A new online resource is available to help connect women and adolescents to life-saving cervical cancer-related services.
The NC Cervical Cancer Resource Directory includes county-specific information on where uninsured or underinsured women can go to find screening or Pap test services. The site also has information on HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, answers to frequently-asked questions and additional resources.
The directory—available in both English and Spanish—was developed by Cervical Cancer-Free NC, an initiative based at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program is working to eliminate or substantially reduce cervical cancer in North Carolina.
Each year, more than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die from the disease in the United States. In 2011, almost 400 women in North Carolina received cervical cancer diagnoses, and more than 100 died. Health-care experts say a majority of these deaths could be avoided through regular cervical cancer screenings, commonly known as Pap tests, and timely HPV vaccination.
Noel Brewer, Ph.D., director of Cervical Cancer-Free NC and associate professor of health behavior at UNC's public health school, said he knows how important the directory and other resources could be to women throughout the state. His own mother was recently diagnosed with incurable cervical cancer.
"Screening would have caught her cancer early and saved her life, but she could not afford it," said Brewer, also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Resources like the new directory will help other women find affordable screening and avoid what my mom is going through now. We can end cervical cancer. We have to."
African-American and Latina women, who are less likely than others to be screened, are twice as likely as white women to die from cervical cancer. Research has shown that one reason for the disparity is that, in North Carolina, African-Americans and Latinos are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured.
Connecting women to cervical cancer resources in North Carolina is an important step in reducing unnecessary deaths, according to the Cervical Cancer-Free NC initiative and its collaborators.
"Latinas are a growing component of the healthcare community and they need culturally appropriate information that is available to them in their own language," said Florence Simán, director of health programs at El Pueblo Inc., a Latino advocacy organization based in Raleigh. "This directory is a great resource for us to use to help connect women who may otherwise not know where to go."
Schatzi H. McCarthy, associate director of Cervical Cancer-Free NC, said the new resource will go a long way to help clarify access to cervical cancer prevention services in North Carolina. "Navigating through our healthcare system can be extremely challenging, especially for those who are uninsured or under-insured. It is not acceptable that women should die for lack of access to services when, in fact, they are available. We want to help match low-income women with needed services. For this reason, we are very proud of the resource directory and believe it will be an invaluable tool for women and adolescents throughout our state."
For more information, visit the directory at www.ccresourcedirectory.org or email info@ccfnc.org.
See what ended up on The News of Orange County's cutting room floor.
Showing posts with label medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medicine. Show all posts
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Huntington's Disease Society of America hosts hoop-a-thon
We at the Huntington's Disease Society of America, North Carolina Chapter, believe it is important to help families in North Carolina affected by Huntington's Disease, including the children. This year, we are putting on a youth-focused hoop-a-thon on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 am to noon at Gravelly Hills Middle School in Orange County. Geoff Schwarts of the Carolina Panthers will be participating as a team captain of one of the teams, and we will also be auctioning off a football signed by Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton. All proceeds will be going to the North Carolina Chapter of Huntington's Disease Society of America to help families in North Carolina affected by Huntington's Disease.
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder which is caused by an expanded gene in a person's DNA. It is is also a neurodegenerative disorder, which means the condition affects the cells of the brain and causes damage over time. This stops the brain and body from working as well as they used to. As a result, people develop symptoms of Huntington's disease. These symptoms can be divided into three main types: involuntary movements, cognitive and behavioural. Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's, and there is a 50 percent chance of it being passed on to offspring. It is fatal. About 10 percent of people diagnosed with Huntington's have a juvenile form, which is much worse than adult onset.
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder which is caused by an expanded gene in a person's DNA. It is is also a neurodegenerative disorder, which means the condition affects the cells of the brain and causes damage over time. This stops the brain and body from working as well as they used to. As a result, people develop symptoms of Huntington's disease. These symptoms can be divided into three main types: involuntary movements, cognitive and behavioural. Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's, and there is a 50 percent chance of it being passed on to offspring. It is fatal. About 10 percent of people diagnosed with Huntington's have a juvenile form, which is much worse than adult onset.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Hagan introduces bill to accelerate patient access to targeted treatments
U.S. Sen. Kay R. Hagan (D—N.C.) introduced Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Transforming the Regulatory Environment to Accelerate Access to Treatments Act to get targeted treatments to patients with serious or life-threatening diseases in a quick and safe manner. The bill will be referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that oversees healthcare issues. Hagan is a member of the HELP Committee.
