The report, Promoting Recovery and Independence for Older Adolescents and Young Adults Who Experience Serious Mental Health Challenges, indicates that 20 percent of young adults living in U.S. households had a mental health condition in the last year.  Of these, more than 1.3 million had a disorder so serious that their ability to function in many aspects of everyday life was compromised.

To address this need SAMHSA sponsors a wide range of programs directed toward treating many behavioral health challenges facing older adolescents and young adults including mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders.   In many instances they have helped older adolescents and young adults achieve recovery and move onto live full, productive lives.

For example, among older adolescents and young adults participating in the SAMHSA-sponsored Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program, 28 percent showed significant improvement in their behavioral and emotional health within the first six months, and 38 percent showed significant improvement within the first year.  Many participants reported they had greater confidence in their abilities to perform important life skills such as preparing meals and securing rental agreements.  Homelessness dropped by 36 percent after six months in services among those ages 18 and older participating in the program.

Similarly among older adolescents and young adults participating in the SAMHSA-sponsored Emerging Adults Initiative (EAI) program the report showed a 30 percent increase in young adults reporting that they had a stable place to live within the community and a 37 percent increase in those stating they had positive functioning in everyday life.

“These data show that treatment is effective. Young people who experience mental or substance use disorders can recover and lead healthy, productive lives with improvements in employment opportunities, housing, education and emotional well-being,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde.

The report also shows that many participants in SAMHSA sponsored substance use treatment programs were also treated for mental conditions and that this treatment had a beneficial effect in terms of mental well-being and recovery from substance use disorders.  Among those older adolescents and young adults who participated in these programs there was a 34 percent decrease in the number of young adults who reported experiencing mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety and an 80 percent increase in the number of young adults who were living in the community. In addition, in SAMHSA’s Pregnant and Postpartum Women program, 86 percent of participating young adults reported no substance use after six months of treatment (versus only 40 percent of those entering the program) and 29 percent reported being employed or in school (versus only 13 percent of those entering the program).

The report was released today during SAMHSA’s press briefing for National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day), SAMHSA’s annual celebration highlighting the importance of caring for every child’s mental health.  Awareness Day is part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on public awareness and support, and is being observed on May 9 this year. More than 135 national organizations and federal agencies and programs are collaborating to provide greater access to community-based mental health services and supports for all children, youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions and their families as part of Awareness Day 2013.

Across the country, more than 1,100 communities are celebrating this annual observance with local events; social media campaigns; and dance, music, and visual activities with children to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health.

To download Promoting Recovery and Independence for Older Adolescents and Young Adults Who Experience Serious Mental Health Challenges and view the full list of field references, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/children.

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 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.  SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

Contact: SAMHSA Press Office; 240–276–2134

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“Every young person faces challenges as they work toward becoming an independent adult, and for those with mental health challenges, it can be even more of a struggle,” said Lovato.  “I want those young adults to know that your life has meaning and you can reach out to someone you trust for support and overcome any challenges in your life.”

At the press briefing, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discussed new data reports being released during Mental Health Awareness Month, including the first-ever Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report supplement on children’s mental health from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  She also announced a State Informational Bulletin from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services describing effective services for children and youth with serious mental health conditions and encouraging the use of services such as respite care, parent support providers, and intensive wraparound care coordination.

In celebration of Awareness Day, SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde announced the release of a new SAMHSA publication, Promoting Recovery and Independence for Older Adolescents and Young Adults Who Experience Serious Mental Health Challenges, which provides information about how community-based programs are improving the lives of youth and young adults with mental health and substance use challenges.

“We applaud Ms. Lovato for her willingness to speak out about her experiences in support of youth and young adults with behavioral health challenges,” said Hyde.  “This type of support, coupled with effective community-based programs for these youth and young adults can help them overcome any challenges and go on to live healthy, fulfilled lives.”

The briefing served as a launch for SAMHSA’s Awareness Day that includes events and activities in more than 1,100 communities and more than 135 public and private organizations. As part of the launch activities, SAMHSA will premiere the Awareness Day virtual event today at 3 p.m. EDT on http://www.samhsa.gov/children as part of its Awareness Day celebrations.  The virtual event features a message from Lovato to young adults, in addition to stories from young adults from across the country who have overcome challenges and demonstrated resilience after achieving social connectedness in housing, education, employment, or in accessing health care services.

For more information about Awareness Day, new publications, and to view the Webcast of the press briefing and the virtual event, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/children.

Follow #HeroesofHope to join the conversation about National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on Twitter.

 # # #

 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.  SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

Contact: SAMHSA Press Office; 240–276–2134

The post SAMHSA honors Demi Lovato, celebrates resilience in young adults at annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day observance appeared first on Vanguard Communications.

The “Big Chop to Stop Cancer” campaign invites women to cut their hair to promote cancer screenings, early detection, treatment and recovery, while embracing personal beauty in all its forms. Early detection is critical to saving lives because cancer often goes undiagnosed in black women until it has reached a particularly aggressive stage. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women are more likely to die from nearly all forms of cancer than women from any other racial or ethnic group.

“Cancer is the No. 1 killer of black women ages 34 to 44 years old. And yet, many women facing cancer fear the side effects associated with cancer treatment, including hair loss,” said Dr. Andrene Taylor, Executive Director of ZuriWorks. “For black women, this concern may prevent them from seeking cancer screenings that could provide live-saving early detection. By working together, we can empower ourselves, our mothers, sisters, friends and the entire community to embrace health and hope.”

Proceeds from Big Chop to Stop Cancer benefit the health, hair care and other services ZuriWorks provides to women living with cancer. ZuriWorks believes that shaping the way black women understand their hair in the larger context of their health will empower them to overcome fears about treatments such as chemotherapy –and help them begin to view cancer screenings as part of their beauty regimen. Leaders in the beauty and hair care industries are joining forces with ZuriWorks in this unique opportunity to raise awareness of women’s health issues. ZuriWorks partners include Jane Carter Solution, Shea Moisture, Joyful Bath Co., Bo Beam Natural Hair Products, Sydelle Cosmetics, Diary of Natural Gal, Twist Locks, and Love, Jaha Hair Studio, Signature Image Salon, Le Chic Salon, Imagine Photography Studio, House Studio, Hotel Helix, Vanguard Communications, Howard University Cancer Center, and Soft Sheen-Carson.

 ZuriWorks for Women’s Health’s mission is to unite the health, beauty and arts industries in order to save women’s lives from cancer by raising awareness, increasing screenings, reducing delays in treatment, and empowering women living with cancer to live well. For more information about ZuriWorks or how individuals and hair salons can participate in the Big Chop to Stop Cancer, visit http://www.zuriworks.org/.

Contact: Matt Forke; 202-248-5484; moc.mmocnavnull@ekrofm

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The PRWeek Awards represent the highest accolade in the PR industry, presented each year to the best corporate, nonprofit, agency and education teams and the work they produce.

“It is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged among such an esteemed and talented group of PR industry colleagues.” said Vanguard president and founder Maria Rodriguez following the awards ceremony. “I am so grateful to have a client base that allows us to be innovative and creative while working to promote issues that we care about, and I’m very proud to work among a team of passionate, dedicated communication experts.”

Vanguard continues its forward momentum in 2013, following its 25th anniversary year. Last summer, the firm released its first Purple Paper™ — a guide to help communicators measure their social change efforts. This year, Vanguard will issue its second Purple Paper™, titled Branding Social Change, to be released in July.

Each year, nearly 1,000 PRWeek Award applications are submitted to 35 award categories that recognize PR’s best campaigns, techniques, personalities, academic curricula and agency teams. The winners are selected by a group of venerated judges from the communications industry, representing leading in-house corporate communications teams, agencies, PR professors, service companies and nonprofits.

