Region VIII Weekly Update

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

IRA's 1st Anniversary | HHS News | HHS Funding Opportunities

To view this email as a web page, click here. August 18, 2023 Dear John, Congresswoman Dr. Yadira Caraveo convened a roundtable focused on the costs of healthcare. During the discussion, I highlighted how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is delivering on President Biden’s promise to save Americans money, specifically: • 35$ Monthly Cap per Medicare-covered insulin prescription • Free recommended preventative vaccines for Medicare RX drug coverage • Better Rx prices negotiated by Medicare Director Griego participating in Representative Caraveo's roundtable discussion in Westminster, CO. It was an honor to share space with Congresswoman Caraveo in Colorado - as we celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the IRA! As Secretary Becerra noted, this is the most consequential legislation since the ACA. Click here to learn more about the savings the IRA has from 2023 and in the future. Additionally, last week I joined Clinica Family Health, in Lafayette, CO. They celebrated National Health Center Week with a food giveaway. I was joined by the HRSA, Regional Administrator, Nick Zucconi. Thanks, Clinica for putting us to work in your good works. Learn more about National Health Center Week here.   Director Griego and HRSA Regional Administrator Nick Zucconi at Clinica Family Health's National Health Center Week Event.   Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: One Year Anniversary Highlights from ASPE Drug Pricing Reports   This report features key findings from the first year of implementing IRA provisions regarding Medicare drug coverage. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a series of research reports on the impacts of the IRA. ASPE prepared these reports working in collaboration with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). See Report Here State Fact Sheets: Impacts of the IRA and ACA on Lowering Health Care Costs   These Fact Sheets highlight health care cost savings achieved under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia. Enrollee savings on Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs, insulin, vaccines, and Marketplace premiums are presented. Gains in health coverage also are highlighted along with the latest enrollment data for Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace. View Fact Sheets Here HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Issues Statement on Fifth Circuit Mifepristone Ruling   View the Secretary's statement at the link below. Read Statement Here Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Upcoming Tribal Meetings & Listening Sessions:   SAMHSA Tribal Technical Advisory Committee Meeting August 29, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. MT Information about the SAMHSA TTAC and the agenda for this meeting can be found on the SAMHSA website. During the meeting, SAMHSA TTAC delegates and SAMHSA leadership will discuss SAMHSA programs/initiatives and tribal behavioral health priorities. Register Now! Members of the public are invited to attend and observe the hybrid meeting, but active participation is limited to TTAC delegates. Review the TTAC Charter for more information on TTAC function, activities, and structure.  SAMHSA Tribal Listening Session August 29, 2 p.m. MT Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Tribal Listening Session and virtual Tribal Consultation on Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources for Native Americans. This is a new program, authorized but not appropriated, under the 2023 Omnibus Funding bill. SAMHSA will initially hold a listening session on August 29 at 2 p.m. MT. The listening session will provide an opportunity for SAMHSA to share information about the statute and engage with Tribal Leaders. Register now! OC Partnership Center Grant Opportunities:   Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program Grants and technical assistance to help individuals and communities recover from natural and human-caused disasters through community outreach and access to mental health services. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. National Institutes of Health Project Talk Initiative Host Site Applications The Project Talk Trial aims to engage underserved communities in advance care planning and empower them to start conversations about their end-of-life goals and wishes. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program Grants to rehabilitate and modify the primary residence of veterans who are low-income and living with disabilities. Closing: August 31, 2023. Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant Program* Grants to support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural communities across America. Closing: Sept. 5, 2023. *Please note: Links to non-federal sites are included for your convenience. HHS cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by non-federal links. Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by HHS or any of its employees of the sponsors, information, or products presented on the site. Also, the linked content may not comply with all U.S. government guidance for websites. 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[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Back to School | HHS News | HHS Funding Opportunities

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August 25, 2023 Dear John, How are we possibly at the end of summer and seeing kiddos back in school? It seems that time is truly flying by! As we share our back-to-school well wishes for all American families, I remember the precious and memorable moments I experienced dropping off kiddos and trusting their day would be filled with opportunities for our future generation. From my office and all the agencies within U. S. Dept. of HHS, we hope your family will hear stories in the evening of fun and learning. Additionally, we are sharing important messages and calls to action to ensure healthy students. We strongly urge routine wellness visits, securing up-to-date vaccines, nutritious meals, and vibrant discussions about mental wellbeing with your student. Let’s do all we can to ensure this school year is filled with hope and optimism. See below for more information on how we can achieve healthy outcomes for America’s students. For diseases that spread easily and quickly, vaccine coverage helps protect our children and our communities. Even the smallest decline in rates of vaccinations can impact our families and communities. Recent data suggests that when rates of vaccinations drop, diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough have a higher chance to spread fiercely. The fallout from declining vaccination rates can be severe and deadly. However, there are steps you can take to ensure the safety of your children and communities: 1. Inform: Learn more about vaccines. Reputable places to learn more include: • Government Health Agencies like HHS or CDC • Health Care Organizations like Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or Mayo Clinic • Medical Associations like American Academy of Pediatrics or American Academy of Family Physicians • Reputable Nonprofits like Vaccinate Your Family or Immunize.Org • State or Local Health Departments 2. Get Vaccinated: Be sure to visit your state’s website for required immunizations and try to find local centers where you can get your children protected from preventable illnesses and ailments. • Colorado • Montana • North Dakota • South Dakota • Utah • Wyoming

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

HHS Launches National Sarcopenia Awareness Campaign   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health (OWH) has launched a new nationwide campaign,“Stronger than Sarcopenia,” [saar-ko-pee-ni-uh], to raise awareness of sarcopenia in women, a condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function in adults 65 and older. See Campaign Here Biden-Harris Administration Awards More Than $64 Million in Grants to Fund Mental Health Services and Awareness Training Across United States and Territories   Among the awards are $59.4 million in new funding to states and territories through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program. This funding is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), signed into law by President Biden, which has provided unprecedented funding to address the nation’s mental health crisis and make our communities safer. The funds released today are part of the mental health investment of the BSCA which allocated a total of $250 million in supplemental funding from FY 2022-2025. View More Here Project NextGen Awards Over $1.4 Billion to Develop the Future of COVID-19 Vaccines and Therapeutics   The awards announced follow extensive coordination with industry partners and include support for clinical trials that will enable the rapid development of even more effective and longer-lasting coronavirus vaccines, a new monoclonal antibody, and transformative technologies to streamline manufacturing processes. Read Statement Here CMS Issues Draft Guidance on New Program to Allow People with Medicare to Pay Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs in Monthly Payments   The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released draft guidance for comment that outlines the requirements and procedures for certain aspects of the new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. By enabling seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare Part D coverage to spread out cost sharing over the year, the program could reduce the burden of high upfront out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Learn More Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Medicare Drug Price Negotiation | Labor Day | HHS News

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September 1, 2023 Dear John, Please join me in honoring America’s workforce as we enter the Labor Day weekend! As a proud daughter of a lifelong Union Member, I recognize the importance of the history of our country and the true reason we celebrate Labor Day. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare can negotiate the prices of prescription drugs on behalf of the American people. This historic law lowering health care costs has been noted as the most significant in decades. HHS, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced the first 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D selected for negotiation. These negotiations with participating drug companies will occur in 2023 and 2024, with negotiated prescription prices becoming effective in 2026. Medicare enrollees taking the 10 drugs covered under Part D selected for negotiation paid a total of $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2022 for these drugs. As President Biden said, “we are going to stand up to big pharma and we are not backing down.” These medications are used to prevent strokes, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, arthritis blood cancers, Crohn’s disease and will have direct impact on Americans delivering on the statement from Secretary Becerra and President Biden; that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The selected drug list for the first round of negotiation is: • Eliquis • Jardiance • Xarelto • Januvia • Farxiga • Entresto • Enbrel • Imbruvica • Stelara • Fiasp; Fiasp FlexTouch; Fiasp PenFill; NovoLog; NovoLog FlexPen; NovoLog PenFill View and share a fact sheet from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/aspe-ira-drug-negotiation-fact-sheet. View and share a CMS fact sheet on the drugs selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program at: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-selected-drug-negotiation-list-ipay-2026.pdf - PDF. More information on the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program is available at https://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare/medicare-drug-price-negotiation.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

