Addressing Cybersecurity Threats in Health Centers
Addressing Cybersecurity Threats in Health Centers
This article uses the 2020 incident at the Family Health Center of Worcester (FHCW) to explore innovative strategies to bolster health centers' cybersecurity, including leveraging group purchasing organizations (GPOs) for discounted solutions and implementing bug bounty programs to proactively strengthen systems. Ultimately, it investigates how these approaches can protect vital community health resources from the escalating tide of cyber threats.
Health Center Resilience in the Face of Cyber Adversity
The use of ransomware — malicious software that restricts access to computer systems with financial demands — has escalated, targeting health centers and putting countless lives at risk. This dire reality came to the forefront during the alarming ransomware attack on the Family Health Center of Worcester, Inc. (FHCW), where the personal health information and care continuity for thousands of patients were compromised. This resource uses FHCW's experience as a case study to demonstrate the imperative of preparedness and the strength of a community-centered response in ensuring the continuity of healthcare services amidst the ever-growing tide of cyber vulnerabilities.
Federal Activities and Approaches to Advance Social Determinants of Health Data Use and Interoperability in Support of Community Health Centers
Federal Activities and Approaches to Advance Social Determinants of Health Data Use and Interoperability in Support of Community Health Centers
Health centers now report on social determinant of health screening activities and many use the PRAPARE tool for this purpose; for years, however, health centers have focused on the broader health and social needs of the individuals they serve often making referrals to community based organizations and utilizing available enabling services. Today, there is growing interest and awareness on the value and use of interoperable social determinants of health (SDoH) data to support individual, community, and population level health improvement. View this HITEQ Center webinar, where the The Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT present on the current state of federal activities and standards based approaches for collecting, sharing, and using SDoH data with a focus on technical and policy considerations. The presentation describes available standards, tools, and initiatives for health center use and input.
Telemedicine in Community Health Centers
Archived webinar which features the Association for Utah Community Health giving an introduction into what a Community Health Center (or FQHC) is and the services that Telemedicine provides in partnership with their Telehealth Network. AUCH shares lessons learned and what their program looks like.
Telemedicine in Community Health Centers
Archived webinar which features the Association for Utah Community Health giving an introduction into what a Community Health Center (or FQHC) is and the services that Telemedicine provides in partnership with their Telehealth Network. AUCH shares lessons learned and what their program looks like.