E-Newsletter Current Issue
CAH Home>Publications>E-Newsletter Current Issue

Rural Health Briefing

Volume XVI February 14, 2008

Rural Health Office
UA Zuckerman College of Public Health
in conjunction with the Arizona Rural Health Association, Inc.

National News

Social Determinants of Health
Cell Phones and Rural Users- Greater Health Risks?
Indian Healthcare Improvement Act –Call to Action
FCC, USDA Launch Rural Broadband Web Site
National Association of Community Health Centers New Website

Across Arizona

AZ Temporary Worker Program and Healthcare Impacts
HealthWorks Report on Arizona Nursing Workforce
Arizona Hispanic Group Decides To End HIV/AIDS Services Through Ryan White Program
Save the Date
Alison Hughes to Receive 2008 Mim Morris Woman Making History Award

Grants and Opportunities

The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program
Rural Emergency Responders Initiative
Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program
Older Adults Targeted Capacity Expansion (TCE) Grant Program
Targeted Rural Health Research Grant Program
Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant Program

Calendar

Feb 19-22, Local, State, Federal Public Health Preparedness Summit, Atlanta, GA

Feb 28-Mar 1, 2008 Building Healthy Lifestyles Conference, Tempe, AZ

Mark Your Calendar

March 15-17, 11th Annual Health Education Advocacy Summit, Washington, D.C.

March 17-19, NARHC 2008 Spring Institute, San Antonio, TX

May 5-6, Rural Medical Educators Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA

May 7-10, NRHA 2008 Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA

May 21-24, SOPHE Midyear Scientific Conference, Chicago, IL

June 4-6, Western Region FLEX Conference 2008, Albuquerque, NM

June 22-25, NEHA 72nd Annual Educational Conference, Tucson, AZ

July 1-2, National Conference of State FLEX Programs, Kansas City, MO

July 23-25, Public Health Congress, Washington, D.C.

October 23-25, Society for Public Health Education Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA

National News

1. Social Determinants of Health

How do education, income, and the elements of the places where we live actually add or subtract years from our lives? Welcome to the concept of social determinants of health. In late November 2007 Blue Cross/Blue Shield sponsored a seminar on the topic, and beginning March 27, 2008 PBS will be featuring the topic in a four part series titled “Unnatural Causes”. A major study in England, social determinants of health shows a correlation between income (or social status) and health status and life expectancy. According to online news blog “The Executive Summary” by Paul Mattessich, Executive Director of Wilder Research, his posting about social determinants of health stated, “our DNA, and the lifestyle choices we make, do influence our health. However, they might explain only a fourth or a third of the differences among people.” To find out more about the topic and the upcoming PBS 4 part series, please visit the links below.

Click here for the PBS Series details at unnaturalcauses.org.

Click here for a link to “The Executive Summary” health blog page.

2. Cell Phones and Rural Users- Greater Health Risks?

According to an online Newsweek health article by Jeneen Interlandi, featured December 19, 2007, new research suggests that there may be greater health risks associated with long-term wireless use. According to the article, “experts say the concern over cell-phone use stems from a form of radiation that's produced when the devices communicate with their base station. Wireless phones transmit via radio frequency (RF), a low-frequency form of radiation that is also used in microwave ovens and AM/FM radios. While high-frequency radiation (the kind used in X-rays) is known to cause cancer at high doses, the risks of this milder form remain unclear. A cell phone's main source of RF is its antenna, from which it sends a signal to the nearest base-station antenna. The further a cell phone is from the base station, the more RF it needs to establish and maintain a connection. So, the theory is that any risks posed by RF would be greater for people who live and work in areas with fewer base stations. In fact, Israeli researchers reported earlier this month in the American Journal of Epidemiology that long-term cell-phone users living in rural areas faced a "consistently elevated risk" of developing tumors in the parotid gland (a salivary gland located just below the ear) compared with users who live in suburban or urban areas.”

