With only a single case in our state about a decade ago, congenital syphilis has been on the rise ever since.

In 2023, (according to preliminary data), North Carolina lost nine people from this completely preventable cause; with another 63 babies suffering from  congenital syphilis infection.  

According to Victoria Mobley, HIV/STI medical director for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Public Health, more than half of the mothers of the babies born with syphilis had no documented prenatal care at the time they delivered. Equally of concern, of the women who did have prenatal care, only 41% received appropriate screening tests, despite state law requirements for syphilis testing for anyone who is pregnant (at first pre-natal visit, again between 28-30 weeks gestation and at time of delivery). 

Sadly, this is a national epidemic, and more action must be taken to begin to address it.

There is a lot to cover during those Well Child Checks!

Curious about the Collaborative Care Model whether it's right for your practice and your patients?

Novo Nordisk has announced the permanent discontinuation of all formulations of Levemir.  Supply disruptions of Levemir FlexPen are expected to begin in mid-January 2024, followed by the complete discontinuation of the FlexPen on April 1, 2024. The Levemir vial will be discontinued on December 31, 2024.

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 60,000 people in North Carolina are diagnosed with Diabetes every year.

National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for people of all ages.

You know how challenging it has been to ensure your patients have been kept up to date on their vaccines. As we all prepare for school to start, and the approach of flu season, take advantage of resources from CDC and others to help get everyone up to date!

Today the Northwest AHEC Practice Support team brings you an announcement from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy regarding the 988 Suicide Help Line.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children's Hospital Association,

Save the date and join in on Thursday, January 20 for the next webinar on Medicaid Managed Care "Hot Topics".