Category: Health

MIL-Evening Report: Why is hospital parking so expensive? Two economics researchers explain

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Farrell, Professor of Economics (Health Economist), RMIT University

ThirtyPlus/Shutterstock

Imagine having to pay A$39 dollars a day to park your car while visiting your sick child in hospital.

For families already struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, hospital parking fees are not just another expense. They can be a financial barrier to supporting loved ones in their most vulnerable moments.

Hospital parking is a big revenue earner. In New South Wales, public hospitals collected almost $51.7 million in parking fees in 2024. That was up from $30.2 million in 2023.

It may be tempting to view hospital parking fees as exploiting a captive market. But the reality is much more complex.

It involves urban economics, pressures on health-care funding and competing demands for limited space, often in busy city centres.

Let’s start with supply and demand

Basic economics tells us that price is the mechanism for balancing supply and demand. This is known as the equilibrium price. If demand is greater than supply, the price rises. So for urban hospitals, where parking spaces are limited, this scarcity creates market conditions that, not surprisingly, drive up prices.

But economics also tells us that if there’s still demand for parking despite the price, then under some circumstances suppliers can charge more than the equilibrium price. Put simply, this “inelastic demand” means it is possible to charge more to a captive audience.

You could certainly argue hospital patients and visitors are a captive audience. While many hospitals are well serviced by public transport, hospital patients and visitors are often too sick or time-poor to use it. So they have little choice than to pay for parking. For rural hospitals, there is limited or no public transport, so visitors have to drive.

So are hospitals taking advantage of the inelastic demand for parking? Are they price gouging – setting prices above what is considered reasonable or fair? Or are there reasons for setting such high prices?

Location, location, location

Car parks of hospitals in prime locations are not just attractive to hospital patients and visitors. They’re also attractive to other users, such as those working in the city or sightseeing. High parking fees deter these users, ensuring spaces are available for hospital users.

High prices prevent hospital users from overstaying. This prevents them doing non-hospital activities (such as shopping) after their hospital appointment or visits and before returning to their cars.

Hospitals also charge high prices to raise revenue for health care. In a statement to the ABC earlier this year, NSW Health said extra money raised from parking is reinvested into health services and facilities.

Hospitals are often in prime locations, such as Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney’s inner west.
Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock

But it makes sense to encourage visitors

However, raising parking fees to support hospital budgets could be a false economy. We know hospital visitors have an important role in patients’ recovery times. So if high parking costs deter visitors or carers, this could lead to longer hospital stays for their loved ones.

Cheaper parking might allow for more visiting, leading to shorter hospital stays and significant cost savings per patient.

I (Lisa) had firsthand experience of this when my elderly father with dementia was admitted to hospital recently. The hospital allowed 24/7 visitor access for carers (in this case, my mother) and free hospital parking. Access 24/7 is important for patients with dementia who are often disorientated in hospital. This disorientation is typically worse in the evening (known as sundowning).

Having carers present meant staff could focus on medical issues. It facilitated visits outside normal visiting hours (when dementia patients typically need the extra support) and when the demand for parking spaces is lower.

Visitors are great for patients’ wellbeing and help their recovery. So we want to encourage them.
DC Studio/Shutterstock

Who needs cheap parking?

High parking prices reflect the high demand for a fixed supply of parking spaces that are rationed to those most willing to pay (those with the income). But a better solution is to ration according to need (that is, to boost patient wellbeing).

The economics solution is to charge different users different prices. Most hospitals do this already by offering concessions. But concessions can differ by hospital or state. Not everyone knows concession-rate parking is available, and it can be hard for some people to find out if they qualify.

So if you are concerned about the cost of hospital parking, know the fees and available concessions before you park. You can find this on most hospitals’ websites.

Currently, concessions are generally based on income (including the possession of a concession card). But we need a greater shift towards providing concession rates based on need. For example those visiting long-stay patients clearly need concessions to support patient wellbeing.

A media campaign has called for a national cap on hospital parking costs for frequent users.

Most car parks have a daily limit but frequent users can soon accumulate large bills over weeks or months of hospital visits. For many patients, particularly those requiring frequent treatments such as dialysis, parking costs accumulate annually.

For people having frequent treatments, such as dialysis, parking costs can add up over the years.
ainata/Shutterstock

How could we make things cheaper and fairer?

We need to apply concession rates to hospital visitors on the basis of need, not just income. Need should be informed by patient wellbeing and the importance of visitors to the healing process.

We need a consistent set of rules across hospitals about concession-rate parking. This would simplify the process for hospital car park users.

We also need to look at longer-term solutions. When expanding hospitals or planning new ones, we can consider transitioning away from prime locations. This would help make parking less attractive to non-hospital users.

The challenge for health-care systems is balancing operational necessity of recovering costs with the ethics of equity and access that prevent necessary care.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why is hospital parking so expensive? Two economics researchers explain – https://theconversation.com/why-is-hospital-parking-so-expensive-two-economics-researchers-explain-255716

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at ultra-processed foods and early signs of Parkinson’s disease

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

May 7, 2025

A study published in Neurology looks at ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Katherine Fletcher, Research Lead at Parkinson’s UK, said:

“Research into diet in general is difficult as people often will inaccurately self-report what their diet comprises. This could be down to forgetting to fill in the diary at the time, to subjective interpretation of amounts of UPFs.

“The study group also lacked ethnic and socio-economic diversity, which is vital when looking to better understand factors that contribute to the causes of a health condition.

“In respect of strengths, it was a long-running study with a reasonably large sample size, building on a theory that already exists about the impact of diet. Nonetheless, a much wider body of research is required before drawing any conclusions i.e. looking globally at different diets.

“This paper builds on previous research, such as the work of Dr. Laurie Mischley¹ at Bastyr University, which has shown an association between processed foods and faster progression of Parkinson’s. Additionally, evidence suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet² – rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, and olive oil – could reduce someone’s risk of going on to develop Parkinson’s.

“Research into diet and nutrition is crucial, as there is growing evidence that, for some individuals, Parkinson’s may originate from changes in the gut. Ongoing studies are exploring alterations in the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s and investigating potential interventions to address these changes and as well as investigating diet and supplements to help manage symptoms.”

1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29081890/

Prof Eef Hogervorst, Professor of Psychology, Loughborough University, said:

“Firstly, the outcome term ‘early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease’ is a bit misleading as symptoms such as constipation, and body pain here found to be associated with consumption of Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) are quite common in ageing and are not necessarily indicative of Parkinson’s disease.

“Even the most likely predictor of Parkinson’s disease – probably REM sleep disorder – is seen in 65% of Parkinson patients but also in 10% of controls, with low (65%) sensitivity for Parkinson’s disease, even when people already have this disease (Kakazu, 2024: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2024.09.042). This symptom only shows relations with the highest intake of UPF.

“Other symptoms like reduced sense of smell, daytime sleepiness, impaired colour vision and depression by themselves seem not related to consumption of UPF.

“With regards to the UPF outcome, 30% of food consumption assessed by questionnaire was not agreed on and while experts apparently re-assessed these, it is not clear how they agreed on categorisation of foods, so whether they were UPF or not.

“It seemed strange that non-UPF food included beef, pork, lamb chicken or turkey sandwich (all processed meats); cream; pancakes or waffles; pie, home-baked or readymade; popcorn; potato or

corn chips; soy milk; and tomato sauce, as well as distilled alcohol and dairy coffee.

“Individual foods such as UPF breads or cereals and indeed microwaveable meals were by themselves not associated with the ‘early Parkinson disease symptoms’ while sauces, sweets, artificial sweetened drinks and desserts were as well as savoury snacks, animal and dairy products including yogurts. Such foods are associated with diabetes mellitus and vascular (heart) disease, respectively, which can impact on brain disease because of their sugar and trans fat contents, respectively.

“However, it is not the first study to show associations of UPF and brain disease. We early wrote a piece on studies investigating dementia risk and processed meat consumption

https://theconversation.com/processed-red-meat-isnt-just-bad-for-your-heart-its-also-associated-with-dementia-247619 A healthy varied whole food diet is associated with prevention of many diseases including dementia.

“Lastly, these two cohorts were mainly white health professionals so the results do not necessarily translate to everyone.

“So this study may be affected by UPF categorisation as a predictor, where also not all UPF foods showed an association; the limited study group associations were assessed in (only mainly white health professionals and nurses) and also by the outcome, as these symptoms are not necessarily predictive of Parkinson’s disease, nor were these symptoms individually all associated with UPF consumption.”

Dr Daniel J van Wamelen, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience and Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, said:

“The findings in this study are interesting and appear to be based on solid research with conclusions well supported by the data. However, it is important to highlight that the symptoms examined in this study are possible early signs of Parkinson’s disease, not definitive indicators that someone will go on to develop it. The study did not track whether participants were diagnosed with Parkinson’s later on.

“Many of the individual symptoms noted, such as sleep disturbances, constipation, and mood changes, are common in the general population. While the study found that people who ate more ultra-processed foods tended to report more of these non-motor symptoms, it did not find a direct increase in the risk of Parkinson’s disease itself. That said, having more of these symptoms suggests a higher risk over time. For example, a person experiencing a combination of REM sleep behaviour disorder, constipation, and depressive symptoms has a higher likelihood of developing Parkinson’s down the line, but the risk is not absolute. To better understand the long-term implications, we would need a longer follow-up to see how many participants go on to develop Parkinson’s and how this is associated with their diet.

“In short, this is an interesting piece of research addressing important questions. But the connection to Parkinson’s disease should be viewed with caution until more definitive evidence becomes available.”

‘Long-Term Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods and Prodromal Features of Parkinson Disease’ by Peilu Wang et al. was published in Neurology at 21:00 UK time on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000213562

Declared interests

Dr Katherine Fletcher: “The author declares that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence their comment reported in this article.”

Prof Eef Hogervorst: “A previous consultancy for Proctor on omega 3 and folic acid supplement review to protect against dementia (these did not in meta-analyses), and unpaid but a travel reimbursed media appearance (breakfast TV BBC) to discuss the Lancet 2024 risk factors for dementia and her own articles including the Conversation piece on nutrition and dementia risk https://theconversation.com/processed-red-meat-isnt-just-bad-for-your-heart-its-also-associated-with-dementia-247619. Eef also acted as unpaid but travel reimbursed consultant for NICE on menopausal HRT and dementia risk and has received travel reimbursement to speak at ESG and BMS conference on dementia prevention in 2024/2025.”

Dr Daniel J van Wamelen: “Supported by research funding from CHDI Inc, MRC, and BRC; received travel grants and speaker fees for educational purposes from Bial Pharma; served on advisory boards for Britannia Pharmaceuticals and Invisio Pharma; received in kind contributions (equipment) from Chrono Eyewear BV for research projects.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: SLR Investment Corp. Announces Quarter Ended March 31, 2025 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Net Investment Income of $0.41 Per Share for Q1 2025;

Declared Quarterly Distribution of $0.41 Per Share;

Stable NAV/Strong Credit Quality

NEW YORK, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SLR Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: SLRC) (the “Company”, “SLRC”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) today reported net investment income (“NII”) of $22.1 million, or $0.41 per share, for the first quarter of 2025. On May 7, 2025, the Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.41 per share payable on June 27, 2025, to holders of record as of June 13, 2025.

As of March 31, 2025, net asset value (“NAV”) was $18.16 per share, compared to $18.20 per share at December 31, 2024.

“We remain pleased with the composition, quality, and performance of our portfolio on an absolute and relative basis in the first quarter,” said Michael Gross, Co-CEO of SLR Investment Corp. “While the ultimate impact from tariffs remains highly uncertain, we are actively engaged with our portfolio companies and believe that our portfolio, which is heavily collateralized by working capital assets and focused on domestic services businesses, is well positioned for the current environment.”

“We are seeing a significant and growing pipeline of asset-based lending investment opportunities driven by both the market dislocation and the retreat of traditional bank lenders which allows us to remain selective while investing in structures that are designed to be more resilient in today’s uncertain environment,” said Bruce Spohler, Co-CEO of SLR Investment Corp. “With conservative portfolio net leverage near the low-end of our target range and available capital of over $800 million, SLRC is well positioned to take advantage of our attractive investment pipeline amidst continued market volatility.”

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2025:

At March 31, 2025:

Investment Portfolio fair value: $2.0 billion | Comprehensive Investment Portfolio⁽¹⁾ fair value: $3.1 billion
Non-accruals: 0.4% at fair value, 0.6% at cost of Investment Portfolio
Net assets: $990.5 million or $18.16 per share
Leverage: 1.04x net debt-to-equity

Operating Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025:

Net investment income: $22.1 million or $0.41 per share
Net realized and unrealized losses: $2.2 million or $0.04 per share
Net increase in net assets from operations: $19.9 million or $0.37 per share

Comprehensive Investment Portfolio Activity⁽²⁾for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025:

Investments made: $361.3 million
Investments prepaid and sold: $390.6 million

_{⁽¹⁾ The Comprehensive Investment Portfolio for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 is comprised of SLRC’s investment portfolio and SLR Credit Solutions’ (“SLR-CS”) portfolio, SLR Equipment Finance’s (“SLR-EF”) portfolio, Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC’s (“KBH”) portfolio, SLR Business Credit’s (“SLR-BC”) portfolio, SLR Healthcare ABL’s (“SLR-HC ABL”) portfolio owned by the Company (collectively, the Company’s “Commercial Finance Portfolio Companies”), and the senior secured loans held by the SLR Senior Lending Program LLC (“SSLP”) attributable to the Company, and excludes the Company’s fair value of the equity interests in SSLP and the Commercial Finance Portfolio Companies and also excludes SLRC’s loans to KBH, SLR-EF, and SLR HC ABL.}
_{⁽²⁾ Comprehensive Investment Portfolio activity for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, includes investment activity of the Commercial Finance Portfolio Companies and SSLP attributable to the Company.}

Comprehensive Investment Portfolio

Portfolio Activity

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, SLRC had Comprehensive Investment Portfolio originations of $361.3 million and repayments of $390.6 million across the Company’s four investment strategies:

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025 *($mm)*

Asset Class	Sponsor Finance⁽¹⁾	Asset-based Lending⁽²⁾	Equipment Finance⁽³⁾	Life Science Finance	Total Comprehensive Investment Portfolio Activity
Originations	$44.8	$163.8	$128.1	$24.6	$361.3
Repayments / Amortization	$73.0	$98.9	$173.5	$45.2	$390.6
Net Portfolio Activity	($28.2)	$64.9	$(45.4)	($20.6)	($ 29.3)

_{⁽¹⁾ Sponsor Finance refers to cash flow loans to sponsor-owned companies including cash flow loans held in SSLP attributable to the Company.}
_{⁽²⁾ Includes SLR-CS, SLR-BC and SLR-HC ABL’s portfolios, as well as asset-based loans on the Company’s balance sheet.}
_{⁽³⁾ Includes SLR-EF’s portfolio and equipment financings on the Company’s balance sheet and Kingsbridge Holdings’ (KBH) portfolio.}

Comprehensive Investment Portfolio Composition

The Comprehensive Investment Portfolio is diversified across approximately 940 unique issuers, operating in over 105 industries, and resulting in an average exposure of $3.2 million or 0.1% per issuer. As of March 31, 2025, 98.2% of the Company’s Comprehensive Investment Portfolio was invested in senior secured loans of which 96.4% was held in first lien senior secured loans. Second lien ABL exposure was 1.6% and second lien cash flow exposure was 0.2% of the Comprehensive Investment Portfolio as of March 31, 2025.

