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A weekly newsletter from the National Academy for State Health Policy
JANUARY 4, 2022

TOP HEADLINES

A New Year's Message from Hemi Tewarson

I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a very happy and healthy new year. 2021 was a challenging year, with events none of us could have imagined or anticipated. Thank you state leaders — for all of your tireless work for the residents in your states. Your efforts have improved the health of so many across the country.

After two years of COVID-19, we continue to face many challenges as we collectively work on response and — hopefully — recovery. It is a critical time for states. NASHP is here to support you — standing ready to help in your efforts to address the pandemic and to continue all of the other health policy work that will be critical to improving the health of your state residents.

We look forward to partnering with you in 2022 and beyond, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

Hemi Tewarson
Executive Director, NASHP

States Respond to Spread of Omicron

Things are changing quickly as the Omicron variant spreads. For the latest updates, check out our state action trackers:

VISIT COVID-19 STATE ACTION CENTER

Reducing Bias in Algorithms: Spotlight on Pennsylvania

The context: As states continue developing their health equity strategies, some are taking a look at how algorithms may contribute to health inequity.

The details: Health care organizations use algorithms to identify and help patients with complex needs — but recent reports indicate that these algorithms could exhibit implicit bias.

Find out what steps Pennsylvania is taking to mitigate bias in algorithms in this blog by Ronique Taffe, a fellow in the inaugural class of NASHP’s Emerging Leaders of Color Fellowship.

READ THE BLOG

Updated: State Medicaid Approaches to Doula Service Benefits

This month, Virginia became the latest state to provide doula services as an optional benefit under their state Medicaid program. Get the latest in our updated chart.

SEE THE CHART

Webinar: State Policies to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce

Tuesday, February 8 1-2 pm ET

Join us to discuss state policies to improve the quality and supply of the direct care workforce. This webinar will feature national and state leaders who will share policies and innovations to strengthen the home and community-based workforce.

CAREERS

NASHP

IN THE STATES

STATE TRACKING

COSTS

COVID-19

COVERAGE

Thank you to our Strategic Partners

community health acceleration partnership

The National Academy for State Health Policy is a nonpartisan forum of policymakers throughout state governments, learning, leading and implementing innovative solutions to health policy challenges.