Health – Bizzell US

24Jan2024

Bizzell Releases Essential Opioid Overdose Response Video in Wake of National Crisis

January 22, 2024, New Carrollton, Maryland – As the opioid crisis continues to devastate communities with over 136 American deaths daily, primarily from fentanyl-laced drugs, Bizzell US (Bizzell) has developed and unveiled a vital educational tool. The company has released “Opioid 5 Steps to Respond to Opioid Overdose,” a video outlining critical steps to respond to an opioid overdose, developed under the guidance of leading experts in the field.

The video’s creation was informed by the extensive knowledge and experience of Bizzell’s team of specialists, including experts in health and human services, behavioral health, public health, substance use disorders, treatment and prevention, maternal and child health, medication-assisted treatment, mental health, and pharmacy operations. This collective expertise ensures that the video is not only informative but also grounded in the latest research and best practices.

Anton C. Bizzell, MD, Chairman and CEO, William H. Scarbrough, III, PhD, and Todd W. Mandell, MD are among some of notable experts at Bizzell who contributed their insights, reflecting decades of experience in fields relevant to opioid crisis management, behavioral health, and substance use disorders. Their involvement underscores Bizzell’s commitment to leveraging deep expertise in tackling this pressing public health issue.

This initiative is part of Bizzell’s broader effort to educate and empower individuals and communities in the fight against the opioid epidemic. The video is mandatory viewing for all Bizzell employees and is accompanied by a call to action to carry naloxone (Narcan), an effective emergency response medication now available over the counter.

The educational video will also be accessible on the Bizzell and the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) website, forming part of an informative mini-series on the opioid crisis.

About Bizzell US

Bizzell is a strategy, consulting, investment, & technology firm headquartered in New Carrollton, Maryland. Bizzell is a partner of choice for federal, state, and local government agencies, and private organizations. With a strong emphasis on innovation and impact, Bizzell transforms small ideas into powerful catalysts that drive change across markets worldwide. Learn more at www.BizzellUS.com.

About Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC)

Bizzell established the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) to provide expert information and resources to support the behavioral health community. With BHARC, Bizzell disseminates new ideas, tools, and solutions to critical behavioral health issues including the opioid epidemic, substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and more. As a leader in behavioral health initiatives, we bring together subject matter experts with exceptional experience, as well as commitment to behavioral health solutions.

Visit www.bharc.org.

For more information: info@bizzellus.com

Media Contact: media@bizzellus.com

1Jun2023

Taking Charge: A Guide to Men’s Health Awareness

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, the leading causes of death for men of all races and ages were heart disease (24.3%), cancer (21.6%), and unintentional injuries (7.4%) ^[1]Heron M. Deaths: Leading causes for 2018. National Vital Statistics Reports; vol 70 no 4. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:104186. While men comprise about 50% of the US population, they account for nearly 80% of suicides. In 2021, men had a suicide rate nearly four times higher than that of women ^[2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 11). Suicide Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html.

June is observed as Men’s Health Month, a reminder that taking care of oneself is essential and that neglecting one’s health can lead to severe consequences. Men’s health issues have been a topic of concern for many years, and the month of June provides an opportunity to bring more awareness to them.

Created in 1992 by the Men’s Health Network, Men’s Health Month encourages men to take charge of their health by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting regular checkups.

Why is Men’s Health Month important?

According to a Harvard Medical School publication, men are more likely to die prematurely than women, and they are more likely to die from preventable causes. Men are also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol excessively, and be overweight or obese. It is crucial to spread awareness and provide resources to help men stay healthy. This June, let us encourage all men to take charge of their health and make positive changes in their lives.

What can you do to celebrate Men’s Health Month?

There are many things you can do to recognize Men’s Health Month. Here are a few ideas:

Get a checkup. This is one of the most important things that men can do for their health. A regular checkup can help identify any health problems early on when they are most treatable. Check out these six routines screenings that all men should get.

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. Your doctor can help you understand your individual risk for certain health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. They can also recommend ways to reduce your risk.
Break the stigma around mental health. Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health problems. It is essential to know the warning signs, break the stigma around mental health, and encourage men to seek help if they are struggling.
Make healthy lifestyle changes. There are many measures that men can take to improve their health, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Bizzell is committed to improving men’s health, through its work with the CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Public Health Professional Support Services at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Bizzell supports the CDC’s Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke production, which is published twice annually. This atlas shows data at the state and county levels concerning heart disease and stroke morbidity, mortality, access to care, risk factors, and risk reduction programs and policies.

Bizzell continues to provide statistical analysis support to the CDC relating to heart disease, stroke prevention outcomes, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. In addition, Bizzell is conducting statistical analyses for use by members throughout the CDC that document both the burden of heart disease and stroke and the reach of existing programs and policies to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke.

