NIOSH recently published a video called Addressing Opioid Overdose Deaths in the Workplace. The video can help employers decide whether to have naloxone, an effective drug for reversing opioid overdoses, available in their workplace. The video also gives employers and workers information on how to implement and maintain a workplace naloxone program.

To learn more, see our factsheet.

Workplace violence is any type of violence or threat of violence against workers. It generally occurs in the workplace but can also happen away from it. Workplace violence can range from threats and verbal abuse to more serious events that lead to physical assaults, homicides, and mass casualty events, such as those that occurred recently at workplaces in Atlanta, Georgia, and Boulder, Colorado. Because April is Workplace Violence Awareness month, we would like to share resources on what we know based on research and also where research gaps still exist.

Workplace violence can occur anywhere and at any time, but certain groups of workers are at increased risk. These groups include those who exchange money with the public; transport passengers, goods, or services; work alone or in small groups late at night or early in the morning; and come into close contact as they treat and provide patient care. Examples include retail workers, nurses, taxi drivers, and others who commonly interact with customers, clients, or patients. However, workplace violence doesn’t have to involve workers and customers or clients. Threats and assaults can also come from other employees, supervisors or managers, a domestic partner, or a current or former spouse.

Read more.

Health care centers, grantees and partners have an exciting opportunity to help spread the word about an upcoming program.  Eligible patients and households may apply for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program when it opens in late April.

Background

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program lowers the cost of high-speed internet service to ensure people have the connectivity they need during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.  By the end of April, $3.2 billion in funding will be available to provide qualifying households discounts on their internet service bills and an opportunity to receive a discount on a computer or tablet.  The EBB program is similar to the Lifeline program with expanded eligibility, vendors, and subsidies.  This benefit is available directly to consumers on a first come, first serve basis.

Eligible patients and households may submit applications beginning around late April.  Health centers and organizations are encouraged to begin preparing to increase awareness and help patients apply (e.g., outreach, internet access, and supporting applications completion).  Organizations are encouraged to develop a plan now to support patients as funds are expected to go quickly.

How You Can Help

• Share information about the EBB program with patients.
  • FCC’s EBB webpage
  • Fact sheet
• Provide access to the internet and basic technical support at your organization so patients can complete the application.

The Telehealth Resource Centers are available to assist with questions.  For more information, including recorded technical assistance webinars, please visit the FCC-supported technical assistance provider Universal Service Administrative Company and visit the resources below.

Resources for the EBB Program:

• FCC’s EBB webpage
• Consumer FAQ for Emergency Broadband Benefit
• Fact sheet
• “Become an Outreach Partner”
• Universal Service Administrative Company Technical Assistance Webinars

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to improve rural transportation systems.

USDA is making the grants available under the Rural Business Development Grant program. Eligible applicants are organizations seeking to provide rural communities with training and technical assistance to improve transportation services and facilities. USDA does not provide funding directly to individuals under this program.

Applications will be scored, reviewed, and selected on a competitive basis. Applications must be submitted to the applicant’s nearest USDA office by June 30, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. local time. Additional information is available on page 17112 of the April1, 2021, Federal Register.

In Pennsylvania, please contact the Business and Cooperatives Program Director David Foster at 717-237-2181 or David.Foster@usda.gov with any questions about the program or application process.

Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation.

Agency to Host Public Listening Session on April 22

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is requesting public input from interested parties, including potential customers and interested stakeholders, to help create a new Rural Renewable Energy Pilot Program. To ensure a diverse group of voices are heard, USDA is seeking written comments and will host a public listening session on April 22, 2021.

“When we invest in creating new sources of renewable energy, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs in rural America,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson said. “To meet this goal, we must put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions, and that begins with getting feedback from a broad, diverse set of voices from the start.”

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PL116-260) provided $10 million to USDA to develop a pilot program that provides financial assistance to rural communities to further develop renewable energy. This request for information and the stakeholder listening session seek input to help develop options for the Rural Renewable Energy Pilot Program. The new program will aim to support the Nation’s critical energy needs, and combat climate change while advancing environmental justice, racial equity, and economic opportunity through the use of distributed energy technologies, innovations, and/or solutions.

The stakeholder listening session will be held virtually on Thursday, April 22, 2021, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. EDT. Anyone can RSVP to participate online.

Public comment is requested on the following topics:

• Program purposes, goals, metrics, and standards;
• Eligible applicants, participants, partners including but not limited to communities, residencies, industry, and commercial entities;
• Eligible technologies including but not limited to generation, storage, controller, and grid;
• Potential impact of the pilot program and renewable energy systems more broadly on each of the following: environmental justice, racial equity, and economic opportunity; and
• Options to measure and maximize the benefits of renewable energy systems for environmental justice, racial equity, and economic opportunity in rural areas.

Written comments are encouraged and must be submitted online by April 29, 2021, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. To submit a comment, visit http://www.regulations.gov and search for the Docket ID RBS–21–Business–0010. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. All comments received will be posted without change and will be publicly available on regulations.gov.

For additional information on the request for information and listening session, see page 16575 of the March 30, 2021, Federal Register.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate, smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced that additional savings and lower health care costs are available for consumers on HealthCare.gov. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has increased tax credits available to consumers, helping to reduce premiums and giving consumers access to affordable health care coverage. The Department also announced an additional $50 million in advertising to bolster the Special Enrollment Period outreach campaign. The campaign will run through August 15, 2021.

“We’re delivering lower health care costs to more Americans because everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. Today help is here and millions of Americans can start saving money on their health insurance premiums thanks to the American Rescue Plan,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden Administration is committed to bringing down health care costs for families. Consumers can save money by visiting HealthCare.gov and choosing a plan that works for them and their budget. HHS will be reaching out to encourage Americans to use the Special Enrollment Period to sign up for quality, affordable coverage through HealthCare.gov.”

To read the HHS press release (English), visit: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/04/01/hhs-secretary-becerra-announces-reduced-costs-and-expanded-access-available-marketplace-health-coverage-under-american-rescue-plan.html

To read the HHS press release (Spanish), visit: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/04/01/secretario-de-salud-y-servicios-humanos-xavier-becerra-anuncia-reduccion-de-costos-y-expansion-de-acceso-a-cobertura-de-salud-en-el-mercado-de-salud-bajo-american-rescue-plan.html

To read the ASPE brief, visit: https://aspe.hhs.gov/pdf-report/access-to-low-premiums-issue-brief-part-II