Update for Week ending
May 16, 2009
- Dr. Roubideaux Confirmed as IHS Director. I reread the last weekly report and realized I missed the new director’s confirmation. On May 6th, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux was confirmed by the Senate to serve as the new Director of the Indian Health Service.
- FY2009 Compact Funds. There are still some additional monies we are expecting as part of our FY2009 Compact. Specifically, we are waiting for the increases for inflation, contract health, and population. These formulas were agreed to during pre-negotiations on the unexpected increases as part of the 2009 Omnibus. We are also waiting for very minor increases in Contract Support Costs (around $200,000). The Alaska Area IHS staff said that these funds should be received within the next couple weeks.
- Alaska eHealth Network. The Alaska eHealth Network is a statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE) where SEARHC, ANMC, and others can share our electronic health record data. The Alaska eHealth Network reported this week that it has now raised $10 million from the FCC, $1.4 million in a Congressional Member-directed spending, and $500,000 in a State Legislatively-directed grant. The State Legislature passed SB133 that provides $27.5 million for a statewide HIE to be determined by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). We are hoping that the DHSS will use the Alaska eHealth Network as that designated entity.
- Petersburg Indian Association Visit. I was able to visit the Petersburg Indian Association Tribal Council meeting on Monday night. I provided an update on SEARHC activities in the region and our work with the community. We received great feedback from the Tribe. While in Petersburg, I was able to meet with our Board member, the Petersburg Medical Center Administrator and our CFSW staff.
- Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) – Alaska Tribal Health Directors (ATHD). This week the ATHD and ANHB meet in Anchorage. There were several reports on activities within the State’s Tribal Health System. Below is a brief synopsis of reports:
- Reports were given on initiatives of the Tobacco Advisory Group, Tribal Behavioral Health, CHAP Directors, EpiCenter Advisory, rural sanitation, Government Performance Results Act (GPRA), Medicaid Task Force and the information technology leadership.
- A report from Dr. Theresa Cullen (IHS) on the IHS stimulus funding for Electronic Health Records. The IHS is not distributing these funds to the areas, but will be supporting its RPMS system with little exception (mostly is some data exchange money). The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is delaying a planned change to charge Tribes more for RPMS by another year.
- Update on the eHealth Information Exchange (see above).
- Report on no-show rates at ANMC Clinics, tribal shares workgroup, and influenza preparedness.
- Update from Mr. Chris Mandregan on IHS decision about distribution of Meth/Suicide prevention initiative funds.
- Update on the Legislative education work as well as 2011 priority planning.
- Update from the National Indian Health Board and the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee.
- Planning for the Tribal caucus and meeting with the new IHS Director during the Self-Governance Conference.
- Hydaburg Health Center Design. Mark Gorman and Shawn Sorenson met with community members at the Hydaburg ANB Hall May 14th to discuss the proposed renovation and expansion of the Hydaburg Health Center. SEARHC received endorsements from City and Tribal leadership to move forward with the project. We anticipate the project being funded by the Denali Commission, HRSA, SEARHC, and other agencies.
- IHS Releases $500 million in Recovery Act Funds. On May 15th, the Indian Health Services announced the release of $500 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The pre-award list includes the following for SEARHC:
- X-ray for Haines Health Center
- Hospital Roof Repair and Replacement
- Replace Hospital Exterior Insulation and Install Energy Efficient Windows
- Also, the Organized Village of Kake was listed for water treatment upgrades.
Just a reminder. . . SEARHC frequently brings in traveling medical specialists to hold specialty clinics at our various facilities. Please click here to view our upcoming specialty clinic schedules.
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