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Bridging Gaps in Public Health: Bizzell’s Trusted Partnership for Vital Health Programs

Bridging Gaps in Public Health: Bizzell’s Trusted Partnership for Vital Health Programs

By Editorial Staff

For more than a decade, Bizzell US (Bizzell) has contributed to developing a wide range of services across the public health sector, including a broad spectrum of healthcare services, ranging from primary care to specialized treatments, focusing on enhancing individual health and well-being. Our clinical teams are committed to providing high-quality patient care, ensuring comprehensive support across various medical needs. Bizzell is deeply invested in advancing public health through targeted initiatives aimed at disease prevention, health promotion, and community empowerment. By partnering with local stakeholders and organizations, we address health disparities and strive to improve health outcomes, fostering healthier and more resilient communities. Our most recent campaigns have surrounded the current COVID-19 pandemic, treating substance use disorder, workforce training and development, women and youth empowerment, equity, and mental health.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bizzell has been actively engaged in the fight against the virus, working tirelessly to implement comprehensive response strategies. From facilitating vaccination campaigns to providing logistical support for testing and contact tracing initiatives, Bizzell has played a vital role in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting public health. Through collaboration with government agencies, healthcare organizations, and communities, Bizzell has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combatting COVID-19 and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and families.

Recognizing the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals and communities, Bizzell has contributed to the development of evidence-based prevention and treatment programs tailored to address the unique needs of diverse populations. By partnering with stakeholders at all levels, Bizzell has amplified efforts aimed at reducing substance abuse, promoting recovery, and supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. Through education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives, Bizzell has raised awareness about substance abuse issues, reduced stigma, and connected individuals with vital support services.

Bizzell is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being by working on programs to improve access to quality mental health services and resources. Through workforce training programs, public awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions, Bizzell has worked to destigmatize mental illness and increase access to mental health care. By addressing the social determinants of mental health and promoting resilience and empowerment, Bizzell strives to improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

Bizzell recognizes the importance of addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all. By collaborating with underserved communities and implementing culturally responsive interventions, Bizzell seeks to eliminate barriers to care and improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations. Bizzell is committed to building healthier and more equitable communities through initiatives promoting health equity and social justice.

Bizzell’s impact extends beyond national borders, with initiatives to address global health challenges and promote international collaboration. Through capacity-building efforts, disease surveillance programs, and humanitarian assistance projects, Bizzell leverages its expertise and resources to support global health initiatives and strengthen health systems worldwide. By partnering with international organizations and local stakeholders, Bizzell addresses the root causes of health disparities and promotes sustainable solutions for improved health outcomes.

Additionally, Bizzell delivers comprehensive behavioral health services tailored to support individuals and families facing mental health challenges, including counseling, therapy, and substance abuse treatment. Through advanced data analytics and population health management strategies, we assist healthcare organizations in optimizing care delivery and enhancing health outcomes for entire populations, addressing healthcare needs at the community level. Our commitment extends to rigorously examining preventive health programs, leveraging health technology solutions, fostering community health partnerships, engaging in health education and outreach initiatives, evaluating telehealth solutions, reviewing chronic disease management approaches, and participating in global health initiatives to promote health equity worldwide.

Bizzell’s decade-long commitment to public health excellence underscores its dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Through its work in addressing COVID-19, substance abuse, mental health, and health disparities, Bizzell has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to promoting health and well-being for all. As we look to the future, Bizzell remains steadfast in its mission to drive positive change and create healthier, more resilient communities at home and abroad.

Categories BHARC, News Tags Health, Naloxone, Narcan, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

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

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.

For more information, visit www.bharc.org.

Categories News Tags Awards, Naloxone, Narcan, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Bizzell Wins Two 2023 MUSE Creative Awards for Public Health Projects

Bizzell Wins Two 2023 MUSE Creative Awards for Public Health Projects

Bizzell was awarded two 2023 MUSE Creative Awards; a Gold award for a video and Silver award for a publication, both designed to support the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network Dissemination Initiative, which aims to reduce the gap that exists between the publication of research on treatment of substance use disorders and implementation in clinical practice.

This year, Bizzell received the top honor of a Gold MUSE Creative Award in the Video-Educational category for the Reducing the Risks of Fentanyl in the U.S. This video was created in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy in response to rising rates of drug overdose deaths involving opioids. The video also stresses that everyone can be a first responder by carrying naloxone.

Bizzell also won a Silver MUSE Creative Award in the Publication category for the What is Fentanyl Infographic. This infographic was produced in response to the more than 80,000 opioid overdose deaths that occurred in 2020 driven by the illegally produced fentanyl that contaminates illegally produced opioids and benzodiazepines, as well as cocaine and synthetic cannabinoids. Additional information is provided regarding the impact of fentanyl on minorities, the need for broad-reaching awareness and education about the risks of fentanyl exposure, the warning signs of a possible overdose, how to reverse an overdose, and the use of naloxone.

