ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, today is launching the NICU Family Online Education Series – COVID-19. This five-week webinar series will share important information about having a newborn in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as families may be facing changes with how they can spend time with their baby. This series is available at no cost to all NICU families across the country and will cover important topics from a baby’s development to preparing to go home, and even self-care for caregivers.

“Even before COVID-19, having a baby in the NICU was a frightening and unpredictable experience,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “With even more uncertainty and an ever-changing situation, March of Dimes is here to help moms and families through every stage of pregnancy and the NICU journey. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the launch of an online NICU education series, which will offer critical support to all NICU parents in this time of need.”

The webinars will be offered twice a week, on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. EDT and again on Saturday at 3 p.m. EDT, April 29^th through Saturday, May 30^th. During each session, a March of Dimes NICU expert will cover topics featured in the core curriculum of the NICU Family Support^® program to help families understand their important role alongside health care providers, build confidence to advocate for the best care for their baby and feel supported during a stressful time, while taking into account specific concerns given COVID-19. Families can learn more and register to participate at marchofdimes.org/NICUeducation.

“Babies in the NICU may have been born too small, too soon, or with a medical condition that requires intensive care,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Senior Vice President at March of Dimes. “By offering this critical information to NICU families virtually, we can provide NICU parents across the nation with the support they need during this public health emergency.”

The NICU Family Online Education Series – COVID-19 is one of several resources that March of Dimes is providing for NICU families during this pandemic, including:

• NICU Family Support®: March of Dimes’ NICU Family Support program provides education and support to NICU parents in partner hospitals across the country. Programmatic services have transitioned to virtual platforms to provide important education and support, while maintaining social distancing protocols.
• My NICU Baby® App: The My NICU Baby App® provides COVID-19 information for families in the NICU with videos on infection control and parent self-care, how to support siblings and options to connect with other NICU families. Learn more at mynicubaby.org.
• Share Your Story: NICU families can find a supportive online environment with trusted information and advice, helpful resources and caring people who want to connect. Visit marchofdimes.org/online-communities.

This work is part of March of Dimes’ ongoing effort to address the urgent need for research, advocacy, education, resources and support to protect moms and babies from COVID-19 and the unknown future effects of the virus through the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund. Learn more about the Fund at marchofdimes.org/COVID19Fund. For more information on how COVID-19 affects moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/COVID19.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family.

Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

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SOURCE March of Dimes

ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, released the Spanish-language edition of the NAMI COVID-19 Information and Resources Guide, NAMI COVID-19 Información y Recursos. This guide addresses frequently asked questions and lists resources available in Spanish.

NAMI understands the need for culturally relevant COVID-19-related information and resources for Hispanic and Latinx communities to help support themselves and their loved ones. We recognize that vulnerable communities and those experiencing mental health conditions face additional challenges associated with COVID-19, such as social isolation and difficulty accessing treatment. The guide features a variety of topics related to mental health and COVID-19, including managing anxiety, finding online communities, getting affordable services, and more.

“It is more important than ever that everyone can access vital information to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy. This is why we created the NAMI COVID-19 Información y Recursos guide,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. “We hope by providing this resource in Spanish, we will help reduce barriers and increase access to needed services in order to advance NAMI’s mission of helping all people affected by mental illness build better lives.”

NAMI is proud to partner with Hispanics in Philanthropy to help members of the diverse Latinx communities in the U.S. 

“The compilation of Spanish-language resources in the guide will help staff in the extensive network of organizations we fund have an easy to use resource to better inform members of the community,” said Ana Marie Argilagos, CEO and President of Hispanics in Philanthropy. 

To access the guide, please visit nami.org/covid-19-guia. For English-language updates on mental illness and COVID-19, visit NAMI’s regularly updated COVID-19 webpage.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join the conversation: nami.org | facebook.com/nami | instagram.com/namicommunicate | twitter.com/namicommunicate

Hispanics in Philanthropy strengthens Latino leadership, influence and equity by leveraging philanthropic resources, and doing so with an unwavering vision on social justice and shared prosperity across the Americas.  Visit: hiponline.org.

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SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A federal court has entered a temporary injunction against the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing (Genesis) and four individuals associated with the entity requiring them to immediately stop distributing its “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS), an unproven and potentially harmful treatment offered for sale to treat Coronavirus, which includes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and many other diseases. In granting the government’s request for relief, the court found that the United States has demonstrated that Genesis and the associated individuals named in the injunction are violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) by unlawfully distributing MMS, an unapproved new drug and misbranded drug. When combined with the included activator MMS has a chlorine dioxide content equivalent to industrial bleach. The court also found that there is a danger that the defendants will continue violating the law without the temporary restraining order.

