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Health

Ideal Option Hosts Recovery Resource Fair in Pierce County

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The resource fair, featuring 15+ recovery support agencies, will be held at the new Ideal Option clinic in downtown Tacoma on Friday, August 25, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

TACOMA, Wash., Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ideal Option, a national leader in outpatient medication-assisted treatment for opioids, methamphetamine, alcohol and polysubstance, is partnering with local organizations to host a Recovery Resource Fair for residents of Pierce County. The fair will be held at their new addiction medicine clinic located at 1702 Tacoma Ave S, Suite A, just two blocks from St. Joseph Medical Center.

According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, opioid-related overdose is now the most common cause of accidental death, outnumbering motor-vehicle collisions and firearm deaths. In addition, fentanyl-related deaths in Pierce County during the first half of 2022 increased by 81.8% compared to the same period in 2021.

Ideal Option data support the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Among Washington state patients who continued treatment with Ideal Option throughout 2022, urine drug testing revealed a remarkable 98% reduction in fentanyl use and a 94% reduction in total opioid use.

The Recovery Resource Fair will take place on Friday, August 25, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Ideal Option clinic in downtown Tacoma. Attendees will learn more about local resources, meet the staff, gain insight into treatment options, explore the clinic, and network with others who are working to find solutions for the escalating opioid crisis in Pierce County.

Participating organizations include:

  • Ideal Option
  • Advanced Recovery Systems
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Rainier Recovery
  • RISE Center
  • Tacoma Rescue Mission
  • Tacoma Needle Exchange
  • Peer Kent
  • Parenting Child Assistance Program
  • Puyallup Tribe Re-Entry Program
  • Telecare
  • Hair cutting services
  • Free phone services

For questions about this event, email Marketing Director Olivia Roe at [email protected].

About Ideal Option 

Headquartered in Kennewick, Washington, Ideal Option was founded in 2012 and has since helped more than 70,000 patients through a network of 90+ office-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clinics across 11 states. With a mission to serve under-served communities, Ideal Option accepts all forms of insurance including Medicaid and Medicare. Financial assistance and payment plans are also available. 

Ideal Option’s team of medical providers carry certifications in Addiction and Emergency Medicine, Internal, and Family Medicine, among other specialties. The company also employs social workers, caseworkers, counselors, and mental health practitioners. This holistic approach helps drive positive outcomes, including family stability, stable housing, improved overall health, and reduced rates of recidivism. 

In all the communities it serves, Ideal Option collaborates with existing stakeholders and providers to improve the continuum of care. This approach includes partnerships with emergency rooms and county jail systems, where individuals with substance use disorder often appear, as well as collaborating with numerous support agencies and municipal programs addressing social needs such as housing, mental health, and nutrition support. 

Media Contact

Olivia Roe, Ideal Option, 1 9199466644, [email protected], www.idealoption.com

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

SOURCE Ideal Option



Health

Ideal Option Opens Addiction Medicine Clinic in Paragould

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The clinic provides in-person medication-assisted treatment for fentanyl, meth, heroin, alcohol and other substances, bringing new hope to Greene County residents.

PARAGOULD, Ark., Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ideal Option, a national leader in evidence-based outpatient treatment for addiction to fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, alcohol and polysubstance, is now welcoming new patients in Paragould. The newly established low-barrier clinic, conveniently located at 2711 W Kingshighway, Ste. 10, is dedicated to offering primarily buprenorphine-based treatment to help individuals reclaim their lives.

Despite a decline in opioid prescribing and heroin use, Arkansas continues to experience a surge in overdose deaths, largely attributed to the widespread presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug market.

Shockingly, drug overdose fatalities involving fentanyl skyrocketed from a mere 8 in 2016 to nearly 300 in 2022, according to the Arkansas State Crime Lab. The opioid crisis has hit Greene County particularly hard, witnessing a 100% increase in overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020, followed by a further 33% rise from 2020 to 2021, as reported by the Arkansas Take Back Opioid Dashboard.

