Month: November 2013

The 25th Anniversary of World AIDS Day will be commemorated on December 1, 2013 to raise awareness about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Over the past 25 years, anniversary themes have generated support for programs promoting testing, treatment and care services. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) theme for 2013 Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-Free Generation urges communities to envision a day when there are no new HIV infections.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), joins the World Health Organization (WHO), the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) World AIDS Campaign, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in supporting the 2013 observance of World AIDS Day.

Globally, UNAIDS estimates there are over 35 million people living with HIV. Nationally, the CDC estimates more than 1.1 million people living in the United States are living with HIV infection. As of December 31, 2012, over 29,000 Marylanders were living with HIV. At the end of 2011, Maryland statistics indicated 17,962 males living with HIV; 10,235 females living with HIV, and approximately 6,250 Marylanders living with HIV who were unaware of their status.

The 2013 national theme, “Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-Free Generation” encourages individuals to equip themselves with HIV prevention knowledge and to access testing and care services. As long as HIV remains we must take responsibility and continue to take action against it.

To be responsible everyone is encouraged to share and follow the CDC recommendations for routine HIV testing for all persons ages 13-64. HIV risk behaviors should be avoided, such as failure to use condoms, being too intoxicated by alcohol and drugs to make wise decisions, having multiple sex partners, sharing needles, and exchanging sex for drugs or money.

To be successful, we need to end community silence by stopping discrimination and stigma, which only serve to keep the epidemic hidden. We need to build community capacity and routinely share the scientific and medical advancements achieved through treatment. We need to educate the public that treatment works. Treatment works to reduce the replication of the virus; to prevent the virus from spreading; and to prevent people from become infected.

Through shared responsibility we will be able to achieve a Maryland with no new HIV infections and attain an AIDS free generation. For additional information about HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support go to: http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/SitePages/infectious_disease.aspx.

To find an HIV testing location near you, contact your local health department at 410-767-5227 or visit www.hivtest.org. Maryland-based agencies and programs may request targeted HIV/AIDS educational materials for their local community events by calling 410-799-1940 or by contacting the DHMH Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Infectious Disease Bureau at 1-800-358-9001.

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BALTIMORE — Twenty-one years ago, Dr. Doral Pulley and his wife Alecia were happily awaiting the arrival of their twins. The newlyweds’ long awaited moment had arrived. Alecia gave birth to a set of twin girls— Brittney and Courtney. Then, something went terribly wrong.

“We knew she had a cough,” recalled Pulley. “She was told to take some medicine and that she would be better in a couple of days. However, in a couple of days, she was not fine. They thought she had a cold, and it was not a cold. Ten days later, she was dead.”

He added, “I became a single father of two beautiful girls. However, it was difficult being a single parent. I had to discontinue my study at Princeton University and pastoring a church.”

Merck for Mothers, which recently launched a $500 million initiative focused on creating a world where no woman has to die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, points out that when a woman dies, the effects on her family are enormous. Merck for Mothers further noted that her baby is more likely to die before the age of two and her other children are up to 10 times more likely to leave school, suffer from poor health, or die prematurely.

However, Dr. Pulley and his twins beat the odds.

Pulley currently serves as vice principal of St. Frances Academy. His twin girls Brittney and Courtney are now 21-years-old. Brittney is a senior at Hampton University, and Courtney is a senior at Ferrum College. Pulley says his in-laws were major contributors.

“Kids need their mothers and fathers,” he said. “I can’t be a mother and father. A child should not have to live without their mother. However, my in-laws were there to help me. I was an only child, and both of my parents are deceased. My in-laws gave me a break, and encouraged me. I did not know anything about parenting.”

He added, “Once my girls were able to walk and talk, I started pursuing my ministry again and went back to school. I would not have been able to do it without my in-laws. We are a tight-knit family and work together to ensure the girls have everything they need.”

According to Dr. Pulley, his wife died of congestive heart failure and pneumonia. He says he is hopeful his story will help others.

“This changed the entire dynamic of our family,” said Dr. Pulley. “I want children to stop being without their moms. I want this to be reduced. I want this to stop. Alicia knew inside that something was not right. She was told she had a cold, but it was not a cold. This could have been prevented. Families need to pay attention and get a second opinion.”

Dr. Priya Agrawal is the executive director of Merck for Mothers. Drawing on the company’s history of discovering innovative, life-saving medicines and vaccines, Merck for Mothers is applying Merck’s scientific and business expertise— as well as its financial resources and experience in taking on tough global healthcare challenges— to reduce maternal mortality around the world.

“We focused on listening to people like Doral Pulley and Alma Roberts,” said Dr. Agrawal referring to Alma Roberts of Baltimore Healthy Start. “If we don’t listen and learn, we can’t improve.” Baltimore Healthy Start has been awarded one of eight planning grants given nationally by Merck for Mothers.

Dr. Pulley applauds the Merck for Mothers initiative.

“I want women to pay attention to their bodies and advocate for their care,” he said. “This program will be a huge help. My hope is that maternal death could be reduced or even eliminated.”

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler advised Maryland health insurance carriers that consumers who receive a policy cancellation notice must be informed of their full rights and options under state and federal law, and that such communications should be concise and easy to understand. Citing reports of insurance company abuses in other states where carriers have attempted to “intentionally evoke fear and mislead consumers about their options” under the Affordable Care Act, Attorney General Gansler notified insurance carriers in a letter sent today that they will be held accountable if they attempt to drop consumers from their rolls and push them into the exchange without offering a new plan.