Vanguard was named PRWeek’s “PR Agency of the Year 2003″ and was a finalist for the PRWeek Nonprofit Campaign of the Year in 2006 for its “Road to the White House Kitchen” campaign on behalf of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs.

For more information about Vanguard Communications, visit vancomm.com, “like” Vanguard on Facebook, follow Vanguard on Twitter @VanComm and watch our video, Giving the Gift of Social Change.

Vanguard Communications is a Hispanic woman-owned firm committed to communications initiatives that can change attitudes and perceptions and encourage public debate about critical social issues such as health, mental health, safe food and farming, the environment, education and other quality-of-life concerns.

Contact:Scott Rieder (202)-248-5476 moc.mmocnavnull@redeirs

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“Far too many students, particularly students of color, Native students, and those from low-income communities, leave high school wholly unprepared for the rigors of college coursework or the modern, high-tech workplace,” says CHSE Executive Director Rufina Hernández. “These students will make up the majority of America’s future workforce—the lifeblood of our nation’s prosperity. We cannot continue to ignore their needs.”

Data from the Alliance for Excellent Education shows that the “one unifying characteristic” of the nation’s lowest-performing schools is the disproportionate representation of poor students, students of color, and those from tribal communities within their student bodies.

Therefore, CHSE specifically seeks policies that drive the meaningful engagement of communities of color and Native communities, provide educators with the supports they need to help students succeed, and offer all students unfettered access to an education that prepares them for college and beyond.

“We cannot wait,” says Hernández. “Now is the time to demonstrate that we—as policymakers, educators, advocates, parents, and communities—can come together to give our young people the opportunity to create a brighter future for themselves and the nation.”

Visit www.highschoolequity.org to read CHSE’s Plan for Success, including recommendations for redesigning American high schools to provide every student with a high-quality education that prepares them for college, work, and life. Join the conversation on Twitter @hsequity and on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/hsequity.

CHSE is a coalition of leading civil rights organizations representing communities of color that are focused on high school education reform. Members include the National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

CHSE is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Contact:Kirana Bammarito (202) 248-5471 moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk

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Findings from Stress in America™: Missing the Health Care Connection, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive among 2,020 U.S. adults in August of 2012, suggest that people are not receiving what they need from their health care providers to manage stress and address lifestyle and behavior changes to improve their health.

While Americans think it is important that health care focuses on issues related to stress and living healthier lifestyles, their experiences do not seem to match up with what they value. For example, though 32 percent of Americans say it is very/extremely important to talk with their health care providers about stress management, only 17 percent report that these conversations are happening often or always.

“When people receive professional help to manage stress and make healthy behavior changes they do better at achieving their health goals,” says APA CEO Norman B. Anderson, PhD. “Unfortunately, our country’s health system often neglects psychological and behavioral factors that are essential to managing stress and chronic diseases. In order for our nation to get healthier, lower the rates of chronic illnesses, and lower health care costs, we need to improve how we view and treat stress and unhealthy behaviors that are contributing to the high incidence of disease in the U.S.”

Americans who receive little or no stress or behavior management support from their health care provider are especially vulnerable.  This is a sizeable group, with slightly more than half (53 percent) of Americans saying they receive little or no support for stress management from their providers, and 39 percent saying that they have little or no behavior management support. The same respondents were more likely to indicate that their stress increased in the past year compared to those who do get support from their health care provider (38 percent with little/no support vs. 29 percent with a lot/great deal of support). The situation appears to be worse for the 20 percent of Americans who report experiencing extreme stress (an 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale). More than two-thirds of U.S. adults with high stress (69 percent) say their stress has increased in the past year, yet 33 percent of U.S. adults say that they never discuss ways to manage stress with their health care provider.

Survey findings also show that Americans struggle to keep their stress to levels they believe are healthy. Even though average stress levels across the country appear to be declining (4.9 on a 10-point scale vs. 5.2 in 2011), stress levels continue to surpass what Americans define as a healthy level of stress (3.6 on a 10-point scale). And for many Americans, stress is on the rise — 35 percent of Americans say their stress increased this past year.

