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COVER STORY
How One Nurse Anesthetist is Working to Fight Racial Disparities in Healthcare, pg. 17 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2021 1
Contents 6 Kids and the COVID vaccine: What should a parent know? Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
About Us
Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader
Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad. Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.— Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com
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8 After Years of Research, a New Blood Test Now Screens for Over 50 Cancers 10 Five Stops for an Educational Tour of African American History in Virginia Beach 11 Are Virtual Festivals the Future? 13 Home Power Preparations for Severe Weather 15 Four Tips to Help Keep Small Businesses Strong
COVER STORY 17 How One Nurse Anesthetist is Working to Fight Racial Disparities in Healthcare 18 State of the Nation’s Mental Health: Stress is up, Treatment is Not 20 Launching a Tech Startup: How to Build a Foundation to Scale and Succeed 23 Five Simple Yet Meaningful Ways to Support Teachers During Summer Break 25 Small Business: Why using Digital Tools is Key to Post-pandemic Success
Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com—
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag
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Kids and the COVID vaccine: What should a parent know? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted an Emergency Use Authorization allowing adolescents ages 12-15 to get the COVID vaccine another giant leap forward in the fight against this coronavirus. Your 12-year-old is eligible for the COVID vaccine! Here’s what a pediatric epidemiologist wants you to know. “We’re elated to be able to protect more people from COVID-19 through vaccination. We understand that parents may have questions before signing their kids up for the vaccine and we’re always happy to answer those questions and arm families with the information they need to feel comfortable. The biggest things I want parents to know are that this vaccine is safe, effective and our best shot at beating COVID-19,” said Dr. Emily Godbout, epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Dr. Godbout answers some of the most common questions parents have about the COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents. Which vaccine is available for kids ages 12+? The FDA’s most recent EUA is specifically for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 12-15 years old. This is currently the only COVID vaccine authorized for people under 18. How do we know it’s safe? Before the FDA grants an EUA, vaccines go through a rigorous series of trials. Children’s immune systems are different from adults’ and they can even vary at different ages. Vaccines are fully tested on specific age groups for their unique stages of development. EUAs are granted for age groups only once the vaccines have proved to be safe and effective. Multiple federal partners are working together to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines are as safe as possible. The COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly not because corners were cut, but because they were a top priority and, thankfully, research on a COVID-19 vaccine didn’t have to start from scratch. Scientists have significant prior experience working with other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS. Will the COVID-19 vaccine impact fertility? There is no evidence that any COVID-19 vaccine causes fertility problems. In fact, many professional organizations support and encourage women who are interested in becoming pregnant to get a COVID-19 6
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vaccine since it offers great protection. Is the COVID vaccine dose for adolescents the same as for adults? Yes. For the groups approved thus far, the same dose is given no matter the person’s age or size. This is really because the vaccine impacts the immune system, rather than muscles, bones or fat, which are what influence a person’s weight. As studies continue on younger children, we may find that smaller doses are recommended based on the needs and responses of their immune systems. Are side effects the same in kids and adults?The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine trials showed that side effects observed in the 12-15 age group were generally consistent with those in the 16-25-year-olds. Mild side effects - such as arm pain, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, chills and fever - are a sign the body is building protection. While they can be annoying, they should go away in a couple days. How much does the COVID vaccine cost? There is no out-of-pocket cost for the COVID vaccine, no matter where you receive it. Vaccine administration fees are covered by insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or the federal government for individuals without insurance. Where can kids 12 and up get the COVID vaccine? Many health care providers and pharmacies are providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider for information about availability, or register with your state’s health department to be notified when it’s their turn for the vaccine. Will the COVID vaccine be required for school in the fall? This decision will be up to the individual school districts. For the upcoming school year, it will likely be encouraged rather than required for the authorized age groups. Some colleges and universities, on the other hand, have implemented a COVID vaccine requirement for the 2021-22 academic year. This is certainly something to watch closely as kids and teens prepare for the new school year. Keep up with the latest COVID vaccine information for kids and teens from Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU at chrichmond.org.—
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After Years of Research, a New Blood Test Now Screens for Over 50 Cancers In 2021, an estimated 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Thanks to a groundbreaking new blood test that can detect over 50 types of cancer, more people could learn about a cancer diagnosis sooner, which is important because early detection helps save lives. Unmet need in early cancer screening: Currently, there are early screening tests for just five cancers, and they screen for a single cancer at a time: PSA test for prostate cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, mammography for breast cancer, pap smear for cervical cancer, and a low-dose CT scan for people at high risk for lung cancer. Because there are no early detection tests for people with other types of cancer, these diseases are often only detected after symptoms arise or when cancer has spread. And once a cancer has spread, it is far more difficult to treat. Existing screening tests save lives, and the greatest opportunity to bend the mortality curve in cancer is finding those not screened for today. “Finding cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful, and potentially even curative, is one of the most critical medical priorities of our time,” said Dr. Josh Ofman, chief medical officer and head of external affairs at GRAIL, a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early. A revolution in cancer detection technology : “After years of rigorous research and sharing our data with the scientific and medical community, we are a step closer to fulfilling our mission to greatly reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses through the introduction