WHIAANHPI Launches Effort to Demystify Federal Grants Process and Bolster Technical Assistance Outreach to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities   Consistent with its commitments to advancing equity, the Biden-Harris Administration is working to improve access to federal grants for underserved communities by leveraging WHIAANHPI’s Interagency Working Group and Regional Network, fostering partnerships, and ensuring community-based organizations have the tools and capacity they need to apply for federal funding. See More Here

Biden-Harris Administration Awards More Than $64 Million in Grants to Fund Mental Health Services and Awareness Training Across United States and Territories   Among the awards are $59.4 million in new funding to states and territories through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program. This funding is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), signed into law by President Biden, which has provided unprecedented funding to address the nation’s mental health crisis and make our communities safer. The funds released today are part of the mental health investment of the BSCA which allocated a total of $250 million in supplemental funding from FY 2022-2025. View More Here

Medicare Shared Savings Program Saves Medicare More Than $1.8 Billion in 2022 and Continues to Deliver High-quality Care   The program saved Medicare $1.8 billion in 2022 compared to spending targets for the year. This marks the sixth consecutive year the program has generated overall savings and high-quality performance results. This represents the second-highest annual savings accrued for Medicare since the program’s inception more than ten years ago. Read More Here Statement from Secretary Becerra on International Overdose Awareness Day   "Drug overdose does not discriminate – rich or poor, Black or white, urban or suburban, drug overdoses reach every corner of our society. On this Overdose Awareness Day, we reflect on the toll that substance misuse takes, both in terms of lives lost and the immeasurable pain it brings to families and communities." See Statement Here Marijuana recommendation by US health agency hailed as first step to easing weed restrictions   HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden’s request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.” Read Further Here

OC Partnership Center Grant Opportunities:

Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program Grants and technical assistance to help individuals and communities recover from natural and human-caused disasters through community outreach and access to mental health services. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. National Institutes of Health Project Talk Initiative Host Site Applications The Project Talk Trial aims to engage underserved communities in advance care planning and empower them to start conversations about their end-of-life goals and wishes. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant Program* Grants to support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural communities across America. Closing: Sept. 5, 2023. *Please note: Links to non-federal sites are included for your convenience. HHS cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by non-federal links. Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by HHS or any of its employees of the sponsors, information, or products presented on the site. Also, the linked content may not comply with all U.S. government guidance for websites.

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

National Suicide Prevention Month | National Recovery Month | HHS News

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September 8, 2023 Dear John, September is National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), an HHS agency, stated that in 2021, over 12.3 million adults and 3.3 million adolescents throughout the United States had serious suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that suicide was the second-leading cause of death of youth and young adults. The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply focused on tackling the mental health crisis facing the country, including the high rates of suicide. Recently, we announced more Than $64 million in funding to address the nation’s mental health crisis through SAMHSA. This work is a key part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda for the nation. Among the awards are $59.4 million in new funding to states and territories through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program. This funding is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), signed into law by President Biden, which has provided unprecedented funding to address the nation’s mental health crisis and make our communities safer. The funds released today are part of the mental health investment of the BSCA which allocated a total of $250 million in supplemental funding from FY 2022-2025. “This funding underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to improving access to mental health services across the country,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “With these critical investments, states and territories will be able to continue to serve as an invaluable safety net for mental health services for some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, including those impacted by gun violence, disasters, and other emergencies.” Which brings me to 988, the three-digit Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which HHS launched in collaboration with states, in 2022. The Biden-Harris Administration has invested close to $1 billion in 988, and, thanks to 988, people throughout the country are now connected with trained counselors that offer real support in times of crisis. Since the July 2022 launch, 988 has received more than 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats, and this July, text and chat were made available in Spanish. Click here to see some of SAMHSA’s suicide prevention resources. I ask that you share resources and engage in conversations to ensure no one feels they are alone and without help. National Recovery Month provides an opportunity for us to recognize the strength and resilience of people who have prevailed over addiction and mental health challenges. Mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) are often misunderstood, stigmatized, and overlooked, but at their core are people in crisis looking for an open door and a helping hand. As Secretary Becerra stated, “At HHS, we recognize that recovery is the destination we want every person who struggles with SUD to reach. To that end we have prioritized recovery within our HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy. Released in 2021, the Overdose Prevention Strategy recognized for the first-time as part of a federal strategy, long-term recovery. In addition, we launched an Office of Recovery, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to advance the agency’s commitment to, and support of, recovery for all Americans.” By recognizing National Recovery Month, the department affirms that recovery is possible, and a living testament to the myriad services, treatments, and support systems that make this transformation achievable.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

HHS Proposes Minimum Staffing Standards to Enhance Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued a proposed rule that seeks to establish comprehensive staffing requirements for nursing homes—including, for the first time, national minimum nurse staffing standards—to ensure access to safe, high-quality care for the over 1.2 million residents living in nursing homes each day. This proposed rule builds on the President’s historic Action Plan for Nursing Home Reform launched in the 2022 State of the Union. See More Here HHS Issues New Proposed Rule to Strengthen Prohibitions Against Discrimination on the Basis of a Disability in Health Care and Human Services Programs   The rule, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance, updates critical provisions that help persons with disabilities access health and human services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The rule, originally published in 1977, advances the promise of the Rehabilitation Act and helps to ensure that people with disabilities are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity receiving funding from HHS just because they have a disability. View More Here 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Adds American Sign Language Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Callers   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s addition of nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as part of ongoing efforts to expand accessibility to behavioral health care for underserved communities. Read More Here IEA Back-to-School Webinar: Children and Youth Mental Health   We are pleased to invite you to the second webinar in our 3-part, back-to-school series on child and adolescent health. Please join us on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 2:00pm EST for a webinar about the mental health challenges facing children and youth and what HHS is doing to support mental wellbeing, particularly in the school setting. We will be joined by representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. We invite you and your colleagues to register at the link below. Please feel free to share the below registration link with colleagues in your networks. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a personalized link to join the webinar. Register Here Colorado Springs Latino Community Luncheons Returns!   The Latino Community Luncheon is returning Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Location: ALTA Bella Vista Event Center (formerly the Hotel Elegante). Register Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

COVID-19 Vaccinations | HHS Latino Health Summit | HHS News

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September 15, 2023 Dear John, This week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the upcoming fall and winter virus season. Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will be available in the coming days. Being vaccinated is still the best protection against COVID-19 related hospitalization and death; and getting vaccinated also lowers your chances of suffering from the effects of Long COVID. The CDC has recommended that you should get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months. According to the CDC, “most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state, local, tribal, or territorial health department; and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.” Click here to see where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccination near you and thank you for doing your part to keep yourself and your communities safe this fall and winter.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

Statement from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Following CDC’s Recommendation of Updated COVID-19 Vaccines   “Following the Biden-Harris Administration’s launch of the largest adult vaccination program in our nation’s history, COVID-19 vaccines saved millions of lives, kept countless people out of the hospital, and provided peace of mind for the country. As fall and winter approach, I encourage everyone six months and older to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones.” Read the Statement Here HHS Announces Details of Partnership with Regeneron to Develop Life-Saving Monoclonal Antibodies   The HHS is committed to lowering drug costs for all Americans. As part of that commitment, HHS and Regeneron announced an extension of their long-standing partnership to develop life-saving monoclonal antibodies. That modification to Regeneron’s contract with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s (ASPR’s) Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, is valued at $326M and supports the advanced development of a next generation monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 prevention under HHS’s Project NextGen. View More Here HHS Hispanic Health Summit   On behalf of Secretary Xavier Becerra and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we would like to invite you to register for the first HHS Hispanic Health Summit. At this Summit, senior HHS, Biden-Harris Administration, and Hispanic health leaders will highlight their work to improve equity and access to health care in the Hispanic community. Panels and workshops will focus on health care access, mental health, reproductive health, federal grants and resources, and much more. We hope that you will be able to join us! What: HHS Hispanic Health Summit When: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET Where: Great Hall, Hubert H. Humphrey Building 200 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20201 Please register via this link. Register Here

