Author: Mike

Breaking the Stigma Around Dual Diagnosis

Editor’s Note: Breaking the stigma around dual diagnosis means seeing the full picture. Learn how truth, empathy, and integrated care lead to real recovery. In this thoughtful article, Pam Reiman discusses the situation when mental health problems and substance use collide.

By Pam Reiman, JD, LCSW, CAADC, CSAC (Executive Director at Bridging the Gaps, Inc.)

A person in a shirt with glasses looking stressed and leaning against the wall. The stigma around dual diagnosis shows up in quiet moments. A person with depression who drinks to cope may be told they “just need willpower.” Someone battling addiction might have their panic attacks dismissed as excuses. When the two conditions overlap, one often hides the other. The result is missed signs, unfair judgment, and delayed care.

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PPAHS Launches New Clinical Trial Recruitment Services Page — Connecting Research with Patients Faster

The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety (PPAHS) is excited to announce the launch of our newly updated Clinical Trial Recruitment Services page — designed to help sponsors, CROs, and investigators recruit qualified trial participants faster, more ethically, and with patient safety at the center of every effort.

Every day of delay in a clinical trial is more than a cost — it’s a missed opportunity for patients to access innovative treatments, diagnostics, and preventive care. Our mission-driven team works to bridge that gap, helping research move forward while protecting and empowering participants.

Why This Matters

As a nonprofit patient safety organization, PPAHS brings a unique advantage to recruitment:

Mission before margin — We prioritize health outcomes over profit.
Established trust — Our deep connections with patient communities, clinicians, and advocacy groups foster engagement.
Expertise across therapeutic areas — From orthopedic recovery to sepsis, respiratory compromise, and rare diseases, we understand the challenges and know how to overcome them.

Our Process

Our approach is collaborative, ethical, and compliant:

Collaborative Planning — We align closely with your team’s trial objectives, timelines, and eligibility criteria.
Ethical & Compliant Outreach — All recruitment is IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant, and patient-centered.
Retention-Focused Support — We help participants through the entire process, ensuring higher retention and stronger data quality.

Explore the New Page

Our new Clinical Trial Recruitment Services page outlines our full capabilities and process for accelerating recruitment in a way that advances both science and patient well-being.

To visit our clinical trial recruitment page, please click here.

If you’re a sponsor, CRO, or investigator ready to move your trial forward while prioritizing patient safety, we’d love to talk.

The Value of Non-Opioid Therapy in Reducing Opioid Harms

Editor’s Note: The role of non-opioid therapy in reducing opioid harms lies in offering safe alternatives for pain relief. This article asks you to explore your options.)

By Drew McLaughlin (Director of Business Development, Little Creek Lodge)

A patient and a doctor talking — Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-white-dress-shirt-sitting-at-the-table-7578803/

Opioid misuse continues to cause widespread harm across communities. The rising use of prescription painkillers has led to long-term dependency and avoidable suffering. Families are left dealing with emotional strain, while healthcare providers face overwhelming challenges. Many individuals never intended to misuse opioids but found themselves trapped by ongoing reliance. The role of non-opioid therapy in reducing opioid harms is to offer a different approach—one that reduces risks and supports long-term wellness. These methods are gaining recognition for their ability to treat pain without creating new problems. The focus on reducing opioid harm is shifting the conversation toward more sustainable and supportive care models that prioritize health without introducing avoidable danger.

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The Carlton at the Lake earns prestigious Enhanced Respiratory Care Accreditation

Chicago facility recognized by Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety for exceptional patient care and safety standards

The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety (PPAHS) proudly announces that The Carlton at the Lake in Chicago, IL has successfully attained Enhanced Respiratory Care accreditation, meeting or surpassing the required standards of care for accreditation.

Receiving the Enhanced Respiratory Care Accreditation demonstrates The Carlton at the Lake’s continued commitment to patient safety and patient care. The Enhanced Respiratory Care program integrates best practices for ventilator support by emphasizing patient safety and patient care through evidence-based strategies, which includes specialized training for respiratory therapists, advanced weaning techniques, patient-centered care, and state-of-the-art ventilator technology, all to promote comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation.

