Policy Updates: Hill Happenings and Administration Activities
Hill Happenings
FY2022 Appropriations & Build Back Better Act
On December 2, Democrats successfully advanced a stopgap funding bill and avoided a government shutdown. Lawmakers advanced a second continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily extend Fiscal Year 2021 spending levels through February 18, buying appropriators more time to negotiate on Fiscal Year 2022 (FY2022) spending levels, address the mounting pressure to resolve the national debt limit crisis by December 15, and advance the Build Back Better Act (BBB) by the end of the year.
However, advancing the BBB by the end of the year would require a swift resolution to months-long negotiations between Senate Democrats. Democrats are leveraging the budget reconciliation process to advance the BBB, which requires party consensus to pass the spending bill through a simple majority. On November 19, the House of Representatives passed its version of the BBB, which included health provisions that would increase access to affordable coverage. Notably, the House BBB text would extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace subsidies authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act through 2025, provide subsidized private health coverage to close the Medicaid coverage gap through 2025, and provide $150 million to support the Ryan White Program.
Despite the end-of-year rush to pass the BBB and the momentum afforded by the successful House vote, Senate Democrats have not yet reached an agreement on key BBB provisions and are anticipating that Republicans will attempt to slow down the process through procedural hurdles. NASTAD will continue to monitor the FY2022 appropriations and budget reconciliation process to advocate for the highest funding levels on behalf of HIV and hepatitis programs.
Schiff, Smith Introduce PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2021
On December 1, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA-28) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2021, a bill intended to address PrEP underutilization and reduce disparities in PrEP access. The bill would ensure that health insurers provide comprehensive coverage for PrEP by eliminating out-of-pocket costs and other restrictions for the preventive medication and ancillary services. Additionally, the legislation would direct the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish community public health campaigns and provide grants for jurisdictions to increase access to PrEP for uninsured individuals. NASTAD supports the legislation and endorsed the bill.
Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce World AIDS Day Resolution
On December 1, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced a resolution commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day, which is observed annually on December 1. The resolution recognizes current efforts made by the United States and international organizations in combatting HIV/AIDS while also encouraging greater coordination between the global community to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, including setting a goal to achieve zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jenniffer González-Colón, who also call for an End to HIV Discrimination. NASTAD formally endorsed the resolution.
NASTAD Calls on Appropriators to Properly Fund HRSA Programs in FY22 Spending Bills
On December 3, NASTAD joined the Friends of HRSA coalition and called on Congressional Appropriators to properly fund the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the FY2022 appropriations bill. The coalition is requesting $8.84 billion for HRSA’s discretionary program funding in FY2022. The advocates highlight HRSA’s role in improving health disparities by increasing access to high-quality, affordable care through the important programs like Community Health Center Program, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and the Title X Family Planning Program. The group of advocates highlight the urgent need to increase resources in light of the service delivery interruptions and workforce capacity issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 55 organizations signed onto the letter.
House Energy & Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on Fentanyl Strategy
On December 2, the Subcommittee on Health of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on the Biden Administration’s interagency proposal to address synthetic opioids and illicit fentanyl-related substances. With overdose deaths on the rise, lawmakers are investigating the evolution of synthetic opioid and fentanyl-related substance abuse and the role of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in addressing the crisis. Notably, the Administration is proposing to permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances as Schedule 1 substances, the most restrictive class of drugs that involve harsh sentencing for convicted drug users, such as mandatory sentencing minimums.
Administration Activities
Biden Administration Releases Updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy
President Biden announced the release of the updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) for 2022-2025. The NHAS provides the framework and direction for the Biden Administration’s policies, research, programs, and planning that will lead to ending the HIV epidemic in the US by 2030. The updated NHAS incorporates the latest epidemiological data and biomedical prevention science on HIV and includes support for harm reduction services and SSPs. Additionally, the updated NHAS encourages reform of state HIV criminalization laws and includes a greater focus on addressing the social determinants of health.