The dangerous practice of mixing fentanyl with other illicit substances to intensify addiction, often unbeknownst to the user, has made polysubstance use disorder the prevailing diagnosis at Ideal Option. Their 2022 Annual Patient Outcomes Report, which consolidates lab testing results from over 1,000 patients in Arkansas, reveals that more than 50% of patients tested positive for multiple substances upon enrollment, with 24% testing positive for three or more.

The report does offer hope, however, by underscoring the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment in combating both isolated and poly-substance use. For patients who remained in Ideal Option’s care throughout 2022, lab testing displayed remarkable reductions in substance use:

  • 87% less total opioid use
  • 94% less fentanyl use
  • 96% less heroin use
  • 77% less methamphetamine use
  • 90% less cocaine use

Marking the twelfth clinic to open in Arkansas in just three years, Ideal Option’s rapid expansion reflects the urgent need for greater access to evidence-based treatment offered by experienced providers. Ideal Option has been specializing in addiction medicine for 11 years, using buprenorphine-based medications such as Suboxone®, and currently operates an impressive 93 clinics across 11 states.

“According to the Arkansas Take Back Opioid Dashboard, there are only two medication-assisted treatment providers located in Greene County,” said Aaron Bunch, community outreach coordinator for Ideal Option. “With the uptick in fentanyl use and overdose deaths in our community, it is imperative to provide access to specialized, low-barrier treatment to help individuals start and sustain recovery.”

The new outpatient clinic in Paragould is open Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 2711 W Kingshighway, Ste. 10.

Most forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid, and patients can typically get started on treatment for fentanyl, heroin, alcohol or other substances within 1-3 business days.

Patients can make an appointment by calling 1.877.522.1275 or visiting www.idealoption.com.  

About Ideal Option 

Headquartered in Kennewick, Washington, Ideal Option was founded in 2012 and has since helped more than 70,000 patients through a network of 93 office-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clinics across 11 states. With a mission to serve under-served communities, Ideal Option accepts most forms of insurance including Medicaid and Medicare. Financial assistance and payment plans are also available. 

Ideal Option’s team of medical providers carry certifications in Addiction and Emergency Medicine, Internal, and Family Medicine, among other specialties. The company also employs social workers, caseworkers, counselors, and mental health practitioners. This holistic approach helps drive positive outcomes, including family stability, stable housing, improved overall health, and reduced rates of recidivism. 

In all the communities it serves, Ideal Option collaborates with existing stakeholders and providers to improve the continuum of care. This approach includes partnerships with emergency rooms and county jail systems, where individuals with substance use disorder often appear, as well as collaborating with numerous support agencies and municipal programs addressing social needs such as housing, mental health, and nutrition support. 

Media Contact

Olivia Roe, Ideal Option, 1 9199466644, [email protected], www.idealoption.com

Facebook, LinkedIn

SOURCE Ideal Option

Health

The Alarming Cost of Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s Care in the US

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Dr. Robert Keefer highlights the link between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s and the need for immediate change in new book

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — 38 million Americans are currently suffering from hearing loss. Of those 38 million, about 80% are not using hearing aids which is resulting in up to 500% higher likelihood of Alzheimer’s and dementia which carries a significant, but avoidable, financial burden.

Hearing industry insider and PhD scientist, Dr. Keefer knows firsthand how patients and their families are being failed not only by hearing aid dealers and audiologists, but Medicare and insurance industries.

“Currently, Americans are spending $240 billion per year on Alzheimer’s care alone and this will grow to $1 trillion in 10 years unless we make the policy changes detailed in this book,” Dr. Keefer said.

Dr. Keefer’s original intent was to write a simple guidebook which people could use to find the best hearing health care providers in the US. However, when research at NIH and Johns Hopkins University showed that 80% of the 38 million Americans with hearing loss have up to 500% higher risk of Alzheimer’s, and don’t use hearing aids, he expanded his mission: put pressure on Congress and Medicare to start covering hearing aids for everyone in need.

“We need to put pressure on Congress and Medicare;” Dr. Keefer said, “to start covering well-performing hearing aids for everyone in need which will improve the quality of life for millions of people while saving hundreds of billions of dollars for our healthcare system.”

“The Alzheimer’s/Hearing Aid Paradox: In Search of Sanity”
By Robert Keefer, PhD
ISBN: 978-1-6657-3321-2 (softcover); 978-1-6657-3319-9 (hardcover); 978-1-6657-3320-5 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Dr. Robert C. Keefer has worked in the US and German hearing industry for over 15 years and is the Owner and CEO of a leading hearing aid and audiology clinic in Raleigh, NC. He earned a doctorate degree in biochemistry from the University of Nebraska Medical School and has worked for over 30 years in the international medical device, pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries acquiring FDA product clearances and approvals, marketing and business development. To learn more, please visit http://www.hearinsanity.net.

Media Contact

Jeff Johnson, Lavidge, 480.998.2600, [email protected]

SOURCE Dr. Robert Keefer

Science: Biology

Atlanta Journal-Constitution names Corserv a 2023 Top 5 Workplace Two Years Running

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The innovative payment card issuing processor ranked #4 in the top small workplaces category.

ATLANTA, Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Corserv, a company that empowers banks and fintechs with payment card issuing programs, has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) Top Workplaces. Corserv ranked again this year among the top five of AJC’s 79 highlighted small workplaces.

The top workplaces are recognized for their unwavering dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, respected and motivated to achieve their full potential. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, CEO at Energage. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

“Management considers its No. 1 asset to be its people, and employees have the autonomy to do their jobs with little oversight.” said Anil Goyal, CEO at Corserv. “That freedom drives employees to bring their very best every day to every project. We aim to cultivate a culture of collaboration and purpose that is key to helping our employees succeed.”

About Corserv
Corserv provides innovative issuing processing and program management services for credit, debit and prepaid cards enabling Banks and Fintechs to deliver and embed payment card capabilities for their customers. Corserv’s deep expertise in the industry combined with our modern technology API solution provides our clients with everything they need to quickly build a successful card-issuing business. For more information, please visit http://www.corservsolutions.com.

Media Contact

Frankie Keck, Corserv, 6787817228, [email protected] 

SOURCE Corserv

Society: Social Services

Steel Sports Foundation Announces Donation from Warren Lichtenstein

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“I am proud to support the Steel Sports Foundation in its mission to provide opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and build character through sports,” said Warren Lichtenstein. “I believe that sports can have a transformative effect on young people, and I hope that this donation will help more underserved youth access the benefits of participating in sports.”

The Steel Sports Foundation’s board, which consists of Mario Marcon, Bobby Valentine and Ann Meyers Drysdale, is grateful for Warren’s generosity and support. This donation will help the Foundation expand its reach and impact and provide more young athletes with the chance to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams.

###

About Warren Lichtenstein

Warren G. Lichtenstein is the founder and executive chairman of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (NYSE: SPLP), a global diversified holding company, and the Founder of Steel Sports. During his career, Mr. Lichtenstein has served as a director of approximately 30 public and private companies. Mr. Lichtenstein’s philanthropy is focused on charitable causes that benefit children, education and youth sports. He is a founder and board member of Steel Partners Foundation and co-founder and board member of the Kids First Foundation. In 2011, Mr. Lichtenstein founded Steel Sports, a social impact organization with the mission of inspiring youth to reach their potential, on and off the field, by developing them as athletes and people through the Steel Sports Coaching System’s philosophies centered around positivity and a Kids First approach.

About Steel Sports Foundation

Steel Sports Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) CA non-profit organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. For more information, visit www.steelsportsfoundation.org.

Media Contact

Nathan Clinkenbeard, Steel Sports, 1 859-380-0216, [email protected], https://steelsports.com/

LinkedIn

SOURCE Steel Sports

Health

KitoTech Medical Announces Larry Hayes Has Joined the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer

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Larry Hayes, a senior executive in the medical device industry with a strong background in wound closure products, joined KitoTech as its Chief Executive Officer.

SEATTLE, Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — KitoTech Medical, manufacturer of microMend® and microMend® PRO Wound Closure Products, announces today that Larry Hayes has joined the company as its President and CEO. He brings over 20 years of experience in the medical device industry most of which was at the senior executive level. He has helped build several successful companies and introduced many innovative surgical products including wound closure products onto the market. Most recently, Larry served as VP of International Sales and Marketing at Intocare and EziSurg, two companies with innovative surgical stapler products which he launched onto the market. He started his career at W.L. Gore and rose to VP of Sales where he sold many types of sutures. With the hiring of Larry, Dr. Ron Berenson has moved to the position of Executive Chairman where he will continue to play an active role in KitoTech.

