NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs Due to Microbial Contamination

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    June 06, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    June 06, 2025
    Product Type:
    Drugs
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Microbial contamination

    Company Name:
    Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Zicam® and Orajel™

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Nasal AllClear Swabs, Baby Teething Swabs

    Company Announcement
    Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs to the consumer level. The products are being recalled due to potential microbial contamination identified as fungi in cotton swab components. Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers including serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries. The risk is highest (potentially severe or life-threatening) among children and individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions. To date, no serious adverse events associated with the affected product have been reported. 
    The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and in Puerto Rico.
    Recalled Product Information

    Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, with UPC 732216301205, all lots: A zinc-free, homeopathic cold remedy swab designed to shorten the duration of the common cold.
    Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, with UPC 732216301656, all lots: A nasal cleansing swab product (discontinued in December 2024).
    Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs, with UPC 310310400002, all lots: Pre-moistened swabs designed to soothe teething discomfort in infants and toddlers.

    What Consumers Should Do
    Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products should stop using the product immediately. Please visit www.churchdwightrecall.com or call its Consumer Relations team at (800) 981-4710 for a full refund. Any additional questions can also be directed to its Consumer Relations team Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm ET.
    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. 
    Complete and submit the report Online
    Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
    This recall is limited exclusively to Zicam and Orajel swab products. All other Zicam and Orajel products, including Zicam RapidMelts, are not affected by this recall. 
    About Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of consumer household and personal care products. For more information, visit www.churchdwight.com.
    Media Contact:Keith Walshkeith.walsh@edelman.com

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Consumer Relations Team
    (800) 981-4710

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    06/06/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW DATA: Over 300,000 Washingtonians Would Lose Health Coverage If Trump’s Budget Bill Passes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    06.06.25

    NEW DATA: Over 300,000 Washingtonians Would Lose Health Coverage If Trump’s Budget Bill Passes

    Central and Eastern WA hit the hardest; The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Big, Beautiful” bill 215-214 in May; legislation now being considered in the Senate

    EDMONDS, WA – Data released by the Joint Economic Committee minority staff breaks down, by state and congressional district, how many Americans would lose health care coverage losses due to President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced today.

    In total, 16 million Americans – including 306,312 Washingtonians –  will lose the health care coverage they need to get regular check-ups, behavioral health care, family planning services, long-term care, urgent care, and more if the Republican bill passes the U.S. Senate and is signed into law.

    Congressional District

    Est. # of People Losing Affordable Care Act Coverage

    Est. # of People Losing Medicaid Coverage

    Est. Total # of People Losing Health Coverage

    WA-01

    11,500

    11,638

    23,138

    WA-02

    13,500

    20,155

    33,655

    WA-03

    10,000

    21,654

    31,654

    WA-04

    8,400

    31,693

    40,093

    WA-05

    11,500

    24,934

    36,434

    WA-06

    10,000

    20,288

    30,288

    WA-07

    13,500

    10,458

    23,958

    WA-08

    10,000

    13,572

    23,572

    WA-09

    11,500

    22,069

    33,569

    WA-10

    8,400

    21,589

    29,989

    According to the analysis, Washington’s Fifth Congressional District, covering Eastern Washington, would see the most people lose health insurance under the Republican plan of any district in the state. More than 40,000 Eastern Washingtonians in the Fifth District alone won’t be able to get affordable health care if the Republican plan passes.

    Washington’s Fourth Congressional District, covering most of Central Washington, would see the second-most people lose health insurance under the Republican plan of any district in the state. More than 35,000 Eastern Washingtonians in the Fourth District alone won’t be able to get affordable health care if the Republican plan passes.

    People without health insurance tend to wait until their health problem is an emergency before seeking care in local hospitals. This leads to more crowded emergency rooms for everyone.

    And hospitals must factor the uncompensated cost of additional uninsured patients into already strained finances – finances which are especially strained at rural hospitals like those in the Fourth and Fifth Districts.

    The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published its updated analysis, available here, after House Republicans passed their budget reconciliation bill with over $700 billion in cuts and significant changes to Medicaid. The Committee fact sheet, available here, provides updated estimates for all 50 states and D.C. of the estimated number of people losing their health insurance. The Committee data broken down by Congressional District is available here. Totals by congressional district and by state are slightly different due to rounding.

    Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington state, covers over 1.9 million Washingtonians. Sen. Cantwell has held events across the state to hear about the impact of the proposed cuts on Washingtonians and released three reports detailing the cuts’ significant negative impacts.  On May 2, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state’s highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities. In February, she released a snapshot report that demonstrated how cuts would harm health care access in Washington state, and she followed up with a report in March that dove into impacts on the Puget Sound region.

    Highlights of those snapshot reports include:

    • In Washington state, WA-04 (Central Washington) and WA-05 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid (Apple Health). In District 4, 70% of children are on Medicaid.
    • In the Puget Sound region, children in Seattle’s blue-collar strongholds would feel the deepest pain from Medicaid cuts. More than half of children in Burien, SeaTac, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton, and Rainier Valley depend on Medicaid.
    • In an exclusive survey of 68 WA nursing homes, 67 of 68 would cut services if Medicaid were cut by 5% or more, and 65% would consider closing.

    Sen. Cantwell also toured the state to hear from folks who would be directly impacted by cuts to Medicare. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.

    On May 21, Sen. Cantwell joined Washington state health care professionals for a virtual press conference to highlight statewide alarm and opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts. That same day, 23 Republican members of the Washington state legislature sent a letter to the entire Washington state federal Congressional delegation, urging the delegation to “protect Medicaid funding for Washington State.”

    A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to defend Medicaid from cuts is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Patients to receive reminders and test results via the NHS App

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Patients to receive reminders and test results via the NHS App

    Millions more patients will receive appointments, screening invitations and other important information via the NHS App, as part of £50million upgrade.

    Millions more patients will receive appointment reminders, screening invitations, and test results directly to their smartphones as the NHS turbocharges its digital revolution to make it easier for patients to access care.

    The NHS App is set to become the go-to method of communication between the health system and patients, avoiding the need for at least 50 million costly letters to go through the postal system.

    Driven by over £50 million investment, 270 million messages are expected to be sent through the NHS App this year – an increase of 70 million on last financial year, saving an estimated £200m across the system over the next three years.

    This latest development forms part of the government’s shift from analogue to digital, to give patients better access to manage their healthcare journey and make informed decisions about their care. 

    In 2023/24, there were around 8 million missed appointments in elective care, and around 30% of people missed a screening appointment. Push notifications will remind patients about upcoming appointments and relay important messages, allowing for faster communication and reducing the risk of these missed appointments and boosting productivity across the system.

    Currently, almost 20 million are opted in to receive healthcare messages via the NHS App and could soon benefit from this latest expansion.  The NHS is appealing to patients to download the NHS App and turn on notifications to make sure they receive important updates

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

    People are living increasingly busy lives and want to access information about their health at the touch of a button, rather than having to wait weeks for letters that often arrive too late. This government is bringing our analogue health service into the digital age, so that being a patient in the NHS is as convenient as online banking or ordering a takeaway.

    The NHS still spends hundreds of millions of pounds on stamps, printing, and envelopes. By modernising the health service, we can free up huge amounts of funding to reinvest in the frontline.

    Through the investment and reform in our Plan for Change, we will make the NHS App the front door to the health service and put power in the hands of patients.

    As part of this digital-first transformation, over the next three years, patients in England will receive all appropriate NHS messages through the App first. Where app messaging is not available, communications will be sent via SMS and then by letter as a last resort. This means that people without access to smartphones and elderly patients can still receive messages through traditional routes, ensuring that no vital information is missed. Those without smartphone access will also benefit from phone lines being freed up, with many patients able to get the information they need digitally.

    Accessible communications will continue to be supported for those with specific requirements.

    The implementation of digital services across the health service is already well underway. Last year, the national vaccination programmes delivered 85 million messages via digital channels, and later this year, national screening programmes for breast, bowel and cervical cancer will also be making the switch. 

    Dr Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said:

    More than 11 million of us now log into the NHS App every month to manage our healthcare, whether ordering a repeat prescription or seeking advice on a medical condition.

    We’re supporting the switch from analogue to digital by harnessing the power of digital communication channels so that millions more patients can receive important messages about their health direct to their smartphones – all you need to do is enable notifications in the NHS App to see and open messages.

    The NHS App is already empowering patients by giving them more information and now by increasingly becoming a world-class way of communicating – which will save millions of pounds and free up resources for patient care. I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t got the app on their smartphone to download it now.

    This latest development comes in addition to work currently underway to improve user experience in the App. Through various expansions, users will soon be able to add appointments to the calendar on their phone and request help from their GP surgery.  It will also seek to drive increased usage through faster log in methods, such as Face ID.

    With NHS App services now live in 87% of hospitals across England, delivered in line with commitments made as part of the Elective Care Reform Plan, patients will have greater control of their elective care, improving access and modernising NHS as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fighting for a Livable Future: Markey, Labor Leaders, Workers Speak Out Against Republican Efforts to Cut Clean Energy and Climate Investments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Watch: Markey, labor leaders, workers slam clean energy investment cuts

