March 2022 | Volume 1
MOVING INTELLIGENT CHANGE FORWARD
INNOVATION DIGEST
Uncertainty is prominent in my thoughts given the world situation with both the pandemic and now Ukraine. Uncertainty is an ongoing theme in health, with rising news about workforce strain and inadequacies, as well as our inability to meaningfully address systemic issues in rural health, youth mental health and wellness, and racism. The report about our 20-year neglect of the powerful call to action in Unequal Treatment also reminds me how long I have been a passionate advocate for person-first thinking in health policy and practice. Across all of the issues highlighted in this edition, the common thread is the willingness to do the hard work - to act. These articles reignited my "why" and I hope they do the same for you. Be well!
20 years ago, a landmark report spotlighted systemic racism in medicine. Why has so little changed?
The 764-page report minces no words about the inequality rife throughout medical care: “Racial and ethnic minorities experience a lower quality of health services, and are less likely to receive even routine medical procedures than are white Americans.”
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Health Care Safety during the Pandemic and Beyond — Building a System That Ensures Resilience
Since the pandemic began, U.S. health care safety has declined severely, suggesting that our system lacks a sufficiently resilient safety culture and infrastructure. We need to build a more resilient delivery system, capable of maintaining high safety levels in crises.
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Clinicians are leaving their jobs at mental health centers amid rising demand
The professionals who provide care at community mental health clinics around the state are leaving their positions faster than they can be replaced, worsening access just as the stresses of the pandemic have intensified the need among their mainly lower-income patients, according to a survey released Tuesday.
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The Problem With Employee Wellness Programs
U.S. employers are embracing wellness programs, betting that if they can get workers to lose weight, stop smoking, or adopt other healthy behaviors that will reduce healthcare costs and boost productivity.
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Identifying Higher-Volume Antibiotic Outpatient Prescribers Using Publicly Available Medicare Part D Data — United States, 2019
Antibiotic prescribing can lead to adverse drug events and antibiotic resistance, which pose ongoing urgent public health threats. Adults aged ≥65 years (older adults) are recipients of the highest rates of outpatient antibiotic prescribing and are at increased risk for antibiotic-related adverse events, including Clostridioides difficile and antibiotic-resistant infections and related deaths.
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Generation Z Less Engaged with Behavioral Health Options Compared to Older Generations
New data suggests that young Americans are facing a number of significant behavioral health challenges, yet seem to be reluctant to seek out any help – suggesting that providers need to do a better job connecting with them for care.
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Addressing the unprecedented behavioral-health challenges facing Generation Z
Nearly two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, Gen Zers, ranging from middle school students to early professionals, are reporting higher rates of anxiety, depression, and distress than any other age group.
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Rural Health During the Pandemic: Challenges and Solutions to Accessing Care
The US Food and Drug Administration defines rural health as the health of people living in rural areas, who generally are located farther from health care facilities and other services than people living in urban areas.
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Passion + Quality = Change That Matters
  
I embrace the powerful opportunities in our evolving health care landscape. I founded Momentum Health Strategies to be a catalyst for change through continuous learning, diverse engagement and thoughtful policy and practice initiatives. I deliver innovative, strategic thinking and a passion for improving the patient experience. My personal drive and dedication to high-quality results will help you navigate the competitive terrain you face and convert your vision to action.

Momentum Health Strategies

Jennifer L Bright, MPA
(703) 628 - 0534
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