Millennials Challenged by Stress and Lack Support

Millennials (age 18-33) in particular seem to have trouble managing their stress and getting health care that meets their needs. The Stress in America survey found Millennials reporting an average stress level of 5.4 on a 10-point scale, exceeding the national average (4.9). This generation also gives its health care lower marks than Americans across the country: Millennials are less likely than people nationwide to give their health care an “A” grade (25 percent vs. 31 percent). Nearly half of Millennials (49 percent) do not believe or are not sure that they are doing enough to manage their stress, and few say they get stress or behavior management support from their health care provider. Only 23 percent think that their health care provider supports them a “lot or a great deal” in their desire to make healthy lifestyle and behavior changes, and just 17 percent say the same about their health care providers’ support for stress management.

The Connection between Chronic Illness and Stress

The Stress in America survey found that U.S. adults with a chronic illness seem to lack support for stress and behavior management when compared to Americans overall, and compared to those who do not have a chronic illness. Americans with a chronic illness are less likely than those without a chronic illness to say they are doing enough to manage their stress (59 percent vs. 66 percent). And for those with a chronic illness who say they get little or no stress management or behavioral support from their health care provider, stress is on the rise — 41 percent said their stress increased in the past year compared with 35 percent of Americans overall.

Although Americans living with a chronic illness see their health care provider more frequently than those without a chronic illness, people living with a chronic illness do not necessarily receive better stress management support. Half of those with a chronic illness (51 percent) see their health care provider three or more times annually compared with only 17 percent of those without. Despite more frequent visits, only one quarter (25 percent) of those with a chronic illness say that they get “a great deal or a lot” of stress management support from their health care provider. But those who say that their health care provider supports them a great deal or a lot for stress or behavior management fare much better than those who do not receive such support.  Sixty-eight percent of the former group report they are doing enough to manage stress. This compares to only 54 percent who say they receive little or no support.

To read the full Stress in America report or to download graphics, visit www.stressinamerica.org.

For additional information on stress, lifestyle and behaviors, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter and read APA’s Mind/Body Health campaign blog www.yourmindyourbody.org. Join the conversation about stress on Twitter by following @apahelpcenter and #stressAPA.

 Methodology

The Stress in America survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association between August 3 and 31, 2012, among 2,020 adults aged 18 and older who reside in the U.S. The four generations noted in this report are defined as the following: Millennials n=340 (18 – 33 year olds), Generation X n=397 (34 – 47 year olds), Boomers n=1040 (48 – 66 year olds), and Matures n=243 (67 years and older). Among the 2,020 adults surveyed, 1,424 report having been diagnosed with one or more of the following: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease or heart attack, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight, stroke, asthma or other respiratory disease, chronic pain, depression, an anxiety disorder, arthritis, or obesity. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. To read the full methodology, including the weighting variables, visit www.stressinamerica.org

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. APA’s membership includes more than 137,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.

 Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll®and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers proprietary solutions in the areas of market and customer insight, corporate brand and reputation strategy, and marketing, advertising, public relations and communications research. Harris possesses expertise in a wide range of industries including health care, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Additionally, Harris has a portfolio of multi-client offerings that complement our custom solutions while maximizing our client’s research investment. Serving clients in more than 196 countries and territories through our North American and European offices, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our clients—stay ahead of what’s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

Contact: Scott Rieder, (202) 248-5476 moc.mmocnavnull@redeirs

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Los hallazgos de la encuesta Stress in America™: Missing the Health Care Connection, (El estrés en los Estados Unidos™: La desconexión con los servicios de salud) indican que los estadounidenses adultos—en particular los hispanos—no reciben lo que necesitan de parte de sus proveedores de servicios de salud para manejar el estrés y efectuar cambios en su estilo de vida y su conducta que ayuden a mejorar su salud. La encuesta, que se realizó a través de Internet en agosto de 2012, estuvo a cargo de Harris Interactive. En la misma participaron 2.020 adultos, entre éstos 391 hispanos, de 18 años o más y que residen en los E.E. U.U.

