Oregon suggest it’s surprisingly easy to opt out of required vaccinations in that state — as in several others. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

How Equity-Oriented Health Care Affects Health: Key Mechanisms and Implications for Primary Health Care Practice and Policy  Study examines the relationship between patients’ perceptions of equity-oriented health care and selected patient-reported health outcomes by testing a theoretical model informed by current theory and evidence. (Milbank Memorial Fund)

How Fentanyl Changes the Opioid Equation  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl’s popularity didn’t take off until 2013, propelling what the agency now calls the third wave of the opioid epidemic, after painkillers and heroin. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

How Governors Addressed Health Care in their 2019 State of the State Addresses  In their 2019 state of the state and inaugural speeches, governors highlighted health care policy successes and outlined key proposals for their legislatures. To date, 48 governors – including 20 newly-elected – addressed a wide array of health issues, including behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, the opioid epidemic, rising prescription drug costs, and the growing unaffordability of health care coverage. (National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP))

How Have Workers Fared Under the ACA?  Brief assesses whether health insurance coverage gains from 2010 to 2016 were associated with changes in labor market outcomes across occupations. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

How Health and Social Care Organizations Work Together  On the latest episode of The Dose, host Shanoor Seervai talks to Amanda Brewster, a health policy professor at the University of California, Berkeley, about how health care organizations can work with groups providing social services to get older people the care they need. (Commonwealth Fund)

How Hospitals Can Tackle The Maternal Mortality Crisis  A recent essay in the New England Journal of Medicine says hospitals can improve quality of care for three common complications in childbirth: heavy bleeding after delivery known as postpartum hemorrhage, problems with high blood pressure, and blood clots before or after delivery. (National Public Radio (NPR))

How Local Health Departments with Moderate Resources Can Increase Active Transportation  This is the second in a three-part series covering the Capabilities for Public Health Agency Involvement in Land Use and Transportation Decision Making to Increase Active Transportation Opportunity from the UMass Worcester Prevention Research Center. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

How Many Seniors Live in Poverty?  This analysis provides current data on poverty rates among the 51.1 million older adults in the U.S., by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and health status and by state, as context for understanding the implications of potential changes to federal and state programs that help to bolster financial security among older adults. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

How Measles Detectives Work To Contain An Outbreak  Across the nation, public health departments are redirecting scarce resources to try to control the spread of measles. Their success relies on shoe-leather detective work that is one of the great untold costs of the measles resurgence. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

How Pets Contribute to Healthy Aging  Furry friends help older adults cope with health issues, get active and connect with others. (University of Michigan)

How Public Health Outreach Ended A 1990s Measles Outbreak And What's Different Now  The outbreak from 1989 through 1991 was much larger than today's, with more than 27,000 cases in 1990 alone. But the conditions that lead to that outbreak and what it took to end it are dramatically different from the ones the U.S. is seeing today. (National Public Radio (NPR))

How States Can Better Engage Medicaid Patients  Post provides practical, insightful suggestions regarding how Medicaid can better engage patients in the policymaking and implementation process. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

How a Public Health Goal Became a National Law: The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010  Case study provides insights into policy strategy and advocacy best practices that resulted in passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), a public health law that removed soda and other junk food from schools and resulted in unprecedented improvements to school meals with more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and less salt and trans fat. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

How do Health Expenditures Vary across the Population?  This collection of charts and a related brief explore trends in the variation in health spending across the population through an analysis of the 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

How far Americans live from the closest hospital differs by community type  Rural Americans are more likely than people in urban and suburban areas to say access to good doctors and hospitals is a major problem in their community. Nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans in rural areas say this, compared with 18% of urbanites and 9% of suburbanites, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted earlier this year. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

How has diabetes care in the U.S. changed over time?  This collection of charts and a related brief explore trends in health outcomes, quality of care, and treatment costs for people with diabetes and related endocrine disorders. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

How to Boost Vaccine Rates for Low-Income Families  A new five-state project funded by the federal government aims to improve vaccination rates among low-income children and pregnant women, using statewide registries intended to track the immunization histories of all residents. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Human Rabies — Virginia, 2017  A U.S. citizen was bitten by a puppy while in India; rabies postexposure prophylaxis was not sought. The traveler developed rabies upon return to the United States and died during hospitalization. Seventy-two health care providers were exposed to infectious materials. Treatment for exposures cost approximately $235,000. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Hurricane-Associated Mold Exposures Among Patients at Risk for Invasive Mold Infections After Hurricane Harvey — Houston, Texas, 2017  Among a convenience sample of immunosuppressed residents in the Hurricane Harvey-affected area of Houston, Texas, 49% engaged in cleanup activities in water-damaged or mold-contaminated homes. Use of respiratory protection was low. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

IHS Announces a New Policy to Expand Access to Medication Assisted Treatment in Remote Locations  The Indian Health Service is pleased to announce the release of a new Internet Eligible Controlled Substance Provider Designation policy that is designed to increase access to treatment of opioid use disorder for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in rural or remote areas. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

IHS and Cherokee Nation launch new HIV pilot project  On National HIV Testing Day, the Indian Health Service and Cherokee Nation Health Service announced the launch of a new HIV pilot project to ensure the future success of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. The pilot project will provide an opportunity to begin implementing and evaluating some key foundational activities that will help accelerate progress toward ending the HIV epidemic in Indian Country. (Indian Health Service (IHS))

IHS announces requirements to increase access to Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder  To ensure increased access to medication assisted treatment, IHS released Special General Memorandum 2019-01. All IHS federal facilities will identify opioid use disorder treatment resources in their local areas and create an action plan, no later than December 11, 2019, to provide or coordinate patient access to medication assisted treatment, increasing access to culturally appropriate prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. (Indian Health Service (IHS))

Identifying Barriers and Supports to Breastfeeding in the Workplace Experienced by Mothers in the New Hampshire Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Utilizing the Total Worker Health Framework  Study used the Total Worker Health Framework to characterize workplace factors acting as barriers and/or contributors to breastfeeding among women participating in the New Hampshire WIC. (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)

Identifying Safety-Net Resources at Health Centers to Prevent Infectious Disease Transmission Resulting from the Opioid Epidemic  Study examines the role of community health centers (CDCs) in addressing the connections between the opioid epidemic and infectious disease transmission. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS)

Illinois Announces Plan to End the HIV Epidemic in the State  After nearly three years of considering the latest HIV science, gathering extensive community feedback, and developing a robust six-pronged plan, on May 15, 2019, Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) launched the first stage of a plan to end the epidemic in Illinois by 2030.The plan details a hopeful and achievable path toward virtually eliminating new HIV transmissions and improving overall health care access in Illinois so that all Illinoisans can thrive. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

Immigrant Women’s Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Coverage and Care in the United States  Issue brief synthesizes recent evidence on immigrant women’s access to sexual and reproductive health coverage and care and provide recommendations for policymaking and research. (Commonwealth Fund)

Impact! How Consumers Have Shaped Health System Delivery Reform (April 2019)  Brief presents examples of consumers having a positive impact on the health system. (Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation)

Implementation of the Treat All Policy Among Persons with HIV Infection Enrolled in Care But Not on Antiretroviral Therapy — India, May 2017–June 2018  To implement Treat All in India, 46 ART centers in two states supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief attempted to contact 25,007 persons enrolled in HIV care but not receiving ART; 9,898 (40%) subsequently initiated ART over a 14-month period. Among those initiating ART, 6,315 (64%) began ART after being reached, including 1,635 (17%) who had been lost to follow-up. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Implementation of “Treat‐all” at adult HIV care and treatment sites in the Global IeDEA Consortium: results from the Site Assessment Survey  This study aimed to assess the status of Treat All implementation across regions, countries, and levels of the health care delivery system. (Journal of the International AIDS Society)

Implementing Strategies to Enhance Public Health Surveillance of Physical Activity in the United States (2019)  Report develops strategies that support the implementation of recommended actions to improve national physical activity surveillance. This report also examines and builds upon existing recommended actions. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Implementing Tobacco Cessation Programs in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Settings  This quick guide contains an overview of the challenges associated with tobacco cessation and the benefits of being tobacco-free for individuals as well as those of a smoke-free workplace. It also includes tips that substance use disorder treatment settings can use to implement their own tobacco cessation programs. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Implementing an Integrated Medication-Assisted Treatment Program at Community Health Centers: Lessons from a Pilot Project in California  Evaluation of a pilot project to develop sustainable, integrated care models to provide mental health care and substance use disorder treatment with health care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the primary care setting using medication-assisted treatment (MAT). (Urban Institute)

Improving Access to Oral Healthcare: A Snapshot of State Initiatives  There are a number of states pursuing strategies to improve oral health outcomes, such as primary care and dental care integration, workforce innovations, and care delivery innovations. Several states are exploring ways to improve access to oral health services in their jurisdictions, methods that have either been enacted or introduced in the current legislative session. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Improving Access to Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment in Primary Care for Adolescents: Implementation Considerations  Drawing from the experiences of the participating health plans, this brief examines considerations for integrating Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in the primary care setting for adolescents, including: (1) provider engagement; (2) provider training strategies; (3) coding and billing for SBIRT; and (4) measurement. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

Improving Care for Veterans with Diabetes  A selection of research studies on diabetes from VA HSR&D researchers. (Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D), VA)

Improving Care to Prevent Suicide Among People with Serious Mental Illness: Proceedings of a Workshop  Proceedings of a September 2018 workshop to discuss what is known, what is currently being done, and what needs to be done to identify and reduce suicide risk among people with serious mental illness in the United States. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Improving Global Public Health through Data Sharing  Dr. David Heymann, a professor of infectious diseases and epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, discusses sharing surveillance data to improve global public health. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Improving Health Decisions and Outcomes for Chronic Diseases: The Impact of Incentives and Information  This dissertation assesses the impact of policies designed to address the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases in the context of HIV and obesity, using a range of causal inference and quantitative methods. (RAND Corporation)

Improving Inpatient Influenza Vaccination Rates at Cibola General Hospital During the 2017-2018 Flu Season  Case study examines the hospital's efforts to vaccinate patients who were admitted. (American Hospital Association)

Improving Oral Health Care Services in Rural America (December 2018)  Policy brief outlines barriers, highlights federal programs and initiatives, and provides policy recommendations to improve oral health care in rural America. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

Improving Oral Health through Cross-Agency Partnerships: State Oral Health Leadership Institute Case Studies  A series of case studies on ways Medicaid dental program directors and state oral health program directors can work together to improve oral health of low-income residents. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

Improving Public Health Surveillance Through Interoperability, Data Standards, and Legislation  Post provides a summary of commonly accepted data standards and terminology used in public health departments across the country. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Improving Radon Testing through Community Collaboration  In honor of National Radon Action Month in January, post highlights the Linn County, Iowa’s radon test kit distribution program, which was recognized as a Promising Practice through NACCHO’s Model Practices program in 2017. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Improving the Health of Alaska Native People Through Use of a Policy Change Model and Capacity Building  Public health training often includes program and education development but not policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country program works to build tribal PSE change capacity. Trainings included community health assessment, facilitation and leadership engagement, policy and systems, and digital storytelling. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

In Focus: Identifying and Addressing Health Disparities Among Hispanics  This blog post discusses efforts to identify and address health disparities among Hispanic populations.. (Commonwealth Fund)

In Focus: Reducing Racial Disparities in Health Care by Confronting Racism  This issue of Transforming Care offers examples of health systems that are making efforts to identify implicit bias and structural racism in their organizations, and developing customized approaches to engaging and supporting patients to ameliorate their effects. (Commonwealth Fund)

In Medicaid Expansion States, More People Had Access to Opioid Overdose Reversal Drug  In the journal Addiction, Commonwealth Fund–supported researchers examined the effects of the Medicaid expansion by tracking the increase in the amount of dispensed naloxone covered by Medicaid from 2009–16 and comparing changes in dispensed naloxone in states that did and did not expand Medicaid. (Commonwealth Fund)

In Rural Wyoming, This Program Is Designed To Help Patients Manage Medical Needs  Managing chronic pain can be particularly difficult for people in rural areas because of the necessity of frequent doctor visits. Volunteers in rural Wyoming are trying to help. (National Public Radio (NPR))

Increase in Acute Flaccid Myelitis — United States, 2018  In August 2018, CDC noted an increased number of reports of patients having symptoms clinically compatible with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare condition characterized by rapid onset of flaccid weakness in one or more limbs and spinal cord gray matter lesions, compared with August 2017. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Increase in Hepatitis A Virus Infections — United States, 2013–2018  During 2016–2018, reports of hepatitis A infections in the United States increased by 294% compared with 2013–2015, related to outbreaks associated with contaminated food items, among men who have sex with men, and primarily, among persons who report drug use or homelessness. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Increase in Measles Cases — United States, January 1–April 26, 2019  During January 1–April 26, 2019, a total of 704 measles cases were reported, the highest number of cases reported since 1994. Outbreaks in close-knit communities accounted for 88% of all cases. Of 44 cases directly imported from other countries, 34 were in U.S. residents traveling internationally; most were not vaccinated. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Increased Methamphetamine, Injection Drug, and Heroin Use Among Women and Heterosexual Men with Primary and Secondary Syphilis — United States, 2013–2017  During 2013–2017, reported methamphetamine, injection drug, and heroin use increased substantially among women and heterosexual men with P&S syphilis. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Increasing disparities in unhealthy food advertising targeted to Hispanic and Black youth (January 2019)  Report identifies food-related TV advertising targeted to Black and Hispanic consumers in 2017, and exposure to those ads by Hispanic and Black youth, including children (2-11 years) and teens (ages 12-17 years). (University of Connecticut, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity)

Indigenous People and Domestic Violence: Who’s Bringing Solutions  Blog post features Alaska’s Southcentral Foundation and its Family Wellness Warriors Initiative to address Native Alaskan domestic violence issues. (Rural Health Information Hub)

Infant Mortality by Age at Death in the United States, 2016  The total infant mortality rate declined from 6.75 infant deaths per 1,000 births in 2007 to 6.07 in 2011, but did not change significantly from 2011 through 2016 (5.87). (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Infectious Disease Preparedness: Reflections from CDC’s Pandemic Flu Exercise  On September 12-14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a pandemic influenza functional exercise in response to a fictional influenza pandemic with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners. Post provides reflections on the exercise from Lilly Kan, Senior Director for Infectious Disease and Informatics, who represented NACCHO during the exercise. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Infectious Diseases Society of America Position Statement on Telehealth and Telemedicine as Applied to the Practice of Infectious Diseases  The technologies spanning telehealth, telemedicine, and mobile health (mHealth) are rapidly evolving, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has prepared this updated position statement to educate its membership on the use of telemedicine and telehealth technologies. IDSA supports the appropriate and evidence-based use of telehealth technologies to provide up-to-date, timely, cost-effective subspecialty care to resource-limited populations. (Infectious Diseases Society of America)