Biden Administration Commemorates World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, is an opportunity for people around the world to bring attention to the HIV epidemic, increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and call for ending the HIV epidemic in the US and globally. The U.S. Government’s theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice. HHS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) leaders issued statements in commemoration of the 33rd World AIDS Day, noting the special significance of this year’s event in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 40-year anniversary of the first detected cases of HIV/AIDS. On November 30, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation commemorating World AIDS Day. The President called attention to the challenges that the world is facing in ending the HIV epidemic and recommitted the US Government to ending the HIV epidemic domestically and abroad.
Vice President Harris Announces $1.5 Billion Investment to Diversify Health Workforce
On November 22, Vice President Harris announced a $1.5 billion investment to help diversify the nation’s health care workforce and foster equitable health care in underserved communities. The funding will address workforce shortages and health disparities by providing scholarship and loan repayment funding for health care students and professionals, in exchange for a service commitment in hard-hit and high-risk communities. The financial resources will support the National Health Service Corps, Nurse Corps, and Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery programs. The new investment was recommended by the Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force in order to reduce health disparities in systemically underserved communities that were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Biden Announces OMB Director and Deputy Director Nominees
On November 24, President Biden announced that he is nominating Shalanda Young for the Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Young currently serves as both the Deputy Director and Acting Director of OMB. Young assumed the Acting Director role on March 24 after Neera Tanden, President Biden’s original choice to lead OMB, withdrew her nomination after failing to procure the votes required to secure Senate confirmation. President Biden also announced that he is nominating Nani Coloretti as Deputy Director of OMB, who is currently the Vice President for Financial and Business Strategy at the Urban Institute.
HHS Announces Telehealth Funding for Title X Grantees
On November 23, HHS announced the availability of new funding to enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure and capacity of Title X family planning providers. HHS will distribute $35 million in one-time grants appropriated under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Title X grantees in order to increase Title X service delivery networks via telehealth.
Resources
NASTAD/JSI Connecting Care Podcast: The Case for Safe Consumption Spaces: Reducing Fatal Overdoses and Increasing Linkage to Care
In response to an increased risk of overdose, several communities in the U.S. are considering establishing spaces for people to use substances safely. These spaces have been referred to as Supervised Injection Facilities, safe consumption spaces, harm reduction spaces, or overdose prevention sites. Over the past few years, these spaces have garnered more support for their proven ability to reduce overdoses and meet other medical and psychosocial needs for people who use them. This month, our hosts talk through the benefits that these spaces have on HIV prevention, linkage to care and needed support services, fatal overdose prevention, and what it takes to get a sanctioned overdose prevention space in the U.S.
FCAA Recommendations: Racial Justice in HIV Philanthropy Guiding Principles
Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) released guidelines to help funders change their approach to HIV philanthropy by outlining actionable steps funders can take to increase funding for racial equity and move towards racial justice.
O’Neill Institute “Big Idea” & Issue Brief: Data Modernization is Needed for a Syndemic Approach to Fighting HIV
In many communities, HIV exists as part of a syndemic that also encompasses other infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, poverty, unemployment, substance use disorders, and systemic discrimination. Our national approach to monitoring discrete health conditions is outdated making it difficult to adopt syndemic strategies for improving community health.
O’Neill Institute Addiction and Public Policy Scholars Program
The Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at the O'Neill Institute, in conjunction with the Recovery Policy Collaborative, is seeking applicants for the Addiction Policy Scholars Program. The Addiction Policy Scholars program supports current and emerging leaders who have practical and lived expertise in the field of substance use disorder but have been traditionally underrepresented in the public policy space. This includes people with lived experience with addiction, formerly incarcerated persons, and members of the Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) communities. Scholars are appointed for one year beginning in September 2022. Applications close on December 31, 2021. Please join us for a virtual information session on December 6, 2021 from 1-2 pm ET to learn more.
CHLPI Health Care in Motion: Reconciliation Redux: What's Cost Got to Do With It?
The Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation (CHLPI) continues to analyze the Build Back Better Act, its potential to usher in significant health reforms, and the hurdles still ahead. Late last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released cost estimates for each title of the Build Back Better Act, in advance of a successful vote in the House. The CBO’s projections were a key consideration for a number of House Democrats. These cost projections will continue to play an important role as the bill is taken up and deliberated in the Senate.
Heterosexual sex accounts for 23% of new HIV diagnoses annually. Heterosexual adults are underrepresented in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) research and campaigns. Increasing PrEP awareness and use in this population is needed to prevent HIV transmission and end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Tailored PrEP campaigns and routine screening can increase PrEP awareness and use among heterosexual adults, particularly among Hispanic persons.
This analysis of national surveillance data found that the estimated number of new HIV infections among MSM did not change overall during 2010–2019; infections decreased among White MSM but not among Black MSM or Hispanic/Latino MSM. Most measures of use of HIV prevention and treatment services were lower among Black MSM and Hispanic/Latino MSM than White MSM and younger MSM compared with other age groups. Improving access to and use of HIV services for MSM, particularly Black MSM, Hispanic/Latino MSM, and younger MSM, is essential to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.
NACCHO NOFOs: New Funding Opportunities for Harm Reduction Monitoring & Evaluation
With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with the University of Washington (UW), NACCHO is pleased to announce new funding opportunities to promote monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of syringe services programs (SSPs) and support the use of data for SSP program improvement. NACCHO will provide up to $90,000 for SSPs to implement data analysis and/or evaluation projects and up to $50,000 for SSPs to participate in a learning collaborative related to the implementation of point in time surveys. Applications for the data analysis RFA are due January 13 and applications for the point in time survey learning collaborative are due January 6. NACCHO will host an informational webinar on Monday, December 13th at 1 – 3 PM ET as well as office hours where potential applicants can ask questions. For additional information, including to access the RFAs, register for the webinar, or sign up for office hours, visit here.
HRSA NOFO: Ending the HIV Epidemic - Primary Care HIV Prevention
Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 14
TA Webinar: Thursday, October 28 at 2 pm ET
HRSA released the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Ending the HIV Epidemic - Primary Care HIV Prevention (PCHP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (HRSA-22-104). HRSA will invest approximately $50 million in health centers located in the targeted geographic locations where a majority of new HIV infections occur, as identified by the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative. FY 2022 PCHP will support expanding HIV prevention services that decrease the risk of HIV transmission in underserved communities, focusing on supporting access to and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Health centers with service delivery sites in the targeted geographic locations that did not receive FY 2020 PCHP or FY 2021 PCHP funding will be eligible to apply. Technical assistance (TA) resources are available on the PCHP TA webpage.
Job Postings
Syringe Service Program Coordinator, Washington State DOH – Tumwater, WA
Reporting to the Integration, Hepatitis C & Drug User Health Programs Manager, the Syringe Service Program (SSP) Coordinator provides leadership and is responsible and accountable for stakeholder engagement and mobilization efforts that increase access to and utilization of syringe service programs (SSPs) and related efforts to address health disparities and health inequities in communities disproportionately impacted by infectious disease and overdose. This includes strategic initiatives to integrate services into SSPs, such as infectious disease screening and linkages to care services, overdose education and naloxone distribution, and a variety of other health and social services. This position works collaboratively across the OID providing subject matter and technical expertise to all other OID Units on issues related to SSPs and service integration within SSPs. Application review begins December 17, 2021. This recruitment is open and continuous. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision and/or close the recruitment at any time.
