It is crucial for healthcare providers to be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively discuss immunization with patients and caretakers who might harbor doubts or feel hesitant about vaccines. This involves understanding the underlying reasons for their hesitancy, which can range from misinformation and fear of side effects to cultural beliefs and past experiences. By being empathetic and informed, healthcare providers can build trust and provide clear, evidence-based information that addresses specific concerns, ultimately helping to alleviate fears and encourage informed decision-making regarding vaccinations.

A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics explains the possible causes behind vaccine hesitancy and suggests ways to address different types of concerns.

The AAP also provides a variety of communication aids and guides to encourage conversations about vaccines.

To learn more, check out the ADL's March 15 Highlighted Resources:

Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake

AAP Immunization Communication Aids

Current guidelines: begin colon cancer screening at age 45.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all people at average risk begin colon and rectal cancer screening at age 45. People at higher risk may need to be screened earlier.  

Why was the screening age lowered?

• In the U.S., about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals under age 50.
• Young-onset rectal cancer incidence has increased at nearly two times the rate of young-onset colon cancer.
• It is predicted that by 2030, colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people ages 20-49.

Colorectal cancer screening often focuses on detecting polyps. Pre-cancerous polyps usually take about 10-15 years to develop into cancer. It is vital to find them EARLY before they have a chance to grow, spread and turn deadly, and THEN cause symptoms! 

One woman's story:

"The only risk factor I had was being 55 years old. No family history of colorectal cancer, I had no symptoms, I am physically active and eat a healthy diet. I really did not want a colonoscopy, so I had Cologuard screening instead. It came back positive! My colonoscopy showed three very large, but thankfully pre-cancerous polyps. These were removed and honestly, I believe my life was saved. GET SCREENED!"

Our colleagues at Wake AHEC in Raleigh, NC are offering a one-day, in-person workshop to provide updates on HIPAA Compliance issues for local health departments. 

Date and Time:

June 26, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Core topics of the workshop include:

• Hybrid entity designations
• Breach response
• Business associate relationships
• Sharing information with local Departments of Social Services

Faculty:

Jill D. Moore, JD, MPH, Associate Professor of Public Law and Government

Kirsten Leloudis, JD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government

Learn more and register

The most recent 'NC Medicaid/NC AHEC Office Hours' highlighted several important tidbits regarding NCTracks. If you were not able to attend, don't worry!

• The User Login process is changing in 2025, and will require multi-factor authentication. This will occur in phases and email notifications will be sent.
  
  You do not have to wait for your e-mail notification---you can go ahead and update your user login now.
  
  Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for NC Tracks users.
  

• Change of Ownership notification required at least 30 days prior to the change taking place.
  Learn more about Change of Ownership guidelines and FAQ's 
  
  
  
  
• Why does it matter if Provider Records in NCTracks are not up to date?

Additional topics were covered during this call. You can review a pdf of the slides from today's office hours here.

Northwest AHEC invites you to our upcoming Spring Behavioral Health Webinars! Whether you're looking to enhance your clinical practice, support recovery, or deepen your understanding of trauma-informed care, we have valuable sessions for you. Click below for more information on each.

• Appetite Awareness Training for Binge and Overeating - March 25, 2025 from 9AM-11AM - This program will examine the factors (e.g., trauma, stress, depression) that may increase binge and overeating in our clients, with particular emphasis on clients who are low income, and identify as a member from a racial/ethnic minority group. Register Here
  
  
• Microaggression as an Ethical Issue in Clinical Practice - April 1, 2025 from 9AM- 12:15PM - Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional exchanges that convey negative messages based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. While clinicians aim to provide culturally sensitive care, unknowingly committing microaggressions can harm communication, erode trust, and disrupt the therapeutic process. Ethical guidelines call for minimizing these occurrences to support effective client relationships. This program explores the impact of microaggressions, their role in clinical practice, and strategies for reducing them. Note: This course may count toward ethics requirements for license renewal. Register Here
  
  
• Practical Suggestions for Facilitating SUD Recovery - April 9, 2025 from 1PM - 3PM - Health professionals often encounter clients or patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Understanding how to effectively address these complex challenges is critical for providing optimal care. This workshop is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of practical approaches and evidence-based interventions for working with individuals affected by SUDs. Register Here
  
