SDoH & Health Equity in the News
US Breastfeeding Committee: Policy Priority Survey: Help Us Understand the Most Pressing Needs of Breastfeeding Families (9/6) - The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) launched the "Policy Priority Survey: Help Us Understand the Most Pressing Needs of Breastfeeding Families." Individuals are invited to take the survey and share their perspectives on the breastfeeding policy issues that most urgently need to be addressed in the upcoming Congressional session. The annual USBC Welcome Congress campaign will take place in early 2025 to educate policymakers on the top five breastfeeding policy priorities. The survey will be open through Monday, September 16.
Center for Health Care Strategies: Request for Applications | Medicaid Primary Care Population-Based Payment Learning Collaborative (9/4) - CHCS is inviting Medicaid agencies to apply for the next cohort of its Medicaid Primary Care Population-Based Payment Learning Collaborative. This 12-month program, supported by the Commonwealth Fund and Arnold Ventures, aims to help up to six agencies transition from fee-for-service to population-based payment models, enhancing the sustainability and quality of primary care. Applications are open until October 4, 2024.
AMA: Specific steps We Must Take Now to Reduce Maternal Mortality (9/4) - The American Medical Association (AMA) outlines specific steps to reduce maternal mortality in the U.S. These include addressing disparities in maternal care, increasing access to high-quality healthcare, and improving postpartum support. The AMA advocates for comprehensive policies that expand Medicaid postpartum coverage, integrate mental health services, and improve data collection on maternal health outcomes, especially for marginalized groups. It stresses collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders to create systemic changes that support maternal health.
Associated Press: America is Trying to Fix its Maternal Mortality Crisis with Federal, State and Local Programs (9/4) - The article discusses ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates in the U.S., particularly through initiatives like the Healthy Start program. It highlights disparities in maternal health across different regions, focusing on states like Oklahoma, California, and New York City, and stresses the need for better access to maternal care, especially for marginalized communities. The report underscores the importance of federal, state, and local collaborations to address the root causes of maternal mortality.
Health Affairs: Momentum Is Growing To Stabilize Coverage In Medicaid and CHIP For Young Children (9/3) - This article highlights the growing support to stabilize Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) coverage for young children. It discusses policy efforts aimed at ensuring continuous, reliable healthcare access for children under age six, acknowledging the importance of uninterrupted coverage during critical developmental years. The momentum is driven by a recognition of the health benefits and cost savings of keeping children enrolled in these programs long-term.
Pharmacy Practice News: Why Health Plans Need a High Health Equity Index to Prosper (8/31) - The article discusses the importance of health plans incorporating a high health equity index to succeed in the current healthcare landscape. By prioritizing equity in healthcare access and outcomes, health plans can better meet the needs of diverse populations, improve patient care, and ensure financial success. It highlights how addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is essential for health plans to thrive.
Bloomberg Government: Shortages at Federal Nutrition Programs Spur Lawmaker Scrutiny (8/28) - Supply chain issues at two USDA nutrition programs are threatening access to food for 719,000 seniors and 55,000 tribal members. Lawmakers have raised concerns about delivery delays following the consolidation of food delivery contracts to Paris Brothers, Inc., which has disrupted shipments since April 2024. The USDA is working with tribal leaders and the contractor to address the shortages, but the situation remains unresolved. Senate and House lawmakers have requested further details from the USDA by September 20, 2024.
Bloomberg School of Public Health: Understanding the Impact of Economic and Social Conditions on Health (8/26) - The article highlights the significant role that economic and social conditions play in shaping both population and individual health. It discusses how addressing these factors requires complex policy solutions that involve not only health professionals but also non-health policymakers, focusing on enhancing financial, physical, and social assets to improve outcomes.
Forbes: GenAI-Driven Health Hubs Can Combat Chronic Disease In Underserved Areas (8/26) - The article discusses how GenAI-driven health hubs can help address chronic diseases in underserved areas by offering personalized, data-driven care. These hubs, powered by artificial intelligence, could expand access to preventive care, enhance patient engagement, and reduce healthcare disparities by leveraging advanced technology to support early diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions in vulnerable populations.
National Low Income Housing Coalition: Four New Tenant Protection Toolkits (8/15) - The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) has released four new toolkits as part of their State and Local Tenant Protection Series. These toolkits focus on key tenant protections: just cause eviction laws, rent stabilization, habitability standards, and limitations on rental fees. They provide guidance for states and localities looking to implement policies that protect tenants from rising rents, arbitrary evictions, and unsafe living conditions, ensuring housing stability for low-income renters.
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