The WSRGN telehealth training is going totally virtual! Training dates will begin in the Fall.  Please contact Austin Bland (austin@hawaiigenetics.org) for more information.

Using our experience in training providers to use telehealth and telegenetics, we have created short best practices and “how-to” videos for patients and providers.

The WSRGN has redesigned our telehealth resources page, which includes links to help both patients and providers. https://www.westernstatesgenetics.org/telehealth-resources/

The 2020 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting will be held in San Antonio from March 17-20.  Discounted registration is available until February 14. https://www.acmgmeeting.net/acmg2020/Public/mainhall.aspx?ID=3318&sortMenu=101000

New data available to researchers by request. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) State-level 2018 Data. PRAMS provides data on maternal attitudes, experiences and behaviors around the time of pregnancy. PRAMS is currently funded in 50 sites and covers about 83% of all live births in the United States, including 47 states, New York City, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Learn more.

NCC compiles written genetic service policies from each state Medicaid program. Find information about your state here.

• https://nccrcg.org/focus-areas/lift/state-medicaid-genetics-policies/

Researchers at Utah State University are recruiting families of children recently diagnosed with hearing loss for a study that may help them gain confidence in managing hearing aid use and incorporate hearing aid care habits into their daily lives. They are recruiting parents of children birth to 42 months of age that have traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids. The study is exploring the benefits of a six-week eHealth intervention that provides parents with supportive accountability. Contact Dr. Karen Muñoz  for more information.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) has announced a new pilot program to train primary care providers on the basics of sickle cell disease. The Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Training and Mentoring Program (STAMP) is a collaboration between OMH, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and the HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care. STAMP is designed to equip providers with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and co-management support to care for low-complexity patients living with sickle cell disease. The program consists of free web-based trainings that will be offered from January – June 2020. Visit OMH’s sickle cell disease website to learn more about the program, register and see a calendar of upcoming trainings. Learn More.

Once a quarter NCC publishes the LIFT newsletter to provide an overview of the current genetic service delivery system. In addition to the quarterly memo, LIFT alerts are published when there is breaking policy news.  The recent LIFT newsletter included updates on the following legislation:

• • Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act
  • Medical Nutrition Equity Act
  • Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act
  • Genetic Information Privacy Act
  • Protecting Personal Health Data Act

Click here to see past newsletters and subscribe:  http://bit.ly/nccrgcLIFT

The Bridging the Gap Medical Interpreter Training prepares individuals to become successful medical interpreters. This language-neutral course, taught in English, is open to speakers of all languages. Prior experience in the medical and/or interpreting fields is helpful but not required! Students will learn the necessary skills to become a qualified medical interpreter by participating in group activities, gaining practice interpreting from day-one onward, and through the instruction and insight of our experienced trainers.   Multiple dates are available in 2020.

• https://xculture.org/medical-interpreter-training/bridging-the-gap-training-program/bridging-the-gap-for-medical-interpreters-course-description/?utm_campaign=fyi_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery