Latest news with #HEALInitiative
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Spark Biomedical Completes Enrollment in a Neurostimulation Pivotal Trial for Opioid Use Disorder
Final enrollment concludes for Spark Biomedical's pivotal study investigating a non-invasive, drug-free neurostimulation therapy aimed at improving treatment retention for adults with opioid use disorder. Dallas, TX, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spark Biomedical, a leader in wearable neurostimulation technology, has completed enrollment for its pivotal clinical trial, which aims to improve treatment retention for adults with opioid use disorder. Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the HEAL Initiative, the trial was conducted in partnership with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and Gaudenzia. With relapse rates exceeding 70% among individuals with opioid use disorder and synthetic opioids like fentanyl driving overdose deaths to record highs, the need for innovative interventions has never been greater. Spark Biomedical's study investigated the use of wearable transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN® therapy) as a novel method to improve acute and long-term recovery. Additionally, the study examined the potential synergistic effects of tAN and two other approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), lofexidine and XR-naltrexone. By helping individuals stay engaged in treatment longer, the trial seeks to support lasting recovery without additional opioid-based medications. Spark Biomedical's Co-founder & Chief Science Officer, Dr. Navid Khodaparast, Ph.D., shared, 'Completing enrollment marks a critical milestone in advancing transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation as a non-invasive, drug-free therapy for opioid use disorder. This study not only evaluates the standalone efficacy of wearable neurostimulation in enhancing treatment retention but also explores its potential to synergize with established pharmacotherapies.' Leaders from both partner institutions emphasized the importance of the study's potential: 'At Hazelden Betty Ford, we are committed to advancing science-based, compassionate care for those affected by opioid use disorder,' said Alta DeRoo, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. 'This pivotal trial represents non-pharmaceutical options to treat opioid withdrawal. In addition to FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, this non-pharmaceutical option will empower patients in their treatment options. This provides us with more weapons and a hopeful step forward in combatting one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time.' "This trial represents more than a data point—it's a breakthrough in how we think about sustaining engagement in treatment for opioid use disorder,' said Dr. Bhavani Raghavan Lobo, Psy.D., Chief Research Officer, Gaudenzia. 'We were honored to lead enrollment and completion efforts, and we're incredibly proud that so many participants entrusted us with their care. These results are a testament to our team's clinical excellence and compassion, and they reinforce the importance of investing in non-invasive, science-driven solutions to address the nation's overdose crisis.' Results from this research will contribute to an anticipated FDA submission and mark a significant milestone in the advancement of drug-free solutions for opioid use disorder. About Gaudenzia Gaudenzia, Inc. is one of the largest nonprofit providers of treatment for people with substance use and co-occurring disorders in the United States, with 51 facilities operating in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. The agency serves about 15,000 individuals annually and operates 120 programs providing a full continuum of care. Since 1968, Gaudenzia has provided specialized services and programs for all demographics, including pregnant and parenting women, adolescents, people with substance use and co-occurring disorders, and more. Those seeking help can call Gaudenzia's Treatment and Referral HelpLine at 833-976-HELP (4357). For more information, visit About the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Harnessing science, love and the wisdom of lived experience, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by substance use and mental health conditions. As the nation's foremost nonprofit provider of comprehensive behavioral health care, the Foundation leads the way in helping society rise above stigma and overcome addiction. With a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding of the Betty Ford Center, the Foundation now has treatment centers and telehealth services nationwide as well as a network of collaborators throughout health care. Charitable support and a commitment to innovation drive ongoing advances in care, research, programs and services to impact more lives. In addition to clinical care, Hazelden Betty Ford encompasses a graduate school, a publishing division, a research center, thought leadership and advocacy, professional and medical education programs, school-based prevention resources and a specialized program for children—with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its endeavors. Learn more at About Spark Biomedical Spark Biomedical, Inc. Is a leading U.S.-based medical device developer, committed to unlocking the potential of bioelectronic medicine and bringing to market novel wearable neurostimulation treatment options in behavioral health, women's health, hemostasis, pediatrics, and chronic pain. Spark leverages its neuroscience and engineering expertise to empower healthcare providers and researchers with innovative, evidence-based tools designed to address complex care situations which exceed the capabilities of existing treatment options. Spark has received funding from federal institutions, such as the NIH and DoD, and continues to partner with private and academic institutions. Spark Biomedical is empowering a better way forward for the future of patient care and medical technology. For more information, visit For more information, please contact Udim Obot at ### CONTACT: Udim Obot Spark Biomedical 844-654-7775
