The Southeast Leverages Health IT in response to Hurricane Florence
September is U.S. National Preparedness Month, providing an annual opportunity to remind individuals to prepare for both natural and man-made disasters. The recent Hurricane Florence emphasizes the need to prepare and that health information and technology is a critical part of preparedness and response.
In response to Hurricane Florence, The Georgia Regional Academic Community Health Information Exchange (GRAChIE) expanded its connectivity to Health information Exchanges (HIEs) throughout the Southeast via the eHealth Exchange — a health data sharing network that is part of The Sequoia Project. This aims to allow seamless sharing of patient information during a disaster when millions have evacuated and may be seeking care elsewhere.
Focus on Opioids and Substance Use Disorder
Make your voice heard! During U.S. National Health IT Week, HIMSS is issuing a Virtual March on the States to urge state legislators to address the opioid crisis through the use of information and technology. In addition, HIMSS is hosting a webinar series on federal and state efforts to address the opioid crisis through information and technology.
Contact policy@himss.org to be kept up-to-date on the Virtual March and the webinar series.
Connecticut to Establish first Statewide Health Information Exchange
The State of Connecticut will receive a $12.2 million CMS grant to support ongoing work that will establish Connecticut’s first statewide health information exchange. In the recent announcement from the Governor’s Office, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman discussed how the grant will provide Connecticut the opportunity to “improve the quality of care for consumers, help us identify gaps in care and healthcare disparities, and get us to lower overall healthcare costs.” CMS is reviewing 46 States and Territories with HIE Implementation Advanced Planning Documents Approved or in the First Time Review Process.