HHS Statement Regarding the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is aware that Change Healthcare – a unit of UnitedHealth Group  – was impacted by a cybersecurity incident in late February. HHS recognizes the impact this attack has had on health care operations across the country. HHS’ first priority is to help coordinate efforts to avoid disruptions to care throughout the health care system. HHS is in regular contact with UHG leadership, state partners, and with numerous external stakeholders to better understand the nature of the impacts and to ensure the effectiveness of UHG’s response. HHS has made clear its expectation that UHG does everything in its power to ensure continuity of operations for all health care providers impacted and HHS appreciates UHG’s continuous efforts to do so. HHS is aware that numerous providers have highlighted potential cash flow concerns to HHS stemming from an inability to submit claims and receive payments. HHS has heard these concerns and is taking direct action and working to support the important needs of the health care community. HHS is working with CMS to assist providers to continue serving patients. Providers should continue to work with all their payers for the latest updates on how to receive timely payments, and be aware of the flexibilities in place during this period. HHS also takes this opportunity to encourage all providers, technology vendors, and members of the health care ecosystem to double down on cybersecurity, with urgency. The system and the American people can ill afford further disruptions in care. Please visit the HPH Cyber Performance Goals website for more details on steps to stay protected.

Partnership and Funding Conversation with SAMHSA Staff

SAMHSA staff are coming to Maryhaven's Main Campus on April 11, 2024, for a Partnership and Funding Conversation. Please note you do have to register to attend and space is limited!

If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected] 

Maryhaven Main Campus
1791 Alum Creek Drive
Columbus, OH 43207

SAMHSA Community Forums Scheduled In Cleveland and Columbus

The Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA, Inc.) is hosting an in-person SAMHSA Community Forum on March 14 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at NORA's Main Office located at 1400 E. 55th St. in Cleveland. SAMHSA recognizes that the federal grant process could be daunting without guidance. In particular, organizations may find it more challenging in underserved communities to secure a federal grant. Dr. Kurt John, Chief Financial Officer and Office of Financial Resources Director at SAMHSA, along with two grant technical experts, will be in attendance to provide insight about SAMHSA's funding opportunities, grant application process, and resources available to help grantees administer their award. For more information and to register, please email Susan Cloud at [email protected]. A similar meeting is being planned for Columbus in April. Registration for the April meeting will be shared separately.

Americans See Opioids, Fentanyl As Top Threat, Mental Health Not Far Behind

Americans see poor mental health as one of the biggest threats to public health. This is especially true for young adults, who were twice as likely to identify it as the most pressing public health issue today.

Even more pressing for Americans are opioids and fentanyl, which topped the list of most significant threats to public health in the Axios-Ipsos American Health Index.

The poll also found that nine out of 10 Americans support health insurers covering mental health care on par with physical health care.

The Axios-Ipsos poll also found that while Americans are comfortable with some AI applications in health care, they remain wary of machine learning’s place in the doctor’s office.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly commonplace in the behavioral health industry, generating attention and millions in funding.