2013 Pediatric-Related News


CSN Releases Resource Guide on Firearm Safety and Firearm Injury Prevention (05/16/2013)

The Children's Safety Network (CSN) has released "Prevention of Fire-arm Related Injuries and Death: Resource Guide 2013." This guide provides state Maternal and Child Health and Injury and Violence Prevention programs with a summary of what is available in the area of firearm safety and prevention. This guide contains information on a broad range of evidence-informed interventions, firearms data, state legislation about firearms, and organizations to contact for additional information.


CIPT and PTS Hold Pediatric Summit, Release New Funding Opportunity Announcement (05/09/2013)

Fifty-six pediatric trauma specialists met in North Carolina at the Childress Pediatric Summit April 22-24, to assess the current state of pediatric trauma. The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma (CIPT), based at Wake Forest University, and the Pediatric Trauma Society (PTS) hosted the national conference. The summit also provided an opportunity to discuss the development of a 10-year strategic plan for development of best pediatric practices in research, treatment, and education.

The conference culminated with the announcement of a funding opportunity from the Childress Institute. The funding will provide support for investigator‐initiated research projects, pilot research, or feasibility studies. Eligible applicants include full-time or adjunct faculty of an academic medical center. The principal investigator or co-investigator must be a PTS member. A Letter of Intent is due by May 31, 2013. Applications are due October 1, 2013. Notice of Awards will be made December 1, 2013. A single award in the amount of $75,000 is anticipated for the 2014 calendar year.


NHTSA Releases Report on National Use of Booster Seats (04/19/2013)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report on "The 2011 National Survey of the Use of Booster Seats (NSUBS)," The results of the survey indicate more parents are choosing to keep their children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats longer, instead of transitioning them to seat belts too soon. NSUBS reports that the number of children ages four to seven riding in only seat belts, instead of car seats and boosters, dropped 7 percent in 2011 to 25 percent, down from 32 percent in 2009. Meanwhile, the use of both car seats and booster seats increased during the same period, suggesting that parents are increasingly following NHTSA recommendations and not graduating their children prematurely to seat belts. NSUBS is the only probability-based nationwide child restraint use survey in the U.S. that observes restraint use and interviews adult occupants to collect race, ethnicity, and other data.


CDC Releases Data Brief on Infant Mortality Rates in the United States (04/18/2013)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the data brief "Recent Declines in Infant Mortality in the United States, 2005 - 2011." The data brief reports that following a plateau from 2000 through 2005, the U.S. infant mortality rate declined 12 percent from 2005 through 2011. The brief also reports that infant mortality rates have declined for four of the five leading causes of death during the 2005 - 2011 period. Those four leading causes are congenital malformations, short gestation/low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, and maternal complications. During this period (2005 - 2011), the rate for unintentional injuries did not change significantly.


USPSTF Seeks Comments on Draft Research Plan for Screening Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children (04/04/2013)

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is seeking comments on its Draft Research Plan: Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from March 28 through April 24, 2013.


Now Available: 2011/2012 NSCH State Profiles (03/29/2013)

State-by-state snapshots of new data from the 2011/12 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) are now accessible on the Data Resource Center website. These data snapshots are national and state-level profiles featuring whole child overviews or topic-specific reports.


CDC and AAN Seeking Comments on the Pediatric Mild TBI Guideline Protocol (03/22/2013)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Guideline Workgroup and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is seeking public comments on a guideline protocol on diagnosing and treating pediatric mild TBI. The deadline to submit comments is April 7, 2013.


Congress Establishes National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters (03/21/2013)

This month, Congress approved and the President signed into law H.R. 307, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act. This disaster preparedness-related bill establishes the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters which will provide pediatric input and expertise to the Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security on federal disaster planning, response, recovery, and grant making efforts, as well as state preparedness drills and response activities. The council will be compromised of 15 appointed members to include two non-federal health care professionals and two representatives of state, local, territorial, or tribal agencies with expertise in pediatric medical disaster issues.


Now Available: Tracking and Reunification of Children in Disasters (03/15/2013)

The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health has released "Tracking and Reunification of Children in Disasters: A Lesson and Reference for Health Professionals." The online course focuses on responding to an unaccompanied child in a disaster. It is accredited for Continuing Education credit.


SAMHSA Podcast: Tips for Helping Children and Youth Cope in the Aftermath of Disasters (03/14/2013)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released "Tips for Helping Children and Youth Cope in the Aftermath of Disasters," a podcast focusing on the common reactions of and helpful approaches for children and youth involved in a disaster or traumatic event. The podcast also features implementation coping strategies to promote resilience from communities that have experienced traumatic events.


Now Available: 2012 Edition of Child Health USA (03/11/2013)

The 2012 edition of Child Health USA, produced annually by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau, is now available. The databook is designed to provide maternal and child health professionals with an easy-to-use collection of current and historical data from multiple federal sources on pressing health challenges facing children, families, and communities. Child Health USA 2012 addresses several new emerging issues, including: environmental health, weight control and sedentary behaviors, and rural/urban data related to birth outcomes.


Register Now: Pediatric Trauma II Symposium: Global Burden of Injury to Children, New Concepts and Controversies (03/08/2013)

On Thursday, March 21, the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, along with Akron's Children Hospital and GlobalcastMD, will present the online symposium Global Burden of Injury to Children, New Concepts and Controversies, "How I Do It!". The course will cover the management of the pediatric patient in the acute trauma setting, resuscitation, and management of traumatic injuries. The symposium will feature brief presentations followed by discussion influenced by key opinion leaders in the field of trauma. To participate, complete the online registration form!