SLRC’s Comprehensive Investment Portfolio composition by asset class as of March 31, 2025 was as follows:

Comprehensive Investment Portfolio Composition (at fair value)	Amount				Weighted Average Asset Yield⁽⁵⁾
	($mm)		%		Weighted Average Asset Yield⁽⁵⁾
Senior Secured Investments
Cash Flow Loans (Sponsor Finance)⁽¹⁾	$	588.0	19.3	%	10.4	%
Asset-Based Loans⁽²⁾	$	1,121.3	36.7	%	13.8	%
Equipment Financings⁽³⁾	$	1,102.6	36.1	%	11.5	%
Life Science Loans	$	186.8	6.1	%	12.5	%
Total Senior Secured Investments	$	2,998.7	98.2	%	12.2	%
Equity and Equity-like Securities	$	54.2	1.8	%
Total Comprehensive Investment Portfolio	$	3,052.9	100.0	%
Floating Rate Investments⁽⁴⁾	$	1,872.7	61.8	%
First Lien Senior Secured Loans	$	2,942.9	96.4	%
Second Lien Senior Secured Asset-Based Loans	$	48.0	1.6	%
Second Lien Senior Secured Cash Flow Loans	$	7.8	0.2	%

_{⁽¹⁾ Includes cash flow loans held in the SSLP attributable to the Company and excludes the Company’s equity investment in SSLP.}
_{⁽²⁾ Includes SLR-CS, SLR-BC, and SLR-HC ABL’s portfolios, as well as asset-based loans on the Company’s balance sheet, and excludes the Company’s equity investments in each of SLR-CS, SLR-BC, and SLR-HC ABL.}
_{⁽³⁾ Includes SLR-EF’s portfolio and equipment financings on the Company’s balance sheet and Kingsbridge Holdings’ (KBH) portfolio. Excludes the Company’s equity and debt investments in each of SLR-EF and KBH.}
_{⁽⁴⁾ Floating rate investments are calculated as a percent of the Company’s income-producing Comprehensive Investment Portfolio. The majority of fixed rate loans are associated with SLR-EF and leases held by KBH. Additionally, SLR-EF and KBH seek to match-fund their fixed rate assets with fixed rate liabilities.}
_{⁽⁵⁾ The weighted average asset yield for income producing cash flow, asset-based and life science loans on balance sheet is based on a yield to maturity calculation. The weighted average asset yield calculation for Life Science loans includes the amortization of expected exit/success fees. The weighted average yield for on-balance sheet equipment financings is calculated based on the expected average life of the investments. The weighted average asset yield for SLR-CS asset-based loans is an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculated using actual cash flows received and the expected terminal value. The weighted average asset yield for SLR-BC and SLR-HC ABL represents total interest and fee income for the three-month period ended on March 31, 2025 against the average portfolio over the same fiscal period, annualized. The weighted average asset yield for SLR-EF represents total interest and fee income for the three-month period ended on March 31, 2025 compared to the portfolio as of March 31, 2025, annualized. The weighted average yield for the KBH equipment leasing portfolio represents the blended yield from the company’s 1^st lien loan on par value and the annualized dividend yield on the cost basis of the company’s equity investment as of March 31, 2025.}

SLR Investment Corp. Portfolio

Asset Quality

As of March 31, 2025, 99.6% of SLRC’s portfolio was performing on a fair value basis and 99.4% on a cost basis, with only one investment on non-accrual.

The Company puts its largest emphasis on risk control and credit performance. On a quarterly basis, or more frequently if deemed necessary, the Company formally rates each portfolio investment on a scale of one to four, with one representing the least amount of risk.

As of March 31, 2025, the composition of our investment portfolio, on a risk ratings basis, was as follows:

Internal Investment Rating	Investments at Fair Value ($mm)	% of Total Portfolio
1	$622.3	31.0%
2	$1,334.9	66.6%
3	$39.4	2.0%
4	$7.8	0.4%

Investment Income Contribution by Asset Class

*Investment Income Contribution by Asset Class⁽¹⁾ ($mm)*
For the Quarter Ended:	Sponsor Finance		Asset-based Lending		Equipment Finance		Life Science Finance		Total
3/31/2025	$17.0		$19.5		$9.7		$7.0		$53.2
% Contribution		32.0%		36.7%		18.2%		13.1%		100.0%

⁽¹⁾ Investment Income Contribution by Asset Class includes: interest income/fees from Sponsor Finance (cash flow) loans on balance sheet and distributions from SSLP; income/fees from asset-based loans on balance sheet and distributions from SLR-CS, SLR-BC, SLR-HC ABL; income/fees from equipment financings and distributions from SLR-EF and distributions from KBH; and income/fees from life science loans on balance sheet.

SLR Senior Lending Program LLC (SSLP)

As of March 31, 2025, the Company and its 50% partner, Sunstone Senior Credit L.P., had contributed combined equity capital of $95.8 million of a total $100 million equity commitment to the SSLP. At quarter end, SSLP had total commitments of $177.0 million at par and total funded portfolio investments of $165.6 million at fair value, consisting of floating rate senior secured loans to 31 different borrowers and an average investment of $5.3 million per borrower. This compares to funded portfolio investments of $178.7 million at fair value across 32 different borrowers at December 31, 2024. During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, SSLP invested $6.6 million in 6 portfolio companies and had $19.9 million of investments repaid.

In Q1 2025, the Company earned income of $1.9 million from its investment in the SSLP, representing an annualized yield of 15.7% on the cost basis of the Company’s investment, consistent with the annualized yield in Q4 2024.

SLR Investment Corp.’s Results of Operations Quarter Over Quarter

Investment Income

For the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, gross investment income totaled $53.2 million and $58.1 million, respectively. The decrease in gross investment income for the year over year three-month periods was primarily due to a decrease in the size of the income producing investment portfolio as well as a decrease in index rates.

Expenses

SLRC’s net expenses totaled $31.1 million and $34.2 million, respectively, for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025, and 2024. The decrease in expenses for the year-over-year three-month periods was primarily due to lower interest expense from a decrease in average borrowings as well as a decrease in the index rates on borrowings.

SLRC’s investment adviser agreed to waive incentive fees resulting from income earned due to the accretion of the purchase price discount allocated to investments acquired in the Company’s merger with SLR Senior Investment Corp., which closed on April 1, 2022. For the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, $2 thousand and $46 thousand, respectively, of such performance-based incentive fees were waived.

Net Investment Income

SLRC’s net investment income totaled $22.1 million and $23.9 million, or $0.41 and $0.44, per average share, respectively, for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025, and 2024.

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 totaled $(2.2) million and $4.0 million, respectively.

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

For the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, the Company had a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $19.9 million and $27.9 million, respectively. For the same periods, earnings per average share were $0.37 and $0.51, respectively.

Capital and Liquidity

Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $549.3 million drawn on $970 million of total commitments available on its revolving credit facilities and $140 million of term loans outstanding.

Unsecured Debt

On February 18, 2025, the Company closed a private offering of $50.0 million of unsecured notes due 2028 with a fixed rate of interest of 6.14% and a maturity date of February 18, 2028. The issuance of notes in the first quarter followed the $49.0 million issuance of unsecured notes in the fourth quarter of 2024 with a maturity date of December 16, 2027. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $359 million of unsecured notes outstanding and the company does not have any near-term refinancing obligations with the next maturity occurring in December 2026.

Leverage

As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s net debt-to-equity ratio was 1.04x compared to 1.03x at December 31, 2024 and 1.16x at March 31, 2024. The Company’s target range is 0.9x to 1.25x net debt-to-equity.

Available Capital

As of March 31, 2025, including anticipated available borrowing capacity at the SSLP and our specialty finance portfolio companies, subject to borrowing base limits, SLRC, SSLP and our specialty finance portfolio companies had over $800 million of available capital in the aggregate.

Unfunded Commitments

As of March 31, 2025, excluding commitments of $72.4 million to SLR-CS, SLR-BC, SLR-HC ABL, SLR Equipment Finance, and SSLP, over which the Company has discretion to fund, the Company had unfunded commitments of approximately $196.2 million.

Subsequent Events

On May 7, 2025, the Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.41 per share payable on June 27, 2025, to holders of record as of June 13, 2025.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company will host an earnings conference call and audio webcast at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, May 8, 2025. All interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (800) 225-9448 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call, international callers should dial (203) 518-9708. Participants should reference SLR Investment Corp. and Conference ID: SLRC1Q25. A telephone replay will be available until May 22, 2025 and can be accessed by dialing (800) 925-9527. International callers should dial (402) 220-5388.

This conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties from the Event Calendar within the “Investors” tab of SLR Investment Corp.’s website at https://slrinvestmentcorp.com/Investors/Event-Calendar. Please register online prior to the start of the call. For those who are not able to listen to the broadcast live, a replay of the webcast will be available soon after the call.

SLR INVESTMENT CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Assets	March 31, 2025 (unaudited)		December31, 2024
Investments at fair value:
Companies less than 5% owned (cost: $1,015,960 and $1,019,357, respectively)	$	1,021,278		$	1,027,457
Companies 5% to 25% owned (cost: $105,224 and $103,655, respectively)		89,490			89,945
Companies more than 25% owned (cost: $918,904 and $916,554, respectively)		893,631			888,232
Cash		19,931			16,761
Cash equivalents (cost: $447,074 and $397,510, respectively)		447,074			397,510
Dividends receivable		17,423			15,375
Interest receivable		11,645			11,993
Receivable for investments sold		1,336			1,573
Prepaid expenses and other assets		1,164			571
Total assets	$	2,502,972		$	2,449,417
Liabilities
Debt ($1,048,260 and $1,041,093 face amounts, respectively, reported net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $8,848 and $9,399, respectively.	$	1,039,412		$	1,031,694
Payable for investments and cash equivalents purchased		447,074			397,510
Management fee payable		7,513			7,739
Performance-based incentive fee payable		5,523			5,920
Interest payable		6,040			7,836
Administrative services payable		4,084			3,332
Other liabilities and accrued expenses		2,841			2,460
Total liabilities	$	1,512,487		$	1,456,491

Net Assets
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 200,000,000 and 200,000,000 common shares
authorized, respectively, and 54,554,634 and 54,554,634 shares issued and
outstanding, respectively	$	546		$	546
Paid-in capital in excess of par		1,117,606			1,117,606
Accumulated distributable net loss		(127,667	)		(125,226	)
Total net assets	$	990,485		$	992,926
Net Asset Value Per Share	$	18.16		$	18.20

SLR INVESTMENT CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three months ended
	March 31, 2025			March 31, 2024
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest:
Companies less than 5% owned	$	29,174		$	41,004
Companies 5% to 25% owned		1,224			831
Companies more than 25% owned		3,235			3,338
Dividends:
Companies 5% to 25% owned		770			—
Companies more than 25% owned		17,796			12,227
Other income:
Companies less than 5% owned		874			574
Companies more than 25% owned		105			125
Total investment income		53,178			58,099
EXPENSES:
Management fees		7,513			7,882
Performance-based incentive fees		5,526			5,952
Interest and other credit facility expenses		15,840			18,188
Administrative services expense		1,361			1,376
Other general and administrative expenses		835			895
Total expenses		31,075			34,293
Performance-based incentive fees waived		(2	)		(46	)
Net expenses		31,073			34,247
Net investment income	$	22,105		$	23,852
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents (companies less than 5% owned)	$	(422)		$	135
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents:
Companies less than 5% owned		(2,780	)		3,484
Companies 5% to 25% owned		(2,027	)		1
Companies more than 25% owned		3,050			399
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents		(1,757	)		3,884
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents		(2,179	)		4,019
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS	$	19,926		$	27,871
EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	0.37		$	0.51

About SLR Investment Corp.

SLR Investment Corp. is a closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. A specialty finance company with expertise in several niche markets, the Company primarily invests in leveraged, U.S. upper middle market companies in the form of cash flow, asset-based, and life sciences senior secured loans.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to: the Company’s access to deal flow and its ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities; the market environment and its impact on the business prospects of SLRC and the prospects of SLRC’s portfolio companies; prospects for growth of SLRC’s investment pipeline and resiliency of investing structures; the quality of, and the impact on the performance of SLRC from the investments that SLRC has made and expects to make; and the anticipated availability of capital. In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate,” “project” and “intend” indicate forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with: (i) changes or potential disruptions in SLRC’s operations, the economy, financial markets and political environment, including those caused by tariffs and trade disputes with other countries, inflation and changing interest rates; (ii) risks associated with possible disruption in the operations of SLRC or the economy generally due to terrorism, war or other geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics or cybersecurity incidents; (iii) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities); (iv) conditions in SLRC’s operating areas, particularly with respect to business development companies or regulated investment companies; and (v) other considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in SLRC’s publicly disseminated documents and filings. SLRC has based the forward-looking statements included in this press release on information available to it on the date of this press release, and SLRC assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although SLRC undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that it may make directly to you or through reports that SLRC in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

Contact
SLR Investment Corp.
Investor Relations
slrinvestorrelations@slrcp.com | (646) 308-8770

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Alto Ingredients, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

– Beverage-grade Liquid CO2 Processor Acquisition and Corporate Reorganization Deliver Improved Year-over-Year Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA –

PEKIN, Ill., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO), a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients, reported its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Bryon McGregor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alto Ingredients said, “During the first quarter of 2025, gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA improved year-over-year, reflecting our operational uptime and carbon optimization initiative driven by our recent acquisition. Owning Alto Carbonic, the carbon dioxide processing plant adjacent to our Columbia facility, lowered combined costs, improved operations coordination and increased productivity across the facilities. The rightsizing of our company to align with our current footprint is on track to save approximately $8 million annually beginning in the second quarter of 2025, and the reorganization is yielding additional efficiencies.

“Shifting production to ISCC renewable fuel for delivery into European markets, which is experiencing solid demand at a premium to fuel-grade ethanol, demonstrates Pekin’s flexibility to capitalize on trends. As a result, we grew ISCC sales as a percentage of our total renewable fuel volume sold at our Pekin Campus during the first quarter and partially offset the domestic industry softening of premiums on high quality alcohol and essential ingredients. We are monitoring a few positive movements, such as the growing state, and potentially national, year round adoption of E15 as well as opportunities under the Illinois Clean Transportation Standard Act (SB41). Our team is proactively evaluating alternatives for new revenue streams to leverage our flexible and unique facilities, and to drive long-term sustainable shareholder value.”

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 Compared to 2024

Net sales were $226.5 million, compared to $240.6 million.
Cost of goods sold was $228.3 million, compared to $243.0 million.
Gross loss was $1.8 million, compared to a gross loss of $2.4 million. Net realized gains on derivatives were negligible for both quarters.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $7.2 million, compared to $7.9 million.
Interest expense was $2.7 million, compared to $1.6 million.
Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $12.0 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to $12.0 million, or $0.17 per share.
Adjusted EBITDA was negative $4.4 million, including $1.6 million in unrealized gains on derivatives, compared to negative $7.1 million, including $3.2 million in unrealized gains on derivatives.

Cash and cash equivalents were $26.8 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $35.5 million at December 31, 2024. At March 31, 2025, the company’s borrowing availability was $76.7 million including $11.7 million under the company’s operating line of credit and $65.0 million under its term loan facility, subject to certain conditions.

First Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call
Management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and will deliver prepared remarks via webcast followed by a question-and-answer session.

The webcast for the conference call can be accessed from Alto Ingredients’ website at www.altoingredients.com. Alternatively, to receive a number and unique PIN by email, register here. To dial directly up to twenty minutes prior to the scheduled call time, please dial (833) 630-0017 domestically and (412) 317-1806 internationally. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Alto Ingredients website for one year. In addition, a telephonic replay will be available at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, through 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. To access the replay, please dial (877) 344-7529. International callers should dial 00-1 412-317-0088. The pass code will be 8723820.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures
Management believes that certain financial measures not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are useful measures of operations. The company defines Adjusted EBITDA as unaudited consolidated net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, asset impairments, unrealized derivative gains and losses, acquisition-related expense and depreciation and amortization expense. A table is provided at the end of this release that provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income (loss). Management provides this non-GAAP measure so that investors will have the same financial information that management uses, which may assist investors in properly assessing the company’s performance on a period-over-period basis. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of performance under GAAP, or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results as reported under GAAP.

