Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the association between psychiatric medication use and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression.
Prof Ammar Al-Chalabi, Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics, King’s College London (KCL), said:
“This is an interesting study, well carried out and leveraging the important Scandinavian health registers. There are two points to make:
The associated effect on the risk of disease is small except in the year immediately before diagnosis (when there are symptoms of ALS/MND already). At most it represents a 25% increase in relative risk, which for a condition with a 1 in 300 lifetime risk, is not a big change.
Association is not causation. That is especially important here. We already know that some of the genetic variants that nudge people towards schizophrenia for example, overlap with variants that nudge people towards ALS (the authors talk about this in the Introduction and cite the relevant paper). The same for other neuropsychiatric conditions – the authors do acknowledge this to some extent in the limitations section, when they talk about C9orf72. So it may not be use of the medication that increases ALS risk, but that the need for the medication is a signal that someone is already at increased genetic risk. Either interpretation fits the results.”
Dr Brian Dickie, Chief Scientist, MND Association (Motor Neurone Disease Association), said:
“The findings from this well performed but relatively small study are consistent with previous research from other investigators which indicates that ALS and schizophrenia may have some common genetic elements, and also with other research indicating increased cases of psychiatric illness amongst relatives of people diagnosed with ALS when compared with the general population. As people with psychiatric symptoms will more likely be prescribed relevant medication, these latest findings are not surprising in themselves.
“The authors correctly seek to avoid over-interpretation of the results, stressing they have identified “an association”. They therefore veer away from any implication that these medications can cause or exacerbate ALS. In order to drill down further into these findings, future studies will need to incorporate more genetic data, as this would help address a number of potential confounding factors.
“The most common genetic risk factor for ALS (a repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene) originated in Scandinavia and therefore is particularly prevalent within the Scandinavian population. It is also the most common genetic risk factor for frontotemporal dementia, as well as possibly other neurological conditions, so a study in the Swedish population will most likely have a higher proportion of people with this particular genetic form of the disease. Not only would higher use of psychiatric medication be likely, but this genetic form is also linked with faster progression and shorter survival, which could explain the association between psychiatric medication and more aggressive disease.
“A further potential factor linked to the higher prevalence of familial ALS in Scandinavia is that there may be much greater awareness of the genetic risk of ALS in families where a member has been diagnosed with ALS. Other family members may therefore exhibit anxiety and depression, especially as they start to approach the age at which their relatives were diagnosed.”
Comments provided by our friends at the Australian SMC:
Professor Bryce Vissel, Head of the Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine Program at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, said:
“Depression and anxiety are common conditions, while ALS is rare.
“Psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety are not unusual in people who are later diagnosed with MND or ALS. But because these mental health issues are so common — and ALS is so rare — having depression or anxiety does not mean you are likely to develop ALS.
“It’s far more likely that your symptoms are just what they seem. They should be treated for what they are, not feared as signs of something more serious — which is very uncommon.
“We should treat depression and anxiety as depression and as anxiety — not as a warning sign for ALS in most people.
“This study does not suggest the treatments cause ALS. Rather, it’s possible that early psychiatric symptoms — such as depression — are part of the disease itself. We call this a ‘prodrome’. That’s very different.”
Professor Anthony Hannan, researcher at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, said:
“This new research article in JAMA Network Open adds to the evidence linking some psychiatric conditions to ALS, the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND). It should be noted that this study only addresses correlation, not causation (‘cause and effect’).
“Considering that the psychiatric medications linked to MND have very diverse pharmacology (and mechanisms of action), it is extremely unlikely that each of these medications directly contributes to the risk of MND.
“What is more likely is that the findings reflect associations between psychiatric symptoms and risk of MND (independent of medication). This is consistent with previous studies, including those involving genetics, which link MND to frontotemporal dementia, a neurodegenerative disease where psychiatric symptoms are often prominent. It should be noted that the present study only involved 1057 ALS/MND patients (and a larger number of control subjects) in Sweden from 2015-2023.
“It will be important to follow up these findings with larger studies internationally, which also have comprehensive genetic profiling and other biomarkers (for both neurological and psychiatric disorders). Such future studies could inform new approaches to delay the onset of, and treat MND, and its associated neurological (and sometimes psychiatric) symptoms. Considering that this devastating disorder is currently incurable, and usually kills patients within a few years of diagnosis, any new approaches to help sufferers and their families are urgently needed.”
‘Use of Common Psychiatric Medications and Risk and Prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis’ by Charilaos Chourpiliadis et al. was published in JAMA Network Open at 16:00 UK time Wednesday 4 June 2025.
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.14437
Declared interests
Dr Ammar Al-Chalabi: I know two of the authors well personally, Fang Fang and Caroline Ingre. In fact I am at a conference all week with Caroline. I consult for many pharmaceutical companies with the funds going to my research accounts at King’s, not to me personally. I am co-Director of the UK MND Research Institute.
Dr Brian Dickie: No CoI’s.
Professor Anthony Hannan: has not declared any conflicts of interest.
Professor Bryce Vissel: has not declared any conflicts of interest.
Headline: 67 North Carolina Students Headed to National History Day® Contest in Maryland
67 North Carolina Students Headed to National History Day® Contest in Maryland jejohnson6
After months of in-depth research, creativity, and competition, 67 students from 24 schools across North Carolina have earned their spot at the 2025 National History Day® Contest, taking place June 8–12 at the University of Maryland in College Park. They will join nearly 3,000 middle and high school students from across the globe in a celebration of historical scholarship and storytelling.
The students qualified through North Carolina History Day, a statewide program that reached more than 5,000 participants this year. Managed by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), the program encourages students to explore the past through hands-on research aligned with this year’s theme: “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” Participants chose topics that mattered to them, ranging from civil rights movements to constitutional debates, and brought them to life through exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, and research papers.
“The most powerful part of this program is that it’s student-driven,” said Karen Ipock, State Coordinator for N.C. History Day. “Students pick topics that genuinely interest them, which sparks deep engagement and creative expression — whether that’s designing a website, writing a paper, or producing a live performance. It’s a program that brings history to life and gives students a voice in telling its stories.”
Competitions began with eight regional contests held across the state, coordinated by DNCR and local partners. Top entries advanced to the state-level contest on May 3 at UNC Greensboro, where finalists were selected to represent North Carolina at nationals.
Beyond the contest itself, several North Carolina students have also been selected for exclusive workshops and showcases in Washington, D.C., on June 11 — an added recognition of the quality and impact of their work.
• 8th grader Thanapat Lucksanapirak from Alston Ridge Middle School in Cary, N.C., will have his documentary, “The WTO: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Global Trade,” shown in the Oprah Winfrey Theater at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• 10th grader Andrew Lar from Watauga High School in Boone, N.C., will attend a writer’s workshop with the White House Historical Association for his research paper, “‘Not in Our Name’: The Central American Sanctuary Movement and the Struggle for Salvadoran Asylum Rights.”
• 6th grader Elsie-Mae Clayton from Swain County Middle School in Bryson City, N.C., will showcase her exhibit at the National Museum of American History, “The Federal Government and the Broken Promises,” about the building of Fontana Dam and the Road to Nowhere.
• 10th and 11th graders Ava Karis Renegar, Campbell Hodge, Elianna Yoder, Jonah Hardin, and Kyle Malt from Classical Scholars in Mills River, N.C., will perform their project, “Nothing About Us Without Us: How One Group of Disability Rights Activists Fought for Recognition by Forcing the Government to Accept Responsibility for Discrimination,” at the National Museum of American History.
“The doors this competition opens for students are incredible,” said Ipock. “They’re not only sharing their research in some of the nation’s most prestigious museums, but also learning firsthand from historians, scholars, and museum professionals who are leaders in their fields.”
The National History Day® contest wraps up on Thursday, June 12, with a highly anticipated awards ceremony recognizing the top three entries in each category. Students will also be eligible for a range of special prizes — some up to $2,000 — for outstanding work in specific areas of historical research.
North Carolina’s impact doesn’t end with its student competitors. Two outstanding educators — Jeffrey Stanek of Holly Shelter Middle School in Castle Hayne and Emily Lemus of EDGE Academy of Health Science in Rocky Mount — are national nominees for excellence in history education. Both have been recognized for their exceptional work in the classroom, using historical inquiry to engage and inspire students. Final selections for these prestigious teaching awards will be announced during the national contest, and North Carolina is proud to have such dedicated educators in the running.
Students competing from each N.C. region include:
West: Charlie Hurwitz and Owen McAbee, Cane Creek Middle (Buncombe County); Isaiah Zebley, Gemma Edwards, and Lilly Cacawa, ArtSpace Charter (Buncombe County); Kate Huscher and Maddux Hansel, Hendersonville Middle (Henderson County); Cayden Rybicki, North Hendson High (Henderson County); Campbell Hodge, Ava Karis Renegar, Elianna Yoder, Jonah Hardin, Kyle Malt, Kathleen Godfrey, Colin Brown, David Ruland, Ezra Kushigian, Rowan Maishman, Ryan Malt, Anslee Renegar, Evie Koppin, Tybi Dugdale, and Zia Cartrett, Classical Scholars (Henderson County); Elsie-Mae Clayton, Swain County Middle (Swain County); Andrew Larsen, Watauga High (Watauga County)
Piedmont: Anisa Hasanaj, North Carolina School Of Science and Mathematics (Durham County); Elena Gale, Emma Rose Laurell, Sophia Siebert, and Zelie Polnaszek, St. Michaels Homeschool Co-op (Gaston County); Marnie Lasher, Early College at Guilford (Guilford County); Riley Gale and Woody Taylor, Woodlawn School (Iredell County); Finn McElwee and Suh Hee Shin, Chapel Hill High (Orange County); Laura Cratty and Louisa Cratty; Cratty Family Homeschool (Orange County); Thanapat Lucksanapirak, Alston Ridge Middle (Wake County); Magali Murray, Holly Springs High (Wake County); Arsema Belete, Kaana Anda-Morelli, Katelyn Kwark, Olivia Steigerwald, and Max Wagner, Pine Springs Preparatory Academy (Wake County); Catherine Kendall, Ellen Lan, and Joyce Xu, Cary Academy (Wake County)
East: Joselyn Hutson, Sadie Lankford, Scarlett Rauen, Ben Gardner, and Gavin Oplinger, Holly Shelter Middle (New Hanover County); Lyla Varnum and Abigail Blair, The International School at Gregory (New Hanover County); Lily Atwill, Anah Stough, and Kayligrace Moody, Isaac M Bear Early College High School (New Hanover County), Olivia Stetler, Wilmington Early College High (New Hanover County); Adam Politi, Jackson Renton, Rowan Forkin, and Slade Forkin, Cape Fear Academy (New Hanover County), Mariana Nieblas-Lugo, Pamlico County Middle (Pamlico), Blondge Phanor, Wayne School of Engineering (Wayne County)
Each year, more than half a million students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., U.S. territories, and international schools take part in the National History Day® program. North Carolina’s affiliate, North Carolina History Day, is proudly administered by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and supported by the North Caroliniana Society and the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies. To learn more, visitwww.dncr.nc.gov/nchistoryday.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
The Making Homes from Houses scheme has recently refurbished its 50th empty property, where Preston City Council along with long-term partner, Community Gateway Association (CGA), bring empty properties back to life.
The scheme involves properties that have been empty for more than a year and are in need of repair, enabling them to become a much-needed home for the people of Preston.
With more than a 1000 people on the housing waiting lists, the scheme brings affordable and suitable housing to those on the list, whilst also reducing the impact of new housing development on the environment.
Each March, Preston City Council celebrates national Empty Homes Week, highlighting how local authorities work tirelessly to bring empty homes into use. Recently the scheme reached its 50th home milestone.
This has been done through contacting property owners who have run down or empty properties to enquire about their intentions with the houses.
The council offers advice and information as to how best to bring it back into use, including through the Making Homes from Houses scheme, and supports the owner through the process.
Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Preston City Council said:
“This is a fantastic milestone for Preston City Council and the scheme has had some great feedback so far. We are working tirelessly to take action on homes negatively impacting neighbourhoods, whilst providing family homes to the people of Preston. This milestone will be the first of many on the way to tackling the need for more suitable and affordable housing in Preston.”
Louise Mattinson, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Community Gateway Association, said:
“We are proud to work alongside Preston City Council to give empty properties a new lease of life. At Community Gateway, we believe everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable home. Reaching the 50th refurbished property is a real achievement and more importantly, it means 50 more families in Preston now have a place to call home. We look forward to continuing this vital work together with Preston City Council.”
If there is an empty property near you that you think may be eligible for this scheme, see Empty homes.
Community Wealth Building
Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.
Saskatchewan is making the measles vaccine available to younger children in areas with measles cases and high chance of exposure.
Infants ages six months to 11 months who live in, are traveling to, or have contact with individuals in areas where there is a high risk of measles exposure can now receive an early dose of measles vaccine.
“Our government wants to make sure that those who are most vulnerable and at high risk of exposure have the best protection possible,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Providing parents with the option for an additional dose of measles vaccine for infants, helps to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Immunization is the single most effective way to protect against measles.
Routine measles vaccination is still needed at 12 and 18 months to provide lifelong protection.
“Most children in Saskatchewan should follow the regular schedule for measles immunization, however, in outbreak situations infants six to 11 months can be offered an earlier dose,” Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “This is similar to what is already being offered to some infants travelling internationally or to other parts of Canada with higher measles case numbers.”
Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily to others through open air. Symptoms can include fever, cough, red eyes and a blotchy red rash. Severe complications of measles may include pneumonia, swelling of the brain and death.
Individuals with symptoms of measles should stay home and call HealthLine 811 for instructions. Do not go to a clinic, health care facility or hospital in person without calling ahead.
The measles vaccine has been safely used for over 50 years and is free in Saskatchewan at public health offices.
“As we move into the summer months, measles continues to pose a risk for people in Saskatchewan,” SHA Senior Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said. “Please check your measles vaccination records and ensure you are up to date.”
For a current list of areas with a high risk of exposure and more information on measles, please visit: saskatchewan.ca/measles.
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For more information, contact:
Media Desk Health Regina Phone: 306-787-4083 Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca
Media Relations Saskatchewan Health Authority Regina Phone: 1-833-766-4392 Email: media@saskhealthauthority.ca
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
When lowering costs for Americans should drive every decision we make, this bill needlessly fixates on keeping guns in the hands of those who are potentially a danger to themselves or others and restricts reproductive rights and other cruel and pointless policy restrictions.
Funding Proposal Raises the Costs of Veterans Health Care, Hurts Military Readiness, and Worsens Quality of Life for Servicemembers and Their Families
WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Republicans released the 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which will be considered in the subcommittee tomorrow. The legislation fails to fully meet veterans’ needs and falls short of adequately funding military construction projects.
This bill:
Worsens the quality of life for servicemembers and their families and hurts military readinessby funding military construction $904 million below what is needed.
Enacts the Project 2025 goal to privatize medical care for veteransby transferring billions to private hospitals and clinics which will only lead to higher costs, longer wait times, poor communication and coordination, and diminished quality of care.
Further limits women’s access to abortion, harming women veterans’ health.
Leaves military installations, servicemembers, and their families vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and worsening natural disastersby failing to include dedicated funding to strength military installations against these threats.
Does not fulfill the United States’ commitments to our alliesby providing $188 million less than what is needed on NATO infrastructure.
Undermines the ability to keep guns out of the hands of those prohibited under Federal law from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Repeats the same extreme House Republican tactics attempted last year by including partisan changes to existing law, known as “riders,” that hurt Americans and create chaos. Once again, Republicans are disenfranchising veterans rather than making VA a welcoming and inclusive place for all those who volunteer to serve our country.
“This Republican bill would push our Veterans who sacrificed so much, towards Project 2025 privatized health care schemes and critically break with past PACT Act guaranteed funding commitments in the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) funding levels. When lowering costs for Americans should drive every decision we make, this bill needlessly fixates on keeping guns in the hands of those who are potentially a danger to themselves or others and restricts reproductive rights and other cruel and pointless policy restrictions. I cannot tell those currently serving and those who defended our nation that this is the best we can do, and therefore, I cannot support this bill,”Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) said. “While it avoids deep, across the board cuts, it steers far too many resources into the privatized medical care account and away from vital, VA-based care and it leaves out guaranteed PACT Act funding for the TEF in FY2027, unlike past precedent. We can do far better, and Democrats are ready to do that. But this bill falls short of what our Veterans deserve.”
“While President Trump fires veterans and dismantles the services and programs across the federal government that they depend on, House Republicans have decided to proceed—business as usual—with 2026 funding bills. They have introduced a funding bill that does nothing to remedy the chaos and pain this administration has caused thousands of veterans and instead pushes extreme, partisan Project 2025 goals of privatizing veterans health services, only raising the costs of critical care. Once again, instead of being laser focused on the cost-of-living crisis, President Trump and House Republicans are actually making it worse,”Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “This bill falls short of honoring our commitment to veterans, servicemembers, and their families by underfunding military construction and leaving our military installations vulnerable to the impact of worsening natural disasters. Just like last year, this bill is built on a framework that harms veterans. Veterans rely on programs across the entire federal government. House Republicans’ proposal to slash critical domestic investments in other funding bills will strip away education, job opportunities, housing, and food assistance that veterans and their families depend on. House Republicans cannot claim to support veterans while making it harder for them to find jobs, feed their families, and keep roofs over their heads.”
A summary of House Republicans’ 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill ishere. A fact sheet of the bill ishere. The full text of the bill ishere. The subcommittee markup will be webcast live and linked on the House Committee on Appropriationswebsite.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
June 03, 2025
As Secretary McMahon attempted to deflect Durbin’s questions, Durbin asserted that the Trump Administration is eliminating critical student protections
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Education (ED). During the hearing, Durbin questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon about how ED is supporting students defrauded by for-profit colleges.
Durbin began by underscoring the harm done by for-profit colleges, reminding Secretary McMahon that while for-profit colleges enroll only eight percent of American college students, those students account for 30 percent of all student loan defaults.
“The problem is the difficulty students face [after attending a for-profit college] becomes a lifetime problem. Imagine a first-generation college student trying to pick a place to go to school, inundated in high school with glossy brochures from for-profit colleges and universities, which promise the sun, the moon, and the stars,” Durbin said. “The student goes and learns there are Pell grants available through for-profit colleges and universities. They hear the promises that if they just attend this school and graduate, there’s going to be a good paying job at the end of the rainbow, and it turns out, it’s all phony.”
“They are being deluded and deceived. There is much more scam than there is scholarship… So most of them, or at least 30 percent of them, end up with loans they can’t pay back. They never see that job that was promised to them. But they’ve got one last place [ED] to turn to and try to get their lives back on track,” Durbin said. “I have heard their stories from them.”
Durbin then asked Secretary McMahon about ED’s efforts to support students defrauded by for-profit colleges by allowing students to file borrower defense claims.
“You have a department within the Department of Education for borrower defense. Are you familiar with that?… Can you tell me what you understand the borrower defense law to promise?”Durbin asked Secretary McMahon.
Rather than answer Durbin’s question, Secretary McMahon deflected by arguing that many non-profit universities and colleges also promise to help students secure a job after graduation. Secretary McMahon did acknowledge that college affordability is a major obstacle for students, forcing them to take on significant student debt despite President Trump’s budget request asking to slash Pell grants by nearly $1,700 and gutting programs like TRIO and Gear Up that help first-generation and low-income college students enroll and complete their college degree.
However, as Durbin said in pushing back against Secretary McMahon’s indirect answer, for-profit colleges rarely deliver respected or marketable degrees to students, giving them little chance to secure a job as they attempt to pay off their mountain of student debt.
“The point that I’m making is there is one brand of college and university that is particularly egregious when it comes to deceiving these students. It’s for-profit colleges and universities. Eight percent of [American college students], 30 percent of student loan defaults… It stands out from all the rest,” Durbin said.
“The point I’m getting to is you’re hollowing out the borrower defense agency within your own department. This is supposed to be the rescue for these students to finally get back on track and maybe go to a good school. Why would you hollow out the resources there and the people that are enforcing the borrower defense rule when we have these terrible numbers of exploitation of students?” Durbin asked Secretary McMahon.
Secretary McMahon replied, “we shouldn’t just focus on those [for-profit] schools. I totally agree with you, there are some scam universities out there.”
“Why would you hollow out the people who are supposed to enforce it?” Durbin countered. “Give me an idea of what you’re putting in place that’s better than the borrower defense rule.”
As Secretary McMahon ineffectively argued that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) would help students understand the threat of for-profit colleges, Durbin pushed for answers about how ED is supporting students who have already become victims of for-profit colleges.
“I’m talking about the victims. The ones who are already victims. They’re in debt by tens of thousands of dollars,” Durbin said. “They have no place to turn, and you’re telling me the FAFSA form is going to help them? How can it help them?”
Secretary McMahon replied, “that’s not in place yet, but I think that’s going to be very, very helpful. Here’s the other thing. Where are guidance counselors in high schools?”
“Good question!” Durbin replied. “You’re cutting the number of counselors in these schools at the same time.”
“The counselors that are doing their jobs can provide information to these students,” Secretary McMahon said.
“There aren’t enough of them. That’s the point I’m making. The situation is terrible for these students. First generation students are being exploited by these schools. They need your protection. They need our protection. They deserve it,” Durbin said. “Unfortunately, you’re reducing the number of people to enforce the law.”
The Trump Administration has made moves to dismantle ED, firing more than 1,300 staff and signing an Executive Order to demolish ED. Last month, House Republicans included a provision in the reconciliation bill to roll back the Biden-era borrower defense rule that allowed for full debt relief, addressing a wider range of school misconduct, and allowing group claims rather than individual applications. If passed by the Senate, the reconciliation bill will replace the Biden-era borrower defense rule with the rule instituted under the first Trump Administration, requiring borrowers to meet a higher bar to receive relief by showing they suffered financial harm from their college’s misconduct and that the college knowingly made deceptive or false statements.
For 11 years, Durbin has written to high school guidance counselors, teachers, and principals, urging them to warn students of the risks associated with attending for-profit colleges.
Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.
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Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
June 03, 2025
The legislation, which was added as an amendment to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, would train school food service staff to prevent and respond to food-related allergic reactions
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin’s (D-IL) bipartisan legislation, the Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act, was adopted unanimously as an amendment to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Durbin’s amendment would ensure school food service staff receive essential training about food allergies, so that they are better equipped to prevent, recognize, and respond to food allergic reactions, which can save lives.
“When parents drop their kids off at school, they should have peace of mind knowing that their children are safe with personnel who are trained to look out for their children’s food allergies,”said Durbin. “Peanuts, eggs, soy, and milk are nutritious, and may be in school lunches or brought by classmates. But for some kids, they are allergens that can be deadly. Today, the Senate Agriculture Committee adopted my bipartisan Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act as an amendment to a larger bill, ensuring that kids will be safe in the event of an allergic reaction.”
Food allergies are a growing public health concern. Over the past two decades, the number of children with food allergies in the U.S. has more than doubled. Approximately six million children are estimated to have food allergies, about two students per classroom. Further, 20 percent of all epinephrine shots administered in schools are given to children who have undiagnosed food allergies—which makes it even more important for school food personnel to understand how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction.
USDA requires annual trainings to school food personnel who work under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Required trainings include modules in nutrition, health, and food safety standards. USDA also makes available trainings that address food allergies, but those are not required as part of these annual trainings. The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act would add “food allergies” to the existing list of trainings to ensure that school food personnel receive essential information about food allergies.
The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act has endorsements from: Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), and School Nutrition Association (SNA).
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, located at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, recently relocated and revitalized its Multi-Service Ward, which houses the Maternal Infant Nursing Department (MIND). Commanding officer Capt. Daniel Clark marked the official opening of the improved inpatient care space for military families with a ribbon cutting on May 29.