  
• Safety First: Trauma-Informed Care with People Experiencing Substance Use Disorders - May 16, 2025 from 9AM - 12:15PM - Widely demonstrated in the literature on substance use disorders, trauma experienced by the person is a common and primary part of the sequelae leading to addiction. Traumatic life experiences can unfortunately also be a part of a person’s time as a substance user.
  This training will present a brief overview of what constitutes single incident or developmental traumas; what it means to be a trauma-informed practitioner; awareness of vicarious or secondary traumatization and related social worker self-care. Participants will learn how to consider trauma in their approach to working with clients and in their ability to thrive as a practitioner.  Register Here
  
  
• Race-Based Traumatic Stress: Broadening Your Toolkit to Support Diverse Individuals - June 20, 2025 from 9AM - 12:15PM - This session explores race-based traumatic stress and its impact on clients of color. We’ll review the theoretical framework, trauma responses, and resilience strategies while identifying risk and protective factors. Clinicians will enhance cultural competence through interactive learning, self-reflection, and practical skills for sensitive, effective care. Register Here

The role of Physician Assistant (PA) in North Carolina is integral to the healthcare system.  Physician Assistants are trained to provide high-quality care, often serving as primary care providers. 

Our colleagues from South Piedmont AHEC are offering a free lunchtime webinar to learn more about this important health care professional.

Overview of Physician Assistants in North Carolina -- Regulations, Scope of Practice, and Common Questions

April 30, 2025 | 12 PM - 1 PM

There is no registration fee for this webinar!

What is the lawsuit about?

In the class action In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation, the Plaintiffs (Provider Class Representatives, or group of providers and facilities bringing the suit) claim that the Settling Defendants (Individual Blue Plans and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association) violated antitrust laws by illegally dividing the United States into "Service Areas" and agreed not to compete in those areas.  They also claim that the Settling Defendants fixed prices for services provided.

Why is there a Settlement?

The Court did not decide in favor of the Plaintiffs or Settling Defendants.  Instead, both sides have agreed to the Settlement.

Who is included in the Settlement Classes?

The Settlement Class includes all Providers in the U.S. (except Excluded Providers) who currently provide or provided healthcare services, equipment or supplies to any patient who was insured by, or was a member of or a beneficiary of any plan administered by any settling individual Blue Plan from July 24, 2008 to October 4, 2024.

The bird flu (H5N1) is becoming a greater concern among people who track infectious diseases.

A recent article in Nature explains why changes in how the disease spreads could affect humans, and a new LibGuide from UNC Health Sciences Library collects key resources to help understand the current bird flu situation.

To learn more, check out the ADL's Highlighted Resources for February 15:
Will bird flu spark a human pandemic? Scientists say the risk is rising
Avian Influenza - "Bird Flu" (H5N1) Guide

With funding from NCDHHS, Project AWARE is able to offer SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) training via Appalachian State University at no cost to the first 300 applicants!

SBIRT

• is brief
• is comprehensive
• decreases the severity of drug and alcohol use (early intervention with SBIRT saves lives and money and is consistent with overall support for patient/client wellness)
• reduces health care costs
• is used in various settings (by doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, counselors and other service providers)

Users of this technique employ a variety of tools including AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) and CRAFFT (Adolescent Screening Tool). Motivational Interviewing is at the core of SBIRT training.

There are two components to this free training; online asynchronous modules and a synchronous workshop. 

You can also register here.

Today we bring you some important news from United Healthcare.

Don't lose access to the United Healthcare Provider Portal! Make sure your sign-in options include passkey, authenticator and/or a verified phone number by March 6th.

What's changing and when

A security update to the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal is coming soon.  This will affect how you sign in to the portal and gain access if you're ever locked out.

Currently, many use email as a recovery and multifactor authentication option. On March 6, 2025, this option won't be available. Be prepared; review your options now.

UnitedHealthcare provider portal authentication webpage has all the details you need to ensure your access is maintained.

You can also review FAQs on the changes.