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Categories Blog Tags Minority Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

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:

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  

Categories Bizzell, Corporate Tags Corporate Updates, Tulsa Job Corps, Workforce Development, Workforce Innovation, Youth Empowerment

Bizzell Announces New Center Director for Tulsa Job Corps Center

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

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

 

 

Categories Blog Tags Behavioral Health, PTSD

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 

Categories Blog Tags Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

How to Stay Safe on the Road During Summer Travel

How to Stay Safe on the Road During Summer Travel

By Bizzell Editorial Staff 

 “The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it.” – Dudley Moore 

Driving is essential to the daily lives of most Americas, offering convenience, freedom, and access to a world of opportunities. However, many drivers ignore their significant responsibility to prioritize safety on the road. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in 2019, 26 percent of fatal crashes, 12 percent of injury crashes, and 9 percent of property-damage-only crashes in 2019 were speeding-related [1]National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2021, October). Speeding: 2019 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 194). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One of the primary objectives of the FHWA is to enhance the safety of the nation’s highways. So, it collaborates with state and local partners to implement various safety programs, research innovative technologies, and develop policies to reduce traffic-related fatalities, injuries, and crashes.  

While summertime brings thoughts of vacations and exciting road trips, it is a good moment to revisit basic driving guidelines. Take a moment before your vacation, or any long trip, to inspect your car. Doing so may make the difference between easy travel, a vehicle breakdown, or a highway collision. Before you hit the road this summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends you check the following before getting behind the wheel: 

  • Check all belts and hoses. Rubber belts and hoses deteriorate more quickly in the hot summer months. Look under the hood and check all the belts and hoses to make sure the rubber is free from any bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts. 
  • Check your tires. Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips. Do not forget the spare in the trunk, too! Replace tires that have uneven wear or an insufficient amount of tread. See your owner’s manual for the appropriate inflation pressures. 
  • Check your air conditioning. Everyone is impacted by the absence of air conditioning on a hot summer day. However, the elderly, the very young, and those in poor health may be more susceptible to heat-related problems. 
  • Check your backseat. Children and pets left unattended in a parked car are at severe risk heatstroke or death. Never leave your kids alone in the car. Not even for a minute. Visit NHTSA to learn more about ways to prevent heatstroke. 
  • Check your fluid levels. Make sure to check your car’s oil level as well as other fluid levels, such as brake, automatic transmission or clutch, air coolant, and windshield wiper cleaner. 
  • Check for recalls. Utilize NHTSA’s Recalls look up tool to find out if vehicle has a safety issue that has not be repaired. NHTSA also offers a SaferCar app to check if your car is part of a current recall. 

People die every year from car accidents, and irreparable damage is caused due to preventable mistakes. Keep in mind the importance of safe travelling as we all go about our summer plans.  

By maintaining focus, obeying traffic laws, and practicing defensive driving, we can significantly reduce the number of accidents on our roads…and get to the beach. 

 

[1] National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2021, October). Speeding: 2019 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 194). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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