MNACHC CEO report - The Commonwealth Fund released a new survey of health centers finding that staffing shortages are worsening at the same time that patient demand for care is increasing.

Community Health Centers serve a record 32.5 million people nationwide, or 1 in 10 Americans – a surge of nearly 1 million patients. The analysis, from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) 1, underscores the growing demand for affordable primary care services at a time when over 100 million Americans struggle to access a primary care provider.

CEO Report - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a blood test to screen for colorectal cancer in certain individuals. The test - known as Shield- is already commercially available, but FDA approval will translate to insurance coverage. The test was approved for people aged 45 and older with an “average risk” of colon cancer. Specialists warned that the test is not an equivalent alternative to colonoscopies but a quick screening tool.

CEO Report - The Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH) latest data shows that the suicide rate fell from a historical high of 14.8 per 100,000 in 2022 to 14.1 per 100,000 in 2023. In terms of the number of deaths, the 815 Minnesotans died from suicide in 2023, down from the historically high number of 860 in 2022.

CEO report: Walgreens announced yesterday that the company is repositioning its store footprint, noting that about 25% of its stores are not contributing to the chain's long-term strategy.

The Minnesota Department of Health officially launched Minnesota’s statewide Office of American Indian Health (OAIH) at the Capitol on Wednesday. The office aims to improve the health and well-being of American Indian communities in Minnesota and to ensure Native communities are represented in all MDH public health activities.

Dr. Antony Stately, President and Executive Officer of the Native American Community Clinic (NACC) provided remarks at the event and was the “urban American Indian Health Director” representative.

This week, 340B Report, a national publication, ran a story about the Minnesota Legislature’s action to prohibit drug makers from restricting shipments of 340B drugs to contract pharmacies and quoted MNACHC’s Director of Public Policy, Rochelle Westlund:

“Health centers in Minnesota are happy to see the passage of this important legislation,” said Rochelle Westlund, director of policy for MNACHC. “Our patients already face significant barriers to care. Contract pharmacy restrictions contribute to non-compliance with needed medication, and our patients experience adverse outcomes impacted for manageable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This bill creates better access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.”

MNACHC CEO REPORT - Last Thursday, the US Senate Health-Education-Labor-Pensions (HELP) Committee focused on making dental care more affordable and available.

The role of Community Health Centers was prominent in the hearing, as evidenced by the witnesses' testimony and the Senators' questions.

Minnesota Health Centers are critical safety-net oral health providers that serve low-income and uninsured Minnesotans.

Local write up about Minnesota Health Center Sawtooth Mountain Clinic expanded services:

“The Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) is looking to reach more Cook County residents with expanded services in the area of sexual and reproductive health. The move comes as the clinic received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health for just that.