Announcements

Medical Home Conference

The National Alliance recently received a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to convene an invitational conference to develop a research agenda for an adolescent-centered model of primary care. Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center is providing generous supplemental support. The conference will identify gaps in scientific knowledge and create a roadmap for future research to promote innovations in primary care for adolescents with special attention on low income and minority adolescents. The agenda will focus on three topics: 1) enhancing clinical preventive services to reduce risk and address conditions early; 2) integrating physical, behavioral, and reproductive care; and 3) increasing outreach, engagement, and self-care management. Findings from the conference will be published and disseminated widely.

Quality Measure Development

The National Alliance is working with the National Committee on Quality Assurance to develop new and improved CHIPRA core quality measures for child and adolescent health. This multi-year project, funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, is focusing on the content of well child care and depression screening. The National Alliance participates on the executive team, conducts literature reviews, and provides input on evidence reviews of specific components of preventive care.

EPSDT Workgroup

Harriette Fox and Peggy McManus, The National Alliance's CEO and President, are participating in a workgroup sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to improve the implementation of Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program for children and adolescents. They serve on the integrated care and behavioral health committees. CMS formed this workgroup to identify improvement opportunities and examples of effective strategies. Membership includes state Medicaid and CHIP representatives, clinicians, national and consumer organizations, and research groups.

OAH Expert Panel

Harriette Fox has also been participating on the expert panel to advise HHS' Office of Adolescent Health on the development of a strategic plan. The panel was formed to provide advice on OAH's strategic priorities, effective methods for engaging partners in the planning process, and ways to communicate the plan and monitor its progress over time.