Monthly Archives: May 2023

Health

States Should Continue “PREP Act” Pharmacy Access Proven Effective During COVID-19

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When society emerges from a situation like the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to document the lessons learned and we need to act on them. Americans across political parties and ideologies expect that leadership.


ARLINGTON, Va. (PRWEB)

Recently announced federal action provides states a “reasonable timeline” to prevent disruption of the pharmacy access relied upon and expected by patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, according to an article published today in Health Security, a Johns Hopkins University peer-reviewed journal. The commentary was prepared by Lisa Koonin, DrPH, MN, MPH, of Health Preparedness Partners – who previously served the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more than 30 years – and by NACDS co-authors.

READ THE ARTICLE

The timely article, “Building on Success Serving the Nation: Codifying Key Pharmacy Flexibilities Beyond COVID-19,” follows on the heels of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ April 14 announcement of plans to extend vital aspects of the federal PREP Act (Public Readiness and Emergency Response Act) declaration through December 2024 — a move urged by NACDS for more than a year.

“The successes of pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic have affirmed their important role in emergency response, as well as in providing daily, equitable access to care. The authorities granted under the COVID-19 PREP Act declaration have been pivotal because they have allowed pharmacy staff to provide access to lifesaving pandemic countermeasures. It is important to retain this capability to respond to the ongoing circulation of the virus that causes COVID-19 and to ensure readiness for the next infectious disease outbreak, while also maintaining pharmacies as access points for vaccines, testing, and treatment for other routine and emerging health threats,” the article states.

“Because many of these authorities will be retained through December 2024, governors and their teams, in addition to state legislators, regulators, and boards of pharmacy, will have a reasonable timeline to take action. Beyond public health emergencies, continuing these policies will support better healthcare access for all, including underserved populations, and advance improved health for the nation.”

In announcing the article, NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said, “This article is first-out-of-the-gate after the Biden Administration announced its intent to extend PREP Act pharmacy access through December 2024. It serves as an authoritative record of the success of pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy teams in helping our nation overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, and it establishes an historic record of the federal and state policies that were engineered – with the advice of NACDS – to make these successes possible. It also serves as a call to action for the states to improve and sustain emergency preparedness and to help meet the daily health and wellness needs of all Americans. When society emerges from a situation like the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to document the lessons learned and we need to act on them. Americans across political parties and ideologies expect that leadership.”

The article compiles from an array of sources the pharmacy success stories on behalf of the American people. Among them, as of April 27, 2023, Federal Retail Pharmacy Program pharmacies had provided more than 302.2 million COVID-19 vaccinations. More than 43% of individuals vaccinated at pharmacies are from racial and ethnic minority groups, and half of the pharmacy COVID-19 vaccination sites are in areas of high social vulnerability.

Koonin and the NACDS co-authors analyze the story behind these successes: “Pharmacies were able to achieve these successes because of three key factors: years of experience safely and efficiently providing care to the public, including vaccinations; pharmacy authorities granted by the PREP Act, its amendments, HHS guidance, and advisories; and adequate coverage and reimbursement for pharmacy-based services that were provided during the pandemic.”

Looking forward, they state: “Codifying these temporary federal authorities, which have proven safe and effective, into permanent state laws and regulations will enhance the nation’s ability to respond to existing and emerging threats by securing a permanent, trained workforce that can immediately begin providing pandemic vaccines, tests, and treatments across the nation when needed.”

In addition to urging states to permanently implement pharmacy authorities granted under the PREP Act, NACDS continues to urge the U.S. Congress to address another missing link: establishing the reliable Medicare payment mechanisms that are part of the necessary infrastructure for pharmacy services. It is critical that Congress pass and enact the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (H.R. 1770) — bipartisan legislation backed by nearly 200 groups representing patients, seniors, rural Americans, hospitals, health systems, pharmacists, and pharmacies. Such action is necessary to help ensure seniors have access to pharmacy services, as authorized by states’ policies, into the future.

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NCPDP Announces its 2023 Champion Award Recipient at the NCPDP 2023 Annual Technology & Business Conference

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National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP)


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (PRWEB)

Today at its Annual Technology & Business Conference, NCPDP announced its 2023 Champion Award recipient, Admiral Brett Giroir, M.D., the 16th U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health, and Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors for Altesa Biosciences, Inc. NCPDP’s Champion Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments or work to improve patient care by actively supporting NCPDP members and its initiatives.

NCPDP President & CEO Lee Ann Stember stated, “This year, we are honored to present the Champion Award to Retired Admiral Brett Giroir, M.D. We believe Dr. Giroir should be recognized for his long tenure in supporting access to care and enhancing interoperability as a Champion of NCPDP and our standards-setting process. As former Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Giroir has collaborated with NCPDP in understanding the need for pharmacy standards that improve interoperability to ease pharmacy and provider burden via in-workflow processes.”

Stember continued, “Dr. Giroir was on the front lines of the COVID-19 response as a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the national lead for testing and diagnosis which supported guidance to NCPDP and our industry in enhancing NCPDP’s guidance on testing, vaccinations and billing of COVID-19 Oral Antiviral during a pandemic emergency. Dr. Giroir embodies the spirit of the Champion Award in improving healthcare for the common good through his distinguished career in his leadership positions held in the federal government and in academia.”

