ACPM Headlines 4/26/13 - American College of Preventive Medicine

ACPM Headlines 4/26/13

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1. PRESIDENT’S BUDGET SLASHES FUNDING FOR PMR PROGRAMS

President Obama’s FY 2014 budget proposal reduces funding for preventive medicine residency (PMR) training programs from $3.8 million to $2.6 million. The proposed cut is a result of a reduction of roughly $5 million to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) "public health and preventive medicine” line-item, which provides support to PMR programs, public health training centers, and public health traineeships. The public health traineeships are proposed for elimination.

ACPM is working with its champions in Congress to secure $10 million in FY 2014 from the Prevention and Public Health Fund directly for PMR training programs. Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) is finalizing a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education formalizing the $10 million request for PMR programs.

For more information, email Paul Bonta or call 202-466-2044 ext. 110.

2. NEW ACPM SECTION LEADERS ELECTED AND INSTALLED

ACPM’s Young Physician Section, Resident Physician Section, and Medical Student Section have completed their 2013 elections for section leaders to round out their governing councils. The section leaders for 2013 are:

Young Physician Section (YPS) Governing Council

David Shih, MD, MPH, FACPM – President

Toyosi Morgan, MD, MBA, MPH – President Elect

Tisha Titus, MD, MPH, FACPM – Immediate Past President

Matthew Dounel, MD – Secretary-General

Elena Kwon, DO, MS, RN – AMA Delegate
Katrina Rhodes, MD, MS, FACPM – YPS Regent to ACPM Board of Regents

Resident Physician Section (RPS) Governing Council

Sarah-Blythe Ballard, MD, MPH – President

Atsushi Sorita, MD – Executive Vice President

Elham Hatef, MD, MPH – Vice President, Communications

Eldesia Granger, MD – Vice President, Policy and Education

Kavita Rajasekhar, MD – Vice President, RPS Membership and Recruitment

Medical Student Section (MSS) Governing Council

Regan Stiegmann – President

Rita Golikeri – Vice President

Keelan Tuel, MBA – Secretary-General

Individuals who are active ACPM members and members of their section are eligible to serve as a section officer. Section representatives govern, develop initiatives, and facilitate program planning for their respective sections. They develop a deep understanding of the College’s mission and vision, commit time, and offer unique perspectives to serve members of their ACPM member group constituency. They also represent the pipeline of young physicians who eventually will serve at the highest levels of volunteer leadership for the College.

ACPM extends warm congratulations to its 2013 section leaders! To learn more about ACPM member groups, and how you may become involved, please visit our website or contact Camille Sanders, ACPM’s Membership Manager.

3. SUPREME COURT ALLOWS FDA TO MOVE FORWARD WITH GRAPHIC CIGARETTE WARNINGS

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from the tobacco industry following the March 2012 U.S. Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit ruling that upheld most provisions of the 2009 Tobacco Control Act, including the new graphic cigarette warnings. By declining to hear an appeal the Supreme Court has affirmed the lower court’s ruling upholding the 2009 law.

In addition, this ruling upholds key provisions that prohibit tobacco companies from making health claims prior to review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bans forms of marketing that would appeal to children, and prohibits the tobacco industry from implying that their products are safer because they are regulated by the FDA. More information on the Tobacco Control Act can be found through the FDA Center for Tobacco Products.

ACPM News

4. ACPM RECEIVES GRANT TO CONTINUE VIOLENT DEATH PREVENTION CAMPAIGN

ACPM has received a continuation grant from The Joyce Foundation to continue its work as the administrative home of the National Violence Prevention Network (NVPN), a coalition of roughly 40 national organizations committed to building support for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS).

In response to the NVPN’s advocacy campaign led by ACPM, the President’s 2014 budget request provides the CDC with an increase of $20 million to expand the NVDRS program to every state in the country. Currently, only 18 states participate in NVDRS. ACPM greatly appreciates The Joyce Foundation’s strong and continued support of ACPM’s efforts and looks forward to nationwide implementation of the NVDRS program.

For more information, email Paul Bonta or call 202-466-2044 ext. 110.

5. ACPM ADVOCACY IN ACTION

ACPM has signed on to three different letters with its partners in public health and medicine urging support for prevention and public health issues of interest to preventive medicine. As a member of Friends of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), ACPM signed on to a letter to Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), chair and ranking member, respectively, of the House Appropriation Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, requesting $32 billion in FY 14 funding for the National Institutes of Health with $717 million allocated specifically to the NIEHS to study environmental factors on human health.

