On Tuesday, July 16, HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm and HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson announced the first-ever Licensure Portability Grant Program investment in a multi-state social worker licensure compact at HRSAâs National Telehealth Conference. State licensure compacts allow states to come together on a common approach to licensing health care providers, allowing providers to practice across state lines without having to apply for a license in each state. Streamlining licensure while maintaining quality standards improves access to services both by better facilitating hiring and by easing pathways to utilizing telehealth. The announcement was made at HRSAâs National Telehealth Conference, the largest federal conference on telehealth issues. Read the release. July 18 - Today, HRSAâs Federal Office of Rural Health Policy announced the winners of the 2024 Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project awards at the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program Reverse Site Visit. The winners represent the top ten ranked high-performing states for Critical Access Hospital quality reporting and performance. The program supports the 45 states participating in the Flex program and Critical Access Hospitals in reporting on quality measures in inpatient patient safety, outpatient care, patient engagement and care transitions to improve quality of care. This yearsâ awardees have excelled in improving patient outcomes in rural communities. | On Wednesday, July 10, HRSA awarded more than $3 million to support leadership development and enhance meaningful engagement for people with HIV in health care planning and programs through HRSAâs CULTIVATE program (Catalyzing Unity, Leadership, and Team-building through Individualized, Validating Approaches to Transformational Empowerment for people with HIV). The funding will allow the CULTIVATE program to develop skills and knowledge through peer learning, increasing leadership capacity and engagement for people with HIV. Additionally, it will help prepare them to meaningfully participate in activities that impact HIV systems of care and operations. | Thereâs still time to register to participate in the 2024 National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment (NRWC)! The conference will take place August 20-23, both virtually and in person at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC. The 2024 Conference will feature plenary sessions, select breakout sessions, posters, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Conference attendees typically include direct care providers, program/fiscal administrators, members of planning councils/planning bodies, people with HIV, community members, federal staff, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program recipients, HIV/AIDS Bureau Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. recipients and others involved in HIV care and treatment. Register to virtually attend the conference. Virtual registration closes on Friday, August 16. | On Sunday, July 21, HRSAâs Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program will commemorate Zero HIV Stigma Day, which focuses on uniting people, communities, and organizations to raise awareness and take action against HIV stigma. This yearâs theme, âBeyond Labels: Redefining HIV Narratives,â is focused on reshaping perceptions, inspiring empathy, and driving collective action toward ending HIV-related stigma. HRSAâs Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is committed to providing whole-person care, meeting people with HIV where they are, and reducing barriers so people can access HIV testing, care, treatment, and essential support services. Find a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program medical provider near you. | Biden Administration Invests in Geriatric Care Training Doctors pushing to expand access to telemedicine visits for mental health patients Mental health advocates share postpartum resources available to new parents Safe and stable housing is a foundation of successful recovery Telehealth not only makes healthcare accessible in rural areas but de-stigmatizing negative misconceptions University of Utah Physician Assistant Program Receives $3,000,000 Federal Grant for Rural Mental and Behavioral Health Training Washington Watch: New nursing grants prioritize community colleges | | |