“The TREAT Act is a commonsense bill that will get innovative treatments to patients more quickly, while maintaining FDA’s high standards for safety and effectiveness,” said Hagan. “Accelerated approval processes helped HIV and cancer treatments advance by leaps and bounds in the 1990s. For patients suffering today from rare diseases for which there are no current treatments, medical advances can’t come fast enough. This legislation creates a consistent process and a clear and effective pathway at FDA that will encourage the development of innovative treatments for patients otherwise dependent on the uncertainty of medical breakthroughs.
“Furthermore, in this global economy, American innovation means American jobs. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build support for this bill.”
The TREAT Act accelerates the review and approval process for medicines that:
• treat an unmet medical need,
• significantly advance the standard of care or
• are highly targeted therapies for serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions.
“NORD appreciates that Senator Hagan and her staff have listened to the concerns of rare disease patients in drafting this proposed legislation,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, president and CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. “We look forward to working with Senator Hagan in support of this effort to accelerate the process for bringing safe, effective therapies to patients who desperately need them.”
Dr. Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research also commended Hagan's efforts.
“Friends of Cancer Research would like to applaud Senator Hagan for her continued support of the Food and Drug Administration," she said. "The bill she introduced today addresses some very important issues that will help the FDA enhance its scientific capacity, continue to review new treatments in a timely and efficient manner and assure that patients—suffering from serious illness and disease—have access to the safest and most effective therapies.”
The bill enhances FDA’s access to external scientific and medical expertise. It allows the FDA Commissioner to better utilize waivers when potential conflicts of interest are outweighed by the need to have input from leading medical and scientific experts. It also recommends that patient and disease research organizations have more representation on FDA advisory committees. This is critical in areas where research is on the cutting edge.
The TREAT Act advances regulatory science within the FDA. It ensures that drug sponsors are provided explanations when their drugs are turned down so that they might address concerns, improve the treatment and get approved medications to patients more quickly.
The TREAT Act updates the FDA mission statement to reflect FDA’s role in advancing medical innovation while promoting and strengthening the agency’s safety and effectiveness standards. The bill establishes new positions to promote innovation, integration and oversight as well as a Management Review Board to help FDA keep pace with advancing medical innovation and ensure that safety precautions are adhered to.
For more background on the TREAT Act, click here.
“The TREAT Act is a commonsense bill that will get innovative treatments to patients more quickly, while maintaining FDA’s high standards for safety and effectiveness,” said Hagan. “Accelerated approval processes helped HIV and cancer treatments advance by leaps and bounds in the 1990s. For patients suffering today from rare diseases for which there are no current treatments, medical advances can’t come fast enough. This legislation creates a consistent process and a clear and effective pathway at FDA that will encourage the development of innovative treatments for patients otherwise dependent on the uncertainty of medical breakthroughs.
“Furthermore, in this global economy, American innovation means American jobs. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build support for this bill.”
The TREAT Act accelerates the review and approval process for medicines that:
• treat an unmet medical need,
• significantly advance the standard of care or
• are highly targeted therapies for serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions.
“NORD appreciates that Senator Hagan and her staff have listened to the concerns of rare disease patients in drafting this proposed legislation,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, president and CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. “We look forward to working with Senator Hagan in support of this effort to accelerate the process for bringing safe, effective therapies to patients who desperately need them.”
Dr. Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research also commended Hagan's efforts.
“Friends of Cancer Research would like to applaud Senator Hagan for her continued support of the Food and Drug Administration," she said. "The bill she introduced today addresses some very important issues that will help the FDA enhance its scientific capacity, continue to review new treatments in a timely and efficient manner and assure that patients—suffering from serious illness and disease—have access to the safest and most effective therapies.”