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of Galleriâ„¢, our groundbreaking multi-cancer early detection blood test,” Ofman said. In a clinical study, Galleri demonstrated the ability to detect more than 50 types of cancer with a low false positive rate of less than 1%. When a cancer signal is detected, the test can determine where in the body the cancer is located with high accuracy. First results from PATHFINDER, an interventional study of Galleri that confirmed its performance in the clinical setting, were recently presented at the 2021 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Galleri requires a prescription and is available to U.S. patients. The positive impact of early detection Healthcare leaders are hopeful this new screening test could transform how cancer is discovered and treated, helping to potentially save many lives through early detection. “The interim results of PATHFINDER demonstrate that a routine blood test is capable of detecting many different cancers even before symptoms arise, an approach that has significant potential advantages,” said Dr. Tomasz M. Beer, deputy director at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and presenting author. “Most importantly, it can detect cancers that have no recommended screening tests today, and more than two-thirds of cancers go unscreened for this reason. These results are a pivotal step towards extending early detection to many more types of cancer.” More information is available at www.Galleri. com.—
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Five Stops for an Educational Tour of African American History in Virginia Beach Searching for an educational road trip that also helps you and your family learn about the rich history of African Americans? You may already know Virginia Beach as the site of the original Jamestown settlement in 1607, at First Landing State Park. But there are countless stories about the area revealing more history you may not know. The history of African Americans throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia is a critical piece of the story of how America came to be. That story dates to 1619, when the first documented Africans arrived at what is now Old Point Comfort in Hampton, Virginia. To create your road trip, check out the new self-guided tour commissioned by the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Virginia African American Cultural Center. The tour showcases over a dozen landmarks and locations offering a window into the African American experience in Virginia Beach. Whether you’re a history buff or just want a deeper understanding of the African American story, this tour highlights the resilient nature of the people who settled into Virginia Beach and developed social institutions vital to adapting to their new way of life. Here are a few stops along this fascinating tour of Virginia Beach: 1) First Landing State Park: The park commemorating the original Jamestown settlement was built after the Great Depression, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the Civilian Conservation Corps to provide work for millions of young men, including 250,000 African Americans. Company 1371, an all African American regiment, constructed trails and built cabins for First Landing State Park. Although Black workers built the park, they were not actually allowed to use it until 1965. A lawsuit was filed by a group of local African Americans in 1951 against the Virginia Conservation Commission for being denied entrance to the park. The suit wasn’t heard until 1955, and officials closed the park that year rather than integrating it. The park reopened its trails in 1961 and campgrounds in 1962. 2) Seaview Beach and Amusement Park: Between 1945 and 1965, Seaview Beach and Amusement Park was a vibrant, popular place where African Americans socialized, dined and danced during segregation. While no longer in operation, Seaview also had 10
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an amusement park with rides and a midway, and featured shows by artists like musical icons Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong. WRAP DJ “Big Daddy Jack” Holmes coined the catchy slogan, “See you at Seaview!” 3) Nimmo United Methodist Church: Established in 1791, the Nimmo United Methodist Church building included a slave balcony that still exists today. By 1829, a small group of white members and people of color formed a separate congregation together. A parcel of land across the road from Nimmo was acquired by the new congregation’s trustees and a church was built there, later known as Olive Branch Methodist Church. The group reunited with Nimmo in 1894. 4) L & J Gardens, Seatack Community: In 1954, this neighborhood was created by Black businessman and college graduate Walter H. “Crow” Riddick for middle-class Blacks during racial segregation. The picture-windowed, split-level, pillared ranch colonials on meticulously tended lawns showcased a mid-20th-century community personifying the American Dream. In December 2019, the Virginia State Review Board determined L & J Gardens’ eligibility for listing as an Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Virginia Beach received an Underrepresented Communities grant from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund, so the process to nominate the neighborhood to the NRHP is underway. Members of the Riddick family and other prominent professional Black families live there today. 5) Virginia African American Cultural Center: This site features “Portraits from a Place of Grace,” an art installation by artist Rich Hollant, commissioned by the Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Virginia African American Cultural Center. The portraits celebrate residents from each of the 14 historically Black neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, reflecting the dignity, resilience and hope of several generations. Want to learn more? Check out VisitVirginiaBeach.com for the full list of sites.— -
Are Virtual Festivals the Future?
