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Categories Blog Tags Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19, Data Analytics, Global Health, Infectious Disease

Pioneering Innovation in Infectious Disease Surveillance: Bizzell’s Impact on Global Health

Pioneering Innovation in Infectious Disease Surveillance: Bizzell’s Impact on Global Health

By Editorial Staff

In the context of global health outcomes, innovative infectious disease surveillance is crucial. As the world grapples with emerging health challenges, the role of robust data collection is pivotal. At its core, infectious disease surveillance can be simplified into a three-pronged framework. At Bizzell, this structure is Detect, Monitor, and Respond, or simply DMR, which emphasizes the capability to detect, monitor, and respond to infectious diseases accurately and precisely.

1. Early Detection: Time is of the essence when it comes to infectious diseases. Innovative surveillance mechanisms can serve as early warning systems, which help detect emergent diseases in their infancy. We believe that building strong and resilience health systems against public health threats begins with a strong health system that provides capacity and capabilities to detect threats. Identifying outbreaks swiftly can make or break global health responses. Proactive approaches are instrumental in preventing and protecting our most vulnerable communities nationwide. Proactive approaches in data collection and detection strategies also allow for the appropriate allocation of resources. Understanding the biological dynamics and trajectory of new and emerging threats can assist in deploying limited personnel, medical instrumentation, and funds in the most effective and strategic ways to maximize efficacy. Bizzell supports early detection processes through data analysis, corrective action plans, and monitoring progress. We provide technical assistance to agencies to establish or improve sentinel sites through standard surveillance-based indicators and community event-based surveillance.

2. Monitoring: Infectious diseases have no concept of borders, race, nationality, or religion. Facilitating real time data exchanges between nations and international health organizations is crucial in fostering global collaboration. Monitoring allows for a collective response to health threats, allowing shared resources, pooled knowledge, and insights to be shared both nationally and internationally. Monitoring also allows for the development of more accurate predictions of pathogenic behavior. This can help develop more concrete and strategic preparedness plans which reduce the impact of infectious diseases on communities.

3. Rapid Response: The speed in which we respond to infectious diseases plays a pivotal role in minimizing the economic impact of outbreaks. By containing diseases at an early stage, countries can avoid widespread disruptions to trade, travel, and productivity. This proactive stance safeguards economic stability and ensures that societies can rebound swiftly from health crises. The response to new health threats is one of the most important pillars in our framework as it is crucial in building public trust and confidence in government and health systems. Compliance has an enormous impact on prevention and stabilization during a health crisis. Appropriate, accurate and innovative communication about infectious disease surveillance, data, and best practices will encourage efforts to control the spread of disease.

There are many new examples of emerging technologies for infectious disease surveillance. Some of these recent technologies include wastewater surveillance, which has gained popularity through testing wastewater for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 levels, to determine infection rates[1]National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance.html#:~:text=Wastewater%20surveillance%20 captures%20presence%20of,or%20decreasing%20 in%20a%20sewershed
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Other examples of innovative technologies include digital epidemiology, syndromic surveillance, social media monitoring, and artificial intelligence or machine learning. Bizzell uses real-time technology such as eIDSR (under the DHIS2 and the CEBS) for data collection, record, analysis, and interpretation public health to assist with public health decision making. A strong surveillance program is one that can integrate the digitalization of the laboratory system which is the backbone for epidemiological surveillance.

Driving innovation in infectious disease surveillance is not just technological but strategy-based as an imperative for global and national health security. The ability to detect, monitor, and respond to health threats with more precision and innovation can be the difference between safeguarding the health, prosperity, and livelihood of future generations or succumbing to mass loss of life. Knowing this, we provide technical and professional support services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP). We provide services and support in field epidemiology, surveillance, emergency management, and laboratory activities that enhance the CDC’s capacity to monitor and support the implementation of the DRC’s vision to promote a healthier, safer world that can prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks and public health threats.

At Bizzell, we prioritize global solutions to health. We are committed to developing collaborative strategies, weaving together multidisciplinary approaches, strategic partnerships, and innovative technologies. By leveraging diverse expertise and fostering collaborations, Bizzell enhances global health outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive and unified response to complex health challenges. We hope that other health leaders duplicate the DMR framework for infectious disease surveillance as we all continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging threats.