Si bien los hispanos piensan que es importante que los servicios de salud den mayor atención a los asuntos relacionados al estrés y a llevar estilos de vida más saludables, sus experiencias no parecen estar a la par con lo que éstos estiman importante. Por ejemplo, a pesar de que el 39 por ciento de los hispanos dice que es extremadamente importante o muy importante hablar con su proveedor de servicios de salud sobre el manejo del estrés, sólo el 18 por ciento indica que este tipo de intercambio ocurre con frecuencia o siempre. Los hallazgos de la encuesta demuestran también que el nivel promedio de estrés entre los hispanos podría ir en aumento en comparación con los niveles informados en 2011 (5.3 en una escala de 10 puntos, frente a 5.1 en 2011). Esto es a pesar de una tendencia a la baja para los estadounidenses en general (4.9 en una escala de 10 puntos, frente a 5.2 en 2011). Del mismo modo, 33 por ciento de los hispanos adultos afirma que su nivel de estrés ha aumentado en el pasado año.

“Cuando la gente recibe ayuda profesional para manejar el estrés y realizar cambios saludables en su conducta, alcanza con mayor éxito sus metas de salud”, dice el director ejecutivo de la APA, Norman B. Anderson, PhD. “Desafortunadamente, el sistema de salud de nuestro país con frecuencia descuida los factores psicológicos y conductuales que son de vital importancia para el manejo del estrés y las enfermedades crónicas. Para ser una nación más saludable, reducir los índices de enfermedades crónicas y disminuir el gasto en salud, tenemos que mejorar la forma en que vemos y tratamos el estrés y las conductas no saludables que contribuyen a la alta incidencia de enfermedades en los E.E. U.U.”

Son especialmente vulnerables los estadounidenses que reciben poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Este nutrido grupo de personas, entre las que se encuentra más de la mitad de los hispanos (51 por ciento) y de los estadounidenses en general (53 por ciento), indica que recibe poca o ninguna ayuda para manejar el estrés de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Además, 38 por ciento de los hispanos dice recibir poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo de la conducta.

En general, es más probable que aquéllos que indicaron recibir poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud reporten un aumento en sus niveles de estrés durante el último año, frente a los que dijeron recibir este tipo de apoyo (38 por ciento con poco o ningún apoyo, frente a 29 por ciento con bastante o mucho apoyo). La situación parece ser peor para el 20 por ciento de los estadounidenses en general que informó haber experimentado estrés extremo (8, 9 ó 10 en una escala de 10 puntos). Más de dos terceras partes de los adultos estadounidenses con altos niveles de estrés (69 por ciento) afirma que su nivel de estrés ha aumentado en el pasado año. Sin embargo, 33 por ciento de los estadounidenses adultos indica que nunca dialoga sobre el manejo del estrés con los proveedores de servicios de salud.

La generación del milenio se enfrenta al desafío del estrés y a la falta de apoyo para manejarlo

La llamada generación Millennials, aquéllos entre los 18 y 33 años, parece tener especial dificultad para manejar el estrés y procurar servicios de salud que satisfagan sus necesidades. La encuesta Stress in America reveló que los Millennials muestran un nivel promedio de estrés de 5.4 en una escala de 10 puntos, más que el promedio a nivel nacional (4.9). Esta generación también otorga calificaciones más bajas que el resto de los estadounidenses a los servicios de salud: los Millennials tienen menos probabilidades que la población general de dar la calificación de “A” a los servicios de salud que reciben (25 por ciento, frente a 31 por ciento). Casi la mitad de los Millennials (49 por ciento) no cree o no está segura de que hace lo suficiente para manejar el estrés y pocos dicen recibir apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Sólo el 23 por ciento piensa que los proveedores de servicios de salud le brindan “bastante o mucho” apoyo en su esfuerzo por realizar cambios conducentes a un estilo de vida y a conductas más saludables. Sólo el 17 por ciento dice lo mismo sobre el apoyo para el manejo del estrés recibido de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud.

