November 1, 1999

• THSteps Medical Case Management Policies and Procedures - The Policies and Procedures for Texas Health Steps (THSteps) Medical Case Management have been updated.
• Sickle Cell Disease in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis, Guidelines for Comprehensive Care, and Protocols for Management of Acute and Chronic Complications© - This manual provides information about the diagnosis of sickle cell disease, an overview of comprehensive care, and clinical care paths and protocols for the management of some of the more common acute and chronic complications.

October 25, 1999

• Help Jessica dress to avoid tick bites while camping is a new activity in the Kid's Corner.

October 21, 1999

• TDH purchases over $100,000.00 are now accessible online.

October 19, 1999

• The Bureau of Managed Care is conducting the Texas Diabetes Pilot Medicaid Managed Care Project in Bexar County, to study and raise the awareness of preventative measures to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes related illnesses.

October 01, 1999

• It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Send someone you love a virtual greeting to remind them to get a mammogram and breast examination. Visit the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program's web site.

September 30, 1999

• The Children with Special Health Care Needs web site has moved. There new address is www.tdh.state.tx.us/cshcn/cshcnhome.htm. Please update your bookmarks!

September 24, 1999

• The Adolescent Health Program's mission is to protect and promote the health of adolescents in the state of Texas. Please visit our new web site.

September 17, 1999

• The Office Of Equal Opportunity (OEO) now has a Web Site!!! Please visit our site for more information on the TDH complaint process, civil rights policies, EEO/sexual harassment training, dispute resolution and ADA. This site will also inform beneficiaries of their rights when receiving services from TDH or providers of services funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
• The Audiology Services web site has moved. There new address is www.tdh.state.tx.us/audio/audiology.htm. Please update your bookmarks!

September 15, 1999

• Hospitals can expedite issuance of New Born Medicaid Identification Numbers with electronic transmission.
• The Bureau of Disease and Injury Prevention web site has been updated to include links to all program areas and Bureau publications. Program areas include Alzheimer's Disease, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control, Community & Worksite Wellness, Osteoporosis, Prostate Cancer, Put Prevention Into Practice (PPIP), Texas Diabetes Council, Tobacco Prevention and Control, Traffic Safety and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. New publications include "Chronic Disease in Texas - A Surveillance Report of Disease Indicators."

September 13, 1999

• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is required by federal regulations to submit an annual update to the WIC State Plan of Operations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 to the United States Department of Agriculture which describes the manner in which the State agency intends to implement and operate all aspects of Program administration for the coming year. The Bureau of Nutrition Services is soliciting written comments on the proposed goals and objectives for FY 2000 outlined in the Plan as part of its ongoing public input process. The goals and objectives for improving Program operations are available on the WIC Program Web site at http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/wichd/wicgoal.htm. A copy of the Plan is also available for public inspection during working hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) at the Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Nutrition Services, Room M-260, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. The deadline for submission of written comments is October 1, 1999. Written comments can be faxed, emailed, or sent to the address above. For more information or assistance contact: Valerie Wolfe, Policy Director, Bureau of Nutrition Services: Phone: (512) 458-7444; Fax: (512) 458-7446; or Email: valerie.wolfe@tdh.state.tx.us. or Anita Ramos, Director, WIC Policy and Communications, Bureau of Nutrition Services: Phone: (512) 407-0711; Fax: (512) 406-0703; or Email: anita.ramos@tdh.state.tx.us.

September 10, 1999

• The Texas Department of Health, Abstinence Education Program, announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Title V Abstinence Education Grant funding for Federal Fiscal Year 1999-2000. The purpose of the funding is to provide abstinence education information to children, adolescents, and parents across the state and for programs to promote abstinence from sexual activity with a focus on those groups which are most likely to bear children out-of-wedlock.

September 7, 1999

• Medical Transportation Program for Medicaid clients with no way to get to a health care appointment (including dental) under Medicaid. Also covers meals and lodging for certain clients and their approved attendants.
• Nutrition Lesson Plans in English and Spanish have been added to our Kid's Corner site.
• Search our Site in Spanish.

August 19, 1999

• The August 1999 issue of the TDH Pulse Monitor, a newsletter for and about the people and programs of the Texas Department of Health, is on-line.

August 18, 1999

• Grants Management Division announces it's new web page! The purpose of the site is to share information about TDH contracting process, offer downloadable forms, and provide information about federal and state contract requirements.
• Take Time for Kids Update, Spring/Summer 1999 Edition is a free newsletter published quarterly by the Take Time for Kids Program.

August 17, 1999

• A Teacher's Guide to PKU - Phenylketonuria (or PKU) is an inherited disorder of protein metabolism. Except for a special diet, the PKU child is just like the other children in your classroom.

August 16, 1999

• Publications from the Newborn Screening Program can now be ordered electronically from our web site. Enter quantity desired in box beside each item and complete the order form at the bottom of the page.

