Article archive / February 2022

Originally published: February 2022. Volume 13, No. 2. Source pages: 12.

Turning to substances and addictive behaviors is at an all time high. Pressures and stresses on psychologists, physicians, and other healthcare workers are higher than ever in today’s medical environment.

Yet, substance misuse and addiction rates are no different among healthcare workers than they are in the general population. According to researchers, up to 15% of healthcare professionals will misuse substances during their lifetime. Rates of prescription drug abuse and addiction are five times higher among physicians than in the general population, researchers have found, cited by the Hazelton Betty Ford Foundation. While the stigma of addiction for doctors and other healthcare professionals is far less than it was 30 years ago, the stigma for seeking help is alive and well. With doctors and healthcare professionals the problem is compounded by an extra layer of stigma–related to the false idea that somehow we are “supposed to know“ things that others do not know and are able to avoid the human problems that others encounter. There is professional shame experienced when someone in the healthcare profession struggles with addiction. In general, healthcare professionals are held to a higher standard. And knowing much often leads to doctors treating themselves– –or not treating themselves––for conditions that are misdiagnosed. There’s an old adage that says, “Self can’t see self." This is especially so when it comes to addictive disorders. Addiction affects not only the immediate family members, but extended family, friends and co-workers. Keeping secrets, protecting the family name, and even protecting the job becomes a massive undertaking and the wave of destruction reaches far and wide. There is an enormous fear of being “found out” and losing everything that has been worked so hard for.

Many do not know where to turn for help. International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA) can be just that place to turn. According to their website (idaa.org), “The mission of IDAA is to carry the message of recovery to health care professionals and their families." The organization is described as a “worldwide fellowship” of healthcare professionals and their families whose sole purpose is to foster recovery. Membership is open to all doctoral level healthcare providers and has recently broadened membership to include physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Of course, confidentiality and anonymity are paramount. According to IDAA’s Executive Director, Robert Lindsey, the membership list is “secure and protected." Those applying for membership in IDAA go through a vetting process to insure the individual’s status as a health care provider. IDAA pledges to create and maintain a safe and secure environment so the seeds of recovery can grow and flourish. IDAA offers several avenues to connect with others. The annual meeting is held each summer. Typically, the convention starts on Wednesday evening and closes on Sunday morning. There are various breakout meetings geared to different specialties (e.g. psychologists, surgeons, internal medicine, etc.). Also, there are breakout meetings for groups such as LGBTQ+, woman in recovery, early career and a "back to work" group. Process addictions, such as gambling or sex addictions are also provided a home in IDAA. As noted above, recovery affects the entire family, so Al-anon is an integral part of IDAA. Additionally, there is programing for children ages 6-12 and teenagers 13-19. The teen program has been so popular, that graduates of that program kept going back to IDAA and started a 20’s group. Also included in the meeting’s programing are fun activities such as golf, a fun-run as well as local attractions. Further avenues to connect with others in recovery are the Cyberdocs list-serve as well as numerous Zoom meetings held around the globe. A list of these meetings is provided on the members-only portion of the website. IDAA also offers a Help Line, found on the website. Actually, the help line is not a single phone number but a net of weblinks to individuals in each state in the US and countries around the world. The Help Line is a listing of IDAA members who serve as personal contacts for healthcare professionals and their families seeking another doctor to talk with about recovery from alcoholism and/or other addictions. These member contacts also provide information on AA or Caduceus meetings in their local areas for members visiting their city. Membership is open to any doctoral level healthcare provider who desires to stay sober, employed or unemployed. Many have lost jobs as a result of their disease. It is welcoming to know that the spouse and/or children of a healthcare provider “may themselves be members even if the qualifying professional is not yet in recovery." This emphasizes the welcoming nature of IDAA and the value it places on family recovery.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / February 2022

Originally published: February 2022. Volume 13, No. 2. Source pages: 2.

I've followed four experts along the Covid trail. One of them is John Campbell, PhD, who trained nurses for much of his career. He has developed a very popular YouTube channel with over two million subscribers. It’s no wonder that he skyrocketed in popularity. His critical-thinking is on display and he expects you to use yours. He shows you the data that he has used to draw his conclusions, and is scientifically cautious about jumping to premature decisions. His prudent, thoughtful style syncs up nicely with his non-autocratic educational approach. For credibility alone, this would suffice. But Campbell can also be entertaining. With his understated comments, dry wit, and British accent, he sometimes points out ironies that are hilarious––if you're listening closely.