NCPDP’s Annual Conference continues today with Keynote Speaker Robin Farmanfarmaian, speaker, author, and tech entrepreneur; and more educational programming and networking opportunities.

For real-time updates during the conference, follow https://twitter.com/NCPDP and join the discussion using the hashtag #NCPDP23.

About NCPDP

The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) is a not-for-profit American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer (ASD) consisting of more than 1,500 members representing entities including, but not limited to, claims processors, data management and analysis vendors, federal and state government agencies, insurers, intermediaries, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, professional services organizations, software and system vendors and other parties interested in electronic standardization within the pharmacy services sector of the healthcare industry. NCPDP provides a forum wherein our diverse membership can develop business solutions, including ANSI-accredited standards and guidance for promoting information exchanges related to medications, supplies and services within the healthcare system.

NCPDP has been named in federal legislation, including HIPAA, MMA, and HITECH. NCPDP members have created standards such as the Telecommunication Standard and Batch Standard, the SCRIPT Standard for ePrescribing, the Manufacturers Rebate Standard and more to improve communication within the pharmacy industry. Our data products include dataQ®, a robust database of information on more than 80,000 pharmacies, resQ™, an industry pharmacy credentialing resource, and HCIdea®, an innovative prescriber database that provides continually updated information on more than 3.7 million prescribers. NCPDP’s RxReconn® is a legislative tracking program for real-time monitoring of pharmacy-related state and national legislative and regulatory activity. For more information about NCPDP Standards, Data Services, Products, Educational Programs and Work Group Meetings, go online at http://www.ncpdp.org or call 480.477.1000.

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HealthTalk A.I. and Alabama Primary Health Care Association Partner to Help Expand Access to Care and Drive Quality

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“Alabama CHCs play an important role in delivering equitable care to underserved communities and this partnership will allow us to push forward with our mission to expand access to care for all patients.”


RESTON, Va. (PRWEB)

HealthTalk A.I., a leading patient engagement company, today announced its Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) Partnership with the Alabama Primary Health Care Association (APHCA) to help improve access to care for more than 320,000 patients located in some of Alabama’s most underserved communities.

APHCA is a Primary Care Association (PCA) that provides advocacy, training, and support for community health centers (CHCs) located throughout Alabama. This GPO partnership will provide preferred access to the HealthTalk A.I. platform, helping APHCA member health centers improve access to care and reduce health disparities for underserved Alabamians.

HealthTalk A.I. was formed to change the way patients and providers connect. Their patient engagement platform helps healthcare organizations drive quality by expanding access points, scaling outreach, and scheduling encounters with the appropriate resource. The ability to aggregate the data and deliver actionable information makes it an excellent fit for PCAs or Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs) looking to implement a state-level program and gain insights into individual and overall member performance.

Health centers throughout the United States leverage the HealthTalk A.I. platform to scale outreach, expand access, support chronic disease management, reduce no-show rates, and improve the patient experience for the unique communities they serve.

“We’re thrilled to have been selected by APHCA and are excited to get to work,” said Jerrod Ullah, CEO and founder of HealthTalk A.I. “Alabama CHCs play an important role in delivering equitable care to underserved communities and this partnership will allow us to push forward with our mission to expand access to care for all patients.”

About Alabama Primary Health Care Association: The Alabama Primary Health Care Association is the trade association representing the network of community health centers in Alabama. Health centers are the cornerstone of primary health care in Alabama and represent the largest group of primary care providers serving over 320,000 patients annually across 196 delivery sites. To learn more, visit http://www.alphca.com.

About HealthTalk A.I.: HealthTalk A.I. helps healthcare providers improve access to care and intervene like never before possible. Their fully-automated, omni-channel platform delivers user-friendly communication with messages and rules configured by each healthcare organization. This gives providers the ability to engage their entire population and close the loop with customer recovery actions and clinical encounters. To learn more, visit HealthTalkAI.com. Watch this video to see how HealthTalk A.I. helps health centers. Follow HealthTalk A.I. on Linkedin.

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Eimear Kenny plays an integral role in an international scientific effort that produces a more inclusive genome reference

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“We have had a single human reference for the past 20 years, and this genome reference has been extraordinarily powerful. It is a resource that has driven the sequencing of the genomes of tens or hundreds of millions of humans on the planet.” -Eimear Kenny, PhD


NEW YORK (PRWEB)

Eimear Kenny, PhD, had just completed undergrad and was working in her first computational genomics job more than 20 years ago when scientists announced the first (nearly) complete sequencing of the human genome—what was considered at the time to be the fundamental blueprint for all humans. The Human Genome Project aimed to map the entire genome in an effort to accelerate the diagnosis and eventual treatment of common and rare diseases.

Now, Dr. Kenny, a Professor of Medicine, and Genetics and Genomic Sciences, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, can count herself as one of a handful of elite scientists worldwide whose vital contributions have led to the creation of the new human “pangenome” reference, a collection of genome sequences that captures significantly more human diversity.

