New Haven Job Corps Center graduation ceremony with keynote speaker Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., Chairman and CEO, Bizzell

New Haven Job Corps Center Celebrates 34 Graduates

New Haven Job Corps Center Celebrates 34 Graduates

Keynote Speech Delivered by Dr. Anton C. Bizzell

August 30, 2023 (New Carrollton, Md) The New Haven Job Corps Center will celebrate its 2023 graduating class with a ceremony focused on the students’ hard work and determination, highlighting the successes and skills developed in the center’s various programs.

Anton C. Bizzell, MD, Chairman and CEO of Bizzell, which operates the New Haven center, will address the 34 students as the keynote speaker. The students accomplished their educational goals by obtaining their high school diploma – or receiving a skills certificate for an in-demand occupation in building construction, culinary arts, and certified nursing assistant programs.

“It is an honor to deliver the keynote speech,” said Dr. Bizzell. “This is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of these bright young people as they embark on the next step in their journey. I look forward to seeing what a lasting impact they will make on our world with their knowledge and perseverance.”

Deroll Barrett, New Haven Center Director, expressed his gratitude by saying, “We are delighted to share this amazing moment with Dr. Bizzell. His professional achievements and dedication to creating positive change throughout communities worldwide inspire and empower our youth.”

The New Haven Job Corps Center offers programs from 6–24 months depending on the career trajectory. The goal is to place every student into a sustainable job by the time they graduate from the program. New Haven is a full-service site where up to 132 students can live in the dormitories; 25 commute from nearby.

Other speakers include a student poem reading by Mr. Antonio Black, as well as a tribute song by graduate, Ms. Ellen E. Dossous. Commencement for the Class of 2023 will be held on Wednesday, August 30, at 2pm, at the New Haven Job Corps Center.

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

Bizzell is a HUBZone-certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm with a mission to improve lives and accelerate positive change. Bizzell partners with the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration on a broad range of support services, resources, and programs to operate four Job Corps Centers: Guthrie, Oklahoma; Long Beach, California; New Haven, Connecticut; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Learn more at www.BizzellUS.com.

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

Food Safety During Floods or Power Outages

Food Safety During Floods or Power Outages

By Editorial Staff

“Food safety involves everybody in the food chain.” – Mike Johanns [1]Brainy Quote. (2023). Mike Johanns quotes. https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/mike-johanns-quotes

 

Summer is almost over but there’s still time to gather outdoors for cookouts with friends and family, enjoying delicious food and other fun activities. All too often, though, summer rains can quickly dampen the excitement. Pop-up thunderstorms and torrential rains can quickly lead to a flooding catastrophe, especially for those living in low-lying areas or other places with a greater risk of flooding [2]Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Flood. https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Flood. In case of floods or power outages, make sure you and your household understand and practice food safety guidelines and procedures.

Preparation is key to keeping foods safe in the event of an emergency or power outage. Some of the steps you can take before one happens include:

However, sudden storms or power outages are not uncommon. In the event of a power outage, make sure to do the following:

  • Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed to keep the cold air inside. Most food items can last up to four hours if you avoid opening the door.

After a power outage, make sure to do the following:

  • Check the temperature of foods and throw out food that is above 40°F. Cook or refreeze any food that is 40°F or lower.
  • Throw away perishable food (e.g., meat, fish, dairy, and leftovers) if the power has been out for more than four hours or was in contact with flood waters. Don’t taste the food to see if it’s safe to eat. Just throw it away.

By following these food safety practices for power outages, including preparation, actions during the outage, and after power is restored, you can significantly reduce the chances of you or your loved ones developing a foodborne illness.

In addition to the guidelines above, here are further resources to help you prepare your food for an emergency.

References:

[1] Brainy Quote. (2023). Mike Johanns quotes. https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/mike-johanns-quotes
[2] Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Flood. https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Flood
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 27). Food Safety for Power Outages. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html

Bizzell Secures Federal Contract for Management of Guthrie Job Corps Center

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.

Jill Zimmer

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

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