About Alto Ingredients, Inc.
Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO) is a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients. Leveraging the unique qualities of its facilities, the company serves customers in a wide range of consumer and commercial products in the Health, Home & Beauty; Food & Beverage; Industry & Agriculture; Essential Ingredients; and Renewable Fuels markets. For more information, please visit www.altoingredients.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Statements and information contained in this communication that refer to or include Alto Ingredients’ estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical expressions of fact are forward-looking statements that reflect Alto Ingredients’ current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of the communication. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Alto Ingredients’ projected outlook and future performance, including the timing and effects of its business rationalization, right-sizing and other cost savings initiatives; expectations around the growing state, and potentially national, adoption of E15 and opportunities under new legislation, including the Illinois Clean Transportation Standard Act; and Alto Ingredients’ other plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. It is important to note that Alto Ingredients’ plans, objectives, expectations and intentions are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially from Alto Ingredients’ current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Alto Ingredients’ business and plans. These factors include, among others adverse economic and market conditions, including for renewable fuels, specialty alcohols and essential ingredients; export conditions and international demand for the company’s products; fluctuations in the price of and demand for oil and gasoline; raw material costs, including production input costs, such as corn and natural gas; adverse impacts of inflation and supply chain constraints, including from tariffs; Alto Ingredients’ ability to timely and fully realize the results of its cost saving initiatives; regulatory developments and Alto Ingredients’ ability to successfully pursue and secure opportunities under existing and new legislation. These factors also include, among others, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial and other projections; the anticipated size of the markets and continued demand for Alto Ingredients’ products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the alcohol production, marketing and distribution industries; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; successful compliance with governmental regulations applicable to Alto Ingredients’ facilities, products and/or businesses; changes in laws, regulations and governmental policies; the loss of key senior management or staff; and other events, factors and risks previously and from time to time disclosed in Alto Ingredients’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, specifically, those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Alto Ingredients’ Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2025.

Company IR and Media Contact:
Michael Kramer, Alto Ingredients, Inc., 916-403-2755
Investorrelations@altoingredients.com

IR Agency Contact:
Kirsten Chapman, Alliance Advisors Investor Relations, 415-433-3777
altoinvestor@allianceadvisors.com


ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025			2024
Net sales	$	226,540		$	240,629
Cost of goods sold		228,347			243,029
Gross loss		(1,807	)		(2,400	)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(7,190	)		(7,932	)
Loss from operations		(8,997	)		(10,332	)
Interest expense, net		(2,729	)		(1,634	)
Other income, net		47			241
Loss before provision for income taxes		(11,679	)		(11,725	)
Provision for income taxes		—			—
Net loss	$	(11,679	)	$	(11,725	)
Preferred stock dividends	$	(312	)	$	(315	)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(11,991	)	$	(12,040	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.17	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted		73,836			72,766


ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)

ASSETS		March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	26,778	$	35,469
Restricted cash		393		742
Accounts receivable, net		65,461		58,217
Inventories		50,609		49,914
Derivative instruments		4,071		3,313
Other current assets		6,149		5,463
Total current assets		153,461		153,118
Property and equipment, net		212,624		214,742
Other Assets:
Right of use operating lease assets, net		19,416		20,553
Intangible assets, net		8,142		4,509
Other assets		8,566		8,516
Total other assets		36,124		33,578
Total Assets	$	402,209	$	401,438


ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		March 31, 2025				December 31, 2024
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	17,029		$	20,369
Accrued liabilities		23,819			24,214
Current portion – operating leases		4,968			4,851
Derivative instruments		301			1,177
Other current liabilities		6,999			7,193
Total current liabilities		53,116			57,804

Long-term debt		110,664			92,904
Operating leases, net of current portion		15,641			16,913
Other liabilities		8,868			8,754
Total Liabilities		188,289			176,375

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized; Series A: no shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 Series B: 927 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024		1			1
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 76,497 and 76,565 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively		77			77
Non-voting common stock, $0.001 par value; 3,553 shares authorized; 1 share issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024		—			—
Additional paid-in capital		1,045,024			1,044,176
Accumulated other comprehensive income		4,975			4,975
Accumulated deficit		(836,157	)		(824,166		)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		213,920			225,063
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	402,209		$	401,438

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Loss	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands) (unaudited)		2025			2024
Net loss	$	(11,679	)	$	(11,725	)
Adjustments:
Interest expense		2,729			1,634
Interest income		(84	)		(175	)
Unrealized derivatives gains		(1,634	)		(3,190	)
Acquisition-related expense		—			675
Depreciation and amortization expense		6,266			5,728
Total adjustments		7,277			4,672
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(4,402	)	$	(7,053	)

Segment Financials (in thousands) (unaudited)		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025			2024
*Net sales*
Pekin Campus production, recorded as gross:
Alcohol sales	$	107,234		$	108,350
Essential ingredient sales		44,618			46,709
Intersegment sales		297			321
Total Pekin Campus sales		152,149			155,380
Marketing and distribution:
Alcohol sales, gross	$	48,997		$	54,431
Alcohol sales, net		61			34
Intersegment sales		2,506			2,752
Total marketing and distribution sales		51,564			57,217

Western production, recorded as gross:
Alcohol sales	$	16,194		$	20,231
Essential ingredient sales		7,808			7,826
Intersegment sales		264			—
Total Western production sales		24,266			28,057

Corporate and other		1,628			3,048
Intersegment eliminations		(3,067	)		(3,073		)
Net sales as reported	$	226,540		$	240,629

*Cost of goods sold:*
Pekin Campus production	$	155,222		$	151,112
Marketing and distribution		47,650			53,685
Western production		25,524			36,517
Corporate and other		1,681			2,794
Intersegment eliminations		(1,730	)		(1,079	)
Cost of goods sold as reported	$	228,347		$	243,029

*Gross profit (loss):*
Pekin Campus production	$	(3,073	)	$	4,268
Marketing and distribution		3,914			3,532
Western production		(1,258	)		(8,460	)
Corporate and other		(53	)		254
Intersegment eliminations		(1,337	)		(1,994	)
Gross loss as reported	$	(1,807	)	$	(2,400	)

Sales and Operating Metrics (unaudited) (in thousands) (unaudited)	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025		2024
Alcohol Sales (gallons in millions)
Pekin Campus renewable fuel gallons sold		32.6		31.8
Western production renewable fuel gallons sold		8.3		11.2
Third party renewable fuel gallons sold		24.4		29.7
Total renewable fuel gallons sold		65.3		72.7
Specialty alcohol gallons sold		24.3		26.3
Total gallons sold		89.6		99.0

Sales Price per Gallon
Pekin Campus	$	1.90	$	1.90
Western production	$	1.95	$	1.80
Marketing and distribution	$	2.01	$	1.83
Average sales price per gallon	$	1.93	$	1.86

Alcohol Production (gallons in millions)
Pekin Campus		54.3		53.6
Western production		8.3		9.7
Total		62.6		63.3

Corn Cost per Bushel
Pekin Campus	$	4.65	$	4.73
Western production	$	5.95	$	5.89
Total	$	4.81	$	4.92

Average Market Metrics
PLATTS Ethanol price per gallon	$	1.71		$	1.56
CME Corn cost per bushel	$	4.72		$	4.35
Board corn crush per gallons (1)	$	0.02		$	0.01

Essential Ingredients Sold (thousand tons)
Pekin Campus:
Distillers grains		90.7			87.7
CO2		45.3			39.1
Corn wet feed		34.5			25.6
Corn dry feed		23.8			18.9
Corn oil and germ		19.6			17.8
Corn meal		9.4			8.3
Syrup and other		8.2			9.5
Yeast		6.4			5.7
Total Pekin Campus essential ingredients sold		237.9			212.6

Western production:
Distillers grains		58.1			71.8
CO2		12.6			13.3
Syrup and other		0.8			14.2
Corn oil		1.4			1.5
Total Western production essential ingredients sold		72.9			100.8

Total Essential Ingredients Sold		310.8			313.4


Essential ingredients return % (2)
Pekin Campus return		48.0	%		52.1	%
Western production return		49.0	%		39.3	%
Consolidated total return		48.2	%		49.8	%

________________

(1) Assumes corn conversion of 2.80 gallons of alcohol per bushel of corn.
(2) Essential ingredients revenues as a percentage of total corn costs consumed.

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Wicker, Merkley Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Celebrating National Nurses Week

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing National Nurses Week from May 6 through May 12, 2025. U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce, R-Ohio-14, Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore.-01, Lauren Underwood, D-Ill.-14, and Jen Kiggans, R-Va.-02, introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

The National Nurses Week resolution honors and celebrates the important contributions of America’s nurses to safe, high-quality care and the invaluable role that nurses have. The resolution also highlights the extra care nurses provide in treating injured and sick patients during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.

“Nurses are essential to our nation’s health care system,” said Senator Wicker, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “They ensure patients receive timely and quality care, and their dedication is unmatched. Our country needs more of these heroes, and I hope more young people will consider joining the nursing profession. This resolution is a small token of our gratitude for their service.”

“As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen up-close how difficult nurses’ jobs are and how important they are to patients,” said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “In every corner of Oregon, nurses offer vital care, support, and advocacy to patients and their families during challenging times. Let’s pause this week to express gratitude and honor the nurses in our communities for their unwavering commitment and compassion. We must remain dedicated to providing them with the support necessary to continue their life-saving work.”

As of 2025, there are nearly 4.9 million registered nurses in the United States. However, despite this substantial number, the nursing sector faces pressing challenges, including a continuing shortage of nurses, mental health struggles, and the need for safer working conditions. According to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study released by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, more than 138,000 nurses left the workforce since 2022 due to stress, burnout, and retirement. This same study also outlined that by 2029, almost 40 percent of nurses intend to leave the workforce.

This week’s resolution is a timely acknowledgment of the indispensable role nurses play in delivering quality care, advancing medical research, providing services to all communities and individuals, increasing access to nursing care, promoting healthy behaviors, and much more. The lawmakers’ bipartisan resolution encourages Americans to recognize and celebrate National Nurses Week this year and to support our nursing workforce today and every day.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Warren, Markey, Merkley Blast Trump Plan to Cut 988 Suicide and Crisis Line For LGBTQ+ Youth

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led their colleagues in slamming the Trump Administration’s plan to take away lifesaving mental health services at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from LGBTQ+ youth, who face a higher risk of mental health challenges than their peers. Last week, reports surfaced that President Trump intends to slash 988’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program, which has received over 1.2 million crisis contacts since 2022, with a spike over the last several months.

“Given the Administration has claimed addressing youth mental health as a priority, elimination of specialized services specifically designed for at-risk youth is irresponsible,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We urge you to reconsider and support continued funding for the program.”

The proposed cuts come at a time when LGBTQ+ youth continue to experience higher risk for depression, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide compared to other youths. A 2024 survey by The Trevor Project reported that nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, and 12 percent of LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide – rates much higher than those present among non-LGBTQ+ youth.

After a successful pilot program, both Republicans and Democrats in Congress expanded the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program to 24/7 operation in fiscal year 2023 before increasing funding from $7.2 million for the pilot to $33.1 million in fiscal year 2024 on a bipartisan basis. Like specialized services available to veterans, the line connects LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained crisis counselors. Since its inception in 2022, the Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth hotline has received over 1.2 million crisis contacts, spiking in use over the last several months.

“While we strongly disagree with the many actions taken by the Trump Administration targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, we believe that suicide prevention should be a nonpartisan issue. Elimination of services that help keep youth alive is reckless, and we urge you to reconsider your proposal to eliminate this lifeline,” concluded the Senators.

In addition to Senators Baldwin, Warren, Markey, and Merkley, the letter is also co-signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jack Reed (D-RI). A full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write with grave concerns regarding reports that the draft FY26 Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) budget proposes defunding the LGBTQ+ youth suicide and crisis hotline. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s (the Lifeline) LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program provides lifesaving services to LGBTQ+ youth, who face a higher risk of significant mental health challenges and barriers to receiving care than their peers. Given the Administration has claimed addressing youth mental health as a priority, elimination of specialized services specifically designed for at-risk youth is irresponsible. We urge you to reconsider and support continued funding for the program.

As you know, the LGBTQ+ youth specialized services pilot program was created in fiscal year 2022 to provide services to LGBTQ+ youth, who are at a disproportionately high risk for depression, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide compared to other youths. A 2024 survey by The Trevor Project reported that nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, and 12 percent of LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide – rates much higher than those present among non-LGBTQ+ youth.

After a successful initial phase, Congress recognized the importance of providing specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth and directed the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to expand beyond the pilot to 24/7 operation in fiscal year 2023. To ensure that youth would be able to access the Lifeline by phone, text, or chat whenever they needed it, Congress also increased the program’s funding from $7.2 million for the pilot to $33.1 million in fiscal year 2024 on a bipartisan basis. These specialized services are similar to other dedicated programs for veterans and service members, disaster survivors, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and people with neurodivergence. This specialized intervention connects LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained crisis counselors, who can provide understanding, empathetic, and confidential support. Despite the requirement for an operating plan for fiscal year 2025, HHS has provided no information about how or whether it plans to use funds for specialized services or the 988 Suicide Lifeline in general.

Since its inception in 2022, the Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth hotline has received over 1.2 million crisis contacts and utilization of the Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth program has spiked over the last several months. While we strongly disagree with the many actions taken by the Trump Administration targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, we believe that suicide prevention should be a nonpartisan issue. Elimination of services that help keep youth alive is reckless, and we urge you to reconsider your proposal to eliminate this lifeline.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Bera, Democratic Doctors Caucus Hold Press Conference Slamming Republican Efforts to Gut Medicaid
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined fellow members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus to call out Republican efforts to gut Medicaid funding and rip health care coverage away from millions of Americans.

The Republican budget framework passed earlier this year instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion—a number impossible to reach without gutting Medicaid, which provides health care coverage to approximately 80 million Americans, including 37 million children.

“I’m proud to stand with my fellow Democratic Doctors in the fight to save Medicaid,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. “Republicans need to understand that Medicaid is more than a health care program—it’s a lifeline for working families, seniors and children across this country. We’re going to fight tooth and nail to protect this care—not gut it just to hand out tax breaks to Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.”

New analysis conducted by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) finds that millions of Americans stand to lose coverage under Republican proposals to cut Medicaid. The report concludes that states would be forced to reduce enrollment, scale back benefits or cut provider payments in response to deep federal funding cuts—jeopardizing access to care for families, seniors and children across the country.

Background on the Democratic Doctors Caucus

All six Democratic physicians serving in the U.S. House of Representatives joined together this year to launch the first-ever Democratic Doctors Caucus. The caucus is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Americans, advancing pragmatic health care policy and providing fellow Members with insights on critical health issues.

Members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus include:
- Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) – Internal Medicine
- Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03) – Internal Medicine
- Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) – Pulmonary & Critical Care
- Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03) – Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) – Emergency Medicine
- Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – Pediatrics
Recently, the caucus urged Senators to oppose the nomination of RFK Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and condemned his proposed mass layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA and the CDC, warning of devastating consequences for public health and safety.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Health Disparities Institute is Breaking the Silence Around Menopause
Source: US State of Connecticut

On May 3 , the UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI), in partnership with the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSOEO); the Farmington

May 3, 2025 menopause awareness event at Legislative Office Building.

Valley (CT) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; the Aurora Foundation for Women and Girls; and the UConn Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, kicked off Women’s Health Month by welcoming over 100 women to the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Attendees gathered to learn, share, and connect around a natural life transition that impacts all women but is rarely discussed: menopause.