Details on these novel developments were described in several Nature papers published Wednesday, May 10. The work was led by the international Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, a group funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Kenny is a Principal Investigator and lead scientist of the consortium.

Titles/DOI’s/Url’s of the Nature papers are as follows:


  • Liao et al. A draft human pangenome reference. Nature. Doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05896-x (2023).

  • Vollger et al. Increased mutation rate and gene conversion within human segmental duplications. Nature. Doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05895-y (2023).

  • Guarracino et al. Recombination between heterologous human acrocentric chromosomes. Nature. Doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05976-y (2023).

  • Hickey et al. Pangenome graph construction from genome alignment with minigraph-cactus. Nature Biotechnology. Doi: 10.1038/s41587-023-01793-w (2023).

A genome is the set of DNA instructions that helps each living creature develop and function. Genome sequences differ slightly among individuals. In the case of humans, any two peoples’ genomes are, on average, more than 99 percent identical. The small differences contribute to each person’s uniqueness and can provide insights about their health, helping to diagnose disease, predict outcomes and guide medical treatments.

“We have had a single human reference for the past 20 years, and this genome reference has been extraordinarily powerful. It is a resource that has driven the sequencing of the genomes of tens or hundreds of millions of humans on the planet,” says Dr. Kenny, who is a co-author of the work. “However, it is limited in that most of the reference sequence only represents one person on the planet, so when you have rarer sequences or only in certain people, they are not represented. Therefore, we needed to really think about how to update the human reference and make it much more representative of diverse humans all over the world, which is what we have now done.”

The new pangenome reference includes genome sequences of 47 people, and the researchers aim to increase that number to 350 by mid-2024. Because each person carries a paired set of chromosomes, the current reference includes 94 distinct genome sequences, with a goal of reaching 700 distinct genome sequences by the completion of the project.

“Basic researchers and clinicians who use genomics need access to a reference sequence that reflects the remarkable diversity of the human population. This will help make the reference useful for all people, thereby helping to reduce the chances of propagating health disparities,” says Eric Green, MD, PhD, NHGRI director. “Creating and enhancing a human pangenome reference aligns with NHGRI’s goal of striving for global diversity in all aspects of genomics research, which is crucial to advance genomic knowledge and implement genomic medicine in an equitable way.”

Dr. Kenny, who is also Founding Director of the Institute for Genomic Health at Icahn Mount Sinai, leads research at the interface of genomics, medicine, and computer science to accelerate the use of genomics information in routine clinical care to improve human health.

She uses machine learning approaches and massive-scale databases of genomic information for discovery of novel genetic variants impacting disease risk. She also oversees large clinical trials in on implementing genomic medicine in diverse populations.

That expertise has paid off.

“Across many individuals, my role in this consortium was to contribute to this international scientific effort, and, in particular, help select the genomes that make up the new pangenome reference so that this resource would best benefit many people around the planet” she says.

Dr. Kenny co-led a team using population genetics approaches, community engagement, and outreach to include genomes from diverse populations in the pangenome. This will help address issues of underrepresentation and bias in genomics research, and can improve the accuracy and generalizability of research findings across different populations.

The Human Genome Project completed in 2003 covered about 92 percent of the total human genome sequence. Recent technological advances such as long-read DNA sequencing, which reads longer stretches of DNA at a time, helped researchers fill in those gaps to create the first complete human genome sequence. The developments were reported in a set of six papers in the April 1, 2022, issue of Science, along with companion papers published in several other journals. These findings were incorporated into the current pangenome reference.

“I’m delighted about the advancements in genomics technology that we have today. This new era of long-read sequencing, along with other capabilities, allows us to get much higher resolution of genomic sequences and, in particular, more accurately identify larger genomic variants called structural variants, which have been until now very difficult to detect with the short-read technology. This has enabled us to accelerate the rate at which we can find medically relevant variants and dramatically reduce sequencing costs,” says Dr. Kenny.

Importantly, knowing these variants better, Dr. Kenny says, will help elucidate which genes are truly rare or whether they may just be more common in certain parts of the world.

“The other significant aspect is that we are really trying to make a resource that is truly working toward global representativeness. We need to have a path toward recognizing that humans everywhere on the planet need resources available to them that best work for them,” says Dr. Kenny.

Institutions involved in the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium may be found on the project’s main page.

About the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is internationally renowned for its outstanding research, educational, and clinical care programs. It is the sole academic partner for the eight- member hospitals* of the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the largest academic health systems in the United States, providing care to a large and diverse patient population.

Ranked 14th nationwide in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and among the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Icahn Mount Sinai has a talented, productive, and successful faculty. More than 3,000 full-time scientists, educators, and clinicians work within and across 34 academic departments and 35 multidisciplinary institutes, a structure that facilitates tremendous collaboration and synergy. Our emphasis on translational research and therapeutics is evident in such diverse areas as genomics/big data, virology, neuroscience, cardiology, geriatrics, as well as gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

Icahn Mount Sinai offers highly competitive MD, PhD, and Master’s degree programs, with current enrollment of approximately 1,300 students. It has the largest graduate medical education program in the country, with more than 2,000 clinical residents and fellows training throughout the Health System. In addition, more than 550 postdoctoral research fellows are in training within the Health System.