Department of State Health Services – Austin, TX
- Research Specialist V
- Under the supervision of the Group Manager, the MMP Project Coordinator/Research Specialist V performs advanced research and epidemiological work requiring specialized knowledge of health behaviors related to TB/HIV/STD transmission. Responsible for the coordination of activities involved in the implementation of the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) in Texas. Coordinates activities related to sampling frame development, healthcare facility, provider, and patient recruitment and data collection. Prepares budget and grant documents, data collection protocols and procedures, annual, interim progress reports, and other reports required by CDC or DSHS
- Program Specialist IV
- Under the direction and supervision of the TB/HIV/STD Surveillance Group manager and Electronic Lab Reporting (ELR) Epidemiology Team Lead, conducts activities related to data management and processing of HIV and STD laboratory reports. This position will provide technical expertise in the interpretation of laboratory data, and will be responsible for monitoring data quality of incoming laboratory reports. This position, along with the ELR Epidemiology Team Lead, will work directly with laboratories to resolve any reporting issues and improve data quality. This position will assist in the design and implementation of new and/or revised methods for receipt and dissemination of electronic data to more effectively meet HIV/STD surveillance needs.
- Manager III
- Performs advanced managerial work overseeing the daily operations of the Program Evaluation and Informatics (PIE) Group. Duties include oversight of the Group including administration, management of budget and expenditures, supervision, project management and direction of the program data management, research and program evaluation activities of the Group. The Manager provides leadership through initiating, developing, directing and implementing program data collection, data analyses, data systems technical assistance, program evaluations, applied behavioral science investigations and needs assessments.
- Public Health & Prevention Specialist II
- Public Health and Prevent Specialist II performs a variety of tasks under the direction of the STD/HCV Epidemiology and Surveillance Group Manager related to the management of HIV/STD investigational data, including database maintenance, report tracking, data entry, and quality assurance. This position will aid in development of short-term, mid-term and long-term goals and objectives, and the development of standards for achieving strategic operational goals. Exercises independent judgment and professional discretion with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to administrate, advise, plan, and coordinate duties.
- HIV/STD Director
- The HIV/STD Director works under the general direction of the Director of the TB/HIV/STD Section (THSS) of the DSHS. Performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work leading the day-to-day operations of the HIV/STD Prevention and Care Unit. These programs include statewide programs for HIV clinical and social services; the provision of medications for the treatment of HIV and other STDs; and HIV/STD prevention.
Epidemiologist Manager – Opioids & Emerging Drugs Unit – Lansing, Michigan
This position is the unit manager for the Opioids and Emerging Drugs Unit and will be responsible for managing and directing staff and activities related to opioid and other drug overdose surveillance and epidemiology, including supporting the Michigan Overdose Data to Action (MODA) program. This unit manager works in cooperation with other unit managers in the Environmental Epidemiology and Analytics Section and in the Division of Environmental Health.
Field Service Consultant, Hepatitis C Disease Intervention Services Team – Washington State Department of Health
Reporting to the Adult Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator, these consultants will work with multi-county regions statewide and with local governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to make high-quality hepatitis C (HCV) prevention services available and accessible to residents of Washington State. These services include testing and screening, contact investigation and disease intervention services, and linkage to and retention in medical care. These consultants may provide direct service to members of the public who are diagnosed with or exposed to disease. This role also helps local public health and community organization program staff plan, develop, and implement activities to detect, treat, and prevent infectious disease. This announcement will be used to fill three (3) full-time permanent Health Services Consultant 3 positions located within the Division of Disease Control and Health Statistics, in the Office of Infectious Disease. Currently, this position may be located anywhere within the State of Washington. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected. When approved to return, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to the Tumwater duty station for work activities.
Applications close November 30.
Program and Administrative Assistant, Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC) – Springboard HealthLab
Springboard HealthLab is a brand-new organization, founded in 2021, with a clear goal: to support big ideas that can improve health equity. Springboard is focused on supporting projects to turn promising ideas into new ventures -- and then helping them find a permanent home. Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC) is a consortium of public health organizations working in partnership with dating apps to improve sexual health outcomes for app users. We’re a small but mighty team that works on home testing and supporting anti-stigma and sexual health features on dating apps. The Program and Administrative Assistant, BHOC, supports the administrative work of BHOC’s programs and strategy. This is a 10 hours per week, part-time position. This is a 3- to- 6-month position dependent on funding availability, with the possibility of extension or expansion of hours.
