Newsroom
May 23, 2018
This month, and especially in the past week, we have seen an increase in confirmed cases of pertussis throughout Buncombe County, mainly in school-aged children. Our Communicable Disease Control staff are working with school nurses and school administration to inform parents of exposed students, identify additional symptomatic individuals, and provide prophylaxis for high-risk contacts.
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May 11, 2018
Dear fellow WNC providers,
I am proud to announce that UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health will be starting a Masters in Public Health Program this fall in Asheville. Applications for this program will open later this month and classes will begin August 21.
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December 21, 2017
As of yesterday, Henderson County’s pertussis outbreak had increased to 52 cases, mainly in school-aged children. So far, in Buncombe County, we have had 1 probable case (lab negative, but symptoms consistent with pertussis).
Please remain vigilant and continue to promote pertussis immunization for everyone, but especially those in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy or in contact with infants.
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December 6, 2017
As you are likely aware, an outbreak of pertussis is currently happening in Henderson County – as of last night, 10 cases have been identified, affecting numerous schools. Investigation and contact tracing by Henderson County Department of Public Health is ongoing. Additionally, other surrounding counties have confirmed cases.
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November 22, 2017
CMS updates Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model for 2019
Expansion of model to 25 total states to provide Medicare beneficiaries with more choices and lower costs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced several updates to the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model for 2019 that encourages customized benefit designs and flexibilities that meet the health needs of beneficiaries in a total of 25 states.
“This Administration is committed to making sure that our seniors have more choices and lower premiums in their Medicare Advantage plans,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “CMS expects that this demonstration will provide insights into future innovations for the Medicare Advantage program.”
CMS recently announced in the Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rule that it is providing new flexibility for customized benefit designs that address the specific health needs of certain beneficiaries under Medicare Advantage. This allows additional plan variety and options, reduced cost sharing for customized benefits and different cost-sharing for beneficiaries that meet specific medical criteria
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November 21, 2017
MAHEC hosts RWJF-funded workshop on December 7 to support shared decision making for patients
On December 7, the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) will host the first of two national skilled communications workshops to support shared decision making in healthcare.
"Person-centered care requires that patients and providers have the communications skills to talk about what matters at critical points in the treatment process,” shares Gwen Darien, NPAF executive vice president for patient advocacy. “This workshop brings patients, providers and community advocates together to identify and develop those skills.”
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November 14, 2017
Buncombe County Commissioners will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14 to announce the filing of a lawsuit in the fight against the distribution of opioids.
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November 13, 2017
The Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) is offering Basic Life Support in Obstetrics (BLSOSM) trainings on November 30 and December 11 at its Biltmore campus to help healthcare providers, first responders and emergency personnel effectively manage normal deliveries and obstetrical emergencies.
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November 6, 2017
On Monday, November 13, Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) will welcome
Dr. Hendrée Jones from UNC Chapel Hill to discuss strategies for improving health outcomes for women with opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
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October 25, 2017
CDC issued the attached Health Advisory on 10/24/17 to remind clinicians assessing patients currently in or recently returned from hurricane-affected areas to be vigilant in looking for certain infectious diseases, including leptospirosis, dengue, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, vibriosis, and influenza.
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October 25, 2017
In 2005 this patient went in for surgery to correct a deviated septum. The surgery was successful and he was discharged home with a prescription for 30 Percocet tablets. His recovery was uneventful and when he went back for a re-check and reported that he had not needed to take any of the pain pills he was given the surgeon informed him that this was pretty much a “painless surgery.” When he asked why he been given the 30 pills he was told it was “expected.”
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September 15, 2017
This memo is intended to provide updated guidance on Zika virus testing and caring for pregnant women with possible Zika virus exposure.
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September 13, 2017
The North Carolina Rural Health Leadership Alliance (NCRHLA), a program of the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation, appreciates this opportunity to submit feedback ont he North Carolina Proposed Program Design for Medicaid Managed Care.
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August 30, 2017
Clinicians are encouraged to take the following actions when caring for an individual with a recent tattoo:
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August 28, 2017
In the first half of this week, the Trump administration has shown a disregard for science and evidence when it comes to the environment and safeguarding health.
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