The event began with a screening of The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, a PBS documentary that explores menopause through personal stories, expert insights, and powerful truths. A lively and candid panel discussion followed, moderated by Melvette Hill, executive director of CWCSOEO. Panelists included:
- Ivy M. Alexander, UConn School of Nursing, expert in midlife women’s health
- Jessica Kluewer-D’Amico, UConn Health psychiatrist and geriatric mental health specialist
- Feier Liu, UConn Health psychiatrist with expertise in women’s mental and holistic health
- Carla Rae-Gunn Samson, OB-GYN and Director of Women’s Health at Community Health Services
Together with the audience, the panel explored the medical, psychological, and cultural dimensions of menopause, emphasizing the racial and ethnic disparities in care, symptoms, and treatment access.

In addition to the film screening and panel, resource tables from local organizations and our partners were present. These tables offered valuable information, support, and tools related to menopause and women’s health, giving attendees access to practical resources and care pathways.

“We weren’t just talking. We were learning, laughing, and loving ourselves and our bodies,” said Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez, director of UConn Health Disparities Institute. “Menopause is a natural part of women’s development that has been both overlooked and pathologized for far too long. If we don’t talk about it, we can’t address it and certainly won’t understand it. All women experience menopause, and it has implications for family and community health. Yet despite its widespread impact, it remains under-researched, underfunded, and widely misunderstood.”

Each year, approximately two million women enter menopause. This natural transition brings physical and emotional changes that can profoundly affect a woman’s well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Yet many women go through it alone, suffering in silence without access to the health information, care, or support they need.

Research shows that racial and ethnic disparities affect both the experience of menopause, and the quality of care received. For example, the early onset of menopause—more common among Black and Hispanic women—has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease later in life. Additionally, hot flashes and night sweats tend to last longer than expected, especially for women of color:
- Black women: 10.1 years
- Latinas: 8.9 years
- Non-Hispanic white women: 6.5 years
- Chinese American women: 5.4 years
- Japanese American women: 4.8 years
  (Source: Pausitive Health)
Yukiyo Iida, associate director of Parent Leadership and Family Engagement with the Connecticut General Assembly’s CWCSOEO with UConn Health Disparities Institute’s Trisha Pitter and Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez.

“We know health care inequities are pervasive and that women’s health has not been a priority,” said Trisha Pitter, director of Community Learning and Engagement at HDI. “Providers aren’t getting the training they need to understand and support women fully across the life course. This is a problem. We’re prioritizing menopause and menopause education to break the silence and address health care inequities.”

Real Stories, Real Support

The heart of the event came from the attendees themselves. Many women bravely shared personal stories about managing symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruptions, mood swings, and joint pain, experiences that have often been both physically and emotionally overwhelming.

Audience members expressed deep gratitude for having a space to finally speak openly.

Notably, men also attended to support their partners. One participant shared: “This event helped me understand what my wife is going through, and how I can support her instead of standing on the sidelines.”

As the event came to a close, a collective call to action was clear: “Carry what you’ve learned back into your communities. Let’s keep the conversation going, so no one has to face this natural transition alone.”

HDI and its partners are committed to expanding their efforts through:
- Raising awareness and education about menopause across Connecticut
- Advocating for inclusive, research-informed policies that prioritize women’s health based on their lived experiences
- Hosting a statewide Menopause Celebration in October to honor and empower women in this life stage
“We’re committed to breaking the silence and ending the disparities,” said Dr. Sprague Martinez. “This is just the beginning.”

About the UConn Health Disparities Institute
HDI was formed in 2011 through a legislative mandate.

Our vision is equitable health, education, and economic opportunity for all in Connecticut.

Our mission is to advance systemic change by tackling root causes of health inequities and implementing sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary community-based participatory research partnerships, data-driven community action, and workforce development efforts with communities disproportionately impacted by inequities.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Fifth Edition of Disability Rights Handbook
Source: US State of California Department of Justice

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov
Releases updated chapters on access to buildings, telecommunications, benefits and services, service animals, and more

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, through the California Department of Justice’s Disability Rights Bureau, announced the release of the fifth edition of “Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” a publication that provides information regarding the rights of people with disabilities in California. This handbook summarizes state and federal laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in many arenas, including in the workplace and in accessing facilities open to the public. The handbook covers disability rights and obligations in a variety of contexts including businesses and places of public accommodation, employment, housing, K-12 education, healthcare, voting, and telecommunications, with chapters released on an ongoing basis since January 2024.

“At California DOJ, we are committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to inclusive and respectful environments free from discrimination, including discrimination based on disability,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Nearly one quarter of adults in California have a disability, and with the latest edition of this handbook, we aim to provide valuable information on disability rights to support accessibility and full participation for all Californians in every aspect of daily life.”

Californians with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation, and exclusion in many aspects of everyday life. California’s disability rights laws are designed to provide protection from these harmful practices, but Californians are often unaware of the nature and scope of these complex laws. All chapters of the “Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities” handbook are available at https://oag.ca.gov/civil/disability-rights including new and updated chapters on:
1. Introduction to State and Federal Disability Rights Laws: This chapter provides an overview of major California state and federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities.
1. Access to Businesses and Other Public Accommodations for People with Disabilities: This chapter discusses California and federal laws that prohibit disability-based discrimination in business establishments and other public accommodations. It also describes an individual’s options when they have experienced disability-based discrimination in business establishments and other public accommodations.
2. Access to Healthcare for People with Disabilities: This chapter describes the state and federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities to access healthcare services, including hospitals and other facilities, services, insurance plans, and information offered by doctors’ offices and other medical providers. It also describes an individual’s options when they have experienced disability-based discrimination in healthcare services.
3. Disability Rights in Employment: This chapter discusses major California and federal laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment. It also describes an individual’s options when they have experienced discrimination in employment because of their disability.
4. Disability Rights in Housing: This chapter discusses California and federal laws that protect persons with disabilities from public and private housing discrimination. It also describes options when persons with disabilities have experienced discrimination in housing because of their disability.
5. Disability Rights in K-12 Education: This chapter discusses the rights of students with disabilities in pre-school, primary, and secondary education under California state and federal law.
6. Access to Voting for People with Disabilities: This chapter discusses access to polling places and the voting process under federal and state election laws. Additionally, this chapter describes an individual’s options when they have experienced discrimination because of their disability while registering to vote or voting.
7. Access to Public and Private Buildings and Facilities for People with Disabilities: This chapter provides an overview of state and federal laws that set requirements for physical accessibility of both public and private buildings and facilities. In addition, this chapter provides information regarding options for individuals who have experienced discrimination regarding physical accessibility.
8. Access to Telecommunications for People with Disabilities: Telecommunications services are services that allow people to communicate through cable, radio, television, satellite, or wire equipment and include a variety of services like telephone and text message services. This chapter details state and federal laws regarding telecommunication services ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to said service. It also provides information if there are concerns about accessibility of a product or service.
9. Benefits and Services for People with Disabilities: This chapter highlights state and federal benefits, programs, and services that are designed to assist people with disabilities.
10. Service Animals: This chapter discusses the rights of people with disabilities to use service animals and emotional support animals under both federal and California laws. This chapter also provides the various complaint options people have when their rights regarding service or emotional support animals have been violated.
Attorney General Bonta is committed to supporting the rights of Californians with disabilities and enforcing state laws that protect people from discrimination. He has supported an update to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) Title II regulations concerning accessibility of web information and services of state and local government entities, defended access to housing for persons with disabilities, and recommended revisions to strengthen and protect the rights of students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This handbook demonstrates the Attorney General’s ongoing commitment to enforcing these laws and ensuring that all Californians are protected from discrimination.

For more information about the Disability Rights Bureau, visit our webpage at https://oag.ca.gov/civil/disability-rights.
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MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lawler, Garbarino, LaLota, and Malliotakis Release Joint Statement on Status of World Trade Center Health Program

Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

Lawler, Garbarino, LaLota, and Malliotakis Release Joint Statement on Status of World Trade Center Health Program

Washington, D.C. , May 7, 2025

Washington, D.C. – 5/7/2025… Today, Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02), Nick LaLota (NY-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following joint statement regarding the status of the World Trade Center Health Program:

“After extensive conversations with the Administration, HHS has said that it is reinstating all 15 WTCHP workers and that Dr. Howard is fully empowered as program Administrator. While we appreciate this development, their employment should have never been in question. We remain in constant contact with advocates to ensure the program remains fully functional in service to our 9/11 responders and survivors, and we stand ready to take immediate and decisive action at the first sign that this is not the case.”

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Garbarino, Lawler, LaLota, and Malliotakis Release Joint Statement on Status of World Trade Center Health Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) released the following joint statement regarding the status of the World Trade Center Health Program:

“After extensive conversations with the Administration, HHS has said that it is reinstating all 15 WTCHP workers and that Dr. Howard is fully empowered as program Administrator. While we appreciate this development, their employment should have never been in question. We remain in constant contact with advocates to ensure the program remains fully functional in service to our 9/11 responders and survivors, and we stand ready to take immediate and decisive action at the first sign that this is not the case.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Introduces Bills to Help Protect Lifesaving Veterans Crisis Line and Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for VA Health Care Professionals
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

May 07, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—is introducing two bills that would help protect our nation’s devoted VA workers, including nurses, physicians, Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) workers as well as the Veterans they serve against the Trump Administration’s ongoing attacks and harmful cuts. A day after she made it clear to VA Secretary Collins that his work to rehire VCL workers is not complete, Senator Duckworth is introducing the Protecting Veterans in Crisis Act to help safeguard this lifeline for the brave Veterans who depend on it by increasing transparency and strengthening Congress’s oversight of it. Duckworth is also introducing the VA Employee Fairness Act to empower VA health care professionals with the protections needed to speak out about disruptions and advocate for the Veterans they serve as Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s VA cuts continue to jeopardize care.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate mass layoffs and funding cuts have hollowed out our VA workforce—needlessly hurting nurses, physicians and Veterans Crisis Line workers without thinking twice about the harmful impact on our Veterans,” said Senator Duckworth. “Whether VA Secretary Collins continues to weaken the Veterans Crisis Line program—or follows through on his promise to fix his mistake of firing of Veterans Crisis Line staff—the bottom line is this: Secretary Collins should transparently report VCL personnel and performance data to Congress. The American people deserve to judge for themselves whether Secretary Collins is actually fulfilling his claims to restore VCL resources—and Congress must be able to hold the Trump Administration accountable if it fails to do so.”

“This Administration cannot continue to slash and burn the VA in the dark. As DOGE cuts continue, it’s as urgent as ever that Congress empowers VA health care professionals with the same bargaining rights and protections as other federal employees so they can speak out freely against any problems or challenges they’re enduring at this critical time for the VA.”

The Protecting Veterans in Crisis Act would expand congressional oversight of the Veterans Crisis Line, improve workforce protections for all VCL personnel and help ensure the best performance standards are maintained in order to fulfill the VCL’s mission in serving Veterans in crisis. Specifically, the legislation would require:
The VA Employee Fairness Act—co-led by U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Mark Takano (D-CA-39)—would restore collective bargaining rights to VA health care professionals, including registered nurses, physicians, optometrists, chiropractors and others. Currently, Section 7422 of Title 38 USC restricts the ability of these workers to speak freely about poor working conditions and resolve disputes with management. As a result, the quality of patient care has often deteriorated as problems in VA facilities go unaddressed.

“VA healthcare employees work tirelessly to provide high-quality care to our nation’s veterans and their families. The VA Employee Fairness Act would grant these indispensable workers the collective bargaining rights they deserve and have been fighting for while improving VA employee retention. Passing this bill is the right thing to do. This legislation is more critical than ever, given the Administration’s efforts to fire VA employees and make cuts that continue to diminish VA employee morale,” said Ranking Member Takano.

Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA). The legislation was previously led by U.S. Senator Brown of Ohio.

Along with Takano, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Linda Sanchez (D-CA-39), Maxine Waters (D-CA-35), Scott Peters (D-CA-52), Juan Vargas (D-CA-51), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), John Larson (D-CT-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Max Frost (D-FL-10), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), William Keating (D-MA-09), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Rashia Tlaib (D-MI-12), Herb Conaway (D-NJ-03), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Jennifer Mccellan (D-VA-04), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Suhas Subramayan (D-VA-10), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-09), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Judy Chu (D-CA-32), Steven Horsford (D-CA-32), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), Sri Thaneder (D-MI-13), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) and Grace Meng (D-NY-06).

The legislation is endorsed by National Nurses United (NNU), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of Labor (AFL), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), VoteVets and Union Veterans Council of AFL-CIO.

“By granting VA nurses the ability to bargain collectively on issues related to patient care, the VA Employee Fairness Act would make the VA a safer place both for nurses and our veterans,” said Irma Westmoreland, RN, and chair of Veterans Affairs for National Nurses United. “VA nurses are fierce advocates for veterans, and restoring their full union rights empowers them as they fulfill this most sacred duty. Nurses will never abandon their patients, and they will continue to fight for the best care for our nation’s veterans.”

The bill text of the Protecting Veterans in Crisis Act and the VA Employee Fairness Act is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for VA staff and Veteran Crisis Line (VCL) workers in the wake of the disastrous Trump-Musk layoffs at the VA. Last week, Duckworth slammed a senior official from the VA after he failed to publicly commit to rehiring VCL workers who were wrongfully fired in Trump-Musk layoffs. After the first VA purge laid off workers with the VCL—including several Veterans—Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments.

Additionally, Duckworth and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) are leading the push for the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, legislation that would reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in the Trump-Musk layoffs. Duckworth and Kim subsequently introduced their legislation as an amendment to Republicans’ slush fund continuing resolution. Republicans shamefully blocked it from passing.

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MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Wrongly Terminated CDC Employees, Demands Accountability from Senior HHS Nominee

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Wrongly Terminated CDC Employees, Demands Accountability from Senior HHS Nominee

During a Tuesday Senate Finance Committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Jim O’Neill, the nominee to be Secretary Kennedy’s second in command at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Senator Warnock also used the hearing to highlight the unjust firings of thousands of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employees
The Senator also instructed Gary Andres, the nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of Legislation at HHS, that if confirmed, he would ensure timely answers to Congressional letters – several of Senator Warnock’s letters to HHS have gone unanswered
The Senator has continued his work to champion to CDC while the agency’s work to protect public health and national security has been under attack from the Trump Administration. The Senator has rallied with fired CDC workers and held then HHS Secretary Nominee Kennedy accountable for his dangerous rhetoric about the centers
Senator Reverend Warnock: “Yes or no, do you think it is appropriate to fire HHS or CDC, public health experts for ‘performance issues’ who had just gotten positive performance evaluations?”