In another online story written by Julie Ardery and Bill Bishop, featured by the Daily Yonder, February 7, 2008, rural communities may start preparing for deadly weather, by using radios and cell phones instead of costly storm sirens. According to the article, storm sirens are too localized and expensive as they “cost about $20,000 a piece, with the added expense of regular maintenance.” As a result, “the newest idea in emergency communications -- one that could work especially well in rural communities -- is to use text-messaging, computers and cell phone technology.” That being the case, how can residents of rural areas use the cell phone technology they need, without adversely affecting their health in the long run? According to the Newsweek article, “the Food and Drug Administration recommends minimizing any potential risk by using hands-free devices and keeping cell-phone talk to a minimum. Also, the Federal Communications Commission requires manufacturers to report the relative amount of RF absorbed into the head by any given cell phone.” To find out more about your cell phone’s SAR visit the FCC’s website page at:

http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/sar.html

Click here for the link to the Newsweek story.

Click here for the link to the Daily Yonder story.

3. Indian Healthcare Improvement Act- Call to Action

According to the FamiliesUSA.org online feature, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), which provides for the provision of health care to over 1.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, is now up for renewal. As such, your help is needed to ensure that this act is renewed and even improved. In January, the Senate began deliberations on S.1200, a bill to amend and reauthorize IHCIA, but then took the bill off the floor. Please contact your state senators today and urge them to do their part in making sure that S.1200 is brought back to the Senate floor for final passage, and when it is, encourage them to vote “yes” on the bill.

Click here for more information about IHCIA.

Click here for finding information about Senators in each state.

4. FCC, USDA Launch Rural Broadband Web Site

According to a February 4, 2008 news report featured on the Government Technology website (www.govtech.com), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced the launch of a new, online resource for those in rural America seeking to bring the benefits of broadband services to their communities. In particular, the site “provides instructions on how to locate companies already licensed to provide wireless services in or near specific rural communities, as well as helpful links to other government and private resources related to encouraging broadband opportunities in rural America.”

Click here for the link to the news brief.

Click here for the FCC’s Broadband Opportunities for Rural America webpage.

5. National Association of Community Health Centers New Website

Looking for a new website to serve as an information portal about health centers nationwide and key issues surrounding the delivery of health care for the medically underserved? Then look no further…according to the February 12, 2008 news release, the National Association of Community Health Centers has launched its website. Be sure to visit the site for “critical news updates on health centers and their patient populations, to register for training events, purchase publications, and search for career opportunities at health centers around the country.”

Click here for a link to the website.

Across Arizona

1. AZ Temporary Worker Program and Healthcare Impacts

According to a February 8, 2008 press release from the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, “bills to create an Arizona Temporary Worker Program have been introduced in the State Legislature by Senator Marsha Arzberger (D-Willcox) and Representative Bill Konopnicki (R-Safford). The legislation is SB 1482 in the Senate and the Senate Concurrent Memorial petitioning Congress is SCM 1010. In the House, the bills are HB 2791 and HCM 2012.” But how will these bills impact the healthcare of those workers? Jennifer “Ginger” Ryan, CEO of the Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., was asked for her opinion on the topic and had this to say:

“Senator Arzberger and Representative Konopnicki are to be congratulated on their Arizona Termporary Worker Program Bill and Memorial. It addresses the needs of employers for workers and the concerns of Arizona residents over illegal entry into the United States. The screening criteria requires participants from both sides of the border to cooperate with each other, which is an important first step. This is essential in terms of public health as illegal entrants often avoid seeking care when they are ill and go untreated. It is in everyone's best interest to have a healthy work force.”

In a call to action statement by Senator Marsha Arzberger, she writes:

“Dear Supporters:
The Arizona Temporary Worker bill is scheduled to be heard in House Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance (co-sponsor Repr. Bill Konopnicki is Chairman of that committee) meeting at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 18.

