[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