Medical experts available: OTC Narcan, Autism Acceptance Month and Black Maternal Health Week

Ochsner Health has medical experts on standby to discuss the groundbreaking FDA approval for over-the-counter Narcan for overdose, many topics related to autism as we promote Autism Acceptance Month in April, including signs of Autism in adults. Black Maternal Health Week is coming up in April as well.   

• Gamechanger in the fight against drug overdose The most proven treatment for opioid overdose could soon be available over-the-counter thanks to today’s FDA approval. The goal is to make this life-saving drug more accessible to help prevent death from overdose. Ochsner Health Family Medicine physician, Dr. Clay Runfalo, is available to comment on this approval and what it could mean for saving lives in the future. 

• Autism Acceptance Month In April, we celebrate the patients and families affected by Autism, a complex developmental condition that impacts one in every 54 children in the United States. This year, we aim to help promote acceptance for autistic individuals and to build public awareness for their unique needs. Ochsner Health experts with the Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development can comment on a number of topics related to Autism, including picky eating habits, mealtime tips and signs of Autism in early childhood. 

• Signs of Autism in Adults Autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, but what about individuals who’s symptoms were not identified and diagnosed as a child? As symptoms vary for every autistic person, it may be difficult for adults to know if the difficulties they’re experiencing could be undiagnosed Autism. Ochsner Health psychologist, Dr. Claire Burns, is available to discuss signs of Autism for adults, diagnosis options and resources for those diagnosed.  

• Black Maternal Health Week – April 11-17 Just this month, the CDC issued a report on the alarming rise of maternal mortality in the U.S., especially among Black pregnant women. This new report shows a 40% increase in maternal mortality in 2021 compared to 2020. Even more alarming is that the mortality rate for black women in America is 2.6 times higher than the rate for white women. National thought leader, Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, continues to offer comments on the many social factors and barriers that could be contributing to this alarming trend and is available to interview on this important topic during Black Maternal Health Week. 

Ochsner Health is the largest not-for-profit academic health system in Louisiana, and one of the largest in the Gulf South, delivering patient-centered care through a nationally recognized network of 48 hospitals, 370 health centers and urgent care clinics, 4,600 physicians, and 38,000 employees. Ochsner Health has been listed as one of the best hospitals in the country 23 times, and ranked the #1 hospital in the state for the past 10 years by U.S. News & World Report.  

We can provided media experts on the topics suggested above and most any other healthcare /medical topic.