Announcements

URGENT: Testify at State Senate Tuesday 4/2 @4pm on CHW Bill!📣

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2nd starting at 4pm, a major bill concerning CHWs will be heard at the RI State House.

Currently, CHW services are not billable to private insurance which leaves CHWs mostly funded by grants or Medicaid. This is not sustainable and many grants will end this year! In addition to giving more patients access to vital services, passing this bill (S2606, Sponsored Senator DiMario) would provide more of the job security CHWs deserve! 

There are two urgent ways to advocate!

1. Testify in person!!!! The session will open at 4pm on 4/2 in the Senate Lounge at the RI State House (accessible by busses 50, 55, 56 & 57!) Be heard! General Assembly members will welcome testimony from CHWs and medical providers. You would be able to speak to lawmakers for three minutes!

Logistics: Be there by 4pm and prepare for a long night as the timing of hearings can be unpredictable. Sign-up sheets to testify are usually posted on a table outside the hearing room. Look for Lina Roman, CHWARI’s Bilingual Program Coordinator, near the sign up sheet. Thank you to her and to all CHWs and allies who can make the trip! 
Address is: 82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903.  Enter your location here to find a bus route. Ample free parking can be found in the RI Dept. of Health Parking Lot after 3 PM.

2. Write an email!  Due by Tuesday 4/2 at 3pm – Write a letter expressing your support. Details on what to include and where to send are on page 2 of this alert compiled by the Washington County Children’s Coalition. 

Let’s pass this important legislation together! 

Read the full details of bill RI S2606.
See Senate Agenda here.
See a thoughtful alert created by the Washington County Children’s Coalition spelling out their reasons for supporting these bills and details on how to advocate.

Walking Group for Cranston Residents

Walking Group for Cranston Residents!

And a GREAT example of CHWs taking action to meet community needs!  


Announcing, the “Winter Walk & Talk” program in Cranston! Salvatore Nacci, CHW – Older Adults, shares how it got started, “The idea originated within my team here at The OneCranston HEZ. Our Physical Health & Nutrition workgroup had been interested in starting this up and I took it on. It is meant to be a tool for physical activity with a twist of creating a community connection among neighbors and fellow Cranstonians to make friends and discuss their daily lives. It has led to other social activities among the group such as going to Market Basket for lunch or walks around Garden City during the holiday festivities.

We have been doing this for over a year now and have definitely created a bond among us. We usually walk for an hour and a half to two hours 3 days per week,  If you like, come join us for a little walk and talk!” CHWARI is proud to share this news of CHWs doing exactly what they excel at – identifying a health-related need and connecting to resources. What programs can YOU create to meet the needs of YOUR community?  Share them with us!

Contact Sal Nacci with questions. snacci@compcap.org

Federal Medicare to Cover CHW and Peer Support Services!!!!

Big GREAT News for CHWs!

Up until now, some individual states (including RI!) have been setting up their own Medicaid reimbursement for CHW services. Now the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have finalized policy changes for MediCARE payments effective on or after January 1, 2024 that cover “services involving community health workers, care navigators, and peer support specialists.” This is a game-changer!  

Details are provided on the CMS.gov page: Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.

From Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

“Specifically, we are finalizing to pay separately for Community Health Integration, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Risk Assessment, and Principal Illness Navigation services to account for resources when clinicians involve certain types of health care support staff such as community health workers, care navigators, and peer support specialists in furnishing medically necessary care. While these types of health care support staff have been able to serve as auxiliary personnel to perform covered services incident to the services of a Medicare-enrolled billing physician or practitioner, the services described by the finalized codes are the first that are specifically designed to describe services involving community health workers, care navigators, and peer support specialists.“

NOTE:  This billing will be complex and CHWARI will strive in future months to provide opportunities for learning how to manage the new policy and to make sure CHW voices are heard amidst its roll out. 

CHW Voices for Leadership & Advocacy Group
Speaking of voices, join fellow CHWs on the last Monday of every month to: 
•    Meet other CHWs
•    Contribute to policy discussions
•    Strengthen community connections
•    Join networking groups
•    Keep up to date on CHW news
Next meeting November 27th at 11am.  Learn more here!

