The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has announced a call for proposals: Public Health Services and Systems Research (PHSSR): Building Evidence for Decision-Making.  PHSSR is a multidisciplinary field of study that examines the organization, financing, delivery and quality of public health services within communities and the resulting impact on population health.  Significant changes are occurring in the delivery of public health services as a result of external forces and public health policies, creating opportunities to study the impact of these changes on population health.  This solicitation seeks to expand the evidence base for effective decision-making in pubic health practice and policy through research that utilizes natural experiments to respond to the questions defined in the National Agenda for PHSSR.  Grantees will receive up to $200,000 each in financial support to be used over a 24-month period.

For more information and eligibility criteria, click here: http://www.rwjf.org/files/applications/cfp/overview_phssr2012.pdf

Deadline for receipt of intent to apply is March 6, 2012 (3pm ET).

Deadline for receipt of full proposals is March 27, 2012 (3pm ET).

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 – 1:00 – 2:00pm Eastern Daylight Time

This webinar offered by the Native American Center for Excellence (NACE) will disseminate and assist with developing grant applications in response to an important funding opportunity announcement entitled Interventions for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Native American Populations (ROI) (PAR-11-346).  The webinar will include a 30-minute presentation and 30 minutes for Q and A.  The presentation will expand on what is written in the Funding Opportunity Announcement and describe common weaknesses of NIH grant applications.  The webinar reflects the ongoing efforts of National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and NACE to partner in common areas of interest.

Click here to register and reserve a seat – space is limited: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/184105438 [Urban Indian Health Institute]

The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently launched a new website aimed for a 4th – 6th grade reading level that provides information on drug abuse and treatment for adult audiences.  This website, Easy-to-Read Drug Facts – http://www.easyread.drugabuse.gov/ – was created using NIDA’s original research on how adults with low literacy use the Internet. The website’s language, navigation, design, and additional features are all thoughtfully designed to address the most common barriers to accessing information.

The site, titled “Easy-to-Read Drug Facts” provides easy-to-read, evidence-based explanations of how drugs affect bodies and brains, and serves as a helpful resource for individuals looking to help themselves or their loved ones address problems of drug abuse.  Additional user-friendly features include engaging videos explaining key aspects of drug abuse and addiction.  The website provides audio versions of each page without the need to download any software.  Users can see the text highlighted as it is being read.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently announced the next steps for providers who are using electronic health record (EHR) technology and receiving incentive payments from Medicare and Medicaid. These proposed rules, from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), will govern stage 2 of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs.

For more information: http://ow.ly/9jn22 [HHS Press Release, Feb. 24, 2012]

Since 1995, communities across the country have celebrated National Public Health Week (NPHW) each April by highlighting public health achievements and raising awareness of issues important to improving the public’s health.

This year the theme is: “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement.” More at: http://www.nphw.org .

The NLM Technical Bulletin recently featured a news item about the redesigned and easier to use TOXNET Mobile site. TOXNET features databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health and toxic releases.

To access TOXNET on your mobile device, use the browser on your mobile device to visit the following URL: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/pda/.

NLM Technical Bulletin article: http://ow.ly/9jl5o [via Blogadillo post: http://ow.ly/9jlvt ]

My Safety, My Responsibility, My Plan is a multi-session program to train adults with intellectual disabilities to understand and to be prepared for emergencies. Information is based on the principles set by FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Fire Administration.

More information at: http://ow.ly/9jjnw

Enroll America and the MAXIMUS Center for Health Literacy have issued new reports.

“Communicating with Plain Language”   – This report discusses using plain language when it comes to health insurance and it offers ten easy tips for writing clear, concise, user-friendly materials.

“The Ideal Application Process for Health Coverage” – This report briefly explains the key steps in a streamlined application process and why they promote robust enrollment.

http://www.enrollamerica.org/

Two free condom programs have recently launched.

In New York City there is an app for that.  An app from the New York City Health Department uses GPS  information from a users smartphone to let the user know where the nearest of it’s 1,000 vendors are to get free condoms.  The app itself is free and has been downloaded over 25,000 times.

In California there is a new program called The Condom Access Project which allows people ages 12-19 to order a free package of condoms, lubricant, and health brochures.  These packages are mailed in a nondescript envelope.  The program is run through the California Family Health Council and supported by the California Department of Public Health’s STD Control Branch.

http://bit.ly/Ab7Xaf

http://usat.ly/yz8oof

February is Child Dental Health Month!

The American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.  This years campaign’s slogan is “ROCK YOUR SMILE”

Check out their website for a program planning guide, posters and more!

http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx