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Bizzell Awarded Four SAMHSA IDIQ Domains

Bizzell Awarded Four SAMHSA IDIQ Domains

Bizzell US (Bizzell), a global strategy, consulting, and technology firm, is excited to continue its successful partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Bizzell has been awarded four domains as a prime contractor on SAMHSA’s Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract through 2027. The IDIQs help SAMHSA achieve its goal of reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

Through this award, Bizzell is eligible to compete for new contracts under the following domains:

  • Domain I: Feasibility, Pilot, and Evaluation Projects
  • Domain II: Statistical Projects
  • Domain V: Technical Assistance and Training Projects
  • Domain VI: Planning, Implementation, and Report Support Projects (8a and HUBZone)

Since Bizzell’s inception, the firm has worked with SAMHSA and other agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services to accelerate behavioral health advancements and improve services and resources for communities within the United States and across the globe. Bizzell has a full range of capabilities that can support SAMHSA’s mission, and includes program and project management, data analytics, evaluation and learning, and technical assistance and training.

Bizzell has conducted a wide range of feasibility studies, evaluation projects, and didactic learning seminars to strengthen health system interventions and training, foster data-informed decisions, and improve program outcomes and impact. Specifically, we’ve partnered with SAMHSA to provide direct technical assistance and support services to opioid treatment programs nationwide. Additionally, we’ve delivered in-person and web-based provider trainings in the areas of prevention treatment and recovery, substance use disorder and maternal and infant health, effective uses of medication assisted treatment, and improving cultural competence in substance abuse treatment.

“As a company, Bizzell is passionate about developing innovative solutions that lead to positive health outcomes,” says Anton Bizzell, M.D., President and CEO of Bizzell. “We are energized to support SAMSHA’s critical work to advance the nation’s behavioral health—especially now as more people struggle with mental health and substance use concerns and the demand for effective and accessible behavioral health services is growing.”

About Bizzell

Established in 2010, Bizzell US is U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm with a mission to improve lives and accelerate change. Bizzell US develops innovative solutions to some of the most critical issues of our time such as health care services equity, global health, workforce innovation and other urgent needs facing the world. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown into a thriving firm headquartered in New Carrollton, Maryland with staff and offices in various regions around the country including California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Georgia, and globally in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Learn more about how we develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex-real-world challenges. Learn more at BizzellUS.com.

The Bizzell Group Contact
Chad Brown DM, Chief Administrative Officer
301-459-0100 | cbrown@thebizzellgroup.com

Integrated Strategies to Address Opioid Use Disorders in Women

Integrated Strategies to Address Opioid Use Disorders in Women

By: Anton C. Bizzell, M.D.

The opioid crisis has a complex set of contributing factors in women and requires integrated strategies and solutions. The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 19.5 million females (15.4 percent) age 18 years or older used illegal drugs in the past year, and 8.4 million females misused prescription drugs in the past year (CBHSQ, 2017)Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2017). Results from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016.pdf. Opioid use and misuse may have a different progression in women as compared to men, due to differences in sex and gender. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines differences by sex as pertaining to biological differences, and differences by gender as referring to culturally defined roles for women. Research has shown effects on women who use drugs from hormones, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and menopause. Women have described reasons for using drugs, such as caregiving, depression and anxiety, fatigue, and coping with pain. Women are also affected by adverse childhood experiences, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), partner stress, and domestic violence (NIDA, 2019)National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Substance Abuse in Women. Retrieved September 19, 2019, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-women..

In the past, women were not included in research studies at the same rate as men, or the data was not reported separately by sex. The NIH and other federal agencies have made significant efforts to include women, and to research the biological differences in women that are important to understanding how substance use disorders develop and how to treat them effectively.

Researchers know that there are some differences in how substance use disorders develop in women versus men, and continued research will seek to better understand these differences (NIDA, 2019)National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Substance Abuse in Women. Retrieved September 19, 2019, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-women.

