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September 13, 2012
ASPR Twitter challenge sparks innovation in tracking local health trends
Local public health officials can use a free new Web-based application, MappyHealth, to track health concerns in real time in their communities using Twitter, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) announced today.

September 12, 2012
Common application for HIV patient assistance program expedites application process for lifesaving drugs
The Common Patient Assistance Program Application (CPAPA), announced by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at the International AIDS Conference in July, went into effect today.

September 12, 2012
Veterans in rural areas to get expanded access to health care
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eric K. Shinseki today announced a joint effort to expand health care delivery to veterans living in rural areas.  The agreement between the two agencies promotes collaboration between VA facilities and private hospitals and clinics, and is supported by $983,100 in grants to improve access and coordination of care through telehealth and health information exchanges in rural areas.

September 11, 2012
Health care law saved an estimated $2.1 billion for consumers
The health care law – the Affordable Care Act – has saved consumers an estimated $2.1 billion on health insurance premiums according to a new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services. For the first time ever, new rate review rules in the health care law prevent insurance companies in all states from raising rates with no accountability or transparency. To date, rate review has helped save an estimated $1 billion for Americans. Additionally, the law’s Medical Loss Ratio (or 80/20) rule is helping deliver rebates worth $1.1 billion to nearly 13 million consumers.

September 11, 2012
New resources help older Americans and people with disabilities maintain their independence
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $12.5 million in awards to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to support older Americans and people with disabilities stay independent and receive long-term services and supports.

September 7, 2012
First-time public voting for top health innovations at HHS
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced that, for the first time, the public can vote to choose their favorite innovation from among the finalists of the HHSinnovates Program. Launched in the spring of 2010 as part of HHS’s Open Government efforts, HHSinnovates recognizes innovative projects led by HHS employees designed to help solve our country’s toughest health care challenges.

August 31, 2012
Statement on National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
September marks the start of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time for us to encourage America’s children to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

August 29, 2012
Obama administration takes new action to improve public health
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced new investments that will help strengthen the nation’s public health workforce and fight disease and illness.

August 24, 2012
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on cigarette health warning ruling
This administration is determined to do everything we can to warn young people about the dangers of smoking, which remain the leading cause of preventable death in America.

August 24, 2012
New challenge calls on software developers to create app for women’s health
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the Reducing Cancer Among Women of Color App Challenge. The Challenge calls on entrepreneurs to create an application for mobile devices that can help underserved and minority women fight and prevent cancer.

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