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Category: Health

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 11, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 11, 2025.

    Do Inuit languages really have many words for snow? The most interesting finds from our study of 616 languages
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Kemp, Professor, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Languages are windows into the worlds of the people who speak them – reflecting what they value and experience daily. So perhaps it’s no surprise different languages highlight different areas of vocabulary. Scholars have noted

    Labor gains 5-point lead in a YouGov poll, taken during Trump tariff chaos
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national YouGov poll, conducted April 4–10 from a sample of 1,505, gave Labor a 52.5–47.5 lead, a 1.5-point gain for Labor since the March 28 to

    Better cleaning of hospital equipment could cut patient infections by one-third – and save money
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Mitchell, Professor of Nursing and Health Services Research, University of Newcastle Annie Spratt/Unsplash Hospital-acquired infections are infections patients didn’t have when they were admitted to hospital. The most common include wound infections after surgery, urinary tract infections and pneumonia. These can have a big impact for

    As more communities have to consider relocation, we explore what happens to the land after people leave
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Hanna, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Planning, University of Waikato Christina Hanna, CC BY-SA Once floodwaters subside, talk of planned retreat inevitably rises. Within Aotearoa New Zealand, several communities from north to south – including Kumeū, Kawatiri Westport and parts of Ōtepoti Dunedin – are considering future

    Extinctions of Australian mammals have long been blamed on foxes and cats – but where’s the evidence?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arian Wallach, Future Fellow in Ecology, Queensland University of Technology michael garner/Shutterstock In 1938, zoologist Ellis Le Geyt Troughton mourned that Australia’s “gentle and specialized creatures” were “unable to cope with changed conditions and introduced enemies”. The role of these “enemies” – namely, foxes and feral cats

    Yes, government influences wages – but not just in the way you might think
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Peetz, Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow at the Centre for Future Work, and Professor Emeritus, Griffith Business School, Griffith University doublelee/Shutterstock Can the government actually make a difference to the wages Australians earn? A lot of attention always falls on the government’s submission to the Fair

    Sorry gamers, Nintendo’s hefty Switch 2 price tag signals the new normal – and it might still go up
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Egliston, Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures, Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow, University of Sydney Last week, Nintendo announced the June 5 release of its long anticipated Switch 2. But the biggest talking point wasn’t the console’s launch titles or features. At US$449 in the United States,

    A fair go for young Australians in this election? Voters are weighing up intergenerational inequity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Woodman, TR Ashworth Professor in Sociology, The University of Melbourne Securing the welfare of future generations seems like solid grounds for judging policies and politicians, especially during an election campaign. Political legacies are on the line because the stakes are so high. There is a real

    The Coalition prepares to soften Australia’s 2030 climate target, while reaffirming its commitment to the Paris Agreement
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute The Coalition has been forced to reassert its commitment to the Paris climate agreement after its energy spokesman Ted O’Brien appeared to waver on the pledge on Thursday. O’Brien faced off against Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen at

    Grattan on Friday: Will there be leadership changes on both sides of politics next parliamentary term?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor met for this week’s treasurers’ debate, the moderator observed that in three or six years they might be facing each other as prime minister and opposition leader. Election results trigger, or subsequently lead to,

    ‘Alarmist nonsense’: Labor and Coalition dismissed security risks over the Port of Darwin for years. What’s changed?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (UTS:ACRI), University of Technology Sydney Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both committed to stripping a Chinese company, Landbridge, of the lease to operate Darwin Port. Landbridge paid A$506 million for the 99-year lease from

    This chart explains why Trump backflipped on tariffs. The economic damage would have been huge
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Giesecke, Professor, Centre of Policy Studies and the Impact Project, Victoria University The Trump administration has announced a 90-day pause on its plan to impose so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all US imports. But the pause does not extend to China, where import duties will rise

    Big changes are planned for aged care in 2025. But you’d never know from the major parties
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hal Swerissen, Emeritus Professor of Public Health, La Trobe University Ground Picture/Shutterstock There has been little new in pre-election promises for Australia’s aged-care workers, providers or the 1.3 million people who use aged care. In March, Labor announced A$2.6 billion for another pay rise for aged-care nurses

    Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bill Bateman, Associate Professor, Behavioural Ecology, Curtin University William Edge/Shutterstock There are an estimated 1 billion domesticated dogs in the world. Most are owned animals – pets, companions or working animals who share their lives with humans. They are the most common large predator in the world.

