Primary Care Links

Federal Government:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
www.ahrq.gov/research/primarix.htm

Description: AHRQ (formerly known as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research) research provides evidence-based information on health care outcomes; quality; and cost, use and access. Information from AHRQ's research helps people make informed decisions and improves the quality of health care services.

Information Available: Primary Care Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs), articles, bioterrorism preparedness, conference and meeting summaries, fact sheets, practice resources, research initiatives, press releases and research findings.

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services,
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA),
Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC)
bphc.hrsa.gov

Description: HRSA works to improve and expand access to quality health care for all, and continually strives to achieve their goal of 100 percent access to health care and no health disparities for Americans.

Information Available: Models that Work Campaign, data and statistics, Find a Health Center, Federally Qualified Health Center look-alike guidelines and application, emergency response and the role of health centers in state planning, programs, initiatives, offices, resources, documents and publications, funding opportunities and other links.

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services,
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,
HealthFinder
www.healthfinder.gov

Description: Since 1997, Healthfinder has been utilized as a key resource for finding the best government and nonprofit health and human services information on the Internet. Healthfinder links to carefully selected information and web sites from over 1,700 health-related organizations.

Information Available: Health library, selected health topics organized by selected demographics, health care, directory of Healthfinder organizations, health news and online checkups (cholesterol quiz, interactive menu planner and many more).

Missouri Government:

Missouri Association of Local Public Health Agencies (MoALPHA)
www.moalpha.org

Description: The mission of MoALPHA is to collectively represent to federal, state and local entities and individuals, the interests of local public health agencies in their efforts to promote health and wellness for Missourians through periodic community assessment, targeted policy development and continuous assurance of available and affordable health care, health education, preventive health services, communicable disease control and environmental services.

Information Available: Latest news and events in Missouri, public health forum, resources, list of Missouri local public health agencies and legislative updates.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS),
Section for Community Health Systems and Support,
Primary Care and Rural Health Unit
www.dhss.mo.gov/PrimaryCareRuralHealth

Description: The Health Systems Development Unit offers resources and technical assistance to individuals, communities, associations and agencies to evaluate and improve access to health care services. The PCO identifies areas and populations in need of health care services and develops intervention strategies to improve access to care.

Information Available: Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), community provider information, resource links, Primary Care Resource Initiative for Missouri (PRIMO) and additional links to state resources.

Missouri Primary Care Association (MPCA)
www.mo-pca.org/

Description: MPCA, an alliance of community and migrant health centers, advocates for the medically indigent and explores and implements activities aimed at providing and promoting high quality, accessible and personalized healthcare services to urban and rural populations, regardless of ability to pay, in the state of Missouri.

Information Available: Legislative activity, find a Community Health Center, clinical information, community development, outreach, recruitment and retention, grant information, newsletter, resources and links.

National Organizations:

American Medical Association (AMA)
www.ama-assn.org

Description: The AMA speaks out on issues important to patients and to the nation's health. Their policy stance on health issues is decided through a democratic policy-making process in the AMA House of Delegates, comprised of delegates from the field of health.

Information Available: AMA advocacy, news, clinical practice tools, basic medical information, publications, issue spotlights, the AMA newsletter, videos, legislative updates and a financial trends report.

American Public Health Association (APHA)
www.apha.org

Description: APHA strives to improve the public's health and to achieve equity in health status for all. They promote the scientific and professional foundation of public health practice and policy, advocate the conditions for a healthy global society, emphasize prevention and enhance the ability of members to promote and protect environmental and community health.

Information Available: Latest news, 25 discipline-based sections, seven Special Primary Interest Groups (SPIGs), caucuses, book of the month recommendations, events, journal and newspaper articles, continuing education opportunities, scientific and professional affairs, legislation and advocacy, AMA policies, State Public Health Associations, World Federation of Public Health Associations and public health links.

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)
www.nachc.com

Description: The NACHC promotes the provision of high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, coordinated and community directed for all underserved populations. NACHC serves community, migrant and homeless health centers that provide health care to America's poor and medically underserved.

Information Available: Advocacy work, laws and regulations, special programs, training and technical assistance, links to Primary Care Associations, latest news, events, conferences, publications, issue briefs, grassroots action center, legislative updates, state-by-state data and model legislation.