Watch Senator Warnock at Tuesday’s Finance Committee hearing HERE
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) demanded answers from Jim O’Neill about the wrongful firings of high-performing public health experts. O’Neill is the nominee to be the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). During the Senate Finance Committee hearing, the Senator pressed O’Neil about the unjust firing of Georgia-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employees.
“Mr. O’Neill, these folks are my constituents, I know them, they are my neighbors, I bump into them at the grocery store. Many of them had just gotten performance evaluations saying they are doing an outstanding job. Only to be fired weeks later for ‘Performance issues, ’” askedSenator Reverend Warnock. “If confirmed, you’d oversee personnel, yes or no, do you think it is appropriate to fire HHS or CDC, public health experts, for ‘performance issues’ who had just gotten positive performance evaluations?”
Senator Warnock also took time to address the lackluster transparency at HHS, despite being a part of an administration that claims to prioritize transparency. Senator Warnock has sent several letters to Secretary Kennedy and other leadership at HHS, but none of the letters have been answered.
“If confirmed to be the primary liaison between HHS and Congress, will you ensure that I finally get a complete and thorough response to this and all of my letters? Will you commit to ensuring that HHS communicates timely and transparently with me and my staff on CDC reorganization plans? The Secretary still hasn’t answered my letter,” Senator Warnock asked Gary Andres who would be the chief liaison between HHS and Congress.
“Tell the Secretary to answer my letters,” Senator Warnock demanded to conclude his line of questioning.
During Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s nomination hearing in committee, Senator Warnock spoke at length defending the importance of the CDC, which employs over 10,000 hardworking Georgians. Shortly after, the Senator spoke for nearly an hour on the Senate floor, in large part in defense of the CDC’s critical work to defend public health and national security. The Senator has continued to pressure HHS Secretary Kennedy to reverse the CDC firings.
Since CDC employees became a target of this administration, Senator Warnock has led several efforts defending their employment and the crucial role they play in keeping the nation safe. Earlier this year, Senator Warnock sent a letter to the Acting Director of the CDC about the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), asking for updates on operations. He also sent two additional letters to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, respectively, urging the administration to reconsider any plans to eliminate the Division of HIV Prevention at the CDC and requesting additional information about the termination of 20,000 full-time staff and organizational restructuring at HHS. Senator Warnock also spoke at a rally organized by current and former CDC employees to support Georgians who have been callously fired from the public health institution. And his staff hosted a round table with fired CDC employees to brainstorm ways to push back on the administration.
Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE.
See below a full transcript of the exchanges between Senator Warnock and the HHS nominees:
Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. I am proud to continue the legacy of our great Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson, who made it his mission to champion the important work of CDC when he served on this very committee.”
“Mr. O’Neill, welcome and congratulations on your nomination. If confirmed as Deputy Secretary of HHS, you would be the number two person to Secretary Kennedy, responsible for the inward-facing operations and day-to-day management of personnel and HHS, including the CDC. But you’d be stepping into an agency that’s mired right now in chaos, following the exodus of 20,000 staff through resignations, unjust firings, including over 3,000 dedicated CDC experts during a historic measles outbreak.”
“Mr. O’Neill, these folks are my constituents, I know them, they are my neighbors, I bump into them at the grocery store. Many of them had just gotten performance evaluations saying that they were doing an outstanding job. Only to be fired weeks later for “performance issues.” If confirmed, you’d oversee personnel, yes or no, do you think it is appropriate to fire HHS or CDC, public health experts for “performance issues” who had just gotten positive performance evaluations?”
Jim O’Neill (JO):“Thank you for the question, Senator. As I said earlier, I had the pleasure of working at HHS for six years in the Bush Administration, and I always enjoyed working with CDC officials…”
(SRW): “Sir I read your bio and I’m going to run out of time. Do you think it is appropriate to fire these officials who had just got a great evaluation?”
(JO): “Senator, my understanding of both the proposed organization and RIF (Reeducation in Force) was that the decisions about which personnel should be retained going forward is made by the heads of the operating divisions. I don’t have any inside information on the agency – I believe that the leadership of CDC decided which people should be RIF’d.”
(SRW): “Do you think it is appropriate just from an issue of fairness, I’ve talked to these folks one-on-one. CDC workers share with me that they have gotten positive performance evaluations weeks earlier, only to be given notice that they were fired, not only were they given notice that they were fired, but weeks later they get a poor performance evaluation. You’re in charge of personnel. Do you think that’s fair?”
“Do you think that would be fair, just as someone who has managed personnel, on its face, does that strike you as dealing with people in an honorable way, who are serving our country? Even if you had to fire them, even if you felt like you had to streamline them for whatever reason. Do you think it is fair for someone to get a great performance evaluation and weeks later hear they are doing poorly, even as DOGE says we are dealing with waste?”
(JO): “Senator, it is always unpleasant to fire people, even if their function is no longer needed or they are not performing…”
(SRW): “Do you think it is an honorable way of handling people, sir? Yes or no?”
(JO): “I don’t know the particulars of the situation, perhaps they had a different supervisor the second time.”
(SRW): “If confirmed, will you commit to restoring the full functionality of each congressionally mandated CDC office that provides life-saving services and programs to the American people? Will you and your staff report directly to this committee on the status of restoring the programs?”
(JO): “It’s vitally important that every function and responsibility of HHS that’s set out in law be conducted and aimed toward success. If there are two functions that are appropriate that make more sense to be done within the same agency rather than separate agencies, it makes sense to put them together. If they duplicate functions being performed by more than one part of HHS, it makes sense to combine them. That seems to be the philosophy that was stated behind the proposed reorganization. It seems like a reasonable philosophy to me. That does absolutely preserve the essential functions of HHS that you cited.”
(SRW): “So even as this process – and I think it is charitable to call it a process, it’s been awfully chaotic – even as this ensues, this administration claims its goal is radical transparency. But there has been no transparency around CDC cuts.”
“In fact, I wrote to the Secretary in March, who I met with in my office, demanding specific information on CDC firings, and I still haven’t gotten a response from the Secretary.”
“Mr. Andres, if confirmed to be the primary liaison between HHS and Congress, will you ensure that I finally get a complete and thorough response to this and all of my letters? Will you commit to ensuring that HHS communicates timely and transparently with me and my staff on CDC reorganization plans? The Secretary still hasn’t answered my letter.”
Gary Andres (GA): “Thank you for the question, Senator Warnock. I know that as a top priority for you…”
(SRW): “It’s a top priority for my constituents.”
(GA): “…And your constituents, and your staff communicated to me how important CDC and the employees are to you. I will say this, I understand the importance of developing a relationship with trust, of accountability, and getting back to you, and I will commit to work with you on those things.”
“I think that when we talk about congressional letters, they will vary in terms of their level of complexity, and so it is hard to come up with some specific timeframe. But I understand the importance, I will commit to working with you on those things.”
(SRW): “Tell the Secretary to answer my letter!”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Titus and Kiggans Advocate for Additional School Nurses

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON, DC – On National School Nurse Day, Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act. This bipartisan legislation would establish a grant program within the U.S. Department of Education to give high-need schools the ability to hire and retain additional school nurses.

“All too often, when school districts like Clark County are forced to stretch limited funding, school nurse positions are overlooked,” Congresswoman Titus said. “In fact, Clark County needs over a 100 more school nurses to meet the demands of its students. School nurses play a critical role in our children’s learning and success. Students who have the appropriate healthcare resources are better equipped for studies, sports, and everyday activities.”

“As a nurse practitioner, I know firsthand how vital nurses are to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I’m proud to support the NURSE Act, which builds on efforts I championed in the Virginia State Senate to increase access to care in our schools. By investing in school nurses, we’re ensuring that our children have the support they need to stay healthy and succeed in the classroom. Introducing this bill during National Nurses Week underscores our commitment to recognizing the incredible contributions our nurses make in communities across the country.”

“We ar thrilled that Representative Titus has re-introduced the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act (NURSE Act) on School Nurse Day, a day that celebrates the contributions of school nurses to children and their academic success,” said Kate King, President of the National Association of School Nurses. “It is important that children have their physical and behavioral healthcare needs met at school, particularly in case of an emergency. Every school should have a school nurse on staff every day. Passage of the NURSE Act is the first step to achieving student health equity.”

As educator and educator support personnel shortages ravage schools across the nation, the National Education Association is pleased that Rep. Titus is re-introducing the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act. It is vital that public schools and the students they serve have a school nurse to support the health and wellness of their students, and the school overall. In particular, this measure focuses on those schools serving communities and the families that face economic challenges, where students might not have access to healthcare supports, and where school nurses are vital. Every student, regardless of zip code, deserves a healthy and caring environment to learn and thrive,” said Marc Egan, Director, Government Relations for the National Education Association.

According to the National Association of School Nurses, only 39.3 percent of schools employ full-time school nurses, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that more than 40 percent of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition.

Under the NURSE Act, schools with 20 percent of their student body qualifying for low-cost or free lunches would be eligible for grants to hire more school nurses. The legislation targets schools with the highest healthcare needs.

The National Association of School Nurses, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers have endorsed the NURSE Act.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Bergman, Budzinski, Frankel, Kiggans, Bilirakis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Older Veterans from Avoidable, Costly Falls
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12)introducedbipartisan legislation to help older Veterans avoid injuries from costly, dangerous falls.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would establish an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and create a falls prevention coordinator role. The legislation would also create a pilot program for incorporating falls prevention programs into VA home modification programs and establish an assessment for Veterans to identify those most at risk of falling. Since Veterans, on average, have more chronic conditions than their non-Veteran counterparts, additional programs could help to prevent unnecessary injuries or hospitalizations — and the massive expenses associated with falls.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, the American Physical Therapy Association, and AARP.

“As our population continues to age, the VA must be proactive in its efforts to identify and address necessary improvements in care for older Veterans. The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act will help drastically enhance the health and quality of life for those at risk of falls while reducing the need for costly recovery programs resulting from these preventable injuries. I’m proud to help reintroduce this bipartisan, commonsense bill,” said Congressman Bergman.

“Preventative health care measures give our nation’s Veterans a healthier, more resilient future,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The SAFE STEPS Act reflects our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by older Veterans, who are at a higher risk of serious falls and their consequences. By establishing an Office of Falls Prevention and integrating effective programs into VA home modification efforts, we aim to reduce the incidence of falls and the associated high costs. Our Veterans deserve the best care and support, and this legislation will help ensure their long-term safety and wellbeing.”

“Falls are the leading cause of injury among people over age 65. A new VA effort to keep our Veterans on their feet is important for the thousands of senior Veterans who live in South Florida and across the country,” said Congresswoman Frankel. “We owe the men and women who served in our military full support in maintaining their health and well-being. I am proud to co-lead this bill.”

“As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand how falls can impact our older adults’ health and overall quality of life,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Our elder Veterans are especially vulnerable, and we owe it to them to ensure they’re safe and well cared for after their service to our nation. The VA must place a greater focus on elder care and this legislation is a step in the right direction. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the SAFE STEPS Act to advocate for better resources, education, and fall-prevention programs for our older Veterans.”

“As someone who has experienced a fall that resulted in broken ribs, I am very familiar with the pain that often comes from a fall,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The risks associated with falling are especially high for seniors over the age of 65. According to the CDC, 36 million seniors fall each year. Tragically, these falls result in 34,000 deaths and three million serious injuries that require an emergency room visit. The good news is that falls are preventable and do not need to be an inevitable part of aging. I encourage all seniors and their loved ones to learn more about how to stay safe and active by taking advantage of the fall prevention programs offered in their community. This bill will ensure that at-risk Veterans also have direct access to the tools they need to prevent falls and stay safe.”

An estimated $80 billion a year is spent on direct medical costs for falls among older adults, up from $50 billion a decade ago. Falls are caused by a variety of risk factors, such as lower body weakness, balance issues, vitamin D deficiency, hearing issues, vision issues, use of certain medications and/or home hazards. Twenty percent of these falls result in serious injuries, with approximately 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults each year.

Falls prevention is an interdisciplinary approach that requires screening and coordination among health care providers, referral to community-based falls prevention programs and addressing home-based risks. However, neither the VA nor VHA currently have a single authority that leads falls prevention efforts for the Department. Additionally, while VA provides funding for home modification programs for certain veteran populations, these programs do not incorporate evidence-based falls prevention programs into their work. The VHA also does not include a requirement that Veterans at risk be screened, leaving too many Veterans susceptible to otherwise preventable falls.

“Falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans, and Veterans face an elevated risk primarily due to their service-connected conditions,” said DAV (Disabled American Veterans) National Legislative Director Joy Ilem.“These injuries are not inevitable and can be significantly reduced through dedicated, evidence-based falls prevention programs and clinical-community partnerships. DAV thanks Rep. Budzinski, Bergman, Frankel, and Kiggans for re-introducing and championing SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025, which establishes the Office of Falls Prevention at the Veterans Health Administration and supports research for evidence-based fall prevention programs that will benefit and protect our Veterans.”

“The American Physical Therapy Association is grateful to Rep. Budzinski, along with Reps. Frankel, Kiggans, Bergman, and Bilirakis for their introduction of the bipartisan SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 in the U.S. House,” said APTA President Kyle Covington PT, DPT, PhD. “The creation of an Office of Falls Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs will improve coordination, services, and research aimed at preventing our Veterans from encountering dangerous falls. While proactively preventing falls in our Veteran population, this Office will also minimize health care utilization. The legislation also ensures that our Veterans receive access to much needed physical therapy services, avoiding costlier and more intensive interventions.”

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would:
- Establish an Office of Falls Prevention and creates a falls prevention coordinator within the Veterans Health Administration.
- Require the falls prevention coordinator to work with NIH to develop Veterans-specific research for evidence-based falls prevention programs.
- Require a report on Falls Prevention Initiatives in the Department.
- Make improvements to Safe Patient Handling Transfer Techniques, which ensure that injured or paralyzed Veterans are safely transferred between seated positions.
- Create a pilot program for current home modification grant programs to incorporate evidence-based falls prevention programs as a component of receipt of grant funding.
Establish a Falls Assessment and Fall Prevention Service requirement for Veterans to screen for those at risk of falling and to better ensure care plans are developed.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: FDA Advises Consumers, Tattoo Artists, and Retailers to Avoid Using or Selling Certain Sacred Tattoo Ink Products Contaminated with Microorganisms

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
May 07, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
May 07, 2025
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Tattoo inks that are contaminated with bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Company Name:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
Sacred Tattoo Ink

Product Description:

Product Description

Sacred Tattoo Ink, Raven Black; CI# 77266; Lot#: RB0624; Best Before: June 28 2027
Sacred Tattoo Ink, Sunny Daze; CI# 21095; Lot#: SD1124; Best Before: Nov 1 2027

FDA Announcement
Audience

Consumers who are considering a new tattoo
Tattoo artists
Retailers of tattoo inks

Product
FDA laboratory analysis has found that the following tattoo inks are contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms:

Sacred Tattoo Ink, Raven Black; CI# 77266; Lot#: RB0624; Best Before: June 28 2027
Sacred Tattoo Ink, Sunny Daze; CI# 21095; Lot#: SD1124; Best Before: Nov 1 2027

Purpose
The FDA is alerting consumers, tattoo artists, and retailers of the potential for serious injury from use of tattoo inks that are contaminated with bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Tattoo inks contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms can cause infections and lead to serious health injuries when injected into the skin during a tattooing procedure, since there is an increased risk of infection any time the skin barrier is broken.
Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo-ink-associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied. Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring. Indications of an infection can be difficult to recognize as other conditions (e.g., allergic reactions) may initially have similar signs and symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
Summary of Problem and Scope
The FDA has become aware of contaminated tattoo inks through its routine surveys of marketed tattoo inks, and subsequent microbiological analysis of sampled tattoo inks. The FDA has identified 2 tattoo inks contaminated with bacteria harmful to human health through samples collected as part of routine surveillance activities. Tattoo inks were analyzed using methods described in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual Chapter 23: Microbiological Methods for Cosmetics, which are the general methods used to determine bacterial contamination of cosmetics.
Recommendations for Consumers
Ask the tattoo artist or studio about the tattoo inks they use and avoid the tattoo inks listed above, due to risk of infection and injury.
Recommendations for Tattoo Artists, and Retailers
Avoid using or selling the tattoo inks mentioned above, due to risk of infection and injury.
FDA Monitoring
The FDA will continue to work with manufacturers and retailers to help ensure contaminated products are removed from the market.
Who to Contact
Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse health experiences at FDA’s SmartHub.
Sacred Tattoo Ink Raven Black (Manufactured by Sacred Tattoo Ink)

Sacred Tattoo Ink Sunny Daze (Manufactured by Sacret Tattoo Ink)

Content current as of:
05/07/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Establishing 10 Youth Assertive Community Treatment Teams
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that $4.5 million in state funding was awarded to establish 10 new Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams, including five in New York City, two on Long Island and three in areas north of the metropolitan area. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health, the new multidisciplinary teams will support 360 additional youth with serious emotional disturbances who are either at risk of entering, or are returning home from high intensity services, such as inpatient settings or residential services.