“Americans expect and deserve proven medical treatments and today’s action is a forceful reminder that the FDA will use its legal authorities to quickly stop those who have proven to continuously threaten the health of the American public. It is vital that sellers of drug products comply with the FD&C Act and do not sell products with false and misleading claims, especially to treat COVID-19 and other debilitating diseases, such as autism and Alzheimer’s Disease,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “Despite a previous warning, the Genesis II Church of Healing has continued to actively place consumers at risk by peddling potentially dangerous and unapproved chlorine dioxide products. We will not stand for this, and the FDA remains fully committed to taking strong enforcement action against any sellers who place unsuspecting American consumers at risk by offering their unproven products to treat serious diseases.”

The FDA, jointly with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), previously issued a warning letter to Genesis and the FDA has warned consumers numerous times over the past decade not to purchase or drink chlorine dioxide products such as MMS sold as medical treatments. The FDA and FTC requested that the company respond within 48 hours describing the specific steps it has taken to correct the violations. In response to the warning letter, the defendants made clear that they had no intention of taking corrective action and would continue to sell MMS in violation of the law. This is especially concerning to the agency as the FDA has received reports of people experiencing serious adverse events, including respiratory failure, life-threatening low blood pressure, acute liver failure and QT prolongation after drinking certain chlorine dioxide products.

The FDA has not approved Genesis’s product for any use, despite the defendants’ claims that these products can be used to cure, mitigate, treat or prevent diseases such as COVID-19, Alzheimer’s, autism, brain cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS. Claims made on the Genesis websites, which provide a link to purchase MMS, include, “The Coronavirus is curable, you believe that? . . . MMS will kill it.” The agency is not aware of any scientific evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of MMS to treat any disease and there are no approved drug applications in effect for the defendants’ MMS.

As a result of these violations, today, U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, entered the temporary restraining order against Genesis and the individual defendants Mark Grenon, Joseph Grenon, Jordan Grenon and Jonathan Grenon until May 1^st, 2020. There will be a hearing on the government’s request to extend the injunction on May 1^st, 2020. The complaint, filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), against the Bradenton, Fla. seller and the seller’s most responsible individuals, seeks to restrain and enjoin all defendants from labeling, holding and distributing unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs, including MMS, in interstate commerce on a permanent basis. The FDA requested the DOJ to bring this case on behalf of the U.S. Government. The claims made in the complaint are allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government must prove to receive a permanent injunction against Genesis.

The FDA is particularly concerned that products that claim to cure, treat or prevent serious diseases like COVID-19 may cause consumers to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment, leading to serious and life-threatening harm. There are currently no vaccines or drugs approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. The FDA reminds the public to seek medical help from their health care providers. Additionally, children are a vulnerable population that may be at greater risk for adverse reactions from consuming chlorine dioxide products. The FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of COVID-19 products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

The FDA continues to monitor social media, online marketplaces and incoming complaints to help ensure that sellers do not continue to sell fraudulent products related to COVID-19.

Additional Resources:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Fraudulent Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Products
• Fraudulent Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Product Photos
• FTC Article on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scams
• FDA Health Fraud
• Reporting Unlawful Sales of Medical Products on the Internet

Media Contact: Jeremy Kahn, 301-796-8671
Consumer Inquiries: Email or 888-INFO-FDA

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

This press release was updated as of 4/17/2020 to clarify that a preliminary injunction was not entered and to provide the date for the hearing on the preliminary injunction request.

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

BlueSky, DoSomething.org help teens manage stress and anxiety while coping with the COVID-19 crisis and other social pressures

OAKLAND, Calif., April 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California has teamed up with DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change in the nation, to develop a first-of-its-kind mental health guide to help youth cope with stress and anxiety during these difficult times.

“New State of Mind” is a unique addition to the resources developed and offered by Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative, a multi-year effort to enhance awareness, advocacy, and access to mental health support for middle and high school students in California and beyond.

This innovative, three-month digital campaign, will include text, email, and social media activations to DoSomething.org’s millions of members, encouraging young people across the U.S. to share their tips to help combat anxiety, especially in our new COVID-19 reality.  The idea is to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and encourage youth to seek help.