August 12, 1999

• A Teacher's Guide to Galactosemia - Galactosemia is an inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that affects the body's ability to utilize certain sugars from food. This booklet explains galactosemia and the child's special diet.

August 6, 1999

• In 1994, the Texas Department of Health became the first state agency in the nation to pilot the Put Prevention Into Practice(PPIP) model for clinical prevention, and is currently the only state agency with hands-on experience in the actual implementation of the PPIP strategy. Put Prevention Into Practice is a national campaign to improve the delivery of clinical preventive services such as screening tests, immunizations, and counseling for health behavior change. PPIP materials are designed for primary care providers (physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants), patients, and medical office staffs.
• Practitioner's Guide - Newborn screening is an essential, preventive public health program for early identification of disorders that can lead to catastrophic health problems.
Simple Spot Check - A description poster illustrating valid and invalid specimens of newborn screening blood spots. This simple spot contains enough information to save a life. Neonatal Screening: Blood Specimen Collection and Handling Procedure - A description poster illustrating proper blood collection procedures for newborn screening.

August 4, 1999

• The Bureau of Laboratories provides state-of-the-art biological and chemical analyses in support of Texas Department of Health (TDH) programs, other state agencies, and public and private health care professionals. Along with an overview of the laboratory organization and purpose, view the latest information on services, training classes, telephone numbers, and sample submission procedures. All of this and more, is now available online!

July 26, 1999

• TDH has new rules for public swimming pools and spas. The rules can be found at the General Sanitation home page.
  

July 22, 1999

• Texas WIC provides training on various subjects such as WIC operations, policy, professional development, customer service, teaching skills, counseling, breastfeeding, and nutrition. Training courses are offered via satellite, video conferencing, and/or in person at local and regional locations.

July 19, 1999

• Provider List - Program for Amplification for Children of Texas (PACT).
• TDH is now taking nominations for the School Health Advisory Committee.

July 14, 1999

• Attention Pharmacy Providers - In September, the Chronically Ill and Disabled Children's (CIDC) Services Program is improving the way drug claims are paid by implementing an integrated drug claims management system.

July 9, 1999

• Regulations to Set Standards for the Formulation, Sale and Distribution of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine from Natural Ephedra Alkaloids and to Restrict the Sale and Distribution of Certain Drug Products Containing Ephedrine were published in the June 18, 1999 Texas Register.

July 6, 1999

• House Bill 714 (HB714) regarding hearing loss in newborns becomes law effective September 1, 1999. For frequently asked questions regarding implementation of HB714 see the Audiology Services Web Site.

July 1, 1999

• Map of TDH facilities has been updated to reflect the Health Care Facility and new airport locations.

June 29, 1999

• Sickle Cell Rapper - Spring, 1999 The sickle cell newsletter is sponsored by The Children's Sickle Center, San Antonio, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, and the Texas Department of Health Newborn Screening Program.
• Newborn Screening Reminder Cards - Before you take your baby home from the hospital and again at 1-2 weeks of age, your baby should be screened for five conditions. Remember, Time is of Great Importance.

June 18, 1999

• Health Care Financing is moving! Effective Monday, June 21, 1999, their new physical address is 12555 Riata Vista Circle, Austin, TX 78727. See our visitor information page for maps and directions.

June 10, 1999

• On November 1, 1983, Texas became the third state to begin universal screening for sickle hemoglobinopathies. The goal was to reduce the morbidity and mortality in infants and young children with sickle cell disease. This site contains Universal Screening for Sickle Hemoglobinopathies Abstract.
• An email has been circulating over the Internet which falsely links antiperspirant use with an increased risk of breast cancer. Even if the emails come from a reliable source, experts suggest that you should always look to the medical evidence.

June 2, 1999

• Send Dad a "healthy" Father's Day Greeting from the Prostate Cancer Awareness program web site.
  
• The TDH Organizational chart has been updated.

May 28, 1999

• TheHealth Facility Compliance Division surveys health care facilities/agencies which participate in the federal certification program and/or are regulated under state licensing statutes.

May 27, 1999

• General Provisions for Texas Department of Health Grant Contracts - 2000.

May 25, 1999

• Medically Needy Program - This is a way for persons whose family income is above the Medicaid income limits to receive help paying medical bills.

May 14, 1999

• WIC Local Agency Administrative sites. The WIC program serves pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum women, infants, and children up to the age of five. To find the WIC office nearest you, click on the WIC Local Agency Administrative site or TDH region nearest you.

May 7, 1999

• Texas PKU Connections reaching out and connecting the PKU community in Texas

April 30, 1999

• Notice of Request for Proposals (RFP) to Provide Community-Based Outreach Activities to Increase Migrant Farm Worker Participation in the Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC).
• The Texas Department of Health announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the provision of case management and/or community/family resource services for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) in Public Health Region (PHR) 6&5S.

