Category Archives: Health

What is new in the field of Health. Trending topics, and cutting edge research in the are of Health. Press Releases that give us updates on Health.

Triaj and uReveal announce their strategic partnership to apply advanced AI techniques to the collection, study and analysis of healthcare information


Strategic Partnership Between Triaj and uReveal

Strategic Partnership Between Triaj and uReveal

I believe that Triaj will provide the information that physicians and nurses need to save lives and improve patient outcomes. – Martin R. Eichelberger, MD, Founder and CEO, Triaj

In this partnership uReveal will provide the AI Big Data capacity to search and analyze the universe of medical data while Triaj will identify the medical data in selected areas and the Subject Matter Expert (SME) knowledge to guide and understand the results.

The initial release will provide and track guidelines for the full continuum of patient care for the most common trauma and medical diagnoses, to include, head injury, abdominal injury, femur fracture, hypovolemic shock, malignant hyperthermia, fever, asthma, appendicitis, and diabetes. The Triaj SME team will identify the best sources of medical information and concepts in these important areas. The uReveal technical team will apply their platform to data-mine for publicly available “best practice” evidence-based information, in an effort to rapidly scale the content of the Triaj application.

AI in Healthcare employs complex algorithms of machine learning and custom software to analyze medical data. Specifically, the ability of computer algorithms to approximate conclusions without direct human input.

The primary goal of Triaj is to analyze relationships between prevention, treatment techniques and patient outcomes. These include practices such as identification of a diagnosis, treatment protocol development and the sequence of patient care as a checklist.

According to Martin R. Eichelberger, MD, the Founder and CEO of Triaj: “I have been developing Best Medical Practices for decades and I believe that Triaj will provide the information that physicians and nurses need to save lives and improve patient outcomes. As healthcare knowledge continues to evolve at a rapid rate, it has been more difficult to continue to track and share best practices. We believe that by applying uReveal’s advanced, big data focused AI platform, to the Triaj platform we will revolutionize healthcare.”

“One of the most significant applications for AI is to study, analyze and report upon the vast collection of healthcare and medical information.” says Mark O’Hare – CEO of uReveal.

Industry analysts predict that AI will be the most significant technology advance of the next 10+ years. Traditional AI problems include reasoning, knowledge representation, planning, learning, natural language processing, perception and the ability to move and manipulate objects. And many experts believe that the most powerful application of AI will come in healthcare.

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About Triaj

The goal of the Triaj System is to significantly reduce medical errors–a crisis of safe patient care that exists as the #3 cause of death in the United States– to improve the quality of healthcare in a high-risk environment. The Triaj platform provides a cloud-based, Artificial Intelligence driven, mobile platform to instantly deliver “just-in-time,” medical knowledge and education to 45 million doctors and nurses anywhere in the world.

Triaj is a new Digital Healthcare and MedTech cloud-based app that will save lives and improve the care patients receive through application of a clinical decision support system for doctors, nurses and hospitals: Triaj Brand Video.

Triaj Linkedin

Triaj Website

About uReveal

uReveal is a new Enterprise AI company with solutions that help obtain business results faster, more accurately and at less cost. The company was founded by world renowned AI technology experts.

The company is at the leading edge of transformative analytics to help organizations harness the full power of Big Data. The user is empowered to work directly with data in it’s natural format – not only structured data but also unstructured “textual” information from sources such as documents, reports, emails and web postings.

uReveal has created a powerful AI platform that can unify and organize all “Big Data” for easy analysis. This enables business and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)… real-time access to the data in a structured and concept organized way. This results in the ability to deliver actionable insights in minutes not months.

uReveal Website

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INC. Magazine Names MaidPro to List of Best Workplaces for 2020


MaidPro Adventure Trip to Peru

MaidPro Adventure Trip to Peru

“The companies on Inc.’s Best Workplaces list are setting an example that the whole country can learn from, especially now, when company culture is more important to the workforce than ever.”

MaidPro Franchise has been named to Inc. magazine’s annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2020. Hitting newsstands May 12 in the May/June 2020 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits.

MaidPro is a residential cleaning franchise with more than 285 locations across North America. Their home office in Boston consists of approximately 50 employees that work to support their franchise owners. The MaidPro home office offers unique benefits that promote the health and wellbeing of their employees.

Collecting data from more than 3,000 submissions, Inc. singled out 389 finalists for this year’s list. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, on topics including trust, management effectiveness, perks, and confidence in the future. Inc. gathered, analyzed, and audited the data. This year, 73.5 percent of surveyed employees were engaged by their work.

The strongest engagement scores came from companies that prioritize the most human elements of work. These companies are leading the way in employee recognition, performance management, and diversity. It is a different playbook from a decade ago, when too many firms used the same template: free food, open work environments, and artifacts of “fun.”

“We are in the business of health, wellness, and helping others. This is why we have made a conscious effort to provide benefits and experiences that allow our employees to stay happy and healthy. From trips around the world to puppies in the office, we are open to any and all opportunities that will allow our employees to shine,” says Mark Kushinsky, CEO of MaidPro.

“Building a great corporate culture comes only from strong leadership,” says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “The companies on Inc.’s Best Workplaces list are setting an example that the whole country can learn from, especially now, when company culture is more important to the workforce than ever.”

While researching the finalists, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes:

  • 100 percent provide health insurance.
  • 50 percent allow employees to bring pets to work.
  • 62 percent take employees to offsite retreats to relax and recharge.
  • 20 percent offer paid sabbaticals to reward length of service.


About MaidPro

MaidPro is a Boston-based franchisor of house cleaning services with over 285 locations in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1997, takes pride in its strong owner community, cutting-edge technology, and creative marketing. It has been honored with the Franchise Business Review’s Four-Star Rating and Franchise 50 awards every year from 2006 to 2020 for owner satisfaction. MaidPro was named one of the Top 50 Franchises for Minorities by USA Today’s Franchising Today. The company can be found online at http://www.maidprofranchise.com.

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com.

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CISCRP Explores the Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Research


A data slide that displays information about how individuals enrolled in ongoing clinical trials for illnesses other than COVID-19 are being impacted by the pandemic.

Individuals enrolled in ongoing clinical trials for illnesses other than COVID-19 are being impacted by the pandemic.

Five hundred diverse individuals in the United States and a few select countries in Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy) completed the survey. Eighteen percent of the respondents have clinical trial experience.

The recent public healthcare crisis has generated an increasing amount of attention on the topic of clinical research. In light of this, CISCRP conducted a brief survey among the public and patients in April 2020 to assess the impact of the pandemic on clinical research perceptions and experiences. The final report can be accessed here.

Five hundred diverse individuals in the United States and a few select countries in Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy) completed the survey. Eighteen percent of the respondents have clinical trial experience. Of those who have participated in clinical research, more than half (56%) are currently enrolled in a clinical trial for COVID-19. Where appropriate, comparisons were made to the baseline 2019 Perceptions & Insights Study, a biennial large-scale global analysis of public and patient views of and experiences with clinical research to identify any notable differences.

Overall, awareness of clinical trials remains low – as 58% had not heard of a COVID-19 clinical research study recently.

“Interestingly, among the minority that had recently heard of a COVID-19 clinical research study in the recruitment phase, we learned that a higher proportion (40%) of Europeans are aware than Americans (34%),” said Annick de Bruin, Director, Research Services. “This contrasts with our larger baseline 2019 Perceptions & Insights Study where we found that North Americans are more likely to be aware of a current clinical trial in general than any other region. This may partially be due to the fact that the crisis evolved earlier in Europe.”

Misconceptions about the clinical research development process persist. Most (60%) think a treatment or vaccine for the virus will be developed in less than one year. Once developed, the majority (64%) think it will be less than a year before people can start receiving it.

Patients currently enrolled in ongoing clinical trials for conditions other than COVID-19 report experiencing changes as a result of the pandemic such as telemedicine, study medication delivered to their homes, and the use of smartphone apps. Twenty-six percent report a suspension of the clinical research study in which they were enrolled and 11% report a reduced number of in-person clinic visits.

Top motivators for participating in a COVID-19 clinical research study include altruistic reasons with 46% mentioning ‘to help others who are suffering’ and 46% mentioning ‘to advance science and the treatment of COVID-19.’ These motivations are in line with findings from the larger baseline 2019 Perceptions & Insights Study.

Both the COVID-19 special report, as well as the 2019 baseline reports are available free of charge on the CISCRP website under Research Services, https://www.ciscrp.org/services/research-services/ . CISCRP also presents the aggregate results of the Perceptions and Insights Study at industry conferences, company meetings, and other virtual and in-person forums. For a detailed, in-depth report with a facilitated virtual meeting or webinar, please contact Annick de Bruin at adebruin@ciscrp.org or call 617-725-2750 x400.

