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Dr. Bizzell Speaks to Washington Business Journal About Racial Inequity

Racial Inequity Banner from Washington Business Journal

Dr. Bizzell spoke to the Washington Business Journal about how his upbringing and role as a business leader bridges the gap between diverse communities within the health space across the Washington, D.C. metro area and globally. In the article, he shares that it is our responsibility as leaders to encourage our community to speak up and work together to build a better future. Dr. Bizzell noted that we are all interconnected in some way; listening to all the voices in our community and our world, and respecting, inviting, and welcoming diversity only makes us stronger.

Categories Bizzell, Insights, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Substance Use Disorder Tags Behavioral Health, CEO Insights, CEO News, COVID-19, Health, Mental Health, Thought Leadership

Maintaining Recovery from Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Maintaining Recovery from Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Written by: Anton Bizzell

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on health care delivery systems and on patterns of social support worldwide, creating an unprecedented set of challenges for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). In addition to managing the situational anxiety many people are facing with the unknowns of the pandemic, the social distancing that is vital to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people, leaves individuals in recovery physically isolated from their health care providers and support system. Some people with SUDs may be at higher risk of relapsing with extended periods of time at home, uncertainty about work or finances, added stress on family relationships, or social isolation.

With this extraordinary situation, new resources and solutions are emerging to help people struggling with SUDs gain access to treatment in order to maintain their path to recovery.

New treatment access and guidelines during COVID-19. Health care and treatment of individuals with SUDs is evolving to meet the challenges of social isolation during the global pandemic:

  • Telehealth: Most insurance companies are now covering telehealth services at the same rate as traditional in-person visits with health care and behavioral health providers. Providers use secure virtual platforms to conduct a confidential video assessment, and to provide any necessary prescriptions or referrals to additional virtual or in-person treatment.
  • Take-home Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has issued Opioid Treatment Program guidance for states to be granted an exception to administer 14 to 28 days of take-home medication to individuals in an Opioid Treatment Program. This new guidance improves access to evidence-based Medication-Assisted Treatment for individuals with opioid use disorders (OUDs).
  • Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal: The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has issued a Clinical Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management. Some states have closed liquor stores as part of COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in limited access; at the same time, individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal may also have limited access to treatment and withdrawal management programs. The ASAM Guideline advises clinicians in decision-making and treatment, improving care for these individuals struggling with alcohol use and alcohol withdrawal.

Virtual support during COVID-19. Many new resources are available to help individuals in recovery access support virtually:

  • SAMHSA Virtual Recovery Resources: SAMHSA notes that during the social distancing and isolation of COVID-19, it is still vital to continue social connections when recovering from SUDs and mental health conditions. This Tip Sheet describes resources for individuals in recovery and gives guidance for setting up a virtual recovery meeting.
  • National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Resource and Recovery Guide: Mental health support is a vital component of recovery. NAMI provides helpful tips for managing concerns about the virus, accessing virtual support, developing healthy daily routines, maintaining social support, and prioritizing self-care.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous Options for Meeting Online: During COVID-19, many Alcoholics Anonymous groups are exploring alternate ways to continue the community of support for recovery. This may involve phone calls, email, social media, and virtual meetings on digital platforms. Alcoholics Anonymous encourages groups to decide what will work best for them and provides information for groups making this change.
  • Virtual Narcotics Anonymous: This collaborative resource helps people find online and phone meetings of Narcotics Anonymous around the world. Narcotics Anonymous is for people who have any SUD and want support in their recovery.

Healthy habits to support recovery during COVID-19.  Some people in recovery have found it helpful to take this time of social distancing to focus on healthy habits that will support recovery. These can include:

  • Manage News Consumption
    • Check only established, reliable news sources. Set a timer to limit the amount of time you are reading the news. Avoid checking the news within one hour before bedtime, and instead focus on relaxing activities.
  • Get Ample Rest
    • Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Make sure that your sleeping area is used only for sleep. Use calming routines at night such as reading, taking a bath, or talking with a friend.
  • Develop and Maintain a Daily Routine
    • Keep a routine of getting up and getting dressed on a regular schedule each day. Set your alarm and start your day with a walk outside or your favorite breakfast. Take a shower, get dressed, and write out a plan for how you will spend your day.
  • Exercise Daily
    • Get daily exercise, even if it is just a gentle walk or simple stretches. If you usually go to a gym, look for online exercise programs such as yoga, dance, chair exercises, or even a boot camp routine. Start a virtual exercise routine with a friend so that you can encourage and support each other.
  • Schedule Time to Connect with Loved Ones
    • Schedule time for social connections each day, whether by phone, video, email, or text. Look for shared activities such as a book club, art activities, virtually movie night, or cooking that you can enjoy together remotely. Focus on connections with the people you can have honest conversations with about your feelings and struggles.
  • Other Mental Health Exercises
    • Choose activities that will support your mental health, including breathing exercises, journaling, or meditation. Look for online books and workbooks on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness, to help you manage your thoughts, worries, and behaviors during this challenging time. Notice what feels relaxing and restful for you, and intentionally choose those activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for individuals in recovery; it has also fostered creative new approaches to treatment and support, many of which are reaching people in new ways that may continue beyond the end of social distancing. With continued integration of treatment, virtual support, and healthy habits, recovery can continue.