La relación entre las enfermedades crónicas y el estrés
La encuesta Stress in America reveló que los estadounidenses adultos con alguna enfermedad crónica parecen recibir menos apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta en comparación con la población general y con aquéllos sin enfermedades crónicas. Es menos probable que los estadounidenses con alguna enfermedad crónica indiquen que hacen lo suficiente para manejar el estrés que aquéllos sin enfermedades crónicas (59 por ciento, frente a 66 por ciento). Además, las personas con alguna enfermedad crónica que dicen recibir poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud enfrentan un aumento en los niveles de estrés—41 por ciento afirmó que su nivel de estrés aumentó en el pasado año, en comparación con 35 por ciento de la población general.

A pesar de que los estadounidenses con alguna enfermedad crónica visitan a sus proveedores de servicios de salud con mayor frecuencia que aquéllos sin enfermedades crónicas, las personas con alguna enfermedad crónica no necesariamente reciben un mejor apoyo para el manejo del estrés. La mitad de aquéllos con alguna enfermedad crónica (51 por ciento) visita sus proveedores de salud tres o más veces al año, comparado con sólo 17 por ciento de las personas sin enfermedades crónicas. A pesar de una mayor frecuencia en consultas, sólo una cuarta parte (25 por ciento) de aquéllos con alguna enfermedad crónica indican que reciben “bastante o mucho” apoyo para el manejo del estrés de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Sin embargo, a aquéllos que afirman que su
proveedor de servicios de salud les brinda bastante o mucho apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta les va mucho mejor que a los que no reciben este apoyo. Sesenta y ocho por ciento de las personas en el primer grupo indican que están haciendo lo suficiente para manejar el estrés, en comparación con el 54 por ciento que afirma recibir poco o ningún apoyo.

Para leer el informe íntegro de Stress in America o para descargar gráficas visite el sitio web www.stressinamerica.org.

Para más información sobre el estrés, el estilo de vida y la conducta, visite el sitio web www.apa.org/centrodeapoyo y lea el blog de la campaña de la APA (en inglés), Mind/Body Health, www.yourmindyourbody.org. Participe en el diálogo acerca del estrés en Twitter siguiendo @apahelpcenter y #stressAPA.

Metodología
La encuesta Stress in America fue realizada por Internet en los Estados Unidos por Harris Interactive, en representación de la Asociación Americana de Psicología, entre el 3 y el 31 de agosto de 2012, con la participación de 2.020 adultos mayores de 18 años residentes en los Estados Unidos, incluyendo 391 hispanos. Las cuatro generaciones estudiadas en esta investigación se definen de la siguiente manera: Millennials n=340 (18-33 años), generación X n=397 (34-47 años), Boomers n=1040 (48-66 años), y maduros n=243 (67 años ó más). Entre los 2.020 adultos encuestados, 1.424 reportaron haber sido diagnosticados con una o más de las siguientes afecciones: diabetes tipo 1, diabetes tipo 2, cáncer, enfermedades del corazón o ataques del corazón, colesterol alto, alta presión, sobrepeso, accidentes cerebrovasculares, asma u otra enfermedad respiratoria, dolor crónico, depresión, trastornos de ansiedad, artritis u obesidad. Esta encuesta en línea no se basa en una muestra probabilística y por lo tanto no se puede estimar el margen de error de muestreo. Para leer la metodología en su totalidad, incluyendo las variables principales, visite el sitio web www.stressinamerica.org.