Ryan White Part B Program Director, Tennessee Department of Health – Nashville, TN
The Ryan White Part B Program Director is responsible for developing and administering a budget of over $40 million, with multiple contracts, and comprehensive statewide planning involving persons living with HIV, providers, and other HRSA grantees, including service organizations and case managers. The position also oversees the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) which provides Affordable Care Act health insurance to eligible clients or medications and ambulatory HIV care to those not enrolled in the Insurance Assistance Program. Other components include the Minority AIDS Initiative, an oral health program, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).
The position manages a team of 14 people and serves as the Ryan White Part B program spokesperson, liaison, and technical resource to grantees and other partners. The position is situated in, and works closely with, the surveillance and prevention programs for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis within the Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness Division at the Tennessee Department of Health.
Manager, Legal Research (NASTAD) – Remote/Washington, DC
The Manager, Legal Research provides legal and policy research and analysis as part of NASTAD’s technical assistance and capacity building assistance. This position works closely with the Prevention, Policy & Legislative Affairs, and Health Systems Integration teams to support programmatic activities. This role works with the Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs and Senior Manager of Health Systems Integration, to implement key activities under NASTAD’s health systems legal and policy portfolio, including conducting public health legal research, synthesizing complex policy material, and supporting development of webinars, peer learning opportunities, and deliverables to support health department efforts to navigate federal, state, and local laws and policies
Program Analyst: HIV, STI, & Viral Hepatitis Program - Harm Reduction (NACCHO)
The Program Analyst will support projects and activities across NACCHO’s HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis program portfolio. In particular, the Program Analyst will support the implementation of projects designed to build local capacity and partnerships for harm reduction and the prevention and elimination of viral hepatitis. The ideal candidate will possess interest and experience in harm reduction and/or the prevention and elimination of viral hepatitis, as well as health department and harm reduction programming, public health policy, the provision of technical and capacity building assistance, monitoring and evaluation, partnership building, and project management.
Senior Project Manager, HIV, Gender Affirming, and Integrated Care – New York City, New York
Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC), a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) community development financial institution (CDFI), catalyzes excellence in primary care through strategic community investment, capacity building, and policy initiatives to achieve health equity. The Senior Project Manager will be a member of the High Impact Prevention (HIP) project team and will work across the broader CQP practice.
PCDC’s CDC-funded High Impact Prevention (HIP) program provides support to communities greatly impacted by HIV. With CDC and other national partners, the HIP Program enhances the expertise of the HIV prevention workforce – including health care providers and staff in local and state health departments and community-based organizations (CBOs) – to achieve the United States’ goal of substantially reducing the number of new HIV infections. The PCDC HIP Program serves the Northeast region of the US and the territories of Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.
Public Health Specialist 2 – Anchorage, Alaska
Working as a Public Health Specialist 2 (PHS II) HIV Prevention Coordinator in the HIV/STD Program offers you a rare opportunity to help develop and implement policies, protocols, procedures, and services around HIV prevention activities in the State. You will help assure that services are based on scientific findings and best practices that are adaptable to Alaska’s specific needs. You will provide expertise on HIV Prevention practices, including helping individuals to enter and stay in care, to both improve their health and reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission. Applications close November 22.
New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services
- Public Health Program Manager/Ryan White Care Program Manager
- #43569 (search Job ID 22642)
- Supervises and monitors the NH Ryan White Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) CARE Program (NH CARE Program) and the NH Tuberculosis Financial Assistance (TBFA) Programs with responsibility for coordinating all aspects of program services and developing goals, objectives and performance improvement measures for a statewide continuum of TB and HIV care.
- #43569 (search Job ID 22642)
- Infectious Disease Care Coordinator
- #9T3153(search Job ID 22634)
- Reviews, modifies and implements program policies and procedures related to prevention of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD), hepatitis C (HCV), COVID-19, and other infectious diseases among high-risk populations.