IEA Back-to-School Webinar: Children and Youth Mental Health   We are pleased to invite you to the second webinar in our 3-part, back-to-school series on child and adolescent health. Please join us on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 2:00pm EST for a webinar about the mental health challenges facing children and youth and what HHS is doing to support mental wellbeing, particularly in the school setting. We will be joined by representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. We invite you and your colleagues to register at the link below. Please feel free to share the below registration link with colleagues in your networks. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a personalized link to join the webinar. Register Here

CMS Patient-Focused Listening Sessions   CMS will host a series of Patient-Focused Listening Sessions this fall as part of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The virtual public Listening Sessions will provide an opportunity for patients, beneficiaries, caregivers, consumer and patient organizations, and other interested parties to share input relevant to the drugs selected for the first round of negotiations. CMS is interested in patient-focused input, including information related to therapeutic alternatives of the selected drugs and how the selected drugs address unmet need, as well as how the selected drugs impact specific populations. The sessions will be listen-only; CMS will not be responding to feedback during the sessions. Dates: The Listening Sessions will be held October 30 – November 15, 2023. Speaker registration is open September 1 – October 2, 2023. Attendance: The public does not need to register to attend. All sessions will be livestreamed here. Public Input Opportunities: There are two ways the public can share feedback and input to CMS related to the selected drugs and their therapeutic alternatives: 1. Public Statement: Those who wish to make a brief live, public statement should register for the chance to speak at a Listening Session. Each session can accommodate approximately 20 speakers. Additional information for speakers and registration to speak can be found here. 2. Submitted Statement: Because there are limited speaking opportunities during the live Listening Sessions, CMS encourages the public to submit written input, if interested, in response to the 2023 CMS request for information about selected drugs and evidence about alternative treatments. Information can be submitted here. The deadline for both public input opportunities is October 2, 2023 at 11:59 PM PDT. The Listening Sessions are subject to change, including postponement and/or cancellation. Additional information on the public Listening Sessions can be found here. Additional information about the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program can be found here.

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Hispanic Heritage Month | Jewish High Holidays | HHS News

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September 22, 2023 Dear John, President Joe Biden released his proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month and we are sharing information throughout the month to commemorate with you! This observation began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan. Below are some statistics on Hispanic/Latino health: • Hispanic/Latino Americans have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group within the U.S. In 2022, the estimated uninsured rate for Hispanic/Latino adults was 27.6 percent compared to 7.1 percent for non-Hispanic Asian, 7.4 percent for non-Hispanic white, and 13.3 percent for non-Hispanic Black adults. • Hispanics/Latinos have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics/Latinos are also significantly affected by chronic lower respiratory diseases (including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), liver disease, influenza and pneumonia, suicide, and kidney disease. • Leading causes of death among Hispanics/Latinos include cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries (accidents), stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. • In 2022, over 10 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults reported not getting needed medical care in the past 12 months due to cost, compared to 5.2 percent of non-Hispanic white adults. These health statistics are exactly why President Biden worked so hard to secure the Inflation Reduction Act and so many other historic accomplishments thus far, to deliver on his promises. Last year President Biden shared a fact sheet on how the Inflation Reduction Act helps Latino Communities. Having recently celebrated our 1-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, or as Secretary calls it the: Lower Prescription Drug Law, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering for the American people – and in Hispanic Heritage month we emphasize the importance of delivering for Hispanic and Latinos across America! I invite you to share photos of how you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month by tweeting them to us at @HHSRegion8 ! Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge those celebrating the Jewish High Holidays. I hope that you had a meaningful and sweet New Year and that you are able to reflect on the past year as Yom Kippur approaches.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

Approaching 60th Anniversary of Community Mental Health Act of 1963, the Biden-Harris Administration Awards Nearly $130 Million to Expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Across US   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced that it has awarded $127.7 million to expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) across the country. These grant awards support the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to advance President Biden’s Unity Agenda to tackle the country’s mental health crisis and beat the opioid epidemic. Read More Here Biden-Harris Administration Awards $600 Million to Bolster US Manufacturing of COVID-19 Tests and Announces the Re-Opening of COVIDTests.gov   These critical investments in U.S. manufacturing will improve preparedness for COVID-19 and other pandemic threats of the future, strengthen the nation’s capacity to manufacture tests, and secure approximately 200 million new over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for future federal government use. View More Here HHS Awards $45 Million in Grants to Expand Access to Care for People with Long COVID   The grants are a first of their kind. They are designed to expand access and care, develop, and implement new or improved care delivery models, foster best practices for Long COVID management, and support the primary care community in Long COVID education. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-government effort to accelerate scientific progress and provide individuals with Long COVID the support and services they need. Learn More Here HHS Launches Environmental Justice Community Innovator Challenge   The Challenge will further partnerships with communities, in line with the White House Campaign for Environmental Justice, and help drive innovation to catalyze creative solutions to confront longstanding environmental injustices and inequities. The announcement comes on Day 1 of Climate Week 2023, which will feature senior Biden-Administration officials throughout the week. See More Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Hispanic Heritage Month | Hispanic Health Data | HHS News

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September 29, 2023 Dear John, I have enjoyed seeing so many Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) celebrations, photos, and recognitions. The opportunity to shine a light on the immense beauty and layered complexity of Latinidad is worthy of our time, attention, and data! With that said, I am taking time to share a few statements and blog posts related to HHM with you all. For starters, please read HHS Secretary Becerra’s statement on Hispanic Heritage Month. Additionally, I encourage you to read the following blog post on HHM from Dr. Fatima Coronado. I also want to highlight HHS’s Office of Minority Health (OMH), who noted that we as an agency are committed to advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Hispanic/Latino individuals through providing Hispanic/Latino folks with culturally and linguistically competent healthcare services, information, and resources. When folks are provided with culturally and linguistically competent information, they are empowered to foster healthier outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities. According to the Office of minority health, “Hispanic/Latino Americans are likely to live an average of 1.3 years longer than their non-Hispanic white counterparts, they are generally in poorer health: CDC data shows that in 2022 approximately 16 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults were in fair or poor health, compared to 13.5 percent of non-Hispanic white adults. Hispanic/Latino health is shaped by several factors including language and cultural barriers, lack of access to preventative care, and lack of health insurance. People who lack access to quality health care are less likely to receive preventative care and more likely to have chronic health conditions and die prematurely.”

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

In the Lead Up to Prevention Month, the Biden-Harris Administration Awards $42.6 Million to Expand and Strengthen the Capacity of States and Local Community Prevention Providers to Implement Evidence-based Prevention Strategies   "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to strengthening prevention programs, policies, and practices. That includes developing and delivering community-based prevention services," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Misuse Prevention Month help remind us that there are many Americans struggling with substance use - and they need our support. Our message to them: you aren't alone - we have your back." Read More Here HHS Launches Climate and Health Outlook Portal to Identify Counties at Risk of Climate-Related Hazards   “This past summer’s extreme weather events show the growing health risks of climate change, and HHS is protecting public health by making planning ahead as easy as possible,” said Adm Rachel Levine, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health. “Public health and emergency preparedness officials can save lives by using this platform to prepare for climate-related hazard events. Having actionable information at the county level can reduce illness and deaths and help protect those who are most at risk.” View More Here Biden-Harris Administration Announces $24.5 Million in Awards in Major Expansion of the Tribal Home Visiting Program   President Biden signed legislation that increased funding for Tribal MIECHV from $12 million in FY 2022 to $30 million in FY 2023. This major expansion of the Tribal MIECHV program is an opportunity to bring evidence-based home visiting services to more tribal communities. In FY 2022 seven tribal entities were awarded funding. With today’s announcement of 34 more awards, the program now supports 41 grants serving 68 tribal and 17 urban Native communities. Learn More Here HHS Office for Civil Rights Issues Bulletin on Countering Antisemitism and on Protecting Patients and Recipients of Human Services from Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics   The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) took steps to counter antisemitism by issuing a bulletin describing how civil rights laws may protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of their actual or perceived ethnicity or ancestry. This important reminder is HHS’s latest action in furtherance of the Biden-⁠Harris Administration’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. See More Here HHS Announces Historic Child Welfare Package to Expand Support and Equity in Child Welfare System   “This is a historic package that underlines the Biden-Harris Administration’s steadfast commitment to putting children’s well-being first,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This package allows kin to step into a critical caretaker role, proposes necessary legal representation to keep families together, and a safe and accepting environment in which children can thrive. The Administration is providing vital resources to remove barriers for child welfare agencies to provide supports necessary to accomplish that mission.” Read More Here Biden-Harris Administration Awards More than $230 Million for Suicide Prevention, Behavioral Health Care Programs for At-Risk Communities   “September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this month, we are reminded that suicide is preventable, and no one should go through a suicide-related crisis alone,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply committed to tackling the mental health challenges facing America, and particularly focused on addressing the alarming rates of suicide.” View More Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Medicare Open Enrollment | Inflation Reduction Act | HHS News

