RISE looks at recent headlines concerning social determinants of health (SDoH).
HHS proposes rule to increase data collection on American Indian/Alaska Native children in foster care, adoption process
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced this week a proposed rule to require states to collect more information on American Indian/Native Alaska children entering the foster care system or adoption process. The proposed rule aims to expand the information states submit to ACF’s Children’s Bureau for inclusion in the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS) report.
The information states submit provides national statistics on the child welfare population, budgeting, providing reports to Congress, and monitoring compliance with the title IV-B and IV-E requirements. ACF’s Children’s Bureau uses information from AFCARS to determine which children should receive protections of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which was established to promote stability and security of Indian tribes and families through the placement of their children in foster or adoptive homes that will reflect the values of the Indian culture.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and connected to their roots. That's why we're taking this step to ensure data on American Indian/Alaska Native children and families are collected by our child welfare systems,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement. “This proposed change goes beyond just collecting data. It will also move us a step closer to valuing the experiences of Native families and furthering our goals of keeping children in their homes and communities.”
WHO releases framework to address social determinants of health equity
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its operational framework for monitoring social determinants of health equity. The framework aims to provide guidance to countries on the policies that will advance health equity.
The publication reviews previous research and efforts on addressing SDoH, offers a variety of indicators, outlines a process for technical monitoring, and explains how to use data to inform policy for health equity at national and subnational levels.
“Upholding the fundamental human right to health requires governments to systematically identify and eliminate inequities. This can only be possible when countries have the data, systems and capacities to do so,” said Dr. Etienne Krug, director, department for social determinants of health, WHO, in the announcement. “The WHO operational framework for monitoring social determinants of health equity offers a clear and practical way forward.”
CareSource announces partnership to improve access to substance use disorder treatment
CareSource has partnered with CKF Addiction Treatment to improve access to substance use disorder treatment services in Central Kansas.
CareSource has donated $200,000 toward the collaboration, which will consist of increased screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment processes. The initiative will help identify patients who have experienced overdose or are at a heightened risk of overdose and coordinate resources for a successful transition of care.
The collaboration will also provide transportation to patients to address barriers to follow-up care and community resources.
"Our shared commitment to decreasing substance use disorder in Kansas by breaking down barriers to services and decreasing stigmas around addiction is at the heart of this partnership,” said Chad Moore, president of CareSource in Kansas, in the announcement. “This is a step forward in transforming health care and addressing the social determinants of health, health equity, prevention and access to care."
HHS grants $5.1M to support LGBTQI+ youth and families
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced this week four awards totaling $5.1 million for family counseling and support for LGBTQI+ youth and their families.
In 2023, HHS granted $1.7 million in grant funding to four other recipients. Those recipients and the four additional recipients announced this week will engage LGBTQI+ youth and their families to prevent the risk of health conditions, including behavioral health conditions, such as suicidality, depression, homelessness, drug use, and HIV; establish family counseling and support programs; and train providers on tailored family counseling and support interventions.
“The pursuit of equity in behavioral health care remains a key component of SAMHSA’s mission,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS assistant secretary for mental health and substance use and the leader of SAMHSA, in a statement. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure behavioral health services for all, with distinct attention to young people in particular need.”