Safe Kids Resource: Keeping Children with Special Needs Safe in the Home (03/07/2013)

Safe Kids and the MetLife Foundation have developed "Keeping Children with Special Needs Safe in the Home." This resource includes a series of safety videos teaching families and caregivers how to take precautions in the home to help prevent injuries to children with special health care needs. The videos focus on fire and burn prevention, drowning, and choking and falls prevention.


FEMA Seeks Applicants for National Advisory Council (03/01/2013)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for individuals interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC). NAC was established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. The positions open for application are in the following disciplines:

  • Emergency Management Field (one representative appointment)

  • State Non-Elected Official (one representative appointment)

  • Standards Setting (one representative appointment)

  • Public Health (one Special Government Employee (SGE) appointment)

  • Functional Accessibility (one representative appointment)

  • Emergency Medical Providers (one SGE appointment)

  • Tribal Non-Elected Officials (one representative appointment)

  • Tribal Elected Officials (one representative appointment for a one-year term)

  • Emergency Response (one representative appointment for a one-year term)

  • Department of Defense (Ex Officio representative)

The deadline for applications is 5:00 pm (Eastern) on Friday, March 8, 2013.


Maryland DHMH Launches Resource Database for CYSHCN (02/28/2013)

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has a launched a new online resource database for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). This database, developed in partnership with Maryland families, features more than 800 resources; is accessible in more than 50 languages; and offers user-friendly features, including helpful search features, interactive maps, and directions to each resource.


SAMSHA Accepting Applications for Statewide Family Network Grants (02/25/2013)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for Statewide Family Network Grants totaling up to nearly $6.3 million over the course of a three-year period. The purpose of this program is to create state capacity and infrastructure that will enable families to act as catalysts for mental health and other system change by developing community-based, family-driven and youth-guided systems of care for children and adolescents with serious mental health needs. These grants will provide information, referrals, and support to families who have a child with a serious mental health need and create a mechanism for families to participate in state and local mental health services planning and policy development.


NEMSIS 3.3.1 Dataset Now Available for Comments and Recommendations (02/21/2013)

The National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) Version 3.3.1 dataset has been released to correct errors in the Version 3.3.0 dataset release from November 2012. Requests and recommendations for change should be submitted to NEMSIS staff by August 2013. Future releases to the Version 3 dataset will be made March 1 of each year, beginning in 2014.


AHRQ Releases Database on Patient Safety Education and Training Resources (02/14/2013)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released a new Patient Safety Education and Training Catalog that describes 333 patient safety programs currently available in the United States. The catalog is an easily navigable database of education and training that can be searched by (1) mode of delivery, (2) target audience, (3) content area, and (4) reach of program.


ACEP Releases Disaster Hero, a Web-based Computer Game (02/08/2013)

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recently released Disaster Hero, a web-based game designed to teach families how to prepare for all types of hazards or emergencies. In the game, the player takes the role of a "Disaster Hero" contestant competing against a computer opponent to prove his or her disaster knowledge and preparedness skills for a chance to be named the next "Disaster Hero!" The game emphasizes the importance of having an emergency plan, getting an emergency kit, and being informed.


NASEMSO to Host Webinar on EMS/Trauma Systems Issues (01/18/2013)

The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) will host the webinar NCLS State Trauma/EMS Project at 3:00 pm (Eastern) on Thursday, January 24, 2013. Featured Presenter Hollie Hendrikson, health program policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), will present her highly anticipated session on requirements/funding for EMS/trauma systems nationwide from the 2012 NASEMSO Annual Meeting. In addition, Ms. Hendrikson will address differences among state systems and the role of the state legislature in developing a comprehensive system of emergency care. The presentation will also provide tips and tools to help you communicate with your state legislators.


HHS Issues Letter to Providers on Disclosures to Avert Threats to Health or Safety (01/18/2013)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a letter to health care providers to ensure that they are aware of their ability under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule to take action, consistent with their ethical standards or other legal obligations, to disclose necessary information about a patient to law enforcement, family members of the patient, or other persons, when they believe the patient presents a serious danger to himself or other people.


New MCHB Resource: Getting Ready for Quality Improvement: A Quick Guide (01/17/2013)

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s (MCHB) Division of Maternal Child Health (MCH) Workforce Development and Office of Policy Coordination developed the compilation of resources, “Getting Ready for Quality Improvement: A Quick Guide,” to support the MCH community in learning more about quality improvement. Taking different learning methods into account, this new resource features presentations, web tutorials, and articles. Links to the information resources are provided in seven categories: Quick References on Methods and Tools; Quick Study YouTube Videos; Short Web Tutorials; Links to Resource Organizations; Journal Articles and White Papers; Presentations/Trainings; and Selected Example(s) QI in Practice.


New Online Tools to Help Providers Protect Patient Data in Mobile Devices (01/11/2013)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched an education initiative along with online tools to provide healthcare providers and organizations practical tips on ways to protect their patients' protected health information when using mobile devices and tablets. This initiative, Mobile Devices: Know the RISKS. Take the STEPS. PROTECT and SECURE Health Information, offers educational resources such as videos, easy-to-download fact sheets, and posters to promote best ways to safeguard patient health information.