The bill enhances FDA’s access to external scientific and medical expertise. It allows the FDA Commissioner to better utilize waivers when potential conflicts of interest are outweighed by the need to have input from leading medical and scientific experts. It also recommends that patient and disease research organizations have more representation on FDA advisory committees. This is critical in areas where research is on the cutting edge.
The TREAT Act advances regulatory science within the FDA. It ensures that drug sponsors are provided explanations when their drugs are turned down so that they might address concerns, improve the treatment and get approved medications to patients more quickly.
The TREAT Act updates the FDA mission statement to reflect FDA’s role in advancing medical innovation while promoting and strengthening the agency’s safety and effectiveness standards. The bill establishes new positions to promote innovation, integration and oversight as well as a Management Review Board to help FDA keep pace with advancing medical innovation and ensure that safety precautions are adhered to.
For more background on the TREAT Act, click here.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
OWASA hosts blood drive
On Friday, Feb. 24, OWASA will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room on the lower floor of OWASA’s Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro.
“The winter months are particularly challenging, so we are especially grateful to those who roll up their sleeves this time of year,” said Caroline Allison, American Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative for the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “Patients in our area hospitals depend on the generosity of blood donors every day. There is always a special need for donors with type O negative blood. O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to patients of any type in an emergency situation.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
Donors must be in general good health, have photo identification, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements
People who come to donate will have the chance to win a pair of roundtrip domestic tickets from Delta Air Lines and be entered to win one of three three-day oceanfront vacation rentals at the Islander Inn and Suites on Emerald Isle, courtesy of Bluewater Real Estate and Vacation Rentals.
Anna Maria’s and OWASA will provide food.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or contact Kelly Chapman at (919) 537-4370 or kchapman@owasa.org. Making an appointment will allow the donation process to go more smoothly for everyone. Walk-ins are welcome after noon. Information is also available from the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.
“The winter months are particularly challenging, so we are especially grateful to those who roll up their sleeves this time of year,” said Caroline Allison, American Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative for the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “Patients in our area hospitals depend on the generosity of blood donors every day. There is always a special need for donors with type O negative blood. O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to patients of any type in an emergency situation.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
Donors must be in general good health, have photo identification, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements
People who come to donate will have the chance to win a pair of roundtrip domestic tickets from Delta Air Lines and be entered to win one of three three-day oceanfront vacation rentals at the Islander Inn and Suites on Emerald Isle, courtesy of Bluewater Real Estate and Vacation Rentals.
Anna Maria’s and OWASA will provide food.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or contact Kelly Chapman at (919) 537-4370 or kchapman@owasa.org. Making an appointment will allow the donation process to go more smoothly for everyone. Walk-ins are welcome after noon. Information is also available from the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Life After stroke: living with spasticity
Study underway in Chapel Hill to determine if investigational medication is safe and effective for adults experiencing spasticity after stroke
This year alone, approximately 795,000 people will experience a stroke. Of those, 20 percent will experience spasticity, a debilitating condition that affects an individual’s ability to perform the tasks of daily living—including the ability to dress, eat, write, balance or even walk. The impact of spasticity after stroke is not only difficult on stroke survivors but also has a profound effect on their loved ones who assist with their care. In an effort to improve the quality of life for sufferers of spasticity as a result of stroke, there is a worldwide medical research study underway to examine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational medication, Dysport, for the treatment of spasticity that is being conducted in Chapel Hill.
"The impact of stroke can be felt long after the stroke itself," said Heather Walker, M.D., a Dysport study investigator at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Appropriate lifestyle changes and effective treatment is vital to ensure that a survivor has the ability to lead a healthy and productive life."
Spasticity is the tightening and stiffening of muscles that make movement of the arms or legs difficult and painful. It is the result of damage to the central nervous system—often experienced during stroke—which controls voluntary movement. The frustration of not being able to live like one once did can have a profound effect on a stroke survivor. Managing spasticity can be very difficult for sufferers; treatment often includes multiple physical and occupational therapists, oral medications, intrathecal medications and surgery.
