On July 23, 2020, NACDD convened its second Community of Practice webinar for Component 2 states. In collaboration with the Center for Public Health Systems Science (CPHSS) at the University of Washington in St. Louis, Component 2 states were introduced to CPHSS’s Program and Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tools. Recognizing that sustainability is a major challenge for all types of public health and social service programs, the webinar included an overview of the tools located on the sustaintool.org website which will help the Component 2 states develop their required Sustainability Plans for submission to CDC’s Division of Oral Health in the near future. 
 
This summer, NACDD fielded a technical assistance and training assessment survey that will help with identifying communities of practice topics in the upcoming year. During a recent call to reconnect with Component 2 states, states shared that maintaining communication with funded partners has been a significant challenge for oral health programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because most dental offices, federally qualified health centers, and safety net clinics were closed during the initial phase of the pandemic, seeing emergency patients only. A common theme was that safety net dental clinics have been hit hard in terms of being able to reopen. This has caused setbacks in project timelines for Year 2. Several states are using this time to build up their materials library to promote medical-dental integration. For example, South Carolina is developing an oral health/diabetes toolkit for distribution to its partners.
 
This fall, NACDD’s Cardiovascular Health and Diabetes Councils will participate in a jointly planned webinar to learn more about the medical-dental integration work being conducted in Component 2 states and others around the country.

• Two New Health Simulations Launched
  NACDD joins CDC, Kognito, and prostate cancer advocates throughout the U.S. to observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month all September. Each year, approximately 30,000 men will die of prostate cancer. Early screening and detection saves lives. We encourage men to talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening and treatment options. Learn more at cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm.  NACDD and its partners, CDC and… Read more: Two New Health Simulations Launched
• September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month
  Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) was created by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to raise awareness about rheumatic diseases and the more than 52.5 Americans who live with them. Rheumatic diseases can affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Some rheumatic diseases can also affect the organs.  Rheumatic diseases include lupus, spondyloarthropathies, and many types… Read more: September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month
• NACDD Reconnects with DP18-1810 Component 2 States
  On July 23, 2020, NACDD convened its second Community of Practice webinar for Component 2 states. In collaboration with the Center for Public Health Systems Science (CPHSS) at the University of Washington in St. Louis, Component 2 states were introduced to CPHSS’s Program and Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tools. Recognizing that sustainability is a major challenge… Read more: NACDD Reconnects with DP18-1810 Component 2 States
• PSAs Promote Importance of Heart Health Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular health remains a top public health priority – with heart disease and stroke continuing to be the No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death in the United States. In a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the CDC noted that in the 10 weeks following the declaration… Read more: PSAs Promote Importance of Heart Health Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• September is World Alzheimer’s Month
  World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every September to raise awareness about and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Day is Sept. 21. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, and is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss, possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry… Read more: September is World Alzheimer’s Month