  • Dependence: Women sometimes become dependent after using smaller amounts of drugs for a shorter time period, as compared to men.
  • Relapse: In addition to developing dependence more quickly, women may experience more cravings and be more likely to relapse following treatment.
  • Biological factors: Science has also shown differences in brain changes, effects on the heart and blood vessels, and increased sensitivity to drugs due to sex hormones. Women may have a higher likelihood of going to the emergency room or dying from an overdose from some substances, as compared to men.
  • Psychosocial factors: Psychosocial stressors can be a significant factor in opioid misuse and opioid use disorders (OUDs). Women who experience changes in relationships due to divorce or loss of child custody, as well as those who are victims of domestic violence, are at increased risk of developing an OUD. Other stressors such as unemployment, housing instability, caregiving, and untreated mental health conditions can play a role as well.

Substance misuse and OUDs affect millions of women, many of whom are of childbearing age. Most drugs, including opioids, can have serious and harmful effects to a pregnant woman and to an unborn baby. Some substances can increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, in addition to causing health complications to the mother such as high blood pressure and seizures, according to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) at NIH (2013)Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2013). Tobacco, drug use in pregnancy can double risk of stillbirth. Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/Pages/121113-stillbirth-drug-use.aspx. Women who are using may be afraid to get help while pregnant, due to fears that they will lose custody of their children, or due to barriers such as stigma, lack of access to treatment programs, or lack of child care. Babies born to women who misuse drugs, especially opioids, can go through withdrawal after birth, a health condition referred to as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) issued Final Report: Opioid Use, Misuse, and Overdose in Women (2017)Office on Women’s Health. (2017). Final Report: Opioid Use, Misuse, and Overdose in Women. Office on Women’s Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/documents/final-report-opioid-508.pdf detailing how the epidemic affects women, and the key prevention, treatment, and recovery issues for women who misuse opioids and who have OUDs. Stakeholders must collaborate to continue to develop relevant research, effective outreach, and evidence-based intervention targeted to the unique needs of women at risk of and affected by opioid use disorders.

Integrated Strategies to Address OUDs Among Women

Integrated strategies are vital to address the complex causes and effects of OUDs in women. The following is list of suggestions for improving health outcomes for women experiencing an OUD:

Research:  More research and data are needed on women who have substance use disorders, and the treatment strategies that are most effective for women.

Education:  Education should focus on prevention, as well as on early identification and treatment of substance use disorders. Partnerships between organizations such as schools, employers, and community centers are essential to reach women of all ages.

Integration of services:  Substance use disorder screening should be integrated into health care, mental health services, and social services. Screen to identify women who are at risk and who need help, and partner with treatment providers to coordinate care across settings.

Whole person care:  Coordinated assessment is needed of all aspects of women’s lives that may be contributing to a substance use disorder and may be a barrier to care. Treat the underlying contributors to substance use disorder and the barriers to recovery, including chronic pain conditions, pressures of caring for elderly parents plus young children, emotional distress and mental health conditions, relationship stress, domestic violence, under- or unemployment, and housing instability. Partner with social services to provide child care while a woman is undergoing treatment, and to address other social stressors in addition to opioid misuse and addiction.

Bizzell US’s Experience Addressing OUDs Across the Female Population:

Bizzell US (Bizzell) has advanced national and regional efforts over the past decade to improve prevention, identification, and treatment of opioid use disorders in women. The most recent Bizzell projects include:

  • Bizzell partnered with OWH in 2019 to support the meeting Combating Opioid Misuse Among Women and Girls: Prevention Strategies at Work, where 18 grantees and 75 participants discussed projects in 12 states focused on prevention strategies aimed at girls age 10 to 17, women of reproductive age, and older women. Topics included community engagement, pregnant and postpartum women and infants, youth and education, training and capacity building for the clinical workforce, pain management, and health IT and innovation to improve health care delivery.
  • Bizzell partnered with SAMHSA in a multi-year contract to provide technical assistance for approximately 1600 opioid treatment programs nationwide, integrating specific strategies to improve outcomes of women with opioid use disorders.
  • Bizzell partnered with SAMHSA in a multi-year contract to develop and deliver training to over 1500 clinical staff in 16 states through workshops and web-based interactive education, including modules on effective use of medication assisted treatment for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Are you interested in learning more about Bizzell’s work to improve health outcomes for those affected by the opioid epidemic, including targeted interventions for women and other special populations? At Bizzell, we provide Management Consultation, Technical Assistance, Training, and Subject Matter Expertise in Opioid and other Substance Use Disorders, addressing complex real-world problems with modern, integrated strategies. Visit www.BizzellUS.com or email us: info@bizzellus.com.