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October 6, 2023 Dear John, October 15th begins Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (lasting until December 7th) and I want to remind you that you have choices regarding your Medicare prescription drug and health coverage. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is your chance to think about what matters most to you. Plans can change from year to year, and your health needs may change, too. So it's important to know your options. There are two main ways for you to get Medicare coverage — Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Medicare-approved plans from private companies). It's important to understand the differences between the 2 options. Start at Medicare.gov, your official source to find the type of coverage that fits you best. If you need more help comparing options: • Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE during Open Enrollment. • Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiphelp.org to get the phone number for your state. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), some benefits people with Medicare can expect include: • $35 per month (or less) for each Medicare-covered insulin product • Free recommended preventive vaccines • $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in 2025 for your Medicare prescription drug coverage • Lower prices starting in 2026 for selected drugs through Medicare negotiations with drug companies • More help affording premiums and out-of-pocket costs for enrollees who qualify Pictured here: Tammy Tucker, Tracey Pidgeon, Mayor Laura Weinberg, Director Griego, Councilman Paul Haseman, Sarah Vaine, and Mary Gomez.   Lastly, thanks to everyone who took time to meet with me this week in Colorado. One of our stops was in Golden, Colorado’s Front Porch for Active Adults to share some of the above IRA successes and accomplishments. A huge thank you to all who are working tirelessly to ensure that all our active adults are getting the care, services, and resources they need.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

SAMHSA Announces Nearly $35M in Grant Awards for Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care and HIV Prevention and Care for Historically Underserved Populations   “These specific funds will help support programs that bring special emphasis to those who have historically not had equitable access to behavioral health care and infectious disease services,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., the HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, and the leader of SAMHSA. “The HIV prevention and substance use services provided through this grant will help to improve overall health and wellness of individuals and communities across the country.” Read More Here Biden-Harris Administration Moves Forward with Medicare Drug Price Negotiations to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for People with Medicare   The landmark Inflation Reduction Act gave Medicare the authority to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time in history, and, in late August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D selected for the first cycle of negotiation. Drug companies that manufacture these drugs have indicated that they will participate in negotiations with Medicare during the remainder of 2023 and in 2024, and any agreed-upon negotiated prices will become effective beginning in 2026. View More Here ICYMI: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $330 Million Dollars in New Funding to Advance Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative, Improve Health Care Research, Treatment, and Outcomes for the American Public   This week, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced a series of research projects totaling over $330 million dollars that will support biomedical health breakthroughs aimed at improving health solutions and health care for the American public. Learn More Here HHS Announces Proposed Regulation to Strengthen Services and Protections for Unaccompanied Children in Its Care   This proposed rule would codify a framework for the care and custody of unaccompanied children consistent with ORR’s statutory authorities and responsibilities, as well as with requirements established in the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA). It would establish a comprehensive framework setting clear standards for the care and treatment of unaccompanied children in ORR’s custody. See More Here HHS Awards $4 Million for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity   “American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations experience a high burden of health disparities or differences in health outcomes compared to other populations,” said Rear Admiral Felicia Collins, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and OMH Director. “Thus, we are pleased that the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity will continue to develop, implement, and evaluate culturally appropriate approaches for reducing and eliminating these disparities through partnerships with academic institutions, Indigenous leaders, and community members.” Read More Here HHS Takes Action to Provide 12 Months of Mandatory Continuous Coverage for Children in Medicaid and CHIP   "Children should always have access to health care services. No exceptions. Thanks to the actions taken by the Biden-Harris Administration, states must provide all children with Medicaid and CHIP continuous coverage for 12 months,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This important action will ensure children have access to the preventative and primary care they need to be healthy and thrive. We will continue to support children and their families, whenever and however it is needed.”

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Director Griego's Utah Trip | Hispanic Heritage Month | HHS News

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October 13, 2023 Dear John, Thanks to the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the invitation to provide a keynote speech on behalf of the Biden Administration. I’m grateful for everyone in Utah working toward equity, language access, healthcare as a right, access to health insurance and getting your updated vaccines just in time for colder weather! This invitation provided the platform for multiple community discussions and valuable engagements.  Pictured: Juan Pascua, Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Lily Griego, HHS Regional Director; Randal Serr, Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Chair After sharing updates with elected officials, I heard from Latino leaders and field experts convened by Utah Health Policy Project. Huge should out to all who took time to come together and collaborate on how we serve those in need and celebrating milestone moments! Pictured: Lily Griego, HHS Regional Director and Matt Slonaker, Utah Health Policy Project Executive Director with attendees of the Latino Health Roundtable.   Lastly, the University of Utah’s Population Health Center hosted me at their facility and highlighted their model to connect education, workforce, and community focused healthcare at their new locations which is focused on “taking care of a community that looks like them,” which is in line with HHS’ commitment to providing culturally competent care to people in every corner of the country. Pictured: Dr. Erica Baiden, Population Health Center & Black Physicians of Utah; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Ferguson, Health Choice Utah & Black Physicians of Utah; Lily Griego, HHS Regional Director; Medical Director Dr. Stacey Bank, Population Health Center; and Dr. Brian Shiozawa, former HHS Regional Director.   Thank you to everyone who welcomed me to the Beehive State! Your time, expertise, and inclusion in Salt Lake City events was an honor. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

Statement from Secretary Becerra and Deputy Secretary Palm on World Mental Health Awareness Day 2023   "Here at home and around the world, our goal should be that every individual, regardless of their walk of life, has access to mental health support. When we speak of providing healthcare, it should encompass the care of the mind just as much as the body." Read More Here HHS Announces $16.7 Million in New Grants to Boost U.S. Economy and Create Sustainable Jobs for Individuals with Low Incomes   The grants, aligning with Community Economic Development Month in October, will stimulate the creation of more than 575 new, full-time jobs with sustainable wages for individuals living in low-income communities in 26 states. View More Here HHS Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Update 2005 Public Health Service Policies on Research Misconduct   The current regulation establishes the requirements for addressing research misconduct in PHS-funded research. Its purpose is to promote integrity in research, establish the definitions and processes to assess and investigate allegations of research misconduct, ensure the appropriate handling of research misconduct by PHS-funded institutions, and authorize administrative actions, when necessary. Proposed revisions to the policy build upon previous regulations and make necessary improvements to meet the demands of dynamic changes in biomedical and behavioral research. Learn More Here HHS Awards $1.9 Million for a National Lupus Outreach and Clinical Trial Education Initiative   Over a three-year period, awardees will identify and sustain effective interventions to advance clinical trial diversity and to ultimately reduce health disparities experienced by racial and ethnic minority individuals with lupus. See More Here HHS Requests Public Input on Coverage of Over-the-Counter Preventive Services, Including Contraception, Tobacco Cessation, and Breastfeeding Supplies   Under the Affordable Care Act, most plans and issuers must cover certain recommended preventive items and services at no cost. Several of these recommended preventive items and services are currently available to consumers OTC without a prescription but are not required to be covered without cost sharing unless prescribed by a health care provider. The goal of the RFI is to understand the potential challenges and benefits for various interested parties, including consumers, plans, issuers, pharmacies, and health care providers, to provide coverage at no cost for recommended OTC preventive products without requiring a prescription. The Departments are committed to ensuring that everyone is able to access affordable and critical preventive items and services, including OTC preventive products. Read More Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