Additionally, ACPM partnered with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and other public health organizations in submitting comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) providing recommendations to strengthen the Smokeless Tobacco Product Warning Statements. Finally, in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, ACPM signed on to a letter to the U.S. Senate urging that lawmakers consider and advance a public health approach to reducing gun violence, including suicide and mental health issues.

6. MEMBER NEWS SECTION LAUNCHED ON ACPM WEBSITE

Have you recently received an award, changed jobs, been cited in a news source, or had some other experience you would like to share with your peers? ACPM now offers an enhanced method of sharing professional achievements and information about ACPM members in the news. A special section of the web site is devoted to ACPM Member News. Members and Fellows may electronically submit news items for review and posting by an ACPM staff member. Upon review, staff also may elect to include the item in ACPM Headlines. This online option will replace our previous process of emailing news and information and will provide more timely posting and online archiving of member achievements.

ACPM appreciates the significant contributions that ACPM Members and Fellows make on both a local and global scale—and would like to recognize you! Visit our website today for more information. You may also contact Camille Sanders, ACPM’s Membership Manager, with any questions.

7. ACPM CORPORATE ROUNDTABLE MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

The following members of the ACPM Corporate Roundtable—an ongoing forum for mission-aligned private sector organizations to discuss and advance issues of shared interest with the College—have been in the news:

EHE International, a nationally recognized leader in preventive medicine and annual physical exams, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2013 with the release of a new book, 100 Years of Preventive Health: The History of EHE International. The book chronicles the company's rich history of helping people live longer, healthier lives by the systematic application of medical science for the early detection of life-threatening disease through annual physical exams. To learn more about EHE International visit http://www.eheintl.com/.

UnitedHealthcare has received an Appy Award at the South By Southwest (SXSW) conference for its Health4Me mobile app, which makes it easier for people to take greater control of their health by managing their health care, treatment and payment costs. Health4Me was selected over three finalists in the "Health & Fitness" category.

More information can be found through UnitedHealth Group.

MedImmune has created Medimmune Advocacy to provide critical resources to national, state, and local organizations to help connect families and patients with comprehensive educational and support programs. Visit Medimmune Advocacy to learn more.

Policy and Practice

8. UPDATES FROM THE U.S. PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) has issued several draft recommendation statements, evidence reports, and research plans in the past few weeks for public comment:

The Task Force issued a draft recommendation statement on screening for oral cancer, concluding that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for oral cancer in asymptomatic adults (an "I statement”). The draft recommendation statement is available for public comment through May 6, 2013.
The Task Force issued a draft research plan to update its recommendations on screening for iron deficiency anemia in childhood and pregnancy, which is available for public comment through May 8, 2013.
An evidence report and draft recommendation statement were released on the use of medications to reduce risk for primary breast cancer. Based on the evidence report, the Task Force recommends that "clinicians engage in shared decision making with women at increased risk of breast cancer regarding medications to reduce their risk. For women who are at increased risk for breast cancer and at low risk for adverse medication effects, clinicians should offer to prescribe risk-reducing medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene” (a "B recommendation”). The Task Force "recommends against the routine use of medications, such as tamoxifen or raloxifene, for risk reduction of primary breast cancer in women who are not at increased risk for breast cancer” (a "D recommendation”). The draft recommendation statement is available for public comment through May 13, 2013.
The Task Force issued an evidence report and draft recommendation statement on screening for suicide risk in adolescents, adults, and older adults in a primary care setting. Based on the evidence report, the Task Force concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for suicide risk in adolescents, adults, and older adults in a primary care setting (an "I statement”). The draft recommendation statement is available for public comment through May 20, 2013.

9. RAIDS ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREVENTION FUND CONTINUE

The Public Health and Prevention Fund, created under the Affordable Care Act to provide a significant investment in public health and preventive services and infrastructure, continues to be a prime target for Congress and the Administration looking to fund priority initiatives in fiscally austere times. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a table that "reflects planned use of the Prevention and Public Health Fund resources in Fiscal Year 2013 available to date." It calls for $454 million in FY 2013 Prevention Fund resources to be invested in "health insurance enrollment support specifically through activities that will assist with eligibility determinations in need of intervention and activities to make people aware of insurance options and enrollment assistance available to them."

