Health and Human Services News and Research

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National Data Collection Center for primary research phase of the Index launched

The Advisory Council for the U.S. Healthcare Efficiency Index(TM) (Index), founded by Emdeon, today announced the launch of the National Data Collection Center for the primary research phase of the Index and the addition of new members.

13 Nov 2009

CSL's H1N1 influenza vaccine receives approval from FDA for use in children ages 6 months and older

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the CSL Limited's 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to include children ages 6 months and older. This vaccine was previously approved only for use in adults, ages 18 years and older.

13 Nov 2009

RERF awarded $9.7M to study the effects of atomic bomb radiation and aging on the human immune system

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded nearly $9.7 million over five years to the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), Japan, to study the effects of atomic bomb radiation and aging on the human immune system.

13 Nov 2009

Kaiser NW to pay $1.83M for settling False Claims Act liability

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals - Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest and Northwest Permanente P.C., Physicians & Surgeons (collectively, Kaiser NW) has agreed to pay the United States $1,830,322.41 to settle False Claims Act liability, the Justice Department announced today.

13 Nov 2009

FDA approves CSL Biotherapies' seasonal flu vaccine, Afluria for children

CSL Biotherapies, a subsidiary of CSL Limited, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of influenza vaccine, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s application for accelerated approval of its seasonal flu vaccine, Afluria® (Influenza Virus Vaccine) for use in the pediatric population aged 6 months and older.

12 Nov 2009

Results from an analysis emphasizes the financial burden of SMI on the criminal justice and HHS systems

Results from a large, retrospective analysis of inmates with a serious mental illness (SMI) underscores the financial burden of mental illness on the criminal justice and health and human services (HHS) systems, and may provide useful information to policy makers.

12 Nov 2009

Video to improve patient-doctor communication

Amid growing concerns about racial, ethnic and language disparities in health care, The Joint Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights have released a video, entitled “Improving Patient-Provider Communication,” which supports language access in health care organizations.

12 Nov 2009

LCA launches webpage with information on lung cancer meant for veterans

Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) salutes all veterans today on Veterans Day and announces the launch of a new webpage with information specifically for veterans on lung cancer -- the leading cause of cancer death among veterans.

12 Nov 2009

Report on the U.S. Government's drive for comparative effectiveness research

MarketResearch.com has announced the addition of GlobalData's new report "The US Government's Financial Support to Push Comparative Effectiveness Research," to their collection of Healthcare market reports.

11 Nov 2009

$9M ARRA funds to reduce healthcare-associated infections in ambulatory surgical centers

To reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in stand-alone or same-day surgical centers, the HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the availability of up to $9 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to state survey agencies in 43 states. HAIs are infections some patients acquire when they are in a health care setting such as a hospital or outpatient clinic.

11 Nov 2009

States are not taking enough efforts to help smokers quit: American Lung Association

As the debate over health care reform dominates the media and political arena, a new American Lung Association report finds that states aren't doing enough to help smokers quit - and policymakers must fix this in the health care reform process.

11 Nov 2009

New cookbook from NHLBI

The health of your heart has a lot to do with the foods you eat. To help busy people and families shop for, prepare, and serve healthy meals, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health created and published Keep the Beat Recipes: Deliciously Healthy Dinners. The new cookbook features 75 simple and delicious recipes influenced by Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, and American cuisine that are good for your heart and taste great too.

11 Nov 2009

State News: State budgets and Medicaid continue to draw headlines

The Associated Press/The Houston Chronicle reports that Texas lawmakers will add $5 million to expand mental health services — specifically veteran-to-veteran peer support groups — in the state. "Gov. Rick Perry on Monday announced the plan that calls for directing money from the state Health and Human Services Commission budget toward mental health treatment programs for veterans and their families" (11/9).

10 Nov 2009

HHS Secretary to visit Bradenton Healthcare Center to discuss the importance of H1N1 vaccinations

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will visit the East Manatee Family Healthcare Center in Bradenton, Fla. on Tuesday, November 10.

10 Nov 2009

NIH awards $6.8 million subcontract to Kineta to develop vaccine immune boosters

Kineta, Inc. announced today it has been awarded a $6.8 million subcontract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop novel vaccine adjuvants (agents that help boost the immune system). The Kineta subcontract is part of a larger $13 million award to the University of Washington.

10 Nov 2009

New school meal program can cause more harm than good, says nutrition experts

In attempts to improve the nutritional quality of school meals, there have been several strides forward - including the removal of soft drinks and other less nutritious menu options. However, some schools and activist groups are calling for a new change that many health professionals agree could cause more harm than good when it comes to children's health: removing chocolate milk from the lunch line.

10 Nov 2009

Patient quality improvements a must for obtaining federal EHR stimulus fund, urge members of Congress

Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D, RI) and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D, TX) have taken the lead in urging their fellow members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to require patient quality improvements as a prerequisite to obtaining federal electronic health record (EHR) stimulus funds.

10 Nov 2009

Yo-yo dieting and sugar-bingeing can lead to anxiety and withdrawal symptoms

In research that sheds light on the perils of yo-yo dieting and repeated bouts of sugar-bingeing, researchers from The Scripps Research Institute have shown in animal models that cycling between periods of eating sweet and regular-tasting food can activate the brain's stress system and generate overeating, anxiety, and withdrawal-like symptoms.

10 Nov 2009

New FDA Food Code published

The Food and Drug Administration today announced the publication of the new FDA Food Code, a model code and reference document that provides a scientifically sound technical and legal basis for regulating the retail and food service segment of the food industry. The 2009 FDA Food Code is a key component of the President's overall public-health-focused food safety framework for maintaining a safe food supply.

10 Nov 2009

Needle exchanges could be limited under Congressional bill

The New York Times reports on federal legislation that could limit needle exchanges. "A bill working its way through Congress would lift a ban of more than 20 years on using federal money for needle exchange programs.

10 Nov 2009

Health and Human Services News and Research

National Data Collection Center for primary research phase of the Index launched

CSL's H1N1 influenza vaccine receives approval from FDA for use in children ages 6 months and older

RERF awarded $9.7M to study the effects of atomic bomb radiation and aging on the human immune system

Kaiser NW to pay $1.83M for settling False Claims Act liability

FDA approves CSL Biotherapies' seasonal flu vaccine, Afluria for children

Results from an analysis emphasizes the financial burden of SMI on the criminal justice and HHS systems

Video to improve patient-doctor communication

LCA launches webpage with information on lung cancer meant for veterans

Report on the U.S. Government's drive for comparative effectiveness research

$9M ARRA funds to reduce healthcare-associated infections in ambulatory surgical centers

States are not taking enough efforts to help smokers quit: American Lung Association

New cookbook from NHLBI

State News: State budgets and Medicaid continue to draw headlines

HHS Secretary to visit Bradenton Healthcare Center to discuss the importance of H1N1 vaccinations

NIH awards $6.8 million subcontract to Kineta to develop vaccine immune boosters

New school meal program can cause more harm than good, says nutrition experts

Patient quality improvements a must for obtaining federal EHR stimulus fund, urge members of Congress

Yo-yo dieting and sugar-bingeing can lead to anxiety and withdrawal symptoms

New FDA Food Code published

Needle exchanges could be limited under Congressional bill

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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