The effects of spasticity after stroke are not limited to those with the condition. Providing care for a family member or friend experiencing spasticity after stroke can be challenging and stressful. Loved ones become caregivers responsible for assisting with the most basic of tasks. This new role, combined with watching a loved one experience daily struggles, can be overwhelming.
Chapel Hill area adults between 18 and 80 years of age who are experiencing spasticity after stroke may qualify for participation. Qualified participants must be six months post stroke and experiencing spasticity in their upper or lower limbs.
For more information on this medical research study, visit SpasticityStudy.com or contact Charron Andrews at (919) 966-9796.
This year alone, approximately 795,000 people will experience a stroke. Of those, 20 percent will experience spasticity, a debilitating condition that affects an individual’s ability to perform the tasks of daily living—including the ability to dress, eat, write, balance or even walk. The impact of spasticity after stroke is not only difficult on stroke survivors but also has a profound effect on their loved ones who assist with their care. In an effort to improve the quality of life for sufferers of spasticity as a result of stroke, there is a worldwide medical research study underway to examine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational medication, Dysport, for the treatment of spasticity that is being conducted in Chapel Hill.
"The impact of stroke can be felt long after the stroke itself," said Heather Walker, M.D., a Dysport study investigator at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Appropriate lifestyle changes and effective treatment is vital to ensure that a survivor has the ability to lead a healthy and productive life."
Spasticity is the tightening and stiffening of muscles that make movement of the arms or legs difficult and painful. It is the result of damage to the central nervous system—often experienced during stroke—which controls voluntary movement. The frustration of not being able to live like one once did can have a profound effect on a stroke survivor. Managing spasticity can be very difficult for sufferers; treatment often includes multiple physical and occupational therapists, oral medications, intrathecal medications and surgery.
The effects of spasticity after stroke are not limited to those with the condition. Providing care for a family member or friend experiencing spasticity after stroke can be challenging and stressful. Loved ones become caregivers responsible for assisting with the most basic of tasks. This new role, combined with watching a loved one experience daily struggles, can be overwhelming.
Chapel Hill area adults between 18 and 80 years of age who are experiencing spasticity after stroke may qualify for participation. Qualified participants must be six months post stroke and experiencing spasticity in their upper or lower limbs.
For more information on this medical research study, visit SpasticityStudy.com or contact Charron Andrews at (919) 966-9796.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
First Lady Michelle Obama announces coordinated effort by America’s academic institutions to combat PTSD & TBI
130 medical schools and research facilities to join forces to serve veterans and families
As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine committed to creating a new generation of doctors, medical schools and research facilities that will make sure our heroes and their families receive the care worthy of their sacrifice. Recognizing veterans, service members and their families’ dedication and commitment, 130 schools associated with the AAMC and AACOM—including UNC-Chapel Hill—pledged to leverage their missions in education, research and clinical care to train the nation’s physicians to meet the unique health care needs of the military and veterans communities.
“I’m inspired to see our nation’s medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families," Obama said. "By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research, and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they’re ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned."
Together, the AAMC and AACOM are committing to improve the education in their medical schools, the research in their laboratories and the clinical care in their hospitals to better address the health issues that military families face. Specifically, these organizations are committing to:
• Train their medical students as well as their current physicians, faculty and staff to better diagnose and treat our veterans and military families;
• Develop new research and clinical trials on PTSD and TBI so that we can better understand and treat those conditions;
• Share their information and best practices with one another through a collaborative web forum created by the AAMC; and
• Continue to work with the VA and the Department of Defense to make sure that everyone is providing the best care available.
“Because of our integrated missions in education, clinical care and research, America’s medical schools are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this important effort,” said Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges. “Medical schools have long recognized the sacrifice and commitment of our military, veterans and their families. The relationship between the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and academic medicine dates back to the end of World War II and serves as a model for successful partnerships between public and private institutions. Our work with the White House on Joining Forces is a natural extension of our efforts in this area and renews our commitment to the wellness of our nation’s military.”
“A central component of the White House Joining Forces Initiative is wellness, and I am pleased to announce AACOM’s participation in a new Joining Forces effort that could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our nation’s veterans.” Dr. Stephen C. Shannon, President and CEO of AACOM, said.