A consultation is now underway into proposals which would increase the capacity of Green Park by 27 places, bringing the total to 174 places from September 2027.
The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Special Educational Needs Provision Expansion Programme, endorsed by Cabinet last summer, seeks to create additional places in both special schools and mainstream resource provision across the city.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “In recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans who need specialist provision, with younger children presenting with more complex needs and requiring suitable provision to support their education.
“The Special Educational Needs Provision Expansion Programme is helping to meet this rising demand, and enabling more of our children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities to reach their full potential.
“We are working closely with Green Park on these proposals, and would welcome feedback from anyone who would like to share their views.”
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that a recall has been issued for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
The recalled product is in a 1-lb. vacuum-packed package labeled “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT” with “Use or Freeze By 06-19-25” and “Use or Freeze By 06-20-25” (see link before for labels). The raw ground beef item was produced on May 22, 2025, and May 23, 2025. The product bears establishment number “EST. 4027” inside the USDA mark of inspection. This item was shipped to Whole Foods Market retail locations nationwide.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare professional.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 2�8 days (3�4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Media and consumers with questions can contact Danny Desautels, NPC Processing, Inc., President, at 802-660-0496; 802-310-7644; or ddesautels@npcprocessing.com.
A burger restaurant’s operator has been prosecuted for failing to register as a food business as required by food safety and hygiene regulations.
St Albans City and District Council‘s environmental health team launched an investigation into Total Cow, High Street, Redbourn, after a customer complaint.
Enquiries revealed the business was not registered and Craig Pesch, the operator, was interviewed about the issue.
A decision was later taken to prosecute and issue a court summons after Mr Pesch failed to agree to a caution.
Mr Pesch admitted the offence of failing to register at a hearing at St Albans Magistrates Court on Wednesday 21 May.
He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £26 and a contribution of £500 to the Council’s legal costs.
Mr Pesch, in mitigation, apologised and said he had wrongly believed he was not required to register because he had registered a similar business in Hemel Hempstead.
Councillor Terrie Smith, Lead for Environmental Enforcement, said after the hearing:
Registering helps the Council keep an up-to-date list of all food businesses and plan hygiene inspections properly. It’s an important part of making sure food is safe and public health is protected.
We work closely with food and drink businesses across the District to help them follow all the right safety and hygiene rules.
Most businesses do a great job, and when there are issues, we usually sort them out by talking things through.
But in this case, our environmental health team faced some pushback and felt they had no choice but to take legal action.
This just goes to show that if a business ignores the rule – like failing to register – we will step in and take action if needed.
The Environmental Health team offer a mentoring service, tailored to meet a business’s specific requirements and help it achieve the highest food safety standards. You can find out more here or enquire by emailing fhrs@stalbans.gov.uk.
Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions1 that still affect 1 billion people, mainly vulnerable populations in underserved regions of the world. Nevertheless, they are preventable, treatable and can be eliminated. As of May 2025, 56 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD – demonstrating significant progress towards WHO’s global target of 100 countries reaching elimination by 2030.
This hard-won progress is now at risk. The dismantling of official development assistance (ODA) for global health, and particularly for NTD programmes, threatens to stall or reverse gains and negatively impact lives of vulnerable communities.
Threat to NTD gains
The recent withdrawal of funding by the United States from NTD projects jeopardizes the success of 19 years of investment in the global effort to eliminate NTDs.
Early reports shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the immediate impact of the funding withdrawal has delayed 47 campaigns in which mass treatment was warranted to free 143 million people from the burden of NTDs. In 2020, WHO Member States set targets for 2030 by endorsing the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 through World Health Assembly decision WHA73(33). Missing the planned campaigns and impact surveys in 2025 will postpone the achievement of targets in at least 10 additional countries. The abrupt cuts also halted critical research to validate new treatments, diagnostics and surveillance platforms to ensure these diseases no longer pose a threat globally.
On 10 April 2025, WHO issued a warning on the impact caused by sudden suspensions and reductions in ODA for health, indicating that health service disruptions had been reported by over 70% of its surveyed country offices and that NTD programmes were among the most severely affected. In some settings, the nature and scale of service disruptions are comparable to those observed during the peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical shortages in medicines and health products are leaving one third of responding countries without essential commodities for major health services. At the same time, the suspension of funding has triggered job losses among health and care workers in over half of those countries.
Furthermore, if alternative mechanisms for service delivery are not urgently secured, suspensions and reductions in ODA for health could lead to expiration of over 55 million NTD tablets by the end of 2025, in Africa alone. In response, countries are working to identify local opportunities to sustain treatment activities, including integrated campaigns within broader health initiatives and mobilization of national resources to protect people’s health, prevent medicine wastage and sustain progress.
Incredible past achievements at risk
Over the past two decades, the Government of the United States of America, through USAID, supported the delivery of 3.3 billion treatments to more than 1.7 billion people in 26 countries, clearing infections, stopping transmission and reducing the burden of lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (intestinal worm infections) and trachoma in several areas. This cumulative support of US$ 1.4 billion significantly advanced public health outcomes and enabled 14 countries (Bangladesh, Benin, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Togo and Viet Nam) to achieve elimination of at least one NTD.
NTD programmes have continued delivering impressive results despite fierce challenges: in 2023 alone, more than 860 million people received treatment for NTDs through mass drug administration or individual case management; and between January 2023 and May 2025, 17 countries were officially acknowledged by WHO for eliminating one NTD. Today, the halt in drug distribution and the layoff of frontline health workers threaten to reverse this progress – raising serious concerns about the resurgence of NTDs in the most affected regions.
Funding challenges and implications for NTDs
The withdrawal of United States funding to NTD programmes is not an isolated event. The last few years have witnessed a deprioritization of financial investments in support of NTDs, which accelerated during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in 2021, another key stakeholder, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ended its flagship NTD initiative, the Ascend programme. Nevertheless, recent pledges such as those made in December 2023 during the Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) Forum had raised hopes of reversing this trend.
Decreased funding places a heavy strain on NTD programmes at a time when they are called to face unprecedented challenges, including the impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases. Notably, WHO declared dengue a grade 3 emergency in 2024, when over 14 million cases and 10 000 deaths were reported in 107 countries. The current global risk of dengue is assessed as high, and the disease remains a global health threat, while lack of resources continues to hamper prevention and control efforts, and the disease has spread to newer areas and countries in recent years.
NTD programmes are recognized among the most cost-effective initiatives in global health, also thanks to effective public-private partnerships. Generous donations from pharmaceutical companies including Bayer AG, Chemo Group, Eisai Co. Ltd, EMS SA Pharma, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGaA, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Novartis, Pfizer and Sanofi – cumulatively valued at over US$ 12 billion between 2011 and today –make life-changing treatments available to those in need at minimal cost.
Defunding NTD programmes threatens a proven public health success, potentially reversing hard-earned progress, exacerbating the cycle of disease and poverty, leaving vulnerable populations further marginalized and deepening inequality.
Moving forward
During the most recent Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, NTDs were centre-stage, with a number of events held on the margins of the Assembly. Notably, two NTD-related resolutions, on eradication of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) and on skin diseases, were unanimously adopted by Member States.
At this critical juncture, it is imperative to build on such renewed consensus and strengthen the global commitment to eliminating NTDs. This requires fostering nationally owned, sustainable programmes complemented by catalytic external support. Together, we must work towards the complete elimination of NTDs and release communities from the heavy burden of suffering these diseases cause.
Notes
Buruli ulcer; Chagas disease; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis; echinococcosis; foodborne trematodiases; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; lymphatic filariasis; mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses; noma; onchocerciasis; rabies; scabies and other ectoparasitoses; schistosomiasis; snakebite envenoming; soil-transmitted helminthiases; taeniasis and cysticercosis; trachoma; yaws.
People often imagine childhood as a time when the body functions at its best, but about 25% of children experience chronic pain. I was one of them: Starting in elementary school, migraines incapacitated me for hours at a stretch with excruciating pain that made it impossible to go to school, much less talk to friends or have fun.
Chronic pain in children is not only widespread but also persistent. Many continue to experience symptoms for years on end. For example, one-third of children with abdominal pain experience symptoms that last into adulthood. Children with chronic pain are also more likely to come from families that have less income, have greater health care barriers, report more safety concerns about their environment and experience greater exposure to violence than those without chronic pain.
The most studied and perhaps most effective approach for treating chronic pain in children is cognitive behavioral therapy. This modality involves teaching children how pain works in the brain, and also training them on problem solving, relaxation methods such as deep breathing, challenging negative thoughts about pain, and pacing activities to avoid pain flares. Unlike pain medications, which wear off after a few hours, research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy can have a lasting effect. Kids can get back to doing things they need and want to do, and they often feel better too over the long term.
To be sure, providing interventions in the form of web-based tools or apps can improve access for children who can’t see a provider. However, we have found that children and their families are more likely to complete the course of treatment with a provider, and that automated self-management tools can complement but not replace care delivered by a provider. In fact, when cognitive behavioral therapy for children’s chronic pain is delivered exclusively through an online tool, only a third of children complete treatment.
How community providers can fill the gap
Despite the proven benefits of psychological therapies for children’s pain, few providers are trained to use them. That’s one of the most common barriers to care.
One potentially untapped resource is school nurses and other specialists who are often the first point of contact for a child with chronic pain, such as social workers and school counselors. Programs already exist to train school providers, including school nurses, in managing children’s mental health, but few of them address chronic pain.
To fill this gap, my colleagues and I have developed a program to train school nurses and other community health experts to teach children cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage their chronic pain. So far, we have trained approximately 100 school providers across Michigan, who report that the training improves pain symptoms and helps keep children in school. We are also expanding the project to address trauma and other mental health symptoms that commonly occur with chronic pain, and to support providers in discouraging substance use to manage pain in these children.
Our work suggests that this approach can empower providers to reach children in rural communities and other settings that lack access to care. By training more boots on the ground, we hope to provide children with the pain management tools they need to grow into healthy and thriving adults.
Natoshia R. Cunningham receives grant funding from the US Department of Defense, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance-Arthritis Foundation. She was previously funded by the National Institutes of Health, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
The State University of Management entered the fourteenth annual ranking of the best universities in Russia RAEX-100.
For seven years now, GUU has consistently been included in the list of the best universities in the country.
The RAEX agency rating is part of the “Three University Missions” rating family. The study was prepared using statistical indicators, as well as the results of surveys of over 150,000 respondents: representatives of academic and scientific circles, students, graduates and employers. In total, the rating uses 44 indicators.
In addition, the State University of Management showed decent results in subject rankings:
“Hospitality Industry” – 13th place “Sociology” – 16th place “Management” – 17th place
It should be noted that this year the RAEX agency updated the subject rankings of the “Three University Missions” family, excluding “State and Municipal Administration” from the list, in which SUM took 20th place in 2024.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Alessandro Marcon, Senior Research Associate at the Health Law Institute, University of Alberta
Online searches for health information can pull up misleading ads.(S. Ghassimi), CC BY
More than 80 per cent of online searches are now performed with Google. But there’s an insidious element to the world’s most popular search engine. As companies compete for the advertising spaces that accompany search query results, users seeking critical health information can be exposed to dangerous and exploitative misinformation.
In 2024, North Americans overwhelmingly used Google for news and information on politics, celebrities, entertainment and topical events like natural disasters. Health-related queries are also popular: nearly 70 per cent of the Canadian public use online searches for health information.
Google is the world’s most popular search engine. (Shutterstock)
Online searches
The phrases or questions contained in online searches serve as valuable data. They can inform epidemiological surveillance and provide insight into popular global and regional trends.
These data also hold immense value for online marketing teams, tracking who is searching for what, where and when. In addition to search tracking, however, queries now are used for online advertising. It’s a reality that raises serious ethical, regulatory and public health issues.
Before the internet, key advertising spaces existed in magazines and newspapers, on highway billboards and time slots between radio and television programming. Advertising is so lucrative that a 30-second time slot during the Super Bowl now costs upwards of US$8 million.
Online, fixed slots have now been replaced by targeted advertisements to accompany search results, determined by search queries entered by users.