It is very important that the supporters of this legislation make sure their voices of support are heard. Physical presence in the committee is far more effective than signing in on the system. Please help us gain legislative votes by coming to support the bill…and bring a friend or two. Send testimony, either through the azleg.gov website "Request to Speak" or in written form to the Chairman, Repr. Bill Konopnicki. You have to pre-register at a kiosk in the House or Senate and select a username in order to access the system from any location on-line.

One more thing…I would like to have written statements from those who have not already sent them explaining why this temporary worker program is important to your industry, with examples and estimated numbers of workers that you need. Send those to me so that I can collect and make summarizing statements.”

According to Alison Hughes, the AzRHA Board Members recently voted to support the initiatives of the Arizona Temporary Worker Program, as they felt it would benefit the employers as well as the workers.

Click here for more information.

2. HealthWorks Report on Arizona Nursing Workforce

Did you know that Arizona faces chronic shortages of nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, respiratory therapists and other medical professionals? In fact, according to HealthWorks™, Arizona’s Healthcare Workforce Initiative sponsored by the Healthcare Institute at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA), “these shortages are fueled by Arizona’s ranking as the fastest growing state in the nation. In fact, the first HealthWorks report on Arizona’s nursing workforce was completed in December 2007 and the results “indicate that approximately one third of the RNs with active licenses are over the age of 55.The number of RNs employed in nursing that will be needed in Arizona by 2017 is approximately 49,000.” To learn more about AzHHA’s healthcare workforce initiative, including other workforce related news, promising practices, practical tools, and educational offerings, be sure to check out the link to the website provided below.

Click here for more information as provided on the AzHHA website.

3. Arizona Hispanic Group Decides To End HIV/AIDS Services Through Ryan White Program

A Kaisernetwork.org Daily Reports news story dated January 10, 2008 stated “Arizona-based Chicanos Por La Causa has decided to stop providing HIV/AIDS services to Hispanics through the Ryan White Program, leaving local officials ‘scrambling’ to find another Hispanic group to take over the services, the Arizona Republic reports. The group has provided such HIV/AIDS services as case management and behavioral health and nutrition programs.” Though the group received $284,992 in Ryan White funding this fiscal year, which was an increase from the $256,908 it had received in the previous fiscal year, Edmundo Hidalgo, CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa, said the group stood to lose $45,000 if it continued its HIV/AIDS services through the end of the fiscal year. This means that the 50 to 100 clients once served will temporarily be shifted to other local agencies for services when the Chicanos Por La Causa contract ends in February. The impact of this new reality is best highlighted in a quote by Shawn Nau, director of general government for Maricopa County. Nau said, “Culturally, there is such a stigma associated with HIV/AIDS that it's imperative that we have providers that are sensitive to those specific cultural needs.” He added, “If people don't feel comfortable getting into the program, they're not going to get in the program at all. Under the worst-case scenario, we may have new patients who decide that since they don't see someone who is culturally sensitive on the list of providers, they might not seek care.” (Wingett, Arizona Republic, 1/9).

Click here for full announcement.

4. Save the Date

Southern Arizona Rural Health & Policy Legislative Forum

Date: Friday-March 14, 2008

Location:

Windemere Hotel & Conference Center

2047 S Highway 92, Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635

Time: 8:00am to 4:00pm

Morning Workshops Include:

Domestic Violence
Adolescents and Substance Abuse
Immigration

Lunch Break Speaker:

Timothy J. Schmaltz

Topic: “Legislative Update”

Afternoon Sessions Include:

Invited representative from the Governor’s Office
Meet and greet with your legislative representative

Open Forum:

Legislator Health & Social Service Agendas

This forum is made possible with grant funding from the National Rural Health Association to the Arizona Rural Health Association

Arizona Association of Community Health Centers
Southeast Arizona Area Health Education Center
The Rural Health Office of The University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
Southern Arizona Community Agencies

Attendance is free but advance registration is required.