After a year of being locked away at home, the world is eager to reopen and experience the things we love again, like going to restaurants, on playdates and even sharing the social dynamics of the office. One unexpected revelation during this time is that many of the activities that took us away from our homes are now seen as inconvenient, with some labeling them as unnecessary. Would you be surprised to hear that throngs of people have not only embraced but also discovered they prefer virtual entertainment to the real thing? It’s true. Live music and performances, as well as conferences and festivals, have found a new lease on life by going virtual. Producing a virtual event is standard fare for many large, medium and small corporate marketing teams, but big, consumer events had yet to realize virtual success until well into the pandemic era. Moment House produced a virtual Justin Bieber show from a hotel in Beverly Hills on New Year’s Eve, and standup comedians like Kevin Fredericks are hosting larger audiences than ever virtually. But a virtual festival? Is that even possible? Popular film festival SXSW went virtual this year and mega media company OZY just wrapped their annual OZY Fest with performances from H.E.R., Marc Rebillet, Sevyn Streeter, Tig Notaro and Big Freedia, and conversations with Malcolm Gladwell, Katty Kay, Stephen A. Smith, Mark Cuban, Condoleezza Rice, Rep. Maxine Waters, Jim Cramer, Matt James, Sophia Chang, Marcus Scribner and Dr. Anthony Fauci. “We were stunned when the festival began as the millennial and Gen Z audience poured in,” said OZY COO and co-founder Samir Rao. “This year’s festival broke every expectation we had. OZY Fest is now the
fastest-growing festival in history. Malcolm Gladwell even called it ‘the best festival of the year.’” A nice feather in the cap for the young and successful media company. With over 25 million newsletter subscribers, OZY beats all of its competition - combined. Virtual event attendees relayed some of their favorite aspects of virtual partying, including the ability to drink without worrying about transportation, dancing like nobody’s watching (because they aren’t) and feeling free to experience emotional moments as they occur. They also note that A-list talent is getting comfortable with virtual performances and conversations because they are beginning to break news. At OZY Fest, Dr. Fauci revealed that we are just a few years away from an HIV vaccine, Mark Cuban set the record straight that he will not be running for office, Condoleezza Rice surprised the crowd when she disclosed that Trump got more things right than many people realize, and H.E.R. divulged that she, Zendaya and Kehlani almost formed a supergroup years ago. “We at OZY have always been passionate about up-and-comers, we call them New + Next,” stated OZY CEO and co-founder, and host of The Carlos Watson Show, Carlos Watson. “That said, we are hosting the biggest celebrities on the planet. Matthew McConaughey, Saweetie, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Priyanka Chopra, Reggie Watts, Andrew Yang, Ava DuVernay, Finneas and so many more have graciously agreed to join me for great, virtual conversation.” Are virtual festivals here to stay? Many say yes, but only time will tell. Perhaps a hybrid solution is ahead of us when the world reopens and we can attend live events in person again. With virtual audiences showing up en masse, it is hard to imagine live events abandoning all virtual plans.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JULY 2021 11
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Home Power Preparations for Severe Weather Tornados, floods, hurricanes and more - severe weather is increasing around the world. Are you ready if a threatening storm hits your home? “Storm frequency and intensity is increasing, which means it’s important for homeowners to take a proactive approach to severe weather preparedness,” said Jonathan Green, senior regional parts and service manager at Northern Tool + Equipment. “Having the right equipment and gear on hand and ready to go means your family can stay as safe and as comfortable as possible.” Power outages and severe weather: Power to your home may be intermittent and unreliable during bad weather. In worst cases, entire power grids can go out for days or weeks at a time. Green says it’s important to prepare by having flashlights ready, stocking up on batteries and properly maintaining a generator to power necessities in a home. If a major storm is approaching, the American Red Cross recommends unplugging small appliances to reduce potential damage from power surges that could occur. Always follow orders from authorities, who may tell you to turn off utilities to prevent damage to your home or within the community. If you are without electricity, a portable generator can help power critical household equipment. For example, the NorthStar Portable Generator with Honda GX390 OHV Engine has a fuel-efficient engine with a digital ignition for easy startup. The control panel features 10 outlets and a 12-volt DC outlet, so you can power things like a well pump, a refrigerator and freezer, lights and electronics like TVs and cell phones to stay connected to emergency information. When selecting a generator, it’s important to know the right size for your needs, which is based on the rated wattage of what you want to power - as not all generators have the same power draw. To do this, add up the wattage of tools, appliances and motors you will want to run at the same time, then select a generator with the running wattage rating to match or exceed the total load. Keep in mind that items with electric motors require additional surge wattage at startup that can double or triple the normal wattage requirement - so look at the surge watts required. Green adds that having a generator is half the battle as it is just as important to use the equipment safely and maintain it properly by following generator safety and maintenance tips:
