Bizzell CEO Contributes Chapter to The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine

Anton Bizzell, M.D., CEO of The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) celebrates the publication of the fifth edition of The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine.  The publication is the go-to textbook in the specialty field of addiction medicine, with the fifth edition providing core knowledge by “blending scientific principles underlying addiction with the practical essential of clinical addiction medicine.” The chapter, Ethical Issues in Addiction Practice was co-authored by Dr. Bizzell, H. Westley Clark, MD, JD, MPH, CAS, FASAM and Anthony Campbell, RPh, DO.

Dr. Bizzell brings significant experience within the health care community having served as a medical officer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).   The chapter itself, details core ethical principles, aspects of dealing with denial, establishing an ethical stance, and potential future developments that could stimulate unprecedented paradigm shifts that may influence health care decision-making that would impact the disenfranchisement underlying health disparities in addiction treatment.

“It’s always an honor to be asked to participate in developing a narrative for something I’ve always been very passionate about,” Dr. Bizzell said in a statement.  “Its one thing to manage programs and work with people addressing addictive behaviors nationwide, but to be able to contribute to the field, and educate others is equally as rewarding. “

The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine Fifth Edition may be ordered through the publisher Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and includes a fully searchable online app version of the text and appendices and review questions. Phone orders dial 1-800-638-3030.

Bizzell Provides Sponsorship Support for Annual Fortune Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser

The Fortune Foundation is hosting its first annual Fortune Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at The Society Lounge in Silver Spring, MD from 3 pm – 7 pm.   The event boasts a guest list of more than 250 attendees who will experience an afternoon of food, live music, guest speakers, raffles and much more.  The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is one of the many sponsors for this charitable event.

The Fortune Foundation – established in 2013 – is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enrich the lives of minority youth by offering educational scholarships, leadership development, mentoring and tutoring, and college preparation to high school students living in South Florida and the Metropolitan D.C. areas.  The goal is to equip the participating youth in these areas with the resources to become next-generation leaders and positively impact their surrounding communities and society as a whole.

The event is being held to support the Fortune Leadership and Academic Excellence Scholarship – awarded each year to three graduating minority high school seniors who excel academically and exemplify outstanding leadership.  Donations and contributions to the organization will also allow the organization to offer minority students a range of enrichment opportunities, such as college fairs and field trips.

The Fortune Foundation focuses primarily on the areas of academic excellence, leadership, mentorship and college readiness.  “Bizzell believes in giving back to our community, particularly our youth, who will be tomorrow’s leaders,” Bizzell CEO, Dr. Anton Bizzell, said in a statement.  “When presented with this opportunity, we jumped at the chance to offer support as a sponsor.”

To learn more about the Fortune Foundation, visit: http://www.fortune-foundation.com.

Bizzell Supports HBCU Campus Dialogue on Prescription Drugs

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) supports The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) with its recruitment of students, staff, and faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for an open dialogue on prescription drugs. The event LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: Prescription Drug Use and Its Side Effects is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The groups will discuss current campus trends, explore beliefs about substance abuse and addiction, and discover on- and off-campus prevention, treatment and recovery services.  There will be two sessions – one for faculty and staff on Friday, March 28th and one for students on Saturday, March 29th.

Research suggests that there are varied motivations for prescription drug abuse among teens and college-aged students, including getting high, coping with pain or sleep problems and in some instances improving or enhancing cognition.  These behaviors are risky as medications prescribed by doctors are assumed to be safe, however abuse of these drugs can have harmful health effects, including overdose.  This discussion seeks to open a dialogue among students and health professionals to combat myths and generalizations about prescription drug misuse.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to RSVP by March 21, 2014 for the event on March 28th from 10 am – 3 pm.  Students should RSVP by March 25, 2014 for the event on March 29th from 11 am – 4 pm. Interested participants should RSVP by calling 202.806.7706 or emailing dm_barnes@howard.edu.

Both sessions will take place at The Gallery Lounge in the Blackburn Center at Howard University, 2400 Sixth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059. Participants are advised that this counts as a community service activity and resume-builder.  Limited seating is available. Lunch and parking will be provided.

To learn more about the issue, visit: Taking Action to Prevent & Address Prescription Drug Abuse:  A Resource Kit for America’s College Campuses and www.recoveryopensdoors.org