Highly coveted spots
Like a Super Bowl ad, advertising on Google’s first page results is highly coveted.
Obtaining the rights to these space requires companies to outbid one another to win the ads spaces determined by search terms — an advertiser can purchase ad space from Google associated with a specific phrase or keyword.
Companies with snack products, for example, may compete for their sponsored content to appear when individuals search for “Super Bowl party snacks,” “new chip flavours” or “chip and dip ideas.”
As harmless and obvious — and perhaps even inevitable — as this marketing approach may seem, the practice is problematic when industry targets personal, sensitive and critical health terms — which is exactly what our research uncovered.
Searches for cancer, exploitative ads
Using the AI-driven marketing platform SemRush, we analyzed the search terms purchased for advertising by notorious alternative cancer clinics in Tijuana, Mexico and Arizona. We determined what queries were targeted and how much was spent on acquiring the advertising space matching these queries.
We also assessed whether this spending increased traffic to their clinic websites. Our results showed that over roughly one decade, these clinics paid over an estimated US$15 million to purchase the ad spaces for thousands of search words and phrases.
These search queries related to cancer prognosis and diagnosis, treatment options including alternative treatments and cancer types including late-stage cancer. In sum, the advertising strategy generated more than 6.5 million website visits for alternative cancer clinics.
Alternative cancer treatments can interfere with the success of medical treatments. (Shutterstock)
Negative health impacts
Unfortunately, the success of these alternative clinics’ marketing strategies is nothing short of a disaster for the public’s health and well-being. Alternative cancer treatments are associated with an increased risk of death and offer false hope for those suffering from end-stage cancer.
Google is therefore enabling an advertising option that contributes to the harmful spread of inaccurate and damaging cancer misinformation that can directly lead to detrimental health-related actions.
Protection from deception
Our research focused entirely on the cancer context and analyzed the targeted search query approach of problematic clinics in two specific locations. It is imaginable — indeed very probable — that this approach is deployed in other health contexts and beyond.
Google does have and enforce policies to protect users from deceptive advertising content. But there is little oversight regarding how advertisers may exploit its keyword ad matching features.
It’s imperative that Google take action to restrict its ads mechanism from being used in this exploitative manner. Search results could give prominence only to websites supported by accurate scientific evidence. Google could prohibit the advertising purchase of ostensibly controversial search terms. This would include personal, sensitive queries from vulnerable groups, including patients suffering from cancer and other life-threatening ailments.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jolanta Burke, Associate Professor, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Birthdays are typically seen as joyful events, filled with celebration, laughter and gifts. Yet it’s not uncommon, particularly if you are approaching a milestone age, to feel sad on your birthday.
Birthdays can trigger painful emotions for anyone who may feel neglected, lonely, or disappointed about how their lives turned out to be. They are also reminders of ageing and mortality, and may bring feelings of grief for lost time or fear about the future.
Milestone birthdays, such as turning 30 or 40, are even associated with particularly high instances of suicide, according to research from Japan. More people also die of stroke and a heart attack around their birthdays than on other days.
All of these negative feelings, whether extreme depression or just feeling a bit disappointed, make up what’s sometimes known as the “birthday blues”.
One important factor influencing whether you will get the birthday blues is how satisfied you are with your life. Life satisfaction is the degree to which you feel your life aligns with your expectations, and whether you have met, exceeded or fallen short of your life goals.
If you’re approaching a big birthday, you may feel susceptible to the comparison trap of social media, or feel self-conscious about where you are in life. Birthdays are an often unwelcome benchmark by which to measure how well we are doing at any given age.
No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.
Another important factor is whether you have a clear sense of meaning in your life. A clear sense of meaning is associated with greater wellbeing, while ongoing search for meaning is associated with mental health challenges.
Milestone birthdays often prompt people to re-evaluate their meaning in life. This introspection may result in emotional distress, a decline in wellbeing or even suicidal thoughts – or, it can be a positive step into a new decade.
Rewriting your birthday
You might imagine what you would like your milestone birthday celebration to look like, but sometimes reality does not match up. Perhaps you imagined a big party, only to realise you don’t have the social circle to make it happen, or that friends are busy with work and other commitments. You may long for a quiet birthday with a partner and children, yet find yourself still living with your parents, or without a partner or family of your own.
Here are some practical steps you can take to have a more positive approach to your birthday.
1. Envision your best possible self
My colleague and I once worked with a small group of women aged over 55 who struggled to look forward to their retirement. For many, their future felt uncertain, even frightening. To help them shift their mindset, we introduced an activity “Best Possible Self”.
We encouraged participants to re-imagine their future, focusing on what could go well for them and setting up goals to make their vision come true. After three months, even those who dreaded talking about the future noted a significant increase in hopefulness. The activity reminded them that good times could still come.
Writing about your best possible self for just 20 minutes a day over a few days, especially around your birthday, could help you re-imagine your future and nurture a sense of hope, no matter what stage of life you are in.
2. Pick an alternative birthday setting or an activity
Birthdays don’t have to be a big night out. Plan an activity or visit a place you genuinely enjoy and which brings you happiness or comfort. This could be a walk in a park, attending a theatre performance, or a cosy day at home.
Instead of just going through the motions, focus on enhancing the emotional quality of the experience. Pick a park that holds a special meaning or memories for you, or plan some home-based activities that energise you, such as cooking your favourite meal, creating art or watching a movie you love.
3. Practice mindful awareness
Notice the sounds, smells and other sensations as you go through your day. Pay attention to the emotions that arise, whether it is joy, nostalgia or hope.
Reflect on how your thoughts have changed as a result of this experience. Perhaps think about what you are grateful for, what you’ve achieved in the last year, how far you have come from more challenging times in the past or what your hopeful vision is towards the future.
4. Express and reinforce your positive experiences
Find meaningful ways to express yourself and record your birthday. This might be by writing an entry in a journal, calling someone and sharing your insights, or creating something, like a playlist, photo collage, or drawing to capture this moment.
Fear of ageing is also about fear of the unknown. We can combat this by cultivating hope – recognising what is going well for us in life and believing in the possibility of better days ahead.
To ease the pressure of having a “happy birthday”, it might help to aim instead for a more compassionate “hopeful birthday”. This mindset acknowledges the complexity of ageing, and leaves room for both celebration and vulnerability. In a world that demands constant positivity, where we’re expected to keep smiling, stay positive and suppress discomfort, it offers us a break to be ourselves.
The risk of suicide around birthdays is particularly high for those who have depression or autism. If you are feeling upset about your birthday or belong to a vulnerable group, reach out to a helpline, counsellor, therapist, family member or a friend and ask for support during this challenging time. It is easier to tackle the birthday blues together, than do it on your own.
In the UK: Samaritans are available by phone, for free, at 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org. Further resources can also be found here.
Jolanta Burke does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
For many, a visit to the dentist brings fear, anxiety, or memories of uncomfortable experiences. But dentistry is changing – and it’s becoming much kinder.
Today, needle-free and drill-free approaches are helping manage tooth decay in ways that are more comfortable, especially for children, anxious patients and those with special healthcare needs. Three of the most promising techniques are silver diamine fluoride (SDF), atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and the Hall technique.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental clinics sought out non-aerosol-generating procedures (those that don’t spray water or create mist), to reduce viral transmission. SDF and ART became essential treatment approaches during that period – and their popularity has continued to grow. These techniques don’t just make dentistry more acceptable – they challenge the traditional belief that every cavity needs to be drilled and filled.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in dental plaque that feed on sugars and produce acids, gradually wearing away the tooth’s surface when tooth brushing isn’t good.
Traditional treatment ordinarily involves numbing a tooth by injection of local anaesthetic followed by removal of the decayed part of the tooth with a drill. The hole (or cavity) left is then then restored or “filled” with a filling material, for example dental composite. While effective, this method can be painful or frightening, especially for younger or vulnerable patients.
But we now understand that not all cavities need to be restored immediately, and that stabilising disease and preventing progression can be just as important.
Parents are often surprised – and relieved – to learn that their child’s cavity might not need an injection or a filling at all. Sometimes, especially for small cavities in baby teeth close to falling out naturally, just monitoring or applying SDF may be enough.
Equally, there’s a growing recognition that patient comfort and trust are essential parts of long-term oral health and quality of life. A traumatic dental experience early in life can deter someone from seeking care for years, making problems worse down the line.
Silver diamine fluoride offers a radically different approach. It is a clear liquid applied directly into a cavity using a small brush. It takes only seconds and requires no drilling, no needles or costly, complicated equipment.
SDF works in two ways. The silver has antibacterial properties that kill the bacteria causing the decay, while the fluoride helps harden the remaining tooth structure. It’s particularly effective for shallow cavities and can stop decay in its tracks. Several studies have found that SDF stopped decay in about 80% of treated cases.
Silver diamine fluoride application.
It’s not a perfect solution. One side effect is that the treated area turns black, which can be an aesthetic concern, especially for front teeth. But for back teeth, or for children who cannot tolerate other options, this may be an acceptable alternative for avoiding needles and drilling or costly treatment under general anaesthetic.
Filling teeth with hand tools, not drills
Atraumatic restorative treatment is another gentle approach. Originally developed for use in areas with limited access to dental equipment, it’s now widely used as a patient-friendly option.
ART involves removing soft, decayed tooth tissue using hand instruments – no noisy drills or anaesthetic injections needed. Once the decay tissue is removed, the cavity is filled with a material called glass ionomer cement. This special material sticks to the tooth, releases fluoride over time, and helps prevent further decay.
The process is quiet, minimally invasive and usually takes less time than conventional treatments. It can often be done with the patient sitting upright, which is particularly helpful for very young children or those with special needs. This treatment doesn’t require a dental chair or power source so it can be done anywhere – from schools to nursing homes.
Crowns without drilling
Another gentle and increasingly popular option for managing decay in children’s teeth is the Hall technique.
Unlike traditional treatments that involve drilling or removing decay, the Hall technique works by sealing the decayed tissue in, rather than taking it out. It uses a preformed metal crown – often called a “stainless steel crown” – that is simply placed over the decayed baby tooth without any drilling, injections, or removal of tooth tissue.
The Hall technique.
Here’s how it works: after checking that the tooth is suitable (usually with an x-ray), the dentist uses small orthodontic separators between the child’s teeth for a few days to create space. Then, in a quick and painless appointment, the crown is gently pushed onto the tooth and held in place with special dental cement. That’s it – no needles, no drill and no discomfort.
By sealing the cavity in this way, the bacteria inside are cut off from the sugars they need to keep causing damage. Over time, the decay becomes inactive, and the crown protects the baby tooth until it naturally falls out.
Parents are often amazed by how well children cope with this approach. In fact, studies show that children who have had the Hall technique often experience less discomfort, fewer dental visits, and better long-term outcomes than those who undergo traditional drilling and
filling.
The future of kinder dentistry
Of course, the best (and kindest) way to avoid needles, drilling and filling is to prevent tooth decay in the first place. But when treatment is needed, the options above are changing the game – and they’re here to stay.
Silver diamine fluoride, atraumatic restorative treatment and the Hall technique aren’t right for every situation, but they’re safe, backed by evidence and a powerful reminder that dental care doesn’t have to be painful to be effective.
For anxious patients, nervous kids, or anyone who’s put off going to the dentist because of fear, these gentler approaches can be the difference between avoiding care and finally getting it.
Dentistry is changing – and it’s time our expectations caught up.
Paul Leavy is currently undertaking his PhD at the Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Centre for Health Policy and Management. Paul Leavy receives funding from the Health Research Board (HRB) as a PhD Scholar under the SPHeRE Programme (2018-1).
