The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has called this a “key step in the national initiative to encourage adoption and effective use of EHRs.” The approval of these two organizations came less than two months after the ONC released the final meaningful use rules.

According to the HHS press release, EHR vendors can begin immediately to get their products certified. Once a vendor achieves certification, this means that its system is in compliance with the standards and criteria issued by HHS. Healthcare providers may then be eligible to receive part of the $27 billion set aside by the government in the American Recovery and Reimbursement Act of 2009 for those “meaningfully” using the system.

Although CCHIT and DGI are the first to earn the title of “ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Bodies” (ONC-ATCBs), applications for additional ONC-ATCBs are also under review.

To read the full press release, click here.

According to the press release, this initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. The misuse of prescription drugs, including diversion, accidental poisoning, and overdose, has been increasing at an alarming rate. Nationally, an estimated 6.2 million people age 12 and older report having misused prescription drugs in the past month. One of the easiest ways individuals can help reduce this problem is to properly dispose of unused or expired medications. Studies have shown that a majority of prescription drugs are easily obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. The take-back day offers Americans an easy way to dispose of their prescription drugs and help reduce the rate of prescription drug abuse.

Click here to read more about how you can get involved in National Take-Back Day.

The Outreach Partnership Program provides participants with numerous opportunities to stay abreast of the latest advances in mental health research, interact with leading mental health researchers, become involved in clinical research efforts, and learn about progress and new approaches in health education, communication, and outreach.

Nonprofit organizations that conduct outreach focused on mental health or that have experience in child and adolescent mental health or mental health disparities are encouraged to apply.

NIMH will award one Outreach Partner in the District of Columbia and in each state listed in the solicitation. For more information, please visit NIMH’s website.

As discussed in the recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) Letter Report: Assessing the Effects of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill on Human Health, the oil spill has “disrupted delicate social, economic, and psychological balances in communities across the region.” From the fishing community to the local tourism industry, individuals in affected areas face an uncertain economic future, causing significant anger and resentment.

In addition to the stress resulting from a potentially permanent disruption of their livelihoods, residents are and will remain concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of the oil spill on their health. The long-term effects of the cleanup efforts on the workers are not yet known.

These factors combined indicate a substantial behavioral health need. Already disaster coordinators in the affected states are reporting that some individuals in the impacted areas are exhibiting early signs of substance abuse and dependence, psychiatric disorders, suicidal tendencies, and familial breakdown, including divorce and abuse. The impact can be especially severe on children.

To read the full release, please visit the HHS website.

Please access their website for more information.

Take a look at their website for more information.

The North Carolina Council of Community MH/DD/SA Programs was incorporated in 1982 as a nonprofit association dedicated to helping its member area programs improve their service quality and management effectiveness. The Council provides its member programs with a strong, cohesive, statewide voice through policy analysis, technical assistance, publications, and educational programs. It is governed by a 20 member Board of Directors consisting of an equal number of citizen area board members and professional area administrators. Please see their website for more information.