State of Reform Colorado | HHS Priorities | HHS News

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October 20, 2023 Dear John, This week, I had the honor of providing the closing keynote speech at the State of Reform Colorado conference. State of Reform is an organization whose mission is to further help merge the worlds of healthcare and healthcare-related policy.  Pictured: Lily Griego, HHS Regional Director and Kathleen Nolan, Director of Health at National Governors Association Topics discussed at this week’s State of Reform Conference in Denver, Colorado included: - Improving health equity in Colorado - Workforce retention and challenges - Managing drug costs through policy - Addiction treatment and jail transitions During my keynote speech, I highlighted the ways in which the Biden-Harris administration is lowering prescription costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, actions from HHS that are improving maternal health, Executive Orders signed by President Biden protecting and securing access to reproductive healthcare and related services, and the work Secretary Becerra is spearheading regarding Medicaid Renewals. Pictured: Lily Griego, HHS Regional Director and Kathleen Nolan, Director of Health at National Governors Association   Thank you to all the panelists and participants throughout the conference’s sessions for shining a light on so many relevant topics surrounding the healthcare sphere. Thank you to the State of Reform for including me in your annual Colorado conference as the closing keynote speaker.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

HHS Office for Civil Rights Issues Resources for Health Care Providers and Patients to Help Educate Patients about Telehealth and the Privacy and Security of Protected Health Information   The first resource is for health care providers on “Educating Patients about Privacy and Security Risks to Protected Health Information when Using Remote Communication Technologies for Telehealth.” OCR also issued a resource for patients called “Telehealth Privacy and Security Tips for Patients.” This resource provides recommendations that patients can implement to protect and secure their health information. Read More Here Biden-Harris Administration Invests Nearly $2 Million in Digital and School-Based Programs Aimed at Protecting Youth from Human Trafficking   The awards are part of the Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program, where the ACF Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) engages with education organizations to address the ongoing rise in online harassment and abuse and human trafficking among youth. View More Here SAMHSA's Role in Possible Agency Actions Regarding Mental Health and Substance Use Wellbeing in the Context of Climate Change and Health Equity   SAMHSA seeks input from members of the public about how it can best address the behavioral health impacts of climate change and health equity considerations. Behavioral health includes mental health conditions and substance use disorders. SAMHSA specifically seeks input on suggested priorities, resources, partners and collaborating agencies and organizations. Learn More Here Natinal Institute of Health - Información en Español Sobre la Salud Mental   Esta página contiene enlaces a recursos del NIMH en español. También incluye enlaces a recursos en español relacionados con la salud que provienen de otras fuentes confiables. Ver Más Aquí The Biden-Harris Administration is pleased to announce that, for the first time in recent history, the EOP is offering paid internship opportunities in many of their offices. The following offices will be offering internships in the coming year: The White House Office, the Office of the Vice President, the Council of Economic Advisers, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of Administration, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of the National Cyber Director, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and more, learn more here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/ SUMMER 2024 1. Program Start Date: June 10, 2024 2. Program End Date: August 16, 2024 3. Application Open Date: October 16, 2023 (NOW OPEN) 4. Application Close Date: November 19, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day | HHS Priorities | HHS News

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October 27, 2023 Dear John, This Saturday, October 28th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The aim of this day is to provide people with a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs while educating folks regarding the potential for abuse of prescription drugs. Click here to see where you’re able to drop off Prescription Drugs you’re no longer taking in a safe and secure way. This past week, Region 8 federal offices in the Denver-metropolitan area hosted their own National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events, where they collected folk’s unused and expired medications and passed out information regarding national and local resources and literature. Click here to see resources related to National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Thank you to everyone who has already disposed of their unused and expired prescription drugs in a safe manner! Together we can make our homes and communities safer.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $3.7B to Help Lower Home Energy Costs, Launches National LIHEAP Eligibility Tool   The funding released is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which includes $100 million in increased funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in addition to regular appropriations from the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024. Read More Here Biden-Harris Administration Launches Window-Shopping Ahead of 11th ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Period   As we begin the 11th Open Enrollment period, the Marketplace is stronger than ever with lower out-of-pocket premiums thanks to the continuation of enhanced financial assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, nearly 15 million Americans are saving an average of $800 a year on their health insurance premiums. View More Here CISA, HHS Release Collaborative Cybersecurity Healthcare Toolkit   The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) co-hosted a roundtable discussion on the cybersecurity challenges that the U.S. healthcare and public health (HPH) sector system faces, and how Government and industry can work together to close the gaps in resources and cyber capabilities. Ahead of the roundtable, CISA and HHS released a cybersecurity tool kit that includes resources tailored for the healthcare and public health sector.

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Director Melanie Fontes Rainer in Colorado | Marketplace Open Enrollment | HHS News

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November 3, 2023 Dear John, We have been honored to have the Director for the Office for Civil Rights Melanie Fontes Rainer in town! Scroll below to see what we’ve been up to together. We started the trip with a visit to Re:Vision to discuss the importance of culturally competent care, including the necessity for equitable language access in the healthcare space.  Thank you to Director Mariana Del Hierro for hosting us in her beautiful space!   We then made our way to the University of Denver for a student-focused discussion on the intersection of civil rights and Spanish language access.  Thank you to Dr. Lina Reznicek-Parrado for organizing such an incredible event and for the 65+ University of Denver students for your active participation!   We then made our way to Glenwood Springs and convened a Latino-focused civil rights discussion at Colorado Mountain College.  Thank you to Yesenia Silva Estrada and Dr. Lisa Runck for welcoming us to your campus and for providing an engaging tour of your academic facilities!   We headed back to Denver for a Community Charla Cafecito, hosted at Servicios de la Raza.  Thank you to CEO and President of Servicios de la Raza Rudy Gonzales and former Executive Director of Together We Count Colorado Rosemary Rodriguez for creating the space for our conversation surrounding Latino health and language access.   Thank you to the Gill Foundation for hosting our convening on LGBTQ civil rights in Colorado and the Mountain West.  The insights and topics discussed at this meeting are deeply appreciated.   Thank you to Director Fontes Rainer for making the time to visit with Coloradans of all ages and backgrounds to hear what they are seeing and experiencing on the ground regarding civil rights in the state. And thank you to everyone who showed up and participated in our events – we take our commitment to serve you seriously and appreciate your time and knowledge.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

The Health Insurance Marketplace is now OPEN! The Marketplace Open Enrollment kicks off with record affordability for the third year in a row! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, four out of five HealthCare.gov customers are able to find health coverage for $10 or less per month with financial help. For consumers who have lost Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, apply for Marketplace coverage right away! You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. All Marketplace plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more. During the Open Enrollment Period, 'Theme Weeks of Action' are available each week for partners and Champions for Coverage to focus on specific audiences. Biden-Harris Administration Advances Efforts to Improve the Surprise Billing Payment Dispute Process   “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to take actions to protect patients from junk health insurance and unfair billing practices. This rule is the next step in ensuring we take patients out of the middle of billing disputes between insurers and health care providers,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Eliminating surprise medical bills, reducing the burden of medical debt, and curtailing junk insurance plans continue to be high priorities. HHS will continue to do everything in our power to protect patients.” Read More Here HHS Proposes Rule to Establish Disincentives for Health Care Providers that have Committed Information Blocking   The proposed rule released today complements OIG’s rule that established information blocking penalties for the other actors identified by Congress (health information technology (IT) developers of certified health IT or other entities offering certified health IT, health information exchanges, and health information networks). View More Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Veterans Day | Marketplace Open Enrollment | HHS News

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November 9, 2023 Dear John, Did you know that Veterans Day was originally “Armistice Day”? The first Armistice Day was observed on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of World War I. Armistice Day was not made an official national observance until 1926 and was not made a national holiday by Congress until 1938. The name of the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 to honor all the individuals who have served the United States in both war and peacetime. Did you know… - There are 16.5 million military veterans in the U.S. today. - Of the 16.5 million military veterans, 1.7 million identify as female. - 1.9% of the 16.5 million military veterans are Asian American, 73.0% are non-Hispanic White, 8.2% are Hispanic or Latino (of any race), 12.3% are African American, 0.7% are American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.2% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 2.7% reported a different race than any of the above races. - 24.4% of veterans are ages 75 and older, while 8.2% of veterans are ages 35 or younger. Thank you to those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifices for our liberties and freedoms. The United States would not be the nation it is today without the brave men, women, and people in uniform who have tirelessly devoted themselves to the needs of the public and our safety and security. This Veterans Day, take a moment to thank a veteran for their service, and let me close by saying THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to every single veteran in Region 8 and throughout the country.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements The Health Insurance Marketplace is now OPEN! The Marketplace Open Enrollment kicks off with record affordability for the third year in a row! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, four out of five HealthCare.gov customers are able to find health coverage for $10 or less per month with financial help. For consumers who have lost Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, apply for Marketplace coverage right away! You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. All Marketplace plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more. During the Open Enrollment Period, 'Theme Weeks of Action' are available each week for partners and Champions for Coverage to focus on specific audiences.