“Children and youth living with mental illness sometimes require additional care to remain at home or return back into the community,” Governor Hochul said. “This expansion of our Youth ACT program will help provide more families with this critical support and the services they can rely on to bring their child home after inpatient care or from a residential facility.”

OMH provided $450,000 in one-time start-up funding to 10 service providers to establish the new teams, with each serving up to 36 children between the ages of 10 and 21. Award recipients include:
- Access Supports for Living Inc., serving Westchester County
- The Charles Evans Center, serving Nassau County
- Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling, serving Suffolk County
- Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference, serving Chenango County
- Interborough Developmental & Consultation Center, serving Brooklyn
- The Child Center of NY, two teams serving Manhattan and Queens
- Jewish Child Care Association of NY, serving the Bronx
- Child and Family Services of Erie County, serving Erie County
- Richmond University Medical Center, serving Staten Island
In addition to announcing the awards, Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation designating Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in New York State. The proclamation was presented this week during the annual ‘What’s Great in Our State’ Celebration of Children’s Mental Health event in Albany, which recognizes individuals and programs successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health.

With the first teams established in 2022, New York was the first state nationally to adapt the successful Assertive Community Treatment model to serve youth and young adults. The state now hosts 20 Youth ACT teams in 27 counties, providing services including youth and family therapy, medication management, family and peer supports, and skill-building.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “New York’s Youth ACT program is a fantastic first-in-the-nation adaptation to a model that has proven extremely successful with adults living with mental illness. By adding teams statewide, we can help more young people and their families to access the care and support they can use to live and thrive within their community. The expansion of this successful program demonstrates Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to expand access to mental healthcare throughout our state.”

Youth ACT teams include mental health clinicians and psychiatric prescribers, peer advocates, and clinical support staff, offering 24-hour support, seven days per week. These teams are focused on improving or ameliorating the significant functional impairments and severe symptomatology experienced by the youth due to mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.

Clinical and rehabilitative interventions are also focused on enhancing family functioning to foster wellbeing, stability, and re-integration. Services are delivered using a family-driven, youth-guided, and developmentally appropriate approach that comprehensively addresses the needs of the youth.

Governor Hochul’s support for youth mental health has resulted in major investments into youth services and supports and nation-leading legislation to address online safety. Her $1 billion mental health initiative and the FY 2025 Budget has significantly expanded access to mental health care and is providing resources for young people and their families.

Last year, Governor Hochul established the Youth Mental Health Advisory Board, a 30-member advisory board which includes youth between the ages of 11 and 17. The advisory board convenes quarterly and is designed to ensure that youth-informed best practices continue to be incorporated in developing behavioral health programs and policies.

New York also now supports more than 1,200 school-based mental health clinic satellites to provide mental health services at districts statewide. These clinics bring a licensed mental health care provider to school campuses, allowing students to access these services in a familiar stigma-free setting.

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the state has also significantly expanded HealthySteps, an innovative program that supports young families with high-quality care for mental and physical health development for children 3 years old or younger. New York now supports 125 sites in 35 counties statewide.

Additionally, the state continues to expand Home-Based Crisis Intervention teams, which provide critical mental health services so that at-risk children and youth can avoid psychiatric hospitalization. The state now funds 55 teams, which have the capacity to assist 3,500 families annually.

New York State Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health President and CEO Kayleigh Zaloga said, “New York’s Youth ACT program fills a critical role in the behavioral health service continuum for adolescents and families, enabling hundreds of young people with significant mental health needs to remain or reintegrate into their families, schools, and communities. The multidisciplinary team approach offers families the support they need when they need it, delivering intensive in-home therapy, peer support, medication management, and crisis intervention centered on each young person’s goals. This work not only stabilizes youth and families in the short term, but also helps them build the skills, resilience, and community connections necessary to thrive into adulthood.”

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams are meeting young people where they are at, in their homes, in their communities, and often at their most critical moments. This investment means more families won’t have to choose between getting help and staying together. By surrounding youth with compassionate and expert care, we’re not just addressing symptoms, we’re giving them the support they need,” said

MIL OSI USA News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Rand Paul Honored Retiring Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson in Bowling Green

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 6th, 2025
 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-578-8903
Senator Rand Paul Honored Retiring Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson in Bowling Green
BOWLING GREEN, KY – U.S. Senator Rand Paul honored Dr. Bob Jackson, retiring President of Murray State University, during a recognition ceremony this week at the Senator’s State office
During his remarks, Senator Paul stated, “If you’re looking for people who are the next generation of farmers and agriculture, they’re most likely to be kids of people who are farming in agriculture. So, it’s great to have a university that has expertise in the agricultural sciences and the kids who want to remain in and have an opportunity. I see it as serving a great purpose. We’ve worked well with Doctor Jackson over the years, and we wish him success.”
“It has been an honor to work with Sen. Paul during these past many years as we worked to advance our Commonwealth and Murray State University,” said Dr. Bob Jackson. “Importantly, we greatly appreciate the Senator’s support of a School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State University which will have a major and lasting impact on agriculture in Kentucky.”
Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership, Murray State established an accredited school of veterinary medicine—a transformative achievement aimed squarely at addressing the severe shortage of large-animal veterinarians in rural Kentucky. This initiative has positioned Murray State as a leader in supporting Kentucky’s animal agriculture economy, equipping local students to serve farm communities and helping ensure the long-term viability of the state’s livestock industry.
Dr. Jackson will retire on June 30, 2025, and begin serving as President Emeritus on July 1. During the ceremony, he presented Senator Paul with a commemorative gift from Murray State to be displayed in the State office.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Quadrupling youth beds with CASA Mental Health
Alberta’s government continues to build the Alberta Recovery Model, a continuum of mental health and addiction care that includes prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. With record-high investment, the model is supporting Albertans of all ages, ensuring children and youth get the mental health care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Alberta’s government has an established partnership with CASA Mental Health, the province’s second-largest provider of community-based youth mental health services. The organization focuses on youth who are experiencing mental health challenges that are complex but do not require treatment in an acute care setting or psychiatric hospital.

To continue this partnership, Budget 2025 provides $47 million in capital grants to CASA Mental Health to build live-in and day program youth facilities in three new locations: Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray and Calgary. This is part of a capital commitment of $75 million over three years (2023-26), which will also support the relocation of the existing CASA House from Sherwood Park to Edmonton. This capital grant funding will quadruple the number of CASA House beds in Alberta to about 80. Once fully operational, CASA House facilities will treat more than 300 young Albertans every year.

“Investing in youth mental health sets young people up for brighter futures and helps strengthen families and communities across Alberta. The new CASA Houses and our strong partnership with CASA Mental Health will provide the care they need, closer to home.”

Premier Danielle Smith, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat

“Through the Alberta Recovery Model, we are continuing to invest in the infrastructure, programs and services that will give Albertans access to the supports they need to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. Our partnership with CASA Mental Health is increasing access to services and bringing supports closer to home.”

Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

CASA House facilities will provide treatment for youth aged 12-18 who are experiencing complex mental health challenges with both live-in and day programming. This programming supports youth with the development of skills to build stronger relationships, manage conflict, solve problems, maintain positive health and wellness, and transition to a community school setting. Alberta’s government ensures no family needs to pay for these services by fully funding their operation.

“CASA Mental Health is expanding to provide services to children and youth, and hope to the families supporting them, by bridging the gap between home and hospital. We’re pleased to partner with the Alberta government to bring timely mental health care to more children and youth throughout the province.”

Bonnie Blakley, chief executive officer, CASA Mental Health

“We felt welcomed. We were treated with respect. We loved that there was a program for our child and for us. We learned a lot for the first time since our struggles, we felt like we were not alone and that there is hope. We are so thankful for the amazing staff who made our child’s journey easier.”

Parent of CASA House patient

CASA Mental Health is in the final stages of securing land for the Fort McMurray CASA House, with that location and the Calgary CASA House expected to open in 2027.

Targeted completion of the Medicine Hat and Edmonton CASA House facilities is 2029. The existing CASA House in Sherwood Park will continue operating until the new location opens. As a non-profit charity, CASA Mental Health will engage with the community and embark on a fundraising campaign to supplement government’s capital funding commitment.

“CASA House will have a profound impact on the Fort McMurray region. This facility will help children receive quality mental health care close to home. This is another example of Alberta’s government investing in local infrastructure to support families in northern Alberta.”

Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche

“As an advocate of mental health care, I’m grateful for this new investment for children and youth facing complex mental health challenges. Too often, parents are left questioning how they can get their children the help they need. This new facility will be an important addition to our community.”

Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

“Since being elected two years ago, I have worked with community organizations and service providers to connect with each other and make a mental health and addiction system that works for Medicine Hat. A new CASA House in the city will fill a gap I often hear about, which is the need for more access to mental health services tailored specifically to youth.”

Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

Treatment includes individual, group and family therapy, social and life skills training and on-site schooling. Family and caregivers play a vital role in recovery and are actively engaged throughout the treatment process. This includes participation in bi-weekly parent and multi-family group therapy sessions, education and support opportunities and involvement in personalized care and discharge planning.

Youth who stay at a CASA House receive proactive discharge planning, including eight to 12 weeks of follow-up support. The transition team works with families to develop a coordinated plan that may include referrals to community services, school supports and primary care providers.

Alberta’s government is making record investments in mental health services to support Albertans of all ages in their pursuit of wellness and recovery. This includes investing in digital supports like 211 Alberta and Kids Help Phone, supporting school-based initiatives, increasing access to eating disorder treatment for young Albertans and investing in affordable virtual and in-person counselling.

Quick facts
- May 7 is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day.
- CASA House patients consistently see improvements in symptoms, including:
  - Reduction in attention-related symptoms.
  - Reduction in substance use.
  - Reduction in emotionally related symptoms (anxiety, depression, etc.).
  - Improvement in peer relationships.
  - Improvement in school attendance and participation.
- In 2024-25, CASA Mental Health provided support for almost 11,000 patients and family members.
- Albertans experiencing mental health or addiction challenges can call or text 211 Alberta for information on services and supports in their community.
Related information
- CASA Mental Health
- Alberta Recovery Model
Related news
- New school year, new mental health classrooms (Sept. 2024)
- Record-breaking expansion of mental health services (May 2024)
- Building a future of mental wellness (Jan. 2024)
- Expanding mental health treatment for youth (March 2023)
Multimedia
- Virtual tour – Sherwood Park CASA House
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Salinas, Colleagues Launch Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus for the 119th Congress

Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR) joined her fellow Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus – including Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Donald Beyer (D-VA) – at a press conference to officially launch the Caucus for the 119^th Congress. The Members, standing side-by-side with representatives from leading mental health advocacy organizations, delivered remarks about the state of mental health and addiction in America and the potential for bipartisan progress on this issue. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) also serves as Caucus Co-Chair along with Reps. Salinas, Bacon, and Beyer.

Click here to watch a recording and here for usable photos from today’s press conference

“Mental health is an issue where bipartisan consensus is still possible. I remain very hopeful. We’ve seen how these problems have affected our own families, neighborhoods, and communities – and we all share a similar goal: Putting an end to the mental health and addiction crisis once and for all,” said Rep. Salinas. “I am optimistic and excited about the road ahead. Because we have partners, parents, providers and yes – even politicians – who want to see change and are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on commonsense solutions.

“We do have a mental health crisis in our country, and I think it’s pretty clear to all of us that we have underfunded mental health care,” said. Rep. Bacon. “I look forward to working with our Co-Chairs and all of you to improve our mental health capabilities in this country. We know the problem. That means we can find the solution.”

“We want this to be the largest Caucus on the Hill. We should have every Democrat and every Republican in it because every family, if you look just hard enough, you’ll find that they’re dealing with some kind of mental health concern… and I think we all agree that the health system is failing,” said Rep. Beyer. “We do a very poor job at dealing with serious mental illness in this country. That’s why I’m so grateful that my colleagues [Reps. Salinas, Bacon, and Gonzales], and the many, many other Democrats and Republicans who have signed up to be part of this [Caucus], have come together with our mental health professionals and our industry leaders to really try to make a difference.”

Several mental health professionals and advocates also spoke at the press conference, including Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., President-Elect of the American Psychiatry Association (APA), Michael Linskey, Director of Congressional Affairs at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Laurel Stine, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and Tim Clement, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at Mental Health America (MHA).

Chaired by Reps. Salinas, Bacon, Beyer, and Gonzales, the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus serves as a bipartisan forum where Members of Congress and their staff can work together to raise awareness and find solutions to the mental and behavioral health crisis in America. A full list of Caucus Members can be found here.

To receive updates and learn more about the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, you can visit the Caucus’ website or follow the Caucus on Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. invests in planning for northern youth support centre

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Children and youth in northern B.C. will benefit from a provincial investment of $500,000 to Lheidli T’enneh First Nation for a feasibility study to help design a new service hub in the region.

“The first phase of work required extensive consultation with municipalities, First Nations, and partners throughout the North. This process informed the clear need to meet children and youth where they are at,” said Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “Phase 2, focused on feasibility, will inform how this project may come to life, the services, care, and programs needed, as well as location and infrastructure needs. This is critical work we are pleased to lead with support from government, First Nations Health Authority, Northern Health, and others with a direct interest in seeing youth at the centre of future care options.”

This builds on previous consultation and engagement led by the Nation with support from the Province to seek input from communities on a new Centre of Excellence for Children and Youth in the North. That consultation and engagement concluded there is a demand for more holistic, equitable and culturally safe wellness supports for children and youth that are connected and build on existing programs and services in communities.

“Investing in youth is investing in our future,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Ensuring they get the culturally appropriate supports and programs they need now will lead to healthier lives for children and youth, laying a foundation for healthier future generations. Lheidli T’enneh has been leading the project to better support youth in the North, and through this feasibility study, their collaboration with partners will help determine the best services that children and youth need.”

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation conducted a three-month engagement program and consulted with municipalities, First Nations and individuals from communities of interest with knowledge, experience, information and expertise in child and youth development. Consultations were held in person in communities across the North and in a variety of online formats.

The goal of the study is to provide a clear description of the scope of services for the Centre of Excellence for Children and Youth and how they fit within existing services in the region.

The feasibility study will be led by Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in close collaboration with government, Northern Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority and other partners. The study is expected to be complete in 2025.

“The First Nations Health Authority is driven by the needs of First Nations communities, and right now we hear the need for more child and youth supports in the North,” said Monica McAlduff, CEO, First Nations Health Authority. “We are excited to work with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the Province to bring more accessible and more appropriate care to our young ones – to our future.”

This work is part of the Province’s efforts to provide culturally safe and trauma-informed programs and services to people in B.C., including First Nations people.

Learn More:

Learn about mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C.: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: School of Pharmacy 2025 Commencement Speakers

Source: US State of Connecticut

The School of Pharmacy is excited to announce JoAnn Trejo as the commencement speaker for the 2025 Pharm.D. ceremony. As the Honorary Degree Recipient and Keynote Speaker for the School of Pharmacy, Trejo is a professor of pharmacology and senior assistant vice chancellor for health sciences faculty affairs at the University of California San Diego. She completed her undergraduate at UC Davis, her PhD and MBA at UC San Diego and her postdoctoral training at UCSF.

Headshot of JoAnn Trejo

Committed to research with passion and dedication, Trejo has expertise in cell signaling in the context of vascular inflammation and cancer. With her research published in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and continuously being funded by the NIH, Trejo is an excellent educator, mentor, and leader. Through her work advancing the fields of science and pharmacology, Trejo is the recipient of an NIH R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) and the American Heart Association Established Investigator Award.