    Markey joined by labor leaders, workers in Dorchester at IBEW Local 103
    Boston (June 6, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, today hosted a press conference at IBEW Local 103 with labor union leaders and workers to highlight how Congressional Republicans’ proposed budget reconciliation cuts to climate and clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act would hurt workers in Massachusetts.
    The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House-passed Republican bill would cut more than $500 billion in investments for environment, energy, and climate, which could lead to 830,000 jobs lost by 2030 and shrink the national economy by $1.1 trillion over the next decade.
    “In Massachusetts, we have over 115,000 workers in the clean energy sector. Thousands of union jobs will be at risk. Trump and Republicans are selling out the livelihoods of working people and the future of our children, all to pay for tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. The Trump agenda is clear: steal from the workers to give to the wealthy. But if Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans think that union workers are going to roll over as their jobs, families, and livelihoods are threatened—they have another thing coming,” said Senator Markey. “Together, we are going to make clear how Republicans are hurting people in their own states; slow and stop this bill—defending our jobs, our future, and our way of life; and put Republicans on the record. The fight ahead of us is hard, but the harder the fight, the more important it is that we take it on. We fight until we win. For every worker. For every American. For a livable future.”
    “We need more energy, and we need more jobs in Massachusetts, plain and simple. Working families shouldn’t have to purchase energy from billionaire oil tycoons and foreign governments or let them set the price of our energy bills. We can generate massive amounts of energy right here in Massachusetts and we can create thousands of union jobs for Massachusetts residents while we do it. Over the last few years, thousands of our neighbors and our friends have been put to work on electric grid upgrades, battery storage facilities, and manufacturing plants. They’re building our clean energy future and we’re all benefiting: the family that these workers support, the homes, the schools, the businesses that need a reliable supply of energy, and every one of us that will live on a cleaner, safer planet because of it.” said Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO.
    “Repealing clean energy tax credits is a union job killer. These tax credits help level the playing field, they drive investment, and they put IBW electricians, laborers, ironworkers, and pipe fitters to work building America’s energy future. If you take those tax credits away, you’re not just pulling funding: you’re pulling paychecks from working families, you’re pulling apprentices out of training facilities, you’re pulling opportunity straight out of our communities. Every solar panel installed, every wind turbine wired, every EV charger connected, that’s a job with wages, healthcare, and a pension that stands for dignity for the American worker. You don’t kill that kind of progress: you build on it.” said Lou Antonellis, Business Manager/Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 103.
    “Hundreds of thousands of lives will be affected if these tax credits are repealed. Our members are the ones out here in the freezing cold and the blazing heat; laying foundations, wiring schools, setting steel, climbing wind turbines, and putting up solar panels. I’m here today representing those skilled union workers who build the schools our kids learn in, the bridges we drive on, and because of smart, clean energy investments, the solar and wind farms that will power our future. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, we saw national investment in clean energy that wasn’t about corporate tax breaks. It was about people. It meant workers having access to construction projects that benefit communities and families and taking part in building a clean economy. But now the Republican Reconciliation package threatens to undo all of that. said Chaton Green, Business Agent, Greater Boston Building Trades Union.
    “We need long-term, sustained investment in renewable energy to ensure this work continues well beyond the current round of offshore wind projects. Major solar and hydroelectric projects must also move forward to deliver clean power to our communities and meaningful, local jobs to our members. These are more than just jobs—they’re life-changing careers, especially for people who have historically been left out of economic opportunity. This is exactly the kind of progress we need to protect and expand for the future,”said Andy Benedetto, Business Representative, Local 1121 Millwrights. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 2: Alberta wildfire update (June 6, 4 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leading The World in Supersonic Flight

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESTHE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE CENTERS FOR MEDICAREAND MEDICAID SERVICES
    SUBJECT:       Eliminating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Medicaid
    My Administration has been relentlessly committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Government programs to preserve and protect them for those who rely most on them. 
    The Medicaid program was designed to be a program to compassionately provide taxpayer dollars to healthcare providers who offer care to the most vulnerable Americans.  To keep payments reasonable, billable costs for such care were historically capped at the same level that healthcare providers could receive from Medicare.  The State and Federal Governments jointly shared this cost burden to ensure those of lesser means did not go untreated.
    Under the Biden Administration, States and healthcare providers were permitted to game the system.  For example, States “taxed” healthcare providers, but sent the same money back to them in the form of a “Medicaid payment,” which automatically unlocked for healthcare providers an additional “burden-sharing” payment from the Federal Government.  Through this gimmick, the State could avoid contributing money toward Medicaid services, meaning the State no longer had a reason to be prudent in the amount of reimbursement provided.  Instead of paying Medicare rates, many States that utilize these arrangements now pay the same healthcare providers almost three times the Medicare amount, a practice encouraged by the Biden Administration.
    These State Directed Payments have rapidly accelerated, quadrupling in magnitude over the last 4 years and reaching $110 billion in 2024 alone.  This trajectory threatens the Federal Treasury and Medicaid’s long-term stability, and the imbalance between Medicaid and Medicare patients threatens to jeopardize access to care for our seniors.
    I pledged to protect and improve these important Government healthcare programs for those that rely on them.  Seniors on Medicare and Medicaid recipients both deserve access to quality care in a system free from the fraud, waste, and abuse, that enriches the unscrupulous and jeopardizes the programs themselves.  We will take action to continue to love and cherish the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ensure they are preserved for those who need them most.
    The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, including by ensuring Medicaid payments rates are not higher than Medicare, to the extent permitted by applicable law.  
    This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Demands That Trump Administration Restore Funding For Youth Mental Health Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    New York Was Awarded Over $18 Million Through The Now-Terminated Programs From FY2022-FY2024

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding that the Trump administration restore funding to two grant programs that support school-based mental health services, the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH). MHSP and SBMH were designed to create a workforce development pipeline for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals in New York and across the country. Thanks to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the programs were slated to provide a combined $1 billion through Fiscal Year 2026, $18.2 million of which was already allocated to schools in New York State.

    “Protecting the mental health of our kids should not be a partisan issue,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am appalled by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate MHSP and SBMH funding, particularly as the shortage of mental health professionals and school counselors persists nationwide. Thousands of students are set to benefit from the mental health care they’re receiving because of these programs, and I am committed to fighting for the restoration of this vital funding.”

    Senator Gillibrand’s most recent letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon follows a similar letter that she sent with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in May. In that letter, the senators discussed the impact of the MHSP and SBMH programs nationwide and asked for the Department of Education’s rationale for terminating this funding. The senators received an unsatisfactory response to this outreach last month.

    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s most recent letter can be found here or below:

    Dear Secretary McMahon,

    I write to you with grave concern over the administration’s reports of terminations of youth mental health grant funding to school districts in New York. The Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) and School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH) programs have benefitted not only New York but countless states across the country in urban and rural settings alike. I wrote to you about these terminations on May 9, 2025, and received an unsatisfactory response from your office on May 30, 2025. Both MHSP and SBMH programs play a vital role in addressing the shortage of school-based mental health professionals. Furthermore, they do not undermine standards for fairness, merit, and excellence in education as asserted in your response sent on May 30, 2025. 

    Your response to my earlier letter indicated that both the MHSP and SBMH programs would end at the end of the grants’ current budget periods. This outcome would harm both the students and mental health professionals who benefit from these programs. The demand for behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse disorder services is projected to increase in the coming years. By 2037, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of 113,830 psychologists, 50,440 psychiatrists, and 39,710 school counselors. The MHSP and SBMH programs directly address this shortage, and discontinuing these programs will negatively impact current and future students.  

    These funding streams were intended to create a workforce development pipeline for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Thousands of students have benefited from the mental health care they received because of these programs. There are also hundreds of future mental health professionals in New York alone who benefit from these programs. However, with current grants set to expire soon, successful programs, like those in Lyons Central School District and the Seneca Falls Central School District, that have built mental health professional pipelines for students in high-need school districts could see their momentum stopped in its tracks. Hundreds of future mental health professionals, who are sorely needed across New York, stand to lose the support of innovative programs that serve my constituents and their families.

    I am concerned that the Department is disrupting grant funding that truly represents how the government can address the direct needs of our taxpayers and their families. These programs work, and New York students deserve their continued benefits.

    I request your response to the following questions by no later than June 4, 2025:

    1.         Will the Department commit to answering the nine questions from my original letter sent May 9, 2025, most of which were unaddressed in your response dated on May 30, 2025? 

    2.         How did each MHSP and SBMH grant that received a non-continuation notice violate Federal civil rights law?

    3.         What are the Department’s plans to recompete its mental health program funds in the next grant cycle, including the grant application and selection criteria for the upcoming cycle?

    4.         How will the Department address service disruptions for New York students after the expiration of this funding?

    5.         Explain how the Department plans to address mental health workforce shortages stemming from the disruption of this funding.
    6.         Have New York mental health and education stakeholders been engaged? Please provide a detailed explanation of your engagement processes with stakeholders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces Federal Death Penalty Legislation to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 3764, the Death Penalty for Dealing Fentanyl Act, legislation that would punish a defendant with the death penalty or life in prison if convicted of selling or distributing fentanyl that resulted in death:

    “During the Biden administration, more than 80,000 pounds of fentanyl has flooded into our nation.The fentanyl crisis has strained our healthcare system and touched every community across the country, including in my great state of Arizona.   For example, the largest single fentanyl bust in history recently took place in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah.  Those arrested included a leader of a Mexican drug cartel. Whether it’s from China or Mexico, the criminal networks are producing, transporting, and marketing these drugs and are poisoning America. 

    Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18-44.  More than 105,000 Americans died from drug poisonings in 2023 with nearly 70 percent of those deaths attributed to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. 

    I laud President Trump’s recent designation of deadly cartels trafficking drugs into our country as terrorist groups and calling for the death penalty for those who sell illicit drugs, including fentanyl.  As a result of President Trump’s war against drug dealers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a 26.5% national decline in drug overdose deaths from the previous year when Biden was last in office.

    More should and can be done to support President Trump’s efforts to stem the flow of deadly drugs into the United States.  That’s why I have once again reintroduced the Death Penalty for Dealing Fentanyl Act, legislation authorizing capital punishment or life imprisonment for any individual convicted of distributing, possessing with the intent to distribute, or manufacture fentanyl that resulted in death. 

    Fentanyl is so potent that even a very small parcel of the drug can cause many deaths and destruction to American families. We must get tough on those criminals that are responsible for this public health crisis.  My legislation would punish anyone who knowingly traffics fentanyl with the death penalty or life in prison,” concluded Congressman Gosar.

    Original Cosponsors:

    Representatives Brecheen, Ezell, Higgins, Moore (AL), Luna, Ogles

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick and Congresswoman Hinson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand PACT Act Benefits for Vietnam Veterans with Glioblastoma

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act, bipartisan legislation that would amend the Honoring our PACT Act to include glioblastoma as a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure for Vietnam veterans. 

    The bill, named in honor of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4) Keith Smith, was inspired by a letter Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Congresswoman Hinson (R-IA) received from his widow, Linda Smith, an Iowa resident. SP4 Smith, a Vietnam veteran exposed to Agent Orange, died from glioblastoma—a condition not currently recognized under the PACT Act for Agent Orange exposure. As a result, he was denied critical benefits. Linda Smith now advocates to ensure no other veteran or family faces the same injustice. 

    “This was Keith’s wish ─ to help other Vietnam veterans affected by Agent Orange,” said Linda Smith. “Adding glioblastoma to the list of presumptive conditions as part of the PACT Act would help fulfill that wish.” 

    “When our veterans serve, we make a promise to stand by them—not just in war, but long after they return home,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith answered that call in Vietnam. This bipartisan bill is about keeping our promise and honoring his legacy.  