Isabel Olegário does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – The mystery surrounding the murder of Father Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett, the priest shot dead in the Tot area of Elgeyo Marakwet, in the Kerio Valley, on the Western Highlands of Kenya, is intensifying (see Fides, 23/5/2025). On June 3, the lifeless bodies of two men suspected of involvement in the priest’s murder were found on the Mogotio-Kiptuno road in Nakuru County.Their families, who had reported them missing on May 30, claim that the murders are directly linked to that of Father Bett. According to their families, the two men – Simon Yego, 45, and Collins Kipyatich, 22 – were kidnapped within hours of each other on the same day, in their village of Tot, where the priest was murdered on May 22.Collins was the first to be kidnapped, while undergoing a routine checkup at the Tot Health Center. The families of both men filed a complaint at the Tot police station the day after their disappearance.Their mutilated bodies were found in the village of Sawin, in Rungai sub-county, more than 200 kilometers from where they were abducted. In Kenya, the number of kidnappings and extrajudicial killings attributed to security forces is increasing, to the point that several bishops have intervened on the matter. “The government and the security apparatus should put an end to the kidnapping of our young people,” declared Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe of Kakamega at the beginning of the year (see Fides, 8/1/2025). Regarding the murder of Father Bett, which occurred in the Kerio Valley, the Bishop of Eldoret had already launched an appeal in April to address the serious security situation in the area, where at least ten people, including two police officers, had been killed in banditry attacks in the previous two months (see Fides, 16/4/2025). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 4/6/2025)
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After majoring in political science and human rights, and then completing a fast-track master’s in public policy, UConn alum Sudiksha Mallick ’23 (CLAS) ’24 MPP – who has long been interested in education policy – knew that she wanted to work in state government.
“But I wasn’t sure exactly where,” she says, “and I was really looking for some sort of mentorship.”
Eniola Fasola ’20 MA ’24 Ph.D. earned her master’s in economics and her doctorate in agricultural and resource economics from UConn and knew that she ultimately wanted to use her analytical acumen to do work that would have impact.
“There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing your skills contribute to projects that can improve lives,” she says.
With a background in city planning and an interest in public finance, Kevin Fitzgerald ’18 (CLAS) ’21 MPA knew that he wanted to contribute to policy changes in a way that allowed him to leverage both of those interests.
“I was drawn to the opportunity to work on state projects,” he says. “I’d previously been in a few town halls, and had worked adjacent to the Department of Economic and Community Development, but really was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to new policy changes through DECD.”
Kevin Fitzgerald ’18 (CLAS) ’21 MPA (Contributed Photo)
Katarina Rodriguez ’16 (CLAS) ’21 MPA, who majored in human development and family sciences at UConn, is interested in data storytelling and the ways that it can be used to support public policies that affect individuals and communities.
“Data storytelling is essentially using data, whether it’s quantitative or qualitative, to broadcast a narrative to an audience that is supported by hard numbers or the accounts of actual constituents,” she explains.
Tazmaya Reid ’17 (CLAS) ’25 MBA has spent the years since she earned her undergraduate degree in political science and human rights working in the nonprofit sector on addressing health and educational disparities across the state.
“In my work at a nonprofit, I supported individuals facing the same challenges, no matter where they lived,” she says, and she was interested in finding ways to work on those issues on a broader scale.
With a background in communication, Carrie Titolo ’24 MPA was not new to the workforce – she’d already spent 15 years working in the nonprofit sector. But where she lacked experience after completing her Master of Public Administration at UConn was in government.
“As someone with no prior experience in state government, it sounded like the perfect opportunity to learn the landscape without the immediate pressure of committing to a permanent role,” she says.
That perfect opportunity for Titolo – and for each of these very different UConn alumni – is the Governor’s Fellowship Program, a unique public-private partnership that’s helping to cultivate cohorts of public service-minded professionals into the next generation of policymaking leaders in Connecticut.
Bright Minds
Launched in 2020, the Governor’s Fellowship Program – a joint effort supported by the Office of the Governor; the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, or DAS; the Yale University Tobin Center for Economic Policy; and Social Impact Partners for Connecticut – recruits early-to-mid-career candidates twice per year for fellowship placements within state government agencies, with the goal of providing emerging leaders with an opportunity to be involved and make a positive impact on the state by offering innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
“Fellows are selected and placed at state agencies based on skills and experience,” says Melissa Conway ’16 (CLAS), the chief administrative officer at DAS who coordinates the program. “The process is competitive, and as awareness of the program increases, so does the number of applicants. In recent recruitment cycles, we have received anywhere from 40 to 85 applications.”
After a scoring, evaluation, and interview process that considers professional experience, analytical skills, subject-matter expertise, and communication skills, among other factors, qualified fellows are matched with agency requests that best suit both the candidate’s skills and the agency’s priorities.
Eniola Fasola ’20 MA ’24 Ph.D. (Contributed Photo)
“The state chooses the projects and sets the policy priorities,” says David Wilkinson, the executive director of the Tobin Center at Yale who helped to establish the fellowship program, “and we help bring bright minds from universities in the state to help deliver on agency objectives.”
Fellowships are for one year, and are available to all applicants, not just those from UConn.
But UConn has been well-represented in the program’s cohorts, and recent fellows from UConn have been placed in agencies spanning the scope of state government, including the Departments of Transportation, Economic and Community Development, Aging and Disability Services, and Social Services.
And the work that they’re doing has both depth and reach. Previous governor’s fellows have written major legislation to remove lead from homes in Connecticut’s most vulnerable communities.
They developed plans for allocating billions in federal pandemic relief dollars.
They founded and chaired the Governor’s Afghan Evacuee Taskforce, an interagency-public-private-nonprofit working group focused on coordinated approaches to providing safe haven and resources for resettled evacuees in Connecticut.
And they created and managed the Connecticut Communities Challenge, a competitive grant program to spur investment in high-quality, transit-oriented development.
In addition to their individual projects, fellows in the program are given in-person and virtual group check-ins throughout the year as well as trainings, a speaker series, networking opportunities, and Fellows Days at the State Capitol in Hartford, where they have the opportunity to visit the Governor’s Office, tour the capitol, and meet the governor’s chief of staff.
“Fellows have a unique opportunity to work directly with and learn from leaders in government,” says Conway. “While the work can be challenging at times, it is always meaningful, and the connections that fellows make through the program are lifelong.”
Invited to the Table
For Rodriguez, who is serving her fellowship in the Department of Aging and Disability Services, a lot of her time right now is spent using data from various programs and bureaus within the agency to produce results-based accountability “report cards.”
“I’m answering three very basic questions: How much did we do, how well did we do it, and is anyone better off?” she says. “For example, how much did we do? You can answer that in terms of how much money was spent on a program, how many people were served, how many classes people attended of a specific program – how much work we did, how many service hours or how many caseload hours we provided.”
But in the midst of the 2025 legislative session, Rodriguez has also been called upon to supply data that can help inform proposed bills before the General Assembly that can affect the agency’s constituents and staff.
Katarina Rodriguez ’16 (CLAS) ’21 MPA (Contributed Photo
“I love being invited to the table when there’s something pressing happening at the state level,” says Rodriguez, who was among the fellows able to attend the governor’s State of the State address this year.
“We were up on the balcony, and we got to look down and see all the representatives,” she says. “And we were in a room where a lot of changes will be happening during a very crucial time in American politics.”
The legislative session has also played an important part in Mallick’s fellowship experience thus far. Working out of the Office of the Governor, and reporting to the governor’s senior advisor, she’s gotten a crash course in legislative processes while also working on strategic initiatives surrounding youth family policy.
“Being able to really implement the policies that we’re developing, and to actually be a part of their development, is really, really cool,” Mallick says. “But because I’m in the Capitol building every single day, I’ve been able to join the legislative team a little bit as well – really being able to understand the process better and being a part of bill tracking and coverage and all of that.”
Mallick continues, “I’ve never worked in a place like this. There’s always something happening. Just being able to be in that space and seeing everything that’s going on is a huge learning opportunity every day.”
For their fellowships, Fasola and Fitzgerald – both placed in the Department of Economic and Community Development – are working with the Institute of Data and Economic Analysis, or IDEA, on projects involving concentrated poverty in Connecticut, strengthening the bioscience industry, developing a recession response playbook, mitigating the economic impact of federal tariffs, streamlining efforts to clean up contaminated industrial properties, studying the state’s remote working needs, and exploring opportunities to address Connecticut’s need for housing.
“IDEA is a cross-agency effort focused on developing data-driven policy solutions, exploring opportunities to enhance the agency’s initiatives,” explains Fitzgerald. “It’s a little bit of comparing what other states are rolling out and seeing if we can implement that in Connecticut, testing how effective our initiatives are, and gathering data on the results from current initiatives and looking at opportunities to improve them.”
They’ve taken part in the agency’s work around this year’s legislative session as well.
“One of my goals before joining the program was to better understand how to analyze and interpret legislative proposals,” Fasola says. “This fellowship has helped me make substantial progress in that area. I have had the chance to review and assess the economic implications of legislative bills, which has deepened my understanding of the policymaking process.”
Within the Department of Social Services, Reid has served as a project manager and worked in the Opportunity Center initiative, which is aimed at streamlining access to services across multiple agencies.
“The experience was exciting and kept me on my toes,” Reid says. “I loved the opportunity to collaborate on a multi-agency initiative, which was both engaging and meaningful. I’ve always been passionate about integrating business practices with human services. This experience reaffirmed that path for me and opened my eyes to the wide range of roles and opportunities available in government.”
At the Department of Transportation, or DOT, Titolo reported to the agency’s deputy chief of staff, and she worked on a variety of workforce development programs, partnerships, and initiatives – especially those aimed addressing the agency’s need for engineers and highway and construction professionals.
Carrie Titolo ’24 MPA (Contributed Photo)
“Eric [Scoville, the deputy chief of staff] always made room for me to have a seat at the table and allowed me to take ownership of projects and run with my ideas,” Titolo says. “I loved working with people all across the agency in different roles, and building relationships with our education, nonprofit, and sister agency partners. I was able to apply my skills and talents in a new context, which was both interesting and challenging.”
Since completing her fellowship earlier this year, Titolo has been hired full-time by the DOT. She’s currently serving as a special advisor to the commissioner for strategic partnerships and projects.
And it’s that kind of success that’s part of the fellowship’s overall purpose, according to Wilkinson from the Tobin Center.
“To see some of UConn’s brightest graduates working in state government, serving the people of Connecticut, is a major win for the Governor’s Fellowship,” he says, “and just what we hoped to achieve when we established the program.”
Well-Positioned
The inclusion of so many UConn alumni in the fellowship program, particularly alumni from the UConn School of Public Policy, wasn’t something planned, according to Ryan Baldassario ’16 MA ’22 Cert., the school’s director of engagement.
“It naturally sort of occurred,” Baldassario says. “But I think that’s a testament to our alumni who are active in the public sector. They pursue career opportunities, whether we put it in front of them or not.”
Public Policy alum Fitzgerald learned about the fellowship program shortly after it launched.
Fasola, who studied in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, found it through the Tobin Center on LinkedIn.
School of Business student Reid learned about the program from a community partner and close friend.
“It felt like a sign, an opportunity to contribute from the top down,” she says.
But for Titolo, Mallick, and Rodriguez, the School of Public Policy actually did put the opportunity in front of them – they all decided to apply after the school shared information about the fellowship through its alumni listerv.
“We do have different tools to get career opportunities out to our alumni and to some of our current students,” Baldassario says. “We have an active listserv where we send out opportunities on a weekly basis, if not more frequently. We do encourage students and alumni to come to events – we have networking workshops other alumni events and we have an alumni council where these type of opportunities are shared out as well. We also have a private LinkedIn group that is dedicated to our alumni.”
UConn’s MPA program, Baldassario explains, is also the only Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, or NASPAA, accredited Master of Public Administration program in the state, something that helps to position UConn’s students well once they graduate. UConn is also pursuing formal accreditation for its MPP program this year.
“There’s other really quality programs at other institutions, but we do take that extra step to go to accreditation to make sure that we’re upholding those standards,” he says.
“Our students get really good training in their classes,” says Angela Eikenberry, a professor and director at the School of Public Policy, “ and the classes they take, and what we offer – and why we offer it – is driven by a process that we have where we continually try to stay on top of what our students need to be successful.”
That includes identifying needs within state government in Connecticut, and adjusting programs and training for students to help the state meet those needs, notes Eikenberry.