This June serves as a reminder that taking proactive steps toward your health can lead to a life of vitality, happiness, and fulfillment. Together, let us continue to support and uplift one another on the journey to optimal health and well-being.

[1] Heron M. Deaths: Leading causes for 2018. National Vital Statistics Reports; vol 70 no 4. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:104186

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 11). Suicide Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html

17May2023

Celebrating Women’s Health: A Wellness Journey

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” – Michelle Obama

Every May, beginning on Mother’s Day, we observe National Women’s Health Week, to highlight a few of the many factors that contribute to a woman’s overall well-being, such as nutrition, exercise, regular, preventative care, and mental health.

First observed in 2010 by the Obama administration with the goal of raising awareness about common conditions that affect girls and women, this week has become an integral part of the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH) mission to educate people about a variety of health concerns that affect women. As awareness has spread, the OWH has continued to expand its resources and encourage women to prioritize their health, today and every day, especially as we adjust to the new post-COVID-19 environment.

Consider the following 5 healthy tips for your wellness journey.

Visit your doctor regularly for preventative care. Your primary care physician can play an active role in your health goals beyond just an annual visit. Consider talking with your doctor about any family medical history that you find relevant and ask for their advice on a healthy lifestyle.
Go outside and enjoy the sunlight. Sunlight is essential for processing Vitamin D, which plays a vital role in the body’s absorption of calcium, a particularly important nutrient for women ^[1]https://owh-wh-d9-dev.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/documents/fact-sheet-nutrition-and-women.pdf. In addition, research shows that spending time in nature, often called “forest bathing,” helps lower stress levels ^[2]Antonelli M, Barbieri G, Donelli D. Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Biometeorol. 2019 Aug;63(8):1117-1134. doi: 10.1007/s00484-019-01717-x..
Get active and moving. Exercising is a great way to focus on both physical and mental health. Activities like running, walking, or swimming are great ways to improve heart health and enjoy the outdoors. Exercise and dance have been shown to help reduce stress levels and raise endorphin levels. When exercising, especially outdoors, it’s important to remember to hydrate. Drinking water has numerous health benefits on its own, and avoiding dehydration during the sweltering summer months is essential ^[3]https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/physical-activity/index.html#:~:text=Being%20physically%20active%20 can%20reduce,even%2010%20minutes%20a%20day.
Take a break and get rest. Research shows that women need more sleep on average. Getting at least eight hours a day of sleep will lower your stress levels, help with mood regulation, and allows the body time to repair itself ^[4]https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/sleep-and-your-health#1.
Watch your stress levels. Stress impacts both your physical and mental health. Extended periods of high, unmanaged stress can weaken the body’s immune system. Stress also contributes to poor sleep, depression, anxiety, migraines, and many other health conditions. Consider mindfulness techniques or other stress management resources to reduce your stress levels ^[5]https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/stress-and-your-health.

References

[1] https://owh-wh-d9-dev.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/documents/fact-sheet-nutrition-and-women.pdf

[2] Antonelli M, Barbieri G, Donelli D. Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Biometeorol. 2019 Aug;63(8):1117-1134. doi: 10.1007/s00484-019-01717-x. 

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/physical-activity/index.html#:~:text=Being%20physically%20active%20can%20reduce,even%2010%20minutes%20a%20day

[4] https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/sleep-and-your-health#1

[5] https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/stress-and-your-health

27Jul2022

Utilizing Behavioral Therapy to Address Stimulant Use Disorder

Bizzell US, in partnership with The University of Vermont’s Center on Rural Addiction has produced an interactive educational video for clinicians and practitioners highlighting Contingency Management options for addressing stimulant use disorders.

With rural stimulant overdoses now higher than in urban counties (6.7 vs 4.8 per 100,000.) ^[1] Hedegaard H, Spencer MR. Urban–rural differences in drug overdose death rates, 1999–2019. NCHS Data Brief, no 403. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:102891, a renewed focus on combating addiction within these remote communities has taken on a new sense of urgency. “This video adds an important, well studied tool for addressing stimulant use disorder,” said Dr. Todd Mandell of Bizzell US who specializes in substance use and mental health and who was the lead producer of the educational video.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, 40% of all overdose deaths were attributed to stimulate use. Until recently there have not been medical treatment alternatives for practitioners treating patients with stimulant use disorder which makes the use of Contingency Management even more urgent.

The video highlights the history of the development of Contingency Management and stresses the key components of a successful program.

To view the educational video please visit: http://uvmcm.modernepic.net

[1] Hedegaard H, Spencer MR. Urban–rural differences in drug overdose death rates, 1999–2019. NCHS Data Brief, no 403. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:102891

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