    “Ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they have earned remains a top priority for me. I was proud to support the PACT Act to expand access to care for those exposed to toxic substances, but more work remains,” said Congresswoman Hinson (R-IA). Glioblastoma is not recognized as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act for Agent Orange exposure, despite mounting evidence. I had the honor of speaking with Linda Smith of Independence, Iowa—the widow of Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith, who tragically passed away from Glioblastoma. SP4 Smith served our country with pride and honor, but under the current PACT Act, he was still unable to receive the benefits he deserved. I’m humbled to co-lead this bipartisan effort to update the law and ensure all veterans have access to the highest quality care. Naming this bill in SP4 Smith’s honor is a deserving tribute to his life and service, and an opportunity for Iowans and all Americans to help save lives while honoring one of our own.” 

    “The Military Aviator Coalition for Health (MACH) is proud to endorse this critical piece of legislation,” said COL. Vincent Alcazar, USAF (ret.),Founder and Director of MACH. Glioblastoma claims far too many veteran lives annually. This bill is a huge step in rectifying past disparities and honoring the tremendous legacy of SP4 Smith.” 

    “The Invisible Enemy proudly supports the Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act introduced by Congresswomen Cherfilus-McCormick and Hinson,” said David Tilem, Executive Director of the Invisible Enemy. Glioblastoma has affected many servicemembers, whether due to Agent Orange on the battlefield or radiation at the Nevada Test and Training Range (HB 1400).  We are deeply grateful to the Members of Congress who continue to support veterans by recognizing glioblastoma as a presumptive condition related to their service.  These efforts bring hope and long-overdue recognition to those who have sacrificed in silence.” 

    The full text of the bill can be found here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Infusion Pump Correction: Baxter Updates Instructions for Use for Novum IQ Large Volume Pump due to Potential for Underinfusion

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves updating instructions for using devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without following the updated instructions.
    Affected Product

    Affected Product:

    Product Code
    Product Description
    Serial Numbers
    UDI-DI Number

    40700BAXUS
    Novum IQ LVP
    All
    05413765851797

    What to Do
    On April 24, Baxter sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions:

    For flow rates greater than 50 mL/hour, do not exceed a programmed standby time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Monitor patients frequently to ensure that the appropriate infusion is being delivered.
    Please remove the set upon powering off the device.
    Post the enclosed informational poster with Novum IQ LVPs in your facility.
    Please forward a copy of this communication to the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, Director of Nursing, Director of Pharmacy, Facility Risk Manager, Director of Purchasing/Central Supply, and any other departments within your institution who use the affected product.

    Reason for Updates to Use Instructions
    Baxter has become aware of the potential for underinfusion with the Novum IQ large volume pump following use of the “standby mode” feature, or if the device is powered off with the set loaded. Keeping the administration set loaded in the pump for an extended period of time may result in an underinfusion on the subsequent infusion due to compression of the set. The risk increases when infusing at higher flow rates after longer duration in standby mode or powered off.
    Testing has identified that at flow rates above 50 mL/hour, certain infusions may experience flow rate variability of more than 10% after 2 hours and 30 minutes. In the worst-case scenario, 50% underinfusion can be observed at the maximum flow rate of 1200 mL/hour and the maximum standby time of 12 hours. This may lead to underinfusion of infusates, including drugs, IV nutrition, blood, and blood products.
    Note that even at 10% variability, pediatric patients (infants > 29 days to 2 years) may be at risk of dehydration, inadequate drug therapy and nutrition, as well as insufficient blood infusion, leading to increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
    Baxter has reported one serious injury, and no deaths associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    The Baxter Novum IQ Syringe Pump is intended to provide intravenous infusion of parenteral fluids, blood, and blood products to a patient under the direction or supervision of a physician or other certified health care professional.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Baxter at 847-948-4770.
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)  
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.  

    How do I report a problem?  
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    06/06/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Paul & Senator Lee Introduce Bill to Cut Drug Prices and Red Tape

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    June 6, 2025

    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    Washington, D.C.—This week, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act to cut drug prices for consumers and increase competition in the pharmaceutical market by categorizing generic-brand “biosimilar” drugs as interchangeable with their name-brand counterparts. 

     “I’m proud to support Senator Lee’s Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act. Americans pay too much for prescription treatments because of outdated FDA requirements. This bill would give pharmacists more options, subject to state law, to substitute unaffordable therapeutics with lower-cost alternatives. I offered similar reforms in the past because health care reform starts with giving patients more affordable choices. It’s time we stop letting red tape stand between patients and lower prices.” said Dr. Rand Paul

     “Americans are missing out on lower drug prices thanks to bureaucratic red tape that protects big pharma monopolies,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Many consumers would choose a cheaper generic-brand version of their medications, but technicalities from Congress have kept these out of reach. Our legislation will cut the red tape to bring drug prices down, break up the big pharma monopolies, and let Americans make their own medication choices.”

    “Too many Americans face sky-high prescription drug costs. This bipartisan legislation will cut unnecessary red tape and help biosimilar drugs get to the market faster, creating more competition in the market, and cutting costs for consumers,” said Senator Hassan. “I will continue to work to lower prescription drug and health care costs for Granite Staters and all Americans.”

    “Limited competition drives up drug prices, making it harder for people to afford the medications they need to survive. Expanding access to biosimilar drugs can improve patients’ lives and reduce costs. But too often, access can be limited due to regulatory red tape that scientists agree is not necessary,” said Senator Luján. “This bipartisan bill will help simplify that process while maintaining rigorous safety and effectiveness standards. By increasing competition, this legislation will allow more patients and families to access the treatments they need.”

     “As the FDA has made clear, there is no clinically meaningful difference between biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars,” said John Murphy, President and CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines. “The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act will expand competition and generate savings for patients and taxpayers, while preserving FDA’s ability to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines for America’s patients. The Biosimilars Council and AAM thank Senators Lee and Luján for their work on behalf of American patients and we look forward to working with Congress to eliminate this outdated and unnecessary barrier to lower-priced biosimilar medicines.”

    Background:

    “Biosimilars” – generic alternatives to name-brand medications – have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of biologic drugs through increased competition. Choosing biosimilars over their name-brand counterparts could save consumers an estimated $42.9 billion by 2027. Americans deserve to hold this decision-making power, but red tape around biosimilars keeps them from being widely used. The FDA’s complex approval system has confused physicians, patients, and states about biosimilars’ safety and efficacy.

    Biosimilars must undergo extensive testing to prove they provide no meaningful difference from their name-brand version. Bringing a new biosimilar to market costs as much as $300 million and can take as long as 9 years. Even after this approval, patients may not be able to access biosimilars because Congress created a separate designation: interchangeability. To be classified as truly “interchangeable” with the name-brand version, a biosimilar must undergo further testing called “switching studies.” This type of research has proven unnecessary for biosimilars, as it repeatedly shows no meaningful difference or relevant new data.

    The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act would remove these extra steps so that a biosimilar will immediately be classified as interchangeable upon its initial approval by the FDA. Foregoing unnecessary switching studies would no longer disqualify biosimilars as alternatives to their name-brand counterparts. 

    This legislation will streamline the regulatory pathway for biosimilar approval by aligning the law with the current scientific reality, giving Americans the option to save billions and increasing competition in the pharmaceutical market.

    The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act would:

    • Amend the federal code to state that all biosimilars, upon approval, shall be deemed interchangeable. The bill still uses the term “interchangeable” because states have crafted their own laws around interchangeability. Retaining that word would provide for minimal disruption to current biosimilar distribution.
    • Strike the current requirement in code that has been used to justify switching studies.
    • Create a cooldown period for certain biologics that were already granted exclusive interchangeable status.
    • Instruct HHS and FDA to issue or retract relevant guidance.

     You can read it HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Fight Trump Administration’s Cuts to the Job Corps Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – After the Trump administration attempted to shutter the nation’s largest jobs training program for low-income and at-risk young people, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and 37 Senate colleagues in a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging her to reverse the illegal and unconstitutional cuts to the Job Corps program that are harming students and communities in every state in the country.
    “The Administration’s decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations has left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch,” wrote the senators. “The sudden ‘pause’ of operations at Job Corps centers puts young people’s lives at risk, especially a significant number of students who were experiencing homelessness before arriving to the program. Local communities will pay a steep price, especially the thousands of individuals who work at the centers and will lose their livelihoods.”
    For more than 60 years, Job Corps has helped millions of young people in rural communities and cities alike to finish high school, learn technical skills and get good-paying jobs while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services. Through Job Corps programs, young people receive the training they need to start in good-paying jobs that support their communities after graduation – including as wildland firefighters, nurses, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, and welders. Last month, however, the Trump administration indefinitely ‘paused’ operations at Job Corps sites across the country.
    “We urge you to immediately reverse this decision to prevent a lapse in education and services for Job Corps students. We further urge that the Department restart enrollments, expeditiously restart background checks, and make any contract extensions or modifications necessary to ensure no interruptions or delays for students or program operations,”concluded the senators. 
    Joining Heinrich, Luján, and Sanders on the letter are U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
    The text of the letter can be found HERE and below:
    Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer:
    We write to express our grave concern with the “pause” of operations that began at Job Corps centers on May 29, 2025, which will harm students and local economies in every state across the country. The Administration’s decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations has left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch. The sudden “pause” of operations at Job Corps centers puts young people’s lives at risk, especially a significant number of students who were experiencing homelessness before arriving to the program. Local communities will pay a steep price, especially the thousands of individuals who work at the centers and will lose their livelihoods. While a recent court order instituted a temporary restraining order on the “pause” at Job Corps, the damage of attempting to displace thousands of students has already been felt across the country.
    We urge you to immediately reverse this decision to prevent a lapse in education and services for Job Corps students. We further urge that the Department restart enrollments, expeditiously restart background checks, and make any contract extensions or modifications necessary to ensure no interruptions or delays for students or program operations. Congress passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which includes $1,760,155,000 for Job Corps and ensures that Job Corps Centers are funded for the new program year that begins on July 1, 2025. We write to remind you of your obligation to faithfully implement the law.
    Since 1964, Job Corps has helped millions of low-income or at-risk young people develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed in work and life. As the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16-24, Job Corps programs help students complete their high school education, learn high-value technical skills, and connect to employment through intensive education, training, and support services in a residential setting while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services to ensure their success. At a time when more than 72 percent of jobs will require training beyond a high school diploma, Job Corps provides students with the opportunity to become wildland firefighters to keep our communities safe, nurses to help care for our families, electricians needed to build and maintain clean energy systems, and machinists, pipefitters, and welders to manufacture the next generation of submarines.
    Job Corps centers operate in rural and metropolitan regions nationwide and contribute to their local communities and economies.  Many centers have partnered with employers, local workforce development boards, government agencies, and community-based organizations to develop the future workforce and meet the needs of local employers. 
    Abruptly canceling contracts for the nation’s Job Corps centers will leave students and communities in the lurch and undermine opportunities for young people to get education and training to succeed in valuable trades. Rather than gutting this valuable program, we urge you to work with Congress to strengthen accountability and program quality for the betterment of young workers, employers needing skilled labor, and communities nationwide, such as reforms included in the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization bill from last Congress.
    We request that you provide written answers to the following questions as soon as possible, but not later than June 20, 2025.
    Please provide a list of onboard strength (enrollment) at each center before January 20, 2025 and before the operations pause on May 28, 2025. 
    With Job Corps operations on “pause”, how does the department plan to fulfill its obligations to implement the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which includes $1,760,155,000 for Job Corps serving students?
    Please provide information on the number of students experiencing homelessness prior to enrollment at a Job Corps center based on enrollment at each center on May 28, 2025. 
    Please provide a list of every contract that has been terminated or modified since January 20, 2025, including the total amount of funds to each operator, the amount of funds that each operator has spent up to the date of the contract’s termination or modification, and the amount of remaining unspent funds for each contract. 
    What authority is the Department using to “pause” operations? Please provide a citation in law or regulation.
    The concept of a “pause” does not exist in Job Corps authorizing statute and appears to be an attempt to illegally shut down Job Corps operations without following requirements in law. Section 159 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) includes clear requirements and processes for the closure of Job Corps Centers that were not followed in this “pause”. How does the Department define a “pause” and how is it different than a “termination”? 
    On April 25, 2025, the Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) released the first-ever Job Corps Transparency Report, which is used throughout the DOL press release to pause operations at centers.
    Centers have returned funding to DOL when enrollments were lower than expected (but that’s not reflected in this report.) Please provide an updated cost per enrollee that accounts for money returned to DOL.
    The report also provides cost per enrollee based on enrollment from program year 2023. DOL has much more up-to-date enrollment numbers. Please provide an updated cost per enrollee with the enrollments on campuses as of May 28, 2025, incorporating onboard strength at each campus.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: International Journal of Scientific Research and Technology

