UCONN HEALTH
THE PULSE
Issue 319 | June 30, 2022
Our Expert's Take on the Opioid Crisis
Fresh off publication of an opinion piece in the Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, Dr. Lakshit Jain, clinical associate professor in our Department of Psychiatry, tackles America's struggle with opioid addiction, the health dangers of opioid withdrawal, the latest treatments, and how to seek help. He also discusses what’s really involved in opioid addiction withdrawal and what those suffering from opioid use disorder and their loved ones really need to know to remain safe and ensure they are receiving the proper care.
WELCOME TO POSSIBLE.
Helping Transgender People
Live Their Authentic Lives
Gender incongruence and/or realization of identity as transgender can occur at any age. We conclude Pride Month with two patients who shared their unique stories of gender dysphoria as adults and how our Transgender Medical Services helped them along their journeys.
Modeling Health Care Delivery for Western African Visitors
Senegal’s National Agency for Universal Health Coverage (ANACMU) is looking to incorporate the best of what American medicine has to offer. A delegation recently toured UConn Health during a weeklong visit to Connecticut. Read about whom our guests met, what they saw, and what they might want to bring back with them to improve health care at home.
What Draws Mosquitos to Some People More Than Others?
Why are mosquito-borne illnesses able to persist? It could have something to do with the scent of skin. Immunology researcher Penghua Wang is part of an international collaboration of scientists who believe mice and humans carrying the dengue fever and Zika viruses have an altered skin scent that compels mosquitoes to prefer carriers over a noninfected counterpart.
UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Stroke Team Strikes Gold (Plus) Again
For the sixth time in six years, our Stroke Center earns the American Heart Association’s highest distinction: “Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus.” And the recognition comes with two additional distinctions this year: “Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite,” for meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-busting medication, and “Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll,” which aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
Library Establishes LGBTQ+ Collection
One other thing that happened during this Pride Month was the arrival at the UConn Health Sciences Library of more than 60 titles making up a new collection that focuses on the LGBTQ+ experience. Our librarians secured a grant from the National Library of Medicine to expand diverse voices, and used it to obtain memoirs, graphic novels, history books, resource guides, and training materials for physicians on treating diverse patients.
Video: Pandemic Story Through the Eyes of CT Caregivers
In case you missed it: The Connecticut Hospital Association is out with a documentary-style video sharing the perspective of hospital professionals from throughout the state — including our Chief Nursing Officer and hospital COO Caryl Ryan! Watch Caring Voices, Caring Hands.
Seasons of Gratitude: July
This coming month we recognize some of the professionals who make our exceptional care, education, and research possible: 
  • National Postal Workers Day, July 1
  • System Administrator Appreciation Day, July 29
Take a moment to share your thanks and encouragement with those who move our documents and packages, and those who keep our IT systems running! It's all part of our Seasons of Gratitude.
PIC OF THE WEEK
Among the '100 Women of Color'
Congratulations to Janel Simpson, our chief administrative officer (right), and Dr. Stacey Brown from our medical school (center), who recently were honored for their impact on the community at the 100 Women of Color Gala and Awards. Proceeds from the event will benefit scholarship programs that support the advancement of young women of color. Pictured with our honorees is 5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.
Got a story idea for The Pulse? Email us at thepulse@uchc.edu.
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