Page 9 - Ellen Eldridge News Today

Ketamine for Depression

Ketamine, a Schedule III non-narcotic substance, has been available to licensed prescribers since the 1970s. Since then, multiple studies have shown ketamine helps some depression patients who feel as though they’ve tried everything else. 

Emory University researchers want breast cancer patients and caregivers to speak during a virtual forum Tuesday about their health care journeys. Heart health advocates are raising awareness of high blood pressure — especially among young Black women — for World Hypertension Day, which is also Tuesday.

Brenau University’s doctoral program will provide more psychologists as well as psychology professors to educate future counselors that will fill the thin ranks of mental health practitioners, Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling Chair Julie Battle said.

Ali Norris organized a countywide Out of the Darkness walk to raise awareness of and money for suicide prevention after losing her brother and a classmate. Two months before the walk, a teacher in her school died by suicide.

Between early February and mid-March, at least 66 emergency department visits in Georgia involved the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, crack, heroin, pain killers and cannabis products that were likely laced with fentanyl, which is 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. Experts worry about increased risk of overdose when users believe that the pills are legitimate pharmaceutical products.

Wednesday on Political Rewind: Dr. Carlos Del Rio, Dr. Amber Schmidtke, and GPB's own Ellen Eldridge joined the panel for a conversation on the most pressing questions about Covid-19 at the current stage of the pandemic. Who should get another booster? When should you be wearing masks? What lessons can the past two years teach us about public health?

Legislation to bar future lawsuits against the companies involved in a $26 billion multi-state settlement must be passed before the state can collect $636 million dollars. The money will help pay for preventing and addressing the effects of opioid dependence.

For people in active mental health crises and those calling for help, it’s tough to remember Georgia’s current 10-digit number: 1-800-715-4225.

Establishing 988 as the “911” for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services will make it easier for Georgians in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health. It is expected to increase demand on the crisis system twofold.