Opportunities like the Governor’s Fellowship Program, notes Baldassario, benefit both the state and UConn graduates.
“These opportunities are essentially allowing students to get more specific full-time experience in the public sector, and then it enables them to have a better idea of where they want to go after that,” Baldassario says. “Do they want to stay in that type of service? Do they want to stay in that type of public-sector work, or do they want to go somewhere different? Do they want to leave state service and go into the nonprofit space? And what skills transfer between those opportunities?”
Passionate and Driven
One of the Governor’s Fellowship Program’s greatest successes, according to Conway from DAS, has been the cultivation of leaders who are passionate about public service.
“After completing their fellowship, many fellows have supported the public sector, either in positions in state government, nonprofits, or organizations that work closely with government,” she says. “In addition, the program has fostered strong networks among the fellows and state professionals by creating a collaborative environment that supports ongoing learning and professional development.”
The six UConn fellows are now a part of that network, and when asked if they’d recommend the Governor’s Fellowship Program to another UConn alum, all six were emphatic with their endorsement.
“I would definitely recommend this program, and would advise anyone interested to pursue it,” says Titolo. “It is not always easy to enter state service without prior experience, and this program provides a truly valuable on ramp – pardon the transportation pun – for qualified candidates looking to make a positive impact on local communities and learn more about how state government works.”
For some, the opportunity to take charge of a project with the support of experienced and encouraging mentorship has proven to be one of the most invaluable parts of their experience.
“You really get to take the initiative and say, ‘This is a project that I’m going to take charge of and lead in my time here,’ and then have the mentorship of people who have been in that field for a long time, and who have had a lot of success in that field,” says Mallick.
“I’ve really appreciated the mentorship I’ve received from colleagues within DECD, like my chief of staff,” says Fitzgerald. “I really appreciate his guidance and introduction to state government, and his willingness to assign projects that are really tailored toward my interests.”
Tazmaya Reid ’17 (CLAS) ’25 MBA (Contributed photo)
But the fellows have also seen growth and changes in themselves through their fellowship experience.
“This experience has definitely increased my confidence, and I’m able to now see the impact of the work that I’m doing directly on Connecticut citizens,” says Rodriguez.
And they’ve found camaraderie amongst themselves as a cohort of like-minded professionals looking to play a role in the policies that impact Connecticut.
“One of the most valuable components of the program for me has been the Fellows Day,” says Fasola. “This event has been a great platform to connect with other fellows, gain insights into their projects, learn from fellowship alumni and engage with program coordinators. The event offers a sense of community, provides mentorship and has shown me how the coordinators are invested in the work we do across various executive agencies and in our professional development.”
“We’ve formed a really close cohort, and I think that being able to learn alongside them has been really valuable,” says Fitzgerald.
“We’re surrounded by other people in the cohort who also are very passionate and driven – who really have this drive for public service, you can tell that they’re all really good people who want to give back,” says Mallick. “Having these people to bounce ideas off of, and this built-in support system – which I don’t think always comes with a job or employment – I think is one of the benefits.”
“One of the most valuable parts was being part of a cohort of fellows, learning from one another, exploring different facets of government, and building lasting connections,” says Reid, who also noted that the format of the fellowship program, and the dedication of the support team, made all the difference.
“Their commitment to our growth and success truly stood out and made the experience even more impactful,” Reid says. “I am forever grateful and honored to have the opportunity to be a fellow.”
The next Governor’s Fellowship Program cohort will launch in late summer 2025; recruitment will reopen in fall 2025 for fellowships starting in January 2026.
More information about theGovernor’s Fellowship Program– including details on qualifications and application materials – is available online from the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services atportal.ct.gov/das.
UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) welcomed fellow researchers and poultry industry representatives from across the US and the world to the Storrs campus to continue their interdependent work on the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) awarded Kumar Venkitanarayanan, CAHNR senior associate dean of research and graduate education and professor of animal science,a $10 million grant in 2020 to lead the initiative.
The group of attendees came from around the world to join the meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
“This group has made considerable progress on each component of our project – bird health, human health, and the environmental impact of the poultry industry,” says Venkitanarayanan. “This has been a collective effort, and being able to meet to continue discussing and sharing ideas keeps our work moving forward.”
At the two-day meeting, held at the Innovation Partnership Building, the multi-institutional group and its project teams discussed theiron-going effortsto enhance broiler sustainability without antibiotics and ensure safe approaches to improve chicken, human, and environmental health. The meeting comes as the grant enters its final year and the group begins assessing the scope and breadth of the innovations and impacts made over the last five years.
Indu Upadhyaya, associate extension food safety education speaks at a meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)Lively discussion at a meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
The group has made a number of technological advancements to lower heat stress, improve bird welfare, generate energy from poultry litter, and reduce disease, including aUConn-patented probiotic spray methodthat improves the hatchability and the health of chicks.
Additionally, the project has also developed classes and outreach programs to train producers and the next generation of poultry farmers, includinga class right here at UConn.
Their efforts to ensure the long-term viability, safety, and public trust in antibiotic-restricted poultry farming took a global perspective at the meeting. International speakers discussed poultry production practices around the world, including Mexico, Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa.
The meeting also featured an industry panel Q&A and a poster session.
“We approach our work from a One Health perspective, acknowledging the connection between the health of people, animals, and our environment,” says Venkitanarayanan. “This work is critically important for our society and CAHNR is a unique leader in this type of interdisciplinary research.”
Other institutions involved in this project are Appalachian State University, University of Arkansas, University of Georgia, Auburn University, Kansas State University, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina State University, Pennsylvania State University, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi.
This research is supported by USDA NIFA award number 2020-69012-31823.
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.
The Wolverhampton Kidical Mass 2025 event is on Saturday 14 June and the ride sets off from East Park, where there will also be bike skills, learner riding sessions, family entertainment and refreshments throughout the day.
Riders will pedal to Molineux Stadium and back to the park in Hickman Avenue along public roads and cycle lanes developed by City of Wolverhampton Council.
Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker is expected be in attendance to set the cyclists off shorty after midday, following short speeches.
He will be joined by Wolverhampton cycling legend and the city’s cycling ambassador Hugh Porter MBE. Hugh is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former world champion.
There will be plenty going on in the park throughout the day from 11am to 3pm including music, food and drink stalls and cycle themed activities.
The event has been organised by No Limits to Health CIC working with City of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and Transport for West Midlands and is supported by charity Cycling UK, British Cycling and Sustrans among others. It follows the successful inaugural Wolverhampton Kidical Mass event held last year.
Participants should bring their own roadworthy bikes to take part in the ride with everyone advised to wear a helmet.
Bike marshals will accompany riders along the 4.5 mile route, but younger children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children remaining in the park must also be accompanied by an adult.
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for Transport at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate safe, family friendly cycling and for children to practise riding on public roads and cycle lanes, taking advantage of visibility and safety in numbers.
“Those taking part will follow a route that will take in designated cycle routes developed by City of Wolverhampton Council as part of our commitment to encouraging active travel and healthy lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
“I hope as many people as possible get involved and that the sun comes out on the day.”
Hugh Porter MBE said: “As a former world champion and cycling ambassador for the city it is music to my ears to see people riding bikes.
“I wish the Kidical Mass family bike ride every success on the day, and I hope it attracts lots of youngsters to pedal around the route.”
Sam Henry, founder of No Limits to Health, said: “The city is being made safe for cycling with the help of the council. Kidical Mass is a great way to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this and embark on a journey to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing.”
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
David Goldgor
A graduate of the Leningrad Institute of Municipal Construction Engineers (LIICS), a teacher at the Leningrad Civil Engineering Institute (both now SPbGASU), Soviet architect, graphic artist David Semenovich Goldgor (1912–1982) wrote his name into the history of the city on the Neva for centuries: many of the objects he took part in designing decorate Petersburg to this day. But the Nevsky Cranes Memorial, dedicated to the memory of those who died during the Great Patriotic War, other monuments to heroes, and the Victory Arch for him, a front-line soldier, took a special place in his professional biography, since the architect personally experienced all the hardships of the harsh military years.
In 1934, David Goldgor graduated from LIIKS. The young architect began his career in Studio No. 5 of the Lenproekt Institute. He worked under the supervision of Evgeny Levinson and Igor Fomin, already well-known architects at that time. The first taught at our university, and a few years later became a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Architecture, a doctor of architecture, and a professor. The second would soon head the architectural design department at LIIKS, and in 1951 he would take the position of deputy chief architect of Leningrad. They would assemble a strong team of young Leningrad architects, among whom David Goldgor would become one of the most talented. He would immediately be involved in working on building projects for the Institute of Experimental Medicine. In those years, the architect would also prove himself as a graphic artist.
When the war began, David Goldgor volunteered for the people’s militia and was sent to the first rifle regiment of the 2nd division as a sapper. He took part in combat operations in the Gatchina region. After the blockade was lifted, he worked on the restoration of Leningrad, and in peacetime he returned to his native workshop. Already in 1945, together with the architect Igor Fomin, he drew up a project for a temporary triumphal arch in Leningrad on Obukhovskoy Oborony Avenue near Spartak Garden, intended to welcome the victors.
In 1953, he became the head of the workshop together with Evgeny Levinson, after whose death in 1968 he took full responsibility for the work of the workshop.
David Goldgor always remained true to his work and created projects for residential buildings, public buildings, and memorials. Under his leadership, the area around Smolny was formed, and Kupchino was developed. In collaboration with other architects, he designed the Moscow Hotel and the automatic telephone exchange, which formed the space of Alexander Nevsky Square. Among the widely known objects is the ground pavilion of the Narvskaya metro station, opened in 1955.
In the 1960s and 1970s, David Goldgaard combined his active professional work with teaching at the Department of Architectural Planning at LISI.
Awarded the Medal “For the Defense of Leningrad”.
Other materials of the project “Scientific Regiment”
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 03, 2025 FDA Publish Date: June 03, 2025 Product Type: Food & BeveragesAllergens Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description Undeclared Milk
Company Name: Camerican International Brand Name:
Brand Name(s) Aldi brand Casa Mamita
Product Description:
Product Description Churro Bites
Company Announcement Camerican International of Paramus, NJ is recalling 7.05 oz boxes of Aldi Brand Casa Mamita Churro Bites Filled with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The recalled Casa Mamita Churro Bites Filled with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream were distributed in select Aldi retail stores in the states of AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, SC, and TN. The product is packaged in a 7.05 oz cardboard box marked with a BEST IF USED BY DATE of JUL/14/2025 and Lot Number 01425 No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The recall was initiated after a consumer discovered that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes that has subsequently been corrected. Consumers who have purchased the 7.05 oz boxes of Casa Mamita Churro Bites Filled with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-201-587-0101 Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST or email fsqaincidents@camerican.com.
The Manchester Culture Awards are back for 2025 with nominations opening this week for the prestigious awards that recognise the city’s cultural and creative highlights over the last year, as well as some of the city’s top talent working in the arts.
The awards were launched in 2018 by the city council to acknowledge Manchester’s rapidly growing reputation for culture and the arts, with the annual awards recognising the very best of culture, creativity, and the arts in the city from the grassroots up.
More than 350 nominations were received last year recognising individuals, events, and organisations big and small that together help make Manchester the vibrant and exciting place for culture and the arts it is.
Nominations for this year’s awards open this week on Wednesday 4 June, with nominations accepted across eleven different categories including Young Creative of the Year, Best Event, and Best Performance, alongside other awards that shine a spotlight on some of the important themes of our times such as climate change, equality and social justice, and health and wellbeing.
This year will also once again see a special award made in partnership with the Manchester Evening News. The Cultural Welcome Award will be presented to an organisation or venue that provides a great welcome to everyone – whether as audience members, visitors, or participants.
Nominees for each of the awards must either be based in the city of Manchester or have a strong track record of delivering activity for the benefit of people who live in or visit the city, or that benefits the local economy. Nominations are welcome from the professional, amateur and community sector, as well as members of the public.
All nominations must reflect activity that has taken place between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, apart from the Cultural Welcome Award, which recognises achievement over a number of years.