Store units properly: When not in use, keep your generator clean and covered in a safe, accessible location. Perform maintenance: Being prepared is key, and a critical component of that is making sure your gear is ready in advance of serious weather. To that end, test the generator monthly to ensure it’s working properly. Just like any other engine, a generator requires maintenance, so keep up with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for things like oil changes and spark plugs. Northern Tool + Equipment offers parts, service and repair expertise to ensure that generators, water pumps, and other equipment is tuned up and ready. Use fresh gas: There is approximately a 90-day shelf life on fuel, especially in smaller quantities like what would be in the gas tank of a small engine or a small gas can. Never use bad gas in a generator or you risk damage to the engine. Run units wisely: Place generators outdoors away from your home, but shielded from rain as much as possible. Never run generators inside or covered tightly because this can clog spark arrestors and filters resulting in a fire hazard. Additionally, not ventilating exhaust increases risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep it clean and level: Always run the generator on level surfaces free from debris or other items. Non-level or vibrating surfaces may result in problems including poor engine lubrication, which can cause overheating. Don’t overdraw power: The size of your generator will dictate how many things it can power. Keep in mind, items with heating elements or motors often need double their rated wattage to start up, which is called surge. “Having a generator can be life changing during extreme weather, and it’s important to use this equipment safely and maintain it properly so you’re ready no matter what so your family is ready when severe weather comes your way,” said Green.—
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Four Tips to Help Keep Small Businesses Strong Over the past year, small businesses have had to adapt, often learning that their bonds with their surrounding communities are crucial to their survival. As your business continues to weather today’s challenges, here are tips to help your business stay strong while you stay connected to your customers - and your neighbors. Know your customers: Ask your customers, employees and community members for their opinions on your products and services and discover what they want. Free and low-cost tools like SurveyMonkey can help you create a professional-looking online survey. A low-cost customer relationship management (CRM) tool can also help you stay connected to your customers. Leverage digital marketing: Did you know 81% of Americans use YouTube1, 69% use Facebook and 40% use Instagram? In addition, 60% of consumers say they will continue shopping online, with 26% saying they will shop online even more in the future.2 Meet customers where they are by posting and advertising on these powerful digital platforms. Create email campaigns to contact customers. If you don’t have a website, make one. Inexpensive tools like Wix or GoDaddy can help you build a basic site quickly. Support your community: Stay engaged with your community by sponsoring youth teams or holding food drives at your location. Be visible and be a good neighbor. Find funding to fuel growth: Money is available for small businesses, if you know where to look. Grants, loans and awards can help your business grow. Start with the Small Business Administration and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. You can also try a simple online search for “small business grants.” Many corporations offer awards programs. For example, since 2016 the Synchrony Pillars Project has honored small business leaders who support their communities. In 2020, the program recognized 20 winners for supporting their communities in innovative, powerful ways. Each of the winners received a $10,000 prize. Here are a few highlights from a sampling of the winners: * All About Automotive, an automotive repair facility servicing foreign and domestic vehicles in Gresham, Oregon. During the pandemic, the husband-and-wife-owned company created a Pay It Forward Campaign for those suffering financially. Customers, friends and family donated to help pay