About CISCRP

The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to educating and informing the public and patients about clinical research. CISCRP works to raise awareness, enhance experiences, and strengthen communication and relationships among participants, research professionals and the public through various services and events. http://www.ciscrp.org

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Former nurse designs witty and poignant lockdown inspired necklaces to raise funds for the NHS & CRISIS


Jade Sammour, a mother of two and former nurse turned jewellery designer at Dainty London is doing her bit to support her beloved NHS and bring a smile to people by designing a range of lockdown inspired necklaces. 100% of the profits will go to her local hospital, Broomfield Hospital (Mid Essex Hospital Trust, reg charity no 1048542) and national charity Crisis, to end homelessness and to support those hit especially hard by the coronavirus outbreak (reg charity no E&W1082947, SC040094)

Small business owner Jade runs ethical jewellery brand Dainty London, and the two new necklaces form part of her bestselling Diminutive collection.

Witty and poignant snapshots of human interactions during the pandemic, the two necklaces are handcrafted in recycled sterling silver and can be personalised.

Speaking about the new designs, Jade says: “Having been a nurse, I understand the pressures the NHS is under and I’m so moved by the stories of my former colleagues and the amazing job they are doing. Although I’m just a small business, this is my way of doing my bit – to raise funds, raise awareness and hopefully bring a smile to people’s faces in these challenging times.”

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Pelican BioThermal Expands Global Rental Network in Incheon, South Korea


Crēdo™ Cargo and Crēdo Xtreme™ pallet shippers

Having access to a high performance, flexible rental option for shipping temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals can expand South Korea’s reach throughout Asia and beyond.

Pelican BioThermal, the global name in temperature-controlled packaging, announces the opening of a new network station and drop point in Incheon, South Korea—as the country eyes pharmaceutical development as a primary driver of economic growth. This network station is strategically located near the capital city of Seoul to enable the region to take advantage of the Crēdo™ on Demand rental option for temperature-controlled containers.

“South Korea is a significant player in the development of generic pharmaceuticals, and it’s already home to 40-plus multinational pharmaceutical companies,” said Dominic Hyde, Vice President of Crēdo on Demand at Pelican BioThermal. “Having access to a high performance, flexible rental option for shipping temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals can expand South Korea’s reach throughout Asia and beyond.”

GlobalData reports that South Korea’s pharmaceutical market is expected to climb to $23.3 billion by 2022. According to the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, pharmaceutical exports have experienced double digit annual growth in recent years — due to increasing shipments to Europe, Asia and North America.

The new drop point and network station joins more than 100 locations across the globe supporting Pelican BioThermal’s Crēdo™ on Demand rental program. The Incheon location will service, refurbish, repair and condition Pelican BioThermal’s reusable Crēdo™ Cargo and Crēdo Xtreme™ shipping containers.

Visit http://www.pelicanbiothermal.com to learn more about the wide range of Pelican BioThermal products and offerings.

Pelican BioThermal is a division of Pelican Products, Inc., which is a portfolio company of Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco.

About Pelican Products

Pelican Products, Inc. is the global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance protective cases, temperature-controlled packaging solutions, advanced portable lighting systems and rugged gear for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Their products are used by professionals in the most demanding markets including fire safety, law enforcement, defense / military, aerospace, entertainment, industrial and in numerous outdoor markets. Pelican™ products are designed and built to last a lifetime. The company operates in 26 countries, with 24 international sales offices and seven manufacturing facilities around the globe. In Europe, the company does business under the name Peli Products, S.LU. For more information, visit http://www.pelican.com or http://www.behrmancap.com.

About Pelican BioThermal

Pelican BioThermal LLC offers the widest range of temperature-controlled packaging and service solutions to the global life sciences industry. The company’s products ensure that delicate biological materials arrive intact and effective, despite exterior environments. Pelican BioThermal is dedicated to developing innovative products designed to fulfill the complex needs of the global life sciences industry. The company’s efforts have received recognition including the U.S. Army’s Greatest Inventions, the Made in Minnesota Manufacturing award for supply chain innovators, the Finance & Commerce Progress Minnesota award for business growth and the Twin Cities Business Manufacturing Excellence award. Pelican BioThermal’s customers benefit from its extensive expertise in ensuring that temperature stability is maintained throughout the distribution chain. The company also offers a complete portfolio of services and software to support end-to-end temperature-controlled packaging asset management. In Europe, the company does business under the name Peli BioThermal Limited. For more information, visit http://www.pelicanbiothermal.com.

