Earth Day, Earth Week!

In 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated. The day was initially meant to bring focus to public consciousness especially in regards to air and water pollution. The date(s) in April was chosen specifically so that it would coordinate with college students and their studies so that they would be available to get involved in the cause. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into an overall celebration of Earth positivity and environmental protection. Almost 200 countries worldwide participate in events that have been organized by the Earth Day Network. 

Groups commemorate Earth Day in many ways. Some countries host large events, some smaller organizations gather together for cultural, sporting or music-related events to bring awareness to the day and some people just gather together to participate in activities that are good for the environment. See some of the activities that people participated in, in 2018 here!

This year, the doodle image on Google honors Earth Day and can be seen here: https://www.google.com/doodles/earth-day-2019

Observing Earth Day in April is just one day out of 365, but doesn't mean that you can't make a difference in the environment other days of the year. A few small things you can do to help the environment are:

-recycling
-planting trees
-using less plastic

Everyone's neighborhood is different and has different needs. For more information on ways you can make a difference in the environment check out some of our resources:

-Earthday.org
-5 Fun Ways You Can Help the Environment
-Awesome Hands-On Ways You Can Volunteer to Help the Environment
-Nature.org

Hepatitis C Screening Improvement with EMR and Population Health Tools

Health systems and clinicians now have an unprecedented opportunity to close the gaps in HCV screening and care with improvements to HCV treatment. In order to stifle the rise in morbidity and mortality related to HCV, patients should enter a continuum of care that begins with screening and ends with effective HCV treatment and the opportunity for cure. One strategy for effectively capturing patients who are eligible for HCV screening is to implement electronic medical record (EMR) alerts, and/or the use of a Population Health Tool. Automated best practice screening alerts through health center EMRs or population health tools, can significantly improve the ability to identify and capture patients who have not been tested for HCV.

The National Association of County Health Officials (NACCHO) states that something as simple as creating a Best Practice Alert (BPA) can capture patients who are in need of HCV Screening based on their age range and the absence of a previous lab test and their scheduled visit.

Additionally, NACCHO recommends targeted EMR Alerts to identify patients:

• Born between January 1, 1945, and December 31, 1965
• With no evidence of HCV or prior screening
• Scheduled to visit with a provider
• Provide screening pop-up window when a patient registers
• Offer educational materials when a patient signs in

Population Health tools can also lend a hand in tracking and improvement of HCV screening if they are embedded or housed on top of an EMR. MetroHealth, in Cuyahoga County Ohio, used a population health tools embedded in their electronic medical record (EMR) to identify patients due for HCV screenings. With the help of these tools, staff were able to order screening tests for the patient as quickly as the click of a button. The EMR would automatically send a detailed message to the patient’s personal health record describing HCV and encouraging the patient to schedule their screening test at one of their testing labs.

Ohio FQHCs who are interested can read more about one specific population tool, AzaraDRVS, and its capability to track patients eligible for HCV Screening here. 

Hepatitis C Clinical Support Tools Quality Improvement and Electronic Health Record Tips


Population Health Tools in EMR Significantly Improve HCV Screening Rates

April is World Autism Month

Go Blue for World Autism Month

During the month of April, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is highlighted by the color blue. Help us in recognizing those friends, family members, colleagues, and acquaintances that are living with ASD. 

ASD is a condition that affects 1 in 59 children in the US today and more than 70 million people worldwide. For most, it is a lifelong condition. 

According to the CDC, ASD begins before a child reaches the age of 3. Autism is still a disorder that is being highly researched and it has been determined that there are likely many causes that contribute to the development of this disorder. 

There are a few ways you can receive a diagnosis for Autism. 
A couple of them include getting a Developmental Screening and a Comprehensive Diagnostic evaluation. It is best that, you discuss your options, treatment and screenings/evaluations with a physician and decide what is best for your family.

Help Increase Understanding and Acceptance
For World Autism Month, help spread awareness by pledging to go blue and sharing information. 

Autism Resources:

Autism Speaks
US Health & Human Services Autism Information
Information about Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet
Sesame Street and Autism

National Public Health Week 2019

This week has been National Public Health Week. This week is meant to bring together communities across the US to highlight the contributions of public health professionals and all of the amazing things they are doing to improve health outcomes in our neighborhoods. This week happens every year during the first full week of April and has a different day of focus for each day of the week. 

This year, the following themes will happen on each day:

Monday: Healthy Communities
Tuesday: Violence Prevention
Wednesday: Rural Health
Thursday: Technology & Public Health
Friday: Climate Change
Saturday & Sunday: Global Health

Any participation is welcome from people from all professions and walks of life. Individuals are encouraged to share helpful information and promote healthy lifestyles for all. If you were unable to participate in this weeks activities, you and your peers can still participate at a later date. Showing support for public health never goes out of style! The ultimate goal is for us to continue to strive to be the "healthiest nation in one generation!"


Resources:
National Public Health Week 2019
American Public Health Association
CDC Public Health Week