|
Dear Mariah,
Recent weeks have seen significant developments for the healthcare workforce, from the announcement of enhanced loan repayment aid from the National Health Service Corps to continued advocacy for the critical value of health centers. In the midst of these changes, one factor remains constant: the need to support our clinicians and staff as they continue to provide life-changing services in medically underserved communities.
As we prepare to convene in Nashville at our 2024 Workforce Symposium and later in Washington, D.C., at our 2024 Conference, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) is spotlighting new opportunities to support, enhance, and recognize excellence in workforce retention and recruitment, as well as approaches to improve quality of care. Find these and other resources below, including a call for applications for our new Fellowship recognizing the unique expertise of specialists working with underserved populations.
| |
|
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Offering Greater Loan Repayment in 2024
ACU is pleased that the NHSC will now offer enhanced loan repayment assistance in 2024—a development which recognizes the crucial value and importance of the NHSC for health centers and underserved communities. This year, the Corps will offer increased awards of up to $75,000 for full-time physicians, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants providing primary care services, in addition to a $5,000 award enhancement for clinicians who demonstrate Spanish-language proficiency. Applications for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program are open until May 9, and NHSC Scholarship applications are open until April 25. As ACU continues our advocacy for the Corps, we encourage you to apply for or share these opportunities with colleagues. And if you haven't yet, please join us as an advocate!
| |
|
Join BHW's Dr. Luis Padilla & Other Public Health Leaders at our 2024 Conference
ACU is honored to welcome Dr. Luis Padilla, MD, FAAFP, Associate Director of HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) and Director of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), as a keynote speaker at our 2024 Conference, Envisioning a More Equitable Future: Advancing Stakeholder-Centered Innovation, on Aug 4-7 in Washington, D.C. A national public health leader, Dr. Padilla will help headline #ACUConf with federal health workforce updates and a Q&A. Register now to join him and hundreds of clinicians, administrators, and advocates at our Conference to learn and network in 20+ CME accredited sessions, in-depth Pre-Conference trainings, a dedicated Hill Day for advocacy, and more.
| |
|
Nominate an Outstanding Colleague or Institution for Conference Awards
Winners Receive Free Registration!
ACU represents numerous clinicians, advocates, and organizations united in the shared mission to advance health equity for medically underserved populations. At #ACUConf, we will honor a number of these outstanding individuals and organizations with in-person awards, and we need your help to identify them! Submit a nomination for one of six awards to be presented at our 2024 Conference by May 10. Winners will receive free registration to our Conference.
| |
|
We'll See You at Our Workforce Symposium!
Our STAR2 Center's 2024 Workforce Symposium, Inclusive Innovation: Putting People First is just around the corner! We've now reached full registration, and we're excited to join with CHC, PCA, and HCCN staff at the event for in-depth sessions including federal updates from Capt. Sheila Pradia-Williams, RPh, MBA, Deputy Associate Administrator at the Bureau of Health Workforce, who will help kick off the Symposium with an update on evolving federal workforce initiatives and priorities. Note: our Symposium and Comprehensive Workforce Plan Workshop are now at capacity, but you can still contact us to be added to the wait list.
| |
|
|
ACU's STAR2 Center Podcast Kicks Off New Season with HP-ET Programs Episode
The ACU STAR2 Center's Talks Workforce Success podcast enters its sixth season with a new series on pathways to recruitment and retention. Episode 25 shares how the Northwest Regional Primary Care Association supports regional health centers as they develop and grow their health professions education and training (HP-ET) programs. Listen to the episode or catch up on past seasons.
| |
|
TODAY! Join the BPHC Workforce Well-being Technical Assistance Webinar: Supporting Staff Through Community Connections, Partnerships, and Resources
April 17: 2-2:30 p.m. ET
Don't miss this afternoon's webinar from ACU and our partners in the BPHC Workforce Well-being Technical Assistance initiative to learn how building strong community connections and partnerships supports workforce well-being. Explore specific strategies for identifying and investing in community connections that support both employees and the health center mission.
| |
- Caring for the Caregivers: Implementing a Lifestyle Medicine Approach
- Redesigning Workflows for More Effective and Efficient Processes
- Structuring Clinical Teams and Workflows Amid Workforce Shortages
| |
|
Workforce Micro-Insights: Simple Strategies to Help Address the Risk of Staff Suicide
Clinicians are more likely than the general population to die by suicide, and organizations should take proactive steps to support their staff long before incidences occur. The best way to start is by honestly assessing your institution and how it incorporates suicide prevention, if at all, in its practices. Learn what questions to ask, how simple adjustments can create more supportive cultures of wellness for employees, and more in resources from our Suicide Safer Care (SSC) program.
