The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has appointed J. Patrick Blalock as the Technology Lead in the DHHS Office of Health Information Technology (HIT) effective March 14, 2011. The new position was created using federal stimulus funding, which was designed to significantly expand the use of information technology to improve health and healthcare. Mr. Blalock received his BS degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. His previous experience includes IT Manager at NC Information Technology Services, Lead IT Analyst at Progress Energy and Database Administrator for Revlon Consumer Products.

The NCMS and its Foundation are actively involved with development of HIT and Health Information Exchanges (HIE) in North Carolina. Last week, the Foundation announced it has partnered with the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission in developing a pilot program that provides electronic health record (EHR) loans specifically focusing on small rural/underserved and urban practices. Click here to learn more about the pilot program.