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The International Journal of Scientific Research and Technology (IJSRT) is a publication that encompasses a broad spectrum of content, including reviews, research articles, and short communications. Its primary objective is to disseminate manuscripts on diverse topics within the realms of science and technology, including but not limited to Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Environmental Science, Data Science, DRug Research, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Humanities, and more

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, King Reintroduce Legislation to Help Coastal Workforce, Fisheries, and Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    06.06.25

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME), reintroduced the Working Waterfronts Act, legislation which includes more than a dozen provisions aimed at boosting the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Alaska and across the country. The bill will also support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal communities and strengthen federal conservation research projects.

    In October 2022, Senator Murkowski began soliciting feedback from Alaskans to help draft the Working Waterfronts legislation. After a two-year period of close collaboration with stakeholders and colleagues in the Senate, she introduced the legislation for the first time in February of 2024.

    “One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska’s coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “With 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors. This legislation will provide essential resources for alternative energy initiatives, improve community processing facilities, and promote safety and wellness in the maritime workforce. Together, we can build a resilient future for our coastal communities while addressing climate change and preserving our precious marine ecosystems.”

    “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses. Thanks to my colleagues for working with me to ensure our waterfronts have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.”

    “The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) thanks Senator Murkowski for her continued efforts to support Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, which provides tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact across the state. The Working Waterfronts Act would make impactful changes that are needed now, such as expanding access for fishermen and processors to USDA loans, grants for improving waterfront infrastructure that benefit commercial fishermen, and creating a new program to improve maritime workforce development. These changes, along with many others in the Act, provide needed help the Alaska seafood industry, a critical pillar of Alaska’s economy,” said Greg Smith, Communications Director at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI).

    “Senator Murkowski’s Working Waterfronts Act highlights the key priorities vital to the future of Alaska’s seafood industry. From modernizing infrastructure to building a resilient workforce and supporting innovation, this bill addresses the real challenges facing our coastal communities. We’re proud to support this effort and stand with Senator Murkowski in securing a strong future for Alaska’s working waterfronts,” said Kristy Clement, CEO of Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation.

    “Senator Murkowski’s Working Waterfronts Act is a comprehensive bill that invests in the modernization of our vital working waterfronts and the resiliency and success of our fishing and seafood industries,” said Robert Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network. “This bill champions crucial improvements to shoreside facilities and infrastructure that support thriving coastal economies and promotes the development of a stronger future workforce to ensure American fishing traditions can continue for generations. This legislation also supports research and stewardship of economically important ocean ecosystems and fisheries to help them endure in a changing climate. The Network supports the Working Waterfronts Act and thanks Senator Murkowski for listening to the needs of our fishing communities and providing a foresighted path to support their businesses and ways of life.”

    “The seafood industry has always been a critical part of the Blue Economy, even before the phrase was coined.  Alaska’s seafood industry produces an economic impact of $15 billion in the U.S. annually.  Senator Murkowski’s wholistic approach to a thriving waterfront is visionary.  The Working Waterfront Act supports and expands access to critical infrastructure and resources upon which the seafood industry relies.  Specific to seafood harvesting and processing, the Working Waterfront Act incentives co-investment by providing access to USDA loan programs which will help American fishermen and processors compete with other countries – an excellent example of good domestic economic policy,” Julie Decker, President, Pacific Seafood Processors Association.

    Bill Highlights:

    Investing in Energy and Shoreside Infrastructure

    • Tax Credits for Marine Energy Projects supports projects that produce electricity from waves, tides, and ocean currents.
    • Fishing Vessel Alternative Fuels Pilot Program provides resources to help transition fishing vessels from diesel to alternative fuel sources such as electric or hybrid, and funds research and development of alternative fuel technologies for fishing vessels.
    • Rural Coastal Community Processing and Cold Storage Grant increases support for community infrastructure such as cold storage, cooperative processing facilities, and mariculture/seaweed processing facilities by establishing a competitive grant program through the Department of Commerce for rural and small-scale projects.
    • Working Waterfronts Development Act establishes a grant program for infrastructure improvements for facilities benefitting commercial and recreational fishermen, mariculturists, and the boatbuilding industry.

    Boosting Maritime Workforce Development and Blue Economy

    • Maritime Workforce Grant Program establishes a Maritime Workforce Grant Program, directing the Maritime Administrator to award competitive grants supporting entities engaged in recruiting, educating, or training the maritime workforce.
    • Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act expands the Coast Guard and CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fishing Safety Research and Training (FRST) Grant Program to include projects supporting behavioral health in addition to the projects currently supported dedicated to occupational safety research and training.
    • Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act establishes at least one ocean innovation cluster in each of the five domestic NOAA Fisheries regions, as well as the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions. The ocean cluster model fosters collaboration between different sectors – including public, private, and academic – within a geographic region to promote economic growth and sustainability in the Blue Economy.

    Supporting Sustainable and Resilient Ecosystems

    • Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act enhances collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring through ongoing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement on necessary research and monitoring. This provision would also establish two Advisory Board seats for representatives from Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia affected by ocean acidification and coastal acidification.
    • Vegetated Coastal Ecosystem Inventory establishes an interagency working group for the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive national map and inventory detailing vegetated coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems. This inventory encompasses habitat types, species, ecosystem conditions, ownership, protected status, size, salinity and tidal boundaries, carbon sequestration potential, and impacts of climate change.
    • Marine Invasive Species Research and Monitoring provides resources and tools to mitigate the impact of invasive species and help limit their spread by authorizing research and monitoring grants for local, Tribal, and regional marine invasive prevention work. This includes training, outreach, and equipment for early detection and response to invasions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Discusses Importance of Protecting Women’s Sports, Boosting School Choice

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with several of President Trump’s nominees, including Penny Schwinn, nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Education at the Department of Education, Kimberly Richey, nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education, and Daniel Aronowitz, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration at the Department of Labor. They discussed the importance of protecting Title IX and promoting school choice.

    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON PROMOTING SCHOOL CHOICE:

    TUBERVILLE: “Thanks for all of you [being] willing to serve. It’s a privilege to have you all here. Doctor Schwinn, I wonder if people can give the definition of ‘national emergency.’ That’s what we have in our education system. It’s pitiful. I’ve been in it 35 years and it’s getting worse. The last four years, we just brushed over the problems, didn’t try to correct any. I would hope that you would be really involved in this. Our kids can’t read and write, [the] majority of them. It’s a disaster. It’s a shame. It’s criminal, to be honest with you.

    [Holds up cellphone] would you please get that out of the classroom? Because kids can’t learn when they’re looking at a text. I’m sick of hearing about ‘we need those in the classroom.’ Let’s take our schools back. We’ve given it over to the people who actually don’t want to educate our kids.

    So, thanks for your background in educational agencies. If confirmed, I hope you would assist Secretary McMahon in executing at the more local level. Can you address that?”

    SCHWINN: “Absolutely, and thank you for that. I couldn’t agree more as the parent of a thirteen-year-old. So, absolutely, one of the things that we did in Tennessee that I think was the secret sauce and has been over a long period of time is that locals know what’s best for their communities and their students. Memphis, Tennessee and Lake County, Tennessee are three to four hours apart and could not be more different. My home state of California and my adopted home state of Tennessee could not be more different. We need to make sure that locals are empowered to make the best decisions for their students. And when the money is closest to the child, when the decisions are closest to the child, we can best serve the child. And I am completely aligned with Secretary McMahon to ensure that we can help our states and our local communities to make the best decisions for their students in their communities.”

    TUBERVILLE: “School choice should be an option. I’ve been in many inner-city schools. For some reason, a lot of my colleagues do not want to educate kids in inner cities. School choice should be mandatory in a lot of our inner cities because they can’t read and write. If you can’t read and write, you can’t take advantage of the greatest country ever.”

    ON PROTECTING TITLE IX:

    TUBERVILLE: “Ms. Richey, Title IX, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, is what I’ve been trying to get passed for years. It makes no sense to me what’s going on. I mean, we’ve got a huge problem. We can’t define the difference of men playing in women’s sports. It’s dangerous. We all know that. I mean, it’s something that we’d better get straight because little girls aren’t going to get into sports and we’re not going to have women’s sports 10, 15years from now. We’ve got entire high school teams that are made now of transgender boys that can’t figure out that they’re not supposed to be in that—that it’s for women. But what are your thoughts on that?”

