Infant mortality rates in the USA are highest among Black Americans, yet there are considerable differences between regions of the country. Infant mortality among Blacks is highest in the Midwest and lowest in the West and Northeast. To examine the state and county-level factors that might explain these patterns, researcher Ashley Hirai of MCHB collaborated on a study published in PLOS ONE that was led by Veni Kandasamy, a former HRSA fellow now at John Hopkins University.

The study looked at many factors. When taken together, those factors explained one-third of the regional differences. Factors that “protected” Black infants—or in other words, were associated with lower infant mortality—included: being born in a state with higher levels of Black-White marriage rates (proxy for social integration); being born in a state with higher maternal and child health funding per capita; and, being born in a county with higher levels of Black household income.

To learn more, find the full article in PLOS ONE or contact Ashley Hirai.

The opioid epidemic continues to have a devastating impact in rural areas disproportionately affected by a lack of infrastructure to provide treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs). Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), often the hubs of local systems of care, can play an important role in addressing OUDs. Using a substance use framework developed for the Flex Monitoring Team’s earlier study of CAH substance use strategies, this brief highlights strategies adopted by CAHs to combat opioid use in their communities. It also identifies resources that State Flex Programs can use to support CAHs with this challenging population health issue.

The report may accessed here or on the Flex Monitoring Team website.

The report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlines state-level policy that can reduce barriers to using telehealth for treating substance use disorders (SUDs) among pediatric Medicaid populations.  Medicaid coverage and state laws regarding telehealth vary by state, so this report highlights how delivering care to children with SUD differs between telehealth and in-person visits in terms of costs and quality of care.  While the field is still emerging, there are promising practices that could improve access to care where options for SUD treatment is limited.

The National Association and County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) published their “2019 National Profile of Local Health Departments.” The purpose of the study is to develop a comprehensive and accurate description of local health department infrastructure and practice. The data are used to inform public health policy at the local, state, and federal levels and can support projects to improve local public health practice. Data are also used in universities to educate the future public health workforce about local health departments and by researchers to address questions about public health practice.

Click here to view the report.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Family Health (BFH) conducted its Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant (MCHSBG) Five-Year Needs and Capacity Assessment. This assessment helped the BFH and the PA Title V program to evaluate the health status of women and mothers, infants, children, adolescents and children and youth with special health care needs in Pennsylvania, engage stakeholders and service recipients, and identify priorities that will inform Title V-funded work over the next funding cycle from 2021 to 2025. A report describing the planning, implementation, and results of the 2020 Title V Five-Year Needs and Capacity Assessment is now available.

Click here to view the report.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides background information for treating patients from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to:  African-American, Appalachian, Native American, and refugee/forced displacement. Find more information here.