Influenza A(H3N2) Variant Virus Outbreak at Three Fairs — Maryland, 2017  In September 2017, 40 cases of influenza A(H3N2) variant virus infection were identified among persons with swine exposure at one of three Maryland agricultural fairs. Thirty cases (75%) occurred among persons at high risk for serious influenza complications. Thirty-five percent of patients reported only indirect swine contact. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Influenza Activity — United States, September 30–December 1, 2018  Influenza activity in the United States was low during October 2018, and, although it increased slowly during November, activity remains low across most of the country. During the week ending December 1, 2018, the percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was equal to the national baseline (Figure) and was at or slightly above the region-specific baseline in four of the 10 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regions. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel — United States, 2017–18 Influenza Season  Opt-in Internet panel survey-assessed influenza vaccination coverage among health care personnel during the 2017–18 season was 78.4%, similar to the previous four seasons. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Influenza and Tdap Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women — United States, April 2018  During the 2017–18 influenza season, 49.1% of pregnant women received influenza vaccination before or during pregnancy, 54.4% of women with a live birth received Tdap during pregnancy, and 32.8% received both recommended vaccines. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Infographic: Diagnoses of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2017  Infographic provides an overview on the current epidemiology of HIV disease in the United States and dependent areas. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Informal PrEP: an emerging need for nomenclature  Different expressions are used to describe the process of informal access to antiretroviral drugs (eg, via the Internet or acquaintances) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): “informal use”, “informal PrEP”, “off-label PrEP”, “non-prescribed PrEP”, “DIY PrEP”, and “wild PrEP”. This lack of consistent nomenclature makes it difficult to develop an accurate understanding of the nature of the process and its public health implications. To improve consistency for future research and public health initiatives, this process should be referred to as informal PrEP. (The Lancet)

Informing Early Childhood Health Policy  A cluster of articles in a RWJF-supported issue of Health Affairs provides further evidence that food insecurity, housing instability, low income, and other factors have on early childhood development. (Health Affairs)

Initiatives for Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment: Current Situations and Challenges (December 2018)  This report highlights data identifying the potential for the environment (waterways and soils) to be a source of pathogenic antimicrobial-resistant microbes that could affect human health. The report also highlights significant knowledge gaps and measures that could be most important for mitigating risks. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Innovative Approaches for Overdose Prevention  States are seeking new approaches to improve surveillance, promote harm reduction, create linkages to care, and educate providers. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Inpatient Stays Involving Mental and Substance Use Disorders, 2016  Brief presents statistics from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) on inpatient stays involving MSUDs at community hospitals among patients aged 5 years or older. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Integrated stepped alcohol treatment for people in HIV care improves both HIV and alcohol outcomes  New clinical research supported by the National Institutes of Health shows that increasing the intensity of treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) over time improves alcohol-related outcomes among people with HIV. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Integrating HIV Services through Partnerships for Care (P4C)  The P4C project identified promising practices for the integration of HIV services into primary care and for building strong primary care-public health partnerships to expand the provision of HIV prevention and care services. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

Integration of Oral Health and Primary Care: Communication, Coordination and Referral  This discussion paper focuses on some particularly challenging aspects of bridging primary care and oral health care for low health literacy populations. Because of the lack of physical proximity between most dental and medical practices, even in some co-located places, many patients and providers have difficulty navigating this divide. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Interim Estimates of 2018–19 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness — United States, February 2019  On the basis of data from the U.S. Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network on 3,254 children and adults with acute respiratory illness during November 23, 2018–February 2, 2019, the overall estimated effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine for preventing medically attended, laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection was 47%. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Interim Updated Planning Guidance on Allocating and Targeting Pandemic Influenza Vaccine during an Influenza Pandemic  This document was developed to update and provide interim guidance for planning purposes and to provide the rationale for a national vaccination program during a pandemic that also allows for local adjustment where appropriate. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

It Looked As Though Millions Of Babies Would Miss Out On A Lifesaving Vaccine  After Merck stopped supplying the rotavirus vaccine in Africa in November, other manufacturers have stepped up to fill the gap. (National Public Radio (NPR))

It's About Trust: Low-Income Parents' Perspectives on How Pediatricians Can Screen for Social Determinants of Health  This report summarizes findings from eight focus groups with low-income parents of children ages five years and younger in New York City, conducted in English and Spanish by Public Agenda in July and August 2018. (Public Agenda)

Join NACCHO’s Information Technology Community of Practice  NACCHO is launching a new Local Health Department Information Technology (IT) Community of Practice (CoP), bringing together local health IT staff from across the country to share tips and best practices.​ The CoP will convene through regular conference calls and webinars. The first meeting will be on March 21 at 1:00pm ET. To join, email Angie McPherson at amcpherson@naccho.org. Learn more at http://bit.ly/localhealthit. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

July 8-12 is 2019 National Environmental Public Health Tracking Awareness Week  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sponsoring the fourth annual National Environmental Public Health Tracking Week during July 8-12, 2019. CDC, state and local health departments, and national partners are coming together to highlight environmental health issues important to improving the health of our nation and to recognize the work of the Tracking Program. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Justice Department’s Criminal Division Creates Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force to Focus on Illegal Opioid Prescriptions  The mission of the ARPO Strike Force is to identify and investigate health care fraud schemes in the Appalachian region and surrounding areas, and to effectively and efficiently prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. (U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ))

KFF Health Tracking Poll – March 2019: Public Opinion on the Domestic HIV Epidemic, Affordable Care Act, and Medicare-for-all  This month's public poll is focused on the HIV epidemic and opinions on the ACA and Medicare-for-All. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

KFF Poll: Public Opinion and Knowledge on Reproductive Health Policy  In this poll, KFF examines public opinion towards many different facets of reproductive health care, with a focus on recent changes to federal reproductive health policy made by the Trump administration. In particular, the administration recently finalized major changes to the Title X program, which provides federal funding for family planning services for lower-income people. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Keeping Children’s Weight on Track: A Pathway to Health and Well-Being  This report card examines children’ weight over time, looking at almost 3,000 infants and toddlers from low-income families who started life in a healthy state – born at a healthy birth weight and at term. (Children's HealthWatch)

Kentucky Takes a Novel Approach to Fight the Opioid Crisis  The FindHelpNowKY.org website bridges a gap between Kentucky residents and timely access to substance use treatment facilities and services. It provides near real-time available openings at local area substance use disorder (SUD) facilities. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Key Facts about Uninsured Adults with Opioid Use Disorder  Based on data from the 2016 and 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), this data note describes uninsured nonelderly adults with OUD, including their demographic characteristics and treatment utilization. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Key Informant Perspectives on Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness (October 2018)  This policy brief uses data from interviews with 22 key informants in 12 states, all of whom were experts in the issue of social isolation and/or rural health, to describe key challenges and opportunities related to rural social isolation. (University of Minnesota, Rural Health Research Center)

Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health  Summarizes key findings from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for indicators of substance use and mental health among people aged 12 years old or older in the civilian, non-institutionalized population of the United States. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Kids living near major roads at higher risk of developmental delays, NIH study suggests  Young children who live close to a major roadway are twice as likely to score lower on tests of communications skills, compared to those who live farther away from a major roadway, according to an analysis by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and the University of California, Merced. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Landscape Analysis of National Community Health Worker Programs  This landscape analysis of national community health worker (CHW) programs focused on key features of programs in 22 of the 25 countries deemed priority by the USAID Office of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition for which data were available. (U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID))

Late Life Domestic Violence: No Such Thing as “Maturing Out” of Elder Abuse  Article focuses on elder abuse, with information on prevalence, screening, costs, and legal issues. Also features work being done in indigenous populations to address elder abuse. (Rural Health Information Hub)

Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018  A North Carolina study of lead content in spices, herbal remedies, and ceremonial powders in homes of children with elevated blood lead levels found that 28.8% of samples contained ≥1 mg/kg lead, suggesting contaminated products might represent an important source of childhood lead exposure. A survey instrument was created to collect information on product origin and consumption. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Leaders in Reducing Lead in Drinking Water  This interactive website allows you to explore communities across the country and learn about their programs to reduce lead in drinking water systems. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA))

Leading Public Health Practice Though Health Informatics and Technology  The future of disease surveillance is electronic case reporting, which is the process of electronically reporting disease cases from clinically-based electronic health records to public health agencies for integration into disease surveillance systems. eCR is an important first step in advancing bidirectional data exchange between healthcare and public health as it leverages data flow between these entities. This guidebook provides additional information on achieving bidirectional data exchange and preparing for eCR adoption and implementation. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Legal Challenges to Public Health Orders During the Recent Measles Outbreaks  Blog post discusses recent legal challenges to public health orders limiting movement or requiring vaccination during the recent measles outbreak. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

Legionella Program Survey Available Now - Share Your Experience  n response to the significant increase in the number of reported cases of legionellosis over the past two decades, NEHA is conducting a nationwide assessment of the role of environmental health programs in Legionella outbreak investigations and mitigation. NEHA is seeking information from environmental health professionals with the goal of using responses to identify best practices in developing a model Legionella program. (National Environmental Health Association)

Leveraging Existing Birth Defects Surveillance Infrastructure to Build Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Surveillance Systems — Illinois, New Mexico, and Vermont, 2015–2016  Estimates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) incidence during 2015 were 3.0 per 1,000 births for Illinois, 7.5 for New Mexico, and 30.8 for Vermont. Of the four diagnosis codes evaluated, those for infant drug withdrawal (779.5 and P96.1) had the highest positive predictive values for identifying confirmed NAS cases. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Leveraging Laws and Policies to Help Achieve Healthy People 2020 Objectives  The Healthy People 2020 Law and Health Policy project is developing resources that will provide practical information to a broad audience about the impact that laws and policies can have on health outcomes. (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), HHS)

Leveraging Medicaid to Address Opioid and Substance Use Disorders in Maine: Ten State Policy Options from an Expedited Review  Drawing on information gathered through an expedited analysis of available public information and data, key informant interviews, and a review of literature on promising Medicaid initiatives targeting the opioid epidemic, this report presents ten policy options for Maine to leverage federal Medicaid expansion funds and other financing opportunities to develop a robust behavioral health care system that can respond to the immediate opioid crisis and provide comprehensive evidence-based treatment and recovery supports to low-income Mainers with opioid and substance use disorders in the long term. (Urban Institute)

Libraries, public health work together on community health: Settings serve as community hubs  When it comes to finding the best health information available, getting a blood pressure check or even finding a safe, cool place to spend an afternoon during a heat advisory, many people do not turn to their doctor or health department. In the U.S., they visit their local library. (The Nation's Health)

Life Expectancy Data Has Arrived at City Health Dashboard  Using new data available from the United States Small-Area Life Expectancy Estimates Project (USALEEP), City Health Dashboard now has a new metric available: life expectancy at birth. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Life and Breath report  Scientists from the MPCA and the Department of Health (MDH) have taken an in-depth look at how air pollution impacts people throughout Minnesota at a county level in a new report. (Minnesota Department of Health)

Life and Health in Rural America (2018)  This “Life and Health in Rural America” report is based on a survey conducted for National Public Radio, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The survey was conducted June 6 – August 4, 2018, among a nationally representative, probabilitybased telephone (cell and landline) sample of 1,300 adults ages 18 or older living in the rural United States. The purpose of this survey was to understand the current views and experiences of rural Americans on economic and health issues. (Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health)

Linking Vaccines And Quality: A Public Health Imperative In A Value-Based Era  There are currently 13 recommended vaccines on the adult immunization schedule and many additional adult vaccine candidates in the pipeline. Despite proven efficacy and favorable recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, availability and accessibility of vaccines alone are insufficient to encourage uptake. (AcademyHealth)

Living with a Disability in America  On this episode of The Dose, host Shanoor Seervai talks to Martha Hostetter and Sarah Klein, who recently studied several health plans and clinics that have created custom models, helping people with disabilities live with dignity and independence. (Commonwealth Fund)

Location of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction: In Brief  The current report identifies the geographic location of medication-assisted treatment providers using methadone and buprenorphine (opioid agonist treatment) in the United States. The analysis uses Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data to identify the number and location of (1) federally certified opioid treatment programs and (2) practitioners with DATA waivers. (Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress)

Los Angeles County's Mental Health Full Service Partnerships Yield Cost Savings  Over a five-year period, there were at least $82.9 million of cost savings associated with key outcomes, representing a 24 percent reduction in government spending because of a decrease in criminal justice detention, behavioral health inpatient stays, and homelessness. (RAND Corporation)

Loss Of SNAP Is Associated With Food Insecurity And Poor Health In Working Families With Young Children  Study found that the groups whose SNAP benefits were reduced or cut off had significantly increased odds of household and child food insecurity, compared to a group with consistent participation in SNAP. (Health Affairs)

Lost in Translation: The Importance of Social Determinants of Health Data from the Patient Perspective  This blog post is the first in a series that explores the needs, challenges, and opportunities in collecting and using SDOH data to drive decisions in health care delivery and payment. Each post will examine these questions from the perspective of a different stakeholder group involved in such decision making. (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Low and Decreasing Prevalence and Rate of False Positive HIV Diagnosis — Chókwè District, Mozambique, 2014–2017  From 2014 to 2017, the rate and population prevalence of false diagnosis in Chókwè District, Mozambique, decreased from 0.66% to 0.00% and from 0.08% to 0.01%, respectively. The cumulative false diagnosis rate was 0.56%, less than one fifth the median rate (3.1%) reported in the systematic review. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases Increasing  Tickborne diseases increasingly threaten the health of people in the United States. The growing threat includes newly discovered disease-causing germs, an increasing number of reported tickborne illnesses, expanding geographic ranges for ticks, and a novel tick species found in the US. New tools for preventing tickborne diseases are urgently needed, and everyone should take steps to help protect themselves from tick bites. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

MAPP Resource Guide for Disability Inclusion  The purpose of this resource guide is to provide guidance on how the MAPP process can be inclusive of people with disabilities. The guide gives health departments the tools and resources to actively engage people with disabilities and the agencies that serve them in the MAPP process, particularly for inclusion efforts to support community health assessments and development of community health improvement plans. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

MAT Inside Correctional Facilities: Addressing Medication Diversion  This action brief provides criminal justice stakeholders, correctional facility leadership, & correctional staff with helpful strategies & techniques to reduce diversion of MAT medications. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

MCMi Fiscal Year 2018 Program Update  Report details the latest medical countermeasure activities by the FDA. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

MEDLINE Data Changes—2019  This article collects the notable data changes made to MEDLINE during the National Library of Medicine (NLM) annual maintenance known as Year-End Processing (YEP) for 2019. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

Major Earthquakes & Cascading Events: Potential Health and Medical Implications (October 2018)  This resource provides an overview of the potential significant health and medical response and recovery needs facing areas affected by a major earthquake with or without additional cascading events. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), HHS)

Malaria Surveillance — United States, 2016  This report summarizes confirmed malaria cases in persons with onset of illness in 2016 and summarizes trends in previous years. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Map the Meal Gap 2019: A Report on County and Congressional District Food Insecurity and County Food Cost in the United States in 2017  Report estimates the number of food-insecure individuals and children in every county and congressional district in the United States and the share of food-insecure population who likely qualify for federal nutrition assistance programs, like SNAP. (Feeding America)

Mapping HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2017  Study presents comprehensive space–time estimates of HIV prevalence among adults aged 15–49 years who reside in each area on a 5 × 5-km grid across 47 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, annually from 2000 to 2017. (Springer)

Mapping the Food Landscape in New Hampshire (June 2019)  This brief fills that gap with an assessment of New Hampshire’s food landscape, identifying geographic gaps in food access that can help practitioners and policymakers better serve Granite Staters. (University of New Hampshire, Carsey School of Public Policy)

March/April 2019 - Volume 25 - Supplement 2, Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey 2017  Special supplement to the March/April 2019 edition of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice features articles and editorials on the findings from the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS). (Journal of Public Health Management and Practice)

Mass Incarceration Threatens Health Equity in America  Report examines the links between mass incarceration and health equity. Through pairing data with examples of successful approaches, this report shows how mass incarceration negatively impacts everyone’s health and well-being and also suggests solutions for reducing both incarceration and crime rates and increasing opportunities for all. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Mass incarceration and the impact of prison release on HIV diagnoses in the US South  The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of prison release on HIV incidence in the southern region of the United States, the region with the highest rates of both incarceration and new HIV diagnoses nationwide. (Public Library of Science)

Maternal Opioid Misuse (MOM) Model  Model addresses fragmentation in the care of pregnant and postpartum Medicaid beneficiaries with opioid use disorder (OUD) through state-driven transformation of the delivery system surrounding this vulnerable population. By supporting the coordination of clinical care and the integration of other services critical for health, wellbeing, and recovery, the MOM model has the potential to improve quality of care and reduce costs for mothers and infants. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS)

Maternal and Child Health  This brief is one in a series of six on key early childhood issues for state policymakers and focuses on improving the health and well-being of mothers and young children. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Meaningful Involvement of People Who Use Drugs  Meaningful involvement of people who use drugs ensures the leadership and decision-making power of people with lived experience of drug use in the response to the intersecting crises of drug use, viral hepatitis, and HIV. (AIDS United)

Meanings and Misunderstandings: A Social Determinants of Health Lexicon for Health Care Systems  Health care systems and policymakers in the United States increasingly use language related to social determinants of health in their strategies to improve health and control costs, but the terms used are often misunderstood, conflated, and confused. Greater clarity on key terms and the concepts underlying them could advance policies and practices related to social determinants of health—including by defining appropriate roles and limits of the health care sector in this multisector field. (Milbank Memorial Fund)

Measles Outbreak Toolkit for Healthcare Providers  To support health care providers during the current multi-state measles outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed this digital toolkit with products for providers and their patients about vaccines and measles. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Measles Outbreak in a Highly Vaccinated Population — Israel, July–August 2017  During July and August 2017, nine measles cases occurred among vaccinated Israeli soldiers. The primary patient had recently traveled to Europe. All other cases occurred in his direct contacts. All patients had mild illness; no tertiary cases occurred. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Measurement Across Sectors: Common Indicators for the Social Determinants of Health  Article explores what common metrics and indicators are used across sectors to measure health. (Build Healthy Places Network)

Measuring Community Stress  Report investigates whether a community that experiences challenges—for instance, high unemployment, community violence, segregation, or high opioid use—could develop community allostatic load, which, in turn, could affect how it responds to future traumatic events. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Measuring Resident Health Outcomes in Affordable Housing  Tool enables its users to measure changes in resident health outcomes most likely to be influenced by healthy housing development. (Build Healthy Places Network)

Medicaid Coverage of Guidelines-Based Asthma Care Across 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 2016-2017  Project tracked coverage for 7 areas of guidelines-based asthma care and 9 barriers related to accessing care in Medicaid programs for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Results from the Project show a lack of consistent and comprehensive coverage across states, as well as coverage-related challenges to accessing asthma care within states. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Medicaid Engagement and Education Efforts Could Improve Delivery of HIV Prevention Services  This white paper identifies ways the Medicaid program can educate patients and providers to improve the use of PrEP medication and clinical services. (AcademyHealth)

Medicaid Financing and Coverage Benefits Can be Leveraged to Improve Delivery of HIV Prevention Services  This white paper, identifies Medicaid benefits and financing mechanisms that could be used to improve uptake and delivery of PrEP medication and clinical care. (AcademyHealth)

Medicaid Work Requirements: Will They Help the Unemployed Gain Jobs or Improve Health?  Study assesses whether state Medicaid work requirement projects are designed for success in promoting employment among unemployed Medicaid beneficiaries. (Commonwealth Fund)

Medicaid's Role in Addressing Social Determinants of Health  States are implementing a number of strategies to address SDOH and to integrate such efforts into the delivery of health care. New state officials will want to consider assessing current state policy to determine if these strategies are being or should be pursued, recognizing that ensuring access to physical and behavioral health care services is most essential, but that a whole person approach to health care delivery may well include addressing social issues through evidence-based interventions. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Medicaid’s Role in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic  Medicaid plays a central role in the nation’s efforts to address the opioid epidemic. By covering people who are struggling with OUD and enhancing state capacity to provide access to early interventions and treatment, Medicaid is a key tool in the fight against the epidemic. State Medicaid programs have implemented several measures to curb opioid prescribing. Additionally, Medicaid expansion has provided states with additional resources to cover many adults with substance use disorders. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Medical Care June 2019 - Volume 57 - Supplement 6 Suppl 2 Leveraging Advances in Technology to Promote Health Equity  Supplemental issue of Medical Care explores the role of health information in advancing the science of health disparities. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Medical Product Shortages During Disasters: Opportunities to Predict, Prevent, and Respond: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief  Summary of a September 2018 workshop to better understand the gaps in product shortages during disasters that led to cascading effects in patient care throughout the U.S. health care system. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder  Brief provides general information about MAT and information for employers wishing to assist or support workers with OUD. (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), CDC)

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the Child Welfare Context: Challenges and Opportunities  This brief describes four key challenges related to the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in child welfare contexts for parents with opioid use disorder. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS)

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief  Brief summary of an October 2018 workshop which offered full discussion of the current initiatives related to MAT, existing evidence and research gaps, and barriers that discourage access to and use of MAT. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Save Lives  Results from a NASEM-convened committee to examine the evidence base for medications to treat OUD and to identify barriers that prevent people from accessing safe, effective, medication-based treatment. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Save Lives (2019)  To support the dissemination of accurate patient-focused information about treatments for addiction, and to help provide scientific solutions to the current opioid crisis, this report studies the evidence base on medication assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD. It examines available evidence on the range of parameters and circumstances in which MAT can be effectively delivered and identifies additional research needed. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Meeting the Challenge of Engaging Men in HIV Prevention and Treatment  A new commentary from National Institutes of Health scientists asserts that engaging men in HIV prevention and care is essential to the goal of ending the HIV pandemic. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Mental Health Disparities: Appalachian People  In Appalachia the number of mental healthcare professionals per 100,000 residents was 35% lower than the national average. In the southern and north central sub-regions of Appalachia, it further decreases to 50% fewer mental healthcare professionals than the national average.1 (American Psychiatric Association)

Meth Vs. Opioids: America Has Two Drug Epidemics, But Focuses On One  While public health officials have focused on the opioid epidemic in recent years, another epidemic has been brewing quietly, but vigorously, behind the scenes. Methamphetamine use is surging in parts of the U.S., particularly the West, leaving first responders and addiction treatment providers struggling to handle a rising need. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

Methodological Approaches to Understanding Causes of Health Disparities  Study highlights analytic methods and designs, multilevel approaches, complex systems modeling techniques, and qualitative methods that should be more broadly employed and adapted to advance health disparities research and identify approaches to mitigate them. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Methodologies for Evaluating and Grading Evidence Considerations for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief  Summary of a July 2018 workshop featuring two panel sessions to hear from experts in evidence synthesis and grading. Given the context-sensitive nature of public health emergency preparedness and response practices and their focus on systems and processes, the panels explored evidence assessment methodologies from a variety of disciplines that face similar challenges in identifying evidence-based practices. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Methods to Foster Transparency and Reproducibility of Federal Statistics: Proceedings of a Workshop (2018)  This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from a 2014 workshop to develop some understanding of what principles and practices are, or would be, supportive of making federal statistics more understandable and reviewable, both by agency staff and the public.. (National Academies Press)

Mobile phone app designed to boost physical activity in women shows promise  A new study has found that one mobile phone app designed for inactive women did help when combined with an activity tracker and personal counseling. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Modeling the Importance of Within- and Between-County Effects in an Ecological Study of the Association Between Social Capital and Mental Distress  Study examines the association of social capital and mental distress at the county level with advanced spatial econometric methods and to explore the importance of between-county effects. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Moderate calorie restriction in young and middle-aged adults significantly reduces heart and metabolic risk factors independent of weight loss  Moderately reducing caloric intake over a period of two years significantly improved cardiometabolic risk factors in young and middle-aged, non-obese adults, according to new findings from the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) (link is external) trial. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Momentum builds across US to replace lead water pipes: Water contamination an issue for millions  Many U.S communities are finding cost-effective ways to pay for replacement of lead service lines, and dozens of other communities have already completed work. (The Nation's Health)

Monthly buprenorphine injections effective for opioid use disorders  A newly published study suggests the long-acting buprenorphine formulation BUP-XR is more effective than placebo in helping patients struggling with addiction to opioids. BUP-XR is a monthly extended-release injection. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

More Effort is Needed to Ensure Patients Understand Doctors' Instructions (March 2019)  Factsheet outlines how the teach-back method is a useful tool in improving health literacy among patients. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

More States Authorizing the Use of Overdose Fatality Review Teams  As of August 2018, nine states (Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia) have authorized the review of fatal drug overdoses. (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO))

More States Say Doctors Must Offer Overdose Reversal Drug Along With Opioids  New state laws and regulations in California, Virginia, Arizona, Ohio, Washington, Vermont and Rhode Island require physicians to “co-prescribe” or at least offer naloxone prescriptions when prescribing opioids to patients considered at high risk of overdosing. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

More than one million sexually transmitted infections occur every day: WHO  The global scale of sexually transmitted infections (STI) should be a “wake-up call” to governments, UN health experts said on Thursday, citing data showing that one in 25 people today have “at least one” curable STI, which occur at a rate of more than one million a day worldwide. (United Nations (UN))

Motor Vehicle Prioritizing Interventions and Cost Calculator for States (MV PICCS)  CDC offers a newly redesigned interactive calculator called MV PICCS 3.0 (Motor Vehicle Prioritizing Interventions and Cost Calculator for States), pronounced MV “picks”. This tool, which now includes 2015 state data and a graphical interface, can help state decision makers prioritize and select from a suite of 14 effective motor vehicle injury prevention interventions. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Moving Research Into Practice: Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Weight Management for Cancer Patients and Survivors  Discussion paper proposes six action steps to increase the availability and uptake of weight management, physical activity, and nutrition interventions for cancer patients and survivors (National Academy of Medicine)

Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni Outbreak Linked to Puppy Exposure — United States, 2016–2018  Investigation of a multistate, multidrug-resistant outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni infections implicated puppies from breeders and distributors sold through pet stores as the outbreak source. Outbreak strains were resistant to all antibiotics commonly used to treat Campylobacter infections. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Multistate Infestation with the Exotic Disease–Vector Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis — United States, August 2017–September 2018  During 2017–2018, H. longicornis has been detected in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia on various species of domestic animals and wildlife, and from two humans. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka Infections Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal (Final Update)  CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. 135 people infected with the outbreak strain were reported from 36 states. 34 people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Multistate Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Linked to Contact with Live Poultry in Backyard Flocks, 2018 (Final Update)  CDC and multiple states investigated several multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks. A total of 334 people were infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella reported from 47 states. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Mumps Outbreak in a Marshallese Community — Denver Metropolitan Area, Colorado, 2016–2017  An outbreak of 47 mumps cases occurred in the Denver metropolitan area, mostly among members of a Marshallese community. Public health response included early active surveillance, public education, and prompt implementation of MMR vaccination clinics. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

NACCHO Announces Two Management Training Courses for Local Health Leaders  In alignment with NACCHOs commitment to provide local health leaders with the most comprehensive educational opportunities, NACCHO is pleased to announce the Management Essentials Training Series tailored exclusively for local health managers and supervisors! The virtual instructor led course provides a fresh perspective and a broad introduction to two topics critical to your success: Successful People Management and Fundamentals of Financial Management. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

NACCHO/RITN Gap Analysis: Understanding the Shortfalls within Radiation Preparedness (October 2018)  Brief identifies gaps with respect to coordination with healthcare partners as well as the inclusion of Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN) components into LHD preparedness efforts. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

NACCHO’s Rural Health Section  This initiative calls for the development of Rural Health Section composed of NACCHO members and partners working together on specific rural public health issues across multidisciplinary and programmatic expertise in support of NACCHO’s mission. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

NB3 Foundation receives grant to pilot Indigenous Health Evaluation in local community  The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation announced today the launch of a new intiative to develop an indigenous evaluation health framework to strengthen policy changes aimed at improving Native American children’s health. (Notah Begay III Foundation)

NEHA Climate and Health 2018-19 Grants  The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will offer two $10,000 grants to support state, local or tribal governmental environmental health agencies to translate climate and health data into a format that is available and useful to their residents and staff. The application deadline is December 28, 2018.