Larry Hayes said, “I am excited to join KitoTech, which is establishing its microMend PRO line of medical products as a new standard for closing wounds. It has demonstrated outstanding clinical results and early sales traction with physicians, clinics, and hospitals throughout the US. With this strong foundation, I look forward to building KitoTech into a major company in the wound closure business.”

Ron Berenson, MD, President and CEO, stated: “We are honored to have someone with the experience and track record of Larry who has helped build a number of successful medical device companies. He has built several commercial organizations from scratch and introduced many innovative wound closure products onto the market. Larry is the ideal candidate to lead KitoTech as we enter the next phase of growing our business not only in the US but internationally where he has a vast amount of experience.”

About KitoTech Medical and microMend Consumer and microMend PRO Medical Products

KitoTech Medical is a medical device company that is using its patented Microstaple Technology to develop and commercialize products for wound closure. These products include microMend and microMend PRO for the consumer and medical markets, respectively. They comprise an array of miniature staples (Microstaples) attached to an adhesive backing that combines the holding strength of a suture with the simplicity of applying a bandage. The products provide an easy-to use, time-saving, and cost-effective option for closing wounds. microMend PRO includes a broad range of products to close nearly all wounds including lacerations, skin tears, surgical incisions, and port sites. Additional information about the company and its products can be found online at www.micromendskinclosure.com. microMend PRO is being sold by Corza Medical.

Media Contact

Paul Leung, Kitotech Medical Inc, 1 8774201502, [email protected], https://www.micromendskinclosure.com/

SOURCE Kitotech Medical Inc

Technology: Computer

Top Companies, Careers, and Job Titles Hiring

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Career service spotlights top employers, in-demand career categories, and job titles with the most remote, part-time job opportunities so far in 2023

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — According to a recent FlexJobs survey, workers ranked remote work options (50%) and better work-life balance (46%) among the top three reasons why they would want to change careers. Given this interest in finding greater job flexibility, FlexJobs has released its 2023 Remote Part-Time Jobs Report to help workers better assess remote, part-time job opportunities that can provide the flexibility and remote options they want.

To compile the report, the career service analyzed more than 50 job categories in its database between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023, to determine the top 10 careers with the highest number of remote, part-time positions, the top 10 companies that have been hiring for the most remote, part-time openings, and the top 10 remote, part-time job titles that companies recruited for most during the first seven months of 2023.

“Remote, part-time jobs can help workers close employment gaps, earn extra income, gain flexibility, and level up their career skills,” said Keith Spencer, Career Expert at FlexJobs. “Fortunately as our report demonstrates, there are a variety of remote-friendly, part-time job opportunities available to workers across career levels and fields,” Spencer concluded.

A remote, part-time job is defined as any role under 30 to 35 hours per week that also allows any level of remote working, such as being fully remote, working hybrid, or having the option to work remotely. While most part-time job listings include an estimate or range of hours needed for the role, the schedule can vary depending on the employer’s needs or the worker’s preference.

Top 10 Careers for Remote, Part-Time Jobs in 2023

The top 10 career categories had the highest number of remote, part-time job openings during the first seven months of 2023. All provided ample remote, part-time job opportunities; however, Administrative, Education, and Bilingual offered the highest levels of these types of roles and are considered the strongest bets for part-time jobs with remote work options.

1. Administrative
2. Education
3. Bilingual
4. Medical & Health
5. Customer Service
6. Accounting & Finance
7. Writing
8. Project Management
9. Social Media
10. Marketing

Top 10 In-Demand Remote, Part-Time Job Titles

Similarly to the top 10 career categories, the most in-demand job titles further indicated the diverse range of opportunities––including accountants, bilingual interpreters, customer service representatives, and therapists, among others––across career levels and fields.