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World’s First Bottled Avocado Coffee Launches on Kickstarter


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“Our formula is the result of years of development and testing. We’ve perfected dairy free butter coffee and made it taste amazing! The functional beverage market is exploding and I’m confident Avocajoe can be a major player.” – Clint Bondzuk, Founder and CEO of Avocajoe Brands

Avocajoe Brands Inc. has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help bring their flagship avocado coffee to market. Avocajoe is the next generation of butter coffee – it delivers multiple health benefits without relying on dairy or bad-for-you saturated fat. The revolutionary drink offers a new way for the health-conscious consumer to add essential monounsaturated fats and micronutrients to their diet.

“Our formula is the result of years of development and testing. We’ve perfected dairy free butter coffee and made it taste amazing! The functional beverage market is exploding and I’m confident Avocajoe can be a major player.” – Clint Bondzuk, Founder and CEO of Avocajoe Brands

Avocajoe Original Avocado Coffee is 100% plant based, nut and grain free, non-GMO, naturally sweetened with monk fruit and is made with one of the world’s healthiest foods, avocado! The formula provides all the benefits of traditional butter coffee without bad fats and cholesterol.

Additional benefits of Avocajoe include:

  • 2/3rds of an avocado’s worth of healthy fats in every container
  • as much caffeine as your morning cup of coffee
  • 100% plant-based ingredients including ground avocado, avocado oil and cold brew coffee
  • 0g of sugar
  • It’s vegan, gluten free, keto friendly – compatible with almost every lifestyle!

The Kickstarter campaign is open to backers for 30 days beginning May 26th.

About Avocajoe Brands

Avocajoe Brands is a beverage and nutrition startup, focused on increasing consumption of heart and brain healthy monounsaturated fats to the masses through a line of avocado based products. After the launch of its flagship Original Avocado Coffee, the company plans to add 2 additional coffee flavors, and a line of coffee free children’s beverages to support brain development and encourage a healthy childhood.

Avocajoe Brands is a proud member of 1% for the Planet.

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SeKON Enterprise, Inc. Welcomes Dr. James Bryant as the Technical Advisor in the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization


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SeKON Enterprise, Inc. the premier management and technology consulting firm serving federal government health services is pleased to announce today that senior technical expert Dr. James A. (Jim) Bryant has joined the company as the Technical Advisor in the Federal Health Record Modernization (FEHRM).

Before joining SeKON, Dr. Bryant held key leadership roles within complex organizations including federal, state and local governments and commercial industries. With 40 years of progressive experience as a leader, teacher, advisor and manager, his counsel and expertise are sought in leading people and change through high profile initiatives.

At SeKON, Dr. Bryant will provide sociotechnical advice to the FEHRM Director, Dr. Monica Farah-Stapleton, as well as the Veterans Administration (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD). The FEHRM was recently established as a joint DoD/VA organization to work specifically on electronic health records (EHR).

Jim will prove to be invaluable as a catalyst for innovation for our customers and within our organization. I couldn’t be more excited to have him join our SeKON family,” said CEO Dr. Angela Wilson.

About SeKON

Established in 1996 by Dr. Angela Wilson, SeKON Enterprise, Inc. is a privately held management and technology consultancy based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. For more than 20 years, we have delivered our clients value by driving efficiency of operations and applying emerging technology with innovative techniques while being accountable for delivering excellence, transparency and ongoing collaborative communication. We have a proven record of helping our clients achieve their mission goals through dedicated support, partnering, thought leadership, value-added services and quantifiable benefits by engaging the best resources available. We are committed to solving problems that matter, achieving mission goals, and making a measurable impact on organizations and the stake holders they serve through the convergence of the right talent, tools and processes. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sekon

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Best Practices for Designing a Flexible, Resilient Protocol, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks


Xtalks Life Science Webinars

Through lessons learned during the global pandemic, the speakers will discuss how to quickly accommodate today’s current studies to function in a decentralized model.

As drug development sponsors are incorporating patient-centric elements into their traditional clinical trial designs, there are several factors to consider during the study planning phase. Whether using telemedicine, mobile nursing services, laboratory support, patient service centers, investigational product management, or a combination of these elements, it is important to develop an operational strategy that allows for flexibility and accounts for complete oversight of each connection point between patients, service providers and the sponsor.