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance.html#:~:text=Wastewater%20surveillance%20captures%20presence%20of,or%20decreasing%20in%20a%20sewershed
Categories Blog Tags COVID-19, Global Health

Navigating COVID-19 and Beyond: Bizzell’s Response to Pandemics and Emerging Global Health Challenges

Navigating COVID-19 and Beyond: Bizzell’s Response to Pandemics and Emerging Global Health Challenges

By Editorial Staff

As we enter 2024, our thoughts are filled with hope, new goals, and resolutions for the new year. Unfortunately, the impact of COVID-19 has followed us all into 2024. The U.S. faces a surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide as we have returned to the office work, and school. The result? Infection rates are just as high as last year’s around the same time. JN1 is the most prominent COVID-19 variant and has evolved to be more resistant to vaccination, and more resistant to natural immune responses of those previously infected with COVID-19[1]https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/01/04/covid-2024-us-jn1/.

There are many ways to protect yourself and your loved ones even as the virus continues to evolve. Many protocols set during the height of the pandemic to keep individuals and communities safe are still applicable today. These protocols include staying up to date with vaccinations, washing hands frequently with soap and water, wearing a facemask when in public settings, and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Immunocompromised individuals should still limit travel to places with large crowds. Everyone should continue to stay up current on local and state guidelines and guidelines and continue to disinfect widely used items such as phones, laptops, and doorknobs[2]https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. We must all do what we can to keep each other safe on an individual and community level.

On a national level and beyond the current COVID-19 crisis, Bizzell US continues to lead healthcare innovation with a forward-thinking stance. Investments in research, technology, and partnerships reflect our organization’s commitment to enhancing global health resilience. On an international level, currently, Bizzell supports COVID-19 efforts in Thailand, Guatemala, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries through partnerships with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Central American Regional (CAR) Office. Bizzell provides technical assistance focusing on surveillance, infection prevention and control, border health, community mitigation, laboratory strengthening, and vaccine preparedness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated a path to solving complex emerging health threats. The insight gained through the pandemic will be invaluable in the future, especially in the realm of emergency preparedness. The pandemic continues to highlight the need for resilience and adaptive capacity, global solidarity, collaboration, and the importance of remote and digital infrastructure. We have consistently emphasized to national leaders the significance of bolstering healthcare preparedness and strengthening healthcare systems. As a leader in the healthcare sector, Bizzell prioritizes the need to strengthen hospital infrastructure and the healthcare workforce. Appropriate allocation of resources, both financial and personnel-based, will ensure readiness for future crises. Utilizing data and science as a strategy for decision-making will also continue to be crucial in shaping effective responses to health challenges.

In our collaboration with the CDC’s Division of Global Health Protection and Security, we have led many professional and technical services supporting global health mandates and security. We provided analytical support, performance monitoring, epidemiologic analysis, global health investments and economic costing studies, return on investment analyses, and statistical and econometric support. Investing in scientific research and valuing expert opinions, such as our Bizzell consultants, are critical for navigating the continued complexities of the pandemic. One such consultant is Nancy Bateman, MSW, a Senior Public Health Advisor for Behavioral Health Services at Bizzell. As one of our senior public health leaders, she has developed whitepapers and other resources discussing the impacts of trauma, trauma informed care, and COVID-19 on a changing Healthcare landscape. Her work, “Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19”, was featured in the October 2022 Behavioral Health Spotlight created by the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC).

Bizzell’s preparedness extends beyond the immediate COVID-19 challenges, laying the foundation for a robust response to future health uncertainties. One way we pride ourselves in preparedness is through data sharing and collaboration. Collaboration is a cornerstone of Bizzell’s impactful health-centered response to emerging threats. Emphasizing the importance of working together with government agencies, healthcare institutions, and international organizations, we actively foster partnerships that contribute to a collective response against global health challenges.

Through our global partnerships, we have provided capacity-building training, partnership support, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), data collection, internal communication support, social media and analytics, communication product development, scientific writing, and policy coordination. This collaborative spirit amplifies the effectiveness of interventions and initiatives. As the pandemic unfolds, Bizzell will continue to drive global change through innovative health solutions and adapting to the ever-evolving health landscape.