A culture of innovation and discovery permeates every Icahn Mount Sinai program. Mount Sinai’s technology transfer office, one of the largest in the country, partners with faculty and trainees to pursue optimal commercialization of intellectual property to ensure that Mount Sinai discoveries and innovations translate into healthcare products and services that benefit the public.

Icahn Mount Sinai’s commitment to breakthrough science and clinical care is enhanced by academic affiliations that supplement and complement the School’s programs.

Through the Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP), the Health System facilitates the real-world application and commercialization of medical breakthroughs made at Mount Sinai. Additionally, MSIP develops research partnerships with industry leaders such as Merck & Co., AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and others.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is located in New York City on the border between the Upper East Side and East Harlem, and classroom teaching takes place on a campus facing Central Park. Icahn Mount Sinai’s location offers many opportunities to interact with and care for diverse communities. Learning extends well beyond the borders of our physical campus, to the eight hospitals of the Mount Sinai Health System, our academic affiliates, and globally.

  • Mount Sinai Health System member hospitals: The Mount Sinai Hospital; Mount Sinai Beth Israel; Mount Sinai Brooklyn; Mount Sinai Morningside; Mount Sinai Queens; Mount Sinai South Nassau; Mount Sinai West; and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.
Health: Mental Health

New Coming-of-age Adventure/Drama ‘What Rhymes With Reason,’ Set to Debut at deadCENTER Film Festival

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OKLAHOMA CITY (PRWEB)

WORLD PREMIERE: NEW COMING-OF-AGE ADVENTURE/DRAMA ‘WHAT RHYMES WITH REASON, ’ PARTNERED WITH 988, BRINGS HOPE TO KIDS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES; SET TO DEBUT AT DEADCENTER FILM FESTIVAL

Where: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

When: June 8th-11th, 2023

Film Festival: http://deadcenterfilm.org

The coming-of-age film, ‘What Rhymes with Reason,’ is set as the opening night world premiere at the deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City Thursday, June 8th 6:30pm at Harkins Bricktown. There will be an encore screening on Saturday, June 10th at 4:00pm.

Hi-res images available for use here:

Emmy Award-winning director Kyle Roberts says, “Our mission for this film is to encourage much needed conversations surrounding mental health told through an adventure lens you can watch with the whole family! We can not wait to start the journey of this films’ release right here in Oklahoma!.”

Tragedy ignites a group of teens on a quest to find a legendary landmark hidden in the Oklahoma wilderness. Together, they navigate the quest while confronting the darkness within themselves. This riveting film about mental health was filmed by Oklahomans in Oklahoma with an all-star young cast who are planning to attend the world premiere.

The What Rhymes with Reason all-star young cast includes Gattlin Griffith (The Boys), Ricardo Hurtado (School of Rock), Giselle Torres (The Villains of Valley View), LaRonn Marzett, Katie Burgess, Juan Graterol and Bart Johnson (High School Musical).

Gattlin Griffith, who stars as the anchor of the group, Jesse Brandt, says, “I personally struggle with mental health every day. This story is important, and I’m honored to breathe life into it. The darkness is in all of us, but does not have to define us.”

Ricardo Hurtado, who plays Billy Brandt, comments, “Our identity should never be attached to a social following. We are loved by more than our likes; we have a God that loves us unconditionally.”Katie Burgess, who plays Savannah Brandt shares, “I’ve struggled from anxiety since I was 8 years old. I’m so glad that we are finally discussing all of this, because it’s dangerous for kids to feel left alone when they’re dealing with things that feel impossible to overcome.”

LaRonn Marzett, who plays Eli Foster, evokes, “I lost my mom to breast cancer at a young age. That was a major transition through adolescence trying to figure out my own identity without her. It was an honor to breathe life into Eli! Even though my mom is not physically here on earth, I Know she is smiling down on me right now.”‘

What Rhymes WIth Reason’ is produced by Kim Dawson (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Jacob Snovel (Out of Exile) , and Nathan Gardocki (Reagan).

Jacob Snovel says, “ The production was truly a dream, and to be able to premiere it with our tribe that helped breathe life in the film! deadCenter will be a wonderful celebration of the type of heart and talent it takes to make a movie like this that can make such a big difference in people’s lives. I’m looking forward to keeping this team together and continuing to partner with the great state of Oklahoma to bring our voices to life on the big screen.”

The film partnered with Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Lifeline to help improve mental health outcomes. The nationwide number provides an easy-to-remember three-digit number to replace the 11-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Mental Health Lifeline operates 24/7/365 and offers services for mental health crisis calls. Operators in Oklahoma are licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls, connect to and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams.

“We must improve our health outcomes across the board as they drive everything from our economy to our employment,” Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges said. “We are so proud of the hard work done by everyone involved to bring this life-saving resource to our nation and change how we talk about and access mental health treatment services.”

About Reckless Abandonment Pictures

Our mission is to produce quality, moving pictures one frame at a time. From concept to final product, we are a full-service video production company. We specialize in creating radically family friendly content across several mediums of visual storytelling. Some of the clients we’ve produced content for have been DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Warner Media, Hasbro, Mattel, LEGO and NatGeo Wild. For more information, visit ra-pictures.com.