 

References

Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2017). Results from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from  https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016.pdf.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2013). Tobacco, drug use in pregnancy can double risk of stillbirth. Retrieved from  https://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/Pages/121113-stillbirth-drug-use.aspx.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Substance Abuse in Women. Retrieved September 19, 2019, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-women.

Office on Women’s Health. (2017). Final Report: Opioid Use, Misuse, and Overdose in Women. Office on Women’s Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/documents/final-report-opioid-508.pdf.

Dr. Anton Bizzell Joins U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to Combat Opioid Crisis

Dr. Anton Bizzell Joins U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to Combat Opioid Crisis

April 8, 2019 (Lanham, MD) – President and CEO of The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), Anton Bizzell, M.D., will partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the launch of Sharing Solutions – a campaign and online resource designed to help local businesses combat the opioid crisis.

“We have heard from many small and midsize business owners struggling to find a way to address prescription drug misuse among their employees and families, said Carolyn Cawley, president of the Chamber Foundation. “Employer specific resources are thin, and they’re scattered. Our campaign collects and curates credible resources to help employers get what they need more quickly.”

Dr. Bizzell, a U.S. Chamber Foundation Fellow, will serve as the substance abuse expert, advising The Chamber Foundation’s campaign, which will include a tour of ten hard-hit cities, where workshops and community education will be provided. Dr. Bizzell will lead and moderate panel discussions with other business leaders, sharing innovative solutions to help employers address the opioid crisis through changes in business processes, employee engagement, core competencies, and community outreach.

“Businesses at the core of our communities can help solve this public health crisis – starting with our families and people in the workplace,” said Dr. Bizzell. “As a business owner, I am honored to be a part of this movement, saving lives and making resources accessible to the people who need them most.”

Dr. Bizzell has more than 20 years of combined clinical, research, health services, policy and management experience with various private and public organizations and agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Most of his career has been spent on public health issues related to access and quality of medical, substance abuse and behavioral health services. Dr. Bizzell founded Bizzell in order to continue to drive change and address public health issues.

About Bizzell

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) strategic management and consulting firm that specializes in Program & Project Management, Administrative Support, Communication & Outreach, Conference Management & Logistical Support, Health Services & Research, Technical Assistance, as well as Training & Development. Bizzell is a partner of choice for federal, state and local government agencies and private organizations. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, scientific, education, environment, research, and information technology projects that meet national priorities.

Under the leadership and vision of founder, Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office, to a thriving firm with three offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, and Atlanta, GA with ongoing projects across the world.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

 

Download this press release here.

The Bizzell Group Contact
Trevis Cage
Director of Communications
301-459-0100 ext. 130
www.BizzellUS.com

International Overdose Awareness Day

The Bizzell Group Supports International Overdose Awareness Day

Lanham, MD – The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) – International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury because of drug overdose.

Opioid addiction is a problem with far reaching costs to individuals, families, communities, and to society. According to the American Society for Addiction Medicine, drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with 52,404 lethal drug overdoses in 2015.  Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with 20,101 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 12,990 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2015. The government’s annual drug death statistics for 2016 will not be available until the late 2017, but experts predict sharp increases driven by the worsening opioid crisis.

Bizzell’s work includes projects that support the treatment of addiction, drug use, drug misuse, and overdose.  Through the firm’s work with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Bizzell offers workforce competency efforts for pain management and addiction professionals with the development and implementation of multifaceted initiatives and strategies to address opioid use disorder and related conditions.

Bizzell also offers training for medical and other professionals through a 7-hour workshop, Effective Use of Medication Assisted Treatment in an Opioid Dependent Population. The goal of the training is to provide the clinical and administrative staff of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) with up-to-date information and guidance in the treatment of opioid use disorders, including the effective use of the currently approved medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

“The devastating role that addiction and substance use disorders play in our society cannot be overstated. If you are not personally affected by alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs containing opiates or other drugs, then I’m certain that you know someone who is. Substance use disorders do not discriminate; no demographic or group is immune or exempt from it. It affects us all.”

Dr. Anton Bizzell, President and CEO


International Overdose Awareness Day will be marked throughout the world with various public events and presentations. In Washington, D.C., Dr. Nzinga Harrison’s lecture Your Community. Your Conversation, will take place at Howard University Hospital Tower Auditorium, 2041 Georgia Ave NW, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Thursday, August 31st.