    RICHEY: “Yes, sir. Thank you, Senator, for the question. I grew up playing basketball, and played into college. I could not have competed against biological men. It just was not something that I would have been able to do. One of the things I’m really proud of under the first term is that [the] OCR investigated and took to enforcement one of the very first cases initiated by the federal government, which actually determined that policies that allow students to participate based on sexual orientation or gender identity actually violated Title IX because they deprive women and girls of the opportunity to participate in athletics. I’m very proud of that. I’m very proud of the way that the Secretary and the President have prioritized this issue, and I’m certainly committed to vigorously enforcing it and continuing to pursue these cases.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. We’ve got the Olympics here in a couple of years—[in] a few years in LA. We’re going be a joke if we allow that to happen on the world stage. So, hopefully we come to our senses by that time and show little girls that, ‘yes, you do have an opportunity.’”

    ON THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM ACT:

    TUBERVILLE: “[The] Financial Freedom Act. I think you, Mr. Aronowitz, are familiar with that. The Biden administration pretty much prohibited being able to put your finances where you wanted to, at the end of the day. I’ve been trying to get that passed. Would you commit to supporting legislation that would provide Americans the freedom to invest their own money how they see fit?”

    ARONOWITZ: “Absolutely, Senator. I believe that fiduciaries should decide what’s in retirement plans, not government bureaucrats, not plaintiff lawyers, no one else. Fiduciaries know what’s best, and I am committed to that.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Chairman.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” Set for Saturday, June 14

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York’s “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 14 this year with events happening at more than 20 locations across New York State as part of the Governor’s initiative to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” and to ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. The events bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun and healthy activities.

    “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is an opportunity for every New Yorker to visit our world-renowned state parks and public lands, and gather with family and friends while learning something new,” Governor Hochul said. “My Administration has prioritized accessibility and our state parks and lands are here for all New Yorkers to enjoy, no matter their background or abilities. Everyone is welcome.”

    This year’s event is hosted by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration (Parks), in partnership with the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

    At 23 locations across the state, participants will be encouraged to discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, paddling, camping demonstrations, and more. Each event will highlight ways to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities, and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites, including trail and beach mobility aids, archery assist stands, arm supports for fishing, and more. Certain sites will also feature sample assistive technology device loans from New York’s regional Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) centers.

    New York’s Get Outdoors & Get Together Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Most “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a few exceptions. Exact times and locations are available on the Parks and DEC websites.

    New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill Ridley said, “As New York’s Chief Disability Officer, I am proud we are co-sponsoring ‘Get Outdoors and Get Together’ day since our office was created in 2022. We thoroughly enjoy both co-sponsoring this event, but more importantly, participating in the event, which has consistently demonstrated the beauty that our parks have to offer and the accessibility that we strive to provide each and every day. We know how important the outdoors is to all New Yorkers, including those with disabilities, in the quest to spend as much time outside as possible to benefit both our physical and mental health.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is thrilled to once again host ‘Get Outdoors & Get Together Day’ events across the state in partnership with our sister State agencies. We remain committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive outdoor experience for New Yorkers of all ages, abilities, identities, and lived experiences. New York’s public lands are for everyone and we invite all New Yorkers to join us to celebrate the outdoors and try something new, safely and responsibly.”

    New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said, “This event is important to our agency, especially considering that as little as fifty years ago, many people with developmental disabilities lived in institutions and were denied the same opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as everyone else. When we see people with and without disabilities enjoying the great outdoors together, we’re reminded that true inclusion goes beyond integration. I encourage everyone to come out for Get Outdoors & Get Together Day and see what it is all about.”

    New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day highlights New York’s amazing public lands and recreational opportunities that are accessible for everyone to enjoy. Parks are natural gathering places where everyone can connect with nature and build memories, and New York State is committed to ensuring that all people of all abilities feel welcome and can experience the joy of the outdoors together. We are excited to once again partner with other state agencies to make this event possible and continue connecting more people to the outdoors.”

    New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is a beautiful reminder that connection and community can be found in enjoying the scenic beauty of New York’s great outdoors. For Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, this inclusive event offers a powerful way to recharge, reconnect, and feel truly welcomed in every corner of our state.”

    New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Being outdoors and connecting with nature can have a powerful and positive impact on our mental health. As New Yorkers, we are very fortunate to have a beautiful park system that is both accessible and expansive — from nearby our cities and through the rural areas of upstate. As a proud partner of Get Outdoors and Get Together Day this year, we encourage all New Yorkers to explore the parks in their community and elsewhere throughout our state.”

    New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray said, “Our job at the Justice Center is to protect the health, safety, and dignity of individuals with special needs in New York State and that includes promoting programs like TRAID. Funded through federal grants, TRAID is administered through the Justice Center and offers assistive technology device loans to any New Yorker, free of charge. Our regional TRAID centers across NY will be demonstrating some of these technologies at various Get Outdoors & Get Together Day sites. We are honored to serve as a sponsor for this year’s events and to help all individuals experience the great outdoors.”

    State Senator José Serrano said, “As the Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I am a firm believer that time spent outdoors in our green spaces is critical for our health and well-being. New York’s Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get outside and engage in recreational activities. My sincere thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, Parks, DEC and all the partner state agencies for organizing this annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun in our communities.”

    2025 DEC-led Programs:

    Activities at DEC facilities may include the following:

    • Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning how to pack for a camping trip.
    • Birding: Participants can learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.
    • Hiking: Participants can take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails on their own.
    • Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all outdoor adventures are good ones.
    • Accessible outdoor recreation: Experience and learn about accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on State lands including hiking, camping, birding, fishing and boating.
    • Select locations will also include I Fish NY catch-and-release clinics with rods and reels available for loan, introductory paddling on the water, and introductory archery, including important safety tips.

    Wheelchair-accessible features, including restrooms, as well as activities and select recreation opportunities are offered at all locations. Please contact the event coordinator directly with accommodation requests and to find out about the adaptive equipment and activities offered at each site. Details, including schedules and activity lists, can be found on the DEC’s website on the “Outdoors Day” page.

    2025 State Parks-led Programs:

    Program and scheduling details for each location can be found by visiting parks.ny.gov. No parking fee will be charged during event times. For details about visitor amenities at each location, visit parks.ny.gov.

    The New York City and Long Island events located at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, Mount Loretto Unique Area, Hempstead Lake State Park, and Sunken Meadow State Park are very popular, and there is no parking available for oversized vans accommodating larger groups at these sites with the exception of Sunken Meadow State Park. If you have a bus or oversized van you need to park at any park or DEC site, please contact the facility directly to inquire about parking availability in advance of your arrival.

    The Department of Environmental Conservation manages five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with us on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Flickr and Instagram.

    The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

    The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities provides high quality person-centered support and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of not-for-profit providers. OPWDD’s mission is to help people live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and a home that supports them to participate in their community. For more information visit opwdd.ny.gov or connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All who served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or via its website – veterans.ny.gov – to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

    The New York State Office of Mental Health is committed to promoting the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. The agency oversees a large, multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals annually. OMH operates 3,597 inpatient beds at 23 psychiatric centers statewide, while also overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. In addition, the agency is tasked with regulating, certifying, and overseeing more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies, which are dedicated to serving individuals and families living with mental illness.

    The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs. For more information on the agency, visit: justicecenter.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Recruitment campaign for doctors, nurses launches in U.S.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in the U.S. are now seeing targeted advertisements encouraging them to follow their hearts to B.C., as the Province launches a recruitment marketing campaign in Washington state, Oregon and California.

    “Our message to U.S. doctors, nurses and allied health workers is strong and clear – there has never been a better time to come to British Columbia, and for Canadian health professionals currently living and working in the U.S., now is the time to come home,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “With the chaos and uncertainty happening in the U.S., we are seizing the opportunity to attract the talent we need to join and strengthen our public, universal health-care system in British Columbia.”

    The campaign, which launched on June 2, 2025, includes video, audio, digital, social media and print placements in Washington, Oregon and select cities in California. The ads will be served across nearly 14,000 digital screen locations, which have been targeted based on a 16-kilometre radius of health-care facilities. The locations are made up of restaurants, grocery stores, ride-share screens and outdoor placements, such as digital billboards, transit shelters and urban panels.

    The print advertisements are also being placed in six renowned medical trade publications with total circulation of more than 500,000. The six-week campaign is expected to reach approximately 80% of health-care professionals in the target areas. 

    Health-care workers will be directed to visit B.C.’s comprehensive recruitment website to explore opportunities and access personalized support to help with their move.

    This is part of the Province’s “Team BC” approach to recruiting health-care workers from the U.S. in collaboration with health authorities, regulatory colleges and other partners, such as local government and communities. This includes tailored support and guidance in navigating the process, provided free by Health Match BC. Recruiters are highlighting job opportunities in the areas they are most needed, such as cancer care and emergency departments, as well as rural communities facing health-care worker shortages.

    Since announcing its co-ordinated recruitment campaign in March 2025, nearly 1,600 people have expressed interest in moving to the province, including 704 doctors and 525 nurses.

    U.S. nurses, doctors and allied health professionals arriving in B.C. will be able to work in a variety of health-care settings throughout the province, including primary care, where they can be part of team-based care.

    “Local governments like Colwood are uniquely positioned to positively impact the well-being of residents through community planning, recreation and active living. Working with provincial partners to ensure residents have a family doctor is a logical next step,” said Doug Kobayashi, mayor of Colwood. “As a municipality we are able to offer an attractive municipal benefit package while also taking administrative responsibilities off the shoulders of doctors so they can focus on providing great care.”

    One example is the growing team of family physicians at Colwood Clinic, a municipally run family-medicine clinic. Established in partnership with the Province, Colwood Clinic offers an innovative approach that weaves together the strengths of each level of government for the benefit of patients.

    “My experience practising in the states has been especially eye-opening regarding social determinants of health and due to the extremely high fees compared to insurance coverage, patients seeking appropriate care is measured against their ability to afford it,” said Dr. Muthanna Yacoub, a U.S. doctor who is planning to start practising at the Colwood Clinic this year. “The opportunity to practise in British Columbia makes perfect sense to me. It’s time to give my best efforts to communities similar to those that gave me the welcome, safety and compassion in my vulnerable youth.”

    This announcement builds on actions B.C. is taking to make it easier for nurses and doctors working in the U.S. to register in the province. In April 2025, the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives streamlined the application process so U.S. nurses can be registered in just a few days, compared to the previous average of four months.

