BIZZELL PROVIDES ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR CHILDREN IN AFRICA

BIZZELL PROVIDES ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR CHILDREN IN AFRICA

January 11, 2021 (Lanham, MD) – The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) continues to lead in their commitment to improving lives globally, including some of the most vulnerable children in developing countries. Bizzell recently donated water tanks and sinks for young children living in Leve Moi Orphanage in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Leve Moi Orphanage was founded to serve children orphaned by natural and manmade disasters. The orphanage does not receive any state funding and relies on the goodwill of donors like Bizzell to develop and sustain their essential services to the children of the community. Leve Moi Orphanage currently houses 69 children ages 0-17. They also support an additional 500 children from the surrounding community with free education and school meals.

“Clean, safe, and accessible drinking water, a vital natural resource, is critical to human health and sustainable communities, yet dangerously scarce in many parts of the world,” said Rose Amolo, Bizzell’s Director of Global Programs & Strategic Partnerships. “Clean drinking water and handwashing are essential components of health and reduce incidence and spread of infectious diseases and illnesses such as Ebola, COVID-19, and other health conditions at high risk of spread. Bizzell’s donation will directly impact the health outcomes of these children and their community.”

Bizzell’s global philanthropic efforts focus on the provision of effective, efficient, timely, and fiscally responsible health, youth, and economic solutions that improve the overall quality of life for people in low, emerging, and middle-income countries. Using a participatory approach, Bizzell’s experts leverage best practices and methodologies from work with various federal agencies and multinational organizations to effect change. Bizzell integrates diversity in all global activities and recognizes and builds on the inherent knowledge, cultural insights, and expertise of local communities to develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions.

Bizzell’s most recent work in the DRC includes projects with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), international coalitions, and local health agencies, to combat both the Ebola COVID-19 pandemics through medical, epidemiological, technical assistance, and transportation/logistics support. Bizzell’s donation to the Leve Moi orphanage continues our commitment to integrating our subject matter expertise and our philanthropic focus to build healthy, secure, connected, and sustainable communities around the world.

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) strategy, technology, and consulting firm. Starting with our passion to improve lives, Bizzell has evolved as a leader in some of the most exciting and critical issues of our time, including training thousands of opioid treatment providers, tackling the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, creating new ways to reach U.S. military members at risk of suicide, and promoting and securing global health. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office to a thriving firm with offices in New Carrollton and Rockville, MD; Atlanta, GA; Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Lagos, Nigeria; with many more projects around the world.

Recovery During COVID-19: Tips for Women Returning to Work

Recovery During COVID-19: Tips for Women Returning to Work

U.S. Chambers recovery covid 19

One of my proudest accomplishments in 2019 was the opportunity to contribute my expertise to the U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Sharing Solutions campaign. Over the course of several months, I embarked on a National Tour where I addressed business leaders on their approach to being part of the solution to combat the opioid crisis in communities hit hardest by the epidemic. The goal of the campaign was to raise enough awareness on the local level to reach national business leaders. This is an active undertaking I am making strides towards as a member of the Advisory Board for the U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation today.

To help in this cause, it is imperative we bring awareness to populations disproportionately prone to substance use disorders, such as the increased number of working women, and share what businesses can do for women going through recovery while unexpected new life changes arise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Undergoing recovery during a time of uncertainty and isolation, feelings resulting from COVID-19, have posed new challenges for women who are experiencing significant life-changing scenarios we call the “new normal”. Whether it is balancing life at home with essential work, stresses with going into the office every day, returning back to the office after months working remotely, or actively looking for new work after a furlough or layoff, women in recovery are at heightened risk for relapse during this time.

Our focus on substance use disorders disproportionately affecting women is continuing to increase at a much faster rate in recent months due to the pandemic but has been on the rise according to this 2017 report from the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). According to the report, in the United States, 8.4 million females misused prescription drugs and 19.5 million females aged 18 years old and older have used illegal drugs. Of these women surveyed, their reasoning for using illicit drugs in the past, or present, was to mask symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue (NIDA, 2019). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), increased fear and anxiety are among the top mental health concerns we are seeing during the pandemic.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), differences in sex and gender impact the progression that both women and men experience when using and misusing opioids. Results from the most recent 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from SAMHSA highlighted that the percentage of people aged 12 or older with a past year substance use disorder remained stable from 2015-2019. Among the 20.4 million (both women and men) reported in 2019 with a substance use disorder, 71.1 percent were affected by alcohol use disorder, 40.7 percent an illicit drug use disorder, and 11.8 percent both an alcohol and illicit drug use disorder. On the heels of National Recovery Month, mental health organizations are working to bring awareness for those who are affected by a substance use disorder or know someone who is affected.

COVID-19’s negative impact on the average working woman and their family situations can further prompt a substance use disorder or relapse in women in recovery. According to the COVID-19 Impact two-thirds of parents have changed their childcare arrangements due to the pandemic, which has led to added stress in the home. This has increased the concerns for being let go from one’s job due to the inability to manage the balance between their children’s academics and their workload.

We’ve compiled a list of recommendations for business leaders who are looking for ways to foster protocols that make work transitions easier on their employee, all of which provide peace of mind during life’s stressful events:

  • Work with your company personnel to develop an action plan best suited for their level of comfort and openly discuss these protocols, make it visually apparent in the office, and periodically ask staff for feedback.
  • Provide consistency in the office. Brainstorm midday or mid-week breaks where employees can gather together, have open discussions or participate in mindful meditations as a group to help ensure everyone is in this together.
  • Encourage open dialogue for employees, especially with managers. Look for ways to support this dialogue so that everyone feels connected and welcomed to reach out with any concerns.