Last week he was targeted by a BBC reporter, who claimed that Campbell was spreading misinformation when he reviewed the data on number of Covid-only deaths compared to those with comorbidities. Among other criticisms, the BBC reporter said “It has become a weapon of the cruel and heartless to dismiss the deaths of the people we love.“ In his reply, Campbell pointed out that the reporter took everything out of context, misquoted him, said the BBC contacted him when they had not, and accused him of not caring about deaths. To that last criticism about heartlessness, Campbell told his audience, “The idea that I don’t take death seriously, is, well—." He then shared his feelings on the issue which is rare for him. "I’ve been sufficiently fortunate––indeed, or you could say immensely privileged––since I was 18 years old. The first person I looked after died when I was 18 years old. I remember, I’m not going to say names, but I remember the three people concerned. These things are branded and seared into your memory. I remember their diagnoses. I remember their approximate age. I remember their faces. I remember their names, when I was a first year student psychiatric nurse. I had these three deaths, patients during my care. And I’ve sat with patients many times as they’ve left this life, by the bedside, by the emergency trolley, on a bamboo platform in a refugee camp," he said. "The idea that I would take human death lightly or use it as a—you get my message, I’m not going to go on with that." It’s stunning and a little bit horrifying that today’s so-called journalists are no longer reporters, but rather try to police the avenues of information flow. They target individuals for their opinions. This could be the unfortunate outcome of a change in business models. Or maybe it’s in part due to an alliance between media and the big monopolies. Or perhaps it’s a simple result of the corrupting influence of power causing false moral superiority. The reporter feels the need to be the thought police and to help make other people's decisions for them. Having been raised in a newspaper family with classic journalism principles, individuals' opinions were not a target. The solution was clear. The answer to “misinformation” was always more information, more free speech, not less. The journalist’s job was not to police the information channels, but to enhance them. There is no middle ground. You either are supporting freedom of information or you’re supporting the cancel culture. It is the same in science. Albert Einstein even said it. "Science can flourish only in an atmosphere of free speech." He understood that something is "misinformation"––until it is not.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / February 2022

Originally published: February 2022. Volume 13, No. 2. Source pages: 3.

On Jan. 10, Gov. Edwards announced the launch of the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund, a federally funded relief program for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on their mortgages and at risk of foreclosure. The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides $10 billion in federal relief for vulnerable homeowners. Louisiana is set to receive $146.7 million in funding to provide up to $25,000 per eligible homeowner. The program is available statewide to homeowners experiencing financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, and earning less than 150 percent of the area median income or 100 percent of the national median income, whichever is greater, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income data. The Louisiana Office of Community Development is administering the program.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / February 2022

Originally published: February 2022. Volume 13, No. 2. Source pages: 3.

In January, Gov. Edwards took the historic action of signing Louisiana's first posthumous pardon of Mr. Homer A. Plessy, who was convicted of violating Louisiana's Separate Car Act of 1890, the purpose of which was to ensure racial segregation as a means to promote white supremacy. Gov. Edwards was joined by descendants of Homer A. Plessy, Justice John Harlan, and Judge John Ferguson, as well as by Southern University Professor of Law Angela Bell, Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams, civil rights leaders and a number of state and local elected officials. Plessy's criminal conduct in 1892 was virtually the same as Rosa Park's courageous protest sixty-three years later in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955 when she refused to leave a seat designated for white riders, said the press release. "This historic posthumous pardon is proof that 125 years after his conviction, the state of Louisiana, recognizes and honors Plessy for his role in opening the gates of the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century," said Keith Plessy, descendant of Homer Plessy.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / February 2022

Originally published: February 2022. Volume 13, No. 2. Source pages: 4.