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Austin's HEAL Initiative focused on high risk homeless camps during severe weather season
AUSTIN (KXAN) — This week's forecast has included the risk of tornadoes, hail, flash flooding, and damaging winds. For people living outside and without easy shelter options, that type of weather presents unique challenges. 'Last night's storm was another reminder of why the preparation is important. Especially when you have severe wind, rain, hail and tornado warnings happening in the middle of the night,' Austin's Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray said. How does the city of Austin decide which homeless encampments to clear? That's why Gray said the city is tailoring its HEAL Initiative efforts toward areas that may be most impacted by severe weather right now. 'We've been looking at sites in wooded areas both to prevent wildfires but also to make sure that people are not injured from lightning strikes, falling trees, wind, tornados and floods,' Gray said. The HEAL Initiative is Austin's program that moves people from high-risk homeless encampments to a bridge shelter, where people get a temporary place to stay until something more permanent opens up. HEAL stands for Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link. 'A lot of our recent HEAL initiatives have focused on creek beds for this specific reason. We know that we're entering severe weather season and it's really important that we get people out of those creek beds and out of those low lying areas, so if we do have a flash flood, heaven forbid, we've minimized the chance for people to get injured in those weather events,' Gray said. Austin-led HEAL initiative closes four encampments If it's left you wondering — well, there's an encampment near my house. Why hasn't the city cleared that one? The city can only move people to shelter if one is available. When that space opens up, the city has a ranking system for which camp it targets next. 'Priority rankings are based off of things like the people who are at the sites, so if there is evidence of children or pregnant women or seniors. We also look at factors like, have there been fires at sites recently, what's its proximity to residential areas,' Gray said. Read more about that process here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Homeless encampment in East Austin shut down due to 'high wildfire risk'
The Brief A homeless encampment in East Austin was shut down after the city said it was located on "high wildfire-risk" land It was near the intersection of westbound Ben White Boulevard and Montopolis Drive AFD responded to 35 fire-related calls at the encampment in 2024 AUSTIN, Texas - A homeless encampment in East Austin was shut down after the city said it was located on "high-wildfire-risk" land. The backstory The City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) said it shut down 37 acres of land near the intersection of westbound Ben White Boulevard and Montopolis Drive. Thirty-two people at the homeless encampment were moved to the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters. To learn more about homelessness in Austin, click here. Dig deeper The Austin Fire Department responded to 35 fire-related calls at the encampment in 2024. The encampment also bordered several infrastructures in East Austin. Due to that, and the land posing an elevated fire risk, the city shut it down. What they're saying "Through the HEAL Initiative, we are not just addressing immediate needs—we are working towards long-term solutions that create a safer, more resilient future for everyone. By tackling wildfire risks, providing crucial support to those in need, and prioritizing the well-being of all individuals, we are fostering a community that stands together," said David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer. The Source Information from the City of Austin
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
City closes homeless encampments off East Riverside, relocates 28 people into shelters
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two homeless encampments in southeast Austin were closed and cleaned out this week, and nearly 30 people were moved to three of Austin's shelters. The city of Austin said in a press release Tuesday morning that its Homeless Strategy Office and the Austin Watershed Protection Department 'compassionately closed an encampment within a high flash flood risk area of the Country Club Creek watershed near the intersection of Wickersham Lane and East Riverside Drive.' According to the city, 21 homeless residents were moved to the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters as part of the Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative. Seven others were moved to the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter through a separate encampment closure nearby, per the release. Austin Resource Recovery was in the area Tuesday conducting general litter abatement throughout the area to clean trash and debris in the vicinity of the creek channel. Since its launch in June 2021, the HEAL Initiative has moved more than 988 individuals from high-risk encampments to the City's Northbridge and Southbridge shelters, as well as the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter, according to the city. The release noted that the closure of the encampment located at the Country Club Creek watershed area near Wickersham Lane and East Riverside Drive is part of the city's broader strategy to address homelessness while returning public spaces to their intended use. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
