The 2011 Health Disparities Profiles

The 2011 Health Disparities Profiles examines key health indicators at the state level for different racial and ethnic populations in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Twenty-two health indicators are presented, which highlight some of the key areas related to health disparities among different populations. It can be used as a reference for policymakers and program managers to identify areas where major health disparities exist in each state.

Click here to view your states report:  http://www.healthstatus2020.com/disparities/ChartBookData_search.asp



Getting a doctor's appointment tougher on Medicaid

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Americans on Medicaid have a harder time getting a prompt doctor's appointment, which may help explain why some end up going to the ER, a new study finds.
The problem is likely to grow, researchers say, as more people go on Medicaid as part of national healthcare reform. So simply expanding coverage may not be enough to improve low-income Americans' access to primary care.

"Insurance coverage does not necessarily mean better access," said senior researcher Dr. Adit A. Ginde, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

The study found that of more than 230,000 Americans surveyed over a decade, Medicaid recipients had more problems getting an appointment with a primary care doctor.

Just over 16 percent reported at least one "barrier" -- like having to wait too long for an appointment, limited health clinic hours, or even being unable to get someone on the phone at the doctor's office. That compared with 9 percent of survey respondents who had private insurance. To learn more click here.

University of Virginia- Hospital Education Program

Special events offered through the HEP benefit from the time, talents, and other resources contributed by members of the University community and local residents. Those interested in volunteering at the University of Virginia Children's Hospital should contact the Office of Volunteer Services at (434) 924-5251. All HEP services are free to children and their families. For additional information, contact (434) 924-2658.

Health Equity 3rd Annual Leadership Institute

Are you interested in health equity research?

Please consider attending the UW Collaborative Center for Health Equity’s (CCHE) 3rd annual Health Equity Leadership Institute!

SAVE THE DATES: June 10-15, 2012

Application release date: February 1st

Completed application: February 24th

HELI Scholars RSVPs needed: April 1st

In partnership with the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s Center for Health Equity, the Collaborative Center for Health Equity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an intensive weeklong “research boot camp” focused on increasing the number of investigators, particularly minority investigators, engaged in health disparities/health equity research that are successful in tenure track academic appointments in schools of public health, medicine and other health and behavioral health science disciplines and help them in achieving research funding through the NIH.

To join the conversation or learn more click here http://www.crech.org/joomla15/images/stories/Documents/derek%20pdf%2012.19.11.pdf

Rural Health Specialist Position

Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II - 19212
Job Open Date: 12-28-2011
Job Close Date: Jobs close at 5pm EST. 01-13-2012
Job Type Detail: Definition Full-Time Salaried - Non-Faculty- FTS-1

• Is this position funded in whole or in part by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Package)? No
• Hiring Range - negotiable to $50,000
• Agency: Dept of Health (601)
• Agency Website: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov

Job Description

Supports the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE) with its efforts to promote health equity and social justice, particularly as it relates to rural areas in Virginia. Provides the day-to-day management and oversight of the processes related to promoting, monitoring and updating of the State Rural Health Plan. Identifies, tracks and recommends policies, policy alternatives, legislation and regulations that will address rural health needs in Virginia. Develops and sustains partnerships and leverages existing resources to support rural health in Virginia. Responsible for grants management to include the day-to-day administrative, budgeting, planning, contracting, scheduling, operational and programmatic activities. Provides consultation, technical assistance, and training about model programs, best practices, and emerging and promising approaches in rural health care to local health departments, rural health clinics, community health centers, and other rural health care providers and stakeholders. Assists rural communities with networking, program development, planning and implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

Must have a working knowledge of model programs, best practices, and emerging and promising approaches to improving the health of rural Virginians. Must have the ability to read and synthesize data and research findings and formulate practical applications in the real world setting. Must have experience with strategic planning, program/project management and grants management. Must have supervisory experience/skills and strong organizational skills. Must be able to attend to detail. Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to establish effective working relationships with health care providers, organizations and community representatives. Must have demonstrated ability to successfully communicate, both orally and in writing with culturally diverse populations. Must be self-motivated and be able to work independently & proactively as well as be able to interact and work effectively with groups to achieve program goals. Must be able to review, analyze, and interpret laws/regulations and other policy and guidance documents. Must be able and willing to travel periodically. Masters degree strongly preferred in health, hospital, public or business administration or related field or equivalent work experience and training.

Special Requirements

For additional information, including screening criteria please go to the http://jobs. virginia.gov/ web site. Criminal/background investigation required of successful candidate. Those seeking sponsorship need not apply.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested candidates must submit an on-line application through the Virginia jobs web site, http://jobs.virginia.gov/ for Position #OC055. Fax, e-mail or mail applications will not be accepted. Your on-line application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Optional Applicant Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Required Applicant Documents

Contact Information

Shakema Sanders, MSA, VCO
Business Manager
Office of the Commissioner &
Office of Minority Health & Health
Equity
804-864-7430
804-864-7440

The National Health Service Corps - Students to Service Program

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program (S2S LRP) pilot application cycle is now open. The S2S LRP provides loan repayment assistance to medical students (MD and DO) in their last year of school, in return for a commitment to provide primary health care services in eligible Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) of greatest need.

The program is seeking applicants who have an interest in serving communities with limited access to health care and in providing care through their initial service commitment and beyond.
Financial Benefits

The S2S LRP will provide funds to participants to repay their outstanding qualifying student loans while still completing health professions training.

Program Options Include:
Full-Time Clinical Practice. The NHSC will pay up to $120,000 for an initial three years of full-time clinical service defined as no less than 40 hours per week, for a minimum of 45 weeks a year.

Half-Time Clinical Practice. The NHSC will pay up to $120,000 for an initial six years of half-time clinical service defined as no less than 20 hours per week (not to exceed 39 hours per week), for a minimum of 45 weeks per year.

Annual payments of up to $30,000 will be made over the course of four years. With continued service, eligible providers may be able to pay off all qualifying student loans.

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply at http://www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/studentstoserviceprogram/index.html?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NHSC%20Update&utm_content=S2S+Announcement+to+Potential+Applicants