NIAID Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Research (September 2018)  Plan proposes building on current trans-NIAID efforts to understand better the immunology and pathogenesis of TB and expanding resources to quickly develop new tools to more effectively combat this disease. These tools include preventive vaccines and therapies, less-toxic treatment regimens of shorter duration, and rapid, accurate, easily implementable, point-of-care diagnostics to detect all forms of TB. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH)

NICHSR Tutorial: Finding and Using Health Statistics  The National Information Center on Health Services Research and Health Care Technology (NICHSR) is pleased to announce the release of a newly revised Health Statistics tutorial. Written by staff at AcademyHealth, this tutorial is aimed at students, librarians, and other professionals interested in an introduction to the principles behind health statistics. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

NIH and Partners to Launch HIV Vaccine Efficacy Trial in the Americas and Europe  The NIH and partners today announced plans to conduct a Phase 3 HIV vaccine efficacy trial at multiple clinical research sites in North America, South America and Europe. The trial, called HPX3002/HVTN 706 or Mosaico, will assess whether an investigational vaccine regimen designed to induce immune responses against a variety of global HIV strains can safely and effectively prevent HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender people. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH awards will advance development of vaccines for sexually transmitted infections  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH, today announced awards to establish four Cooperative Research Centers (CRCs) focused on developing vaccines to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The grants, totaling $41.6 million over five years, will support collaborative, multidisciplinary research on the bacteria that cause syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH begins first-in-human trial of a universal influenza vaccine candidate  The first clinical trial of an innovative universal influenza vaccine candidate is examining the vaccine’s safety and tolerability as well as its ability to induce an immune response in healthy volunteers. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH facilitates first Tribal data-sharing agreement with Navajo Nation  The National Institutes of Health has facilitated a data-sharing and use agreement between the Navajo Nation and NIH grantees of the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, which was ratified yesterday in a ceremony at the Navajo Nation Head Start Center in Leupp, Arizona. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH funds specialized centers for child maltreatment research  The National Institutes of Health is funding three centers that will conduct research on all forms of child abuse and neglect. The Capstone Centers for Child Maltreatment Research promise to identify best practices for prevention and screening, as well as treatment of children affected by abuse. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH funds study in four states to reduce opioid related deaths by 40 percent over three years  As part of HHS' initiatives to address the opioid epidemic, the NIH today selected four research sites for the HEALing Communities Study in four states hard hit by the opioid crisis. This ambitious study aims to reduce overdose deaths by 40 percent over three years in selected communities by testing a set of proven prevention and treatment interventions, such as distribution of naloxone to reverse overdose and linking individuals in the criminal justice system with treatment for opioid addiction. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH funds study to prevent, treat HIV among adolescents in poor countries  The National Institutes of Health has awarded $7.5 million for an international research program to prevent and treat HIV infection among adolescents and young adults in seven African countries and Brazil. The study, called Prevention and Treatment through a Comprehensive Care Continuum for HIV-affected Adolescents in Resource Constrained Settings (PATC3H), will support research to develop strategies to identify youth at risk of HIV infection and those living with HIV and to enroll them into medical care programs. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH research program to explore the transition from acute to chronic pain  The National Institutes of Health has launched the Acute to Chronic Pain Signatures (A2CPS) program to investigate the biological characteristics underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain. The effort will also seek to determine the mechanisms that make some people susceptible and others resilient to the development of chronic pain. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH study finds heavily processed foods cause overeating and weight gain  People eating ultra-processed foods ate more calories and gained more weight than when they ate a minimally processed diet, according to results from a National Institutes of Health study. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH supports study of health risks and resilience following Hurricanes Irma and Maria  Eight new awards will help researchers examine the health impacts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following the physical damage and community-level hardships left by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Research will focus on hurricane-related psychosocial stressors, such as grief, separation from home and loved ones, loss of income, and limited access to medical care, which can result in immediate health impacts. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH to Fund HIV Care and Prevention Research in Vulnerable Southern U.S. Communities  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases will fund a series of collaborations with medical research institutions in the southern United States to test new ways of implementing HIV treatment and prevention tools in counties with some of the highest rates of new HIV cases nationwide. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH)

NIH to Test Experimental Drug to Curb Opioid Cravings  A clinical trial of an experimental drug designed to treat cravings associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) has begun in the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The Phase I trial in healthy adults will assess the safety of the experimental compound, ANS-6637, and how it is processed in the body when given with another drug that is processed by the same liver enzyme pathway. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIH-supported study reveals a novel indicator of influenza immunity  A study of influenza virus transmission in Nicaraguan households reveals new insights into the type of immune responses that may be protective against influenza virus infection, report investigators. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

NIIW (National Infant Immunization Week)  National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities. NIIW 2019 is April 27-May 4, 2019. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

NLM 2018 AIDS Community Information Outreach Projects Announced!  The National Library of Medicine (NLM) funded eight HIV/AIDS Community Information Outreach Projects in September 2018, in the 25th round of the program, including two projects at San Francisco Public Health Foundation. (National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM))

NLM Retiring GeneEd on March 31, 2019  GeneEd, a resource of genetics education materials for grades 9 to 12, will be retired on March 31, 2019. Selected content has been integrated into Genetics Home Reference (GHR) to create a single access point at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) for consumer level genetics information. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

NLM and Medical Heritage Library to Expand Public Access to Collections  The National Library of Medicine (NLM) signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with the Medical Heritage Library (MHL) to promote free and open access to quality historical resources in medicine and the human health sciences. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

NLM’s Radiation Medical Emergency Management (REMM) Resource Receives Major Update!  (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

NLM’s ToxMystery Resource Retiring on December 31, 2018  NLM has announced that ToxMystery, a game about chemicals in the household, will be retired on December 31, 2018. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

NSF, NIEHS award $30 million for new research on links among oceans, lakes and human health  To study the effects of harmful algae blooms and other ocean and Great Lakes pathogens, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), one of the National Institutes of Health, have awarded new grants totaling $30 million. The grants fund research on ecosystems in the oceans and in the Great Lakes Basin. (National Science Foundation)

Naloxone: The Opioid Reversal Drug that Saves Lives (December 2018)  Guidance for healthcare providers and patients detailing how naloxone – the opioid overdose reversal drug – can help save lives and should be prescribed to all patients at risk for opioid complications, including overdose. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

Narrative as a Tool for Health: A Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing a Storytelling Event  Report describes the process for developing a storytelling event. Community organizations and health departments can use this information to replicate the success of Baltimore City Health Department's storytelling events in their communities. (Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention Services (UCHAPS))

National Adoption of “Treat All” Policy Leads More People with HIV to Start Treatment Quickly  When countries began providing HIV treatment to all people diagnosed with the virus, regardless of their immune health, the proportion of people who started treatment within a month of enrolling in HIV care jumped sharply in some nations, a study has found. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH)

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - February 7  Coordinated by the Strategic Leadership Council, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed each year on February 7 to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities. This year’s NBHAAD theme, “Together for Love: Stop HIV Stigma”, highlights the messages of the Act Against AIDS, Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — February 7, 2019  National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed each year on February 7 to highlight the continuing disproportionate impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on the U.S. black/African American (black) population. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

National Children’s Dental Health Month: Resources for Local Health Departments  February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a month-long national health observance to promote the oral health of children and families. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins the month’s sponsor, the American Dental Association, in providing resources for local health departments and health professionals to use and share. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day  SAMHSA’s Awareness Day 2019: "Suicide Prevention: Strategies That Work" event will take place on May 6, 2019. National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

National Diabetes Month — November 2018  November is National Diabetes Month. In the United States, approximately 30 million persons are living with diabetes and 84 million with prediabetes. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week  NEDAwareness Week is February 25-March 3, 2019. The 2019 theme, Come as You Are, highlights NEDA’s movement towards inclusivity in the greater eating disorder community and our goal of unifying the field of eating disorders. In particular, Come as You Are sends a message to individuals at all stages of body acceptance and eating disorders recovery that their stories are valid.

National Food Affordability: A County-Level Analysis  The purpose of this study was to explore the sociodemographic factors that contribute to food affordability across space, with specific emphasis on rural and urban differences in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — September 27, 2018  National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (https://www.cdc.gov/features/ngmhaad/index.html) is observed on September 27, 2018, to direct attention to the ongoing and disproportionate impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

National HIV Testing Week (NHTWUS)  June 21-27. NHTWUS provides an opportunity for partners across the US to unite for one week to encourage individuals to become aware of their HIV status and to encourage those that are HIV-positive and are not in care to start a discussion about treatment options with medical professionals (Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention Services (UCHAPS))

National Healthy Homes Month June 2019  This year's theme, Growing Up Safe and Healthy: 5 Minutes to a Healthy Home focuses on the opportunity to protect current and future generations of children from the exposures to lead from contaminated paint, dust and soil; through the importance of home assessments and the impact it has on your health. (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD))

National Indian Health Board Seeks to Illuminate Indigenous Knowledge Regarding Environmental Health  The National Indian Health Board is convening listening sessions with Tribal Leaders and Tribal Health Organizations to discuss environmental health concerns in Tribal Nations and share innovative ways to address the concerns identified; and share the perspectives of Tribal Leaders and Tribal Health Organizations with CDC and NIHB leadership to inform the development of national program and policies (National Indian Health Board)

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day — October 15, 2018  National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (https://www.cdc.gov/Features/LatinoAIDSAwareness), October 15, is observed each year to focus on the continuing and disproportionate impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on Hispanics/Latinos in the United States. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2018  NLPPW, held October 21-27, 2018, is a call to action to bring together families, individuals, community-based organizations, state and local governments and others, to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness and increase efforts to reduce childhood exposure to lead. (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD))

National Minority Health Month 2019: Active & Healthy  As part of its observance of National Minority Health Month in April, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) at HHS just launched the Active & Healthy Challenge. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage individuals, especially racial and ethnic minorities, to work physical activity into their daily and weekly schedules. (Office of Minority Health (OMH), HHS)

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day  March 20 marks National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a time to remember those who have passed as well as those currently affected by HIV/AIDS. National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to call for increased testing resources and seek support for increasing treatment and care options. (National Indian Council on Aging)

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - March 20  The four seasons are highly respected in many cultures because they represent the cycle of life. The Spring Equinox is a time of equality and balance. It is a time of new beginnings. March 20th is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD). We hope this awareness day will bring about an awareness of the presence of HIV/AIDS in our Native communities – American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

National Network of Public Health Institutes Leads Initiative to Enhance Disaster-Related Health Recovery Efforts Across the Country  The National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) recently announced the availability of training, technical assistance, and support through the Hurricane Response Hub (HRH) initiative. Funded by the CDC, the HRH initiative is designed to enhance disaster surveillance in addition to environmental and occupational health recovery efforts in areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria by building disaster-related public health workforce capacity. (National Network of Public Health Institutes)

National Preparedness Month — September 2018  For this year's National Preparedness Month, CDC is highlighting four areas: 1) personal preparedness, 2) pandemic planning, 3) policy and partnerships, and 4) public health response. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

National Public Health Week 2019: How NLM Brings Together Libraries and Public Health  Blogpost discusses how the National Library of Medicine (NLM) increases access to trustworthy health information to improve the health of communities across the United States. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

National Transgender HIV Testing Day 2019  April 18 is National Transgender HIV Testing Day, established by the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health at the University of California, San Francisco. This day serves as a call to action to promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment efforts for transgender communities and work with all transgender people to protect their health through testing and knowing their HIV status. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day #NYHAAD  April 10, 2019. NYHAAD educates the public about the impact of HIV/AIDS on youth and highlights the work youth do to strengthen the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day is April 10th  National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) serves as a reminder that investing in young people’s health and education is a critical step to achieving an AIDS-free generation. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

National and State by State Obesity Rates, Youth Ages 10-17 (October 2018)  This brief includes new national and state-by-state obesity rates among 10- to 17-year-olds from the 2016 and 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), which uses parent reports of a child’s height and weight to calculate body mass index. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — United States, 2017  In 2017, coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years increased for ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine and ≥1 and ≥2 doses of meningococcal vaccines and remained high for ≥1 dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine. HPV vaccination initiation has increased an average of 5.1 percentage points annually since 2013. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Nearly 80 percent of the U.S. Population Now Served by a PHAB-Accredited Health Department  As of March 21, 2019, a total of 256 health departments (36 state, 3 Tribal and 217 local) as well as 1 statewide integrated local public health department system, have achieved five-year accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, bringing the benefits of PHAB accreditation to 79 percent of the U.S. population. (Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB))

Neighborhood Risk and Hospital Use for Pediatric Asthma, Rhode Island, 2005–2014  Study assesses the association between negative neighborhood factors (ie, neighborhood risk) and pediatric asthma hospital use. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Neighborhood disadvantage and chronic disease management  Open access study in Health Services Research) assesses the relationship between a composite measure of neighborhood disadvantage, the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and control of blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol in the Medicare Advantage (MA) population. (Wiley Interscience)

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Maternal Access to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorderin California Counties  Brief uses hospital and emergency room patient discharge data to investigate incidence rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) across counties in California and uses data on the locations of opioid-use disorder treatment facilities providing medication-assisted therapy to pregnant women as well as the locations buprenorphine-waivered prescribers to assess the availability of treatment in each county and zip code throughout the state. (Urban Institute)

New CDC analysis shows steep and sustained increases in STDs in recent years  Nearly 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were diagnosed in the United States in 2017, according to preliminary data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the National STD Prevention Conference in Washington, D.C. This surpassed the previous record set in 2016 by more than 200,000 cases and marked the fourth consecutive year of sharp increases in these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

New Data Provides a Deeper Understanding of Life Expectancy Gaps  The more local the data, the more useful it is for pinpointing disparities and driving action. The first universal measure of health at a neighborhood level, USALEEP, reveals gaps that may previously have gone unnoticed. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

New Data Show Namibia Approaching Control of Their HIV Epidemic  The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), CDC, and ICAP at Columbia University recently released new data from the Namibia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (NAMPHIA), showing dramatic progress against HIV. Results from NAMPHIA show the country has surpassed global targets for HIV treatment and HIV viral load suppression, and that 77 percent of HIV-positive adults age 15-64 in Namibia were virally suppressed. The data were announced during the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) in Amsterdam. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

New FDA Online Education and Training Module on Menu Labeling  The FDA has developed an education module to help industry, regulators, and consumers understand the menu labeling regulations. This online module describes what types of establishments and types of foods are covered by the menu labeling regulations and how to comply with the regulations. The FDA has also published two fact sheets for industry on menu labeling and declaring calories. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

New Factsheets: HIV’s Impact in the African American Community  African Americans continue to experience the greatest burden of HIV compared to other races and ethnicities in the United States. Learn the facts and related interventions that are highlighted in updated CDC factsheets. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

New HHS Checklist Helps First Responders Ensure Language Access and Effective Communication During Emergencies  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has unveiled a plain language checklist - PDF to help first responders provide services to individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities during emergency response and recovery efforts. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

New HHS-sponsored research provides new tool and updated guidance on mass chemical decontamination  More than a million first responders and emergency managers in the United States now have a science-based chemical decontamination decision tool and updated guidance on how best to decontaminate a massive number of people after chemical exposure. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

New HRSA Loan Repayment Program to Support Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Underserved Communities  Last December, HRSA’s National Health Service Corps (NHSC) launched the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workforce Loan Repayment Program (LRP), a $105 million investment to help address the shortage of behavioral health professionals in communities of need. This new program will help Americans living with opioid addiction and other substance use disorders receive the necessary care to recover. (Health Affairs)

New HRSA Program Will Help Clinicians and Patients in the Fight Against Opioid Addiction  On December 27, 2018 HRSA launched a program that is critical to HHS’ response to the opioid crisis. The National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Progam will support the HHS Five-Point Opioid Strategy by increasing patient access to high-quality substance use disorder preventive, treatment, and recovery services. (Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS)

New Mexico Substance Use Epidemiology Profile (December 2018)  Report presents commonly used indicators of substance use in New Mexico by race, gender, and age group. (New Mexico Department of Health)

New Naloxone Laws Seek to Prevent Opioid Overdoses  In the last five years, at least 46 states and the District of Columbia enacted so-called good Samaritan laws, allowing private citizens to administer the overdose-reversal medication without legal liability. And all but four states — Connecticut, Idaho, Nebraska and Oregon — have called on pharmacies to provide the easy-to-administer medication to anyone who wants it without a prescription, according to the Network for Public Health Law. But a handful of states are going even further by requiring doctors to give or at least offer a prescription for the overdose rescue drug to patients taking high doses of opioid painkillers. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