Beyond her research, Trejo is the director of five NIH-supported training programs and served as an elected member of the leadership Council for the ASCB and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As a current member of the scientific advisory boards for Septerna and Versiti and the NIGMS Advisory Council, Trejo has received numerous awards for leadership and service. Trejo is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) among other organizations.

Joe Honcz, the B.S. ceremony commencement speaker, is a distinguished expert in managed care and market access as a Registered Pharmacist and currently serves as the Senior Vice President at Petauri Advisors. With a 25-year career that spans various sectors of the healthcare industry, Joe played a critical role in the launch of Medicare Part D and had instrumental involvement in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and an MBA from UConn and continues to serve the UConn community as an AMCP diplomat to the School.

Headshot of Joe Honcz

Recently leveraging his understanding of managed care to deliver strategic market access insights, Joe has empowered over 20 biotech and pharmaceutical clients to effectively navigate complex dynamics. Joe’s contributions have been important in the launch of innovative products in traditional and rare disease categories and he continues to drive innovation while supporting the emerging pharmaceutical and health tech industries as a “pharmacy futurist.”

Outside of his role as Senior Vice President, Joe is involved at Yale Ventures and UConn Technology Commercialization Services as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor and is on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and Avery’s Little Army.

Joe’s background includes diverse roles at Pfizer, Walgreens, CVS, and more.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NREL Partners With Chilkat Indian Village To Improve Housing in Klukwan, Alaska

Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The majority of housing in Klukwan consists of modular units imported from the Lower 48 in the 1970s, not well-suited to the extremes of Alaska. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

A team of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers and Tribal staff gathered around the wood stove in Charlie Spud’s home, trying to figure out why it was not drawing air.

“Every time I turn on the bath fan, the stove backdrafts,” said Spud, 61, who built the home 13 years ago with his wife Joanne.

“That’s not good—it can bring carbon monoxide into the home,” said Jack Hébert, a senior research advisor at NREL’s Alaska Campus and a long-time Alaska homebuilder.

The cozy, cedar-sided home overlooks the wide, braided Chilkat River and the massive snowcapped peaks straddling the Alaska-Canada border, where the Tlingit people have lived for thousands of years. Long before Alaska was a state, or the nearby fishing town of Haines appeared, this was a gathering spot for the Chilkat Tlingits (known as the Jilkáat Kwáan) who traveled to these shores by canoe to trade and share feasts of the region’s bounty.

During a housing assessment, Charlie Spud (left) and Jack Hébert (center) troubleshoot why Spud’s stove is backdrafting. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

A colorful wood carving on the living room wall honored the eagle—or Ch’áak’—clan that Joanne descends from. Like many in Klukwan, Alaska, Charlie and Joanne still spend a lot of time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and picking berries that grow in the lush Chilkat Valley.

After investigating the stove and crawling around the attic with an infrared camera, the team discovered a lot of air leaking around the stovepipe into the attic, then escaping outside. It was due to stack effect, Hébert said, which occurs when heat rises within a building due to temperature differences between indoors and outdoors.

“So much air is leaking around the pipe that it’s overpowering the fire’s ability to get oxygen. So, the fire has to pull air from inside the stack, which can bring dangerous gases into the home,” Hébert said.

He emphasized the importance of introducing outside combustion air into the area near the stove and made a note on the survey: Seal ceiling penetration around pipe to reduce stack effect.

‘Housing and Jobs: You Can’t Build a Community Without Either’

This is one of many problems Klukwan is tackling as part of a $1 million award through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. Since 1999, HUD has invested in hundreds of communities across the United States to make low-income households safer, healthier, and more affordable. Over the past decade, NREL has assisted 15 Alaska communities to implement these programs, including Buckland, Gakona, and—currently—Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services, helping direct a total of $16 million toward reducing in-home hazards.

The goal of these programs is not only to improve housing but also to build a workforce that benefits local economies.

“This project is about housing and jobs. You can’t build a community without either,” said Shawna Hotch, Tribal liaison for the Tribe, who oversees a variety of initiatives related to housing, energy, health, and more.

Shawna Hotch is the Tribal liaison for the Chilkat Indian Village, NREL’s partner on the Healthy Homes project. Photo from Shawna Hotch

Housing has long been a priority for the small Southeast Alaska community of 81 people. While the village has been around for thousands of years, most of its current housing was built in the 1970s and consists of modular units imported from the Lower 48 states. Today they are dilapidated, leaky, and expensive to heat. Housing surveys conducted in 2023, also in partnership with NREL, revealed high rates of mold, indoor air quality problems, and overcrowding and led the Tribe to pass a resolution declaring a housing emergency.

New housing is critical to the community’s growth, yet high costs have inhibited construction. Many Tribal members share homes with multiple generations, move out of the community, or add mobile homes onto their permanent structures for more space.

Charlie Spud’s daughter, Karlie, left the state four years ago when she had her first child because she could not find housing in Klukwan. Last year, when her brother moved out of their childhood home, Karlie came back to the village. Now she lives there with her daughter and works at the clinic across the street.

“In Klukwan, it’s really bad. If someone in your family passes away, that’s about the only way you can get a house. Some people buy mobile homes or kits from Canada, but there’s nothing affordable that will also keep you warm and comfortable,” Karlie said.

NREL Researcher Chan Charoonsophonsak (right) documents housing conditions with Chilkat Indian Village staff. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

In light of that shortage, they are fixing up what they have. Hotch enlisted NREL’s building and energy experts to perform building assessments and guide the retrofits to ensure they deliver long-term health and economic benefits to residents.

“I love working with NREL. I’m not an energy expert—I work on so many different initiatives related to geohazards, health, and land protections that it’s very valuable to me to be able to trust these Alaskan experts,” Hotch said.

Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center in Klukwan, Alaska, sits on the banks of the Chilkat River. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

NREL Surveys Inform Retrofit Work To Make Warmer, Safer Housing

In March, the assessment team made up of NREL building experts, Tribal staff, and private contractors visited 11 homes, interviewing residents, testing for lead paint and radon, and inspecting foundations, walls, windows, and appliances. The cold, wet climate of Southeast Alaska can be hard on homes, and many showed signs of moisture and mold. Other residents complained about cold floors, leaky roofs, or broken outlets.

Charlene Katzeek lives in a double-wide trailer on a raised foundation overlooking the Chilkat Mountains. At age 75, she likes listening to audiobooks while she drinks coffee and plays cards. Her daughter, Deanna, the village public safety officer in Klukwan, often stops by to visit and help with housework, since Charlene is losing her eyesight. While the home is in pretty good shape, Charlene is on a fixed income and wants to reduce energy use.

“There’s a big hole under the window. When my husband was alive, he would ask me to go outside and he could wave to me through the trim,” Charlene said, chuckling.

Shawna Hotch visits the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center in Klukwan. Photo from Shawna Hotch

The assessment team found additional cold spots in the house that could be sealed and suggested upgrades to improve indoor air quality, such as removing old carpet and increasing ventilation.

“In a cold climate, we build very tight homes and spend so much of our time inside in the winter,” NREL’s Hébert said. “Bringing fresh air into the home keeps everyone healthy and can really address our exceptionally high rates of respiratory illness in Alaska.”

The housing assessment team included (left to right) Tim Ewing with Chilkat Indian Village, Chan Charoonsophonsak (NREL), Trevor Luedke (Steller Inspections), Jack Hebert (NREL), and Charlie Spud (Chilkat Indian Village). Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

After finishing the assessments, the team started poring over the data to make a plan for each house. Retrofit work is expected to begin this summer, as fishing, road construction, and other seasonal jobs take off.

Just like those efforts, this project will strengthen the economy and make Klukwan a healthier, more vibrant place to live.

Learn more about research at NREL’s Alaska Campus.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Your fridge might be a breeding ground for bacteria – here’s how to fix it

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Oleksii Omelchenko, Doctoral Researcher in listeria and other invasive pathogens, Quadram Institute

Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

The kitchen is often the heart of the home – a place where families gather and meals begin. And at the start of it all? The fridge. This is where we safely store much of our food, and as technology advances, fridges are getting smarter: being able to track inventory, suggest recipes, even displaying the news.

But of all their features, temperature remains the most critical. We rely on fridges to keep food fresh, but if the temperature isn’t right, they can do the opposite – essentially becoming cosy incubators for bacteria.

As a microbiologist, I might find that fascinating, but it’s definitely not ideal for the sausages you brought home from the farmer’s market.

When looking across many households, the average temperature in fridges is 5.3°C – just above the recommended safe range of 0–5°C (32–41°F). More concerning is how often temperatures fluctuate. Many fridges spend over half their time above that safe limit.

Some have even been found running as high as 15°C (59°F), which, in parts of the UK, is practically a warm summer’s day. At those temperatures, bacteria can multiply quickly, increasing the risk of food spoilage or even food-borne illness.

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So, what’s going wrong? Part of the problem is that many fridges lack an accurate, accessible way to monitor their internal temperature. Let’s admit: most of us don’t know what the dial settings actually mean.

On top of that, every time you open the door, warm air rushes in. The longer the door stays open, especially if you’re lingering while choosing a snack, the more the internal temperature climbs toward room temperature, creating a more suitable environment for bacteria to thrive.

Keep bacteria in check

Here are simple ways to keep your food fresher – and safer:

• Minimise door openings. Don’t leave the fridge hanging open while you unload groceries.

• Use a rotating organiser. A lazy susan can help you avoid searching through a shelf full of products for that half-used sauce bottle.

• Clean your door seals. Every few months, check for mould or grime and make sure the seals close tightly.

Temperature also varies inside your fridge. The coldest spot is usually at the back, while the warmest is on the door. That means items like milk or raw meat are best stored near the back – not in the door. The door is fine for butter or fizzy drinks.

Even though many modern fridges have a built-in sensor, it often only reflects the temperature at one spot. In fact, 68% of households never adjust their temperature settings.

A practical tip? Place a few stick-on thermometers in different areas of your fridge. If any are regularly above 5°C (41°F), it’s time to adjust. But remember: the built-in indicators inside your fridge don’t always reflect the actual temperature throughout your fridge.

Also, avoid overcrowding. Aim to keep your fridge about 75% full, so cold air can circulate properly. You can make room by storing items such as stone fruits, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and honey in a cool, dry cupboard – these don’t need refrigeration.

But temperature isn’t the only concern. Even a well-chilled fridge can harbour invisible risks. Studies show that fridges can contain pathogens, likely to have been introduced previously via food or packaging that may have been contaminated.

While cold temperatures stops many bacteria from growing, some – like Listeria monocytogenes – can survive and even multiply in low temperatures. Listeria, which is especially dangerous for pregnant people and older adults, can be found in soft cheeses, cured or smoked fish (including sushi), deli meats, pre-packaged fruit, frozen veg and ready-made sandwiches.

Reduce risk

To reduce risk for yourself and others, follow recommendations from the food safety authorities:

• Keep raw foods – like meat and fish that need cooking – separate from ready-to-eat items such as fruits or sandwiches.

• Store raw meat and fish on the bottom shelf of the fridge. That way, if any juices leak, they won’t drip onto other foods.

• Consume ready-to-eat products within four hours of removing them from the fridge.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before, during and after meal preparation.

• Follow the cooking instructions on packaging when applicable.

Improving your fridge habits might not sound thrilling, but it helps food stay fresher longer, keeps your fridge working more efficiently, and most importantly, protects your health – and the health of your family.

Oh, and about that leftover chicken from dinner early in the week… We’ve all done the sniff test. But just because your leftovers smell fine doesn’t mean they are fine. Bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria don’t always come with a funky odour.

Read more:
The sniff test is not reliable for food safety – here’s why

Oleksii Omelchenko receives funding from BBSRC, FSA.

Judith Evans has received funding from the European Commission, EPSRC, NGOs and development agencies.

– ref. Your fridge might be a breeding ground for bacteria – here’s how to fix it – https://theconversation.com/your-fridge-might-be-a-breeding-ground-for-bacteria-heres-how-to-fix-it-252339

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: VE Day: how personal first-hand accounts help keep everyday narratives of wartime Britain alive

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hazel Hall, Emeritus Professor in the School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University

From street parties to flypasts, the myriad events of VE Day – which this year commemorates the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe – take place against the backdrop of grand wartime narratives. These include accounts of military strategy, major battles and political decisions made by global leaders. Central to the day are the few remaining second world war veterans and the memory of those who lost their lives in the conflict between 1939 and 1945.

While military and political history may dominate the retelling of VE Day, the research of my colleagues at Napier and myself has focused on a wartime commentary written by a young woman called Lorna Lloyd from Malvern, Worcestershire, between 1939 and 1941.

Thursday December 12 1940

It was a very bad night last night with guns firing endlessly and heavy bombs dropping in the (not so) distance. Cheltenham seems to have got it, and Birmingham. We hardly slept at all, for though the All Clear went at 1.40am, a new alert sounded at 4.00am, and the All Clear did not go until 20 to eight.

Through our study we found that bringing the voices of ordinary people from the second world war directly into the present can forge strong emotional connections to the past, giving people a real appreciation of what it was like to live through the war in Britain. This material also prompts consideration of parallels between past and current hostilities.

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Fearing a German invasion in May 1940, 26-year-old Lloyd wrote in her diary: “I shall bury this diary so deep that one day, in a saner world, someone may find it and know that the last legions of civilisation meant not dominion but good.”

Whether or not today’s world is saner, our research with 12 interviewees familiar with two digitised versions of Lloyd’s wartime diary revealed that excerpts had a stronger emotional impact when packaged as audio in a podcast series than they did presented online as text and images.

Using news reports from the time including broadcast excerpts from the BBC, Lloyd’s words composed at her middle-class home in the Midlands highlight that war is a very human experience that affects everyone.

Her commentary offers insight into the devastating reach of the conflict on those far from the frontlines, with reflections that demonstrate the psychological toll of war and its impact on everyday life.

December 31 1940

London vanishes gradually. Now a slice is shorn away as on Sunday night, now inchmeal buildings are levelled and gaps torn in its ancient fabric. With each, something dies that was hallowed by generations of hope and endeavour, quiet monuments of ordinary strivings vanish into piles of rubble.

They also shed light on the roots of post-war social transformation, from the formation of the National Health Service to the cautious outlook of the so-called “silent generation” who grew up amid rationing and uncertainty. In a time when peace can no longer be taken for granted, these personal perspectives reinforce the importance of diplomacy, and the need to avoid conflict in the future.

June 3 1940

There are times when I feel endlessly old, and worn out, and others when I feel hopelessly young, and completely unable to combat life, or to hope for any future. I know somehow, despite the frantic entry of May 15th, that we shall win in the end, but my spirit quails at the task of building up again what has been broken down. It took 22 years to arrive even in this country at anything like normality after the last war. When things have settled down again shall I be old?

Although we anticipated that our participants would find the experience particularly affecting since they knew Lloyd was played in the podcast episodes by her 25-year-old great-great niece, an unexpected finding was that the emotional reaction was greater when the audience members recognised parallels between Lloyd’s reports of the early months of the war and the current war in Ukraine.

They were struck by the echoes of Lloyd’s commentary on 1940s wartime Europe in present-day Ukraine. One interviewee said: “It’s so much harder [to listen]… because we are in a similar situation … If you changed the words slightly, it could [be] contemporary … If we made Germany Russia, and made Finland Ukraine … We are dealing with [accommodating displaced people] today.”

This finding shows that examining history in this accessible way can lead to identifying parallels with the present. An advantage that we have today – and which was denied to Lorna Lloyd and her contemporaries – is that we have an example from history to warn us about the dangers of the current political climate in Europe.

The political and economic pressures at the time in Weimar Germany paved the way for the rise of the Nazi party. And now, with the rise of the right wing in Europe and across the world once more, it is more important than ever to learn from the past.