HHS Issues Take Action for Adolescents: A Call to Action for Adolescent Health and Well-Being   “Young people today are facing significant challenges to their health and well-being,” said Admiral Rachel Levine, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health. “We are committed to working closely with our allies and partners across the country to support improvements in adolescent health and well-being.” Read More Here Secretary Becerra Named Chair of U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness; Announces $6.1 Million in New Measures on Affordable Housing and Support for Runaway Youth; Launches Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator   “Stable housing is essential to the health and well-being of individuals and families. Preventing and ending homelessness requires a collective effort to understand and address its root causes such as housing affordability. We must also channel our efforts to address the health and social needs of many who are unhoused, including behavioral health,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is doing critically important work and I am honored to take on the role of Chair. We will continue to do everything in our collective capacity to dramatically reduce homelessness in this country.”

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Marketplace Open Enrollment | Native American Heritage Month | HHS News

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November 17, 2023 Dear John, Healthcare open enrollment (the period of time when you can sign up for, or make changes to, your healthcare plan) is here! If you’re interested in changing your healthcare provider and plan, be sure to do so before the December 15th deadline. Your new and updated coverage would begin January 1st. If this is your first time applying for coverage, click here for more information. If you already have a Marketplace plan, click here for more information. Colorado residents visit this link. Native American Heritage Month is observed every November in the United States to celebrate the rich and diverse Tribal cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) honor the history, culture, and legacy of Tribal nations and Indigenous communities across the United States. HHS and OMH are committed to advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Native Americans and their communities by ensuring connections to culturally appropriate healthcare services, information, and resources. When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities. National Rural Health Day is the third Thursday of every November and recognizes the efforts of rural providers, communities, organizations, state offices of rural health, and others dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of rural America. “Everyone deserves access to safe, quality health care no matter where they live,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “On National Rural Health Day, we at the Health Resources and Services Administration affirm our commitment to promoting the health of rural residents, including through our continued investments in programs that support providing primary care and behavioral health services, growing and sustaining the workforce, and enhancing maternal and infant health in rural communities across the country.” Many of HRSA’s programs play an essential role in supporting rural health: • Nearly 10 million rural residents rely on a health center as their source of care; • The Home Visiting Program serves more than 600 rural counties; and • 7,400 National Health Service Corps providers who provide care to rural patients. Lastly, our office had the pleasure of welcoming ARPA – H (the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) to Denver, Colorado for a series of meetings and roundtable discussions. ARPA – H is a research funding federal agency whose aim is to support biomedical and health breakthroughs by investing in “$100 million ideas” that would change the healthcare system and would benefit every American. Learn more about their incredible work here. (Pictured: Regional Director Lily Griego during the ARPA-H visit at Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado).

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements The Health Insurance Marketplace is now OPEN! The Marketplace Open Enrollment kicks off with record affordability for the third year in a row! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, four out of five HealthCare.gov customers are able to find health coverage for $10 or less per month with financial help. For consumers who have lost Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, apply for Marketplace coverage right away! You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. All Marketplace plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more. During the Open Enrollment Period, 'Theme Weeks of Action' are available each week for partners and Champions for Coverage to focus on specific audiences.

HHS Establishes Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID   To the extent possible, composition of the Committee will reflect the experience of an inclusive and diverse cross-section of persons with Long COVID and multidisciplinary expertise of those supporting and caring for those affected as well as specific clinical, medical, public health, behavioral health, human services, employment, data science, and research expertise. Read More Here Biden-Harris Administration Proposes New Rule to Strengthen the Head Start Workforce, Increase Wages & Support Quality Programming   If finalized, the new proposed rule would raise Head Start teacher annual wages by more than $10,000 on average. And it will put Head Start teachers on a path to parity with public school teachers by ensuring that their salaries are at least equivalent to preschool teachers in public school settings without impacting children currently enrolled in Head Start. View More Here Breaking Language Barriers: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Plan to Address Language Barriers and Strengthen Language Access   The updated Language Access Plan sets forth practical guidance, best practices, and action steps in order for HHS Operating and Staff Divisions to develop their own, agency-specific language access plans. The plan also calls for agencies to collect data regarding their language access services in order to increase access to their respective programs, activities, and services for persons with limited English proficiency. See More Here HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data   The NSDUH report provides nationally representative data on the self-reported use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs; substance use disorders; mental health conditions; suicidal thoughts and behaviors; and substance use and mental health treatment among the civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 12 or older in the United States. The NSDUH estimates allow researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the general public to better understand and improve the nation’s behavioral health. Addressing the nation’s mental health crisis and drug overdose epidemic is a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration and a core pillar of the Administration’s Unity Agenda. Lean More Here Biden-Harris Administration Reiterates Urgent Call for Congress to Help Strengthen Addiction Treatment, Crack Down on Drug Trafficking as HHS Releases New Data on Substance Use Disorder   President Biden has been calling on Congress for additional funding to expand essential life-saving services and crack down on illicit drug trafficking. In recent supplemental funding requests to Congress, the White House has called for $1.55 billion to strengthen addiction treatment, overdose prevention measures, and recovery support services across the country, and more than $1.2 billion to crack down on drug trafficking to keep dangerous drugs like fentanyl out of our communities. Read More Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Happy Thanksgiving | Family Health History Day | HHS News

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November 24, 2023 Dear John, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope the holiday was full of relaxation, delicious foods, and gratitude. Did you know that Thanksgiving is also Family Health History Day? It’s important to discuss and normalize discussing your family's health history because diseases including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are often inherited. Tracing illnesses suffered by your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your healthcare practitioner predict your risk for various diseases and make important screening and treatment decisions before any disease is present. Knowing your family health history can help you—if you are able to act on it. Collecting your family’s health history is an important first step. Whether you know a lot about your family health history or only a little, take time to talk to your family about their health histories. It might not be easy to have these conversations. Your family members might not be used to talking about their diseases or might not want to talk. But starting the conversation is important. Remember, you’re asking not just for your own health, but for the health of everyone in your family. Tips and Trips on How to Collect Your Family Health History from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): • Talk to your family. Write down the names of your close relatives from both sides of the family: parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Talk to these family members about what conditions they have or had, and at what age the conditions were first diagnosed. You might think you know about all of the conditions in your parents or siblings, but you might find out more information if you ask. • Ask questions. To find out about your risk for chronic diseases, ask your relatives about which of these diseases they have had and when they were diagnosed. Questions can include: o Do you have any chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, or health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol? o Have you had any other serious diseases, such as cancer or stroke? What type of cancer? o How old were you when each of these diseases or health conditions was diagnosed? (If your relative doesn’t remember the exact age, knowing the approximate age is still useful.) o What is your family’s ancestry? From what countries or regions did your ancestors come to the United States? o What were the causes and ages of death for relatives who have died? • Record the information and update it whenever you learn new family health history information. My Family Health Portrait, a free web-based tool, is helpful in organizing the information in your family health history. My Family Health Portrait allows you to share this information easily with your doctor and other family members. • Share family health history information with your doctor and other family members. If you are concerned about diseases that are common in your family, talk with your doctor at your next visit. Even if you don’t know all of your family health history information, share what you do know. Family health history information, even if incomplete, can help your doctor decide which screening tests you need and when those tests should start.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements The Health Insurance Marketplace is now OPEN! The Marketplace Open Enrollment kicks off with record affordability for the third year in a row! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, four out of five HealthCare.gov customers are able to find health coverage for $10 or less per month with financial help. For consumers who have lost Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, apply for Marketplace coverage right away! You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. All Marketplace plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more. During the Open Enrollment Period, 'Theme Weeks of Action' are available each week for partners and Champions for Coverage to focus on specific audiences.

