August 26, 2021
Awards for the Rural Behavioral Health Workforce – Northern Border Region program. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy recently announced $1.365M supporting three awards to improve behavioral health care services in rural counties served by the Northern Border Regional Commission. This three-year project will support education and training for health professionals in treatment and interventions for behavioral health disorders, including substance use disorder.
FDA Warns Against Use of Ivermectin. Following reports of increased calls to Poison Control related to Ivermectin [pdf], the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory against its use for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The drug is intended to treat or prevent parasites in animals and only approved for human use in small doses for parasitic worms, or as a topical treatment for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Severe illness and hospitalizations from overdose have also been reported; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (problems with balance), seizures, coma and even death. HRSA-supported Poison Control Centers can be reached online or by phone at 1-800-222-1222.