To be recognised for a Manchester Culture Award, nominees must be involved in one or more of the following: visual art, music, theatre, performance, dance, film and broadcast media, literature, digital art, photography, craft, or heritage arts.
The award categories are:
Bright Spark: Young Creative of the Year
A young person (aged 13–25) who is inspiring future generations of Mancunians and others through their creativity or is supporting others to be creative.
Excellence in Creative Health and Wellbeing
Fantastic creative activity that helped people feel better in their body and/or mind.
Champions of Equality and Social Justice
Making change and creating opportunities for equality and diversity to thrive.
Our Planet: Action on Climate Change
Taking action to positively benefit the environment and support climate change, or raising awareness and encouraging others to act.
Igniting Creativity: Culture, Education and Talent Development
Doing great work supporting others to develop their learning, creativity, skills and talents.
Making it Happen: Best Business Partnership
A partnership that supports culture and helps it flourish in Manchester.
The Best Event
A brilliant creative or cultural event that deserves recognition.
The Best Performance
A standout performance, in any art form, that was amazing and captivated the audience.
The Best Exhibition
An arts or heritage exhibition that inspired and left a lasting impact on visitors.
Independent Creative Award
A person working independently in the creative sector who is inspiring and innovating through their artform and projects
The Cultural Welcome Award – in association with the Manchester Evening News
An organisation or venue that provides a great welcome to everyone; whether as audience members, visitors, or participants
A number of Special Recognition Awards for significant contributions to culture over a number of years will also be made on the night. Previous recipients of Special Recognition Awards include poet Lemn Sissay, former Halle Music Director Sir Mark Elder, former Director of HOME Dave Moutrey OBE, poet performance artist dramatist and writer SuAndi OBE, and DJ Paulette.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council, said: “Culture and creativity is a massive part of what makes Manchester the vibrant and exciting place that it is and makes a major contribution to the city’s economy – which is one of the fastest growing in Europe.
“The incredible number of nominations we’ve had every year since the awards first began shows what an appetite for culture and the arts there is in the city. And with such a richly diverse talent pool of artists and creatives living and working here it’s no surprise that we’re a city that embraces culture and the arts.
“The creative scene in Manchester is amazing and we can’t wait to see what this year’s nominations bring.”
Nominations open on Wednesday 4 June and close at midnight on Friday 4 July.
Judging will take place over the summer ahead of this year’s awards ceremony which will be held at the Hilton Hotel Deansgate on Saturday 22 November.
Violence, insecurity and hunger are devastating people’s lives in South Darfur, Sudan, according to a new report released today by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
The report, Voices from South Darfur, illustrates in vivid testimony how the impact of pervasive violence, a healthcare system in ruins and an inadequate international response have all combined to push people’s coping strategies to their limits.
“The voices and stories of people reflect the suffering, abuse and cruelty felt throughout communities in South Darfur, but also people’s endurance and compassion,” says Ozan Agbas, MSF emergency manager for Sudan.
“With civilian protection collapsed and humanitarian aid still inadequate, people in South Darfur demand to be listened to, demand attention, and demand action,” says Agbas.
South Darfur experienced intense urban warfare in 2023, which destroyed hospitals and critical infrastructure. The humanitarian presence, substantial before the outbreak of civil war in April that year, disintegrated as fighting took hold. Although ground fighting in South Darfur has ceased for now, insecurity remains, as people are subject to appalling violence on roads and farmland, and in markets and their own homes. Reports of arbitrary detention, theft and looting are also commonplace. Air strikes and drone strikes continue to hit South Darfur and other parts of the country.
Sexual violence is widespread with MSF providing care to 659 survivors from January 2024 to March 2025. Fifty-six per cent of survivors were assaulted by non-civilians.
One woman from South Darfur living in a displacement camp told MSF, “When the women try to go outside the camp to farm… they will beat me, they will torture me… There is no way to go out… My aunt’s daughter, she was raped by six men just six days ago… I feel insecure, because if I go out, I will be raped.”
659
659
survivors of sexual violence
10,000
10,
children younger than five years old with acute malnutrition
People describe the fear and anxiety of their children, and their own feelings of helplessness, indignity and of being trapped.
“Our farms are completely destroyed – we have nothing. My husband was killed four months ago. We have nothing now,” an internally displaced woman told MSF in Beleil locality. “For three days, I haven’t eaten anything… I don’t know what will happen to me on the way home. I am afraid, because those people who killed my husband, maybe they will do the same to me.”
The violence has shattered the healthcare system, and adequate care is simply not available for people due to a range of compounding issues: facilities have been destroyed, damaged or abandoned; healthcare workers have fled or are no longer receiving salaries; supplies are absent or interrupted; and people struggle to afford transport to reach what remains of the healthcare system.
Insecurity is intertwined with hunger, as the threat of violence has cut off access to farmland and incomes. Between January 2024 and March 2025 MSF supported programmes in South Darfur that treated over 10,000 children younger than five years old with acute malnutrition and provided nutrition treatment to thousands of malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls.
The malnutrition crisis is expected to deteriorate even further with the imminent arrival of the rainy and lean seasons. Amid soaring costs of food, families are forced to subsist on one meal a day – sometimes not even that.
“I just depend on what I can find, day to day,” says a woman in Al-Salam displacement camp. “If I get something, we will eat. If I don’t get something, we won’t. This is my life.”
Since the war started, the response from international organisations and UN agencies has been sparse, inconsistent and slow to arrive in South Darfur, as a woman in Nyala explained in November 2024: “We heard that international organisations help people, but they never bring anything for us.”
There have been some recent signs of improvement, with UN agencies increasingly finding ways to bring humanitarian supplies to South Darfur. NGOs are gradually scaling up their presence and activities. However, due to severe access constraints, UN agencies are still not on the ground in South Darfur to lead and coordinate the response, more than two years into the conflict, and NGOs are moving slowly and with caution.
Communities are working in solidarity to overcome the effects of violence. Neighbours support one another, sharing their food. Groups of young people clear away rubble and unexploded ordnance, and purchase medicines for displaced people living in their neighbourhood. Teachers work for free in looted buildings. MSF has supported local initiatives to help run community kitchens, provide meals for school children and support health posts run by volunteers. Health facilities and water systems have been rehabilitated, and MSF ran a programme that provided food to 6,000 families in multiple locations across the state.
In the maternity ward at the Nyala Teaching hospital, South Darfur, Sudan, September 2024.Abdoalsalam Abdallah/MSF
These programmes demonstrate it is possible to support local initiatives and improve services when determination, creativity and a willingness to take risks combine.
“Local organisations in Darfur have the knowledge and expertise to provide essential services. Giving these frontline responders supplies, funding and decision-making power will make a substantial contribution to saving lives,” says Agbas.
The testimonies and medical data in Voices from South Darfur were generated through our activities between January 2024 and March 2025.
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What you need to know:Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rescinded previous guidance reaffirming protections for emergency abortion care when medically necessary, creating serious risk for women in states with near and total bans on abortion care.
Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today decried the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) decision to rescind previous guidance reaffirming protections under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) for emergency abortion care when medically necessary. Today’s rescission, effective May 29, 2025, confirms that CMS will not enforce EMTALA when hospitals do not provide emergency abortion care necessary to stabilize a patient’s health.
“Today’s decision will endanger lives and lead to emergency room deaths – full stop. Doctors must be empowered to save the lives of their patients, not hem and haw over political red lines when the clock is ticking. In California, we will always protect the right of physicians to do what’s best for their patients and for women to make the reproductive decisions that are best for their families.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
What this means for patients
While today’s ruling does not impact women in California, where doctors are always legally empowered to put the safety of their patients first, it will likely have an increasingly chilling effect on hospitals and physicians, particularly in states with total abortion bans that do not make exceptions for the health of the pregnant person (Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Dakota). Hospitals and physicians in these states are legally prohibited from providing abortion as a stabilizing treatment for women experiencing emergency medical conditions, unless that condition becomes life-threatening.
How we got here
Following the Supreme Court’s decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, President Joe Biden’s administration issued guidance stating that: “A physician’s professional and legal duty to provide stabilizing medical treatment to a patient… preempts any directly conflicting state law or mandate that might otherwise prohibit or prevent such treatment.” The guidance clarified that hospitals and physicians have an obligation to provide stabilizing care, including abortion, if that is necessary to stabilize a patient experiencing an emergency medical condition.
The Biden administration sued the state of Idaho in August 2022 arguing that their near-total abortion ban was in violation of EMTALA. In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling meant that hospitals in Idaho could perform emergency services, including abortions, to save the life of a pregnant woman. At the time, the Court declined to make clear that federal law protects pregnant women in emergency settings. The Trump administration dismissed that lawsuit in March.
California leadership on reproductive health care
California has also already taken multiple actions to protect patients in states with extreme abortion bans, and in California. In the years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Governor Newsom, in partnership with the California Legislature, has built California into a national leader for reproductive freedom and expanded the fight nationwide through the 23-Governor Reproductive Freedom Alliance.
People seeking abortion care or information about reproductive health care in California, should visitAbortion.CA.Gov.
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TORONTO, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ThreeD Capital Inc. (“ThreeD” or the “Company”) (CSE:IDK) (OTCQX:IDKFF), a Canadian-based venture capital firm focused on opportunistic investments in companies in the junior resources and disruptive technologies sectors, congratulates AI/ML Innovations Inc. (CSE: AIML) (“AIML”), on signing a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) between its wholly owned subsidiary, Neural Cloud Health Inc. (“Neural Cloud”), and Circular Health Limited, to integrate and license Neural Cloud’s ECG signal-processing platform, MaxYield™.
Under the terms of the LOI, Circular Health Limited will deploy MaxYield through a cloud-based API during the integration phase leading up to launch. The parties intend to finalize a definitive Software License Agreement and target a commercial launch by September 2025.
ThreeD has invested in AIML and currently holds 20,899,200 common shares and 27,000,000 common share purchase warrants of AIML.
“We are very pleased with the continued momentum demonstrated by AIML,” said Sheldon Inwentash, Chairman and CEO of ThreeD. “This strategic agreement marks a significant milestone and underscores the commercial viability of AIML’s technology. As an early investor, ThreeD believes AIML’s innovative use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has the potential to drive transformative change across the digital health sector.”
ThreeD is a publicly-traded Canadian-based venture capital firm focused on opportunistic investments in companies in the junior resources and disruptive technologies sectors. ThreeD’s investment strategy is to invest in multiple private and public companies across a variety of sectors globally. ThreeD seeks to invest in early stage, promising companies where it may be the lead investor and can additionally provide investees with advisory services and access to the Company’s ecosystem.
For further information:
Jakson Inwentash Vice President Investments info@threedcap.com Phone: 416-941-8900 ext 107
The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of Canadian securities laws including, without limitation, statements with respect to future investments by the Company. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believe”, “believes”, “estimate”, “estimates”, “estimated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”, “assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”, “upgraded”, “offset”, “limited”, “contained”, “reflecting”, “containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, “periodically”, or statements that events, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.
Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are inherently uncertain, are based on estimates and assumptions, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties (both general and specific) that contribute to the possibility that the future events or circumstances contemplated by the forward-looking statements will not occur. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance they will prove accurate. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
An estimated 3.45 million people have contacted Healthline since it launched 25 years ago
Whether it is for a 2am check on their baby’s continuous crying, a rash on an arm, or information about where to get more help, the people of Aotearoa know they can rely on the free, 24/7, trusted support from Healthline clinicians. They have relied on that for 25 years – a milestone that is being acknowledged this month.
There are thousands of people across Aotearoa who have a Healthline magnet on their fridge, who have the 0800 611 116 number in their phone, and who rely on unseen Healthline nurses and paramedics. Healthline plays a critical role in improving access to care.
Hannah Sleeman, lives in a remote area of the Waikato and has used Healthline several times including when her sore ear symptom was quickly identified by a Healthcare clinician as shingles, and she was advised to see a doctor. She was given the costs and locations of local clinics and was able to get the care she needed quickly.
