Vaccination: A Personal Journey
By Charles W. Redd, MS, RN As we continue to move towards normalcy since the pandemic, which began in the United States in March 2020, I am often asked by […]
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A Pharmacist Reflects on the Opportunity to Protect the Public’s Health
By Jennifer Griffiths, PharmD, RPh When COVID-19 struck I was working at a small, independent pharmacy on Martha’s Vineyard. We have only one hospital which has three ICU beds and
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Health Equity Updates: March 2023 Newsletter
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating healthcare disparities within your communities. This month, read about National
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Health Equity Hospital Highlights: March 2023 Issue
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating healthcare disparities within your health system and communities. What’s Inside:
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NEW! CMS Training Program Update
February is American Heart Month Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers cardiovascular screening blood tests once every 5 years. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov/coverage/cardiovascular-disease-screenings. This year, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
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Leaders Forum: Partnership for Community Health (PCH)
Have you missed us? We’ve missed you! Let’s regroup for an amazing 2023.We have planned some great educational sessions and want to engage in peer-to-peer sharing across our region. 2023
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Partnering Beyond COVID-19 Prevention and Management of Patients with Chronic Disease
COVID-19 has changed healthcare in many ways and has delayed chronic disease management for many patients. Patients needing follow-up appointments for their chronic disease were not able to schedule appointments
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CMS Health Equity Measures and Joint Commission Requirements to Reduce Health Disparities
Thursday March, 2, 2023 12:00 – 12:30 PM ET A Guide to the CMS Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Health Equity Measures Guest Speakers: Julia Venanzi, MPH Centers for Medicare
A Patient’s Perspective: Bivalent Booster Offers Another Layer of Protection
by Rosie Bartel, patient advisor As a patient who has a compromised immune system due to healthcare acquired MRSA, I decided to get the bivalent vaccine. My reason was that
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A Patient’s Perspective: Why the Bivalent Booster was Important to Me
by Janice Tufet, Medicare beneficiary On March 1, 2020, I had just finished a two-day Complex Care and Social Needs Core Competency steering group meeting in Camden, New Jersey, where
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Help Curb Cardiovascular Disease by Focusing on Risk Assessment and Hyperlipidemia Screening
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women of most racial and ethnic groups in the
Health Equity Updates: February 2023 Newsletter
View the new issue of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your communities. This month, read about
Health Equity Updates: February 2023 Newsletter Read More »
Health Equity Hospital Highlights: February 2023 Issue
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s Inside:
Health Equity Hospital Highlights: February 2023 Issue Read More »
A Community Effort to Covid-19 Vaccinations
by Chris Symolon, Director, COVID-19 Vaccination Project, Foundation for Healthy Communities, New Hampshire Welcome to 2023, a new year, a new start, a reset! I have been reflecting on the
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IPRO HQIC Sepsis Affinity Group: Mid-to-large sized Hospitals
Sepsis remains a national priority and is a complex and challenging condition to manage. Despite substantial attention to improvement, an opportunity still exists to decrease sepsis-related morbidity and mortality. More
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National Stakeholder Call with the CMS Administrator
Date: January 24, 2023 Start Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET Please join the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, and her leadership
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Once More into the Breach: Perspectives of an Epidemiologist
By Jenna Cebelius, MPH, HAI Program Coordinator | Health Surveillance Epidemiologist, Division of Laboratory Sciences & Infectious Disease | Vermont Department of Health I meandered my way through several healthcare
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Bivalent Booster Hesitancy? Set the Stage for Success!
The COVID-19 Bivalent Booster is critical in preventing serious COVID-19 outcomes. Yet, Many are hesitant to get the vaccine. Hear from our experts addressing hesitancy and discussing strategies for vaccine
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Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forum
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 Start Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) Please call at least 15 minutes prior to the forum start time. This call will be
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National Poverty in America Awareness Month
During January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes National Poverty in America Awareness Month. The United States measures poverty based on how
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Join our Inaugural Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Learning Circle
Did You Know? What is a Learning Circle? A Learning Circle is a forum for education and sharing of knowledge so that all participants may benefit from the wisdom and
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National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)
A blueprint to help promote health equity. What is CLAS? Culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) are a way to improve the quality of services provided to all individuals,
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Raising Preemies During a Pandemic: Vaccines Protect The Most Vulnerable
by Erin Just, BScOT, MA, Quality Improvement Coordinator, Vermont Blueprint for Health In 2019, I welcomed identical twin boys. They arrived earlier than hoped, requiring medical intervention to improve their
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Voices from the Field Series Session I: Best Practices for Addressing Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) in Care Coordination
Starting January 1, 2023, embedding health equity into your process, practice, performance, and quality outcomes will be a priority for healthcare organizations. To help you prepare to meet these requirements,
Health Equity Hospital Highlights: January 2023 Newsletter
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s inside?
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Health Equity Updates: January 2023 Newsletter
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your communities. This month, read about
Health Equity Updates: January 2023 Newsletter Read More »
Walk Alongside the Community to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy
By Sandra N. Colpitts MSN, RN, CIC, Manager, Infection Prevention and Control, South County Health, Wakefield, RI When I first became a nurse, I never imagined the adventures I would
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Boosters & Beyond: Addressing Key Challenges
In November 2022, IPRO surveyed providers about their key challenges. In this series, the IPRO nursing home team will provide insights and suggestions related to boosters, National Healthcare Safety Network
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2023 CMS Quality Conference – Save the Date!
On behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, I am excited to announce the 2023 date for the nation’s premier healthcare quality conference: the CMS Quality Conference! I
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The Winter of our Discontent….or Maybe Not! Perspectives of an Infection Preventionist
by Mary Ellen Casey, RN, Infection Preventionist, IPRO QIN-QIO As a college student I nearly drowned. A lifeguard saved my life. I will never forget being in the water, looking
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New Day: Nursing Home Education Summit
December 8, 2022 Time Agenda Presentation 9:00 AM Opening RemarksMargie McLaughlin, Director, Education & Transformation 9:15-9:20 AM Pneumococcal JingleMary Ellen Casey, Quality Improvement Specialist 9:20-9:40 AM NJDOH/IPRO REDCap Hand Hygiene
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2022-2023 Influenza Season Vaccination: What’s New? Who’s Involved? And Why?
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022 Start Time: 1:00 PM ET Watch Presentation
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Health Equity Updates: December 2022 Newsletter
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your communities. This month, read about
Health Equity Updates: December 2022 Newsletter Read More »
The IPRO NQICC Invites You to Join the Opioid Stewardship Affinity Group
In the United States, during the time period between 1999 and 2020, more than 263,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids. As many as one in four people receiving
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2023 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Stakeholder Webinar
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022 Start Time: 3:00-3:30 PM ET You are invited to join the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and featured guest speakers, for the third 2023
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HQIC Health Equity Updates: December 2022
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating healthcare disparities within your communities. This month read about national
HQIC Health Equity Updates: December 2022 Read More »
CMS OMH Recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 5-9). In recognition of this observance, CMS OMH is
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CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum
Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022 Start Time: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET); Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time. This call will be Conference Call Only.
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Joint HQIC Antibiotic Stewardship: Quick Wins for Improving Duration Therapy LAN Event
Antibiotic Stewardship (AS) remains a national priority aimed at optimizing antibiotic use to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary use and combat antibiotic resistance. This event
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CMS: Covering Indian Country- November 2022
Having affordable healthcare coverage makes it easier for people to keep up with screenings, check-ups, immunizations, and other preventive services. It also enhances the capacity of the Indian Health Service,
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Pre-recorded Learning Modules on Person and Family Engagement
What is Person and Family Engagement and Why Does it Matter? PFE, and explains what partnership might look like in the hospital setting. The presentation outlines the benefits of PFE
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Identifying and Supporting Patient Representatives on a Quality Improvement or Patient Safety Committee
The September PFE Learning and Action Event explores how patient and family representatives can contribute to QI or patient safety initiatives. The one-hour session explains the roles and responsibilities of
National Rural Health Day Webinar: CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities
Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Start Time: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is hosting a webinar in recognition
CMS Rural Health Open Door Forum
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022 Start Time: 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET); Please dial in at least 15 minutes prior to call start time. This call will be Conference
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Increasing the Focus on Complex Care
Patients with unmet behavioral health and social needs are major contributors to high healthcare utilization and poor health outcomes. This small percentage of the population consume a disproportionate share of
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2022 AHRQ National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
AHRQ released its annual disparities report: 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report. The report, which is mandated by Congress, provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare quality and healthcare disparities
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Meet the Team: Josh Clodius
Meet Josh Clodius, a Quality Improvement Specialist at Healthcentric Advisors and a member of the IPRO QIN-QIO Nursing Home Team. Josh is a former nursing home administrator and an expert
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HQIC Health Equity Updates: November 2022
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating healthcare disparities within your communities. This month read about breaking
HQIC Health Equity Updates: November 2022 Read More »
HQIC Health Equity Updates: October 2022
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating healthcare disparities within your communities.
HQIC Health Equity Updates: October 2022 Read More »
HHS Finalizes Physician Payment Rule Strengthening Access to Behavioral Health Services and Whole-Person Care
Rule includes expanded cancer screening coverage in support of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot and promotes innovation and coordinated care in Medicare Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Now is the Time: A Compendium of Tools to Use for Great American Smokeout and Beyond
It is a well-established fact: smoking leads to disease, disability, and harm in nearly every organ system. It has long been shown to cause cancer, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, lung
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Health Equity Updates: November 2022 Newsletter
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your communities. This month, read about
Health Equity Updates: November 2022 Newsletter Read More »
New Day Nursing Home Education Summit on December 8 from 9 am – 3 pm
Nursing homes do extraordinary work every day. At the same time, you may be seeking opportunities to learn and grow, to be on the cutting-edge of best practices, especially now.
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CMS OMH Honors Native American Heritage Month
Known for the rich cultures that comprise their various communities, American Indians and Alaskan Natives also face unique health disparities exacerbated by various social determinant of health (SDOH) factors. Native
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HHS Announces Listening Session on Protecting the Safety of Patients and Healthcare Workers
Date: Monday, November 14, 2022 Start Time: 1:00-2:40 pm ET Join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including leaders from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,
Meet the Team: Anne Myrka
Meet Anne Myrka RPh, MAT, Senior Director of Drug Safety and Chronic Disease Management for IPRO. Anne has been in the healthcare field for 30 years. Her experience includes roles
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CMS National Training Program Update
Medicare Open Enrollment is Here Open Enrollment is from October 15–December 7. It’s a time to explore your Medicare coverage options and decide if you want to join, switch, or
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Biden-Harris Administration Oversight of Nation’s Poorest-Performing Nursing Homes
Changes to CMS’ Special Focus Facilities program will increase scrutiny, hold facilities accountable for substandard safety and quality, and improve care for residents As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment
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Boosters and Beyond: Rethinking Readmissions
In this series, we will review factors that can contribute to readmissions and strategies to address these factors. Some topics to be discussed are C.Diff, Sepsis, UTIs, Dementia, Falls, Wound
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Influenza Vaccination to Help Protect All Adults
Date: Monday, October 24, 2022 Start Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET Join the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) for a webinar on the importance of annual vaccination to
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