- #9T3153(search Job ID 22634)
- Infectious Disease Care Coordinator
- #9T3152 (search Job ID 22631)
- Reviews, modifies and implements program policies and procedures related to prevention of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD), hepatitis C (HCV), COVID-19, and other infectious diseases among high-risk populations.
- #9T3152 (search Job ID 22631)
Wyoming Department of Health, Public Health Division, Communicable Disease Unit
- Communicable Disease Unit Surveillance Program Manager – Cheyenne, Wyoming
- The Wyoming Department of Health, Public Health Division, Communicable Disease Unit is seeking a Communicable Disease Surveillance Program Manager for Cheyenne. This position will serve as the Communicable Disease (CD) Surveillance Program Manager and senior epidemiologist for the Communicable Disease Unit. This position oversees public health surveillance of four disease areas (HIV, STD, TB, and Viral Hepatitis). This position will monitor disease trends and utilize surveillance data to coordinate public health activities
- Communicable Disease Epidemiologist – Cheyenne, Wyoming
- This position will serve as the Communicable Disease AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Coordinator, Wyoming TB Controller, and Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) for the Communicable Disease (CD) Treatment Program. Assist in outbreak response to ensure the safety of Wyoming residents; by interviewing cases for exposure information, updating news outlets on the progress of outbreak control, analyzing exposure data utilizing epidemiological and statistical methods.
Hepatitis Surveillance Data Analyst – New Orleans, Louisiana
This position is responsible for the data analysis activities for the Louisiana Office of Public Health STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program (SHHP), in the Hepatitis Surveillance unit. Data utilized for Hepatitis Surveillance activities include Hepatitis laboratory data, Case Report Forms, Provider Report Forms, Linkage to Cure data, investigation data, Medicaid data, and data from related sources and programs. This position will implement and coordinate data analysis activities to monitor and evaluate progress toward meeting hepatitis elimination within the state. All activities must be completed in accordance with the security and confidentiality guidelines required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SHHP.
Assistant Commissioner - Health Department – Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) is seeking an Assistant Commissioner to lead the Bureau of Communicable Disease and Outbreak Control. This senior management position will lead a talented team responsible for communicable disease investigation, outbreak control and emergency preparedness programming. The incumbent will also be responsible for developing and implementing agency wide policies related to health department readiness to respond to public health emergencies. The incumbent will report directly to the Deputy Commissioner for BCHD’s Division of Population Health & Disease Prevention.
Open Positions – New York State
The New York State Department of Health, in partnership with Health Research, Inc, has various job openings, including some within the AIDS Institute. Please visit this link to learn about their current opportunities.
News Bulletin
Racism in Medical Settings May Reduce Willingness to Take HIV Meds
“People living with HIV who experienced racism at clinic visits were two times less likely to take their antiretroviral medications as directed, according to data published in AIDS and Behavior. Other types of stigma and concerns about unwanted disclosure of HIV status also played a role. The results won’t surprise many Black, Latino and other people of color living with HIV. Medical racism has long been a factor affecting engagement in HIV care, which has been linked to a higher likelihood of an undetectable viral load and its health benefits.”
Explaining the Prescription Drug Provisions in the Build Back Better Act
“On November 19, 2021, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act (BBBA), which includes a broad package of health, social, and environmental proposals supported by President Biden. The BBBA includes several provisions that would lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare and private insurance and reduce drug spending by the federal government and private payers. These proposals have taken shape amidst strong bipartisan, public support for the government to address high and rising drug prices. CBO estimates that the drug pricing provisions in the BBBA would reduce the federal deficit by $297 billion over 10 years (2022-2031).”
FDA nomination slips after Biden admin fails to send papers to Congress
“A plan to speed Robert Califf’s nomination for FDA commissioner through the Senate next month is on hold after the Biden administration failed to submit the necessary paperwork to Congress in time, three people with knowledge of the matter told POLITICO. The delay means that Califf is now unlikely to get a confirmation hearing until mid-December at the earliest, effectively ruling out the possibility of a full Senate floor vote on his appointment before the end of the year.”