for parts, and All About Automotive matched the donations with free labor. All About Automotive is investing their award into equipment for their shop and the Pay it Forward Campaign. * American Mattress, a local premium mattress and bedding retailer in Colorado Springs, Colo. Since opening its first store in 2017, the family-run and veteran-operated business has been passionate about giving back to the community. They first donated beds to an organization housing homeless mothers with children. Despite needing to close two months during the pandemic, the business continued supporting the community by donating beds to foster parents and shelters. The award money has helped American Mattress invest in inventory, which it continues to allocate to the community. * Backstage Music in Starkville, Miss., has been North Mississippi’s premier music store since 1978. However, it does much more than sell guitars and basses. The owners created the go-to audio/video business for local governments, churches, restaurants and schools. When the pandemic forced it to close, Backstage Music developed solutions for local organizations suddenly needing live streaming. In addition to seeking ways to support music and music education, the business collects food for local food pantries (bring five food items, get a free guitar restring job), and hopes to match donations using the award money. * Valdosta Properties, a property management business in Houston, Texas. Being led by an African-American woman in an industry men dominate makes this business unique and challenging. The pandemic forced them to adapt, because of their direct contact with customers. The team has gone above and beyond to assure customers they can complete remodeling projects safely, with care and respect for their health. A community-oriented business, Valdosta Properties chose to use half the award money for a marketing campaign called “Are You Ready?” which aims to provide generators for senior citizens’ homes. Learn more about the Pillars awards and last year’s winners at Synchrony.com/smallbusiness. With an approach fostering stronger relationships within the community, small businesses can continue to survive - and even thrive - during difficult times, whatever the future holds.—
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COVER STORY
How One Nurse Anesthetist is Working to Fight Racial Disparities in Healthcare As an African American and a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), Dr. Edwin Aroke has always been committed to equitable care for racial and ethnic minority patients. However, following years of providing anesthesia care in hospitals and teaching student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Aroke realized that even the most conscious healthcare providers can have biased impulses. “One day, I received a report of a 21-year-old African American male with a gunshot wound coming to my room,” said Aroke. “My immediate thought was that he must be a ‘gangster.’ I had to stop and consider that I knew nothing about this individual and he could have been a bystander, a suicide victim, anyone. Despite being an African American, the neurocircuits in my brain made a potentially harmful judgment.” Disparities in treatment for racial and ethnic minority patients stemming from implicit biases are distinctly present in pain care. Studies show that compared to white women, racial and ethnic minority women are less likely to receive an epidural for childbirth, and Black patients are less likely to receive pain medicines in emergency rooms than white patients. Unfortunately, research suggests that these treatment disparities may be a result of false beliefs about biological differences in pain tolerance between Black and white patients. This issue is particularly important to Aroke, and the subject of his research program. He is also educating his students and colleagues, as well as moderating webinars alongside the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, to educate CRNAs and SRNAs across the country. “As a CRNA, I provide multimodal, opioid-sparing and opioid-free anesthesia and pain management services, as well as safe opioid administration to prevent the risk of addiction,” said Aroke. “Additionally,
CRNAs are more likely than physician anesthesiologists to work in counties with lower median incomes and denser unemployed, uninsured and Medicaid-eligible populations.” Aroke shares advice with patients to help ensure they receive equitable treatment. “The best care experience starts with good communication between the patient and their provider,” he said. “You know your body best. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans and express any concerns with the quality of care you are receiving.” For healthcare providers like CRNAs, Aroke has additional recommended actions: * Learn more about minority community needs. “I encourage all of my colleagues to better understand the communities they serve and whether resources are available to address their needs,” said Aroke. * Address health literacy and linguistic barriers. Racial and ethnic minority patients are more likely to have less health literacy and English proficiency, which can impact their ability to obtain and understand health information and services. * Incorporate training on implicit bias into practice. “This education should be evidence-based and include recommendations on how to empower patients from disadvantaged backgrounds to understand their options for care and financial and social support,” said Aroke. Most importantly, healthcare providers and patients must advocate for systemic changes. “We cannot address healthcare disparities without understanding systemic racism and the structures that hold these biases in place,” said Aroke. “’Not being a racist’ isn’t good enough - CRNAs and other providers must fight discrimination and take active steps to promote health equity.”—