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and architect of the Public Health Fund, recently placed a hold on Marilyn Tavenner’s confirmation vote as the next administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in protest of the Administration’s proposal to siphon $454 million from the Public Health Fund.

ACPM is preparing a response to the Administration expressing its disappointment with the planned diversion of Public Health Fund dollars. For more information, email Paul Bonta or call 202-466-2044 ext. 110.

10. CDC CONTINUES TO MONITOR NOVEL AVIAN INFLUENZA IN CHINA

To date, no human cases of Novel Influenza A (H7N9) Virus have been reported outside of China. CDC is following the situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners in a number of areas. Because more than 100 contacts of H7N9 cases have been assessed and monitored by Chinese public health authorities and none of them have developed illness, CDC officials remain confident that the virus is not spreading widely from person to person.

On April 5, CDC's Health Alert Network (HAN) issued an official CDC Health Advisory titled Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H7N9) Viruses. The advisory provides interim recommendations for state and local health departments and clinician guidance for case investigation and testing, infection control, and treatment.

There is no recommendation against travel to China at this time. CDC has published Watch: Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions: Avian Flu (H7N9) in China on its website. This page includes information on preventing infection for travelers and Americans living in China and for clinicians who should consider the possibility of novel influenza A (H7N9) virus infection in persons presenting with respiratory illness within 10 days of an appropriate travel or exposure history.

Research and Reports

11. U.S. INFANT MORTALITY ON THE DECLINE

The U.S. infant mortality rate declined to 6.05 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011, resulting in a 12% reduction from 2005 after having been at a plateau from 2000 to 2005, according to the April 2013 issue of NCHS Data Brief. Neonatal and post-neonatal mortality rates also declined over the period of 2005 to 2011, decreasing by 11% and 14%, respectively.

Non-Hispanic black women experienced the greatest decline (16%) in infant mortality rate, while Hispanic women experienced the least decline (9%). Geographically, four states—Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina—and the District of Columbia had a decline of 20% or more in their infant mortality rate from 2005 through 2010.

12. REPORT DETAILS DECLINE IN STATE PUBLIC HEALTH SPENDING

Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have released their annual report analyzing state and federally-based investments in public health funding, Investing in America’s Health: A State-by-State Look at Public Health Funding and Key Health Facts. This year’s report continues to stress the inadequate federal funding levels and drastic cuts in state and local funding for public health.

In addition to detailed state-by-state funding levels, the report describes the requirements for public health accreditation for state and local health departments, federal obligations through the Prevention and Public Health Fund and National Prevention Strategy, and recommendations for improvement.

13. STUDY FINDS COLON CANCER SCREENING DOUBLES USING E-HEALTH RECORDS

Use of electronic health records (EHRs) to identify and follow-up with patients who were not screened doubled the rate of on-time screening for colorectal cancer, according to the results of a randomized controlled trial published in the March 5, 2013 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. The SOS (Systems of Support to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening) trial initially identified 4,675 patients ages 50 to 73 who were not up to date on colorectal cancer screening. The study employed four different interventions that reduced costs when compared to care provided without targeted interventions.

Announcements

14. CMS ANNOUNCES NEW MARKETPLACE NAVIGATOR GRANTS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for self-employed individuals and private and public entities to serve as Navigators in states that will host a federally-facilitated or state health insurance exchange beginning in January 2014. Funding availability for this cooperative agreement is $54 million. Successful applicants will have expertise in insurance eligibility and enrollment, be able to conduct public education activities raising awareness of the Exchanges, and provide information and services including selection of health plans and referrals in an impartial and culturally/linguistically competent manner. The optional letter of intent is due May 1, 2013. However, applications are available now and will be accepted until June 7. Grant awards are expected to be released by August 15. CMS will be holding its next pre-application conference call on April 30^th at 3:30 PM EST [Dial: (800) 837-1935; ID: 54234452].

15. MEMBERS IN THE NEWS: DOROTHY LANE

Former ACPM President, Dorothy (Dorry) Lane, MD, MPH, FACPM, has been selected as the recipient of Columbia University of Physicians and Surgeons Alumni Association’s 2013 Virginia Kneeland Frantz Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine. The award represents the highest honor which the Alumni Association can bestow in recognition of outstanding accomplishments, and will be presented on May 3 at an Alumni Day ceremony.

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