Obama and Biden created Joining Forces to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives. The initiative aims to educate, challenge and spark action from all sectors of society to ensure veterans and military families have the support they have earned. The initiative focuses on key priority areas—employment, education and wellness while raising awareness about the service, sacrifice and needs of America’s veterans and military families. More information is available at www.JoiningForces.gov.
The following is a list of the 130 universities and colleges participating in this program:
· University of Alabama School of Medicine
· University of South Alabama College of Medicine
· University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
· Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine of Arizona
· University of Arizona College of Medicine
· Loma Linda University
· Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
· Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Stanford University School of Medicine
· UC Davis Health System
· University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
· David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
· Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
· Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Colorado School of Medicine
· Yale School of Medicine
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Florida State University College of Medicine
· Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University
· Nova Southeastern University College os Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Florida College of Medicine
· USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
· Emory University School of Medicine
· Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Health Sciences University
· Mercer University School of Medicine
· Morehouse School of Medicine
· University of Hawaii at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine
· Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
· Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· Rush University Medical Center, Chicago
· Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
· The Chicago Medical School in conjunction with the Lovell Federal Health Care Center
· University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
· University of Illinois College of Medicine
· Indiana University
· University of Kansas Medical Center
· University of Kentucky College of Medicine
· University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· Boston University School of Medicine
· Harvard Medical School
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· University of Massachusetts Medical School
· Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
· Uniformed Services University of the Health Science's F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine
· University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Michigan Medical School
· Wayne State University School of Medicine
· University of Minnesota Medical School
· Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine AT Still University
· Saint Louis University
· University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
· University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
· Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
· University of Mississippi School of Medicine
· Creighton University School of Medicine
· University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
· The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
· Wake Forest School of Medicine
· University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
· University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Dartmouth Medical School
· Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of New Mexico School of Medicine
· University of Nevada School of Medicine
· Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine
· New York Institute of Technology New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
· State University of New York Upstate Medical University
· Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University at Buffalo State University of New York School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
· Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
· The Ohio State University
· Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
· University of Toledo College of Medicine
· Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
· Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
· Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
· Pacific Northwest University of Health Science College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Commonwealth Medical College
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
· Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
· Penn State University College of Medicine
· Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Temple University School of Medicine
· University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
· Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
· Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
· University of South Carolina School of Medicine
· University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville
· University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
· Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Meharry Medical College
· Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
· Baylor College of Medicine
· The Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine
· Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
· Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
· The University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
· The University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio
· University of Texas Medical School at Houston
· University of Utah School of Medicine
· Eastern Virginia Medical School
· University of Virginia School of Medicine
· Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
· Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
· Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Washington School of Medicine
· Medical College of Wisconsin
· University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
· The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
· West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
· West Virginia University School of Medicine
As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine committed to creating a new generation of doctors, medical schools and research facilities that will make sure our heroes and their families receive the care worthy of their sacrifice. Recognizing veterans, service members and their families’ dedication and commitment, 130 schools associated with the AAMC and AACOM—including UNC-Chapel Hill—pledged to leverage their missions in education, research and clinical care to train the nation’s physicians to meet the unique health care needs of the military and veterans communities.
“I’m inspired to see our nation’s medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families," Obama said. "By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research, and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they’re ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned."
Together, the AAMC and AACOM are committing to improve the education in their medical schools, the research in their laboratories and the clinical care in their hospitals to better address the health issues that military families face. Specifically, these organizations are committing to:
• Train their medical students as well as their current physicians, faculty and staff to better diagnose and treat our veterans and military families;
• Develop new research and clinical trials on PTSD and TBI so that we can better understand and treat those conditions;
• Share their information and best practices with one another through a collaborative web forum created by the AAMC; and
• Continue to work with the VA and the Department of Defense to make sure that everyone is providing the best care available.
“Because of our integrated missions in education, clinical care and research, America’s medical schools are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this important effort,” said Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges. “Medical schools have long recognized the sacrifice and commitment of our military, veterans and their families. The relationship between the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and academic medicine dates back to the end of World War II and serves as a model for successful partnerships between public and private institutions. Our work with the White House on Joining Forces is a natural extension of our efforts in this area and renews our commitment to the wellness of our nation’s military.”
