CDC Reports Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pandemic-Related Stress
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According to the CDC, in 2019, approximately 51 million U.S. adults aged 18 years or older reported any mental illness, and 7.7% reported a past-year substance use disorder. Although reported prevalence estimates of certain mental disorders, substance use, or substance use disorders are not generally higher among racial and ethnic minority groups, persons in these groups are often less likely to receive treatment services.
Persistent systemic social inequities and discrimination related to living conditions and work environments, which contribute to disparities in underlying medical conditions, can further compound health problems faced by members of racial and ethnic minority groups during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and worsen stress and associated mental health concerns.
Click the button below to read the full report from the CDC.
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Update on Antibody Treatments from the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS)
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As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) pandemic response efforts, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) oversees the allocation and distribution of COVID-19 therapeutics authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. Two such monoclonal antibody therapies received Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) in November for outpatient treatment of those diagnosed with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 and meet the high-risk patient criteria noted within the EUAs. The two drugs were bamlanivimab (manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co.) and the therapeutic cocktail casirivimab/imdevimab (manufactured by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
It is the goal of HHS to ensure fair and efficient access of monoclonal antibody treatments to the communities and facilities that need them. As such, HHS implemented a direct ordering system in January to complement our allocation process and offer treatment facilities the ability to quickly order monoclonal antibody treatments when they need them. There is no shortage in supply of these drugs, and we have enough on hand to meet the needs of all treatment facilities. For this reason, we are making both therapeutics (bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab) available through direct ordering only, as there is no longer a need for the federal government to allocate these drugs to health departments. All treatment sites meeting EUA requirements must now order bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab (when available for shipping) directly from AmerisourceBergen Corporation (ABC), the drugs' sole distributor. The products remain free of charge to requesting sites.
HHS will continue to monitor all direct orders, and we retain the capacity to resume allocation of these and future therapies if needed. Treatment sites should review the direct ordering process guide and place orders directly with ABC at this site.
Please note that in addition to reporting therapeutics data in HHSProtect or the National Healthcare Safety Network, treatment sites wishing to place direct orders will be required to provide ABC with a board of pharmacy license or physician letter of authorization, attest to their designated class of trade, and ensure that product administration will be conducted according to the drugs' EUAs.
Regards,
Meredith Chuk, M.D.
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COVID-19 Vaccinations in Missouri
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Those eligible for the vaccine under these phases can use the Vaccinator Map to find local providers.
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Program Offers Relief for Caregivers of People with Dementia
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The Customized Caregiver Training & Relief Program (CCTRP), administered by Missouri Rural Health Association, Alzheimer's Association of Greater Missouri, and Home Memory Care Solutions, offers caregivers free care consultations, customized in-home care assessments and training, tools to reduce stress, improve communication, make home-safety improvements, and reimburses up to $700 for qualified respite-related
expenses. CCTRP, provided through a grant from Missouri DHSS, incorporates two tracks: Caregiver Training Program and Caregiver Relief Program. Learn more about program benefits and get help enrolling in the program that’s right for you.
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The Caregiver Training Program, provided by Memory Care Home Solutions, reduces caregiver stress, improves ability to manage daily caregiving, helps families implement new dementia-care strategies, increases overall confidence and dedication, and helps individuals with dementia remain at home.
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The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri is offering the Caregiver Relief Program. It includes care plans to address unmet needs, links caregivers to resources, and reimburses for qualified respite expenses up to $700.
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CDC Suggests Doubling Up on Masks
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Due to new variants of COVID-19, the CDC recommends adding a second or third layer to your mask. Learn more about improving your mask to better protect yourself and those around you:
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Register Today for Rural Health Workforce Conference
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The Rural Health Workforce Conference (RHWC) will be held April 22-24, 2021. Workshops and sessions include everything from:
- Recruitment and retention
- Policies that affect rural health care
- Rural suicide prevention
- COVID-19’s impact on rural communities
- Building a sustainable rural transportation infrastructure and much more!
The event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott located at 3301 Lemone Industrial Blvd, Columbia, MO 65201.
Both in-person and virtual ticket options are available and COVID-19 safety precautions will be enforced. See all event and lodging details: https://mrhassociation.org/conference/
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Upcoming Rural Funding Opportunities
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USDA is providing grants to help communities prepare for or recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. This opportunity is ongoing, learn more and apply.
SAMHSA's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program aims to increase access to and improve the quality of community mental and substance use disorder treatment services. Apply by March 1.
DOJ's Rural Program for Violence Against Women supports projects uniquely designed to address and prevent crimes such as domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and more in rural areas. Apply by March 12.
Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality of substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD), in high risk rural communities. Apply by March 12.
NIH is seeking interventions to address modifiable societal and behavioral risk factors for cancer in rural populations. Apply by March 15.
The Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) Model is a voluntary payment model designed to meet the unique needs of rural communities. Deadline has been extended to March 16, learn more and apply.
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The FCC recently lifted their deadline for public comments to be used to evaluate and treat applications for their COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Learn more.
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The National Association of State EMS Officials reports on state-level policy that allows paramedics and other first-responders to administer vaccines. Read the report.
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