New National Library of Medicine Video Offers Info on Opioid Crisis  The sharable video explains how naloxone works, when to use it, and how it is administered. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

New Professional Resources for Providers to Address HIV/HCV Coinfection  New healthcare provider resources from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, HHS and NIH, and CDC support providers in treating HIV and HCV coinfection. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

New Short Explainer and Docu-Style Videos From Greater Than AIDS: From Getting an HIV Diagnosis to Keeping Up With Care and Treatment  The latest series of one-minute, FAQ-style videos from Greater Than AIDS is designed to help individuals living with HIV and loved ones, as they navigate from receiving an HIV diagnosis to getting connected to care to keeping up with treatment. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

New Study Finds Higher than Expected Number of Suicide Deaths among U.S. Veterinarians  Veterinarians in the U.S. are at an increased risk of suicide, a trend that has spanned more than three decades, according to a new CDC study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

New Study Supports Expanded Testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia  A new study from the NIAID-funded Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG) found that two diagnostic tests accurately detected gonorrhea and chlamydia in samples from the pharynx (throat) and rectum. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH)

New Title X Regulations: Implications for Women and Family Planning Providers  This brief reviews the Trump Administration’s new final Title X family planning regulations, compares them to the current program rules and discusses the implications of these changes for low-income women seeking family planning services and the providers that have been serving them with Title X support. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

New Tool for Tracking Cholera Outbreaks Could Make It Easier to Detect and Stop Deadly Epidemics  Algorithms using data from antibody signatures in peoples’ blood may enable scientists to assess the size of cholera outbreaks and identify hotspots of cholera transmission more accurately than ever, according to a study led by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Johns Hopkins University)

New Website Design for Tox Town  The National Library of Medicine is pleased to announce a new design for the Tox Town website, which provides consumer-level information on everyday locations and situations where toxic chemical exposure might occur. The new design, informed by extensive user research has: enhanced search optimization and improved readability. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

New Workforce Survey: Public Health Turnover Could Pose Threat to Community Health  The newest PH Wins survey shows a rise in job turnover among public health professionals. This is despite high levels of job satisfaction. (de Beaumont Foundation)

New interactive dashboard for Elder Index Demographic Data  Find 2011, 2013 and 2015 data on the percentage, number and demographic characteristics of seniors with incomes below the Elder Index in all 58 California counties using the new, free Elder Index Demographic Data online dashboard. (University of California Los Angeles (UCLA))

Newborn Screening: More Than a PKU Screen (November 2018)  Newborn screening (NBS) began in the 1960s with a screen for Phenylketonuria (PKU), but over the years, NBS has expanded to screen babies for many conditions. Despite this growth, many healthcare professionals still use the term “PKU test”. With more conditions added to newborn screening panels, this term is no longer accurate and is confusing for parents and clinicians. (Baby's First Test Newborn Screening Clearinghouse)

Nine Health Departments Awarded Accreditation Through PHAB on November 20  This week, PHAB announced it has awarded national accreditation status to nine more health departments. This week's accreditation announcement means that 73 percent of the U.S. population is now served by a health department that meets PHAB's national standards for delivering quality programs and services to its community. (Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB))

Nonfatal Assaults and Homicides Among Adults Aged ≥60 Years — United States, 2002–2016  Fifteen-year trends in nonfatal assaults and homicides among adults aged ≥60 years were examined using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program and National Vital Statistics System data. The estimated nonfatal assault rate increased 75.4% among men (2002–2016) and 35.4% among women (2007–2016). The estimated homicide rate for men increased 7.1% from 2010 to 2016. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notes from the Field: Community Outbreak of Measles — Clark County, Washington, 2018–2019  On December 31, 2018, Clark County Public Health (CCPH) in Washington was notified of a suspected case of measles in an unvaccinated child, aged 10 years, who had recently arrived from Ukraine. The patient was evaluated at an urgent care clinic for fever, cough, and a maculopapular rash. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notes from the Field: Follow-Up on 11 Infants Born to Women with Evidence of Zika Virus Infection During Pregnancy — Los Angeles County, 2016  During 2016, 11 infants were born to women in LAC who met the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists case definition for confirmed (four infants) or probable (seven infants) Zika virus infection. Follow-up through age 12 months was completed for nine infants; two infants were evaluated at birth, and their parents declined to participate after delivery. All infants appeared healthy and normal at the last available assessment, with normal head circumference measurements. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notes from the Field: HIV Diagnoses Among Persons Who Inject Drugs — Northeastern Massachusetts, 2015–2018  From 2000 to 2014, the number of annual diagnoses of HIV infection in Massachusetts declined 47%. In August 2016, however, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) received reports of five new HIV cases among persons who inject drugs from a single community health center in the City of Lawrence. On average, less than one case per month among persons who inject drugs had been reported in Lawrence during 2014–2015 from all providers. Surveillance identified additional cases of HIV infection among such persons linked to Lawrence and Lowell, in northeastern Massachusetts, during 2016–2017. In 2018, MDPH and CDC conducted an investigation to characterize the outbreak and recommend control measures. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notes from the Field: Identifying Risk Behaviors for Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infections Among Persons Who Inject Drugs and Persons Experiencing Homelessness — New Mexico, May 2018  In the spring of 2018, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) contacted CDC about an increase in the number and prevalence of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections reported through New Mexico’s Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) system. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreaks from Imported Cases in Orthodox Jewish Communities — New York and New Jersey, 2018–2019  On October 1, 2018, the Rockland County (New York) Department of Health (RCDOH) alerted the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) of an unvaccinated teenaged traveler with diagnosed measles. During the next 17 days, RCDOH learned of an additional six unvaccinated travelers with measles. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notes from the Field: Multiple Modes of Transmission During a Thanksgiving Day Norovirus Outbreak — Tennessee, 2017  On November 28, 2017, the manager of restaurant A in Tennessee reported receiving 18 complaints from patrons with gastrointestinal illness who had dined there on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017. Tennessee Department of Health officials conducted an investigation to confirm the outbreak, assess exposures, and recommend measures to prevent continued spread. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notes from the Field: Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Any Tobacco Product Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2011–2018  Among high school students, current e-cigarette use increased from 1.5% (220,000 students) in 2011 to 20.8% (3.05 million students) in 2018 (p<0.001) (Figure). During 2017–2018, current e-cigarette use increased by 78% (from 11.7% to 20.8%, p<0.001). The proportion of current e-cigarette users who reported use on ≥20 of the past 30 days increased from 20.0% in 2017 to 27.7% in 2018 (p = 0.008). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Notice of Intent to Publish Funding Opportunity Announcement to Develop State-level Capacity for Dissemination and Implementation of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research into Primary Care  AHRQ intends to publish a Request for Applications (RFA) to disseminate and implement patient-centered outcome research (PCOR) findings into primary care practices, with a focus on improving heart health, and developing sustainable, primary care quality improvement (QI) capacity within states. Applicants will be expected to establish multi-organizational partnerships that will support AHRQ’s role to disseminate and implement patient-centered outcomes research. It will align with Million Hearts 2022 and is intended to support efforts of the Department of Health and Human Services. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for HIV-associated Non-Communicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions  The John E. Fogarty International Center (FIC) intends to issue a new Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support locally relevant research in critical areas of HIV-associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) Institutions and to enhance research capacity and build a network of researchers both within and across LMICs to address this critical burden. (Fogarty International Center, NIH)

Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Secondary Analyses of Existing Datasets of Tobacco Use and Health (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)  The NIH Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP), participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) intend to promote a new initiative by publishing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to solicit applications for research proposing the innovative analysis of existing (publicly available) nationally representative U.S. cross-sectional and longitudinal data, to investigate novel scientific ideas and/or to generate new models, systems, tools, methods, or technologies that have the potential for significant impact on biomedical or biobehavioral research in areas relevant to the FDA - Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). The FOA is expected to be published in Fall 2019 with an expected application due date in Fall 2019. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Stakeholder Input on Federal Outreach To Control Listeria Monocytogenes at Retail  The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to collect information from stakeholders from industry, State and public health and agriculture departments with responsibilities for retail food safety, local health departments, and grocers to gather information on FSIS outreach efforts related to retail best practices to control Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in retail delicatessens. (Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA)

Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Understanding Factors in Infancy and Early Childhood (Birth to 24 months) That Influence Obesity Development  The purpose of this Notice is to inform potential applicants to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of an area of special interest in understanding factors in infancy and early childhood (birth to 24 months) that influence the development of obesity. (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH)

Notice of Special Interest in Research on the Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations  This Notice encourages research that describes the biological, clinical, behavioral, and social processes that affect the health and development of SGM populations and individuals and their families, and that leads to the development of acceptable and appropriate health interventions and health service delivery methods that will enhance health and development of these populations. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Notice of Special Interest to Highlight High Priority Research Opportunities on Suicide Prevention Crisis Services  This Notice specifically encourages applications that leverage time-sensitive opportunities and infrastructure, including collaborations with organizations, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) recently announced suicide prevention lifeline crisis center follow-up expansion grant program, FOA SM-19-008 Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center Follow-Up Expansion Grants. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Notice of Special Interest: Administrative Supplements to Enhance Inclusion of Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander Populations in Minority Health and Health Disparities Research  NIMHD and NHGRI are soliciting administrative supplements to support collection and/or analysis of data from Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NH/OPI) populations, who represent one of NIH’s designated health disparity populations. (National Human Genome Research Institute)

Novel Intervention Halves Rate of Death Among People Living with HIV Who Inject Drugs  An intervention designed to facilitate treatment for HIV and substance use was associated with a 50 percent reduction in mortality for people living with HIV who inject illicit drugs, a study has found.

Novel Method Identifies Patients at Risk for HIV Who May Benefit From Prevention Strategies  NIH-funded studies demonstrate the value of automated prediction algorithms that could be used to prevent new HIV infections. (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH)

Now Recruiting: NACCHO Health & Disability Fellowship Program  NACCHO is recruiting for two graduate students to join the 2018-2019 Health and Disability Fellowship Program. This program offers an invaluable workforce development opportunity for graduate students seeking hands-on experience in the public health disability field. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Nutrition Facts Label Reboot: A Tale of Two Labels  The Nutrition Facts label that you may read when buying packaged foods or preparing a meal has undergone a makeover. It’s been updated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reflect updated scientific findings. These changes can help you make better-informed choices about the foods you and your family eat and help you maintain a healthy diet. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HHS)

OASH Announces Intent to Reinstate the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board  OASH is pleased to announce that it is building on this important work in promoting physical activity by reinstating the Science Board as part of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN). First established during the George W. Bush Administration, the science board is a subcommittee of PCSFN, comprised of leading academic experts in the fields of physical activity, sports, kinesiology, nutrition and related fields. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), HHS)

ODP Strategic Plan FY 2019-2023, Prevention Research: Building a Healthier Future  Plan includes six strategic priorities that will guide the activities of the Office over the next 5 years. To better integrate disease prevention into trans-NIH initiatives, we’ve introduced three new cross-cutting themes: leading causes and risk factors for premature mortality and morbidity, health disparities, and dissemination and implementation research. (Office of Disease Prevention (ODP), NIH)

OMH announces 2019 theme for National Minority Health Month: Active & Healthy  National Minority Health Month begins on April 1, 2019, and the HHS Office of Minority Health will join our partners in raising awareness about the important role an active lifestyle plays in keeping us healthy. The theme, Active & Healthy, highlights the health benefits from even small amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity throughout the day. (Office of Minority Health (OMH), HHS)

Obesity Among High School Students in the United States: Risk Factors and Their Population Attributable Fraction  The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the United States is high. The aim of this study was to assess the association between modifiable risk factors and obesity and to estimate the population attributable fractions (PAFs) of modifiable risk factors among high school students in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Occupational Patterns in Unintentional and Undetermined Drug-Involved and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths — United States, 2007–2012  During 2007–2012 proportional mortality ratios (PMR) for heroin-related overdose deaths (1.46) and methadone-related overdose deaths (1.34) were highest for the construction occupation group. PMRs for natural and semisynthetic opioids were highest for the extraction (1.39) and health care practitioner (1.81) occupation groups. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month  October 2018 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, and connect with others working to create change. (Administration for Children and Families (ACF), HHS)

Ohio addiction policy inventory and scorecard: Overdose reversal and other forms of harm reduction  Report reviews state-level policy changes related to overdose reversal and other forms of harm reduction enacted in Ohio from January 2013 to May 2018. (Health Policy Institute of Ohio)

Older Americans Act Title III-C Nutrition Services Program: Examining the Types of Foods Older Adults Consumed from Program Meals and Over 24 Hours (January 2019)  Brief describes the types of foods that participants consumed as part of congregate and home-delivered meals and examine differences between participants and nonparticipants in foods consumed over 24 hours. (Administration for Community Living (ACL), HHS)

Older Americans Act Title III-C Nutrition Services Program: Key Food Sources of Sodium, Saturated Fat, Empty Calories, and Refined Grains in the Diets of Program Participants (January 2019)  The purpose of this issue brief is to identify key food sources of sodium, saturated fat, empty calories, and refined grains in the diets of congregate and home-delivered meal participants, and to examines differences between participants and nonparticipants in these key food sources. (Administration for Community Living (ACL), HHS)

On the Ethics of Using Social Media Data for Health Research  Social media has grown in popularity for health-related research as it has become evident that it can be a good source of patient insights. Be it Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon reviews or health forums, researchers have collected and processed user comments and published countless papers on different uses of social media data. Using these data can be a perfectly acceptable research practice, provided they are used ethically and the research approach is solid. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

On the Path to Health Equity: Building Capacity to Measure Health Outcomes in Community Development  This new report by Enterprise Community Partners and NeighborWorks America shows how an innovative pilot program – the Health Outcomes Demonstration Project – equipped 20 affordable housing and community development organizations to evaluate health outcomes across a range of programs. (Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.)

