Dear Partners,

As we enter the busy holiday season, we have been busy in the Partnership Center continuing to connect communities to tools, resources and activities to strengthenthe health of their community. We’d like to share with you,

A recent HHS blog post showcasing the positive impacts from partnering with faith-based and community organizations over the past eight years.
The White House about the power of partnerships, including the perspective of 12 federal agencies that work with the White House to build partnershipsthat strengthen communities, both here at home and abroad.
Personal reflections from those who have worked to build partnerships and the impact of those partnerships toward the common good over the last eight years.
And lastly, this special thank you from Melissa Rogers and Cecilia Muñoz at the White House to each of you. The work of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (HHS Partnership Center) does not exist without the connections to leaders and organizations serving their communities on a daily basis. We are here to strengthen and support those efforts, identifying opportunities that bring together the strengths and resources with priorities and tools identified here at HHS and in the broader Administration.

So, from the HHS Partnership Center, we say, "Thank you! Thank you for the work that you do to serve in your community. Thank you for the efforts to connect with us here in the Partnership Center. Thank you for the opportunities we have to continue to work in the future to strengthen our communities through partnerships."

That being said, the work continues.

Read below for upcoming webinars on new technology tools as well as our ongoing education on the benefits and impact of the Affordable Care Act. There are announcements at the end about federal funds being invested to improve outcomes for parents and children as well as announcements about the Surgeon General's report on addiction and how we have an moral opportunity to change how we think about it.

To share your efforts related to any of these important issues, please contact the HHS Partnership Center at Partnerships@hhs.gov or 202-358-3595.

Sincerely,

Acacia Bamberg Salatti, Director

Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Join with us on Social Media to talk about health issues and the ACA

There are a wide variety of digital events planned to promote health insurance coverage through information about topical health issues and the corresponding preventive services and screenings that are covered benefits through Marketplace insurance. Please support these events by getting the word out and participating in the ones that best align with your efforts to promote health in your community. For the most up to date schedule, promotional tweets, chat questions and graphics visit the Social Media OE4 Google Calendar.

Webinars

Building Resilient Communities: The Power of Living Gamefully

Tuesday, December 13 at 3:00 PM EST REGISTER TODAY

A whopping 155 million Americans play video games. Harnessing this cultural phenomenon to increase resilience in our cities and neighborhoods has promise for unprecedented reach and impact. Learn more on this webinar about SuperBetter, a resilience platform that unlocks the heroic potential of communities & citizens. Its Live Gamefully™ methodology is based on the simple, yet transformative idea that adopting a gameful mindset makes us stronger in real life.

Questions and Answers on the Affordable Care Act

Wednesday, December 14 at 2:00 PM EST REGISTER TODAY

If you have questions about the health care law, the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, this is the webinar for you! We will provide a brief presentation on how to sign up for health insurance and pick a plan, and we will answer your questions. Note that December 15 is the last day to sign up for coverage starting on January 1.

Affordable Care Act 101 for Individuals and Families

Tuesday, January 10 at 2:00 PM EST REGISTER TODAY

This presentation will discuss what is the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, how to enroll in health insurance, key websites and resources on the law. The open enrollment period closes soon, on January 31, 2017. Learn more about this important deadline. Questions will be answered at the end of the webinar.

New Resources

Surgeon General Issues Landmark Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health

A new Surgeon General’s report finds alcohol and drug misuse and severe substance use disorders, commonly called addiction, to be one of America’s most pressing public health concerns. “Alcohol and drug addiction take an enormous toll on individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “Most Americans know someone who has been touched by an alcohol or a drug use disorder. Yet 90 percent of people with a substance use disorder are not getting treatment. That has to change.” READ MORE

AWARD: $17 million to support innovations to strengthen the Federal Home Visiting Program

This funding will support Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal Home Visiting Program awardees in the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovations to strengthen and improve delivery of coordinated and comprehensive high-quality voluntary services to eligible families. READ MORE