More than 4.5 Million Select Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace Coverage Since Start of Open Enrollment Period   This represents activity through November 18 (Week 3) for the 32 states using HealthCare.gov and through November 11 (Week 2) for the 17 states and the District of Columbia with State-based Marketplaces (SBMs). Total plan selections include 920,000 people (20% of total) who are new to the Marketplaces for 2024, and 3.7 million people (80% of total) who have active 2023 coverage and returned to their respective Marketplaces to renew their coverage or select a new plan for 2024. Read More Here Biden-Harris Administration Announces $74.4 Million in Funding Opportunities to Improve Behavioral Health   The grant opportunities total about $74.4 million and are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities to beat the overdose epidemic and tackle the mental health crisis – two key pillars of the President’s Unity Agenda for the nation. View More Here The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Action to Improve Health and Wellbeing by Addressing Social Determinants of Health   “It is clear that the health of our people does not exist in a vacuum, but it is affected by our access to stable housing, healthy food, and clean air to breathe,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “It is crucial for HHS to tackle health care and public health holistically by addressing patients’ social conditions. Today’s announcement will help to provide opportunities to improve equal access to health care for every American and make progress toward a health system that improves health care outcomes for all Americans instead of advantaged few.” See More Here

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Marketplace Open Enrollment | World AIDS Day | HHS News

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December 1, 2023 Dear John, Marketplace Open Enrollment continues, help us spread the word! Here are 5 aspects everyone needs to know about Marketplace Open Enrollment: 1. Key Dates! The Marketplace Open Enrollment at HealthCare.gov runs from November 1 to January 15. Consumers who want health coverage starting January 1 should enroll in coverage by December 15. Consumers must enroll by January 15 to have coverage that starts on February 1. Otherwise, consumers will need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Marketplace plan. 2. Coverage is Affordable! Thanks to a new law from 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), more people qualify for help purchasing quality health coverage. If you have looked for health coverage before, it is worth a second look: • 4 out of 5 HealthCare.gov customers will be able to find a plan for $10/month or less with financial help. • With the IRA, millions of people will continue to qualify for tax credits that lower their premiums. 3. Quality Plans! The Marketplace offers quality, comprehensive health insurance plans that provide coverage for doctor visits, emergency care, behavioral health care, preventive care, hospital care, maternity care, and prescription drugs. • There are also new plan options that offer similar benefit designs and more pre-deductible services. 4. Help is Available! Consumers can access Navigators and other assisters in every state on the Marketplace. To find local help go to https://localhelp.healthcare.gov. 5. Sign Up for Coverage! All consumers shopping for health insurance coverage — even those who currently have coverage through the Marketplace — should enroll or re-enroll by logging in to HealthCare.gov and CuidadodeSalud.gov or call 1-800- 318- 2596 (TTY is 855-889-4325) to fill out an application and enroll in a Marketplace plan. Free help is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week, and assistance is available in over 200 languages. Next week is the LGBTQI+ Week of Action for Open Enrollment. Did you know: • LGBTQI+ individuals have long faced challenges accessing health insurance coverage and quality healthcare. • Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more people including individuals in the LGBTQI+ community, will continue to qualify for help purchasing quality health coverage. • All HealthCare.gov plans cover a set of preventive services and essential health benefits for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. • LGBTQI+ consumers who want to enroll in health coverage and see if they qualify for more affordable premiums can also visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325. Help is available in over 200 languages.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements The Health Insurance Marketplace is now OPEN! The Marketplace Open Enrollment kicks off with record affordability for the third year in a row! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, four out of five HealthCare.gov customers are able to find health coverage for $10 or less per month with financial help. For consumers who have lost Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, apply for Marketplace coverage right away! You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. All Marketplace plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more. During the Open Enrollment Period, 'Theme Weeks of Action' are available each week for partners and Champions for Coverage to focus on specific audiences.

Statement by Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine on World AIDS Day   “Today, on the 35th commemoration of World AIDS Day, and prompted by this year’s theme, World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit, we pause to remember the estimated 39 million individuals living with HIV around the world, including 1.2 million people here in the United States. We also remember the more than 40 million people worldwide who have died from HIV/AIDS since the start of the pandemic.” Read More Here Latest Data from HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Highlight Nine Out of Ten Clients with HIV Are Virally Suppressed   Viral suppression means people with HIV taking their medication cannot sexually transmit HIV and can live longer and healthier lives. The percentage of Black/African American clients, Hispanic/Latino clients, and youth and young adult clients receiving care through the program and achieving viral suppression all far exceed overall national viral suppression rates. This announcement highlights the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program’s vital role in expanding access to care for individuals with HIV, improving HIV health outcomes, and ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. View More Here Biden-Harris Administration Announces Updated Resource to Support the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs   “The responsibility to ensure that young children with disabilities and their families are included in high-quality early childhood programs is a shared one. Government, at all levels, early childhood systems, and schools must work together to provide necessary support to parents with their kids,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. “Today, Secretary Cardona and I reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to our role in this important work. Together, we can ensure every child with disabilities can participate in high-quality early childhood programs.”

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

World AIDS Day | Health Insurance Marketplace | HHS News

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December 8, 2023 Dear John, World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 each year. This day is a day of solidarity for people around the world who are affected by HIV. It is a day for voices to unite by sharing experiences, remembering those lost, and standing together in the fight against HIV. While large strides have been made over the four decades since the first known reported cases of AIDS, this disease remains a public health challenge. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for us all to honor and hold space for the more than 32 million people who have died worldwide from AIDS-related illness. For more information on World AIDS Day, visit UNAIDS World AIDS day. A bit about the history of this day: World AIDS Day was first recognized in 1988 as an international day for global health. World AIDS Day is a day to bridge new and effective programs and policies across different sectors around HIV/AIDS. Every year, United Nations agencies, federal agencies, and societies from across the globe join to campaign around specific themes related to HIV. Click here to read Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine’s statement on World AIDS Day.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements The Health Insurance Marketplace is now OPEN! The Marketplace Open Enrollment kicks off with record affordability for the third year in a row! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, four out of five HealthCare.gov customers are able to find health coverage for $10 or less per month with financial help. For consumers who have lost Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, apply for Marketplace coverage right away! You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. All Marketplace plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more. During the Open Enrollment Period, 'Theme Weeks of Action' are available each week for partners and Champions for Coverage to focus on specific audiences.

States and Tribes Partner with USDA to Kick Off New Summer EBT Program   Through Summer EBT, states, territories, and certain tribal nations can provide grocery benefits to families with eligible school-aged children during the summer months. Once implemented nationwide, Summer EBT is expected to benefit more than 29 million children, reducing food insecurity and helping kids get the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive. Read More Here More Than 7 Million Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace Since Start of Open Enrollment Period   Nearly 7.3 million people have selected an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plan since the 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) opened on November 1. This represents activity through December 2 (Week 5) for the 32 states using HealthCare.gov and through November 25 (Week 4) for the 18 states and the District of Columbia with State-based Marketplaces (SBMs). Total plan selections include more than 1.6 million people (23% of total) who are new to the Marketplaces for 2024, and 5.7 million people (77% of total) who have active 2023 coverage and returned to their respective Marketplaces to renew their coverage or select a new plan for 2024. View More Here President Biden Takes Action to Renew and Strengthen the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders   “From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made it a priority to advance equity through the federal government. And we commend the steadfast leadership of our President’s Advisory Commission, who have been tireless advocates for our nation’s diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities,” said HHS Secretary Becerra and Ambassador Tai. “Thanks to President Biden, this Commission is further empowered with the tools it needs to ensure AA and NHPI communities are continually seen and heard at the highest levels of government, and that equity remains at the forefront of our work.” See More Here HHS Shares Health Sector Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Announcements at COP28   The HHS Climate Change and Health Equity Strategy Supplement (a supplement to the 2021 HHS Climate Action Plan - PDF) for the first time describes in one place HHS agencies' accomplishments and planned actions to help public health, health care and human services stakeholders better address climate-related risks and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The Supplement includes more than 50 planned actions – such as research programs, forecasting tools and technical assistance supports for communities and healthcare providers – and outlines forward-looking areas of work.

