May 13, 2022: Advocacy Update other news

A webinar recording is now available for the latest in the AMA’s latest “COVID-19: What physicians need to know” series. Susan R. Bailey, MD, immediate past president, AMA, was joined by Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

They addressed the latest topics of interest related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including fourth-dose booster vaccines and pediatric vaccine safety data.

View the full recording for more information.   

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, a new, confidential toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges.

Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained counselors who are culturally and trauma-informed, as well as referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.

The hotline is accessible by phone or text at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) in English and Spanish. TTY Users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746.

The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line and individuals in behavioral health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

“Shadow Pandemic: Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Patients and the Care Team,” the latest on-demand webinar in the AMA’s Overcoming Obstacles series, explores how experts have engaged pediatric and adult patients before and during the pandemic, and how patient mental health needs have changed over time.

Hear the challenges encountered and solutions used to creatively address patient needs, and what is next for patient care. 

In the latest AMA STEPS Forward® podcast episode, Nigel Girgrah, MD, chief wellness officer at Ochsner Health System, discusses strategies for creating a culture of well-being at your health care organization—including addressing mental health stigma, building a strong employee assistance program, employing an opt-out vs opt-in approach to mental health services and encouraging leadership to be vulnerable about their own burnout struggles. 

• May 13, 2022: Advocacy Update spotlight on prior auth & Medicare Advantage plans
• May 13, 2022: National Advocacy Update
• May 13, 2022: State Advocacy Update
• May 13, 2022: Judicial Advocacy Update