About Oklahoma 988 Mental Health Lifeline

The 988 Mental Health Lifeline is designated as a three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Mental Health Lifeline operates 24/7 and offers services for mental health crisis calls. Operators are licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls, connect to and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams. For more information, please visit 988Oklahoma.com.

About deadCENTER

In its 23rd year, the deadCENTER film festival is Oklahoma’s largest and most celebrated film festival. The fest has been named one of the “20 Coolest Film Festivals” and “Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine. Designated as an Academy Award®-Qualifying Festival, the deadCenter Film Festival boasts an impressive slate of over 150 films during the 4-day event in June. Founded by independent filmmakers, the festival focuses on providing engaging experiences for filmmakers, distributors, industry professionals, and film audiences. For more information, please visit deadcenterfilm.org.

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Media Contact: Tracie Burgess, reckless.pictures@gmail.com

Instagram: wrwr_film Facebook: WRWRfilm

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WHO Reports Lowered Threat Level of COVID-19; What Does it Mean for Testing? Kalorama Information Has Answers

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“Kalorama Information’s report ‘COVID-19 Testing Markets, 2023’ estimates that the global COVID-19 IVD market reached $29.6 billion in 2022.”


ARLINGTON, Va. (PRWEB)

Three years and more than seven million casualties later, the COVID-19 pandemic is officially no longer a global health emergency, according to a recent statement by the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO, announced COVID-19’s less severe designation in early May, though the decision had been carefully considered for quite some time prior to becoming official.

The announcement also marks the end of the coordinated global action that was necessary to protect the world’s population from the new and nefarious virus. It is now up to individual countries to determine how to effectively manage COVID in a way that each deems best.

The end of COVID as public health emergency of international concern came with a warning from Dr. Ghebreyesus in an official statement, that “the worst thing any country can do now is to use this news as a reason to let down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that COVID-19 is nothing to worry about.”

Dr. Ghebreyesus’s sentiment echoes what was previously announced by leading medical market research firm Kalorama Information in its recent report COVID-19 Testing Markets, 2023, which answers what will happen to the ever-changing COVID-19 in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing market as the pandemic recedes and becomes potentially endemic. Most notably, Kalorama emphasized that the COVID-19 virus has proven to be very persistent and capable of mutating—producing a substantial number of variants. This is not expected to change, creating an ongoing need for COVID-19 testing.

“COVID-19 testing has been at the forefront in battling the pandemic. Without question the virus is here to stay even as it becomes less of a global health emergency. As a result, we expect nations worldwide to remain vigilant about managing COVID-19 along with other respiratory viruses and diseases. This includes maintaining and strengthening commitments to IVD tests targeting COVID-19 specifically,” says Bruce Carlson, vice-president and publisher of Kalorama Information.

Diagnostics have been critical in the response to COVID-19. At the height of the pandemic it became very apparent that rapid and accurate tests were absolutely critical for identifying and managing infected individuals.

During 2020 and 2021, revenues from COVID-19 testing were substantial compared to all other diagnostic testing assays and instruments. In 2020, COVID-19 diagnostic testing accounted for 20% of the total diagnostic testing market. The COVID-19 diagnostic testing climbed to more than a quarter of the total IVD diagnostic testing market in 2021. As the pandemic slowed, the COVID-19 diagnostic testing segment dropped to less than a quarter of the total IVD diagnostic testing market in 2022.

Kalorama Information estimates that the global COVID-19 IVD market reached $29.6 billion in 2022, consisting of immunoassay and molecular testing. Immunoassay COVID-19 testing accounted for more than half the market’s total and will continue to claim the lion’s share through the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, rapid testing for COVID-19 had estimated sales of more than $10 billion in 2022.

Looking ahead, sales in the global COVID-19 testing market will invariably wane due to a reduction in demand for COVID-19 testing and the availability of cheaper immunoassay testing.

For more information or to purchase the market research report “COVID-19 Testing Markets, 2023,” visit: https://kaloramainformation.com/product/covid-19-testing-market-update-2023/.

ABOUT KALORAMA INFORMATION

Kalorama Information, part of Science and Medicine Group, is the leading publisher of market research in healthcare areas, including in vitro diagnostics (IVD), biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Science and Medicine Group supports companies seeking to commercialize the rapidly changing marketplace at the intersection of science, medicine, and technology. Comprised of industry-leading brands, Science and Medicine Group serves analytical instrument, life science, imaging, and clinical diagnostic companies by helping them create strategies and products to win markets and provide platforms to digitally engage their markets through a variety of innovative solutions. Kalorama Information produces 30 reports a year. The firm offers a Knowledge Center, which provides access to all published reports.

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Registration open for Claritycon2023 Children’s Mental Health Summit on July 20-21, 2023 * CEUs and CNEs offered

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Claritycon photo 2022

“Through Claritycon, it is not only our goal to educate, but to foster robust conversations about mental health so children get the services they need.” Jessica Knudsen, LCSW, FACHE, CEO and President of Clarity Child Guidance Center


SAN ANTONIO, Texas (PRWEB)

Founded in 1886, Clarity Child Guidance Center is the only nonprofit in South Texas providing a continuum of mental health services for children ages 3-17 and their families to manage mental health conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder and/or schizophrenia. Clarity CGC offers a stand-alone mental health hospital and specialized inpatient/outpatient treatment for children, with the region’s largest concentration of child and adolescent psychiatrists.

