National Nurses Week is May 6 - 12.
The Bureau would like to take this opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions that nurses make to keep the citizens of our state and nation healthy. "Nurses are the backbone of our health care system," said H.H.S Secretary Sebelius recently. "There are more nurses in our country than any other health care provider, and they do it all. From delivering preventive care to our children, to helping seniors manage chronic diseases. There is no setting in health care where you won't find a nurse."
To celebrate National Nurses Week, the Health Resources and Services Association (HRSA) has created a Web page where you'll find a number of useful tools, including:
"I hope you'll take the time to visit http://www.hrsa.gov/ourstories/nurseswee/ and share this information widely with your students, through your networks, and with other colleagues in the nursing community."
--Gerrelda Davis, Director
About Primary Care & Rural Health
Mission and Priorities: The Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health (the Bureau) within the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals' (DHH) Office of Public Health, is dedicated to improving the health status of Louisiana residents in rural and underserved areas. The Bureau works proactively to build the capacity of community health systems in order to provide integrated, efficient and effective health care services. The Bureau provides technical assistance to communities, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), physician practices, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Small Rural Hospitals (SRHs).
Through its work with organizations across Louisiana, the Bureau is committed to developing strong community partnerships and integrated primary health care services in order to reduce health disparities in the state. Additionally, the Bureau works to support effective clinical practices, health care organizations, and the recruitment and retention of primary health care providers to ensure a sustainable health care system that provides access for all.
Units and Services: The Bureau currently provides services through five Units: the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Health Systems Development Unit, Operations Support Unit, Practice Management Consulting Unit and the Recruitment and Retention Services Unit. Together, the Units provide a continuum of services to establish, enhance and sustain health care services for all Louisiana residents.
The Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Unit administers programs related to the state's chronic disease initiatives in the areas of asthma, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, tobacco control, and publishing of the Behaviorial Risk Factor Surveillance Systems for Louisiana (BRFSS).
The Health Systems Development Unit provides strategic planning, needs assessments, group facilitation and resource development to create community support and to ensure the success of health care development projects. The Unit administers the federal Office of Rural Health Grant, Rural Hospital Flexibility Grant (Flex) and Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant (SHIP). This unit also certifies Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and administers the community-based and rural health program grants.
The Operations Support Unit manages and administers state budget appropriations; line item appropriations; budgets for federal and philanthropic grants; and any other ancillary budgets administered and/or received by the Bureau.
The Practice Management Consulting Unit uses market analyses, feasibility studies, patient flow analysis, medical records review, Medicaid and insurance billing technical assistance, and medical coding training to promote better financial performance, enhanced quality of care, and better patient health outcomes for primary care providers in rural and underserved areas.
The Recruitment and Retention Services Unit provides incentives for physicians to practice in underserved areas. The Unit designates Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and administers the J-1 Visa Waiver Program, the State Loan Repayment Program for physicians and nurses, the National Health Service Corps, and the federal and state Office of Primary Care Grant. The Unit also works in conjunction with Med Job Louisiana, the state's free professional recruitment service.
Funding and Support: The Bureau operates with funding from the Bureau of Health Professions, the Bureau of Primary Care, and the Office of Rural Health Policy - all three of which are under the umbrella of the Health Resources and Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional funding for the Chronic Disease Unit is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Bureau's work depends on strong partnerships with state and federal partner organizations. Through collaboration and information sharing, the support services for primary and rural health care organizations enable communities to effectively develop sustainable health care solutions.
Gerrelda Davis, Director
Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health
Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals
Physical Address: 628 North 4th Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3118, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3118
Phone: 225-342-9513
Fax: 225-342-5839