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State of the Nation’s Mental Health: Stress is up, Treatment is Not Our nation reported more mental health stress in 2020, but there was not a corresponding increase in people seeking mental health treatment, according to the inaugural State of the Nation’s Mental Health report. However, there were two conditions for which diagnoses and treatment grew in 2020: anxiety and PTSD for adults. These findings support the results of a recent study showing that four out of 10 U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2020, up from one in 10 in 2019. The report’s findings, based on behavioral health plan claims from 27 million people in the United States, reflect the pandemic disconnect between feeling stressed and depressed and being diagnosed and seeking treatment. Two groups had the largest overall downturn: younger children and older adults. One possible reason for the drop in children’s diagnoses is that they spent less time with teachers, coaches and other mentors during the pandemic. The Silent Generation - people 75 and older - may not have used telehealth services as much as other groups and delayed getting healthcare appointments. The State of the Nation’s Mental Health report showed the following drops in 2020 rates for those treated for mental health diagnoses compared to those treated in 2019: 18
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* 10 percent overall drop for young children * 5 percent overall drop for adolescents * 5 percent overall drop for adults older than 75 * 13 percent drop for young children diagnosed with ADHD * 8 percent drop for adolescents diagnosed with ADHD * 8 percent drop in adults older than 75 diagnosed with dementia * 3 percent drop for both Baby Boomers and adults older than 75 diagnosed for depression The results of the study are supported by data from IngenioRx, a pharmacy benefits manager. While the overall use for depression medications was up in 2020, much of that increase is due to existing users being better about taking their medications as prescribed, according to IngenioRx medication data. New users of these medications increased at the same rate as 2019. “It’s not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s mental health,” commented Neil Leibowitz, MD, JD, Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health, at Beacon Health Options, a leading behavioral health services company. “However, because people aren’t seeking services at a rate we would expect them to, it’s a reminder that we all need to understand what people are going through and do what Continued on Page 20
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State of the Nation's Mental Health, cont'd from pg. 18 we can to make sure they get care. We encourage people to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect their physical health. Likewise, we need to encourage people to practice self-care and get treatment to protect their mental health.” Many healthcare professionals think the pandemic will affect our nation’s mental health for years to come. Nearly three out of four mental health specialists and primary care doctors estimate that the mental health effects from the pandemic will last up to three years or longer, according to an Anthem Inc.-commissioned survey. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health for doctors and patients alike. Nine out of 10 of surveyed providers reported they are more
aware of their patients’ mental health challenges. Also, 70 percent said their patients have been more willing to bring up mental health issues during appointments. “There is no doubt that 2020 was the most difficult of years,” said Dr. Leibowitz. “However, the year presented us with an opportunity. This reported uptick in awareness shows promise that attitudes concerning mental health are changing. I don’t think we have yet to see the end to mental health stigma, but assuming this data reflects a larger national trend, 2020 led us closer to an openness around discussing mental health.”—
Launching a Tech Startup: How to Build a Foundation to Scale and Succeed Despite disruptions over the last year, the number of entrepreneurs launching startups hit record highs in 2020. In the U.S., vision, passion, grit and a startup-friendly environment have resulted in the world’s highest number of startups. If you’re one of the millions feeling the pull to start your own company, your timing couldn’t be better. The proliferation of connected devices, the worldwide shift to remote and hybrid work models and the rapid pace of technological innovation are just a few of the factors bringing exciting opportunities for new 20
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products and services. “The shift to global entrepreneurship has underscored something I’ve believed for a long time, that you can start up a company anywhere,” said Brad Feld, managing director at tech investment firm, Foundry Group. “People are finally realizing that tech hubs, while great, are by no means a critical element to startup success. Today’s visionaries can launch tomorrow’s unicorn from their kitchen table. The tech, tools and people are already out there - it’s just a process of leveraging those resources to make it work