As so few living memories of the second world war remain today, VE Day gives us a chance to consider how we keep such “hidden” histories alive. Our research shows that digital storytelling such as podcasts give fresh resonance to archive material in an uncertain world. And it makes clear the enduring value of encouraging interaction with historical records to make sense of today’s wider social and political turbulence.

The research cited here was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the Creative Informatics programme. Hazel Hall acknowledges the contributions of her colleagues Bruce Ryan, Marianne Wilson, and Iain McGregor to this article.

– ref. VE Day: how personal first-hand accounts help keep everyday narratives of wartime Britain alive – https://theconversation.com/ve-day-how-personal-first-hand-accounts-help-keep-everyday-narratives-of-wartime-britain-alive-255653

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why south-east Asia must lead the fight against neglected tropical diseases

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tuck Seng Wong, Professor of Biomanufacturing, School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield

Village health Volunteers in Thailand survey mosquito breeding sites as part of dengue prevention campaign Deere Kumphaitoon/Shutterstock

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a persistent public health threat, and tackling them is not just a moral obligation, but a smart investment.

NTDs are a group of infectious diseases that mainly affect poor people in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases are called “neglected” because they have received less attention and fewer resources than other major health issues, despite affecting over a billion people worldwide.

NTDs disproportionately affect the poorest communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where they lock people in cycles of poverty by hindering physical and cognitive development, reducing school attendance and limiting economic productivity.

Wealthier nations experience far lower rates of these diseases. Yet it’s in LMICs that cost-effective interventions like improved water, sanitation, hygiene and vector control – methods used to limit or eliminate insects that spread diseases to humans – can deliver the greatest return. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every dollar invested in controlling and eliminating NTDs can yield up to US$25 (£19) in economic and health benefits, through lower healthcare costs, increased productivity and improved education outcomes.

While vaccines are one of the most powerful tools for disease prevention, there are still no vaccines for most NTD. Progress has been slow, largely due to fragmented funding and limited investment in research. This gap continues to leave millions vulnerable.

To address this, we helped establish the UK–South East Asia Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub (UK-SEA Vax Hub) in 2023 to reduce the burden of infectious diseases in LMICs, with a special focus on south-east Asia. Its mission is to strengthen regional capacity in vaccine research, development and manufacturing. Dengue and rabies – both persistent NTDs – are among its priorities.

The urgency of this work is underscored by the growing threat of dengue. Between 2015 and 2019, dengue cases rose by 46% in south-east Asia. Countries like Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand are among the most affected globally. This region accounts for more than half of the world’s dengue cases.

Dengue is hard to diagnose. Its symptoms – fever, rash and joint pain – overlap with other illnesses like chikungunya, Zika, malaria and typhoid. Misdiagnoses are common and no specific antiviral treatment exists.

While vaccines are available, their use is limited by strict eligibility criteria based on age, infection history and local disease patterns. This leaves many people without protection.

What’s urgently needed are more effective, affordable and widely accessible vaccines. But vaccines alone won’t solve the problem. Combatting dengue and other NTDs requires an integrated strategy, particularly in poor countries with limited health infrastructure.

To stop the spread of diseases like dengue, it’s not enough to just treat people or use vaccines. You also need to control the insects that carry and spread the disease – in this case, mosquitoes.

That includes actions like removing standing water where mosquitoes breed, using insecticides, or installing window screens and bed nets. These steps are essential to reducing infection rates and protecting communities. These interventions, driven by local action, are just as essential as biomedical advances. Together, they build a more sustainable and resilient defence against mosquito-borne diseases.

For decades, public health initiatives in low-income countries were largely funded by wealthy countries – through development aid, international donors and philanthropic foundations. But with shifting global priorities and tightening budgets, it’s increasingly clear that this model is no longer sustainable.

Long-term health security must be led from within. That means a shift in mindset. Low-income countries must see themselves not just as aid recipients, but as innovators, implementers and investors in their own health futures.

This transition is already underway. The UK-SEA Vax Hub has evolved beyond its original research remit. By embedding its work within the broader regional health agenda, the hub is promoting government ownership and regional collaboration: critical steps in building stronger, more self-reliant health systems.

While progress is promising, major challenges remain. One of the most pressing is the need to develop a new generation of public health leaders across south-east Asia – people who can lead research and development, champion vaccine production and help shape policy based on local needs. These leaders will be essential for ensuring that south-east Asia becomes not just a regional health player, but a global one.

Another key challenge is regulatory. In a diverse region like south-east Asia, varying national policies can slow innovation and emergency responses. Streamlining and harmonising these systems is essential for responding quickly and effectively during future outbreaks or pandemics.

South-east Asia has the potential to become a global hub for vaccine manufacturing. The region benefits from growing scientific and industrial capacity, relative political stability and a shared interest in tackling shared health threats. It also has a strong case to lead the fight against NTDs, which continue to disproportionately affect its populations.

South-east Asia stands at a critical juncture. With strategic investment, regional leadership and cross-border collaboration, the region can protect its people, drive innovation and shape the future of global health.

The fight against NTDs is more than a public health challenge – it’s a chance for south-east Asia to lead by example and redefine its role on the world stage.

Tuck Seng Wong receives funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for the UK-SEA Vax Hub.

Kang Lan Tee receives funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for the UK-SEA Vax Hub.

– ref. Why south-east Asia must lead the fight against neglected tropical diseases – https://theconversation.com/why-south-east-asia-must-lead-the-fight-against-neglected-tropical-diseases-255640

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Addiction isn’t just about brain chemistry – but nor is it just bad choices

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matt Field, Professor of Psychology, University of Sheffield

monticello/Shutterstock

Consider someone addicted to alcohol, drugs, or a behaviour like gambling. Why do they continue, even when they say they want to stop? It’s a question that highlights a fundamental disconnect: the gap between intention and action.

This apparent contradiction aligns with clinical definitions of addiction and with brain disease models, which suggest that repeated substance use changes brain function, making drug use compulsive and automatic, bypassing conscious decision-making. These brain adaptations help explain why addiction is so hard to overcome.

But there’s another important piece to the puzzle. People often use substances for reasons that make sense to them – to feel good, to relieve stress, or to connect socially. These motivations don’t disappear just because a substance becomes harmful.

Yet, over the past few decades, this insight has been sidelined in addiction science. Some critics have jumped on this gap to argue, reductively, that addiction is simply about people choosing pleasure: nothing more than “people take drugs because they enjoy it.”

Both the brain disease model and the “just say no” view contain partial truths. But both, on their own, are fundamentally flawed.

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The brain disease model gained popularity in part because it seemed to offer two things: a foundation for developing new medical treatments and a way to reduce stigma. But it’s largely failed on both fronts. Despite billions invested in neuroscience, few new medications have emerged.

Meanwhile, the most effective treatments remain psychosocial: talking therapies and harm-reduction strategies that have been around for decades. Worse, describing addiction as a chronic brain disease may increase stigma and pessimism, making recovery seem unlikely or out of reach.

Additionally, research shows that addiction is not entirely beyond voluntary control. People with addiction can and do reduce or stop their drug use in response to its consequences. This can be related to meaningful life changes — such as getting married, having children, or starting a new job — which may increase the costs or reduce the perceived benefits of continued use.

These findings challenge the view that addiction is purely compulsive, highlighting that people retain a degree of agency, even under difficult circumstances.

At the same time, these observations don’t justify the cynical view that addiction is just hedonism or bad choices. A more accurate, and more helpful, framework considers how people make decisions and how their environment shapes the value of different choice options.

Neuroeconomics

This is where insights from neuroeconomics – the study of how the brain makes value-based decisions – become useful. For example, one study found that when people are hungry, they pay more attention to how food tastes and less to how healthy it is, making unhealthy choices more likely.

Similarly, alcohol users who were craving alcohol and in a negative mood were shown to value alcohol more than food, shifting their choices accordingly. Other research has found that the set of available alternatives strongly influences how appealing (or not) a choice options becomes. As applied to addiction, when healthier or more rewarding options are limited, the relative value of drugs increases.

This suggests that addiction is less about losing the ability to choose and more about how context shapes choice. When someone is in treatment, they may genuinely want to stop using because the environment emphasises recovery, support and future goals. But once they return to a setting where drugs are easy to access and attractive alternatives are few, the relative value of drug use increases – and relapse becomes more likely.

This perspective also helps reconcile the role of brain changes in addiction. Neuroadaptations still matter: they can heighten cravings or make rewards harder to experience – but they don’t eliminate the ability to choose. Instead, these brain changes interact with a person’s environment to make certain choices more likely than others.

Crucially, this view also highlights why poverty is such a powerful driver of addiction. In deprived settings, alcohol, drugs and gambling outlets are often more accessible, while opportunities for meaningful alternatives – employment, education, stable housing – are scarce. These are deep-rooted structural issues, and they’re not easily fixed. But they matter.

On a more hopeful note, this model points to new pathways out of addiction. Rather than blaming individuals or pathologising them as brain-damaged, we can focus on reshaping environments to make non-drug alternatives more visible, available and valuable. This approach carries less stigma and more optimism: it views people not as broken, but as people who can make decisions and respond rationally to difficult situations.

Yes, the psychology of decision-making makes addiction tough to overcome. But by understanding how people weigh their options, and by improving the appeal and accessibility of alternatives to substance use, we can support real, lasting change.

Matt Field receives research funding from the Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, Alcohol Change UK, and the Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling. He is a trustee of the Society for the Study of Addiction.

– ref. Addiction isn’t just about brain chemistry – but nor is it just bad choices – https://theconversation.com/addiction-isnt-just-about-brain-chemistry-but-nor-is-it-just-bad-choices-255181

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves teprotumumab as the first UK treatment for adults with moderate to severe Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

MHRA approves teprotumumab as the first UK treatment for adults with moderate to severe Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

As with all products, the MHRA will keep its safety under close review.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 7 May 2025, approved teprotumumab (Tepezza). This is the first medicine to be licensed in the UK for adult patients with moderate to severe Thyroid Eye Disease (TED).

TED is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the muscles and fat around the eyes. In TED, the immune system activates a protein called IGF-1R, causing inflammation and swelling in these tissues. Tepezza is designed to bind to IGF-1R to block its activation and signalling.

This medicine is administered via an intravenous drip directly into a vein by a healthcare professional.

Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

“Patient safety is our top priority. I am pleased to confirm the approval of teprotumumab, for the treatment of severe Thyroid Eye Disease.

“We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new treatment have been met.

“As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”

Teprotumumab has been studied in 287 patients with thyroid eye disease in four clinical trials. All patients in these trials were 18 years or older. In all studies, patients received teprotumumab infusions every 3 weeks for a total of 8 infusions.

In the four studies patients were randomised to receive either teprotumumab or placebo. The patients who received teprotumumab demonstrated a greater reduction in eye protrusion and double vision compared to people .

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. Serious side effects can include high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), infusion related reactions, deafness, or worsening of inflammatory bowel disease.

Other side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10 people include headache, diarrhoea, nausea, hair loss, muscle spasms and fatigue.

Tepezza must not be used in patients if they are pregnant as it may cause damage to the unborn baby.

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.

Notes to editors 

The new marketing authorisation was granted on 7 May 2025 to AMGEN LIMITED

This product was submitted and approved via a national procedure. 

More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

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Published 7 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 May 2025 Departmental update Global Disability Summit marks pivotal moment in advancing health for all
Source: World Health Organisation

Inclusion must be a right and it should not be negotiable. WHO’s position starts from that and WHO has been working on disability for many years.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus / WHO Director-General

Leaders, advocates and experts from across the globe gathered in Berlin from 2–3 April 2025 for the Global Disability Summit to discuss the critical role that disability inclusion plays in building a more sustainable future.

The Summit, organized by the Governments of Germany and Jordan in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance, marked a pivotal moment in global health efforts to advance health equity for all.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was well represented at the Summit, as demonstrated by the participation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Darryl Barrett, Technical Lead of the WHO Disability Programme.

Key outcomes from the Summit
- Announcement of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities
Dr Tedros announced the launch of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities. The Initiative will act as an essential mechanism to coordinate and prioritize collaborative efforts for better health for persons with disabilities. It will transform health systems and guide countries in developing and implementing policies that prioritize their health needs.
- Strategic discussions to drive progress
The Summit enabled crucial discussions between WHO and various partners, especially persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, on the most efficient ways to mainstream disability inclusion in health practices and systems. Partners proposed innovative strategies to leverage resources, expertise and networks to drive progress in health equity for persons with disabilities. The insights gained from the discussions will shape the objectives and structure of the global initiative, ensuring it effectively addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
- High-level commitments
The Summit concluded with over 800 commitments made by countries and partners at all levels to promote disability inclusion. WHO endorsed the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion and will continue to work with governments, organizations and stakeholders to advance disability inclusion in international development and humanitarian action. The health-related commitments, published on the Summit’s website, will serve as a roadmap to create more inclusive health systems.

The way forward

The Summit was a powerful platform that catalysed an unprecedented movement for a more inclusive health sector driven by and for persons with disabilities.

WHO will build on the conversations initiated with disability advocates and health sector stakeholders, and work actively towards the launch of the global initiative on health equity for persons with disabilities.

Dr Tedros added, “Universal health coverage cannot happen without including the 1.3 billion [persons with disabilities globally]. All countries have to mainstream inclusion in their policies. So that’s what we’re pushing for, and we will continue to do our best.”

To receive regular updates on WHO’s activities to advance disability inclusion in health systems, subscribe to the WHO Disability Programme Newsletter.

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MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Launches Online Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on May 7, 2025

The Government of Saskatchewan is supporting a new online therapy course to help new and expecting mothers and their partners who are experiencing mental health difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.

The Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents is offered through the University of Regina’s Online Therapy Unit with $380,000 in funding from the province. A Non-Birthing Parents Resource is also available through the program and will continue to be enhanced in 2025-26.

“We want new mothers and their partners to know they are not alone if they face challenges with their mental health,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “This free online course offers easy, flexible access to mental health support from anywhere in the province and our government is proud to work with the University of Regina to provide it.”

The new course started taking clients in February.

“We are grateful for this important investment from the Government of Saskatchewan,” University of Regina’s Online Therapy Unit Psychology Professor and Director Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos said. “Our new eight-week online course provides a much-needed doorway to care, meeting new and expecting parents – both birthing and non-birthing – with compassion, flexibility, and evidence-based support. For those facing barriers like distance, time, or privacy, this funding means we can be there when and where they need us most.”

Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) was developed at the University of Regina to help Saskatchewan residents experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, or difficulties coping with chronic health conditions and is delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Adults complete educational modules with therapist support.

Since 2015, almost 14,000 Saskatchewan residents have used ICBT services. This fiscal year, the province is providing more than $1.6 million to support this important service.

“At the University of Regina, we are committed to research that makes a real difference in people’s lives,” University of Regina’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen said. “The launch of the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents is a powerful example of responding to needs within our community and turning research into action to support mental health, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities across Saskatchewan.”

“More people should know about and take the course because it is so helpful,” an anonymous client said after ICBT treatment. “(The course) makes you feel that normalcy. These feelings with becoming a parent are normal, and there are solutions.”

The province has also boosted annual funding to HealthLine 811 by $6.6 million in 2025-26. HealthLine 811 supports nurse and counsellor positions for mental health, addictions and maternal mental health calls. The Ministry of Health is also working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to establish a maternal mental health coordinator position at 811.

Under the province’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, the Ministry of Health committed to develop a new provincial approach to maternal mental health. The goal is to better support new and expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy and after delivery for the wellbeing of mothers, their children and their families.

Additional work is underway to develop and coordinate maternal mental health supports. This work has also received valuable insight from the Maternal Mental Health Saskatchewan Advisory Group and various community-based organizations.

Today’s announcement takes place on World Maternal Mental Health Day. It is estimated that two in 10 women face a mental health issue during pregnancy and in the first year following birth.

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MIL OSI Canada News –

May 8, 2025

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