One Health Day - November 3rd  A global campaign that celebrates and brings attention to the need for a One Health approach to address shared health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

One Year After the Storm: Texas Gulf Coast Residents’ Views and Experiences with Hurricane Harvey Recovery  Results from two surveys and a focus group on how Texas Gulf Coast residents recovered from Hurricane Harvey and subsequent flooding. (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF))

Open Wide for Opportunity: Medicaid’s Leadership in a New Vision of Oral Health for Colorado  Paper examines the evidence behind oral health strategies, what other states have pursued, and what it would take for Colorado to implement its own approach. (Colorado Health Institute)

Opening Up Access to Research Findings  In celebration of international Open Access Week, editor of eGEMs’ section Better Decisions Together Jessica S. Ancker highlights progress in breaking down paywalls to make sure that research is available to everyone. (AcademyHealth)

Opioid Addiction: Meeting the Need for Treatment in Michigan (April 2019)  This policy brief uses data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS), an ongoing survey of the leaders of Michigan’s general purpose local governments (all counties, cities, townships, and villages) to examine drug treatment needs across Michigan counties and makes policy recommendations for increasing access to evidence based care. (University of Michigan)

Opioid Crisis: Status of Public Health Emergency Authorities  GAO was asked to review the decision to declare a public health emergency for the opioid crisis and what actions have been taken under the declaration. This report describes: (1) the factors HHS indicated as affecting its decision to declare and renew the public health emergency for the opioid crisis, and (2) the public health emergency authorities the federal government has used to address the opioid crisis. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Opioid Epidemic Toolkit for Local Health Departments  NACCHO is collecting resources to support local opioid overdose prevention and response efforts. This toolkit classifies resources by the following five topic areas, providing links to relevant webpages and downloads of useful resources: monitoring and surveillance, prevention harm reduction and response, linkage to care, and stakeholder engagement and community partnerships. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Opioid Misuse Community Assessment Tool  Tool allows users to map overdose hotspots and overlay them with data that provide additional context to opioid addiction and death - including the strength and diversity of local economies, ethnicity, educational attainment, and disability status of residents. (University of Chicago, National Opinion Research Center (NORC))

Opioid Money Has Helped, But States Want More  More than a decade into an opioid overdose epidemic that’s costing the nation at least $78 billion a year, emergency federal dollars have kindled local victories. But state and local officials say they need sustainable funding for what they expect to be a long-term struggle to provide effective treatment for legions of people addicted to opioids. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Opioid Prescribing Rates in Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Counties Among Primary Care Providers Using an Electronic Health Record System — United States, 2014–2017  Analysis of patient opioid prescription data from a national electronic health record vendor during 2014–2017 found that the percentage of patients prescribed an opioid was higher in rural than in urban areas. Significant decreases in opioid prescribing occurred across all urban-rural categories after the March 2016 release of the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Opioid Prescriptions Drop Sharply Among State Workers  The agency that manages health care for California’s massive state workforce is reporting a major reduction in opioid prescriptions, reflecting a national trend of physicians cutting back on the addictive drugs. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

Opioid Treatment Programs Gear Up to Provide Suicide Care  Now health researchers are finding concrete evidence that the two preventable causes of death are intrinsically related: People with an opioid addiction are at much higher risk for suicide than the rest of the population; and opioid use was a contributing factor in more than 40% of all suicide and overdose deaths in 2017, according to data from the CDC. Suicide prevention advocates have been pushing the addiction treatment community to address the substantial overlap by evaluating all patients for suicide risk and employing preventive techniques for those who need it. In June, that’s slated to happen. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Opioid Use Decreased in Medicare Part D, While Medication-Assisted Treatment Increased  Nearly 3 in 10 Medicare Part D beneficiaries received opioids in 2018, a significant decrease from the previous 2 years. At the same time, the number of beneficiaries receiving drugs for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder has steadily increased and reached 174,000 in 2018. (Office of Inspector General (OIG), HHS)

Opioid Use Disorder: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Communities (February 2019)  This fact sheet describes some of the challenges rural communities face in providing access to evidence-based treatment and strategies used by federal and state agencies to enhance treatment capacity, including how one rural community responded to the opioid epidemic by addressing the specific needs of its residents. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Opioid and Substance Use Disorder and Receipt of Treatment Among Parents Living With Children in the United States, 2015-2017  Using data from the 2015-2017 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, researchers estimate that 623,000 parents with opioid use disorder are living with children, and less than one-third of these parents received treatment at a specialty facility or doctor’s office. (Urban Institute)

Opioid-Affected Births to Rural Residents (September 2018)  Brief examined rates of diagnosis of maternal OUD and infant NAS at the time of childbirth for rural residents, based on the type of hospital where the birth occurred—rural hospital, urban non-teaching hospital, or urban teaching hospital. (University of Minnesota)

Opioid-Related Hospital Stays Among Women in the United States, 2016  Brief presents statistics on opioid-related hospitalizations among women aged 15 years and older using the 2016 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). The distribution of opioid-related stays by select patient and hospitalization characteristics is presented and contrasted with the distribution for non-opioid-related stays. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Opioid-Related Hospital Use  Interactive map and legend allow users to examine overall opioid-related inpatient and emergency department (ED) rates by State. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS)

Opioids and Infectious Diseases: A Converging Public Health Crisis  A converging public health crisis is emerging as the opioid epidemic is fueling a surge in infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, the viral hepatitides, infective endocarditis, and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). (Infectious Diseases Society of America)

Opioids in Appalachia: The Role of Counties in Reversing a Regional Epidemic  The recommendations and case studies contained in this report are designed to aid Appalachian county leaders in their efforts to formulate responses to the opioid epidemic. (National Association of Counties)

Opioids in Appalachia: The Role of Counties in Reversing a Regional Epidemic (May 2019)  This report aims to strengthen the local response to the opioid epidemic in Appalachia by presenting an analysis of its impacts on the region, followed by recommendations for local action. These recommendations are discussed in five sections: (1) leadership, (2) prevention, (3) recovery, (4) rehabilitation for justice-involved individuals and (5) economic development. Each recommendation section includes one or more case studies featuring an Appalachian county. (Appalachian Regional Commission)

Opioids in the Workplace: NIOSH Extramural Research  On this webpage, you can find information on education, training, research, and surveillance data related to the prevention of opioid misuse and overdose in working populations. (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), CDC)

Opioids: Frequently Asked Questions (Updated January 2019)  Fact sheet was developed to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about opioids that affect regional ASPR staff, healthcare coalitions, healthcare entities, healthcare providers, emergency managers, and public health practitioners. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), HHS)

Opportunities and Challenges Addressing Access to Healthy Food in Five Rural Louisiana Food Stores  A multicomponent environmental food store intervention was implemented in 5 rural food stores across 3 Louisiana parishes with high obesity prevalence to address healthy food access. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Opportunities for Complex Care Programs to Address the Social Determinants of Health  This brief explores opportunities to better address patients’ non-medical needs, including: (1) identifying patients’ non-medical needs; (2) employing non-traditional workers; (3) partnering with community-based organizations and social service agencies; (4) testing new uses for technology to help address social needs; and (5) identifying sustainable funding to support non-medical services. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

Opportunities for Employers to Support Physical Activity Through Policy  The purpose of this essay is to provide a definition for worksite policy and discuss how policy approaches can support employers’ efforts to promote physical activity and describes worksite physical activity policies that employers can adopt and implement. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Opportunities to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of the Department of Homeland Security Law Enforcement Workforce: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief  Proceedings of a January 2018 workshop focused on enhancing the health and well-being of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) law enforcement workforce. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Opportunities to Improve Food Safety From Farm to Fork  This issue brief outlines the interventions that were found to be effective on farms, many of which can be implemented with products already available to U.S. livestock businesses. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Opportunities to Prevent Overdose Deaths Involving Prescription and Illicit Opioids, 11 States, July 2016–June 2017  Among 11 reporting states, most (58.7%) opioid overdose deaths involved illicit opioids only, followed by those where both illicit and prescription opioids were detected (18.5%); 17.4% of deaths involved prescription opioids only. Bystanders to the overdose, who could potentially intervene, were documented in 44% of deaths; however, laypersons rarely administered naloxone. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Optimizing Immunization Programs in Obstetric-Gynecologic Practices Tool Kit  This tool kit, released March 2019, provides information and resources for you and your practice team as you implement strategies to improve immunization processes and increase patient immunization rates. This tool kit can assist you in effectively integrating immunizations into your work flow and routine practice. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

Oregon Areas of Unmet Health Care Needs Report (August 2018)  The report includes nine variables that measure access to primary physical, mental and oral health care: travel time to provider, primary care capacity, mental health providers, dental providers, poverty rate, preventable hospitalizations, prenatal care, ED dental visits, and substance abuse ED visits. (Oregon Health & Science University)

Our Homes Are Key To Our Health  Millions of families in America are struggling to keep a roof over their heads—and it’s taking a toll on their health. In a Culture of Health, everyone has an opportunity to reside in an affordable, safe, stable home and a neighborhood that fosters well-being. That’s why, in this Annual Message, RWJF is highlighting housing as one key factor of thriving communities. The data and stories below are just a few examples of how housing is linked to health and equity. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce: Final Update  CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) infections linked to romaine lettuce from the Central Coastal growing regions in northern and central California. This outbreak appears to be over. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Outbreak of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Among Heterosexual Persons Who Are Living Homeless and Inject Drugs — Seattle, Washington, 2018  In 2018, disease investigation and molecular HIV surveillance in Seattle, Washington, identified 14 related HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals who were living homeless, most of whom injected drugs. From 2017 to mid-November 2018, the number of HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals in King County, Washington, who inject drugs increased 286%. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Overdose Deaths Involving Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs — New York City, 2000–2017  Using toxicology data, New York City identified fentanyl in 2% of drug overdose deaths during 2000–2012. By 2017, fentanyl was involved in 57% of all drug overdose deaths in New York City. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Law and Policy Update  Over 70,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2017, the highest number in history and more than the number of Americans lost at the height of the HIV crisis. Partly due to this unprecedented and continuing rise in overdose-related harm, states and communities have taken a number of legal and policy steps to improve access to prevention and treatment. This post provides a few highlights, in no particular order. (Network for Public Health Law)

PEPFAR Strategy for Accelerating HIV/AIDS Epidemic Control (2017-2020): 2018 Progress Report  Report describes the progress made in controlling the global HIV/AIDS epidemics. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

PHAB Will Launch Vital Records/Health Statistics Accreditation Program on April 1, 2019  For the past few years, PHAB has been working to develop accreditation standards and measures for Vital Records/Health Statistics (VRHS) Units in the 57 jurisdictional areas identified by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) within the National Vital Statistics Collaborative Program (VSCP). Statewide system of vital statistics means the collection, registration, preservation, amendment, certification, verification, and the maintenance of the security and integrity of vital records; the collection of other reports; and activities related thereto including the tabulation, analysis, publication, and dissemination of vital statistics. PHAB will begin accepting applications for the new Vital Records and Health Statistics Accreditation Program on April 1, 2019. (Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB))

POPLINE to retire on September 1, 2019  POPLINE has been a valuable resource to the population, family planning, and reproductive health community for over 40 years. The collection of more than 400,000 records has provided students and researchers worldwide with access to journal articles, reports, books, unpublished resources, and full-text documents (to users in low- and middle-income countries). POPLINE is managed by the Knowledge for Health (K4Health) Project, which ends on September 10, 2019. The POPLINE website will retire on September 1.

PRAMS Releases New Data  CDC is pleased to announce the release of 2017 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Researchers can request the most recent year of data, as well as prior years’ data. PRAMS was developed in 1987 to help reduce infant morbidity and mortality by providing data not available elsewhere about pregnancy and the first few months after birth. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Paid Family Leave Policies and Population Health  This brief outlines the Paid Family Leave (PFL) policy landscape in the United States and the ways in which PFL may affect population health. It discusses empirical research on the effects of PFL on child and parental health, both in the United States and in other countries. It concludes by exploring the policy implications of this research and commenting on additional research that is needed to better understand the health effects of PFL. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF))

Pain Management for People with Serious Illness in the Context of the Opioid Use Disorder Epidemic: Proceedings of a Workshop  The Proceedings summarizes the presentations and discussions of a November 2018 workshop, which included a history of the opioid use disorder epidemic, challenges of patients with comorbid substance use disorder and serious illness, and the impact of policy and regulatory responses to the opioid use disorder epidemic on the care of people with serious illness. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Pain in the Nation Update (March 2019)  More than 150,000 Americans died from alcohol- and drug-induced causes and suicide in 2017 — more than twice as many as in 1999 — according to a new analysis by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Well Being Trust (WBT) of mortality data from the CDC. (Trust for America's Health (TFAH))

Pandemic Preparedness and Response in Fragile, Conflict and Violence (FCV) Situations (March 2019)  Robust pandemic preparedness and response is an urgent need necessary to address vulnerability and to prevent, detect and respond to an outbreak in FCV situations. It contributes to universal health security, protecting all people from threats to their health, and should be integrated in broader efforts to strengthen health systems and make them more resilient through multi-stakeholder coordination. (World Bank)

Parent-Perceived Stress and Its Association With Children’s Weight and Obesity-Related Behaviors  Among children with overweight or obesity, parent-perceived stress was associated with fast-food consumption and physical activity. Parent-perceived stress was associated with child BMI among children in low-income households and non-Hispanic black children. Obesity interventions should consider parent-perceived stress and potential differences in the nature of stress experienced by parents of different racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. (Preventing Chronic Disease, CDC)

Parents’ Reports of Fast-Food Purchases for Their Children: Have They Improved? (September 2018)  Study documents parents’ reported fast-food purchases for their children (ages 2-11) and examines changes over time. (University of Connecticut, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity)

Participate in NIH OBSSR’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Health/Public Health Accomplishments Crowdsource through July 31, 2019  The NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) is seeking comment and input from the research and health/public health communities to help inform a list of impactful public health and healthcare accomplishments/contributions resulting from behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR). (Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), NIH)

Partnering to Tackle the Obesity Epidemic: How Employers are Rethinking Obesity to Better Address Care, Treatment, and Engagement with their Employees  Commentary suggests that individual employees, employers, and health care providers play a role in helping to alleviate the nation’s obesity epidemic, both to ensure the health of their employees and the long-term health and prosperity of the nation’s workforce. (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM))

Pathways to Stable Homes: Promoting Caregiver and Child Health Through Housing Stability  In search of a way to complement efforts to build more affordable homes in Massachusetts and ensure the state’s working families can avoid health damaging toxic trade-offs between rent and other basic necessities, Children’s HealthWatch developed a strategy named “Pathways to Stable Homes”. This strategy emerged and evolved out of feedback and information from multiple sources, including a listening tour, simulation modeling, and a healthcare cost analysis. (Children's HealthWatch)

Patterns of Co-Occurrence of Chronic Disease Among Older Adults in Tokyo, Japan  Multimorbidity, the co-occurrence of 2 or more disorders in a patient, can complicate treatment planning and affect health outcomes. Improvements in prevention and management strategies for patients with 3 or more or more co-occurring chronic diseases requires an understanding of the epidemiology of common 3-way disease patterns and their interactions. This study aimed to describe these common 3-way disease patterns and examine the factors associated with the co-occurrence of 3 or more diseases in elderly Japanese patients. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Perceived Social and Built Environment Correlates of Transportation and Recreation-Only Bicycling Among Adults  Study explored the association between perceived social and built environment factors with total, transportation, and recreation bicycling in a sample of adult bicyclists in Austin, Texas, and Birmingham, Alabama.

