HRSA Recognizes Key Anniversaries and Works to Increase Health Care Access

In March, HRSA announced the winners of the Promoting Pediatric Primary Prevention Challenge, $66.5 million to support community-based vaccine outreach efforts, more than $560 million in pandemic relief payments to health care providers, funding to increase virtual care quality and access, and new funding to support primary care residency programs.

In March, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to improving health outcomes in underserved communities, promoting health equity, and supporting the health workforce, took the following actions:

Statement of HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson on President Biden’s National Mental Health Strategy
HRSA is working to implement President Biden’s national mental health strategy by taking action to dramatically expand the supply, diversity, and cultural competence of the mental health and substance use disorder workforce. As part of this strategy, HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson visited Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio to discuss the importance of mental health services, alongside Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine.

New HHS Study in JAMA Pediatrics Shows Significant Increases in Children Diagnosed with Mental Health Conditions from 2016 to 2020
A new HHS study, conducted by HRSA, finds significant increases in the number of children diagnosed with mental health conditions. The findings highlight the critical importance of HRSA’s work to support children’s mental health and well-being through expanding access to mental health services and growing the mental health workforce.

Fact Sheet: American Rescue Plan One Year Anniversary
HRSA marked the first anniversary of the American Rescue Plan by highlighting American Rescue Plan-funded efforts to support COVID-19 vaccination, testing, treatment, and masks for underserved populations and rural communities across the country; keep the doors of health centers open as they led the fight against the pandemic; provide direct resources to rural clinics and hospitals to help rural communities respond to COVID; make record numbers of scholarships and loan repayment awards to clinicians; and expand support for families and children’s essential needs.

HHS Recognizes One-Year Anniversary of Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program to Advance Equity in Pandemic Response
HRSA recognized the one-year anniversary of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program. To date, health centers have administered more than 20 million vaccines in underserved communities across the country through the HRSA program and partnerships with states.

HHS Distributing an Additional $413 Million in Provider Relief Fund Payments to Health Care Providers Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
HRSA made more than $413 million in Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments to more than 3,600 providers across the country. These funds help health care providers prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.

Statement of HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson on the Affordable Care Act Anniversary
HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson recognized the anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and highlighted the sea change the law represented for HRSA’s ability to provide equitable access to high-quality health care. In honor of the anniversary, Deputy Administrator Diana Espinosa participated in a celebration hosted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

ICYMI: HRSA Promotes Access to Gender Affirming Care and Treatment in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
HRSA released a letter encouraging Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program service providers to leverage their existing infrastructure to provide access to gender affirming care and treatment services to transgender and gender diverse individuals with HIV.

A Conversation with HHS Women Leaders to Celebrate Women’s History Month
To honor Women’s History Month, HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson joined women leaders across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a conversation that highlighted HHS’ commitment to advancing the health and well-being of all women.

See News & Announcements on HRSA.gov.