Public Health

Presentations from NASHP’s 21st annual state health policy conference are now available. The conference is planned by state health policymakers for state agencies' staff, legislators, and legislative staff. Review the presentations to learn how others are improving and innovating healthcare through state-level policy.

Approximately 2.4 million young adults had a serious mental illness in 2006. To better understand challenges that will arise as these youth transition into adulthood, GAO was asked to provide information on the demographic characteristics of these young adults, how selected states assist them, and how the federal government supports states in serving them. The data come from national surveys, the Social Security Administration, published research, and site visits.

HIV/AIDS is not just a young person's disease. Fifteen percent of new HIV/AIDS cases are among Americans over age 50. Many older people with HIV do not know they are infected because they have never been tested. These marketing tools are designed to help organizations raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on older people and why all sexually active Americans, including those over 50, should get tested for HIV as part of their routine health care. They are not copyrighted and are free to use.

HIV/AIDS is not just a young person's disease. Fifteen percent of new HIV/AIDS cases are among Americans over age 50. Many older people with HIV do not know they are infected because they have never been tested. They are not accessing the treatment they need and may be unknowingly spreading HIV to others. This fact sheet discusses HIV/AIDS among older Americans and why all sexually active Americans, including those over age 50, should be tested for HIV as part of their routine health care.

States are ranked in this report based on the outcomes of Medicaid services provided to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The key outcomes measured are the promotion of independence and meaningful employment, tracking quality and safety, keeping families together, and reaching those in need. Each state’s progress is measured by comparing data from the previous year. This report is issued annually with past editions available on the included website.

This comprehensive report provides data and macro level analyses on public and private residential services. The Executive Summary and Section 3 compare Medicaid utilization and expenditures for home and community-based services with services provided in institutional settings. Data are also presented in state-by-state profiles. Past editions of this annual report dating from 2000 are available at the website provided.

These short documents provide information on common health concerns for elderly people that can be caused or exacerbated by environmental factors. Elderly people, caretakers, and educators can use these resources to identify and prevent potential health threats. The fact sheets are available here in English and Spanish. They are available in 13 additional languages as well as large print and easy to read formats on the EPA website provided.

Following the Gulf Coast Hurricane disasters in 2005, the NASDDDS Emergency Response Preparedness Self Assessment Instrument was developed to assist state developmental disabilities officials evaluate the extent to which their existing preparedness plans address the unique characteristics and needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during periods of emergency. A link to the website includes the assessment tool and resources and allows you to watch a product demo.

This report focuses on adults with severe mental illness served by the public mental health system. It aims to identify and describe the range of self-directed care programs for this group being pursued by states and bring together existing evidence relating to the impact of these programs on individuals and on state resources. In doing so, it attempts to contribute to the ongoing debate about effective strategies for improving the quality and outcomes of the public mental health system.

The Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc. summarizes findings from a survey of Medicaid agencies to identify which consumer-directed approaches are being considered and implemented. Findings show growing trends toward consumer direction, agencies initiating policies to reward health-related behaviors and increasingly allocating control of funds to recipients, and states interest in health savings account-like plans and increasingly providing health plan quality data to the public.