Blog – Page 10 – Bizzell US

14Jul2023

Bizzell Secures Federal Contract for Management of Guthrie Job Corps Center

July 17, 2023 (New Carrollton, MD) – Bizzell US (Bizzell) was awarded the federal contract to operate and manage the Guthrie Job Corps Center located in Guthrie, OK, effective July 1, 2023. This 5-year contract will provide education and training to 550 youths and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. In addition, the contract will provide 180 staff member jobs for members of the Guthrie community. Bizzell will also actively collaborate with the Guthrie community as a critical stakeholder in Bizzell’s long-term strategic development plans for the Center. Guthrie now joins Tulsa, Oklahoma, Long Beach, California, and New Haven, Connecticut, Job Corps Centers under the management of Bizzell.

Guthrie students will be able to obtain high school diplomas and complete training for in-demand trades such as finance and business, information technology, and culinary arts. The leading trades at Guthrie are electrical, plumbing, and certified nursing assistant (CNA).

Guthrie graduates will receive support in securing career opportunities, including attaining industry-specific job positions, enlisting in the Armed Forces, pursuing higher education opportunities, or exploring advanced training programs.

“The Bizzell team is fully dedicated to supporting and partnering with the communities where our students live. These students will benefit from an expansive network ready to support them as they achieve their goals,” emphasized Anton C. Bizzell, MD, Bizzell Chairman and CEO. “We are fortunate to have Jill Zimmer serve as the Center Director as we focus on increasing innovation and expanding student enrollment.”

Center Director

Staying on as the Guthrie Center Director is Ms. Jill Zimmer. Serving in multiple capacities, Ms. Zimmer has supported the Guthrie Job Corps Center for nearly 15 years, beginning as an academic instructor. She has taught all subjects, including literacy, numeracy, high school diploma studies, and GED instruction. From 2012 to 2020, Ms. Zimmer was an academic manager, and eventually a career technical training manager. In 2021, she was promoted to Deputy Center Director. Bizzell is thrilled to have Ms. Zimmer continue building brighter futures by transforming the lives of our young people.

About Job Corps

Job Corps, the nation’s largest residential job training program, prepares young adults, ages 16-24, with education and hands-on career training for entry-level positions that lead to careers in today’s workforce. For more information, visit https://www.jobcorps.gov.

About Bizzell US

Bizzell US is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone-certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm with a mission to improve lives and accelerate positive change. Bizzell delivers award-winning services to a diverse portfolio of clients to help build healthy, secure, and sustainable communities across the globe. Leveraging decades of combined experience from our multi-disciplinary team, our subject matter experts develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex, real-world challenges. Learn more at www.BizzellUS.com.

Media Contact: Carlos Gomez
cgomez@bizzellglobal.com | 301.246.6250

6Jul2023

Addressing Disparities: Bridging the Gap in Minority Mental Healthcare

Addressing Disparities:

Bridging the Gap in Minority Mental Healthcare

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

In our interconnected world, it is vital to recognize and address the mental health challenges faced by minority communities. In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death for African Americans aged 15 to 24 ^[1]CDC. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). [Accessed 11/21/2022]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html. Minority mental health encompasses the mental well-being of individuals from marginalized racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Despite significant progress in mental health advocacy, there is a pressing need to amplify the importance of minority mental health and promote inclusive and equitable mental health care for all.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in July, spotlights the significance of prioritizing the mental health of minorities and the benefits it brings to individuals, communities, and society. One of the primary reasons for prioritizing minority mental health is to challenge the persisting stigma surrounding mental illness within historically underserved minority communities. Stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help and exacerbates the negative impact of mental health issues.

We can empower individuals from minority backgrounds to seek support without fear of judgment or discrimination

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health’s (OMH) mission is to enhance the well-being of racial and ethnic minority communities by formulating health policies and initiatives to eradicate healthcare disparities. OMH offers numerous resources for those struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and serious mental illnesses. The National Institute of Mental Health also provides resources such as:

A New Look at Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use Among Adults ^[2]National Institute of Mental Health. (2015, April 23). A New Look at Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use Among Adults. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/archive/news/2015/a-new-look-at-racial-ethnic-differences-in-mental-health-service-use-among-adults
Structural Racism and Discrimination: Impact on Minority Health and Health Disparities ^[3]National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (2021, December 21). Structural Racism and Discrimination: Impact on Minority Health and Health Disparities. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/publications/structural-racism-and-discrimination-impact-on-minority-health-and-health-disparities.html

By promoting awareness and open dialogue, we can empower individuals from minority backgrounds to seek support without fear of judgment or discrimination. Prioritizing minority mental health fosters inclusivity and validates these communities’ unique experiences and perspectives. Together, let’s break the stigma and strive for a future where minority mental health is a top priority, where people of color are empowered with more resources, and we acknowledge mental health disparities.