| |
|
Honoring Black Maternal Health Week
Black birthing people experience higher rates of preterm birth and stillbirth than their White counterparts, and they are at least three times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes. Join ACU in honoring Black Maternal Health Week on April 11-17 and beyond: together, we can reduce Black maternal health inequities. Access HRSA's Black Maternal Health Week resources, learn about the synergy between Black maternal health outcomes and workforce diversity, and access our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion resources to advance JEDI at your institution.
| |
|
Save the Date for Our Webinar Series on Comprehensive Approaches to Suicide Prevention for Patients & Staff at CHCs
Nearly half of people who end their lives by suicide visit a primary care provider in the month before their passing, and suicide rates recently reached their highest reported rates in the U.S. As key primary care institutions, health centers can play vital roles in addressing this crisis. Starting in July, ACU will host a free webinar series to provide clinicians, administrators, and staff at CHCs with evidence-based strategies to identify, support, and care for patients and staff at risk, as well as to educate leaders on creating supportive systems for prevention. Learn more and join our waiting list to be notified when registration opens.
| | |
|
In Case You Missed It: New Podcast Episode Explores the Unique Role of Student-Run Free Clinics
ACU's Purpose in Practice podcast recently spoke with Chandler Hinson from the University of South Alabama's Student-Run Free Clinic (USA SRFC) about how student-run free clinics are making a difference in Mobile, AL. Listen and learn about the importance of community partnerships, how USA SRFC teaches health literacy to patients, resources for supporting or starting a student-run free clinic, and much more.
| |
|
Become a Fellow of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved
Apply by May 31
Our new professional designation, the Fellowship of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, recognizes clinical or non-clinical professionals who demonstrate a passion and commitment in working with underserved populations. Explore specific eligibility requirements, view supporting materials and other application resources, and submit your application by midnight PT on May 31 to be considered for this prestigious designation.
| |
|
Deadline Approaching: Be Part of Our Student & Health Professional in Training Committee
Applications Due April 30
Don't miss your chance to apply to serve on ACU's new Student and Healthcare Professional in Training Committee. We're seeking up to 20 members to help shape our efforts to support the next generation of clinicians, administrators, advocates, and leaders advancing health equity for all. The Committee will hold its first virtual meeting in May. Learn about eligibility requirements and apply by April 30. This is an excellent opportunity to connect and network with diverse students and clinicians while having a voice in ACU's programming.
| |
|
Welcoming ACU's Latest Staff Member: Adrianna Padilla, Training Specialist
Join us in bidding a warm welcome to Adrianna Padilla, the latest member of ACU's mission-driven staff. As a Training Specialist supporting our work in BPHC's Workforce Well-being Technical Assistance (TA) initiative, Padilla will help develop webinars on integrating workforce well-being into strategic plans to foster cultural change and conduct conversations with CHC leadership on implementing well-being strategies. Additionally, she will conduct program assessments on various topics including JEDI, virtual TA sessions on staff well-being best practices, and more. Learn more about ACU's staff online.
| |
|
Call for Applications: Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award
Apply by May 13
The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (Winn CDA) is a two-year program designed to support the career development of early-stage investigator physicians preparing them to become independent clinical trial investigators engaged in advancing health equity through their research and mentoring. Awardees receive $120,000 per year for two years and must meet certain eligibility requirements. Learn about Winn CDA program components and apply by May 13, 2024.
| |
|
Apply for the REACH Institute's Adult Behavioral Health Scholarships
Applications Close on May 17
The REACH Institute is dedicated to ensuring that effective, evidence-based mental health care is available to all children and families. Apply by May 17 for scholarships to attend REACH's Adult Behavioral Health in Primary Care Program, an initiative aimed at increasing clinicians' comfort with assessing, diagnosing, and treating adult mental health concerns. Learn more about these scholarships for primary care providers working in under-resourced communities throughout the U.S.
| |
|
New from ACU's Career Center: Clinical Services Director & Infection Control Officer at Northwest Human Services
Our Career Center is an excellent resource for job seekers or organizations seeking to hire quality staff to serve medically under-resourced populations. ACU Members get premier access by logging in to our member portal and using the discount code. This week, ACU is excited to highlight a Clinical Services Director & Infection Control Officer position with Northwest Human Services, in Salem, OR, as well as:
| |
ACU is here to help: if we can do anything to better support your work to improve care and advocate for patients living in historically marginalized communities, please contact our Executive Director Amanda Pears Kelly with any feedback.
| | | | |
