[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26790-26791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10968]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services Administration
Summary of Responses To Request for Information (RFI):
Opportunities To Apply a Department of Health and Human Services
Message Library To Advance Understanding About Toddler and Preschool
Nutrition and Physical Activity
AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration, HHS.
ACTION: Summary of Responses to Request for Information (RFI).
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SUMMARY: On January 29, 2013, the Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit
ideas and information related to ways in which the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) can work with interested partners to
disseminate and apply TXT4Tots, a library of short, evidence-based
messages on nutrition and physical activity targeted to parents,
caregivers, and health care providers of children ages 1-5 years. HRSA
released the TXT4Tots library in English and Spanish on February 19,
2013; and followed with an Open Forum on February 20, 2013, to provide
further opportunity for input on dissemination and application of the
library of messages. HHS received over 25 written responses to the RFI,
and approximately 100 individuals participated in the Open Forum.
Comments and Responses: The written responses to the RFI as well as
the comments received through the Open Forum indicate that TXT4Tots
aligns with the activities of many existing organizations and programs.
Several of the respondents expressed an interest in collaborative
opportunities to incorporate the messages into current outreach and
educational efforts. Some examples of current programs that could
leverage the TXT4Tots messages include initiatives at the federal,
state, and local levels. The majority of the suggested organizations
and programs focus on promoting healthy choices for children and their
families. Recommendations included integrating the TXT4Tots messages
into their programs and services or using the internet to disseminate
the information through Web sites and social media.
Respondents also emphasized that mobile health, social media, and
other innovative strategies are a valuable resource to reach a diverse
population and can be effectively leveraged to support equitable access
to health information. With regard to vehicles for dissemination of the
TXT4Tots messages, respondents suggested that they needn't be
complicated, but should be user friendly. In addition, respondents
noted that the most effective tools for dissemination are those that
can fully engage the end users. Specific suggestions for dissemination
of the TXT4Tots messages included social media, existing tools and
applications, existing Web sites and web services, and text messages,
as well incorporating messages into baby product packaging, curricula,
health fairs, emails, newsletters, and print materials. Emphasis was
placed on leveraging existing platforms that promote healthy choices
for young children and could readily integrate the TXT4Tots message
content. Respondents also recommended that the TXT4Tots messages be
linked to additional sources of information; for example, if utilized
as a text message program, URLs could be included to link the message
recipients to Web sites with additional information. In addition,
social media posts could link to Web sites with ideas for healthy
recipes and age-appropriate activities to compliment the messages.
[[Page 26791]]
Some respondents indicated that the use of certain technology-based
platforms may restrict access to the underserved, who might have
limited access to smartphones or the internet. One additional concern
that was voiced by numerous respondents was confusion regarding the
purpose of TXT4Tots and how it is intended to be used. Specifically, it
was unclear that this is a library of messages that could be used in a
variety of existing platforms and products and not exclusively a text
messaging service. Guidance regarding specific details about the use of
the TXT4Tots messages has been added to the TXT4Tots Web page (http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/txt4tots).
HRSA appreciates all of the thoughtful comments received either via
the RFI or Open Forum. Guidance regarding specific details about the
use of the TXT4Tots messages has been added to the TXT4Tots Web page
(http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/txt4tots). It is our hope that the
thoughtful recommendations and comments will spur others to explore
innovative ways for disseminating the TXT4Tots content.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bethany Applebaum, MPH, Health
Resources and Services Administration, Office of Women's Health and
Office of Health Information Technology and Quality, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Room 7-100, Rockville, Maryland 20857, or email [email protected].
Dated: May 2, 2013.
Mary K. Wakefield,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-10968 Filed 5-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-15-P