Housing Search Assistant

Providence Housing Authority
Full Time, Union, Permanent
Providence, RI
Salary $46,637.50
Bilingual Spanish Required
Apprenticeship Program Eligible

Purpose:

To provide housing search assistance to all eligible participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program and other rental assistance programs as well as connecting participants to supportive services to assist with integration into the community.  

Essential Tasks of the Position:

  • Assess housing barriers of individual and families experiencing homelessness as well as victims of domestic violence to determine housing and service needs.
  • Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
  • Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice.
  • Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (ie.: tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors and creditors.)
  • Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.
  • Assist participants in development of a strength-based/solution focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
  • Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.
  • Maintain accurate daily logs records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.
  • Conduct presentations about the Housing Search Program during briefings.
  • Conduct outreach to landlords to develop a list of landlords and units that are available for participants receiving housing search assistance.
  • Assist landlords with accessing PHA landlord incentives and work as liaison with other landlord incentive programs.
  • Work with Strategy & Development Team with marketing with PHA’s Housing Search Assistance Program.

Secondary Tasks

  • Complete all appropriate monthly and annual reports as directed.
  • Maintain a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
  • Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

Education Level

  • Associates Degree in Human Services preferred plus two years related experience.
  • Experience working with low to very low-income participants in subsidized housing.

Experience in Related Field

  • Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities.
  • Concentrated record keeping, budgeting, and mathematical skills; ability to produce required reports to federal, state. and local government agencies and funding sources.

Knowledge, skills, abilities, licenses and certifications

  • Bi-lingual (Spanish) required.
  • Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, and writing skills.
  • Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload.
  • Detail oriented to complete requirements of files and contract compliance.
  • Creative thinker/adaptive personality.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
  • Experience with computer and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.
  • A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems.
  • A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
  • The ability to establish and set appropriate limits with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
  • The capacity to maintain a role to empower clients and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
  • Valid driver’s license and a car.

How to Apply

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=10ac8a03-a206-4cd5-967a-0c3a76ecf7b9&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CurrentOpenings&jobId=489895

Medicare to Pay for CHW Services?!

Medicare CHW Comment Resources

Comment by 9/11/23!

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed updated payments in the Medicare program, which provides health insurance to over 65 million Americans, primarily those 65 and over. For the first time, CMS is proposing to pay for new Medicare services designed explicitly for community health workers (CHWs) to provide. This proposed policy change would go into effect nationwide on January 1, 2024, and CMS is inviting feedback from the public to inform its final decision. Comments from the public are due 3 weeks from today, on Monday, September 11 by 5pm ET.

A group of CHWs, advocates, and allies has compiled tools and resources in a Google drive to help CHWs, CHW networks, and allies comment to make sure our voices are heard in this important policy change. Many of these resources are listed below:

Resources to read/understand the proposal:

Tools to write and submit your own comment on the rule:

Get your questions answered:

If you have any questions, we are holding weekly “office hours” on Thursdays from 2-3pm ET/ 11am-12pm PT until the comments are due: 8/24, 8/31, 9/7

Zoom link for office hours here or download the calendar invite here. If you cannot make the office hours, please email Ali Bloomgarden, PIH-US Advocacy Engagement Manager, at abloomgarden@pih.org, to connect you to the right people to answer your questions.

Resources for Pregnant People & Substance-Exposed Newborns

This is copied from a Rhode Island Department of Health email sent on June 26, 2023 from communications@notification.health.ri.gov.


 
June 26, 2023
Resources and Educational Materials to Support Pregnant People Who Use Substances and Substance-Exposed Newborns 
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is working to raise awareness and offer resources to healthcare providers around substance use conditions, particularly as they relate to pregnant and postpartum people and their babies and families. RIDOH wants to ensure that healthcare providers are aware of the impact that various substances can have on their pregnant or postpartum patients and have the resources to support them. Substance use and pregnancy 

Annually in Rhode Island, at least 5% of the approximately 10,000 babies born are exposed to substances that may affect their biopsychosocial health, development, or behavior in the short and/or long term. Substances of exposure can include certain prescribed medications, illicit drugs, alcohol, cannabinoids, and tobacco. 

