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M O N D A Y, J A N U A RY 7, 2 0 1 9 // VO L . 5 3 N O. 1 8
HEALTH
POLICY
State of Michigan takes lead on Tianeptine drug ban BY LAUREEN HORAN ASSOCIATE1@LANTHORN.COM
Michigan is officially the first state in the nation to outlaw a substance that medical professionals say is adding fuel to the fire that is the opioid crisis — formally banning a drug known as Tianeptine. First prescribed as an opiatelike antidepressant in Europe as early as the 1950s, Tianeptine is commonly abused in the United States because it’s easily modified and easily accessible. The drug is sold under trade names such as Coaxil or Stablon and also marketed as a stress relief supplement, which can be purchased effortlessly online in most other states. In recommended doses, Tianeptine does not make the user feel high and does seem to treat depression differently than other antidepressants available. Serious problems arise, however, when the substance is taken in excess and modified to have stronger effects. According to Grand Valley State University professor of Biomedicine Babasola Fateye, users can modify the structure of this substance so that it can be snorted, injected or even vaped. On most websites, Tianeptine is presented as a mood-enhancing, anxiety-reducing, focus-improving supplement in a capsule form. Scroll down a bit further, though, and you’ll see the fine print. Nootropics.com, a widely-utilized online source for Tianeptine, includes a warning below the product which reads: “Tianeptine may have opiatelike withdrawal symptoms and shows potential for abuse. Ensure that usage is gradually reduced with care, and if ever in doubt, consult a qualified medical professional. If you have ever been addicted to opioids, Tianeptine may have an immediate addictive effect.”
NEWLY FUNDED NURSES: Working with undergraduate nursing students, Executive Director of the Wesorick Center Evelyn Clingerman and KCON faculty have a discussion in the Wesorick Center. KCON received a nearly $500,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for onsite senior care. COURTESY | KELLEY MONTERUSSO
KCON awarded grant to fund senior onsite care BY MCKENNA PEARISO ASSOCIATE@LANTHORN.COM
Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing will soon be providing onsite care to older area residents who are income-eligible or disabled. Two locations will be offering the program starting this month including Reflections, a senior housing community, and Mount Mercy Apartments. The new care project, in collaboration with the
SEE BAN | A2
nurse-managed GVSU Family Health Center, is being funded by a $493,690 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. “This grant is really exciting because it aligns with both of the Health Fund’s cross-cutting goals: workforce and integration,” said Senior Program Officer for the Health Fund Kari Sederburg. The GVSU Family Health Center will help deploy teams of faculty and students from nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, clinical dietetics
and social work to collaborate on the treatment and evaluation of elderly participants. Sederberg believes this integration of workforce collaboration between different health professions and senior living complexes, while educating students, is beneficial to the participants and the public health of the community. “It’s a win-win for students and for older adults in the community,” Sederberg said. “It will provide training for students and access to necessary health-
care that older adults may not otherwise be able to afford.” The increased care services for local seniors is also projected to decrease number of falls and emergency room visits, improve medication tracking and delay nursing home placements while reducing financial costs. Providing accessible care to seniors that supports aging in place will allow them more independence and improve their overall wellness. SEE GRANT | A2
WORLD
Padnos International Center Partnership Delegation to visit Romania BY ALEXANDRA LOYD ALOYD@LANTHORN.COM
In May, a delegation of six Grand Valley State University faculty and staff members will be traveling to Romania as part of the Padnos International Center Partnership Delegation to visit the University of Babes-Bolyia. Here, the faculty plans on spending time and building relationships with colleagues from partner institutions.
Delegation organizer and leader Rebecca Hambleton said that for the last ten years, GVSU staff and faculty has been attending universities partnered with our own so that there is a significant potential for growth all around. According to the 2019 Partnership Delegation Program’s Learning goals for 2019, the trip is extremely important because it introduces faculty and staff to Romanian culture
with an emphasis in increasing participants’ knowledge of historical, economical, educational, environmental and social developments. The trip will give faculty and staff opportunities to develop intercultural communication skills and intercultural understanding, as well as develop a new network of colleagues from across the GVSU campuses and at partner institutions. This helps faculty and staff gain a broad yet personal understanding of the study abroad programs that they can share with their students. “GVSU wants to provide the best opportunities for our students, which includes a wide range of high impact experiences,” Hambleton said. “Study abroad is an important opportunity that helps our students grow personally, academically and professionally.” Beyond creating opportunities
GVSU wants to provide the best opportunities for our students, which includes a wide range of high impact experiences. Study abroad is an important opportunity that helps students grow personally, academically and professionally.” Rebecca Hambleton Delegation Organizer
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GRINNING GROUP: A Padnos International Center Partnership Delegation smiles for a photo while on their visit to an international partner university. COURTESY | GVSU
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for students in the future, these trips strengthen GVSU’s relationships with international communities through the staff and faculty that attend. “We want to involve as many faculty and staff in these opportunities so they can be a good resource for students, as well as develop their own intercultural understanding,” Hambleton said. “GVSU also strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community. Each year, we are welcoming international students and scholars from around the world. Many of these students are coming from our partner institutions. Having faculty and staff who are familiar with our partners and other cultures helps those students feel supported and welcomed while they are here.” SEE ROMANIA | A2