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New Hampshire CEO Update

July 1, 2022
In This Update
New Hampshire Updates  -  Federal Updates  -  Member Spotlight
Emergency Preparedness  -  Bi-State's Meeting Schedule  -  Vaccine Confidence Resources
New Hampshire Updates
Legislative Updates
  • HB 1022: Great news! Governor Sununu vetoed the Ivermectin bill that would have let consumers 18+ get Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 without a prescription. There currently are only four instances in which pharmacists can dispense medication without a prescription: for smoking cessation products, contraception, substance use disorder treatment, and treatment for sexual assault. Read Union Leader article
  • HB 1606: Governor Sununu signed HB 1606 into law that changes NH’s vaccine registry from opt-out to opt-in. Currently, adults have to opt out of being on the registry, or their records automatically go on it. Bi-State and the NH COVID-19 Health Care Providers and Consumers Coalition will be following this closely. Stay tuned for updates! 
  • SB 404: Great news! Governor Sununu signed SB 404 into law that re-establishes an outreach plan in the NH Department of Health and Human Services for the SNAP program. 60% of older adults who are eligible for SNAP are not enrolled, so much outreach is needed. NH Hunger Solutions facilitates a SNAP Coalition that meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 10-11:00 am. The Coalition will work to ensure that all who are eligible for SNAP can benefit from the program. If you would like to join the SNAP Coalition, contact NH Hunger Solutions at info@nhhungersolutions.org.
Governor Sununu’s Signing of the Medicaid Adult Dental Benefit
Today, Bi-State attended the Governor's signing of the Medicaid Adult Dental Benefit bills into law -  HB 103 and SB 422 - in the Governor and Council Chambers. Thanks to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, the NH Oral Health Coalition, the NH Dental Society, NH Community Health Centers, and everyone involved who helped make history today in the Granite State! #valueCHCs #CHCsInnovate
New Hampshire Health Alert Network
On June 29, NH DHHS released a HAN announcing the first probable case of Monkeypox in our state. 
In Case You Missed It! Baby Formula Shortage Resources from Community Action Program (CAP) & WIC New Hampshire
The State WIC Program has approximately 70 formulas that can be issued, which has significantly increased available options. Here is the current WIC formulary and instructions for converting from metric to ounces. Contact your local WIC agency if you have questions. Nutrition staff will assist families who have questions, need to have their formula changed on their e-WIC card, or need help on preparation of international formulas. It is important that providers write down all the brands when requesting special formula, including store brands, on the formula line. This way nutrition staff can work with the family to change the assigned food package over the phone based on availability in the store. This can be done even while the participant is shopping if necessary. Thank you to the Community Action Program (CAP) & WIC New Hampshire for sharing these resources! 
This Week in New Hampshire News
Health Law and Policy Symposium Recording and Presentations
Bi-State attended the annual Health Law and Policy Symposium, Equitable and Affordable Healthcare: A Shared Responsibility on June 22. Click here to watch a recording or view the session presentations. 
Bi-State is Hiring!
We are currently looking to hire an Oral Health Project Coordinator and a Project Coordinator of Workforce Initiatives. Visit here for more information and to apply.
Federal Updates
Kuster Advocates for Legislation to Expand Mobile Health
We are grateful to Congresswoman Annie Kuster for cosponsoring the MOBILE Health Care Act to expand access to much-needed primary and preventive care services in our rural Granite State communities through mobile clinics. View press release. See Georgia's statement (left)
Climate Change and Health Equity
Here is the second edition of the Climate and Health Outlook from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, released in June 2022 and covering the June-August timeframe. It shows who should expect hot days in June and the impacts of extreme heat on health. Page 4 has a spotlight on heat impacts in rural areas.
Your Local Epidemiologist: "We're Getting an Omicron Booster"
Here's a great resource posted in Your Local Epidemiologist: "Clarity for fall: We're getting an Omicron booster" regarding plans for Fall 2022.
Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine for Older Children
On June 23, CDC’s ACIP recommended the use of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for patients ages 6-17 years. See the CDC statement. This recommendation is in line with FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for this age group. Dosing information:
  • Children ages 6-11 years may receive two 0.5mL doses of the new Moderna 5 product (dark blue vial cap with teal-bordered label) one month apart.*
  • Adolescents ages 12-17 years may receive two 0.5mL doses of the current Moderna 10 adult product (red vial cap with light blue-bordered label) one month apart.
*Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program participants may order this product through the Health Partner Order Portal (HPoP) vaccine module starting June 24. See the June 20 bulletin to learn more. 
International Baby Formula Resources
The Skimm published a guide on international baby formula called International Baby Formula is Finally Hitting Shelves.  Here’s How to Figure Out Which One to Buy.
Member Spotlight
Coos County Family Health Services
Monadnock Health Care and Coos County Family Health Services are pleased to announce the completion of an agreement to provide medical services to residents of the greater Colebrook area. Operations are expected to begin August 1, 2022. The addition of a clinic site in Colebrook will strengthen the entire organization and signals a new chapter in the nearly 50 year long history of CCFHS! 
Emergency Preparedness
GSHCC Weekly Newsletter
Click here to view the Granite State Health Care Coalition's Newsletter with emergency preparedness engagement opportunities. 
Bi-State's Emergency Preparedness Google Drive
Bi-State is continuously updating an Emergency Preparedness Google document. To request help with a table top exercise, after-action review, or other training needs, please contact Colleen at cdowling@bistatepca.org, and we can link you to the state coalition who are glad to assist!
Emergency Prep: Your Hazards Risk Map by Zip Code
You can’t prepare for something if you don’t know it’s a threat. Part of staying informed is knowing about the hazards that can cause you harm and how to mitigate (or reduce) your risk. Your ZIP code can help you learn about hazards in your area. The National Risk Index is an online mapping application from FEMA that is searchable by ZIP code. It was developed with local emergency planners in mind, but you too can use it to identify the hazards most likely to threaten your health and safety. Click here to view map. 
Bi-State's Meeting Schedule
NH CEO Calls: First Tuesday of the month, 9:00-11:00 am - OFF UNTIL SEPTEMBER
NH & VT CFO Calls: Every other month, third Thursday, 1:30-2:30 pm
NH & VT CMO Calls: Bi-Weekly, Wednesdays, 7:30-8:15 am - 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month for 45 minutes.
Vaccine Confidence Resources
Bi-State's Vaccine Confidence Google Drive
Bi-State is continuously updating a COVID-19 vaccine resource and vaccine confidence Google document with the most recent information at the top of each section.
Questions for Bi-State?
New Hampshire
Please contact: Colleen Dowling
603-228-2830 Ext. 127
cdowling@bistatepca.org

Vermont
Please contact: Kaylana Blindow
802-229-0002 Ext. 226
kblindow@bistatepca.org
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