Pharmacists in HIV Prevention: An Untapped Potential  Antiretrovirals are used with great success for the treatment of HIV and, increasingly, for its prevention. Because these medications almost always require a prescription, control of the epidemic has progressively come under the purview of a health care system that has myriad problems, including physician shortages. In this context, community pharmacists have incredible untapped potential. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Physical Activity Resource Guide: Implementing Physical Activity Programming for SNAP-Eligible Populations (2018)  This resource provides practical “how-to” information about physical activity programming. This guide is intended to assist public health professionals, community leaders, community based and similar organizations assess, plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based physical education and physical activity programing in early child care, elementary school, middle school, high school, parks and the worksite environment. (California Department of Health)

Plain Language Past and Present, Part I: The Legacy of “Gobbledygook”  This blog post is the first in a series of three—Plain Language Past and Present—that will showcase early efforts in plain language implementation, including Gobbledygook Has Gotta Go, a 1996 pioneering book by Bureau of Land Management employee John O’Hayre. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Podcast: Public Health Innovation: What Is It and How Can It Be Achieved?  Podcast shares examples of innovative initiatives happening in communities across the country and gives advice for overcoming the many challenges to driving meaningful change. (All In: Data for Community Health)

Pointing to Progress in Community Health  Signs of improvement shine through among the dozens of data points in a U.S. News analysis of the nation’s Healthiest Communities.

Poll: Many Rural Americans Struggle With Financial Insecurity, Access To Health Care  Polling by NPR finds that while rural Americans are mostly satisfied with life, there is a strong undercurrent of financial insecurity that can create very serious problems for many people living in rural communities. (National Public Radio (NPR))

Pool Chemical Injuries in Public and Residential Settings — United States, 2008–2017, and New York, 2018  During 2015–2017, pool chemical injuries led to an estimated 13,508 U.S. emergency department visits, approximately one third of which occurred in persons aged <18 years. Most injuries occurred at a residence, and two thirds occurred during the summer swimming season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Poor Education Predicts Poor Health - A Challenge Unmet by American Medicine  Commentary states that American medicine has largely ignored the implications of the education-health relationship. Proposed steps to be taken by both the medical establishment and individual providers aim for a realistic target for improvements in educational achievement and health, but also a path out of poverty, a stronger workforce and a more stable economy. (National Academy of Medicine)

Population Health: The Translation of Research to Policy  Report uses six diverse case studies to provide examples of policy change that addressed multiple determinants of population health. (Milbank Memorial Fund)

PowerPoint Presentation: HIV Data In Action  This PowerPoint presentation can help explain to partners and stakeholders how HIV data, including molecular data, is used to prevent new HIV infections and improve health. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Powerful open data tool illustrates life expectancy gaps are larger in more racially segregated cities  Racial segregation has been associated with lower life expectancy. A new analysis using the City Health Dashboard shows that, overall, cities with higher levels of racial residential segregation have disturbingly large gaps in life expectancy—up to 30 years. (Build Healthy Places Network)

PrEPCost.Org  An online tool that will help PrEP navigators and their clients evaluate the cost and coverage for PrEP across on- and off-Marketplace health plans. (National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD))

Precarious Work Schedules Could Jeopardize Access to Safety Net Programs Targeted by Work Requirements  Using data from the December 2018 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey, this brief examines the prevalence of precarious work schedules among working adults whose families participate in federal safety net programs. (Urban Institute)

Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2015–2018  The incidence of most infections increased during 2018 compared with 2015–2017; this might be partially attributable to increased culture-independent diagnostic tests use. The incidence of Cyclospora infections increased markedly, in part related to large outbreaks associated with produce. The number of human infections caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella, especially serotype Enteritidis, remains high. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Premature mortality from all causes and drug poisonings in the USA according to socioeconomic status and rurality: an analysis of death certificate data by county from 2000–15  Study examined US trends in premature all-cause and drug poisoning mortality between 2000 and 2015 at the county level among white, black, and Latino people. (The Lancet)

Prenatal Risk Factors and Perinatal and Postnatal Outcomes Associated With Maternal Opioid Exposure in an Urban, Low-Income, Multiethnic US Population  Study identifies the prenatal risk factors and perinatal and postnatal outcomes associated with maternal opioid use during pregnancy. (American Medical Association (AMA))

Preparedness for Expectant and New Parents  Disasters can be scary and stressful, especially if you’re expecting or have a baby. You can take the following steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and better cope if an emergency happens. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Prescribe HIV Prevention  Prescribe HIV Prevention is part of CDC’s Act Against AIDS communication campaign designed to help reduce HIV incidence in the United States. The Prescribe HIV Prevention program helps healthcare providers use PrEP and PEP to prevent new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for patients at high risk for acquiring HIV infection. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Prescribing healthy foods could bring cost-effective benefits  A sophisticated model estimated that healthy food subsidies could save billions in health care costs and prevent hundreds of thousands of heart disease deaths and diabetes cases. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Prescription Opioids: Voluntary Medicare Drug Management Programs to Control Misuse  This report: 1) describes how Medicare identifies beneficiaries at risk of opioid misuse and abuse and how it attempts to mitigate that risk; and 2) identifies the factors likely to affect the success of Medicare DMPs. (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Prevalence and Changes in Preexisting Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes Among Women Who Had a Live Birth — United States, 2012–2016  In 2016, the national prevalences of preexisting and gestational diabetes were 0.9% and 6.0%, respectively. Among 40 jurisdictions, the age- and race/ethnicity-standardized preexisting diabetes prevalence was stable at 0.8%, and the gestational diabetes prevalence increased from 5.2% to 5.6%. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 4 Years — Early Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, Seven Sites, United States, 2010, 2012, and 2014  This report describes ASD prevalence estimates and characteristics among children aged 4 years in the Early ADDM Network for 2010, 2012, and 2014. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Prevalence of 3 Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among US Adults With and Without History of Stroke  This study updates and compares population-based estimates for 3 lifestyle behaviors — consuming 1 or more fruit and 1 or more vegetable daily, meeting weekly aerobic physical activity recommendations, and having a body mass index of less than 25 kg/m2 — among adults with and without history of stroke. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Prevalence of Arthritis Among Adults with Prediabetes and Arthritis-Specific Barriers to Important Interventions for Prediabetes — United States, 2009–2016  The unadjusted prevalence of arthritis among adults with prediabetes was 32.0%. The unadjusted prevalences of physical inactivity and obesity among adults with these conditions were 56.5% and 50.1%, respectively. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Prevalence of Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2016  In 2016, an estimated 20.4% of U.S. adults had chronic pain and 8.0% of U.S. adults had high-impact chronic pain. Both were more prevalent among adults living in poverty, adults with less than a high school education, and adults with public health insurance. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Severe Obesity Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 1960–1962 Through 2015–2016  Results from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 39.8% of U.S. adults aged 20 and over have obesity, including 7.6% with severe obesity, and another 31.8% are overweight. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Severe Obesity Among Children and Adolescents Aged 2–19 Years: United States, 1963–1965 Through 2015–2016  Results from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 18.5% of U.S. children and adolescents aged 2–19 years have obesity, including 5.6% with severe obesity, and another 16.6% are overweight. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Preventable Cancer Burden Associated with Poor Diet in the United States  More than 80,000 new cancer cases are estimated to be associated with suboptimal diet among US adults in 2015, with middle-aged men and racial/ethnic minorities experiencing the largest proportion of diet-associated cancer burden in the US. (Oxford University Press)

Preventing 1 Million Heart Attacks and Strokes  Issue of VItal Signs focuses on Million Hearts®, a national initiative with a network of partners focused on preventing one million heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events by 2022. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2018–19 Influenza Season  This report focuses on the recommendations for use of influenza vaccines for the prevention and control of influenza during the 2018–19 season in the United States. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Preventive Health Service Use among Rural Women (April 2019)  This study provides a more current examination of national data to understand whether preventive health services differences among rural and urban women can be explained by health status and sociodemographic characteristics. (University of Southern Maine)

Principles of Community-based Behavioral Health Services for Justice-involved Individuals: A Research-based Guide  This guide provides information and practices that behavioral health providers can implement in their daily practice with patients or clients who are involved in the criminal justice system. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Prioritizing Zoonotic Diseases for Multisectoral, One Health Collaboration in the United States: Workshop Summary  The workshop summary describes the process used to prioritize the top zoonotic diseases of concern for the United States and the key themes surrounding priority next steps to address these diseases using a multisectoral, One Health approach that includes relevant human, animal, and environmental health sectors and other relevant partners. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Priority Resource Dissemination Toolkit: Expanding Partnerships and Disseminating HIV Prevention Materials to Reduce HIV and other STDs among Adolescents through National Non-Governmental Organizations (March 2019)  The objective of the toolkit is to provide an easy to access summary of all of the priority resources, sample social media posts for sharing with various audiences through multiple channels, and suggestions for the best ways in which to share these resources with your constituencies. (National Coalition of STD Directors)

Process Launched to Develop Next National HIV/AIDS Strategy and National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan  This week ADM Brett Giroir, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services, announced the process the Department will use to develop the next editions of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan (NVHAP), both of which expire in 2020. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), HHS)

Progress Toward Hepatitis B Control and Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus — Western Pacific Region, 2005–2017  During 2005–2017, regional hepatitis B vaccine birth dose (HepB-BD) and third dose (HepB3) coverage increased from 63% to 85% and from 76% to 93%, respectively. In 2017, 15 (42%) and 18 (50%) of 36 Western Pacific Region countries/areas achieved ≥95% HepB-BD and HepB3 coverage, respectively. Chronic hepatitis infection in children declined to <1% in 25 (69%) countries/areas. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Progress Toward Measles Elimination — European Region, 2009–2018  By end of 2017, 37 (70%) EUR countries had sustained interruption of measles transmission for ≥36 months and were verified to have eliminated endemic measles. During 2017–2018, however, a resurgence of measles occurred in EUR, with large-scale outbreaks in Ukraine, Serbia, and some countries that had achieved elimination. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Progress Toward Polio Eradication — Worldwide, January 2017–March 2019  Wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission has not been interrupted in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Rare circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreaks can occur in areas with low oral poliovirus vaccination coverage. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Pakistan, January 2017–September 2018  A report on polio immunization activities in Pakistan.

Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination — Worldwide, 2000–2017  During 2000–2017, annual reported measles incidence decreased 83%, and annual estimated measles deaths decreased 80%. Since 2000, global measles elimination efforts have prevented an estimated 21.1 million deaths. However, measles elimination milestones have not been met, and three regions are experiencing a large measles resurgence. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Promoting Addiction Treatment in Medicaid: A Q&A with New Jersey’s Department of Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson  In January 2019, New Jersey announced a multi-faceted OUD strategy that includes enhanced Medicaid reimbursement for providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) through an office-based addiction treatment (OBAT) model and the establishment of Centers of Excellence to support community-based clinicians providing addiction treatment. (Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS))

Promoting Caregiver and Child Health Through Housing and Stability Screening in Clinical Settings  Within the health care sector, researchers, clinicians, and payers increasingly recognize the importance of the social determinants of health for improving maternal and child health. The article focuses on existing and emerging approaches to screening families for unstable housing circumstances. (Children's HealthWatch)

Promoting Health and Cost Control in States: How States Can Improve Community Health & Well-Being Through Policy Change (February 2019)  Report identifies policies for good health that look beyond healthcare, part of a larger effort to foster cross-sector collaboration; because, changes to any given policy area can impact the population’s well-being and states’ ability to control costs. (Trust for America's Health (TFAH))

Promoting Health and Cost Control: How States Can Improve Community Health and Well-Being Through Policy Change  The policies highlighted in this report provide a menu of options for state leaders to explore as they consider how to best use their state’s resources to improve the health and well-being of their population. (Georgetown University)

Proposed Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Waivers to Work-Related Time Limits  This issue brief, the third in a series of briefs analyzing the impact of proposed changes to SNAP, provides background on SNAP work requirements, time limits, and the proposed regulatory changes. The brief also sheds light on the characteristics of SNAP participants who could face time limits on receiving SNAP benefits under the proposed regulatory change. (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Proposed Rural-Specific Objectives for Healthy People 2030 (2019)  Proposal from the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health for rural-specific objectives to be considered for Healthy People 2030. (National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health)

Protecting Participants, Empowering Researchers: Providing Access to Genomic Summary Results  The National Human Genome Research Institute just updated the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy to again allow unrestricted access to genomic summary results for most of the studies they support in order to advance health or further research purposes. (National Human Genome Research Institute)

Protecting the Health of Children: A National Snapshot of Environmental Health Services (2019)  Report provides a snapshot of how accessible children's environmental health information and services are across the country. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Providing Integrated Access to Health Services in Nashua, New Hampshire  The Partnership for Successful Living (PSL) in Nashua, New Hampshire takes an integrated approach to health care. Its goal? To provide comprehensive care that’s easy for vulnerable populations to access, with services ranging from primary care, behavioral health, and oral health to housing support and treatment for substance use disorder. (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), HHS)

Psychosocial Supports in Medication-Assisted Treatment: Site Visit Findings and Conclusions (July 2019)  The purpose of this report is to gain a better understanding of the role and range of different models of psychosocial support in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS)

PubMed Labs Update: Advanced Search, History, and Search Details  The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is continuing to develop features on the PubMed Labs platform, and this new version of PubMed will eventually replace the current PubMed. See An Updated PubMed Is on Its Way for more information. Advanced Search, including the Advanced Search Builder and History with search details, is now available in PubMed Labs. (National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH)

Public Comment on Draft Recommendation Statement and Draft Evidence Review: Primary Care Interventions for Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use in Children and Adolescents  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force seeks comments on a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review on primary care interventions for prevention and cessation of tobacco use in children and adolescents. Interventions can help prevent tobacco use; more research is needed to help youth quit. The draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review are available for review and public comment from June 25, 2019 to July 22, 2019. (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF))

Public Health Efforts to Address Mental Health Conditions Among Cancer Survivors  Study describes an area of mental health—a public health approach to addressing the mental health needs of cancer survivors—in which the CDC is active. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Public Health Emergencies: Unpacking Medical Countermeasures Management for Preparedness and Response  This special open-access Supplement issue features a selection of articles that focus on emergency medical countermeasures. Specifically, AJPH highlights research regarding mass vaccination programs, pandemic influenza preparedness, training during public health emergencies, and education of elderly patients. (American Public Health Association (APHA))

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities: National Standards for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Public Health  Report outlines 15 capabilities that serve as national standards for public health preparedness planning and a vital framework for state, local, tribal, and territorial preparedness programs as they plan, operationalize, and evaluate their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. This most recent update is focused on streamlining language and aligning content with new national standards, updated science, and current public health priorities and strategies. The capabilities also support topics such as pandemic influenza, environmental health, at-risk populations, and tribal populations. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Public Health Emergency Risk Communication and Social Media Reactions to an Errant Warning of a Ballistic Missile Threat — Hawaii, January 2018  After an errant ballistic missile alert, social media reactions revealed how the public interprets, shares, and responds to information during an evolving threat. This knowledge can guide emergency risk communicators to develop timely and effective social media messages than can protect lives. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Public Health Engagement in Complete Streets Initiatives: Examples and Lessons Learned (April 2019)  This commissioned project develops a case study report of best practices regarding public health involvement in the development, adoption, and implementation/evaluation of complete streets policies. (University of Illinois at Chicago, Institute for Health Research and Policy)

Public Health Foundation’s TRAIN Learning Network Re-launches Pacific EMPRINTS Emergency Preparedness and Response Courses  Healthcare professionals regained access to essential emergency preparedness and response online courses today with support from the Public Health Foundation (PHF) and its TRAIN Learning Network. The trainings from the Pacific EMPRINTS program, led by Dr. Ann Sakaguchi at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa (UHM), in partnership with San Diego State University’s Institute for Public Health (SDSU IPH), were re-launched after a 10 month absence. (Public Health Foundation (PHF))

Public Health Genomics: What’s Next?  In the 1990’s, the excitement surrounding the Human Genome Project led the public health community to plan for the future role of genomics in health care and disease prevention. The field of public health genomics was launched to identify opportunities for the new science to impact health, inform public health programs and health care providers what works and what does not, and integrate evidence-based genomic applications into programs that can improve health and prevent disease. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Public Health Impact report on vaccines  This report outlines trends in Clackamas County and their strategies to improve vaccination rates within their communities.