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Regional Director Awards | White House Internship Opportunity | HHS News

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December 15, 2023 Dear John, This week, our office in Denver took some time to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of HHS Region VIII’s public servants. This gathering was the first one organized since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was meaningful to have so many colleagues in the same room and to recognize all their tireless efforts. Pictured: Denver-based U.S. Department of Health & Human Services at the 2023 Regional Director Awards.   Some of the agencies represented at the Regional Director Awards were the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Learn more about what all these HHS agencies are doing at this link. Pictured: Staff Assistant Vincent Wong, Executive Officer Elsa Ramirez, Regional Director Lily Griego, and Public Affairs Specialist Joseph Toth

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII HHS News and Announcements

New HHS Actions and Research Highlight How President Biden’s Administration is Lowering Prescription Drug Costs   “Thanks to President Biden’s lower cost prescription drug law, Medicare finally has the ability to negotiate fair drug prices for the Medicare program and for the people who rely on it. Some of these drugs were developed with support from taxpayers, and we should get the benefits of that investment by not having to pay exorbitant prices for prescription drugs,” said Secretary Becerra. “This new data shows exactly why negotiation is so important for hardworking Americans. This Administration is laser focused on making health care more affordable and accessible.” Read More Here HHS Provides Critical Tools to Help Improve Access for Millions who Receive Medicaid Home and Community-based Services   The agency’s new guidance focuses on building and maintaining worker registries — worker management platforms that make qualified health workers easier to find — so more individuals receiving Medicaid-covered services can receive care in a setting of their choice. The guidance also notes significant federal funding available to help states build these registries thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP). View More Here Biden-Harris Administration Calls on Housing Community to Help Expand Access to Life-Saving Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications Like Naloxone   “With his Unity Agenda, President Biden set a clear directive: we must all come together to address the nation’s overdose epidemic,” said ONDCP Deputy Director Adam Cohen. “Not only are we working closely across federal agencies, but with partners at the state, local, and community levels to save lives and ensure everyone has the resources they need to stay healthy and thrive. Expanding access to overdose reversal medication is a key priority of this Administration, and we will continue doing all we can to get this lifesaving tool in communities throughout the country.” See More Here First-of-its-Kind Study Examines Disparities in Healthcare Costs and Outcomes of Cigarette Smoking in the United States   In first-of-its-kind research to examine racial and ethnic disparities in the medical costs of smoking in the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that adults from some racial and ethnic populations benefit substantially more than others from tobacco control policies. The research, published today in the journal Tobacco Control , supports President Joe Biden’s April 2023 Executive Order calling for policymakers to examine distributional effects in cost-benefit analyses required in the rulemaking process. This study helps inform such analyses and will benefit other research in this area.

[Office of the Regional Director HHS Region 08]

Region VIII HHS' Year in Review

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December 21, 2023 Dear John, I can’t believe 2023 is swiftly coming to a close! I am taking a moment to reflect on the year that we’ve had here at the United States Department of Health and Human Services as part of the Biden Harris Administration, and I hope you enjoy taking this walk down memory lane with me. It is truly a privilege to serve each of you across this rugged and high-spirited region. We, my team and I, are honored to call you friends, to share in your advocacy for your barriers to access, learn from you on your unique experiences and inform you on our accomplishments under the leadership of Secretary Xavier Becerra. We will not be sending a newsletter next week, so from my team to yours, Happy New Year and I hope you’re having a joyous and peaceful holiday season. From left to right – my distinguished team, Vincent Wang, Elsa Ramirez, and Joseph Toth.   In January, I traveled with Secretary Becerra to meet with advocates and reproductive health providers in Wisconsin and Minnesota.   I hosted the Office for Civil Rights Director Melanie Fontes Rainer in Region VIII multiple times this year to focus on your Civil Rights. Her leadership is meeting the moment!  Above is our roundtable in Denver, Colorado where we heard from reproductive health and disability rights community leaders.   In February, I traveled to Salt Lake City, UT to participate in a maternal health press conference, where I highlighted actionable steps the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to improve maternal health and reduce the nation’s high maternal mortality rate.   In March, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy visited Colorado Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado to convene a roundtable for a discussion on youth mental health. Check out his podcast and additional information focused on Adolescent mental health and more!   I served as a panelist at a Women’s Empowerment Workshop in Aurora Colorado, where I focused my participation on youth mental health and women’s health issues. Thanks to the conveners and attendees who shared their advocacy for one another in conversation, applause, and joy!   In April, I joined U.S. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and U. S. Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, M.D. to discuss steps taken to reduce out of pocket expenses for prescription medications, by way of the Inflation Reduction Act. We are grateful for her recently signed bill which combats the use of xylazine!    I also welcomed the Executive Director Krystal Ka’ai of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) to Denver, Colorado for a series of roundtable discussions centered on health equity, civil liberties, and access to federal programs.   In April, Dr. Shakari Lee from the Colorado Black Health Collaborative and I hosted a roundtable centered on Black maternal health and the discrepancies Black birthing people in the Denver-metro area experience.   I spoke on a health equity panel at the State of Reform Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah where I shared HHS’ health equity initiatives, including the HHS Equity Action Plan.   In May, Executive Officer Ramirez and I traveled to South Dakota to meet with Tribal Nations for government-to-government meetings to occur ahead our annual Region VIII Tribal Consultation.  Our office was honored to join the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development on this trip.   In June, my office convened LGBTQIA+ community leaders and members from across the region to engage with the White House and our colleagues in Washington D. C. to share out federal updates surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community and access to care. Our message was clear: we see you and HAPPY PRIDE.   I joined the Director of IHS/Indian Health Service and the Billings Area office team to meet with Tribal Nation leadership and health directors, and Urban Indian healthcare organizations throughout the state of Montana.   In July, I attended the 40th Annual NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) conference in New York City, where attendees heard from Latino cabinet members, and Secretary Becerra spoke to our work of cutting costs on prescriptions and saving seniors out of pocket expenses.   I also was fortunate enough to travel to Kalispell, Libby, Anaconda, Butte, and Helena Montana to meet with folks passionate about providing health and human services resources to their communities.   I was able to make another trip to Montana in July, this time to Missoula, with the Director for the Office for Civil Rights, Melanie Fontes Rainer.  Together, we held roundtables focused on reproductive rights and disability rights.   In August, I was able to participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo, M.D. that was focused on prescription drug costs that our constituents are experiencing.   I also had the opportunity to attend Clinica Family Health’s event honoring National Health Center Week in Lafayette, Colorado with our regional Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) team.   In September, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month through attending a host of local and national events that highlighted the accomplishments and impact of the Hispanic population in the U.S., including an event hosted by Colorado Governor Jared Polis.   In October, I was welcomed to Golden, Colorado’s Front Porch for Active Adults to share some of the above IRA successes and accomplishments.   I also traveled to Salt Lake City in October to provide a keynote speech on behalf of the Biden Administration to Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference.   Thanks to State of Reform for inviting me to provide the closing keynote speech in Colorado!   Director Fontes Rainer returned to our Region visiting Denver and Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Together, we convened events surrounding language access, LGBTQ+ rights, health equity, and a student-focused event at University of Denver.   I also hosted ARPA-H (the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) in Denver, Colorado for a series of meetings and roundtable discussions on the future of healthcare and healthcare technologies.   In December, our office in Denver took some time to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of HHS Region VIII’s public servants during our Regional Director Awards. What a year! Thank you all for making it so special!. I will continue traveling the region in 2024. Please let me know if you have upcoming events that I should prioritize. Please contact josep...@hhs.gov with your event requests.

Thank you, Lily Griego Regional Director, Region VIII