In the few weeks that this campaign has been active, young people from across the country have responded, submitting over 18,000 stress-reducing tips so far. These tips – mostly centered on ways to handle COVID-19 related worries – will evolve and grow into a first-of-its-kind, crowdsourced mental health resource that Blue Shield of California and DoSomething.org will share widely with youth across the country.

“The introduction of New State of Mind couldn’t be timelier with the coronavirus outbreak causing considerable stress among youth and their families across the country,” said Kimberley Goode, senior vice president of External Affairs at Blue Shield of California. “Working with DoSomething.org, we’re extending our program to provide additional mental health resources and coping strategies to reach even more youth during this difficult time.”

As an incentive to boost participation, young people who submit tips will be entered for a chance to win one of three $1,000 scholarships. There will be a scholarship drawing at the end of April, May and June as more tips are collected.

Resources for Coronavirus
DoSomething.org also offers resources for not feeling alone while physical distancing and links to remote learning, financial aid and career readiness tools for students whose education has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing young Americans today — and one of the social causes young people most want to get involved in,” says Carrie Bloxson, Chief Marketing Officer of DoSomething.org. “That’s why we’re proud and excited to partner with Blue Shield of California. Not only will we help thousands of students access mental health services they need — we’ll activate those young people to offer crucial support and resources to their friends and communities. The impact won’t be individual; it’ll be exponential.”

For more information on Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative, and for links to resources around student mental health, visit blueshieldca.com/BlueSky.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. 
Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

About DoSomething.org
DoSomething.org is the largest organization exclusively for young people and social change. We’re activating 6 million young people (and counting!) to do good in every US area code and in 131 countries. Using our digital platform, members join DoSomething.org’s volunteer and civic action campaigns to make offline impact at scale. Our members have helped clothe half of America’s youth in homeless shelters. They’ve cleaned up 3.7 million cigarette butts. They’ve run the world’s largest youth-led sports equipment drive. And more! Young people have the power and the passion to transform their communities — we help them get it done. Let’s Do This.

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

GREENWICH, Connecticut, April 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Murphy Medical Associates today announced it will be providing immunity testing for SARS CoV2 Immunoglobulins at www.CoronaTestCT.com. As the first Drive Thru test center for Novel Coronavirus SARS CoV2 on the East Coast, Murphy has both medical schools and local towns volunteering to help flatten the curve. These COVID-19 tests are offered without need for Physician Order. Murphy Medical Associates has established successful public private collaboration with several local Departments of Health in Fairfield and New Haven County, CT.

“With record reduction in mortality rates, it was obvious we should be following Korean best practices which include screening and immunity testing. As physicians dedicated to keeping our patients healthy, we felt the need to deliver that care to all of Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester Counties,” says Board Certified Internist Dr. Steven A. R. Murphy MD a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Drive thru testing is an established procedure in South Korea and the United Kingdom but has not yet been fully implemented in the United States. Patients can sign up online at www.CoronaTestCT.com to schedule screening, testing or arrive at a site and register with a telemedicine visit. These 6 centers include 1 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT, 460 Shippan Avenue in Stamford, CT, 1000 Main Street in Stratford, CT, 88 North Avenue in Westport, CT, 80 High School Road in Darien, CT and 150 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT. By testing for immunity via Drive Thru and Open Air we keep the patient, the practice and the public safe. Our medical practice provides all orders and follow up care for the patient, relieving hospitals of follow up burden.   

“That’s a great screening tool to figure out what proportion of our patient population had it or what proportion of medical staff has been exposed to it,” said David Pride, associate director of microbiology at the University of California San Diego

Drive Thru Testing at Murphy Medical Associates offers testing without a Doctor’s order because they provide the medical services. Due to recent legislation there is no cost to any patient and all charges will billed to the patients’ insurance. Should the patient be uninsured the cost is still zero dollars. For more information on Drive Through Testing for Novel Corona Virus visit www.coronatestCT.com  

About: Murphy Medical Associates is a multispecialty group serving patients in Fairfield, New Haven Counties in Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Focused on prevention, our practice emphasizes early detection and prevention through advanced diagnostics including vascular ultrasound, allergy and toxicology, proteomic and genomic testing paired with dietary and environmental modification. Murphy Medical Associates provides care to patients of all ages and accepts most insurances including, Medicaid, Husky and Medicare. The practices also provides on-site and telemedicine occupational and student health services for local corporations and schools.

Steven Murphy MD
Murphy Medical Associates        
203-554-8166
[email protected] 

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SOURCE Murphy Medical Associates