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

Kwame Phillips

Bizzell Global Welcomes New Chief of Staff

Bizzell Global Welcomes New Chief of Staff

July 24, 2023 (New Carrollton, Md) – Kwame Phillips joins Bizzell Global Ventures (Bizzell) as the Chief of Staff in the New Carrollton headquarters. Mr. Phillips will work closely with the executive leadership team to streamline processes, enhance communication channels, and reinforce Bizzell’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of its operations.

“I look forward to partnering with my new colleagues to further our shared goals of strategic innovation and drive for excellence,” remarked Mr. Phillips. “Bizzell has demonstrated a reputation for empowering communities worldwide through sustainable, equitable, data-driven solutions.”

Mr. Phillips brings nine years of experience in diversity education, strategic retention initiatives, leadership development programs, and leading business resource groups. Prior to joining Bizzell, Mr. Phillips was the Associate Director for Multicultural Affairs at Johns Hopkins University, Office of Diversity & Inclusion. In this capacity, Mr. Phillips was responsible for leading the department, charting its key priorities, and guiding a team of more than 30 professionals, interns, and graduate assistants, and supporting thirty-seven intercultural affinity groups. Mr. Phillips received his Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics and his Master of Arts in Professional Communications and Leadership from Georgia Southern University (formerly Armstrong State University).

“With the addition of Mr. Phillips to our leadership team, we are confident that Bizzell Global is poised to reach new heights and remain at the forefront of our industry,” said Anton C. Bizzell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bizzell Global.

About Bizzell Global Ventures

Bizzell Global Ventures, LLC (Bizzell) is a strategy, consulting, and technology solutions provider headquartered in New Carrollton, Maryland. Bizzell is a partner of choice by 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.bizzellglobal.com.

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

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