References

[1] CDC. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). [Accessed 11/21/2022]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html

[2] National Institute of Mental Health. (2015, April 23). A New Look at Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use Among Adults. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/archive/news/2015/a-new-look-at-racial-ethnic-differences-in-mental-health-service-use-among-adults

[3] National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (2021, December 21). Structural Racism and Discrimination: Impact on Minority Health and Health Disparities. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/publications/structural-racism-and-discrimination-impact-on-minority-health-and-health-disparities.html

21Jun2023

Bizzell Announces New Center Director for Tulsa Job Corps Center

June 22, 2023 (New Carrollton, Md) – Bizzell US (Bizzell) is pleased to introduce Adrienne Pope as the new Center Director for the Tulsa Job Corps Center, operated by Bizzell. As the new Center Director, Ms. Pope will oversee the strategic direction, daily operations, and overall success of the center. She will work closely with the center’s dedicated team of educators, counselors, and support staff to ensure that each student receives the highest quality of education and guidance necessary to thrive in their chosen career paths.

Ms. Pope has over 19 years of leadership experience in education and Job Corps Centers. She has supported the Hartford Job Corps Center in Hartford, CT since 2010 where she has served as the Center Director, Deputy Center Director, Director of Administrative Services, and Careers Services Director.

“Adrienne Pope is a remarkable individual whose passion for education and youth development aligns perfectly with our organization’s values. She brings a remarkable track record of success and innovation, and we are thrilled to have her on board, said Anton C. Bizzell, MD, Bizzell Chairman and CEO. “We are confident that Adrienne will lead the Tulsa Job Corps Center to new heights and continue our commitment to transforming lives and collaborating with the greater Tulsa community.”

Bizzell operates the 13-acre Tulsa Job Corps Center, where they provide academic, career technical, career success skills, and career development training and related support services to nearly 235 young adults each day between the ages of 16-24. The Center offers students education and training programs in the hospitality, construction, heath care, and homeland security industries. With more than 115 staff supporting the center, all are residents of the greater Tulsa community and work to partner with local businesses and resources, such as the YMCA, University of Oklahoma, and Tulsa Police Department, to assist the students throughout their journey.

Ms. Pope is available for media interviews upon request.

About Job Corps

About Bizzell US

Media Contact: Carlos Gomez
cgomez@bizzellglobal.com | 301.246.6250

16Jun2023

Honoring the Journey: Celebrating PTSD Awareness Month

Honoring the Journey:

Celebrating PTSD Awareness Month

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

“Unlike other forms of psychological disorders, the core issue in trauma is reality.”

– Bessel A. van der Kolk, “Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society”

What is trauma? Trauma is an emotional response to an extremely stressful event(s) like an accident, physical abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, combat, natural disasters, and even global pandemics. While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is still important to understand the effects of trauma.

Trauma biologically changes a person’s brain. When experiencing a traumatic event, the body treats it as a threat, the “fight, flight, or freeze” part of the brain is activated, and the body switches into survival mode. Usually, when the threat has passed, the body will return to a more restful state. However, when the brain doesn’t leave that reactive survival space, PTSD can develop ^[1]Bizzell, A. C., (2021, June 9). What You Need to Know About PTSD. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-your-health/202106/what-you-need-know-about-ptsd.

June is observed as PTSD Awareness Month, with June 27 highlighted as PTSD Screening Day. Within the civilian population, anywhere from 2.3% to 9.1% of Americans will experience an episode of PTSD within a given year. Within the military population, the rates are significantly higher, with 6.7% to 50.2% of American service members experiencing an episode during a year. Regardless of military status, women are more likely to develop PTSD than men ^[2]Schein, J., Houle, A., Cloutier, M., Patterson-Lomba, O., Wang, Y., King, S., Levinson, W., Guérin, A., Lefebvre, P., & Davis, L. L. (2021). Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States: a systematic literature review. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 37(12), 2151 – 2161. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2021.1978417. In addition, it is very common for individuals with PTSD to have at least one comorbid condition, such as depression or anxiety.

By encouraging people to become more informed about PTSD and what the symptoms may look like, we can lessen the stigma around this condition. Physical symptoms can vary, but may include:

Flashbacks or re-experiencing the event
Insomnia
Panic attacks
Anxiety
Chronic fatigue
Migraines
Mood instability
Depression

Other ways PTSD can manifest itself is through the coping behaviors people employ to manage their symptoms. For example, individuals may avoid certain places, activities, people, or dates to avoid triggering an episode. Other people have intense dreams or repetitive flashbacks that intrude on their normal thought processes. Alterations in both cognition and reactivity are also common responses to PTSD; examples include compulsive negative thoughts, engaging in self-destructive activities, or having a distorted self-perception that reinforces feelings of shame or guilt.

Self-treatments such as learning mindfulness techniques, practicing deep breathing, and progressively tensing and relaxing muscles can help a person healthfully cope with the overwhelming stimuli during an episode. Other successful treatments include therapy, medication, or a mix of all the above.

PTSD can be effectively managed through compassionate understanding and appropriate care. The majority of individuals who undergo PTSD ultimately find a path to recovery. Collaborating with a primary care physician to monitor and address symptoms is crucial for achieving recovery or effective management. It is essential to recognize that individuals with PTSD have the capacity to adapt, coexist with their symptoms, and lead meaningful, productive lives.

Learn more about PTSD from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ National Center for PTSD.

References

[1] Bizzell, A. C., (2021, June 9). What You Need to Know About PTSD. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-your-health/202106/what-you-need-know-about-ptsd

[2] Schein, J., Houle, A., Cloutier, M., Patterson-Lomba, O., Wang, Y., King, S., Levinson, W., Guérin, A., Lefebvre, P., & Davis, L. L. (2021). Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States: a systematic literature review. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 37(12), 2151 – 2161. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2021.1978417

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