“I am making it clear to insurance companies that they will be required to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law under the Affordable Care Act,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Our office will not stand for the abuses and fear-mongering that has been documented in other states.”

In the letter to eight Maryland health insurance companies, Attorney General Gansler spelled out the information that every Maryland consumer should receive if their carrier opts to cancel their policy. The Attorney General wrote that such notices, where applicable:

1) Should provide the 90-day notice required by Maryland law, as well as comply with all regulations set forth by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner.

2) Should include a statement, when applicable, that the insurer had the option to renew the policy for one year, but chose not to do so.

3) Should prominently mention Maryland’s health exchange; the availability of other health plans on the exchange, including those offered by other insurers, and; the availability of tax credits and other subsidies that lower premiums.

4) Should not automatically enroll individuals in a new plan outside Maryland’s health exchange.

5) If letters identify or suggest a new plan offered by the insurer as an option and any comparisons are made between the current plan to be canceled and that plan, comparisons must not only include actual premiums and deductibles, but also the scope of benefits covered, coverage of pre-existing conditions, and the availability of tax credits and subsidies.

6) If letters identify or suggest a new plan offered by the insurer outside the exchange as an option, they must include information on all plans offered by the insurer on the exchange, including information on actual premiums, deductibles, scope of benefits covered, coverage of pre-existing conditions, and the availability of tax credits and subsidies.

The health insurance carriers that received copies of the letter are CareFirst of Maryland Inc., CareFirst BlueChoice, Group Hospitalization and Medical Services Inc., Aetna Life Insurance Co., Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States Inc., Mega Life and Health Insurance Co., Celtic Insurance Co. and United American Insurance Co.

BALTIMORE — One of the most cherished moments for a woman is giving life. However, for many new mothers, their lives end shortly after giving birth. In one country maternal mortality (the death of a woman from complications of pregnancy and childbirth) has nearly doubled since 1990, despite significant progress in reducing rates globally.

Courtesy Photo

Dr. Priya Agrawal

In that same country, more than 50,000 women nearly die annually from a severe complication they experience during pregnancy or childbirth. Shockingly, these sobering statistics do not belong to a third world country, but the United States. The United States, ranks 47th in maternal mortality rates, the worst among industrialized nations.

To address these startling statistics, on November 19, 2013, global healthcare company Merck announced that “Merck for Mothers” launched programs aimed at decreasing the number of women across the United States who die from or suffer severe complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Merck for Mothers is a10-year, $500 million initiative focused on creating a world where no woman has to die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth

“Merck for Mothers was launched two years ago internationally,” said Dr. Priya Agrawal, executive director of Merck for Mothers. “People think it’s not happening in our backyard. We were shocked to hear the numbers. We realized that we have to address the issue here. The majority of these deaths are preventable.”

The leading causes of maternal death in the U.S. include blood clots (embolism), excessive bleeding (obstetric hemorrhage), and severe high blood pressure (preeclampsia).

“Pregnancy is not a disease,” said Agrawal. “There are warning signs that women can look out for such as blurred vision and a persistent cough. With the arrival of the holidays, women will be traveling. Women at risk for developing clots should stop and stretch their legs during a long journey and take aspirin. There are things they can do to reduce risk.”

Agrawal added that women also need to be actively engaged in partnerships around their health to ensure a safe, childbearing experience.

According to Agrawal, Merck for Mothers is now working in the U.S. to address the following areas: Enhancing community initiatives that coordinate care for high-risk women before, during and after childbirth; implementing standard approaches to address obstetric emergencies; and strengthening data collection and reviews to better understand why maternal deaths are occurring and use that knowledge to improve practices and patient care.

“My goal is that no maternal death goes uncounted and unlearned from. I want to see a national standardized approach to maternal care regardless of income or racial status, and that women who are at higher risk of complications have a viable plan for healthcare,” said Dr. Agrawal. “Our numbers are unacceptable and it’s a tragedy. I want to report that the numbers are going down. However, we cannot do this alone. This has to be a national commitment to women and mothers. No one company can make an impact. We have to do it together.”

While any woman can experience complications such as blood clots, excessive bleeding, or severe high pressure during pregnancy or childbirth, women with chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are at higher risk of dying or nearly dying from them. Agrawal noted that the number of chronic conditions is on the rise, and that one in three women is obese, putting her at higher risk of developing complications.

Baltimore Healthy Start has been awarded one of eight planning grants given nationally by Merck for Mothers. Alma Roberts is president and CEO of Baltimore Healthy Start.

“Baltimore is at the epicenter of this issue,” said Roberts. “In Baltimore, a third of the population is obese. Obesity is also linked to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and many other diseases. In the city, there is also a huge disparity factor.”

According to Baltimore Healthy Start, the rate of overweight and obese African American women in the city is about 50 percent and the consumption of fast food by African American women in Maryland is among the highest in the nation.

“We are happy to be working with Merck for Mothers to link women at risk for maternal death and disease to care continuously,” said Roberts. “Transportation, access to care, and failing to go back to postpartum visits are huge issues for the women we serve. I deal with these things everyday with our clients. We have a van and double check to make sure they are getting to their visits.”

She added, “The Merck for Mothers program will allow us to enhance our care. The planning grant they have awarded Baltimore Healthy Start, allows us to frame out the model of care that will be available to our clients.”

For more information about Baltimore Healthy Start, visit: www. baltimorehealthystart.org and for more information about Merck for Mothers, visit: www.merckformothers.com.