La Asociación Americana de Psicología (American Psychological Association, APA), radicada en Washington, D.C., es la principal organización científica y profesional que representa la sicología en los Estados Unidos y la mayor asociación de psicólogos del mundo. La membresía de APA está compuesta por más de 137.000 investigadores, educadores, psicólogos clínicos, asesores profesionales y estudiantes. La APA, a través de sus divisiones en 54 subcampos de la psicología y sus afiliaciones con 60 asociaciones estatales, territoriales y provinciales de Canadá; trabaja para el logro del progreso de la psicología como ciencia, como profesión, y como medio de fomentar el bienestar humano.

Harris Interactive es una de las firmas de estudios de mercado personalizados más importantes del mundo. Emplea la investigación, la tecnología y el acumen comercial para transformar la información en acción. Conocida extensamente como Harris Poll® y por ser pioneros en la aplicación de metodologías innovadoras de investigación, Harris ofrece soluciones patentadas en las áreas de conocimiento de mercados y clientes, gestión marca y de reputación corporativas, e investigación de mercado, publicidad, relaciones públicas y comunicaciones. Harris ofrece conocimientos especializados en una amplia gama de industrias, incluyendo salud, tecnología, relaciones públicas, energía, telecomunicaciones, servicios financieros, seguros, medios de comunicación, ventas al detalle, restaurantes y bienes empacados para consumidores. Además, Harris, que cuenta con clientes en más de 196 países y territorios por medio de sus oficinas en Norteamérica y Europa, se especializa en proporcionar soluciones de investigación que mantienen a la firma — y a sus clientes — a la vanguardia de lo que vendrá. Para más información, visite www.harrisinteractive.com.

Contacto: Kirana Bammarito, P: ((202) 248-5471  E:moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk

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In a 19-to-10 vote, the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee recommended reclassifying hydrocodone from a Schedule III drug to a Schedule II one, rather than imposing a rule that would “ban nurse practitioners and physician assistants from prescribing the drugs,” as some major news outlets erroneously reported. This reclassification would limit prescription of these medications in states where PAs and other healthcare providers are not already authorized to prescribe Schedule II drugs. Currently, PAs can prescribe Schedule II medication in all but 14 states.

“While PAs are keenly aware of the overwhelming problems caused by the misuse of prescribed drugs — including products containing hydrocodone — we also urge policymakers to be cautious when legislating policies that will limit access to pain medications for patients with legitimate clinical needs, “ said James Delaney, PA-C, AAPA president. “AAPA continues to support and promote the responsible prescription of medication as part of the profession’s dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare.”

In 2012, AAPA recommended to Congress that a proposal to reclassify hydrocodone products from Schedule III to Schedule II be eliminated from the Prescription Drug User Fee Act and expressed concern that other legislated barriers imposed on Schedule II drugs have made it more difficult for some patients to receive or refill legitimate prescriptions.

The recommendation by the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee does not mean that hydrocodone products will be automatically moved to the Schedule II classification, or that the FDA will agree to implement the committee’s recommendation. If approved by the FDA, the committee’s recommendation would then be subject to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ regulatory process before implementation.

About the American Academy of Physician Assistants
Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Assistants is the national professional society for physician assistants. It represents a profession of more than 86,500 certified PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and within the uniformed services. AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. It works to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence and recognition of physician assistants and to enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare. Visit www.aapa.org to learn more.

Contact: Patrick Dunne, P: (571) 319-4394  E:gro.apaanull@ennudp

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“I am delighted to join this coalition in the tremendous task of raising every U.S. high school to the level of excellence upon which our nation’s economic future depends,” said Hernández. “CHSE remains on the front lines of education policy reform. It will take nothing less than collaboration with policymakers, educators, communities, and parents to meet the specific needs of students of color, Native students, and those from low-income communities.”

Hernández’s career showcases a track record of civil rights and education reform advocacy. During her ten-year tenure at NEA, she was director of the Human and Civil Rights department and developed strategies to support culturally competent teaching to improve the academic performance of students from diverse backgrounds. Considered a leading voice on solutions to the challenges facing Latino, Asian, African American, and Native students, she has been a frequent speaker at NEA and other forums focusing on the unique needs of those populations in public schools. Hernández also served as executive director of the  Latin American Research and Service Agency, a Colorado-based civil rights organization, where she advocated for policy reform within overarching civil rights issues impacting the Latino community, including health, education, employment, and immigration.