On Jan. 25, Gov. Edwards joined by First Lady Donna Edwards and Dr. Dana Hunter, officially announced Louisiana's first Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center and advocacy campaign. Through these efforts, victims, survivors, service providers, stakeholders and citizens will be able to learn about human trafficking, how to identify when someone needs help, how to report this heinous crime and about more specific services for victims. The campaign, Stop Trafficking LA: Human Trafficking is R.E.A.L. The R.E.A.L stands for Recognizing the signs, Educating others, Acting immediately, and Listening to victims and survivors. "Eradicating human trafficking, preventing any more suffering and helping survivors regain control of their lives is something that Donna and I are committed to achieving," said Gov. Edwards. Thanks to Donna using her platform as well as the state legislators, I am proud to say that our efforts here in Louisiana are making a difference and we're gaining national and international attention about the need to educate people about this heinous crime. I'm grateful to Dr. Dana Hunter for leading our new Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. She has demonstrated a strong commitment and expertise in programs and practices to help those who are vulnerable. Under her leadership, Louisiana has secured nearly 2.7 million federal dollars to improve outcomes for child and youth victims of human trafficking. And with this new website, I'm confident our efforts will continue to connect resources with those who need them and help us fight this scourge on our society."

The coalition's first big event is The R.E.A.L public awareness campaign, which will be held in April during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship tournament in New Orleans. More information on the educational campaign and resources to help identify and report cases of human trafficking are available at www.stoptraffickingla.com

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / February 2022

Originally published: February 2022. Volume 13, No. 2. Source pages: 4.

Dr. Paulette L. Grey Riveria has joined the Louisiana Department of Health as the Regional Medical Director/Administrator for the seven parishes of the Capital Region. Dr. Grey Riveria is a board-certified family medicine physician who most recently served as a consultant to the Office of Public Health, conducting a novel statewide assessment of healthcare worker attitudes and experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Capital Region (Region 2) is one of Louisiana’s nine administrative regions that include all 64 parishes in the state. These regions, known as Human Services Districts and Authorities or local governing entities, are established by Louisiana State Law to direct the operation and management of public, community-based programs and services relative to mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. She has diverse work experience that includes utilization management and entrepreneurship, as well as global health experience in Ghana, India and Senegal.

Dr. Grey Riveria received her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University, a medical doctorate from Johns Hopkins, a master’s in public health from Harvard and a master’s in business from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 1, 3.

On December 7, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new Surgeon General’s Advisory to highlight the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis.

The Advisory on "Protecting Youth Mental Health" outlines the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on the mental health of America’s youth and families, as well as the mental health challenges that existed long before the pandemic, according to the press release.

The Surgeon General’s Advisory calls for a fast, coordinated response to this crisis and gives recommendations that individuals, families, community organizations, technology companies, governments, and others can take to improve the mental health of children, adolescents and young adults.

“Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade.” said Murthy. “The COVID-19 pandemic further altered their experiences at home, school, and in the community, and the effect on their mental health has been devastating. The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation. Especially in this moment, as we work to protect the health of Americans in the face of a new variant, we also need to focus on how we can emerge stronger on the other side. This advisory shows us how we can all work together to step up for our children during this dual crisis.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. having a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.

Additionally, from 2009 to 2019, the share of high school students who reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40%, to more than 1 in 3 students. Suicidal behaviors among high school students also increased during the decade preceding COVID, with 19% seriously considering attempting suicide, a 36% increase from 2009 to 2019, and about 16% having made a suicide plan in the prior year, a 44% increase from 2009 to 2019.

Between 2007 and 2018, suicide rates among youth ages 10-24 in the U.S. increased by 57%, and early estimates show more than 6,600 suicide deaths among this age group in 2020.

The pandemic added to the pre- existing challenges that America’s youth faced. It disrupted the lives of children and adolescents, such as in- person schooling, in-person social opportunities with peers and mentors, access to health care and social services, food, housing, and the health of their caregivers. The pandemic’s negative impacts most heavily affected those who were vulnerable to begin with, such as youth with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ youth, low-income youth, youth in rural areas, youth in immigrant households, youth involved with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, and homeless youth, according to the announcement.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 3.

Chris Nakamoto, WBRZ News, reported on December 31 that Kevin Hayes, Baton Rouge attorney and lobbyist, was arrested on two counts of domestic abuse battery after he hit a woman and beat up her son, according to arrest reports.

Hayes has been a lobbyist for the past 20 years, has previously worked for the Louisiana Psychological Association and currently for the Louisiana Press Association. He has been the president of the Baton Rouge Bar Association and active in the Louisiana Bar Association.

According to the report, the WBRZ Investigative Unit said, "We uncovered this was Hayes' third arrest for domestic violence. He's been arrested twice in Baton Rouge and once in Walton County, Florida, booking records show."

