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Categories Blog Tags Minority Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

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  

Categories News Tags Contracts, Information Technology, Innovation & Technology, Section 508, Special Populations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Bizzell to Support HHS Presidential Advisory Council with Section 508 Compliance Services

Bizzell to Support HHS Presidential Advisory Council with Section 508 Compliance Services

November 19, 2019 (Lanham, MD) – The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) was recently awarded a contract to provide Section 508 Compliance Remediation Services in support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (Advisory Council).  Section 508 is a federal law mandating that all electronic content developed and distributed by government agencies must be accessible to all people, including those with visual, auditory, or other disabilities.

As a part of this contract, Bizzell will convert digital-based and mobile applications, products, and communications to Braille, large type, audio files, and other alternative communication methods. Bizzell will also create, test, duplicate, and maintain these products for HHS’ Advisory Council.

Section 508 ensures equal access to information for people with disabilities and promotes their self-dignity and ability to retrieve, read, and manage information at their leisure such as applying for a job with the federal government, using an agency’s website to get information about a program, or completing online forms. HHS estimates that an average of 13.2 people in the United States have a disability that 508 compliance will help with, and Bizzell is honored to be part of these efforts.

About Bizzell

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm that specializes in program management, administrative support, communication and outreach, conference management and logistical support, health services and research, technical assistance, as well as training and development. 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, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, 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; and with ongoing projects across the world.

Categories News Tags 340B Program, Communications & Outreach, Core Values, Health, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), People First, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

People First: Bringing Bizzell’s Values To Life

People First: Bringing Bizzell’s Values To Life

Lanham, MD—June 27, 2019— Dr. Nicole Crase is based out of the Lanham office but works remotely in Ohio, conducting 340B Program Audits. She is responsible for bridging resources between pharmacy practice and 340B Program integrity under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) contract. Dr. Crase’s responsibilities include leading all auditor training and education. This includes providing technical assistance to auditors and HRSA’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs. In addition, she provides pharmacy practice expertise in quality assurance review. She is a pharmacist by trade.

Q & A:

Bizzell tackles projects that impact public health issues locally/globally. How does your project/role align with this mission/strategy?

My responsibilities at Bizzell are focused on 340B Program Audits. The intent of the 340B Program is “to stretch scarce Federal resources as far as possible, reaching more patients and providing more comprehensive services.” This program is so important to the underserved population. Prior to coming to Bizzell in 2017, I focused 13 years helping to oversee the 340B Program, providing direct patient care for my underserved patients on a community health center level, opening an In-House Pharmacy and serving as a HRSA 340B Peer Mentor for 2 Leading Practice Sites. I gave 24 national presentations, 1 state presentation, and 3 collegiate presentations on topics of the 340B Program. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue my work with this program on the auditing side on behalf of HRSA. My role allows me the opportunity to not only see how the 340B Program is positively impacting the people in my own community but also around the country.

How do you demonstrate Bizzell’s core values inside/outside of the organizations? Within your respective community? Core Values: Excellence; Integrity; Innovation; People First/Professional Development/Diversity; Collaboration; Service?

I always try to exemplify Bizzell’s core values in everything that I do by striving for excellence and being a kind human. I think each day presents a new opportunity to strive to become a better person. My passion for healthcare has been exemplified in my medical mission work in Jamaica and Colombia as well as my medical contributions at the Ironman World Championships. At the Ironman World Championships this past October, I had the opportunity, along with another medical staffer, to take one of the top pro finishers from the medical tent out to the finish line to see his wife finish (who is also a pro athlete). Having once completed an Ironman 70.3 myself, being able to assist athletes and stand on that finish line on the world championship stage was an amazing moment for me as a pharmacist.

Another passion on mine is working with individuals with special needs. They bring so much joy to my life. I especially enjoy volunteering at an event each year called Night to Shine which is a prom night experience for these individuals. I also serve as a running guide at races for a wheelchair bound friend with muscular dystrophy. I’ve raced competitively since 2008 but racing to get another person to the finish line is so much more rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about working at Bizzell?

The work is interesting and challenging. Each day presents new opportunities for learning and I truly enjoy working with my team. I also appreciate the opportunity to work for a company that truly cares about making a difference.

Profound Quote from Dr. Crase:

“Each day is new and different, but you focus on your passion to serve your community and leave space for the unknown which allows for a great work/life blend.”

Categories News Tags Administration for Community Living (ACL), Behavioral Health, Conference Services, Contracts, Justice, Mental Health, Special Populations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Elder Justice Act of 2009 : Bizzell Supporting HHS Initiative

Elder Justice Act of 2009:

Bizzell Supporting HHS Initiative

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is proud of its continued success with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Administration for Community Living (ACL).

ACL was created in 2012 with the goal of maximizing the independence, well-being and health of older adults, elders with disabilities and their families and/or caregivers by increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and recourses on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities.

As part of the Affordable Care Act, the Elder Justice Act of 2009 was established to preserve the rights of older individuals and those who may not be able to protect themselves. It aims to assist in the protection of these individuals from elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The Administration on Aging (AoA) has been leading efforts in protecting elders from financial exploitation (which is the leading form of elder abuse), physical abuse, neglect, psychological abuse and sexual abuse. Bizzell is assisting in these efforts by providing logistical support to Elder Justice Coordinating Council Meetings. The firm provides support on pre-planning and executing all logistical requirements and functions that are required to make this initiative a success.

“Bizzell excels in achieving and submitting their deliverables. The quality of the work has been accurate and flawless. They are reliable, consistent and timely. Task are always submitted according to schedule.”
– Aisha Gurley, Aging Specialist for ACA.

Elders who have fallen victim to abuse have a much higher mortality rate within the next three years of life than those who have not been victims of mistreatment. With more-than 1 in 10 people, roughly 5 million per year, ages 60 and up being a victim of elder abuse, Bizzell is proud to be a part of an initiative to battle this exploitation. The firm looks forward to the continued success of helping our elders and assisting HHS on Elder Justice.

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