“Hernández’s unwavering commitment to public education reform is an energizing force,” said Hal Smith, Vice President, Education & Youth Development with the National Urban League and CHSE governing board member. “Her vast experience in the education and civil rights policy sectors will contribute greatly to the coalition’s work in improving our education system and closing the achievement and opportunity gaps that continue to plague students of color and students from low-income neighborhoods.”

Hernández will guide the coalition’s approach to federal, state, and grassroots advocacy focused on setting higher, clearer academic standards and forming strategies that support college-career readiness, high-quality instruction, accountability, and community engagement.

A former assistant dean of students at the University of Denver College of Law and trial attorney, Hernández holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.

CHSE is a coalition of leading civil rights organizations representing communities of color that focuses on high school education reform. Members include the National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

 CHSE is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

 Contact: Kirana Bammarito, P: (202)-248‒5471  E:moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk

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“These grants empower grassroots organizations to put new farmers on the land and amplify the voices of family farmers,” said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. “Farm Aid funds create opportunities for all of us who seek good, healthful food, and stronger economies and communities across America.”

Farm Aid funds were invested in programs that:

• Help farm families stay on the land;
• Build new market opportunities for farmers and increase consumer access to good food;
• Confront corporate concentration in agriculture;
• Advocate for fair farm policies on behalf of all family farmers;
• Inform and organize farmers and eaters around issues such as factory farms, GE (genetically engineered) food, food safety and climate change;
• Recruit and train new and beginning farmers and increase their access to farmland; and
• Support farmer-to-farmer programs for more sustainable agricultural practices.

“Farm Aid enthusiastically supports the groundbreaking work in communities across the country to grow a better farm and food system,” said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar. “We’re honored to call these hard-working organizations our partners in the Good Food Movement.”

In Pennsylvania, where Farm Aid held its annual benefit concert in September of this year, $49,000 was granted to support sustainable farm transition, regional and local food systems development, hands-on organic farming workshops, and beginning farmer apprenticeship and training programs. The total amount distributed in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia, was $126,050.

“The support we get from Farm Aid is critical. Farm Aid really gets it done by partnering with grassroots, family-farm-centered organizations that know how to make the best use of the precious resources available,” said Brian Snyder, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), a Farm Aid grantee and long-term partner. “Because of the ongoing strength and conviction of Farm Aid, there are more and more farmers out there doing the right thing by their families, the land and animals they care for, and the communities in which they live.”

For a complete listing of Farm Aid’s 2012 grants, visit www.farmaid.org/grants.

Farm Aid’s grant-making is one aspect of its work to keep family farmers on the land, growing good food for all. In addition, Farm Aid inspires an increased demand for family farm food, advocates for policies that serve farmers and consumers alike, and calls on everyone to be part of building a thriving family farm system of agriculture.

Farm Aid’s annual concert is a major effort of the organization, featuring performances donated by top artists, HOMEGROWN Concessions^® made with family farm food, and the HOMEGROWN Village of hands-on exhibits that showcase family farmers, soil, water and ways we all connect to the roots of our food. Additional work of the organization in 2012 included advocating for the passage of the 2012 Farm Bill; pressing for GE labeling; increasing the capacity of Farm Aid’s Farmer Resource Network (www.farmaid.org/ideas) and the Farm Advocate Link, a network of farm advocates working on behalf of family farmers; and assisting farmers during the worst drought in more than 50 years.

Farm Aid welcomes donations at www.farmaid.org.

About Farm Aid

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $40 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms. Join the Farm Aid conversation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FarmAid. For more information about Farm Aid, visit www.farmaid.org.

Contact: Maria Enie, P: (202)-248-5460  E: moc.mmocnavnull@einem

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