April 26, 1999

• The Texas Department of Health Associateship for Community Health and Resources Development is requesting public comment for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Grant Application and the FY 2000-01 Genetics Resource Allocation Plan, as part of the ongoing public input process.

April 21, 1999

• The Texas Volunteer Health Corps web site is available and provides information on involving traditional and non-traditional volunteers, organizations, businesses, colleges and universities, and private health organizations in achieving "good health for all" by the year 2000.
• Visitor information has been expanded and now includes english and spanish directions, maps, etc.

April 19, 1999

• Maternal and Child Health - The Bureau of Children's Health has revamped their web site. Due to the large volume of MCH news and public information, we have designed our site to be more streamlined and user-friendly.

April 15, 1999

• All Well Conference - The conference utilizes a team approach to school health promotion. Districts are encouraged to send 4-6 member team consisting of teachers, administrators, board members, nurses, counselors, food service personnel, support staff and community members.

April 5, 1999

• Medicaid Expansion for Teenagers - Updated guidelines. Teenagers who are under 19 years old may now qualify for Medicaid even if they did not qualify before.
• The Texas Birth Defects Monitoring Division collects data on births occurring throughout the state of Texas. Our mission includes identifying and describing patterns of birth defects in Texas; and collaborating with others to find the causes of birth defects and work toward their prevention.

April 1, 1999

• The mission of the School Vision and Hearing Screening Program is to identify Preschoolers and school children with hearing and vision problems early and link them to appropriate remedial services.
• The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program, known in Texas as Texas Health Steps (THSteps), is the largest and most comprehensive medical and dental prevention and treatment program for children of low income families. The program provides comprehensive and periodic evaluation of a child's health, development, and nutritional status, as well as vision, dental, and hearing care. Texas Health Steps is the gateway for comprehensive health care for Medicaid enrolled children from birth to age 21 in Texas.
• Year 2000 Compliance Status contains information on status and testing of information systems Year 2000 compliance at the Texas Department of Health.

March 31, 1999

• Take Time for Kids - Applicant/Offeror's Conference RFP Conference April 12 - Important Update from Take Time for Kids
• Request For Proposals and Assurances and Certifications packets to enable your agency to submit the FY 2000 continuation application(s) to provide those program services, i.e., Title V - Fee for Service, Title V - Population Based, Title X, Title XX or Primary Health Care (PHC), for which your agency is currently funded by TDH.

March 26, 1999

• Request for Proposals - The Texas Department of Health (TDH) Take Time for Kids program announces the expected availability of fiscal year (FY) 2000 state funding. The funding will be used to provide community-centered, population-based activities that improve the health and safety of children under four years of age through greater access by parents, caregivers, and communities to information about healthy child development, positive parenting, and child health and safety. Through collaboration, communities will provide information and education to parents, caregivers, grandparents, and first-time expectant parents.

March 24, 1999

• The Texas Department of Health is responding to concerns about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) among former El Paso students. We wish to contact individuals who attended elementary school in El Paso between 1948 and 1970. The Multiple Sclerosis web site provides more information about MS and the current investigation.

March 23, 1999

• For the latest information on special forms and literature available from the TDH Warehouse, check out the TDH Forms and Literature Catalog, now available online! The new site provides requisition forms and instructions, access to the complete TDH Forms and Literature Catalog, and a search function to locate desired forms or literature quickly and easily.

March 12, 1999

• Statewide Public Health Awareness site contains a calendar, logo's, and links to other sites.

March 5, 1999

• Notice of Request for Proposals for Projects to Provide Community Outreach Services for the Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

March 1, 1999

• Targeted Case Management for Pregnant Women and Infants Forms - Family Needs Assessment, Individual Service Plan, Reassessment Form, Service Plan Review (Monitoring), Initial Intake, Individual Service Plan Addendum

February 26, 1999

• Provider List - Targeted Case Management/Pregnant Women & Infants (TCM/PWI)

February 10, 1999

• The Office of Tobacco Prevention and Control (OTPC) provides a clearinghouse of information on tobacco use prevention issues. Technical assistance is available to community organizations, schools, worksites, health professionals and law enforcement agencies on the development and implementation of tobacco use prevention policies, including strategies to increase public awareness and reduce tobacco sales to youth. OTPC is currently conducting a campaign to educate youth about the tobacco law which makes it illegal for minors to purchase or have possession of tobacco. Penalties for a minor (under 18) in possession of tobacco can include one or more of the following: a $250 fine, suspension of their driver's license, participation in an approved tobacco education class and community service. To learn more about the law and tobacco use by minors, visit www.dontgetburned.com.

January 11, 1999

• Maternal & Child Health Block Grant (PDF file 471K) - The Title V Block Grant Application for FY 99 and Annual Report for FY97 is now available.

January 5, 1999

• TDH results of the 1998-99 Survey of Organizational Excellence conducted by the UT School of Social Work. The survey addresses work force and work place issues that affect organizations in the coming decade.

1998 What's New Items
1997 What's New Items
1996 What's New Items