The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to severely impact healthcare systems on the local, national, and international levels. We at Bizzell believe in supporting strained healthcare systems, collaborating with appropriate organizations, contributing to crucial research efforts, and doing our part to respond to global health crises as they arise.

  1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/01/04/covid-2024-us-jn1/
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
Categories BHARC, Insights Tags Behavioral Health, BHARC, COVID-19, Social Media

Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know

Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know

November 15, 2022 (New Carrollton, MD) Nearly 60 percent of the world’s population, and 81% of the US population, are active social media users. As social media use becomes more pervasive, there is a growing interest in the role social media plays in wellness and mental health. Does social media help or hinder mental health? The answer is not that simple. Social media can be an easy, accessible way for people to establish social connections and networks. These can be important contributors to well-being and mental health. Yet some studies indicate social media use also may have a negative effect on mental health and well-being, although these effects vary by age, race, and other demographics. Recent research suggests that how social media is used can have a greater impact on mental health than how often or how long social media is used.

The November 2022 Behavioral Health Spotlight focuses on social media use and well-being. “Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know” was written by Nancy Bateman, MSW, a Senior Public Health Advisor for Behavioral Health Services at Bizzell. It discusses current findings on social media use and well-being, meaningful uses of social media data in the mental health/well-being space, and recommendations for future research. The BHARC Behavioral Health Spotlight, published by the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) and funded by Bizzell, is a thought leadership series highlighting various behavioral health topics that impact communities across the United States and abroad.

Read the report: Social Media Use and Well-being: What We Do and Don’t Know

About BHARC

The Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) is an ever-growing and trusted source for current behavioral health program development and research findings, examples of evidence-informed and promising practices, and emerging behavioral health policy and interventions. The BHARC Advisory Council consists of experts in substance use, mental health, clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare standards and quality. For more information, visit: BHARC.org

About Bizzell US

Bizzell US (Bizzell) is a strategy, consulting, and technology firm that designs innovative solutions to help build healthy, secure, and sustainable communities in our nation and around the world. Bizzell leverages the combined experience of our diverse subject matter experts to develop data-driven, research-informed answers to the world’s most complex challenges—ensuring our clients achieve their vision and goals. For more information, visit: BizzellUS.com

Categories BHARC, Insights Tags Behavioral Health, COVID-19, Trauma-Informed Care

Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

Most individuals will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. According to the CDC, nearly 60 percent of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that by 16 years old, nearly two-thirds of children have experienced a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include physical or sexual abuse, assaults, wars, serious accidents, illnesses, sudden loss or violent loss of loved one, and natural disasters. They can lead to significant health problems or other adverse consequences. Trauma-informed care (TIC) provides a strengths-based framework for treatment that actively engages the client, so they experience a sense of control, involvement, empowerment, and safety through collaboration and choices.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, a renewed emphasis surfaced on the role and benefits of TIC. Many people experienced significant stressors and traumas associated with the pandemic. As Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Bizzell US, noted in a recent Psychology Today article, the pandemic has particularly impacted the mental health and well-being of our youth and children and could lead to adverse long-term affects without appropriate care and services. Adoption of TIC at the clinical and organizational level can offer a path to healing and recovery for individuals who might otherwise suffer unnecessarily.

The BHARC Behavioral Health Spotlight, published by the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) and funded by Bizzell, is a thought leadership series highlighting various behavioral health topics that impact communities across the United States and abroad. The October 2022 Behavioral Health Spotlight focuses on trauma-informed care. “Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19” was written by Nancy Bateman, MSW, a Senior Public Health Advisor for Behavioral Health Services at Bizzell US. It discusses trauma-informed care principles, the prevalence of trauma, and varied expert perspectives on the relationship between trauma and COVID-19.

Read the report: Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

About BHARC

The Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) is an authoritative source for behavioral health information, insights, technical assistance, training, and innovative tools. BHARC is a mechanism to share evidence-based behavioral health interventions and best practices. The BHARC Advisory Council consists of experts in substance use, mental health, clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare standards and quality. Learn more about the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center at BHARC.org.

About Bizzell US

Established in 2010, Bizzell US (Bizzell) is a 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: BizzellUS.com.

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