Public Health Preparedness Capabilities  Site provides getting started guides for the public health preparedness capabilities: Public Health Laboratory Testing, Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation, Community Preparedness, Community Recovery, Medical Countermeasure Dispensing, Medical Material Management and Distribution, Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions, Emergency Operations Coordination, Emergency Public Information and Warning, Information Sharing, Fatality Management, Mass Care, Medical Surge, Volunteer Management, and Responder Safety and Health. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Public Health Response to an Avian Influenza A(H7N8) Virus Outbreak in Commercial Turkey Flocks — Indiana, 2016  Monitoring procedures for highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) responders were successfully implemented during a 2016 outbreak of HPAI A(H7N8) in commercial turkey flocks in Indiana. No human cases of AI were identified. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Public Health Thank You Day 2018  On the Monday before Thanksgiving, we celebrate Public Health Thank You Day. The celebration honors public health professionals who work hard every day to preserve public health. (Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH))

Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan  The National Indian Health Board is collecting information for the Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS). The purpose of this scan is to increase the knowledge of Tribal and federal health leaders and advocates through the creation and dissemination of a national-level, comprehensive profile of the public health system and infrastructure in Indian Country. (National Indian Health Board)

Public Meets Private: Conversations Between Coca-Cola and the CDC  This article examines interactions between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola) as revealed by communications obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. (Milbank Memorial Fund)

Public Policies to Reduce Sugary Drink Consumption in Children and Adolescents  Excess consumption of added sugars, especially from sugary drinks, poses a grave health threat to children and adolescents, disproportionately affecting children of minority and low-income communities. Public policies, such as those detailed in this statement, are needed to decrease child and adolescent consumption of added sugars and improve health. (American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP))

Public health application of predictive modeling: an example from farm vehicle crashes  Predictive analysis offers tools that could aid the decision making of policymakers, physicians, and environmental health practitioners to improve public health. (BioMed Central)

Quality Improvement and Care Coordination: Implementing the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain  Resource is intended to help healthcare systems integrate the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain and associated quality improvement (QI) measures into their clinical practice. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Quick Take: The US STI Crisis (April 2019)  Document describes the disproportionate burden of STIs for different populations and by geography. It also discusses the importance of sexual health and the need for increased investment and innovation in STI prevention, care, and treatment. (Georgetown University)

QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Motor Vehicle Traffic Death Rates, by Urban-Rural Status§ and Sex — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2017  In 2017, the age-adjusted rate of motor vehicle traffic deaths was higher for residents of rural areas (19.7 per 100,000) than urban areas (10.2). Rates were higher in rural compared with urban areas for both female and male residents, and rates for males were higher than for females in both urban and rural areas. The death rates were 12.6 per 100,000 for female residents of rural areas, 5.6 for female residents of urban areas, 26.9 for male residents of rural areas, and 15.1 for male residents of urban areas. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

QuickStats: Percentage of Residential Care Communities,† by U.S. Census Region — National Study of Long-Term Care Providers, 2012–2016  Residential care communities include those that were state-regulated; had four or more beds; and provided room and board with at least two meals a day, around-the-clock on-site supervision, and help with personal care, such as bathing and dressing or health-related services such as medication management. Residential care communities licensed to exclusively serve the mentally ill or the intellectually or developmentally disabled populations were excluded. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

QuickStats: Percentage* of Children Having a Problem for Which Prescription Medication Has Been Taken Regularly for ≥3 Months,† by Age Group and Sex — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2017 

REPRIEVE: A Large Trial for a Growing Problem among People with HIV  The ambitious trial is testing the ability of a statin medication to reduce the risk of heart disease in men and women with HIV. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH)

Race, Ethnicity, and Other Factors Predicting U.S. Parents’ Support for Policies to Reduce Food and Beverage Marketing to Children and Adolescents  Study examines parents’ support for policies to reduce unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children and adolescents and identify racial, ethnic, and other sociodemographic characteristics that predict support. (Kaiser Health News (KHN))

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Adult Obesity in the United States: CDC’s Tracking to Inform State and Local Action  For the past 4 years, CDC has published more detailed state and territorial maps that combine 3 years of data to create stable estimates of self-reported adult obesity by race/ethnicity. These maps help demonstrate the geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in obesity burden. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Heart Disease  This spotlight explores racial and ethnic disparities in three heart disease topic areas: deaths, reported prevalence, and risk factors. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2014–2017  During 2014–2017, ever-use and current use of any tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students were highest among Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders and American Indians/Alaska Natives and lowest among Asians. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Randomized Control Trial of Culturally Adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD Substance Misuse and HIV Sexual Risk Behavior for Native American Women  This study’s primary objective was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for American Indian and Alaskan Native women with PTSD symptoms, high-risk sexual behavior, and substance use. (Springer)

Rapid Development in Central Africa Increases the Risk of Infectious Disease Outbreaks  The Central Africa region is experiencing rapid urbanization and economic growth, and infrastructure development. These changes, while generally positive and welcome, also make the region more vulnerable to explosive infectious disease outbreaks, according to a new article in NEJM. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH)

Rapid Growth in Medicaid Spending and Prescriptions to Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Opioid Overdose from 2010 to 2017  Prescriptions and spending on Medicaid-covered medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid overdose increased dramatically between 2010 and 2017, based on data through the fourth quarter of 2017. The largest increases occurred after 2014. (Urban Institute)

Rapid Opioid Cutoff Is Risky Too, Feds Warn  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration last month warned prescribers that abruptly cutting off high-dose patients or tapering their doses too rapidly could cause withdrawal and even suicide. (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Rates of Suicidality Following Psychiatric Hospitalizations for Children in Missouri (March 2019)  A network of eight Missouri hospitals and health system formed in 2016 to evaluate disparities in authorized services for behavioral care that they provide to children and adolescents with Medicaid managed care compared to fee-for-service. (Missouri Hospital Association)

Ready or Not: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism, 2019  Ready or Not examines the country’s level of public health emergency preparedness on a state-by-state basis using 10 priority indicators. Taken together, the indicators are a checklist of priority aspects of states’ readiness for public health emergencies. (Trust for America's Health (TFAH))

Receipt of Breast Milk by Gestational Age — United States, 2017  Rates of receipt of breast milk among extremely preterm, early preterm, late preterm, and term infants were 71.3%, 76.0%, 77.3%, and 84.6%, respectively, among infants delivered to residents of 48 states and the District of Columbia in 2017. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Receipt of Pelvic Examinations Among Women Aged 15–44 in the United States, 1988–2017  A decreasing trend in the receipt of pelvic examinations in the past 12 months among women aged 15–44 was observed from 1988 through 2017. (National Center for Health Statistics, CDC)

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of Hepatitis A Vaccine for Persons Experiencing Homelessness  All persons aged ≥1 year experiencing homelessness should be routinely immunized against HAV. Vaccination of homeless persons facilitates integration of HepA vaccine into routine preventive services. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR))

Recommendations to the Indian Health Service on American Indian/Alaska Native Pregnant Women and Women of Childbearing Age with Opioid Use Disorder (March 2019)  The Indian Health Service and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are announcing new clinical recommendations for healthcare providers treating American Indian and Alaska Native pregnant women and women of childbearing age with opioid use disorder. These recommendations will support the efforts of tribes and tribal health organizations in rural and urban Indian communities in addressing the needs of pregnant women with opioid use disorders, their infants, and families, and improving the health among tribal communities. The recommendations will also assist health care providers in improving maternal engagement in early prenatal care and promote active participation in recovery strategies. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

Reducing Cancer Among Native Populations: Models for Research, Prevention, and Treatment  Along with genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, cultural influences, diet, and substance use, the lack of access to medical information and services has also contributed to the high AI/AN cancer mortality rates. However, researchers, nonprofits, tribal healthcare facilities, and cancer centers are stepping up to address these factors and create solutions. Across the nation, models for cancer research dissemination, prevention, and treatment are emerging to engage Native populations in cancer care. (Rural Health Information Hub)

Reducing the Intake of Sodium in Community Settings: Evaluation of Year One Activities in the Sodium Reduction in Communities Program, Arkansas, 2016–2017  In collaboration with 30 partner schools and 5 partner community meals programs, researchers sought to reduce dietary sodium intake through increased implementation of 1) food service guidelines, 2) procurement practices, 3) food preparation practices, and 4) environmental strategies. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Regional forum findings: A component of the 2019 State Health Assessment  Report summarizes results of a series of forums to evaluate Ohio counties on strengths and challenges, equity, priorities, and state health assessment improvements. (Health Policy Institute of Ohio)

Reinstating SNAP Work-Related Time Limits  This report explores the effects of Kentucky’s reinstatement of work-related time limits on the SNAP participation of able-bodied adults without dependents by examining SNAP caseload data from January 2017 to September 2018. (Urban Institute)

Release of “13 Reasons Why” Associated with Increase in Youth Suicide Rates  The Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” was associated with a 28.9% increase in suicide rates among U.S. youth ages 10-17 in the month (April 2017) following the show's release, after accounting for ongoing trends in suicide rates, according to a study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH)

Remembering the ‘Mother of All Pandemics,’ 100 Years Later  The Spanish flu outbreak of 1918 offers important lessons in balancing truth and panic during public health crises. (CityLab)

Report: Diagnoses of HIV Infection among Adults and Adolescents in Metropolitan Statistical Areas United States and Puerto Rico, 2017 (May 2019)  This HIV surveillance supplemental report presents HIV surveillance data for the United States and Puerto Rico among adults and adolescents in metropolitan statistical areas. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Report: HIV Testing at CDC-Funded Sites: United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, 2017 (2018)  This report includes HIV test event-level data from 61 CDC-funded health department jurisdictions and 111 directly funded community-based organizations for HIV testing activities funded through one of six DHAP HIV prevention programs. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS)

Reports and Detailed Tables From the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)  These reports and detailed tables present estimates from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS)

Reproducibility and Replicability in Science (2019)  Report defines reproducibility and replicability and examines the factors that may lead to non-reproducibility and non-replicability in research. (National Academies Press)

Request for Applications: Technical Consultant, STD Clinic Services and Operations  NACCHO is seeking a Technical Consultant to work with its STD program to develop an implementation support package for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s forthcoming Recommendations for Providing Quality STD Clinical Services. Applications are due by December 12, 2018. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Request for Information (RFI): Guidance on Current Education Curricula for Health Care Professionals Regarding Pain and Opioid Misuse and Use Disorder  This RFI seeks input from stakeholders throughout the scientific research and medical education community and the general public regarding the Centers of Excellence in Pain Education (CoEPEs) program, general pain education, opioid misuse or use disorder education curriculum. Stakeholders of interest include but are not limited to: health care professionals providing pain treatment, students in medical, dental and nursing schools, residents, fellows, teaching faculty, medical and dental associations, and education accrediting agencies. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Request for Information (RFI): Inviting Comments and Suggestions on a Framework for the Trans-NIH Strategic Plan to Cure Hepatitis B  NIH is developing a strategic plan to cure hepatitis B. The strategic plan aligns with NIH's ongoing efforts to intensify innovative hepatitis B research, and with the HHS-wide National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan. The trans-NIH strategic plan will be structured around three areas of research vital to developing a cure for hepatitis B. A cure is defined as a sustained loss of hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen, with or without the presence of antibodies against HBs, and undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum after completion of a finite course of treatment. The public comment period is open until March 29, 2019. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Request for Proposals: Implementation of E-Health HIV Prevention Intervention Keep It Up!  Northwestern University’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing is requesting proposals from community-based organizations (CBOs) and other HIV service organizations to implement Keep It Up! (KIU!), an online e-health HIV prevention intervention, as part of their existing HIV testing services. The goal of this project is to understand how CBOs can best implement KIU!, the first eHealth HIV prevention intervention the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified as “best evidence.” Applications are due May 13, 2019, at 11:59 pm CT. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Research Shows Nation's Opioid Epidemic Is Far From Over  Although the number of opioid-related deaths may be decreasing in some states, overall, they continue to increase nationwide. The good news is that some research has shown that regulatory and legislative efforts introduced earlier this decade have succeeded in driving down prescription opioid dosage volume. (American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP))

Researchers Explore Health Effects of E-Cigarettes  HHS agencies support research to determine health effects of the increasingly popular use of e-cigarettes, also known as “vaping.” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS))

Researchers report high rate of viral suppression among people new to HIV care  Eighty-six percent of individuals who entered HIV care soon after diagnosis maintained viral suppression after 48 weeks during a clinical trial conducted at four National Institutes of Health-funded Centers for AIDS Research (CFARs) across the United States. (National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS)

Resources to Help States Fund Health-Related Social and Economic Needs  Federal funding can help states improve housing, employment, and other life conditions for their vulnerable residents. This table highlights new programs, including public-private investment opportunities from the US Treasury, integrated care models from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation, and recent federal initiatives to combat the opioid crisis. It also features key longstanding sources, such as tax-exempt hospitals’ community benefits dollars, Medicaid investments, and health promotion funds from the CDC. (National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP))

Resources: Connecting Public Health and Education to Prevent Adolescent HIV/STIs  Resources from a project to increase the capacity of local health departments (LHDs) and local education agencies (LEAs) to work in partnership to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents. (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO))

Reviewing the Research on Employment and Health Among Low-Income Adults and their Children  A new report examines the relationship between employment and health for low-income adults and their children. (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.)

Risk Communication Strategies for the Very Worst of Cases: How to Issue a Call to Action on Global Catastrophic Biological Risks (2019)  Report reframes the discussion of the most severe biological threats to provide policy advocates with an additional tool to help them catalyze expansive international support for work on pandemic prevention and response, outlining current awareness gaps—present inside and outside the scientific community—and identifies opportunities for communication to close them. (Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health)

Risk Factors for Congenital Syphilis Transmitted from Mother to Infant — Suzhou, China, 2011–2014  In a cohort of mothers with recently diagnosed syphilis, migrant women and those who received a diagnosis at >36 gestational weeks were approximately five times and 25 times more likely, respectively, to deliver an infected baby than were nonmigrant women and those who received a diagnosis earlier in pregnancy. Every twofold increase of maternal nontreponemal or treponemal antibody titers doubled the odds of delivering an infected infant.