In keeping with its mission to heal young minds and hearts, for the past nine years—even during the “Covid years”—Clarity CGC has underwritten and sponsored Claritycon, its annual children’s mental health summit that provides professional education and CEUs/CNEs to 250+ educators, therapists, nurses, physicians, social workers, childcare workers and community members from the region.

Online registration is open now for Claritycon2023 which will occur July 20-21 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio.

Admission is $300/pp and includes:

  • 12 hours of professional development (CEUs and CNEs available) with presentations by 30+ renowned experts

  • Continuing education certificates to nurses for the first time

  • Breakfast and lunch keynote presentations

  • 4 meals plus snacks, including breakfast and lunch keynote addresses

  • Conference syllabus

  • Exhibitors from agencies offering services/programs including community resources, therapy resources, school/tutoring assistance

  • Free admission to Friday’s celebratory luncheon with keynote speaker David Ambroz, Head of External Affairs & Community Engagement at Amazon and Barack Obama’s “American Champion of Change.” David will share his personal story of resilience as he navigated a parent with mental illness, homelessness, and the foster care system. His recent book, A Place Called Home, is available for purchase as well.

  • Exhibitors from agencies offering services/programs including community resources, therapy resources, school/tutoring assistance

Presentations explore the numerous internal and external factors that impact the emotional, psychological and social well-being of young people. Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Human trafficking

  • Adolescent Sexuality in Age of Technology

  • Juvenile Justice System

  • Ethics

  • Eating Disorders and Diet Culture

  • Autism and Aggression

  • Responding with CARE (Child Assistance, Remediation, and Evaluation)

  • School Refusal – “I’m Not Going!”

  • Domestic violence

  • Trauma informed care

  • PTSD

  • Medication management

  • Nutrition’s impact on mental health

  • Immigrant youth


Online registration is open now; for additional information, please email events@claritycgc.org or call 210-616-0300.

“In 2023 we are celebrating our 10th year of sponsoring Claritycon and I am extremely proud to be CEO of an organization that is so dedicated to educating and helping our community’s children,” says Jessica Knudsen, LCSW, FACHE, CEO and President of Clarity Child Guidance Center since February 2019. “Through Claritycon, it is not only our goal to educate, but to foster robust conversations about mental health so children get the services they need.”

Clarity serves all children in need of care, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Clarity CGC accepts most insurance and accommodates families by billing them on a sliding scale based on their income.

Those wanting more information about Clarity Child Guidance Center can visit http://www.claritycgc.org or contact 210-616-0300 or info@claritycgc.org. Those wanting to donate can visit http://www.claritycgc.org/give-now/.

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EARPEACE Partners with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Co-Branded Hearing Protection Line

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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame x EARPEACE co-branded collection will feature both Music and Music PRO patented products.

We’re thrilled to partner with EARPEACE to provide fans with a safe way to enjoy the experiences we value most. -Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President & CEO, Greg Harris


WASHINGTON (PRWEB)

Today, EARPEACE announced they have partnered with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to launch a co-branded hearing protection line to further expand the EARPEACE mission of enhancing the experiences people value most.

Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. They share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and hold an annual Induction Ceremony.

“There’s nothing better than the power of live music,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President & CEO, Greg Harris. “We’re thrilled to partner with EARPEACE to provide fans with a safe way to enjoy the experiences we value most.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame x EARPEACE co-branded collection will feature both Music and Music PRO patented products.

Featuring proven performance and comfort for over a decade, EARPEACE Music includes three sets of high-fidelity filters in Medium (17dB), High (20dB), and Max (26dB) protection that are easily interchangeable for sound reduction needs, two sets of earplugs in both Small and Standard size to ensure a perfect fit, and a custom branded ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME carrying case that can easily clip to keys, belt loop or bag.

Recently patented MUSIC PRO notably features EARPEACE’S Contour earplugs™ (also in both Small and Standard sizes) that conform to the natural shape of one’s ear canal and provide a complete seal. PRO includes a set of PRO 24dB filters, that feature tuned acoustic mesh membrane to precisely replicate the sound signatures for an enhanced audio experience, and a custom platinum ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME carrying case.

“We are honored to be partnering with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” commented Jay Clark, CEO & Founder of EARPEACE. “Our shared love and passion for music, the fans and the artists, make this a seamless and exciting collaboration. The EARPEACE mission is to enhance people’s live music experiences. Our line of products not only protect people’s hearing, but the technology allows them to experience music with true to life audio. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has a time-honored tradition of bringing artists and music fans together. EARPEACE is privileged to enhance that experience.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in less than five minutes at a rock concert, NIHL has already begun. In the past year, roughly 25 million Americans have experienced tinnitus. As a result, hearing loss remains the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States and is twice as prevalent as diabetes or cancer.*

EARPEACE is trusted by The House Institute (the leading institute on hearing health research) in addition to NPR Music, Red Bull, and more.