for you, wherever you are.” Below are tips to keep in mind if you’re one of the many innovators ready to make the startup jump. 1) Surround yourself with the right people: Having the right people in place can be the difference between success and failure. It’s hard enough for founders, who’ve lost countless hours of sleep and invested their life savings, to entrust their vision to others, but there’s no other way to grow. Personal recommendations and connections are useful, but not always available. Job sites like Indeed allow employers to screen potential hires with supplementary assessment tests to help determine a candidate’s strengths in critical areas like writing, customer service and technical ability. Once you’ve selected a handful of candidates, be sure to ask questions that can help you gauge their excitement about your vision and how they would make that vision a reality. Will Herman, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, corporate director and startup mentor said, “The commitment you must make is to embody specific roles and responsibilities, including operational and cultural leadership, vision and direction, and especially, building a great extended team.” 2) Use the experience of others: The five-year success rate of startups looms around 50%, but there are many people you’ve never met who are ready to help you succeed. The internet is full of information, advice and tips from seasoned founders, instantly available and often free. Consider a mentorship organization for support, research what accelerator programs like Y Combinator and Techstars offer, read interviews or listen to podcasts with industry leaders, and make use of the resources available through the U.S. Small Business Administration, designed to support startups with information, access to capital and connections. The Startup Playbook offers insight and expertise from those who successfully launched multiple companies and walks you through lessons they learned
the hard way. Do More Faster explores key issues that first-time entrepreneurs encounter and offers proven advice from successful entrepreneurs who have worked with the Techstars accelerator. 3) Put the right tools in place: Today’s entrepreneurs face virtually no technological barriers to entry. Software programs can be accessed through the cloud no matter where you are, eliminating the need to download applications onto computers bound to one physical office. Zoom and collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams make communication simple. JumpCloud’s directory platform offers a single login to securely connect employees to any file, application, network or IT resource they might need - and it lets non-technical people manage their IT with ease without breaking the bank. Myriad applications can capture and analyze valuable information like market data, how potential competitors are positioning themselves, and vital insights about how effective your social media, lead generation or marketing programs are - all of which can help recalibrate your business model. If you’ve identified a clear market need or created a product or service you know will have a big impact, it might be the perfect time for you to pursue that dream. As David Cohen of Techstars said, “Having worked with over 2,000 companies, hard work, brilliance and innovation has been a constant for startups. What’s new is the instant availability of elements that can significantly impact a company’s trajectory - expert advice, easy-to-use and inexpensive software, and a truly global network of talent to pick from. While launching a startup is for the hearty, the amount of support for those who push on despite the odds has never been more robust.” With access to the right people and advice, and the tech tools to make your journey easy, you can be set up to succeed and scale.—
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Five Simple Yet Meaningful Ways to Support Teachers During Summer Break Being a teacher always comes with challenges, but through the uncertainties of the pandemic, it quickly became one of the toughest jobs in the country. Tasked with keeping students calm, engaged and learning - whether in school, at home or hybrid (not to mention added safety protocols) - was a big ask. Yet, as they always do, teachers rose to the challenge and helped keep students learning while providing a much-needed sense of normalcy. This was no small feat, requiring extra effort from educators. According to a study by the RAND Corporation, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated what were already high stress levels pre-pandemic by forcing teachers to work more hours and navigate an unfamiliar remote environment. The majority of teachers (85%) are feeling some combination of exhaustion, stress or burnout, at the close of the 20202021 school year, found a Staples survey, and 50% even describe themselves as overwhelmed. As educators attempt to rest and refuel for next school year, summer is a great time to show you care and appreciate all they do. Here are five simple ways to give a little love back to the teachers that work so hard for students: Volunteer. Leverage your talents and interests to help out at local schools. Ask about what your family can do over the summer months to help the community and build school pride. Ask about maintaining the school garden or grounds, see if the library needs help sorting books, offer your time to assist teachers cleaning their rooms, or sign up to volunteer during back-to-school days. There are many ways to help and show you care; contact the teacher or principal to get ideas for how your family can make a difference. Thank a teacher. Nominate a teacher who has gone above and beyond through Staples’ third annual #ThankATeacher contest. Twenty stand-out teachers and their schools will be awarded a $5,000 Staples Gift Card to stock up on classroom essentials, and the teachers will receive $2,000 to help them recharge ahead of the upcoming school year. Post a photo or video with a caption describing why your teacher deserves to win on Twitter or Instagram using #ThankATeacher, #Contest and @StaplesStores or by filling out the form on staplesconnect.com/ thankateacher through June 30, 2021. Prevent summer learning loss. During summer break, kids can lose valuable knowledge in reading