From left to Right: Donna S. Lead Respiratory Therapist, Delylah W. Respiratory Therapist

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From Harm Reduction to Holistic Care: Evolving Approaches to Patient Safety in Addiction Treatment

Editors’ notes: In this article, Pat Crilley (Executive Director, Harmony Ridge Recovery Center) provides insights on evolving approaches to patient safety in addiction treatment. He explores the impact and challenges of holistic care.

By Pat Crilley (Executive Director, Harmony Ridge Recovery Center)

In the ever-changing field of addiction treatment, understanding how approaches to patient safety evolve is key. Traditionally, harm reduction strategies played a significant role in managing addiction. However, a shift towards holistic care has begun to reshape how we address this complex issue. This evolution is not just about new methods or techniques. It’s about building trust between patients and caregivers and acknowledging that every aspect of a person’s well-being is important. As we explore these changes, from harm reduction to holistic care, it’s clear that this journey in evolving approaches to patient safety in addiction treatment is reshaping our understanding and response to addiction.

Harmony Ridge Addiction

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Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety Launches CME Sepsis Courses “Identifying Patients in the Sepsis Gray Zone”

Free Three-Module Series Equips Clinicians to Navigate the Sepsis “Gray Zone”

The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety (PPAHS) is proud to release an accredited continuing medical education course designed to strengthen clinical judgment in the early identification of sepsis. The series is free of charge, self-paced, and completely online.

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The Grove of Elmhurst Receives Enhanced Respiratory Care Accreditation

The Grove of Elmhurst is the fourth healthcare facility in Illinois to achieve Enhanced Respiratory Care accreditation from the Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety.

The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety (PPAHS) is pleased to announce that The Grove of Elmhurst in Elmhurst, IL, has met or exceeded the Enhanced Respiratory Care Standards of Care for accreditation.

Receiving the Enhanced Respiratory Care Accreditation demonstrates The Grove of Elmhurst’s continued commitment to patient safety and patient care. The Enhanced Respiratory Care program integrates best practices for ventilator support by emphasizing patient safety and patient care through evidence-based strategies, which includes: specialized training for respiratory therapists, advanced weaning techniques, patient-centered care, and state-of-the-art ventilator technology, all to promote comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation.

Grove at Elmhurst — The Grove of Elmhurst Respiratory Therapists – Mildred E., Kim C. Toni O.

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Sepsis is a Patient Safety Crisis: Two Free Events You Must Attend

Sepsis causes 1 out of every 5 deaths. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General urges us to take action against sepsis:

“The world must urgently step up efforts to improve data about sepsis so all countries can detect and treat this terrible condition in time. This means strengthening health information systems and ensuring access to rapid diagnostic tools, and quality care including safe and affordable medicines and vaccines.”

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Anticoagulation Forum: Transforming Anticoagulation Care through Knowledge and Stewardship

By the Anticoagulation Forum

Anticoagulation Forum: Transforming Anticoagulation Care through Knowledge and Stewardship

Ensuring optimal patient care in anticoagulation and thrombosis management requires up-to-date education, strong clinical guidance, and a commitment to best practices. The Anticoagulation Forum (AC Forum) stands at the forefront of this mission, offering a comprehensive set of resources and fostering stewardship programs to empower healthcare professionals worldwide.

Reaching over 15,000 clinicians in more than 100 countries, AC Forum serves as a trusted source for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health professionals who support more than 1 million patients annually, helping them navigate the complexities of anticoagulation care with confidence and accuracy.

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Safety Equals Trust with PPAHS: RT Sidebar Podcast

By Michael W. Wong, JD (Executive Director, Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety)

I was honored to be a guest on RT Sidebar, a place to facilitate dialogue regarding the respiratory therapist profession hosted by Vapotherm.

On the podcast, I talked about why I set up the Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety and the key patient safety initiatives like the Enhanced Respiratory Care program. Here are highlights from that podcast:

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