Sickle Cell Disease Training and Mentoring Program (STAMP)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) has announced a new pilot program to train primary care providers on the basics of sickle cell disease. The Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Training and Mentoring Program (STAMP) is a collaboration between OMH, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and the HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care. STAMP is designed to equip providers with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and co-management support to care for low-complexity patients living with sickle cell disease.

The program consists of free web-based trainings that will be offered from January – June 2020.

Visit OMH’s sickle cell disease website to learn more about the program, register and see a calendar of upcoming trainings.

Learn More

World AIDS Day

On December 1, organizations and individuals across the country and worldwide observed World AIDS Day. Celebrated since 1988, the observance brings attention to the HIV epidemic and aims to increase HIV awareness, knowledge, destigmatize HIV, and advocates for an increased response to ending the HIV epidemic. This year’s theme, Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community, highlights the leadership and advocacy communities contribute to the HIV/AIDS response. During December, OMH joins federal and other partners to increase awareness about the HIV epidemic and share resources for health care providers and communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 7 people in the United States who have HIV do not know they have it. To find a testing site near you, visit HIV.gov's HIV services locator.

Learn More

National Influenza Vaccination Week

The CDC established National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 1-7) to continue flu vaccination awareness as the holiday season moves into full swing.

It is important to get vaccinated each year as flu viruses are constantly changing and flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next. It is recommended that children aged 6 months and older, pregnant women, people who are immunosuppressed, and people with certain chronic conditions get vaccinated. To find flu clinics near you, visit the CDC’s flu vaccine finder.

Some key facts about the flu:

The time from when a person is exposed and infected with flu to when symptoms begin is about 2 days but can range from about 1 to 4 days.
People 65 and older, pregnant women, and children younger than 5 are at high risk from the flu.
Not everyone with flu will have a fever.

For more key facts about the flu and how to prevent it, visit the CDC’s website.

Learn More

Resolutions for 2020

Have you already started planning your New Year's resolutions? Many of our federal partners have resources to help you bring in 2020 the active and healthy way.

If your resolution involves healthy eating and improving your nutrition, MedlinePlus has resources on fruits and vegetables, healthy recipes and health check tools. The National Institutes of Health also has Wellness Toolkits with health tips.

If your resolution involves exercise and physical fitness, start with visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reading the physical activity guidelines to find out how much physical activity you need. The HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s Move Your Way campaign also has resources, tools, videos, and more to help your active and healthy resolutions.

Tips to help you get started:

Set mini-goals to keep you motivated.
Explore new activities to make physical activity fun.
Look at other health and wellness behaviors, such as sleep and stress management.

Learn More

Knowledge Center

Did you know that the Knowledge Center online catalog includes profiles of national organizations serving minority communities? In recognition of World AIDS Day, take a look at some of the organizations that provide information and training related to AIDS and HIV Infection. Search here.