    The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. is also working to implement bylaw changes that will allow U.S. doctors to apply directly to become fully licensed in B.C. without the need for further licensing examinations. More information will be shared soon.

    Learn More:

    To see some of the visuals used for advertising, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QAmzTt1K_4, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETXiqTiUBe8, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDssmB0WwtI

    To learn more about health career opportunities in B.C., visit: https://bchealthcareers.ca/

    To learn more about B.C.’s actions to strengthen health care, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/health-care/

    To learn more about Colwood Clinic, visit: https://www.colwood.ca/community-services/health-well-being/colwood-clinic

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Urges the U.S. Senate to Protect the Health and Well-Being of North Carolinians and Oppose Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Urges the U.S. Senate to Protect the Health and Well-Being of North Carolinians and Oppose Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid

    Governor Stein Urges the U.S. Senate to Protect the Health and Well-Being of North Carolinians and Oppose Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein today sent a letter to U.S. Senators Tillis and Budd laying out the consequences of the U.S. House reconciliation bill for North Carolina families, including cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That bill, along with impending expiration of health care marketplace subsidies, could cause nearly half a million North Carolinians to lose their health care. 

    Recent modeling estimates show that 255,000 North Carolinians are at risk of losing coverage under the Medicaid provisions alone in the House bill and a Kaiser Family Foundation study projected that the combination of Medicaid and Marketplace changes in the House Bill would increase the number of uninsured North Carolinians to an estimated 470,000 if Marketplace subsidies expire at the end of 2025. 

    “Medicaid and SNAP improve the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians, support our economy, and provide critical support to local governments, hospitals, farmers, and grocers,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina has taken bipartisan steps to strengthen our health system and protect working families. I urge the Senate to continue that progress by opposing these unprecedented cuts to SNAP and Medicaid that would leave North Carolinians, especially those in rural communities, without food assistance and health care.”  

    Estimates show that 255,000 North Carolinians would be at risk of losing health coverage under the House bill. The U.S. House bill also contains provisions that could jeopardize the enhanced federal matching funds (FMAP) for Medicaid expansion, which could immediately end health insurance coverage for the more than 650,000 North Carolinians who benefit from Medicaid expansion. 

    In March, Governor Stein sent a letter to Congress urging them to change course on proposed cuts to Medicaid. He has met with North Carolinians across the state, listening to their stories and hearing how cuts to Medicaid would impact beneficiaries, health care providers, and hospitals, especially those in rural communities. Medicaid is crucial to the state’s most vulnerable people, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, and potential cuts would put their well-being and the stability of the state’s health care system at risk.

    Proposals to shift up to 25 percent of SNAP food benefit costs to the states would force North Carolina to come up with $700 million annually to make up the difference or cut vital nutrition services. Rural counties in the state are already stretched thin, and these additional requirements and an administrative cost sharing increase from 50 percent to 75 percent would have a detrimental economic impact on local communities. SNAP adds $2.8 billion directly to North Carolina’s economy and supports local farmers, grocers, and the larger food distribution pipeline. The U.S. House Bill forces the state to make an unacceptable tradeoff between providing essential food support and health insurance coverage or diverting resources from public schools, law enforcement, and economic development. 

    Click here to read Governor Stein’s full letter to the U.S. Senate.  

    Click here to view county enrollment data for the SNAP program.  

    Jun 6, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “TRUMP’S ONE BIG UGLY BILL WILL RIP AWAY HEALTHCARE FOR MORE THAN 16 MILLION AMERICANS”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that Democrats remain united against Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill which will rip away healthcare and food assistance from millions of Americans in order to give billionaire Republican donors a tax break.  

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning, everyone. House Democrats continue to fight to stop the GOP Tax Scam in its tracks. Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill will rip away healthcare for more than 16 million Americans. Others across the country will pay higher premiums, co-pays and deductibles because of this unprecedented attack on Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down and people will die if the GOP Tax Scam ever becomes law. 

    Republicans are also trying to jam the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history down the throats of the American people, are taking away more than $300 billion from SNAP, these extremists are literally ripping food from the mouths of children, seniors and veterans in the United States of America. It’s shameful. 

    All of this is being done so that Republicans can provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors, and then they want to stick the American people with the bill, including by exploding the deficit by more than $3 trillion, saddling our children and grandchildren with this type of fiscal baggage that will hurt their ability to have a prosperous future and sets America on a possible path toward bankruptcy. The GOP Tax Scam is indeed a disgusting abomination.

    Full press conference can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update on Statewide Air Quality Monitoring to Keep NY’ers Safe

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today issued an update on the State’s comprehensive air monitoring efforts to track air quality statewide and keep New Yorkers safe this summer. New York residents and visitors are reminded to include air quality awareness in their daily warm weather routines. In addition, New York State is issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for today, Friday, June 6, for the Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Western New York regions for fine particulate matter pollution caused by wildland fires in Western Canada.

    “Using the latest science and data, New York continues to track air quality conditions across the State to keep New York communities safe,” Governor Hochul said. “As temperatures begin to climb during the summer months and less predictable factors like distant wildfires occur, I strongly encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and prepare for changes in air quality by paying attention to the State’s Air Quality Health Advisories and take necessary precautions to stay safe.”

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides daily air quality forecasts to ensure air quality information is available at New Yorkers’ fingertips. While New York State has some of the nation’s most stringent air quality regulations to reduce air pollution and protect public health and the environment, there are certain days that ozone or particulate matter can impact air quality in your community.

    Using data collected from more than 50 sites across the state, DEC and Department of Health (DOH) issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

    An Air Quality Health Advisory for PM2.5 is being issued for Friday, June 6, 2025, for the Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Western New York regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

    New Yorkers are encouraged to check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. Information about exposure to smoke from fires can be found on DOH’s website.

    DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “It is critical that New Yorkers be Air Quality Aware this summer to stay safe and healthy“ DEC continues to track air quality across the state and works with our partners at the Department of Health to keep the public informed about how to protect themselves and their families and reduce their exposure to air pollution. New Yorkers can visit DEC’s website for the daily forecast or use trusted sources like EPA’s AirNow app, which uses air quality data provided by DEC’s statewide monitoring network.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Pollutants like particulate matter from wildfires or ground-level ozone can pose serious health risks—especially for those with heart conditions or lung disease such as asthma, as well as the very young, those over 65 years old and pregnant people. Just as you check the weather on your phone each morning, we encourage all New Yorkers to visit to airnow.gov for the latest air quality forecast and be on the lookout for Air Quality Health Advisories from the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health. When air quality is poor, protect yourself by staying inside, reduce exposure and minimize exertion when outdoors.”

    Air pollution can harm public health and natural resources in a variety of ways. Hot summer weather sets the stage for two major pollutants of concern for human health: the formation of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Fish and wildlife show harmful effects from acid rain and mercury in air. Greenhouse gases in the air are changing the world’s climate and contributing to harmful impacts including extreme heat, deadly flooding, drought, fires, rising sea levels, and severe storms.

    Extreme Heat

    Governor Hochul recently highlighted new and enhanced resources available to protect New York communities from extreme heat this summer as recommended by the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan, including:

    • New support for cooling at home: With the new Essential Plan Cooling program, NY State of Health will provide eligible Essential Plan members a free air conditioner to help keep their homes cool. This will complement assistance available in 2025 through the HEAP Cooling program which served more than 23,000 households in 2024.
    • Better access to cooling centers: New resources are available to help connect New Yorkers with safe spaces for cooling. The New York State Department of Health and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) will continue to coordinate with local health departments and emergency managers to update the Cooling Center Finder throughout summer 2025. DOH offers new resources to provide information about best practices for setting up cooling centers and how these locations could serve as clean air centers. Round 8 of the Climate Smart Communities grant program is now open, making $22 million available to fund GHG mitigation and climate adaptation projects, including establishing cooling centers.
    • Additional support for cool buildings: Funding available through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) supports weatherization and clean and efficient heating and cooling that can improve extreme heat resilience at homes, community anchor institutions, schools, and more. The Office of General Services’ new “Decarbonization and Climate Resiliency Design Guide” was released for new and majorly renovated State building projects to assess and reduce climate risk (including extreme heat and Urban Heat Islands) through proactive design.
    • New investments in cool schools: The Education Law newly requires public school districts and BOCES to develop an extreme heat policy, which establishes certain temperature thresholds. NYSERDA offers additional funding to install clean cooling and heating at schools, for example through funding as part of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
    • Enhanced tools and funding for cool communities: Extreme heat advice and forecasts for New Yorkers, preliminary extreme heat exposure maps and DOH’s Heat Vulnerability Index help communities understand exposure and vulnerabilities. Programs such as Climate Smart Communities fund communities in planning, designing, and implementation solutions. New and expanded funding supports nature-based solutions such as urban forests, urban farms, and community gardens to cool neighborhoods and mitigate heat islands. Governor Hochul’s New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative expanded outdoor swimming through the Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation grant program and advanced capital projects for swimming facilities in underserved communities through the NY SWIMS Round One competitive grant program.

    DOH recently launched an interactive New York State Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard that allows the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

    Check out “DEC Does What?!” podcast episode #4 The Air Up There (May 2024) where air pollution meteorologists explain the Air Quality Index and how to use it, how weather conditions and different seasons can affect air quality, whether New Yorkers have to worry about wildfire smoke, and what it’s like to measure air quality in Antarctica.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Promotes Safe Gun Storage During NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Promotes Safe Gun Storage During NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action

    Governor Stein Promotes Safe Gun Storage During NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein joined Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, Elizabeth City Police Chief Eddie Graham Jr, and gun safety proponents to highlight NC S.A.F.E.’s (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week of Action and call for safe firearm storage. 

    “Firearms are the leading cause of injury-related death for children in the state, and too many of those tragic deaths are entirely preventable,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We must use every tool at our disposal to keep children safe and promote responsible gun ownership – we need folks locking up their guns, using a gun safe, and talking about the risks of loose firearms.” 

    “North Carolina’s S.A.F.E. Week of Action is a Department of Public Safety initiative that aims to share the importance of safe gun storage through partnerships, outreach, and community events,” said Deputy Secretary William Lassiter. “S.A.F.E. Week highlights the importance of using safe storage devices and preventing firearm-related injuries, violence, and theft. This is a key ingredient in making every North Carolina community safer.”

    “As a medical professional, I see too many preventable gun injuries and deaths in the emergency room,” said Eric Toschlog, Medical Director for Trauma, ECU Health Medical Center. “Keeping firearms in a secure place is imperative to keeping children safe and avoiding preventable deaths.”