For more information on the EARPEACE, please visit: https://www.earpeace.com.

About EARPEACE

EARPEACE revolutionized hearing protection in 2008 with a discreet, comfortable, high-fidelity earplug built not only for musicians, but for all the fans at the event. This same technology was customized for motorsports, and everyone that needs a good night’s sleep. The innovation by EARPEACE continues today with new patents, products, technologies, and accessories designed to enhance your experience. Festivals, motorcycle rallies, and events all over the world depend on EARPEACE to keep their stars and fans safe, comfortable, and ready for the next event. The EARPEACE promise is simple – you will hear and feel better when you wear EARPEACE. For more information, visit: https://www.earpeace.com.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster a diverse, equitable, educational nonprofit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Instagram (@rockhall), Twitter (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall).

*Based on calculations performed by NIDCD Epidemiology and Statistics Program staff: (1) tinnitus prevalence was obtained from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS); (2) the estimated number of American adults reporting tinnitus was calculated by multiplying the prevalence of tinnitus by the 2013 U.S. Census population estimate for the number of adults (18+ years of age)(Blackwell DL, Lucas JW, Clarke TC. Summary health statistics for US adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. Vital Health Stat 10. 2014;260:1-161.)

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Creating Healthier Communities announces next phase of $7 million grant partnership with Elevance Health Foundation

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8 community-based organizations in Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit join CHC Black Birthing Initiative to reduce preterm births

Black women are 3x more likely to die from pregnancy related causes in the U.S. and 50% more likely to deliver a premature baby.


ALEXANDRIA, Va. (PRWEB)

Today, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities announced the next phase of its three-year, $7 million grant partnership with the Elevance Health Foundation. The Black Birthing Initiative aims to reduce high rates of preterm births among Black women in three cities: Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit. The initiative will ultimately identify stressors and other health related social needs impacting preterm births and work with community-based organizations to provide community-driven interventions.

“As we lift up various observances from National Minority Health Month last month to Maternal Mental Health Month now in May, we must continue our collective work to ensure the voices and choices of Black people remain front and center throughout the year and are an integral consideration in every discussion and funding decision that relates to addressing health inequities,” said Valerie Rochester, chief health equity officer at CHC.

These community-based organizations have been selected as partners in the Black Birthing Initiative and are now enrolling expectant parents, which will help CHC create an evidence-based case study with a standardized screening tool and interventions that will later be leveraged by health systems nationwide:

Atlanta Collaborative

  • Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia – a community-based organization that focuses on the full spectrum of maternal and child health concerns from prematurity to maternal mortality with a focus on advocacy, education, and access to vital resources.

  • Center for Black Women’s Wellness – a community-based and family service center committed to improving the health and wellbeing of underserved Black women and their families.

  • Community Speaks Consulting – a Black woman led consulting group on a mission to amplify community voices. Our vision is to be the bridge between community and service providers.

Cleveland Collaborative

  • Birthing Beautiful Communities – a nonprofit community of birth workers or doulas providing social support to pregnant women in Cleveland who are at highest risk for infant mortality during the prenatal and postpartum period.

  • Village of Healing– a community development organization located in Cuyahoga County that provides access to gynecological, antepartum, and post-partum care to women in need.

Detroit Collaborative

  • Women-Inspired Neighborhood Network – a program of Henry Ford Health, originally formed via a collaborative effort of health systems, community and academic partners of the Detroit Regional Infant Mortality Reduction Task Force and supported by funders committed to improve infant mortality rates for African American families in Detroit.

  • Detroit Health Department – a community government organization that has been building healthy and thriving communities for over 100 years. Its mission is to address the public and population health priorities of Detroiters, while continuing to provide public health services to address the needs of individuals and families.

  • JFM Consulting – a Detroit-based consulting firm that partners with the nonprofit, philanthropic and public sectors to improve quality of life, primarily in underserved communities, through planning, strategy and evaluation.

The urgency cannot be understated, as Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes in the U.S. and 50% more likely to deliver a premature baby (CDC). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome disproportionately affects Black babies (American Academy of Pediatrics), and two-thirds of pregnancy deaths are preventable (CDC). This collaborative project will create a framework and interventions that can improve outcomes for mothers and babies on a national scale.

“One in 10 babies are born prematurely in the U.S., with Black women 50% more likely to deliver a premature baby,” said Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., chief health officer at Elevance Health. “Through screening thousands of expectant Black mothers, the Black Birthing Initiative’s community partners will help us identify stressors and other health related social needs that are impacting preterm births, helping us advance health equity for all.”

CHC is committed to implementing community-led, evidence-informed approaches centered in health equity and based on the lived experiences, needs and concerns of those most affected. Learn more about CHC’s Black Birthing Initiative here. Pregnant or post-partum women can lend their voice and take the needs assessment to inform this work.

ABOUT CHC: CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

CHC: Creating Healthier Communities brings nonprofits, businesses and communities together to improve community health. Our focus is health equity, addressing underlying issues and removing barriers so everyone can thrive. Our work is driven by community need, and we direct programs, resources and support where they have the greatest impact. Together with partners, we’ve been creating healthier communities for more than 65 years. Join us at chcimpact.org or @chcimpact.

ABOUT ELEVANCE HEALTH FOUNDATION

Elevance Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Elevance Health, Inc. The Foundation works to advance health equity by focusing on improving the health of the socially vulnerable through partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal child health; substance use disorder; and food as medicine. Through its key areas of focus, the Foundation also strategically aligns with Elevance Health’s focus on community health and becoming a lifetime, trusted health partner that is fueled by its purpose to improve the health of humanity. To learn more about Elevance Health Foundation, please visit http://www.elevancehealth.foundation or follow us @ElevanceFND on Twitter and Elevance Health Foundation on Facebook.

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Babyscripts and MemorialCare Mark Three-year Partnership with Significant Results in Blood Pressure Risk Identification and Patient Engagement in Maternal Populations

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With Babyscripts, our doctors and patients have access to a powerful platform to connect and share data throughout the patient’s pregnancy and postpartum care. It’s allowed us to increase our touch points within our community and allow our patients to access information about their pregnancy 24/7.


WASHINGTON (PRWEB)

Babyscripts, the leading virtual care platform for managing obstetrics, marks three years of partnership with MemorialCare, a nonprofit integrated health system in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Since the inception of the partnership, MemorialCare has captured more than 17K blood pressure readings via remote patient monitoring powered by Babyscripts myBloodPressure, with 6% of these triggering an intervention protocol.

Babyscripts and MemorialCare partnered in 2020 to improve outcomes and reduce barriers of access to care for mothers in Southern California through Babyscripts Virtual Maternity Care. In 2021, the partnership expanded beyond the MemorialCare Medical Group patients to offer the Babyscripts’ platform to almost all patients that deliver at MemorialCare Hospitals.

Blood-pressure related complications are among the highest contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity rates, according to the CDC, with even mild cases of hypertension potentially resulting in serious health problems beyond childbirth. With remote patient monitoring of blood pressure through Babyscripts myBloodPressure, MemorialCare providers align with industry guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and others to manage patient risk. Using a bluetooth-connected blood pressure cuff, mothers who are enrolled by their provider on Babyscripts myBloodPressure can remotely monitor their BP levels from the comfort of their home, potentially reducing office visits while still capturing vital data that can lead to life-saving interventions.

In addition to blood pressure monitoring, MemorialCare offers digital education to their patients through Babyscripts myJourney. Active users log into the mobile platform weekly to access gestational age-appropriate content, email campaigns, satisfaction surveys, appointment reminders, and weight monitoring, as well as customized content from MemorialCare. The app also delivers evidence-based guidelines approved by the patient’s obstetrician in the form of daily nutritional, medical and lifestyle action items.

“California is one of the safest states in the US to have a child, partially due to its aggressive and innovative approaches to the issues impacting maternal health” said Anish Sebastian, CEO and co-founder of Babyscripts. “MemorialCare has been at the forefront of these efforts, and their forward-thinking practices have translated to positive, impactful changes in their patients’ lives and health.”

Mothers use the Babyscripts’ app and devices to connect to their care team, stay informed about their pregnancy, and send health data remotely and securely to their health care provider, providing flexibility and transparency between moms and clinical teams.

“With Babyscripts, our doctors and patients have access to a powerful platform to connect and share data throughout the patient’s pregnancy and postpartum care,” said Anne LaNova, executive director of Digital Consumer Experience at MemorialCare. “Babyscripts has allowed us to increase our touch points within our community and allow our patients to access important information about their pregnancy 24/7 – when it is convenient or pertinent to them. It’s been exciting to see the Babyscripts adoption grow among our doctors, practices and patients. I don’t anticipate it slowing down.”

Since 2014, Babyscripts has been building a clinically validated, virtual care platform to allow OBGYNs to deliver a new model of prenatal care. Using bluetooth-connected devices for remote monitoring, Babyscripts offers risk-specific experiences to allow providers to manage up to 90% of pregnancies virtually, allowing doctors to detect risk more quickly and automate elements of care.

About Babyscripts

Babyscripts is delivering a new model for prenatal and postpartum care that is transforming the way expectant mothers use technology to work with their healthcare providers. We’ve spent the last six years delivering the most-implemented mobile clinical solution for remote monitoring in pregnancy, with the mission to eliminate maternal mortality and improve access to care for all mothers. For more information on our virtual care solution and to request a demo, visit http://www.babyscripts.com.

About MemorialCare

MemorialCare, nonprofit Southern California integrated delivery system and innovator in value-based care, has over 225 care locations; 15,000 employees and affiliated physicians; top hospitals—Long Beach Medical Center, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center; award-winning MemorialCare Medical Group and Greater Newport Physicians; MemorialCare Select Health Plan; and outpatient surgery, imaging, urgent care, dialysis, breast health and physical therapy centers. MemorialCare’s many honors have included Best U.S. Health Systems, Top Places to Work, Top Hospital rankings from readers of eight regional newspapers, 10 Largest U.S. Children’s Hospitals, Top 100 Hospitals, A Hospital Safety Score, Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals, Magnet nursing excellence status for all MemorialCare hospitals, among much more. Visit http://www.memorialcare.org.

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