Registration Information coming soon to:

www.rho.arizona.edu

www.azahec.org

www.rfwhcc.org

5. Alison Hughes to Receive 2008 Mim Morris Woman Making History Award

Alison Hughes, Director of the Arizona Critical Access Hospital Program at the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, at the University of Arizona, is being recognized with the 2008 Mim Morris Woman Making History Award. In the words of Linda Hale Barter & Friends from the Tucson Chapter of the Arizona Women’s Political Caucas (AWPC), who nominated Hughes for the award, the reason she is this year’s recipient is as follows:

“We thank the moon and the stars and everything else in the heavens that Alison Hughes decided to become a Tucsonan! Since her arrival here in 1970, she has demonstrated that one committed, tireless, never-give-up individual can truly make a difference in the lives of women throughout her community, her state, and beyond. Take a look.

--Wrote the grants in mid-seventies that provided the initial funding/support for such groups as Tucson Center for Woman and Children, Rape Crisis Center, Women in Construction and others. During this time also participated in the first NOW and AWPC campaigns to elect women to the Tucson City Council and the legislature. Later took a leadership role in attempt to pass the ERA in Arizona.

--Served as the first executive director of the Tucson Women’s Commission. During her six years at the Commission, Alison was instrumental in organizing:

Black Women’s Task Force
Affiliation of Native American Women
Arizona Trades Women Association
The Clarion, our first women’s newsletter
An initiative to support women in the arts
Conferences/workshops/public hearings on issues faced by women business owners, elderly women, lesbian women, minority women, and young women in the juvenile justice system.
TWC program allowing the staff to process over 500 sex discrimination complaints on behalf of the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division.

--Appointed by the governor to the Arizona Women’s Commission.

--Co-directed the formation of the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame, which was officially launched in 1981.

--Helped develop the YWCA Women’s Leadership Training Program while serving on its board.

--Founding member of the Executive Women’s Council of Southern Arizona and has served as its president.

--Served on the first board of the Southern Arizona Women’s Foundation.

--Became politically active in her party in the 1990’s, being elected First Vice Chairwoman of the State Democratic Party and a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee. In 1997 Alison won the Democratic Party nomination for Tucson City Council in Ward 6.

--Worked at UA Rural Health Office during last two decades, retiring as Director in 2005 but remaining on the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health faculty. Her positions at Rural Health during these years allowed her to continue her advocacy for women and rural communities--- and she continues to do so to this very day. Examples include:

When UA named in 2000 as one of seven Development Centers within the Institute for Women & Technology, Alison, as then director of the AZ Telemedicine Program, was co-chair of the initial outreach program to women engineering students.
Appointed to Good Neighbor Environment Board, dealing with environmental issues across U.S.-Mexico Border.
Served on board of the Southern Arizona Mental Health Corporation for many years.
Co-chaired the 2004 & 2005 Arizona Women’s Health Conferences.
In 2007 serving as President of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.

Alison continues to advocate for women, as the issues she has championed through the years continue to evolve, require new solutions, and of course, new funding. She will continue her commitment, and demand that we continue as well.”

Hughes will be presented the award on March 14, 2008 at the upcoming AWPC “Women Making History” luncheon being held at The Arizona Inn. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Leslie R. Wolfe, President of the Center for Women Policy Studies. If interested in attending the event, the cost is $50 and reservations are required by March 8th, 2008. Please contact Linda Hale Barter at 520-625-4579 for more information and/or to make a reservation.

Click here for link to the AWPC website.

Grants and Opportunities

Note: Technical assistance is available for the development of grant proposals and other funding applications from the professional staff of the Rural Health Office and the State Office of Rural Health Program. Please contact Jennifer Peters.

1. The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program
Application deadline: Ongoing

The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program is designed to provide loans for funding, on a technology neutral basis, the costs of construction, improvement and acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide broadband services to eligible rural communities. The Programs’ goal is to ensure that rural consumers enjoy the same quality and range of telecommunications services that are available in urban and suburban communities. The project is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. The brief announcement is available here.