Announcements

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Washington State’s request for a one-year extension to the Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP). The project supports the work occurring with accountable communities of health, long-term services and supports, improvements to substance use disorder treatment programs and much more. Read the announcement from the state Health Care Authority.
The state Department of Health (DOH) invites applications and nominations to fill community representative seats on the Community Advisory Council for the Health Equity Zones initiative. Please consider sharing the following with community partners who may be interested in joining the new Health Equity Zones Community Advisory Council:
Recognizing the urgency of the alarmingly high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S., the National Academies Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice convened a two-day virtual workshop on Advancing Maternal Health Equity and Reducing Maternal Mortality. The workshop examined the current state of maternal health in the United States and explored the factors needed to help communities and health care systems become more effective in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and improving health outcomes through the fourth trimester.
Behavioral health encompasses a wide range of services, including mental health promotion, substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and recovery support. It is inclusive of all people and their unique needs. There are many benefits to a behavioral health career. Visit www.startyourpath.org to learn about educational options, opportunities for financial support, and behavioral health careers.
This week, the Governor signed a state budget that makes significant investments in the governmental public health system. This system, and public health generally, has long been underfunded, resulting in gaps in the ability to equitably protect and improve the health of everyone, everywhere in our state.