The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends low dose aspirin prophylaxis for pregnant women who may be at risk for preeclampsia. As a leading cause of all maternal mortality, it is the top cause of maternal death among black women. For women with a high risk of preeclampsia low dose aspirin should be initiated between 12 and 28 weeks and continued until the baby is born. If a patient has more than one moderate risk factor aspirin therapy should be considered. Among some of the high risk factors a previous history of preeclampsia, hypertension, diabetes, and autoimmune disease. To review all of the risk factors: Low-Dose Aspirin Use During Pregnancy | ACOG . 

Getting the word out about taking low dose aspirin has been a challenge. Many women remain unaware of their potential risk. The March of Dimes campaign "Low Dose, Big Benefits" aims to increase awareness among both healthcare providers and pregnant women regarding the benefits of low-dose aspirin for those at risk of preeclampsia. Further information and resources for pregnant women and healthcare professionals can be accessed on the March of Dimes website.

The North Carolina Medical Society highlights that “NCDHHS / Division of Public Health has produced an infographic “Every Mother, Every Baby, Every Time,” which presents conversation tips and vaccine recommendations for providers caring for pregnant persons. Immunizations can help protect women and their babies against diseases including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pertussis. Making strong vaccine recommendations, especially during respiratory season and while the state is experiencing an increase in pertussis cases, is an important way providers can help prevent disease.

View the most recent CDC vaccine recommendations for those who are expecting, pregnant or post-partum.

“Proper vaccine storage and handling play critical roles in efforts to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines exposed to storage temperatures outside the recommended ranges may have reduced potency, creating limited protection and resulting in the revaccination of patients and thousands of dollars in wasted vaccine.

Proper storage and handling begin with an effective vaccine cold chain.

A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain that includes all vaccine-related equipment and procedures. The cold chain begins with the cold storage unit at the manufacturing plant, extends to the transport and delivery of the vaccine and correct storage at the provider facility, and ends with administration of the vaccine to the patient.

Vaccines must be stored properly from the time they are manufactured until they are administered. Potency is reduced every time a vaccine is exposed to an improper condition. This includes overexposure to heat, cold, or light at any step in the cold chain. Once lost, potency cannot be restored. Exposure to any inappropriate conditions can affect potency of any refrigerated vaccine, but a single exposure to freezing temperatures (0° C [32° F] or colder) can actually destroy potency. Liquid vaccines containing an adjuvant can permanently lose potency when exposed to freezing temperatures” CDC Storage and Handling Toolkit.

The CDC has an updated toolkit to help your practice ensure vaccines are handled and stored correctly. South Piedmont AHEC encourages your practice to review your current process; if you would like additional support, please reach out to your South Piedmont AHEC Coach.

In response to the continuing opioid crisis, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks to make naloxone, an overdose reversal medication, more widely available, particularly to individuals at highest risk of opioid overdose. 
 
Providers are invited to submit a request via the online survey form: Naloxone Request Survey through Thursday, July 10, 2025. This form is for organizations to submit requests for naloxone for distribution in communities with high overdose rates. This form is not intended for individuals requesting naloxone. For resources related to overdose prevention and accessing naloxone, please visit NaloxoneSaves-nc.org.

Tobacco-related policy requirements will be effective starting on January 1, 2027. 

To support the health and wellbeing of NC Medicaid beneficiaries and state-funded service recipients, providers are encouraged to begin preparing now to implement tobacco-free policies in advance of the January 1, 2027, deadline. Providers should note that implementation can take three to six months or longer depending on the organization’s current tobacco use policy and treatment supports; many providers have already successfully made this transition.

Read the full announcement from NC DHHS for additional details.

Join South Piedmont AHEC for our Leadership at Lunch Series—a collection of affordable, one-hour trainings designed to help you lead with confidence, resilience, and impact.

Great leaders don’t just share data—they tell stories that move people. In this session, discover why storytelling is essential to your leadership brand, learn the key elements of a powerful narrative, and craft your own story to inspire, connect, and drive change within your organization.

This lunch and learn will be held July 22^nd at 12:00pm. To register for this event, visit the South Piedmont AHEC registration page.