Resources and supports are available  Parent Support Network of Rhode Island (PSNRI) Through PSNRI’s Healing Mother and Baby Program , pregnant people living with a substance use condition can call or text 401-318-9577 to speak with an English or Spanish-speaking peer recovery coach and access free, confidential help, and support.  

RI MomsPRN This is a free psychiatric telephone consultation resource for healthcare providers who treat pregnant and postpartum people. Healthcare providers can call 401-430-2800 or email RIMomsPRN@CareNE.org Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to be connected to perinatal specialists in real-time.

Family Visiting Program This program provides prenatal support and services [health.us2.list-manage.com] for infants and toddlers, including connecting to other families and available resources. To learn more or get connected, people can call 401-222-5960.

Provider and Patient Education Materials
The following education materials can be ordered free of charge through RIDOH’s Publication Center [health.us2.list-manage.com]: 
Provider guide with background information, screening tools, and referral and supporting resources [health.us2.list-manage.com]. 
Brochures for display in waiting and/or exam rooms for patients to take with them. Available in Cape Verdean [health.us2.list-manage.com], English [health.us2.list-manage.com], Portuguese [health.us2.list-manage.com], and Spanish [health.us2.list-manage.com]. 
Palm cards for display in waiting and/or exam rooms for patients to take with them. Available in English [health.us2.list-manage.com] and Spanish [health.us2.list-manage.com]. [health.us2.list-manage.com]
Posters for display in waiting rooms, bathrooms, and each exam room. Available in English [health.us2.list-manage.com] and Spanish [health.us2.list-manage.com]. 
Safe Sleep flyer to help prenatal providers have conversations with their pregnant patients about ensuring safe sleep practices and environments. Available in English [health.us2.list-manage.com] and Spanish [health.us2.list-manage.com] through RIDOH’s Parents & Caregivers Publication Center [health.us2.list-manage.com].   ORDER MATERIALS NOW [health.us2.list-manage.com]   Contact Margo Katz, RIDOH Substance-Exposed Newborns Program Manager, if you have any questions about these resources.    

Podcast: Public Health Out Loud

Listen to the episode, Healing Mother and Baby: Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People through Recovery [health.us2.list-manage.com].

Guest experts are Katie Gonzalez, a certified peer recovery support specialist supervisor at PSNRI’s Healing Mother and Baby Program [health.us2.list-manage.com], and Margo Katz from the Division of Community Health and Equity at RIDOH. Gonzalez shares her personal story of recovery, as well as some of the success stories she has seen in the Healing Mother and Baby Program.

RIDOH MPOX Vaccination Clinics

June 10 and 17: Free Mpox Vaccination Clinics To Be Held at Community Events in Providence

In the United States, cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) have declined since peaking in August 2022, but the outbreak is not over. The CDC continues to receive reports of cases and community transmission in the United States and internationally. This month, CDC and local partners have investigated a cluster of mpox cases in the Chicago area.

RIDOH will host mpox vaccination clinics at the following community events in coming weeks. All eligible people are encouraged to get vaccinated or to complete the JYNNEOS two-dose series. The JYNNEOS vaccine is free. There is no out-of-pocket cost for vaccination. People do not need insurance to get the vaccine.

1. Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Providence (West Side)

  • Event:  Haus of Codec Marketplace
  • Location: Dexter Park 
  • Address: 73 Dexter St., Providence, RI
  • Register in advance here.

2. Saturday, June 17, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Providence (Downtown)

Additionally, several health centers and pharmacies in Rhode Island offer mpox vaccination. For a list of clinics with instructions to make an appointment, please visit https://bit.ly/MPVvaccine.

April 5 Summit Kicks Off RI’s CHW Roadmap Design Project!  

