PRACTICE MANAGEMENT By Brent Hazelett, MPA, CAE NCAFP Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Funding Available to Improve Childhood Vaccination Rates Independent primary care practices are now eligible for a $5,000 grant to support efforts to improve rates of childhood vaccinations. As you know, rates of childhood vaccinations have fallen sharply during the pandemic, leaving children and the adults around them vulnerable to preventable diseases. These grants are intended to provide additional resources to independent primary care practices working to address
the problem. The North Carolina Division of Public Health, in partnership with NC Area Health Education Centers and Community Care of North Carolina, are providing these grants to pediatric and Family Medicine practices to support interventions aimed at boosting compliance with scheduled immunizations and wellchild care. FQHCs and rural health centers are also encouraged to apply. To apply for the DPH Keeping Kids Well Fund Initiative or to learn more, see www.ncafp.com/ immunization-grant-funding.
PUBLIC HEALTH
State Releases Comprehensive Cancer Control Action Plan The NC Department of Health and Human Services released the NC Comprehensive Cancer Control Action Plan 2020-2025 late last year. The plan includes strategic actions to address disparities among historically marginalized and rural communities who experience a disproportionate burden of cancer disease, disability, and death. “The NC Cancer Action Plan is a statewide blueprint for everyone working to reduce the burden of cancer on North Carolinians,” said Dr. Susan Kansagra, NCDHHS Chronic Disease and Injury Section Chief. The action plan lists strategies to increase screening rates and prevention measures for priority cancers that are preventable through screening and/or vaccination. The six priority cancers include lung, female breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, which are the four most deadly cancers in North Carolina, as well as cervical and skin cancers. 26
Each cancer section looks at risk factors, prevention, early detection, treatment, and strategic actions to reduce mortality and incidence rates. The goals are: • Reduce cancer risks by supporting health behavior change in North Carolinians. • Increase cancer screening and early detection of cancer. • Improve access to cancer care, enhanced care coordination and quality treatment. • Improve the knowledge and understanding of cancer, cancer care and the relationship between cancer and other chronic diseases among health care professionals and the general public. Dr. Vickie A. Fowler currently serves as the NCAFP representative on the NC Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control, which approved the plan.
The North Carolina Family Physician