and math - a phenomenon commonly referred to by educators as the “summer slide.” You can help prevent it by making learning a regular part of your child’s summer break by weaving in short activities throughout the day. Make your way through fun workbooks and try to read 20 minutes a day. Explore your local community by visiting a museum, growing a garden or visiting a park. Embrace STEAM and try building DaVinci’s Bridge with pencils or creating bookmarks from duct tape and craft supplies. Experiential learning is great for the summer months. Spread the good word. During difficult times, words of encouragement and appreciation mean the world. Write a handwritten letter to the principal and share your appreciation for a specific teacher who made an impact on you this year. Go online and post positive reviews on educational websites. Encourage your child to speak positively about school by leading the way yourself - kids adopt and reflect your attitude, so show appreciation for teachers and a high value of education, and your children will do the same. Buy extra supplies. According to The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 94% of teachers reported spending their own money on classroom supplies without reimbursement. Consider hosting a supply drive at work or get the kids involved with a lemonade stand to raise money to benefit the school. Buy extra supplies for the classroom when school shopping and shop at Staples Stores where it benefits teachers directly: Starting July 1 through September 30, teachers earn 20% back in rewards on every purchase parents make when they sign up for Classroom Rewards. Teachers can register and parents can sign up at Staplesconnect.com/classroomrewards. Teachers do so much for children and have been a pillar of hope and stability during the pandemic. These simple ideas will have a big impact while conveying your gratitude. KRC Research conducted the Staples Teachers study using an online survey of n=500 U.S. adults ages 18 and over who are currently employed as a K-12 teacher. The study fielded between May 18-26, 2021.—
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Small Business: Why using Digital Tools is Key to Post-pandemic Success The vaccine rollout has accelerated across the U.S. and people are beginning to return to their routines, but how they communicate, buy and do things has dramatically shifted. People spend more time - and buy more - online than ever before. During the pandemic, the country has witnessed 10 years of e-commerce growth within a few months. Many small businesses have had to change and adapt the ways they find and communicate with customers, showing grit and digital entrepreneurship amid disruptions and challenges. Businesses using digital tools have experienced significantly less revenue loss than those that are not online. During the pandemic, revenue performance was 50% better for digitally savvy small businesses. Google is dedicated to supporting and celebrating small business worldwide. Mary Ellen Coe, president of customer solutions for Google, outlines a few stories showing how small business owners have focused on strategies to ensure long-term success for their businesses. One example of a business doing just that is Studley’s Flower Gardens, a nearly 100-year-old family-owned florist, garden center and landscaping company. After launching their first website in 2003, online advertising helped them expand their reach and compete more effectively with national brands. Fast forward to 2020: Studley’s has created a strong online presence that proved fruitful when the pandemic forced their physical storefront to temporarily shut down. Understanding digital trends gave them the confidence to plan their next moves. Their online store allowed them to quickly transition to contactless pickup and delivery, and their digital sales tripled over the previous year. Another digitally savvy business is Morgan Mill-
er Plumbing in Grandview, Missouri. When Stella Crewse became CEO, she updated their digital capabilities including advertising and online presence. When the pandemic hit, digital tools enabled Morgan Miller Plumbing to not just survive but to thrive, growing from 15 to 19 employees. Online advertising makes it easy for new customers to find them, and digital scheduling tools help them organize their appointments. And take CurlMix, a clean beauty brand for natural hair founded in 2015 by Kim and Tim Lewis. In that time, the business has grown from the Lewis’ garage to a warehouse with more than 40 employees. Video has been key to their mission of empowering Black women and their beauty through transparency and honesty. Kim’s videos are a blend of educational - teaching viewers how to best use and style CurlMix hair products - and personal conversations. Lewis’ authentic approach grew their following to more than 30,000 subscribers, and puts relevant content and products in front of more people searching for natural hair care tutorials and reviews. These are just a sampling of small businesses that leaned into digital to find and reach customers and grow their business. Whether they’re demonstrating products and services on video platforms, updating their online presence to ensure they’re found when consumers are searching or boosting their e-commerce presence, effective digital solutions are available for every type of small business owner.—
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