Aaron Wilson, MD
President, Arizona Psychiatric Society, 2017-2018

Plan to start 2018 on a positive note!  Join fellow Women in Psychiatry for collegial connection and socialization, brunch, and a presentation by Dr. Robin Reesal, with a discussion about happiness, stress, and positive lifestyle c hanges. Dr. Reesal's goal is to leave each attendee with more evidence-based choices for a quieter mind and healthier body.  

PRIVATE PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY IN TUCSON, AZ.  Take over practice of retiring psychiatrist,  in an overhead sharing arrangement with  two other psychiatrists, a psychologist  and a master's level therapist.  Contact Shari at 520-795-0309.

TUCSON OPPORTUNITY:  TWO CLASS A PSYCHOTHERAPY OR PSYCHIATRIC OFFICE SPACES ARE AVAILABLE ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2018.  Share space and expenses with three other collegial independent psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists in an attractive spacious quiet leased setting in midtown Tucson, Arizona conveniently located two miles from UA/UMC. Five large first floor offices share front office, reception area, kitchenette, storage for medical records and small supplies, two restrooms, ample patient/client parking, front and back entry/exits, and covered parking for the clinicians. Additional office expenses such as phone, janitor, utilities, supplies, and receptionist/office manager payroll are shared by the 5 clinicians. Billing services are inexpensively available thanks to the computerized scheduling and billing program. Vacancy or part time space available by late 2017 or early 2018 to allow sooner transition, if you wish. For questions and to express interest please contact Kevin Leehey MD at 520-296-4280.  

[email protected] 

NORTH SCOTTSDALE OPPORTUNITY.  Seeking Board Certified Psychiatrist to rent unique office space in North Scottsdale part-time.  There will be an opportunity early next year to expand practice there.  This is a very desirable location in The Citadel at intersection of Pima and Pinnacle Peak Road.  Call 602-349-0025  John Liebert, MD, Psychiatrist.  

Payam Sadr, MD, FAPA, Arizona Assembly Representative

Mona Amini, MD, MBA, FAPA, Arizona Assembly Representative

In 2016, nearly 1500 Arizonans lost their lives to an overdose. Because of this unacceptable statistic, SPW and AHCCCS partnered at the beginning of 2017 to expand naloxone accessibility statewide. SPW received support to distribute free naloxone to Arizonans at risk of an overdose, or those who may be in a position to assist in the event of an overdose. In addition to distributing naloxone, they are working with community partners in each region to assist in developing their own programs, policies, and procedures surrounding overdose prevention education, naloxone prescribing, and when appropriate, naloxone dispensing. As a small organization with only 3.5 paid staff, they rely wholeheartedly on community members to become leaders in the fight against accidental overdose. They train and certify community distributors to teach locals about overdose prevention and naloxone use. Once trained, these community distributors can also dispense naloxone to their community members. SPW has trained community members and distributed naloxone in every Arizona county and nearly half of the reservations. Recipients vary from active opioid users, to law enforcement, to family members, to taxi drivers. In the first year of their naloxone distribution program starting in September 2016, SPW has distributed 15,142 naloxone kits and received 1420 reported uses of naloxone to revive an overdose victim.

Sonoran Prevention Works also understands that the current drug abuse epidemic is about more than just overdose. Rates of HIV and Hepatitis C are on the rise among people who inject drugs, posing a significant public health threat. Additionally, some of the most vulnerable Arizonans do not engage with the mental or physical health systems that many partners have worked so hard to build capacity with. In partnership with Phoenix police, Sonoran Prevention Works opened up a syringe access program once a week on the west side of Phoenix in January 2017. The syringe is only the stepping stone to building relationships with high-risk Arizonans who have very few opportunities to participate in therapeutic interactions. Since January, the program has distributed 27,000 syringes, 307 naloxone kits, received reports of 41 overdose reversals, and had 898 interactions with clients. Sonoran Prevention Works is in the midst of conversations with law enforcement in other parts of the state to implement similar programs in order to draw people out of the shadows and provide them with tools and resources to stay safe and seek care.

The concept of harm reduction gives service providers the ability to build relationships with some of our most vulnerable citizens by talking truthfully about drug use and affirming the right to life for those who use drugs both legally and illicitly. SPW is working hard to build capacity among Arizona agencies and foster empowerment and hope among people who use drugs. Overcoming stigma is an uphill battle, but one that is becoming a little easier due to overwhelming support for overdose prevention programs and naloxone availability. Thanks to the partnerships forged throughout the state, SPW is reducing preventable death and giving Arizonans another shot at life.  

Community Service Information from Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

Following are informational flyers that may help your patients change to the Medicare plan that best suits their needs in 2018.  Open enrollment began October 15, 2017 and ends on December 7, 2017.

2018 Open Enrollment Medicare Advantage and Part DPrescription Drug Coverage

2018 Open Enrollment MEDIGAP Considerations