The Healthline service has grown from an initial 16 nurses managing 20,000 calls in its first year, to over 150 nurses and paramedics managing 400,000 contacts annually – that’s 1,000 every day.
What started as a phone service in May 2000 has expanded to include online services, with callers able to share videos and photos to help Healthline clinicians provide the most accurate advice. In addition to calling the trusted 0800 611116 number, people now access Healthline’shealthy.org.nzwebsite for reliable health information, and can request a call back from a clinician, if their query isn’t urgent. The service also now includes the option for people to speak with a Māori clinician.
Healthline is funded by Health New Zealand and since 2015 has been run by Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth Services.
Whakarongorau CEO Glynis Sandland said “Healthline is a virtual first responder for health queries, across multiple digital channels. It also plays a critical role in health sector – with 84% of Healthline callers managed through self-care at home or directed to community care, significantly reducing strain on our hospital emergency departments. We know that Healthline is considered by many as a taonga / treasure for the people of New Zealand.”
Elle Edwards is a mother who was unsure what to do when she accidentally took a double dose of medication late in the night. She called Healthline to ask if she could breastfeed her baby. “They were so helpful and patient and reassuring,” said Elle.
“Our clinicians are all experienced and specifically tele-triage trained experts and are seriously good at what they do. That’s why 98% of people who contact Healthline follow the advice they are given,” said Sandland.
“Over the last 25 years Healthline clinicians have seen it all and they have supported people through major events including the Canterbury earthquakes, measles outbreaks, and the COVID pandemic.
“Healthline has a proud and impactful past, and a very important future. That is definitely something to celebrate.”
Helen Parry was one of the first nurses on the Healthline team in 2000 and her family were surprised when she said she was going to be providing health triage over the phone. “I was really pleased to be part of such an innovative new way to care and a wonderful service,” said Parry.
The Healthline 25th anniversary was celebrated at an event at parliament 4 June 2025 hosted by Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey. At the event Whakarongorau – who run Healthline – announced a new booking initiative
From next month, when a Healthline nurse or paramedic recomm
Representing a third of the pay equity claims scrapped by the Coalition Government, NZNO is throwing its full support behind the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity.
Members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) had 12 pay equity claims being progressed across the health sector including aged care, primary health care, hospices, Plunket, community health and laboratories when the scheme was gutted on 6 May.
These claims covered almost 10,000 nurses, health care assistants, allied health workers and administration staff. A further 35,000 NZNO Te Whatu Ora members had their pay equity review halted by the changes, meaning their pay would again fall behind.
NZNO Primary Health Care Nurses College chair Tracey Morgan says it was devastating to the 5000 primary health care members that their claim was scuppered without warning or legitimate reason.
“It was antidemocratic and an attack on women for the Government not to have consulted the workers whose lives they were changing. Primary and community health care nurses, like their hospice, Plunket and aged care counterparts, accepted lower wage increases in their collective agreements on the understanding they were likely to receive pay equity settlements.
“Now they can have their say through the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity.
“The committee of 10 former women MPs from across the political spectrum are strong wahine who helped establishment the previous system to address the gender discrimination which has kept down their wages their whole working lives.”
Most New Zealanders – 68 percent – believe the Government should have consulted on the changes,a new pollreleased today found.
Tracey Morgan says NZNO urges all its members tosubmit their viewsto the Select Committee so they can be heard when it meets in August.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Michael Tien and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chungmau, in the Legislative Council today (June 4): Question: It has been reported that in the middle of last year, a malfunction of the airconditioning system in the operating theatres of the main block of St. Teresa’s Hospital (the Hospital) in Kowloon lasted approximately 45 minutes, affecting a total of 12 operations. Some doctors and patients subsequently complained with the Department of Health (DH), which concluded its investigation in March of this year. DH stated that the Hospital had not breached the requirements. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) as it has been reported that a doctor indicated that at the time of the incident, he felt that airflow in the operating theatre had stopped, that condensation water had caused the operating lamp to drip, and that the endoscope lens and connecting components were suspected to be dampened. The Hospital once denied that the situation aforesaid had occurred in its operating theatres, but after the media reported the aforesaid incident, the Hospital changed its version of the incident several times. During the investigation conducted at the Hospital by DH, whether DH inspected the operating theatres in question (e.g. by conducting environmental simulations or taking samples in the operating theatres) and found out why the Hospital had changed 04/06/2025, 12:11 LCQ17: Incident of malfunction of air-conditioning system in private hospital https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/04/P2025060400277p.htm 1/7 its statement several times; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (2) as DH has indicated that airconditioning interruption is not a reportable event of private hospitals and there was no breach of the requirements of the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633) (the Ordinance) and the Code of Practice for Private Hospitals (the CoP) was found by the investigation, whether DH will review the Ordinance and the CoP in due course, following the occurrence of the aforesaid incident, to safeguard the level of medical safety in private healthcare facilities and enhance transparency in incident handling; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (3) as it has been reported that the patient concerned has indicated that the Hospital has not yet explained the aforesaid incident to her, whether the authorities have put in place a mechanism to require private hospitals to follow up with patients concerned and find out more about their situation; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President, In consultation with the Department of Health (DH), the reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Michael Tien is as follows: (1) and (2) The DH currently regulates private hospitals in accordance with the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633) (Ordinance). The primary objective is to ensure that premises providing medical services can meet the stipulated facility and safety standards. In accordance with the Ordinance, the Government established the Advisory 04/06/2025, 12:11 LCQ17: Incident of malfunction of air-conditioning system in private hospital https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/04/P2025060400277p.htm 2/7 Committee for Regulatory Standards for Private Healthcare Facilities (Advisory Committee), which comprises representatives from the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine and its constituent colleges, the Hospital Authority, the academia, as well as associations of private hospitals, medical practitioners and dentists. The terms of reference of the Advisory Committee include devising, reviewing and updating the standards of regulation for private healthcare facilities (PHFs), as well as making recommendations on the codes of practice for PHFs issued by the Director of Health (DoH). The Code of Practice for Private Hospitals (CoP), which is issued by the DoH in accordance with the Ordinance and updated from time to time, sets out the licensing and operating standards for private hospitals, including related requirements for hospital facilities and equipment. The current CoP stipulates that fittings and equipment of hospitals must be maintained in good operational order, and requires hospitals to have contingency plans for emergencies (e.g. fire outbreak, cessation of water and electricity supply). It also stipulates that healthcare engineering systems (i.e. electrical installations, specialised ventilation systems and medical gas supplies) must be properly maintained to meet service needs and ensure patient safety. Reportable events for private hospitals are also set out therein. Regarding the incident in Member’s question, the DH was notified by a doctor on September 2, 2024, about an air-conditioning interruption which happened in the operating theatres on the second floor of St. Teresa’s Hospital in the evening of July 31, 2024. Although air-conditioning interruption is not a reportable event for private hospitals under the current CoP, the DH 04/06/2025, 12:11 LCQ17: Incident of malfunction of air-conditioning system in private hospital https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/04/P2025060400277p.htm 3/7 considered that the incident might involve potential patient safety concerns and therefore promptly initiated an investigation on the same day the notification was received (September 2, 2024). This included sending staff to conduct an inspection at the hospital concerned, checking relevant documents of the hospital, evaluating the effectiveness of its contingency measures, assessing the environmental condition of the operating theatres during the air-conditioning interruption and following up on the remedial actions. According to the investigation, the incident involved a malfunction of the airconditioning system used to regulate room temperature which lasted about one hour. During the time, a total of 10 surgeries were being performed in various operating theatres. The hospital explained to the DH that dehumidifiers were immediately deployed in the operating theatres where higher risk surgeries were being performed, including the one where the doctor was performing an operation. Upon the DH’s enquiry, hospital staff and the nurses on site stated that the severity of condensation in the operating theatres did not result in water dripping onto the surgical site of patients. The hospital did not change its statement to the DH during the course of investigation. As for media reports suggesting that “the hospital had changed its statement several times”, the DH will not offer any comment. The DH also examined the hospital’s records and noted that the ventilation system used for infection control in the operating theatres (including air filtration equipment, hourly air change rate and a positive pressure environment) was operating normally during the incident, and all surgeries had been completed according to the original schedule. After the incident, the hospital made a prompt follow-up by 04/06/2025, 12:11 LCQ17: Incident of malfunction of air-conditioning system in private hospital https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/04/P2025060400277p.htm 4/7 conducting air sampling of the operating theatres and surveillance on conditions of patients who underwent surgeries during the affected period for infection. No abnormality was detected. Based on the available relevant evidence gathered on the incident, the DH considered that the hospital had taken appropriate contingency measures in response to the emergencies, and there was insufficient evidence to show that the hospital had contravened the requirements of the Ordinance or the CoP. Nevertheless, the DH will continue to closely monitor the licensed hospital. If there is new and concrete evidence, the DH will take appropriate follow-up actions as necessary. At the same time, the DH will continue to regularly evaluate and update the regulatory standards for PHFs with the experts of the Advisory Committee, and review the CoP in accordance with the established mechanism so as to better protect public interests. (3) The Ordinance established a two-tier complaints management system for handling public complaints against PHFs. Regarding the first tier, the Ordinance states that the licensee of a PHF must put in place a complaints handling procedure for receiving, managing and responding to public complaints against the PHF in the capacity of a service provider. Under the Ordinance, the licensee must ensure the complaints handling procedure is made known in an appropriate way to the patients or persons acting on their behalf. Upon receiving a complaint, the licensee must ensure that (a) an investigation of the complaint is conducted and findings are made; (b) if the case requires, an improvement measure is implemented; and (c) the complainant is informed of the findings of the investigation and any improvement measure and, if the case requires, of any 04/06/2025, 12:11 LCQ17: Incident of malfunction of air-conditioning system in private hospital https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/04/P2025060400277p.htm 5/7 follow-up action taken/to be taken. As for the second tier of the system, the Government established the Committee on Complaints Against Private Healthcare Facilities (Complaints Committee) under the Ordinance in 2020, with the DH serving as the Secretariat. Apart from registered medical practitioners/dentists, its current members also include persons of varied backgrounds such as representatives from other healthcare professions, patients’ groups, the legal sector, the engineering sector and the consumer-interest body. Complainants who are not satisfied with the handling or reply of the PHF concerned may lodge a further complaint with the Complaints Committee. The Complaints Committee has put in place a statutory mechanism to receive and handle complaints against licensed PHFs from the public, and will consider whether the PHFs have complied with the Ordinance and the relevant codes of practice. Pursuant to the Ordinance, the Complaints Committee may make recommendations on the issue of complaint (e.g. whether any regulatory action against the PHF concerned should be taken) to the DoH or improvement measures to the PHF concerned. In addition, the Complaints Committee shall inform the complainant in writing of its decision and any action taken/to be taken in relation to the PHF according to the recommendations approved by the Complaints Committee. As for the complaint status of the patient concerned, it is observed that the allegation of the patient received no response despite having made four complaint calls to the DH as suggested by media reports does not actually align with the DH’s records. Existing records reveal that the Complaints Committee received a call on September 12, 2024, from a member of the public, who enquired about the procedure for 04/06/2025, 12:11 LCQ17: Incident of malfunction of air-conditioning system in private hospital https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/04/P2025060400277p.htm 6/7 lodging a complaint against a PHF and mentioned having encountered a malfunction of the air-conditioning system of St. Teresa’s Hospital in the course of surgery. The Secretariat of the Complaints Committee has already explained to the enquirer the function of the Complaints Committee immediately, as well as the statutory procedures for lodging a complaint to the Complaints Committee. In addition, at the request of the enquirer, the Secretariat sent information on the complaint procedures, the complaint form and the statutory declaration form to the email address provided by the enquirer on the following day (September 13, 2024), with the enquirer confirmed receipt of the materials by email on the same day. After that, the Complaints Committee did not receive any complaint from the enquirer in relation to the incident. The Complaints Committee will continue to handle every complaint in a professional and impartial manner, endeavouring to bring forth service improvement of PHFs and safeguard patient safety. Ends/Wednesday, June