    Guns are the leading cause of death for children in North Carolina, with 99 firearm related deaths and 525 emergency department visits in 2023 for children and teens aged 1-17. In total, there were 1,797 firearm-related deaths and 4,008 firearm related emergency department visits in North Carolina in 2023. Improperly stored firearms are also commonly stolen from vehicles and are then frequently used to commit crimes; North Carolina saw 431 vehicle gun thefts in 2023.   

    Governor Stein is committed to building a safer, stronger North Carolina. To reduce gun violence and needless tragedy, Governor Stein proposed more than $2.3 million to promote safe storage in his 2025-2027 budget proposal. In addition, Governor Stein is calling for enhancing law enforcement recruitment and retention efforts by raising salaries for state law enforcement officers and providing bonuses for new Basic Law Enforcment Training (BLET) graduates. Stein’s budget also includes a Fentanyl Control Unit dedicated to getting this deadly poison off the streets, a Cold Case Unit to close unresolved cases of sexual assault, and upgraded safety features at schools, including more cameras, fences for playgrounds, and exterior locks to keep students and teachers safe.

    Click here to read Governor Stein’s NC S.A.F.E Week of Action proclamation.  

    Jun 6, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: PureTech’s LYT-100 holds potential to expand treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    PureTech’s LYT-100 holds potential to expand treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, leading to impaired lung function and respiratory symptoms. The emerging therapies aim to address unmet needs in IPF management by targeting specific fibrotic pathways. Therapies such as LYT-100 by PureTech, currently in Phase IIb clinical trials, show promise in potentially offering improved efficacy and safety profiles, as it is a deuterated form of pirfenidone, which allows it to break down slower than pirfenidone, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    One of the primary challenges in managing IPF is the difficulty in achieving an early diagnosis. The nonspecific nature of IPF symptoms often leads to misdiagnosis or late-stage identification, delaying the initiation of treatment. The current treatment landscape is limited; therapies such as Boehringer Ingelheim’s Ofev (nintedanib) and Roche’s Esbriet (pirfenidone) can only slow disease progression and are associated with side effects that may impact the patient’s quality of life.

    Filippos Maniatis, Healthcare Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The standard of care for IPF currently includes Ofev and Esbriet. These drugs have been approved based on their efficacy in slowing disease progression, but many studies have previously demonstrated the low adoption of both marketed therapies due to high costs, further highlighting the need for alternative therapies.”

    The clinical development pipeline for IPF includes various agents that offer potential new treatment options for patients. The entry of new agents, as well as generics, could disrupt the market currently dominated by Ofev and Esbriet, leading to significant shifts in treatment paradigms.

    Maniatis concludes: “LYT-100 offers a new approach to targeting fibrosis in IPF, which could significantly benefit patients. PureTech presented promising Phase IIb data from its ELEVATE study at the American Thoracic Society 2025 conference, demonstrating the potential to stabilize lung function decline at 26 weeks while maintaining safety and tolerability. Therefore, LYT-100 may be able to demonstrate superior outcomes compared to existing therapies, positioning LYT-100 as a potential game-changer in the IPF treatment landscape.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, 39 Senators Fight Trump’s Cuts to the Job Corps Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, June 6 – After the Trump administration attempted to shutter the nation’s largest jobs training program for low-income and at-risk young people, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and 39 Senate colleagues, today sent a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging her to reverse the illegal and unconstitutional cuts to the Job Corps program that are harming students and communities in every state in the country. 
    “The Administration’s decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations has left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch,” wrote Sanders and the senators. “The sudden ‘pause’ of operations at Job Corps centers puts young people’s lives at risk, especially a significant number of students who were experiencing homelessness before arriving to the program. Local communities will pay a steep price, especially the thousands of individuals who work at the centers and will lose their livelihoods.” 
    For more than 60 years, Job Corps has helped millions of young people in rural communities and cities alike to finish high school, learn technical skills and get good-paying jobs while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services. Through Job Corps programs, young people receive the training they need to start in good-paying jobs that support their communities after graduation – including as wildland firefighters, nurses, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, and welders. Last month, however, the Trump administration indefinitely ‘paused’ operations at Job Corps sites across the country. 
    “We urge you to immediately reverse this decision to prevent a lapse in education and services for Job Corps students. We further urge that the Department restart enrollments, expeditiously restart background checks, and make any contract extensions or modifications necessary to ensure no interruptions or delays for students or program operations,” concluded Sanders and the senators. 
    Joining Sanders on the letter are Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Angus King (I-Maine), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.). 
    Read the letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Machinegun at Hospital

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant, a Rap Musician Known as Quez 2RR, Had Stolen Weapon in Labor and Delivery; Federal Case Linked to Ongoing Metro Atlanta Shooting Investigation

    MACON, Ga. – A Henry County resident who had a stolen Glock 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine capable of converting to a fully automatic weapon while at the Labor and Delivery unit of a hospital was sentenced to serve more than five years in prison—above federal sentencing guidelines—for his crime.

    Terrell Monquez Searcy, 21, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 66 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on June 4. Searcy previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machinegun on March 21, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Holding people found in possession of machineguns and with illegal conversion devices accountable for breaking federal law remains a top priority in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “This case exemplifies how law enforcement and prosecutors work together to effectively remove illegal firearms and other dangerous destructive devices from the streets in order to make our communities safer.”

    “Machinegun conversion devices are fueling a deadly uptick in gun violence, turning routine firearms into weapons of war,” said ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Thomas Crawford of the Atlanta Field Division. “This case is yet another example of why ATF is committed to aggressively identifying and removing these illegal devices from our communities.”

    According to court documents, the stipulation of facts and other statements made in Court, Monroe Police Department officers were dispatched to Piedmont Walton Hospital on Aug. 17, 2023, after a nurse observed Searcy in a Labor and Delivery room with a handgun, which is prohibited in the hospital. When hospital security came to the room, Searcy admitted he did have a handgun and that he put it under the couch cushion. He gave the firearm—a Glock Model 17 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine—to security and remained in the room. Hospital security noticed that a full auto sear pin appeared to have been attached to the rear of the slide, making the firearm a machinegun, prompting the call by hospital security to police. Police ran the serial number on the firearm and found out it was reported stolen from Walton County, Georgia. Searcy was taken into custody.    

    ATF agents tested the firearm and confirmed it did function as a machinegun. Further investigation revealed that Searcy, a rapper known as Quez 2RR, had showcased a pistol with what appeared to be a machinegun conversion device in music videos on a YouTube channel. In a music video titled “Traffic,” Searcy rapped, “I pop out a switch on the back of my Glock” and “I put a switch on the back of my Glock, just to clean up the street when it’s time for that action.” At one point in the video, Searcy’s holding a pistol in his waistband with what appears to be a machinegun conversion device attached to the back.

    Following the federal indictment charging Searcy with possessing a machine gun in August 2024, agents located Instagram messages between Searcy and a female law enforcement officer with the Clayton County Police Department. Between January and March 2023, Searcy asked the police officer to run his information to see if there were any warrants for his arrest. The police officer also provided information to Searcy regarding an active homicide investigation. During an interview with Clayton County Police Department detectives, the officer admitted to providing Searcy with information on an active homicide investigation and advising Searcy when she located active warrants for his arrest.

    On Feb. 11, 2025, members of the ATF, McDonough Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office executed a federal search warrant at Searcy’s residence in McDonough, Georgia. Searcy and two other men were in the home along with several firearms. The defendant told agents that he had been living at the residence for a couple of months, that he slept with a Draco firearm under his bed and that the Glock 17 found in the living room belonged to him. ATF agents submitted test fires from both firearms to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to determine if either firearm had been used in other crimes. The Micro Draco recovered from Searcy’s bedroom returned with several NIBIN leads, including two from the DeKalb County Police Department. Both DeKalb County incidents indicated that the Micro Draco was used in a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County where four people, including two juveniles, were shot inside their homes. Each shooting occurred within just days of Searcy receiving information from the Clayton County police officer on the active Clayton County homicide where his friend was shot and killed.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, with assistance from the City of Monroe Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, McDonough Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Dekalb County Police Department and the Piedmont Walton Hospital Security Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach prosecuted the case for the Government.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On the Eve of Memorial Day 2025, Kaptur and Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act to Extend Care For Spouses of Fallen Soldiers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Toledo, Ohio – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior member of House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation introduced the bipartisan Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act. Currently, surviving spouses retain healthcare coverage through TRICARE in the “active-duty family member” category for just three years after their servicemember passes away. After three years, they automatically shift to “retired family member” status, which forces them to pay higher fees and out-of-pocket costs. This Act effectively removes the three-year limitation for Gold Star Spouses, enabling them to retain “active-duty family member” status and eligibility for healthcare coverage.

    “As we approach Memorial Day, Congressman Bacon of Nebraska and I have introduced a bipartisan bill to recognize the sacrifice of Gold Star spouses by expanding their healthcare benefits. Military service requires our men and women to risk their lives fighting and defeating America’s enemies,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “They selflessly put self above country and accept this risk to secure Liberty across the globe. We owe so much to those who answered the call to serve, and perished in defense of our nation. Caring for their surviving spouses is a part of that commitment. I encourage our colleagues to support the Gold Star Spouses Healthcare Enhancement Act as one small way we can honor the debt that surviving spouses are owed by our grateful nation.”

    “As a nation we have a responsibility to the Gold Star spouses of servicemembers who sacrificed their lives overseas defending the United States’ interests, and this legislation is a small step forward in honoring their sacrifice and caring for their families,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). “Current law makes thousands of Gold Star spouses pay the retiree rate for healthcare. The Gold Star Spouse TRICARE Act of 2024 will allow Gold Star spouses to be treated as ‘active-duty members’ instead of a family member of a retiree so they will no longer have to incur additional costs to either continue TRICARE Prime or transition to TRICARE Select.”

    You can find a full copy of the bill text for the Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act by clicking here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Western North Carolina and Highlights Mental Health Resources, Importance of Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Western North Carolina and Highlights Mental Health Resources, Importance of Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program

    NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Western North Carolina and Highlights Mental Health Resources, Importance of Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program
    hejones1

    North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai is traveling to western North Carolina to learn about recovery efforts and highlight mental health resources available to people impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Secretary will also visit a Healthy Opportunities Pilot program providing essential services to people recovering from the storm. Credentialed media are invited to attend the visit at Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness in Hendersonville on June 12, 2025, at 12:45 p.m., and the visit at Caja Solidaria in Hendersonville on June 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Together, Love and Respect and Caja Solidaria have served as a hub of recovery efforts following Helene. 