At The Bizzell Group, one of the ways we are taking an active approach to raising awareness of substance use disorders in women is by partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Women’s Health (OWH) to support the Combatting Opioid Misuse Among Women and Girls: Prevention Strategies at Work. 18 grantees and 75 participants discussed projects in 12 states focused on preventing substance use disorders for girls ages 10 to 17, women of reproductive age, and older women.

The goal was to improve health care delivery by holding discussions around community engagement, pregnant and postpartum women and infants, youth education, training, and capacity building for the clinical workforce, pain management, and health IT and innovation. With the goal to bring awareness for women prone to relapse during this time, we need to call on the business community to develop protocols for their businesses to ensure the safety of women prone to turning to abusing illicit drugs and misusing prescription medication for challenging, uncertain or new life events.

 

 

 

BIZZELL HONORED BY U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALIST

BIZZELL HONORED BY U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALIST

Finalists to Be Recognized During Annual Small Business Awards Program

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 (LANHAM, MD)— The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), one of the fastest growing small businesses in America, has been named a finalist in the 2020 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big Awards. The Awards, presented by Chase for Business with support from MetLife, celebrate the achievements of small businesses honors their contributions to America’s economic growth.

“Over the last several months, small business owners have faced challenge after challenge. Yet, despite these challenges small business owners never stop innovating, pivoting, taking risks, working hard, and dreaming big,” said Tom Sullivan, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Small Business Policy. “Small businesses are a critical and vibrant sector of the U.S. economy. The U.S. Chamber is proud to celebrate the very best in American small business through our Dream Big Awards.”

The Dream Big Awards program includes Business Achievement Awards to recognize excellence in eight categories and reflect the leading businesses in each of the following areas: community support and leadership, emerging, green/sustainable, minority-owned, veteran-owned, woman-owned, young entrepreneur, and small business of the year. This year’s finalists were selected from a record of over 700 applicants.

The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes the success of one small business and honors its contributions to the growth and diversity of the American economy. This award recognizes a small business that exemplifies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual initiative. Finalists for this award exemplify success and leadership in each of the following areas: business growth and performance, business strategies and goals, community engagement, customer and employee relation practices, and innovative business strategies/practices.

“Innovation and resilience are the bricks that solidify our foundation as a small business in America,” said Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, President & CEO for Bizzell. “It is an honor to receive this acknowledgement as we work to ensure longevity in the unprecedented economic climate. I hope for a prosperous tomorrow for all businesses as we persevere through challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Award winners will be announced at the virtual Dream Big Awards program on Thursday, October 15 at 2:00pm ET.

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm that specializes in communications, conference management and logistical support, data analytics, information technology, program management, technical assistance, and training and development. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, defense, finance, labor, justice, energy, transportation, education, and global development projects that advance national priorities. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office, to a thriving firm with offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, Atlanta, GA and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with on-going projects around the world. Learn more about how Bizzell develops data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions at: www.thebizzellgroup.com

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. For more information, visit www.uschamber.com  

Bizzell Launches Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center to Aid Behavioral Health Priorities (BHARC)

Bizzell Launches Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center to Aid Behavioral Health Priorities (BHARC)

August 10, 2020 (Lanham, MD)The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), an award-winning strategy, technology, and consulting services firm with a passion for improving lives, today announced the launch of the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC). This new site presents innovative solutions for organizations of all sizes, in business, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations to some of the most critical issues affecting the well-being of the human race today. Chief among these issues are the opioid epidemic, substance use disorders and suicide prevention.

The increasing number of COVID-19 cases nationally and around the globe has heightened concerns about mental health and substance abuse and misuse issues. With stay-at-home restrictions, social isolation, and fear of contracting the virus as contributing factors for increased anxiety, attention to mental health is of greater importance than ever. This is especially true in lower socioeconomic areas where resources are limited. BHARC will serve as a valuable source of solutions to improve and maintain community health and well-being across the United States and around the world.

BHARC provides the following tools:

  • Subject matter expertise on the areas of substance use, mental health, vulnerable populations, HIV and AIDS, tobacco research, suicide prevention, maternal and child health and social behavior change
  • Technical assistance, trainings and innovative tools
  • News, media and industry insights

BHARC developed as a result of Bizzell’s work over the years within the federal health space, including:

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Office on Women’s Health (OWH)
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
  • U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

“At Bizzell, we are accelerating advancements in behavioral health, working with clients and agencies to prioritize prevention,” said Anton C. Bizzell M.D., CEO and President of The Bizzell Group. “Many communities are disproportionately affected and change needs to start from within the public health spectrum. This includes taking initiative on how we can provide resources to better improve clinical medicine, community health and maternal and child health so that we build healthy, secure and connected communities around our nation and around the world.”

For more information on The Bizzell Group’s Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center or to sign up for the newsletter, please go to https://www.bharc.org

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm that specializes in program management, administrative support, communications and outreach, conference management and logistical support, health services and research, technical assistance, and training and development. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, scientific, education, environmental, research, and information technology projects that advance national priorities. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office, to a thriving firm with four offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, Atlanta, GA and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with ongoing projects around the world. Learn more about how we develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex-real-world challenges: The Bizzell Group.