“A central component of the White House Joining Forces Initiative is wellness, and I am pleased to announce AACOM’s participation in a new Joining Forces effort that could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our nation’s veterans.” Dr. Stephen C. Shannon, President and CEO of AACOM, said.
Obama and Biden created Joining Forces to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives. The initiative aims to educate, challenge and spark action from all sectors of society to ensure veterans and military families have the support they have earned. The initiative focuses on key priority areas—employment, education and wellness while raising awareness about the service, sacrifice and needs of America’s veterans and military families. More information is available at www.JoiningForces.gov.
The following is a list of the 130 universities and colleges participating in this program:
· University of Alabama School of Medicine
· University of South Alabama College of Medicine
· University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
· Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine of Arizona
· University of Arizona College of Medicine
· Loma Linda University
· Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
· Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Stanford University School of Medicine
· UC Davis Health System
· University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
· David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
· Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
· Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Colorado School of Medicine
· Yale School of Medicine
· Georgetown University School of Medicine
· George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Howard University College of Medicine
· Florida State University College of Medicine
· Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University
· Nova Southeastern University College os Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Florida College of Medicine
· USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
· Emory University School of Medicine
· Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Health Sciences University
· Mercer University School of Medicine
· Morehouse School of Medicine
· University of Hawaii at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine
· Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
· Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
· Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
· Rush University Medical Center, Chicago
· Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
· The Chicago Medical School in conjunction with the Lovell Federal Health Care Center
· University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
· University of Illinois College of Medicine
· Indiana University
· University of Kansas Medical Center
· University of Kentucky College of Medicine
· University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
· Tulane University School of Medicine
· Boston University School of Medicine
· Harvard Medical School
· Tufts University School of Medicine
· University of Massachusetts Medical School
· Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
· Uniformed Services University of the Health Science's F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine
· University of Maryland School of Medicine
· University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
· Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of Michigan Medical School
· Wayne State University School of Medicine
· University of Minnesota Medical School
· Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
· Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine AT Still University
· Saint Louis University
· University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
· University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
· Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
· University of Mississippi School of Medicine
· Creighton University School of Medicine
· University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
· The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
· Wake Forest School of Medicine
· University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
· University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
· Dartmouth Medical School
· Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
· University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine
· University of New Mexico School of Medicine
· University of Nevada School of Medicine
· Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine
· New York Institute of Technology New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
· State University of New York Upstate Medical University
· Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
· University at Buffalo State University of New York School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
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Sunday, December 4, 2011
Hagan cosponsors bill to get medical devices to market more quickly
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (N.C.) in November cosponsored the bipartisan Patient Access to Medical Innovation Act to get innovative medical devices to market more quickly and safely. Hagan cosponsored the bill alongside Sens. Al Franken (Minn.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) and John Kerry (Mass.).
“This bipartisan legislation will cut unnecessary red tape in the medical device industry, helping to get innovative treatments to the patients who need them most,” said Hagan. “North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park is a national leader in developing these life-changing tools. Passage of this bill will ensure these products reach patients as quickly and safely as possible.”
The Patient Access to Medical Innovation Act would:
· Promote the development of devices to treat patients with rare diseases;
· Help improve the federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process for medical devices by allowing the agency to more easily consult with experts;
· Lift the current profit cap on "humanitarian use devices"-- devices that treat rare conditions-- that go through a special approval process. Eliminating this red tape will support the development of treatments for people with rare conditions.
“This bipartisan legislation will cut unnecessary red tape in the medical device industry, helping to get innovative treatments to the patients who need them most,” said Hagan. “North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park is a national leader in developing these life-changing tools. Passage of this bill will ensure these products reach patients as quickly and safely as possible.”
The Patient Access to Medical Innovation Act would:
· Promote the development of devices to treat patients with rare diseases;
· Help improve the federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process for medical devices by allowing the agency to more easily consult with experts;
· Lift the current profit cap on "humanitarian use devices"-- devices that treat rare conditions-- that go through a special approval process. Eliminating this red tape will support the development of treatments for people with rare conditions.
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