Join this educational webinar to learn best practices for designing a customizable protocol centered around leveraging technology to reduce patient and site burden, streamline data collection and endpoint analysis and optimize study design to support study continuity. Through lessons learned during the global pandemic, the speakers will discuss how to quickly accommodate today’s current studies to function in a decentralized model.

This webinar will also discuss lessons learned for planning ahead to seamlessly apply this approach for future trials. By walking through several real-life examples and providing innovative solutions to traditional schedule of assessments to create operationally sound decentralized clinical trials, the speakers will share insights for operational planning, management of integrated technologies and change management to better equip sponsors with the tools and resources to design a more flexible and resilient protocol focused on patient-centric solutions.

Join Susan Foose, Associate Director, Decentralized Clinical Trials, Covance, Cristina Green, Executive Director, Decentralized Clinical Trials, Covance and Jane Myles, Director, Decentralized Trials Implementation, Covance in a live webinar on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 10am EDT (3pm BST/UK).

For more information or to register for this event, visit Decentralized Clinical Trials: Best Practices for Designing a Flexible, Resilient Protocol.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/

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One or More Missing Teeth Replaced in One Day by Fargo, ND Oral Surgeon, Using Immediate Dental Implants


Oral Surgeon in Fargo, ND, Dr. Michael Noffze

Oral Surgeon in Fargo, ND, Dr. Michael Noffze, Renews a Complete Smile in One Day

It only took three days after receiving dental implants and my mouth was back to normal.

Respected oral surgeon, Dr. Michael Noffze of The Facial and Oral Surgery Center, provides dental implants in Fargo, ND for those affected by tooth loss. Implants mimic the natural function and appearance of teeth, giving patients back their smile, confidence and oral health. Dr. Noffze offers a variety of implant solutions and can even provide same-day dental implants.

“It only took three days after receiving dental implants and my mouth was back to normal,” says Wayne, a dental implant patient of Dr. Noffze. “What I got out of this was the ability to have some good teeth again. The ability to have a full mouth of teeth, not a bridge or partial. That was very important to me.”

Dental implants are often considered to be the gold standard solution to tooth loss as they provide the same function as natural teeth. An implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone and mimics a tooth root, osseointegrating into the bone and stimulating it for continued growth. The crown placed over the implant is designed to look and function like a normal tooth, giving the patient the ability to eat, speak and smile confidently. Dental implants provide many benefits to patients, including:

  • A natural look and feel
  • A long-term tooth loss solution
  • Ability to eat almost any foods
  • Preserved jawbone
  • Enhanced self-confidence

At The Facial and Oral Surgery Center, Dr. Noffze utilizes advanced technology to accurately place implants for optimal results. Using a cone beam CT scanner, Dr. Noffze can capture highly detailed digital images of the patient’s mouth, including the bone volume, location of nerves and position of tooth roots. These images are then used to create a physical implant guide, which ensures accurate surgical placement and more predictable results. For those worried about discomfort during surgery or who have dental anxiety, Dr. Noffze also offers dental anesthesia, including IV sedation. This helps patients block out discomfort and fear during the procedure.

As an experienced oral surgeon, Dr. Noffze specializes in the placement of dental implants. His advanced background in medicine and dentistry ensures that patients receive the best possible results that can last them a lifetime with proper care. Dr. Noffze can provide patients with single, multiple and even full mouth dental implants dependent on their needs. In some cases, he can even offer same-day dental implants, which includes tooth extraction, implant placement and immediate restoration with a temporary tooth or bridge of teeth.

Those suffering from tooth loss in Fargo, ND and surrounding areas who are interested in receiving dental implants are encouraged to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Noffze. Appointments can be made by calling 701-232-9565 or by visiting the website at http://www.tfaosc.com.

About the Oral Surgeon

The Facial and Oral Surgery Center is a leading oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in Fargo, ND. Dr. Michael Noffze is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who received his medical degree and certificate in preliminary general surgery from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Noffze is the director of one of the largest dental study clubs in the United States, was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who as the 2010 Professional of the Year for Dental Surgery, and continually speaks internationally on the topic of dental implants. Dr. Noffze is specially trained to treat medically compromised patients and his advanced and unique digital workflow streamlines complex dental implant cases. To learn more about The Facial and Oral Surgery Center and the advanced services that Dr. Noffze provides, call 701-232-9565 or visit the website at http://www.tfaosc.com.

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Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine Data Reveals Callers in Crisis Amid COVID-19 Pandemic


[IMAGE] The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.

“When a problem gambler feels they have lost everything and sees no possibility to gain or recover, suicidal ideation and/or attempts are very real possibilities,” said Jennifer Kruse, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG).

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape life as we had once known it, closures of traditional brick-and-mortar gambling facilities coupled with social distancing restrictions and requirements have resulted in dramatic shifts in gambling behaviors along with serious negative consequences as reported by contacts to Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine in March and April.

According to Jennifer Kruse, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG), “Of particular concern with recent COVID-19 closures and quarantines, is the associated increase in problem-gambling-related risk factors that occur as a result, such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and increased use or abuse of substances. The severity of problems reported by individuals contacting the FCCG’s 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine in March and April illustrate the increased occurrence of these associated risk factors and resulting, exacerbated problem-gambling-related impacts experienced during this time.”

While gambling can be a safe recreational activity for the majority of people, hundreds of thousands of Floridians suffer from gambling disorder, often with devastating impacts. Current and ongoing pandemic-related financial strains from job loss, furloughs, and lost income may lead to more gambling of all types in hopes of winning money just to survive. Receiving a stimulus check may also be viewed as an unexpected “big win” for at-risk and problem or recovering gamblers. Money lost gambling can lead to financial difficulties, which can trigger associated stressors that interfere with relationships, mental, and even physical health. These experiences can leave problem gamblers and their loved ones feeling discouraged and hopeless about the future.

“When a problem gambler feels they have lost everything and sees no possibility to gain or recover, suicidal ideation and/or attempts are very real possibilities. This is unfortunately what we have seen with contacts to the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine in April, with more than one in five (21%), revealing current or recent suicidal feelings or thoughts due to their gambling problem,” explained Kruse. “The share of callers referred to Crisis Lines in April (23%), also rose significantly by more than double, with increased levels of hopelessness and desperation reported, due to gambling-related financial and mental health repercussions brought about by the COVID-19 crisis,” Kruse noted, as cause for additional concern.

If a problem gambler’s first game of choice is not available, most do not just “stop gambling” because they are simply unable to do so. They instead seek to feed their addiction through any accessible and available means, even if not their typical gambling preference. Closures of traditional land-based gambling facilities had a significant impact on the primary gambling problems reported by Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine contacts in April. “The most frequently cited primary gambling problems shifted from slot machines, cards, and table games that are most often reported, to those forms of gambling which were still accessible; Online Gambling (41%), Lottery (38%), and Sweepstakes (10%),” said Kruse.

“Of equal significance was the reported geographical location from which the HelpLine contact originated. During the month of April, for the first time ever, Seminole County tied with Miami-Dade County (16% each) as the top most frequently cited area from which the help contact originated. Alachua County was the second most frequently cited location in April, as reported by 13%, and 9% of help seekers reported their location as Hillsborough County, which is also atypical from “Pre-COVID-19” 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine data, which consistently reflects Broward and Miami-Dade Counties as the top areas from which the contact originated,” added Kruse.

The data reported during the month of April by 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine contacts, reveals that help seekers this month were from areas all over the state and were primarily from those engaged in the forms of gambling activities still available during quarantine and social distancing restrictions, Online Gambling and the Lottery. This illustrates the effects that gambling addiction can have on any community in the state, and further highlights that those associated impacts will correlate with what gambling options are accessible or available in a particular area.

At a time of uncertainty while the whole world anxiously awaits the return to “normal life,” whatever that may be, reassurance for anyone negatively impacted by a gambling problem that resources are available and accessible through Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine has never been more important. “Gambling addiction is treatable, and population-specific programs and services for gamblers and their loved ones are accessible any time of the day or night, any day of the year. The FCCG’s 24-hour confidential and multilingual HelpLine may be reached by calling 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), texting (321) 978-0555, emailing fccg@gamblinghelp.org, initiating a live chat at gamblinghelp.org, or by reaching out to us on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter,” concluded Kruse.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. (FCCG) is a gaming neutral not-for-profit corporation under contract with Florida State government, serving as the designated state affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). In addition to operating the 24-hour Problem Gambling HelpLine (888-ADMIT-IT), the FCCG increases awareness of problem gambling through education and outreach efforts throughout the state of Florida, advocates on behalf of the public regarding issues relating to problem gambling, and provides programs, resources, and other population specific supports to those in need of assistance.

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