    Leaders will first give an update on the Hope4NC program, a $12.4 million investment that supports crisis outreach in 25 counties hit hardest by Helene. Trained crisis counselors have been going door-to-door to provide education, assist in recovery efforts, link people with critical behavioral health services and provide counseling where people need it most.  

    Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness is a “no barriers” shelter run by peer support specialists. It has seen a significant increase in people in need of services following Hurricane Helene. The shelter’s expanded location opened just before Helene and is open to anyone in the community and can help people at no cost with mental health care, Healthy Opportunities Pilot enrollment and NC Medicaid enrollment and assistance.  

    Hope4NC also offers a free, confidential 24/7 helpline to anyone in distress. Since Sept. 28, 2024, Hope4NC has delivered more than 11,300 individual or group counseling services and supportive contacts, more than 200,000 assessments, referrals and media outreach contacts and answered more than 7,300 helpline calls.  

    Additionally, NCDHHS received a generous $25 million appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly to further support mental health crisis response in the affected areas, including support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Funds are being used to: 

    • Increase access to community- and facility-based crisis services
    • Increase behavioral health service access for special populations, including deaf and hard of hearing
    • Provide transitional housing for unhoused veterans
    • Provide behavioral health and crisis services at rural health centers supporting uninsured people
    • Provide training and trauma support to first responders, DSS workers, teachers and other helpers in the community
    • Consult with providers supporting individuals with I/DD and their families
    • Increase access to opioid use treatment, including opening several new mobile treatment centers and ensuring communities are supplied with Naloxone
    • Increase access to peer support services
    • Implement disaster preparedness training and resources for local DSS offices and crisis support resources for individuals with I/DD 

    What: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Western NC and Highlights Mental Health Resources

    Who: Dr. Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NCDHHS 
              Tracy Hayes, Vaya Health Area Director and CEO 
              Lexie Wilkins, Founder, Love and Respect Community for Recovery 
              Alivea Turner, Director of Operations, Love and Respect Community for Recovery 
              Richard Dudley, Hope4NC crisis counselor   
              Hope4NC participant 

    When: Thursday, June 12, 12:45-1:25 p.m.

    Where: Love & Respect, 350 Chadwick Ave., Hendersonville, NC 28792

    ***

    After the event at Love and Respect, Secretary Sangvai will tour Caja Solidaria, a human service organization serving Henderson and Transylvania Counties that is a provider for the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) program. HOP addresses social needs by providing housing, food, transportation and interpersonal violence/toxic stress services to qualifying Medicaid members.  

    In just under three years, the first-of-its kind innovative program has been described as a “life changer” for thousands of North Carolina families. Healthy Opportunities proves the best way to lower health care costs and create healthier communities is to reduce the need for medical care in the first place. HOP participants are healthier and visit the emergency room less often, which reduces the total cost of needed medical care for enrollees by $85 per person, per month.

    Caja Solidaria currently provides fresh food to more than 1,500 people per week in western NC.

    At present, proposed House and Senate budgets put forward by the North Carolina General Assembly do not include funding for the Healthy Opportunities Pilots program’s ongoing operations or statewide scaling beyond the current fiscal year (June 30, 2025). Without funding, Healthy Opportunities Pilots will end on July 1, putting services at-risk for thousands of people in North Carolina.  

    What: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Highlights Importance of Healthy Opportunities Pilot program

    Who: Dr. Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NCDHHS 
              Amy Landers, Interim Executive Director, Caja Solidaria 
              Participant served by Caja Solidaria 

    When: Thursday, June 12, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

    Where: Caja Solidaria, 316 Chadwick Ave., Hendersonville, NC 28792

    RSVP: Credentialed media should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov if they plan to attend.  

    Jun 6, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA health and benefits app reaches 3 million downloads

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

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    WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that its Health and Benefits mobile app has achieved more than 3 million downloads since its launch in 2021.

    The app, which has 1.4 million active users, provides Veterans access to a variety of VA health care and benefits information directly from their mobile phones, enabling users to:

    • Refill and track VA prescriptions.
    • Review appointments.
    • Review claims and appeals status.
    • Submit evidence for claims and appeals.
    • Review VA payment and direct deposit information.
    • Locate the closest VA facilities.
    • Access the Veterans Crisis Line.
    • Show proof of Veteran status. 

    “VA’s Health and Benefits app gives Veterans fast and convenient access to a host of important information, from appointments to prescriptions and benefits,” said VA Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Acting Chief Information Officer Eddie Pool. “We encourage all VA-enrolled Veterans to stay connected and informed by downloading the app.”  

    Learn more about the app and download it.

    Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

    Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

    Contact us online through Ask VA

    Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

    Learn about our chatbot and ask a question

    Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Taps Cynthia Lee Almond to Serve as Public Service Commission President

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced she is tapping Cynthia Lee Almond to serve as president of the Public Service Commission. This fills the seat previously held by Twinkle Cavanaugh, who has taken a role with the Trump Administration.

    “Cynthia has proven to be an extremely effective public servant and leader, and I am confident the people of Alabama will be even better served when she takes the helm at the Public Service Commission,” said Governor Ivey. “Since 2021, I have been able to count on Cynthia to get real, meaningful work done in the Legislature, and while I know the people of Tuscaloosa will miss her representation in the State House, every person across this state will now benefit from her leadership on the Public Service Commission.”

    As president, Almond will lead the three-person board responsible for regulating utilities in Alabama. Almond is a seasoned attorney and currently works in the private practice of law. She also takes the helm at the Public Service Commission after serving as a Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives for District 63.

    Almond brings a wealth of experience to the Public Service Commission and has a solid track-record of serving the people she represents well, whether that be in the House of Representatives or as an attorney. She works directly with a variety of people through her legal work, which has largely concentrated on estate planning, as well as probate, business law and real estate. Additionally, she owns a title company. In the State House, she served as chair of the Tuscaloosa County Local Legislative Delegation and as a member of the Ways and Means Education Committee, Judiciary Committee, Rules Committee and as vice-chair of the Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee.

    Throughout her tenure in the Legislature, Almond has been a partner to Governor Ivey on priorities like the governor’s Safe Alabama public safety package, the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, and the Game Plan economic development legislation, among other areas.

    Almond is a true public servant, well-respected and recognized as a strong leader by her peers. Previously, she served four terms on the Tuscaloosa City Council where she was elected president pro tem by her colleagues on the Council, as well as chair of the Finance committee.

    “I am honored to have been asked by Governor Ivey to fill this important position. It is one I accept with great enthusiasm,” said Almond. “I know how important this commission is to the people of Alabama and to the industry sectors it regulates. I believe my training as an attorney and legislator will prove to be helpful in performing this role. I appreciate greatly the confidence shown in me by Governor Ivey, and I will work hard for her and for this great state of Alabama.”

    Almond attended Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of both The University of Alabama and University of Alabama School of Law.

    Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Almond gives much back to the community today. She is a graduate of Leadership Alabama and was co-chair for its West Alabama Regional Council. She serves as a Sunday School teacher at First United Methodist Church, has two children and enjoys a variety of activities from playing the piano and tennis to mountain bike riding and more.

    Since 2021, she has represented the people of House District 63 effectively and plans to vacate her seat in the Legislature on Sunday, June 15 ahead of joining the Public Service Commission. The Public Service Commission appointment is effective Monday, June 16, which is when the governor will swear her in as president.

    An official headshot of Cynthia Lee Almond is attached.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 6 June 2025 Departmental update New WHO online course series strengthens readiness for chemical hazards

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In his report to the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly on Pillar 3 of WHO’s Triple Billion targets: One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being, the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus drew attention to the under-recognized fact that 24% of all fatalities are linked to modifiable environmental factors including chemicals, waste and pollution. His report detailed some of the challenges that exist, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In particular, he pointed out that the low availability of critically needed poison centers in more than half of all countries worldwide and the paucity of health surveillance systems to monitor the impact of chemicals and waste on human health make it very difficult to provide effective prevention and response.

    Of more than 100 000 chemicals in everyday commerce, the lack of information on their harmful properties leads to further challenges, including how to respond to releases of these chemicals to the environment, such as in the case of chemical accidents and leaks.

     To strengthen the capacity of health professionals, emergency responders, and technical partners to manage chemical incidents safely and effectively, WHO has led the development of a new four-part online learning series on chemical hazards.

    Part I: An Introduction to Chemical Hazards helps learners distinguish between everyday chemicals and those used as chemical warfare agents (CWAs). It also introduces toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and provides real-world examples of accidental and intentional chemical releases. Course participants gain hands-on experience using a digital tool to identify and mitigate chemical threats.

    Part II: Elements for Assessment builds on this foundation by teaching participants how to recognize and interpret environmental, clinical, and classification evidence to assess chemical releases. This course is ideal for those involved in early-stage incident investigation and response.

    Part III: Immediate Actions at the Event Site focuses on operational safety and decision-making at the scene of a chemical incident. Learners explore how to arrive safely, position themselves appropriately, and adapt their actions based on the evolving situation.

    Part IV: Response at the Hospital Site, currently in development, will address the management of chemical victims upon arrival at health-care facilities. This module will include standard operating procedures and best practices for triage, decontamination, and treatment.

    These courses are available free of charge on the WHO Academy platform and are designed to be completed in sequence for maximum impact. They are part of WHO’s broader efforts to enhance global preparedness and response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

    Related links:

    1. Course 1, Chemical Hazards Part I: An Introduction to Chemical Hazards: WHO Academy
    2. Course 2, Chemical Hazards Part II: Elements for Assessment: WHO Academy
    3. Course 3, Chemical Hazards Part III: Immediate Actions at the Event Site: WHO Academy
    4. Course 4, Response at the hospital site (in development)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA intercepts 577 kg of cannabis at the Montreal Marine and Rail Service

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Montreal, Quebec, June 6th, 2025 – Canada Border Services Agency

    On May 23, 2025, Canadian border services officers at Montreal’s Marine and Rail Service intercepted and seized 577.43 kg of suspected cannabis from a container in the process of being exported to the Netherlands. 

    During inspection of the container, border services officers detected the contraband concealed in 1,023 vacuum-sealed packages hidden in custom-built crates and surrounded by bundles of engineered wood. The cannabis is valued at over CA $4.2 million.

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting our communities from contraband and organized crime. CBSA reiterates that although cannabis has been legalized and regulated in Canada, importing or exporting cannabis in any form without a permit or exception authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence, punishable by arrest and prosecution. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –