Alzheimer’s Association to Host Webinar Series on Cultural Competence in Dementia Care
Webinars Presented in Partnership With George Washington University

By CINDY SCHELHORN
Alzheimer’s Association

McLean, Va. (October 15, 2020)—The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter is partnering with George Washington University to deliver a free three-part webinar series: “Cultural Competence in Dementia Care: Discussing Diversity, Inequity, and Compassionate Care”. The series will launch on Wednesday, October 28 at Noon with a one hour webinar focusing on dementia care in the Black community, with case presentations and discussions on socio-cultural considerations in care.

“Although African Americans are a racial minority in the United States, they are twice as likely to develop dementia, compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts,” said Emeobong “Eme” Martin, MPH, Regional Health Systems Director for the Alzheimer’s Association chapters serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. “Further alarming is that some research suggests that a misdiagnosis of dementia is more common among African-American patients than non-Hispanic Whites, creating a strong imperative to educate the African-American community and their providers about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

Ms. Martin will moderate the hour-long discussion on racial disparities and building equitable, compassionate care for African Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Featured speakers and panelists include:

• Karyne Jones, President and CEO, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc.

• Carl V. Hill, Ph.D, MPH, Interim Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Alzheimer’s Association

• Tania Alchalabi, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Christina Prather, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Arthena Caston, Early-Stage Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advocate

“The National Capital Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to be partnering with the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at George Washington University to discuss this timely and critical issue,” said Martin. “Throughout the series, we will address culturally competent, or patient-centered, compassionate care, for traditionally underserved communities, including African American, Latinx and LGBTQ+ to highlight disparities in dementia and educate provider and communities on equitable solutions.” 

Dates are being finalized for parts two and three of the webinar series. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are pending.

To register for this free webinar, visit alz.org/nca.

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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Virtual Healthcare Symposium Offers Free CEUs for Maryland Social Workers, Counselors and Therapists

By ELYZABETH MARCUSSEN
Hospice of the Chesapeake

PASADENA, Md. (October 13, 2020)—The Caring for the Continuum of Life 2020: A Virtual Healthcare Symposium recently received approval from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists to offer continuing education units to its members. That means that along with Maryland social workers, now counselors and therapists licensed to practice in Maryland can earn up to 3 free CEUs at the free online event that will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Oct. 24.

Hosted by Hospice of the Chesapeake, Chesapeake Life Center and Chesapeake Supportive Care, the event is made possible through the generosity of Platinum Sponsor CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; Gold Sponsors Anatomy Gifts Registry, Crescent Cities Charities, Inc., and First Baptist Church of Highland Park; Silver Sponsors Adams Law Office, LLC, and GW Koch Assoc., Koch Homes; and Bronze Sponsors Doctors Community Hospital, Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory; Kirkley-Ruddick Funeral Home, PA; and Prince George’s County Area Agency on Aging.

The symposium will feature a morning of presentations from experts in the fields of hospice and palliative care, racial disparity in healthcare and spirituality. Two of the sessions offer free 1.5 CEUs each for Maryland social workers, counselors and therapists while all will offer insight into important end-of-life topics made more relevant by this year’s coronavirus epidemic and increased awareness into racial and cultural inequities.

After opening remarks, the first session will begin at 8 a.m. with keynote speaker Karen Bullock, Ph.D., LCSW, a professor and Assistant Dean of the School of Social Work at North Carolina State University. She will present “Racial Inequities Exacerbated by COVID-19,” reviewing recommendations for how hospice and palliative care communities can take culturally competent steps to helping individuals, families and communities to engage in restorative practices through courage, hope and leadership, during the pandemic. Professionals can earn 1.5 CEUs with this session.

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Gloria Thomas Anderson, Ph.D., LMSW, will present “A Community Conversation: The Impact of COVID-19 and Historical Mistrust on African-American Health and Decision-Making.” Anderson will explore some of the root causes of inequities in healthcare that often perpetuate discrimination against people of color. Additionally, she will talk about the best practices for culturally competent care across faith, ethnic and cultural traditions of African-American patients and caregivers in order to ensure quality care at the end-of-life. This session also will offer 1.5 CEUs for professionals.

Between the two speakers, Dr. Eric Bush, chief medical officer for Hospice of the Chesapeake and Chesapeake Supportive Care, will lead a panel of faith-based leaders in a candid conversation about race, religion, and healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists include the Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis III, senior pastor for First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover, Maryland; Nadia Hassan, MBA, founder and executive director of Young Leaders Institute; and Rabbi Steve Weisman of Temple Solel in Bowie, Maryland.

For details and to register, visit www.caringforlifemd.org.

The Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners certifies that each of these CEU presentations meets the criteria for 1.5 credit hours Category 1 continuing education for social workers in Maryland.

The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists certifies that each of these CEU presentations meets the criteria for 1.5 credit hours of Category A continuing education for counselors and therapists in Maryland.

Caring for life throughout the journey with illness and loss is the mission of Hospice of the Chesapeake.  For more information, please visit www.hospicechesapeake.org.

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Maryland Department of Health Urges All Marylanders to “Fight the Flu” in Statewide Vaccination Campaign
Television and social media outreach emphasizes the importance of getting a flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic

By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland Department of Health

Baltimore (October 13, 2020)—The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today launched a statewide multimedia campaign, “Fight the Flu,” on television and social media. The campaign encourages all Marylanders to get their flu shots as soon as possible, especially while COVID-19 remains a threat.

“Getting vaccinated for the flu every year is important, but this year it’s critical,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “Make sure you make time to get your flu shot—it’s a simple, safe and effective way to help protect yourself, your loved ones and the most vulnerable in your community from the flu.”

Although most influenza cases are mild and people recover with few to no complications, influenza can pose a serious risk for children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65 years, pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems. During last flu season, Maryland health care providers reported to MDH nearly 4,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 82 influenza-associated deaths, including six deaths of individuals under the age of 18.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this winter reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, is more important than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts are concerned that the confluence of COVID-19 and flu could cause hospitals, essential workers and other resources to be overwhelmed if there is more expansive illness.

“Though we do not yet have a vaccine for COVID-19, the flu vaccine is widely available,” said MDH Acting Deputy Secretary of Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan. “We urge families everywhere to talk to their health care provider, call the nearest pharmacy or go to Marylandvax.org to find a free public flu clinic nearest to them—get your flu shot today.”

The influenza virus spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing, as well as through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces and objects. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, coughing and sore throat and usually begin one to four days after being exposed. Some symptoms of cold, flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference without diagnostic testing.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, but it is especially important for individuals who are at high risk for influenza-related complications including:

• Children 6 months through 5 years old;

• People over 50 years old;

•  Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders;

• People who are immunocompromised;

•  Women who are or will become pregnant during the flu season;

• Children and adolescents who are receiving aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications and who might be at risk for Reye’s syndrome after influenza virus infection;

• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;

• People who are extremely obese (body mass index more than 40 for adults).

“Fight the Flu” will run through the fall and winter and includes television advertisements, digital/social media outreach, and educational materials for at-risk groups.

To view “Fight the Flu” television spots, visit http://bit.ly/MDflu1, http://bit.ly/MDflu2, http://bit.ly/MDflu3 and http://bit.ly/MDflu4.

To find a free public flu shot clinic near you, visit marylandvax.org.

To learn more about flu and flu surveillance in Maryland, visit health.maryland.gov/flu.

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