1. Accountant
2. Bilingual Interpreter
3. Bookkeeper
4. Copywriter
5. Customer Service Representative
6. Graphic Designer
7. Nurse Practitioner
8. Social Media Manager
9. Therapist
10. Virtual Assistant

Top 10 Companies for Remote, Part-Time Jobs

The 10 companies have had the most remote, part-time job listings since 2023.

1. BELAY
2. TELUS International
3. FluentU
4. Kelly
5. Supporting Strategies
6. Equivity
7. Foresight Mental Health
8. Western Governors University
9. Aquent
10. Modsquad

What to Consider Before Going Part-Time

No matter why someone is pursuing a part-time remote job, FlexJobs’ career experts recommend workers first consider the following key areas of impact these types of roles can have on their personal and professional lives.

1. Financial Situation
When taking on a remote, part-time job for additional income, first do the math to make sure it all adds up. While a remote job may mean no commute, there are other costs to consider, such as having less free time at night or on the weekends. Likewise, if a worker is considering dropping from full-time to part-time, they should ensure their finances can handle the reduction in income and possible loss of benefits.

2. Work-Life Balance
When a part-time job is the only job, workers will have a significant amount of flexibility in their schedule. But if it’s a second job, they need to think about the impact it can have on their work-life balance. For example, if they’re scheduled for 20 hours a week, will that take away from family time or hobbies? Can they do the job in 20 hours, or will they end up working more just to complete tasks?

3. Career Goals
Another critical point to consider is how a remote, part-time job fits into larger career goals. Are they taking on the job to learn new skills, advance professionally, or even make a career change? Or, is the worker strictly in it for the extra money? Knowing what one’s goals are for a part-time role can better help choose the right one.

For more information, please visit https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/remote-part-time-jobs-employers-titles-industries/ or contact Shanna Briggs at [email protected].

About FlexJobs
FlexJobs is the leading career service specializing in remote, hybrid, and flexible jobs, with over 135 million people having used its resources since 2007. FlexJobs provides the highest-quality database of vetted remote and flexible job listings, from entry-level to executive, startups to public companies, part-time to full-time. To support job seekers in all phases of their career journey, FlexJobs also offers extensive expert advice, webinars, and other resources. In parallel, FlexJobs works with leading companies to recruit quality remote talent and optimize their remote and flexible workplace. A trusted source for data, trends, and insight, FlexJobs has been cited extensively in top national outlets, including CNN, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, CNBC, Forbes magazine, and many more. FlexJobs also has partner sites Remote.co and Job-Hunt.org to help round out its content and job search offerings. Follow FlexJobs on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Media Contact

Shanna Briggs, FlexJobs, 866-991-9222, sbriggs@flexjobs.com

SOURCE FlexJobs



Health

AxisCare Partners with WOTC and ERTC Supplier, Rockerbox, to Provide Enhanced Benefits to Home Care Agencies

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The WOTC and ERTC programs aim to assist employers in reducing tax liabilities and promoting the hiring and retention of specific employee groups. Through this integration, AxisCare users can effortlessly identify and capitalize on eligible tax credits associated with employing individuals from specific demographic groups, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, the long-term unemployed, and more. Rockerbox brings deep expertise and knowledge in WOTC and ERTC regulations, providing home care agencies with professional guidance to maximize their tax credits and incentives.

AxisCare is dedicated to empowering home care agencies by providing innovative software solutions to streamline their operations and drive their success. This integration with Rockerbox is a further step in AxisCare’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to their users and home care agencies.

For more information about AxisCare’s integrated WOTC and ERTC solution, please contact our integrations team at [email protected].

About AxisCare:
AxisCare’s agency management software is a back-office and point-of-care solution for non-medical agencies. Specializing in Private Pay, Medicaid, VA Billing, and other 3rd-party payers, AxisCare’s platform helps agencies from SMB to franchises to enterprise agencies stay compliant, cash-flow healthy, and ahead of their competition. Recently given the industry’s top award for ease of use, overall performance, and customer service, AxisCare is designed to give you full control of your operations and to help you scale your business while keeping you and your team focused on what matters most: providing even better care. For more information, visit axiscare.com.

Media Contact:
Marketing@AxisCare.com

Media Contact

Silas Findley, AxisCare, (800) 930-7201, [email protected]

Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook

SOURCE AxisCare