SHATTERPROOF AND ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD FOUNDATION PARTNER TO REDUCE HEALTHCARE STIGMA AROUND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
Nyenta.com/10277023

Trending...
BRONX, N.Y., April 29, 2024 ~ A recent study has revealed that healthcare professionals hold stigmatizing beliefs towards individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index (SASI) found that 65% of healthcare professionals falsely believe that SUDs are not a chronic disease. This stigma, driven by inadequate education and training, can lead to discrimination and substandard care for those struggling with addiction.

In an effort to address this issue, Shatterproof, a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction health crisis, has partnered with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation. Together, they aim to reduce the stigma surrounding SUDs among healthcare professionals and improve the quality of care for those in need.

The partnership has resulted in the development of an educational curriculum called "A Provider's Pathway to Supporting Patients with Substance Use Disorder." This curriculum aims to remove stigma as a barrier to receiving evidence-based treatment for SUDs. It also equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide culturally responsive care for marginalized communities, specifically the Hispanic/Latino community.

More on Nyenta.com
The need for this curriculum is evident in New York, where there has been a 64% increase in overdose fatalities among the Hispanic/Latino population from 2016 to 2020. Bronx County, in particular, has seen high rates of overdose fatalities and is home to a large Hispanic/Latino population. The county also scores high on the CDC Social Vulnerability Index, making it an ideal location for curriculum dissemination.

The curriculum will be shared with various healthcare professionals such as medical doctors, primary care physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, doctors of osteopathic medicine, and physician assistants. They will have access to it through an online platform and recruitment will be conducted through professional associations and local healthcare systems.

Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof, believes that addressing healthcare professional stigma is crucial in improving access to care and support for marginalized populations. He states, "In the United States, intersections between race/ethnicity, health inequities and substance use are well-documented. For example, Hispanic/Latino individuals needing SUD treatment (21%) are less likely to receive care compared to non-Hispanic/Latino individuals (25%). In partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, Shatterproof will better the lives of people in recovery, people who use drugs, and people seeking treatment for substance use disorders."

More on Nyenta.com
Dr. Mark Levy, President and CEO of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HP, also recognizes the impact of health and social inequities on communities of color. He states, "With support through our Foundation, we are committed to working with Shatterproof and other groundbreaking organizations to address these inequities and create sustainable change."

The funding for this partnership comes from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation. This work is part of a larger commitment of $30 million dedicated by Elevance Health Foundation to support programs that address mental health, with a focus on substance use disorder. Each program will aim to achieve one of three goals: prevention and early intervention of risk factors that lead to SUDs, improved access and quality of treatment for those with SUDs, and community support for lifelong recovery.

Through this partnership between Shatterproof and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, steps are being taken towards reducing stigma surrounding SUDs among healthcare professionals. By equipping them with the necessary education and training, it is hoped that individuals with SUDs will receive the care they need without facing discrimination or substandard treatment.
Filed Under: Business
Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on Nyenta.com