About The MUSE Creative Awards

The MUSE Creative Awards is part of the MUSE Awards Program, which was created by the IAA in 2015. IAA’s inception was based on a mission to honor, promote and encourage creativity by providing a new standard of excellence for evaluation media design production and distribution. IAA’s mission has largely shaped MCA’s goal.

Website: MUSE Creative Awards

Categories Blog Tags National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Recovery Month, Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Recovery: Breaking the Stigma of Addiction

Recovery: Breaking the Stigma of Addiction

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

Deadbeat. Druggie. Drunkard. Hopeless. These words are still part of the stigma associated with the disease of addiction. And, unfortunately, feeling stigmatized can make people with substance use disorders (SUDs) less willing to seek treatment [1]Hadland, S. E., Park, T. W., & Bagley, S. M. (2018, May 7) Stigma associated with medication treatment for young adults with opioid use disorder: a case series. Addict Sci Clin Practice, 13(1),15. doi: 10.1186/s13722-018-0116-2. PMID: 29730987; PMCID: PMC5937046.. September is Recovery Month, a time dedicated to inspiring hope and raising awareness that recovery from SUDs is possible. This month carries significant meaning for many individuals, families, and communities as a time to honor those recovering from the disease. Those in recovery serve as beacons of hope, shining light on the many challenges faced by millions and highlighting the successes achieved through resilience, determination, and support. Breaking down the stigma associated with SUDs is a vital purpose of celebrating Recovery Month.

Stigma is the prejudicial attitudes and discrimination that people battling SUDs often face. Examples of stigmatic behavior can include inaccurate or unfounded beliefs that people with SUDs are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, have moral or value failures, or are otherwise at fault for their condition. The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is removing these barriers by providing guidance and resources to help families navigate existing stigmas and help them avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes. By openly discussing recovery pathways and sharing stories of healing, we can foster an environment where people feel safe to ask for help and access needed support.

According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA), stigma affects people with from SUDs by:

  • Reducing the willingness of individuals to seek treatment. 
  • Leading others to feel pity, fear, anger, and a desire for social distance from the person due to stereotypes. 
  • Influencing language, e.g., “alcoholic,” that negatively impacts the perceptions of healthcare providers.  

Shatterproof is a leading national organization dedicated to combating the stigmatizing effects of addiction. They share best practices and resources to positively impact individuals and families grappling with addiction. Examples include:

  1. Change your Language
  2. Take a Pledge
  3. Crisis Resources
  4. Resources for Family & Friends
  5. Resources for Peers
  6. Treatment Resources
  7. Resources for Loss

Recovery Month also sheds light on the significance of accessible and effective treatment options for SUDs. Advocates use this month to raise awareness about the importance of evidence-based quality care, early intervention, harm reduction and the elimination of barriers to treatment. Addiction is a condition that can have a devastating impact on young adults, but it is often not treated effectively.

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 94 percent of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment. Nearly all those with a substance use disorder who were not treated at a specialty facility did not believe that they needed treatment. Organizations such as Young People In Recovery (YPR) are mobilizing efforts to address the imbalance in care. YPR embraces all pathways to recovery including 12-step, harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment, and others to help young adults struggling with addiction.

Bizzell is committed to supporting those in their recovery journey. Earlier this year, we published “Peer Recovery Support Services: A Promising Approach to Combat Substance Use Disorders.” This spotlight describes how peer recovery support services are used to extend the capacity of healthcare workers and to offer ongoing SUD treatment. Bizzell continues to partner with federal agencies to address these issues through a variety of avenues. Through our work with NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network, we produced online educational resources on topics related to screening, fentanyl overdose prevention, and treatment for methamphetamine use disorder.

As September unfolds, remember that healing is possible, and hope is ever-present. Recovery Month encourages us to look beyond the challenges and setbacks, focusing instead on the strength and resilience that lie within each individual and their families and communities. Here are four things you can do to help #StoptheStigma of addiction:

  1. Educate yourself and others about addiction and recovery. The more people understand about addiction, the less likely they are to stigmatize those in recovery.
  2. Use person-first language. Instead of saying “addict” or “alcoholic,” say “person with an addiction” or “person in recovery” to focus on the person, not their condition.
  3. Challenge stigma when you see it. If you hear someone making a negative comment about addiction or recovery, use the opportunity to educate them about how their comments are harmful and offer a more accurate perspective.
  4. Be supportive. Let people facing SUDs know that you are there for them and consider offering practical help, such as rides to meetings or childcare.

References:

[1] Hadland, S. E., Park, T. W., & Bagley, S. M. (2018, May 7) Stigma associated with medication treatment for young adults with opioid use disorder: a case series. Addict Sci Clin Practice, 13(1),15. doi: 10.1186/s13722-018-0116-2. PMID: 29730987; PMCID: PMC5937046.

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