On April 5 at District Hall in Downtown Providence, many CHWs champions and allies came together to collectively envision what’s possible for CHWs in Rhode Island. Of the 91 participants, at least 38 were CHWs! Soma Saha, MD, MS from WE in the World led the activities, with support from the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Care Transformation Collaborative of RI. Many challenging topics were discussed in-depth in large groups and breakout groups over four hours.

Next Steps

This collaborative process will continue over two online Zoom meetings on May 3 (3:30 – 4:30 p.m.) and June 7 (1:30-3 p.m.). 

All CHWs, allies, and policy-makers are invited to participate. All participants from the April 5 CHW Roadmap Summit will automatically receive meeting invitations. (This includes anyone who registered in advance, but was unable to attend.) Members of the RI CHW Strategy Team will also automatically receive meeting invitations.

If you are also interested in attending the next CHW Roadmap Design meetings on May 3 and/or June 7, please email the RIDOH CHW Program at: Geraldine.mcphee.ctr@health.ri.gov.

Thanks to all who participated on April 5!

Providence Vaccination Clinics

Free COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters Offered at Upcoming Community Vaccination Clinics

The Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island schools are offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics to help people get their COVID-19 bivalent boosters. Clinics are open to students and community members. To guarantee an appointment, we recommend registering at the links below.

Vaccines are free. You do not need to have insurance to get your booster dose. If you do have insurance, please bring your card to your appointment. Please note that there are different registration links for people age 5 through 11 and people age 12 or older.

Wednesday, March 22 (3-5 p.m.)
Paul Cuffee Lower School (cafeteria), 459 Promenade St., Providence: 

Tuesday, March 28 (4-6:30 p.m.)
Providence Career and Technical Academy (cafeteria), 41 Fricker St., Providence:

Thursday, March 30 (3-5 p.m.)
Paul Cuffee High School (cafeteria), 544 Elmwood Ave., Providence:

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination and to learn about other COVID-19 vaccination options, please visit c19vaccineri.org or vaccines.gov.

New NIH Structural Racism and Discrimination Funding Opportunity

NIEHS is thrilled to announce our participation in PAR-23-112, Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health and Health Disparities. This initiative will support intervention research that addresses structural racism and discrimination (SRD) in order to improve minority health or reduce health disparities.

Please share with your networks!

Please direct inquires to Lindsey Martin (lindsey.martin@nih.gov).

Application Due Dates:

March 24, 2023

October 10, 2023

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2025

NIEHS is interested in applications that are within scope of our 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, that meet the criteria established in this FOA, and focus on intervention research that mitigates or prevents the impacts of environmental exposures on communities due to structural racism and discrimination (SRD). Examples of environmental exposures which are considered of primary interest for NIEHS include but are not limited to: industrial chemicals or manufacturing byproducts, metals, pesticides, herbicides, air pollutants and other inhaled toxicants, particulates, or fibers, fungal, and bacterial or biologically derived toxins. Applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize community engaged research approaches that ensure equity, such as including community partners as part of the research team along with letters of support from community partners. Applications that demonstrate collaborative (i.e., community-academic partnerships) intervention approaches to address the negative health effects of SRD across multiple populations with environmental health disparities will be prioritized. NIEHS is particularly interested in intervention research on a subtype of SRD – environmental racism. For the purposes of this FOA, environmental racism includes the use of racist and discriminatory practices in determining which communities receive health-protective (i.e., green space) or health-harming infrastructure (i.e., industrial complexes). Areas of specific interest to NIEHS include, but are not limited to:

  • Interventions that prevent or mitigate single or combined environmental exposures disproportionately affecting the health of one or more communities impacted by environmental racism
  • Interventions that address the disproportionate health impacts of exposures due to climate change, extreme weather and natural or human caused disasters on communities affected by environmental racism
  • Interventions that prevent or mitigate disproportionate exposures in the built environment (e.g., mold or lead in housing, lack of greenspace) attributed to systemic neighborhood disinvestment
  • Interventions that address the role of environmental racism in occupational exposures
  • Interventions that promote the resiliency of communities experiencing environmental racism