"The victim said the accused was intoxicated, and the two got into an argument about the victim's older son contacting him," the probable cause affidavit states. "During the argument, the victim stated the accused forcefully ripped a pillow underneath her head and hit her in the face."

WBRZ News said detectives questioned the woman's son, according to the report. "He stated he heard a loud slapping noise and heard his mother screaming," the report notes. "The son immediately ran into the hallway and made contact with the accused. At this time, the son stated the accused punched him in the chest, and a physical altercation ensued where Hayes knocked him into the wall and then on the ground."

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 3.

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted approval for Louisiana Medicaid to launch Act 421 Children’s Medicaid Option, or TEFRA, effective January 1, 2022.

This program allows certain children under 19 years of age with disabilities to receive Medicaid coverage, regardless of parental income. The TEFRA option disregards family income for children with disabilities who meet specific criteria, so they may qualify for Medicaid to cover the services they need to grow and thrive while living at home. To qualify, children must have a disability that is recognized under the definition utilized in the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Administration and must meet basic Medicaid and institutional level-of-care requirements. Additionally, their care must cost less at home than in an institution.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 4.

In December, in a letter to the House Committee on Health and Welfare, Gov. Edwards confirmed that the Louisiana Department of Health will move forward with adding the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to the schedule of immunizations for the populations for which it currently has full Food and Drug Administration approval, people 16 and older.

All of Louisiana's current opt-out provisions for parents will remain in place, meaning no child is forced to get a vaccine if their parents object in writing.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 5.

The American Psychological Association (APA) applauded passage of federal legislation to prevent substantial Medicare reimbursement cuts from taking effect next year, and to promote mental health programs aimed at supporting health care workers.

Psychologists and other health care providers had faced millions of dollars in Medicare payment losses starting next year due to the combined effects of three separate, coinciding budget cuts to the program.

“We are grateful Congress acted against these proposed cuts that would have put Medicare beneficiaries in peril, people who are older, more isolated and experiencing significant levels of stress due to the COVID-19 health emergency,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been taking a heavy toll on the nation’s mental health, with psychologists reporting large increases in demand for treatment of anxiety and depression compared with last year, and increased workloads and longer waitlists than before the pandemic.”

"We anticipate psychologists will see payments in 2022 that are just slightly lower than 2021. Exact payments will vary from this amount as other adjustments, such as changes in practice expense, apply to some services but not others.," APA officials said.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 1.

Once again, it was no small feat to have kept the home fires burning through the second year of Covid.. Our winners had unusual perseverance to keep moving through a society that was stuck in anxiety, change, and confusion. We scanned the year's news and activities and found shinning examples of creativity, courage, and leadership. For our Community Awards we focus on these special people, some new and some regulars, who pushed for excellence to make our community better and to improve the lives of others. We thank these leaders for their vision, perseverance and dedication, despite the obstacles of 2021.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 8.

Dr. Amanda Raines, Clinical Investigator at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and Assistant Professor at LSU, once again deserves the community's recognition for continuing to tackle one of the most serious problems in health and mental health, the science–practice gap, a divide between research literature and applied interventions. In 2021, Dr. Raines continued reducing that gap with her community connections and involvement efforts. A distinguished scientist herself, she directed training programs through the Louisiana Psychological Association "Science Cafe," connecting practitioners with research scientists from across the state. Well done!

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 10.

Dr. Charles Figley, Professor and Distinguished Chair in Disaster Mental Health at Tulane, continues his exemplary contributions to society and proves himself a leader once again in developing messages that can make a difference. This time he and Mark Russell took on the military establishment in their book about the psychological impact of war, Psychiatric Casualties: How and Why the Military Ignores the Full Cost of War. It takes courage to tell it like it is. We are impressed with Dr. Figley and his lifelong dedication to helping all those suffering from trauma and trauma–related disorders.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2022

Originally published: January 2022. Volume 13, No. 1. Source pages: 13.

Dr. Melissa Dufrene and Dr. Kristin Fitch not only lead the way in the Louisiana OCD Association, now they have created The Rise Center for OCD and Anxiety to reach more people and educate the public and also the profession about this serious, chronic disorder that cripples people in their everyday life. These two psychologists are confronting a shortage of specialized treatment and a lack of understanding in the profession that should have been addressed years ago. Well done ladies!

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.