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) was founded by President & CEO Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., a leading substance use disorders (SUDs) expert and former Medical Officer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dr. Bizzell was selected as Maryland’s 2020 Small Businessperson of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Bizzell’s recent work includes systematic, integrated approaches designed to effect lasting change in the field of SUDs through work with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF). Learn more about how we develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to SUDs and other complex-real-world challenges: https://thebizzellgroup.com/

Categories News Tags Awards & Recognition, CEO, CEO News, Company Awards, News, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Dr. Anton Bizzell Selected as Small Business Person of the Year for Maryland by U.S. Small Business Administration

DR. ANTON BIZZELL SELECTED AS SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR FOR MARYLAND BY U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

March 11, 2020 (Washington, DC) – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., President and CEO of The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), has been selected as Maryland’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2020. The recognition comes ahead of National Small Business Week, where SBA acknowledges over 50 exceptional individuals from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam who have not only realized their dreams of entrepreneurship but have also been tremendous job creators, helping to expand our economy.

“It is an honor to represent Maryland and be recognized with my peers across the nation,” said Dr. Bizzell. “I have leveraged the tools and resources from the SBA, coupled with the strength of my outstanding team to deliver impactful services and solutions to our clients and we look forward to harnessing this momentum as we continue to expand our global footprint.”

Since 2010, the Prince George’s County based, Bizzell has created hundreds of jobs locally and nationally, generated record revenue, and been ranked by Inc. Magazine and The Washington Business Journal as one of the fastest growing small businesses in the U.S. Bizzell has been at forefront of public health issues, including the opioid epidemic, the Ebola crisis, and the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition, Dr. Bizzell is intimately and actively involved with several community initiatives and non-profit organizations throughout Maryland. Currently, he sits on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Maryland March of Dimes, and serves as the President of the Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Baltimore, MD—all directly aligned with Bizzell’s vision to “build healthy, secure, connected, and sustainable communities in our nation and around the world.”

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified firm that specializes in strategy, consulting, and technology. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants provide data-driven, research-informed and innovative solutions that build healthy, secure, connected, and sustainable communities in our nation and around the world. 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 three offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, and Atlanta, GA, with ongoing projects around the world.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration
Created in 1953, The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

About National Small Business Week
Each year, the SBA celebrates National Small Business Week by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. All NSBW winners have been invited to attend ceremonies in Washington, D.C., May 3-4, where they will be honored with their individual award along with special recognition of the three runners-up and the naming of the 2020 National Small Business Person of the Year. To learn more about National Small Business Week activities and to see all the 2020 awardees, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.

Categories Bizzell, Corporate, Maternal and Child Health, News, Social Tags Awards & Recognition, CEO News, Community Engagement, Corporate Updates, Health, March of Dimes

Dr. Anton Bizzell to join March of Dimes Maryland Market Board of Directors

Baltimore, MD, August 15, 2019 — Business and community leader, Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., President and CEO of The Bizzell Group, has been elected to the March of Dimes Maryland Market Board of Directors.

Dr. Anton Bizzell understands the importance of fighting for the health of all moms and babies. “As a public health advocate, I can’t think of a more important cause,” he says. “When you support the March of Dimes, you make a statement that you want to live in a world in which healthy moms and strong babies are a priority for us all.” Dr. Bizzell has spent most of his career on public health issues related to access to and quality of medical, substance abuse and behavioral health services. He has extensive experience in collaborating and interacting with professional health and community organizations, as well as expert knowledge in identifying and treating medical diseases in the fields of primary care, mental health and substance abuse.

“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Bizzell join our Board of Directors,” says Tina Cavucci, Executive Director of the March of Dimes DC-Maryland Markets. “He shares our commitment to moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Moms and babies are facing higher risks than ever before.”

In his role as a board member, Dr. Bizzell will serve as an advocate for the March of Dimes mission, encouraging local businesses and community leaders to join him in supporting the fight for stronger, healthier babies. “The number of babies born prematurely here in Maryland and across the country is not acceptable,” he says. “March of Dimes empowers families with programs, knowledge and tools.”

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified strategic management and consulting firm that specializes in Program & Project Management, Administrative Support, Communication & Outreach, Conference Management & Logistical Support, Information Technology, Health Services & Research, Technical Assistance, as well as Training & Development. Bizzell is a partner of choice for federal, state and local government agencies and private organizations. Our expert staff and consultants work on health, defense, workforce development, energy, transportation, education, research, global health development, and information technology projects that meet national priorities.

Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office to a thriving firm with three offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, and Atlanta, GA with on-going projects across the world.

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