    A damning study of online abuse of female MPs shows urgent legal reform is needed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Mudgway, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Canterbury Media Whale Stock/Shutterstock Women MPs are increasingly targets of misogynistic, racist and sexual online abuse, but New Zealand’s legal framework to protect them is simply not fit for purpose. Recently released research found online threats of physical and

    Fresh details emerge on Australia’s new climate migration visa for Tuvalu residents. An expert explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney The details of a new visa enabling Tuvaluan citizens to permanently migrate to Australia were released this week. The visa was created as part of a bilateral treaty Australia and Tuvalu

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 10, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 10, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Boating Incident – Roaring Beaches, South Arm

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Boating Incident – Roaring Beaches, South Arm

    Friday, 11 April 2025 – 12:10 pm.

    Sadly, a man has died after a boating incident at Roaring Beach in Southern Tasmania this morning.
    Police and other emergency services were called to the scene about 8.45am after reports a boat had experienced engine failure and was struck by large waves.
    Two men were on board the boat at the time of the incident.
    One man was able to return to shore safely before raising the alarm.
    He was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
    The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, police and civilian vessels searched the area for the missing man who was sadly located along with the overturned boat about 9.40am.
    Our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones.
    A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Warning: Smoke from hazard reduction burns

    Source: Australian Green Party

    ​​NSW Health is warning people to take precautions as smoke from hazard reduction burns in and around the Blue Mountains may affect air quality today and into the weekend, especially in the mountains and Western Sydney.
    NSW Health’s Director of Environmental Health Dr Stephen Conaty said smoke can have serious health effects, especially for people with existing heart and lung conditions.
    “Smoke particles in the air can irritate the eyes and airways, and for most people, this causes temporary symptoms like a cough and a sore throat​,” Dr Conaty said.
    “However, smoke particles that get into the lung can worsen pre-existing health conditions like angina, asthma, emphysema and diabetes, potentially causing serious illness.
    “In particular we’re urging people to take precautions with infants, young children, and people over 65 years of age who may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke.”
    People across Sydney should monitor the air quality levels​​ where they are and follow the recommended health advice. Air quality information and health messages are available at NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Air Quality Index (AQI) data​.
    General tips to decrease risk from smoke:

    Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your asthma management plan if you have one. Keep your medication close at hand. Consult your doctor if symptoms worsen. In an emergency always call 000.
    Monitor air quality: Air quality information and a health activity guide are available at Air quality concentration data​​.
    Avoid vigorous outdoor activity when it’s smoky, children especially should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities including vigorous exercise, sightseeing and outdoor play when it is smoky. 
    Spend more time indoors: Keep doors and windows closed in your home until the smoke clears. Air quality is also generally better in air-conditioned venues such as cinemas, libraries and shopping centres.
    Keep indoor air cleaner by ensuring if you have an air purifier with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter or an air-conditioner that it does not draw in air from outside to keep indoor air cleaner.
    Spend time in air-conditioned buildings like public libraries and shopping centres or the home of a friend or family member where there is less smoke.
    Wear a P2 or N95 mask to protect from some of the smoke if you are unable to avoid it. To be effective the mask must fit your face well with an air-tight seal.

    More information can be found at the NSW Health website: Protect yourself from bushfire smoke​.​
    ​

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New guidance for adventure activity and outdoor recreation providers – managing the risks from natural hazards

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    WorkSafe has created new guidance to help adventure activity operators and outdoor recreation providers manage risks from natural hazards such as flooding, landslips, and snowfall.

    The guidance is relevant for:

    • Adventure activity providers
    • Outdoor recreation providers like schools and tertiary education providers, sports clubs, and recreation venues.

    Adventure activities, like bungy jumping, rock climbing, and white-water rafting, are popular in New Zealand and important to our tourism industry – but they also come with risks. All adventure activity businesses must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and have processes to keep workers, participants, and others safe.

    Recreation providers, such as schools, sports clubs, and tertiary education providers, also have duties under HSWA.

    The guidance helps businesses and organisations:

    • identify, assess, and manage risks from natural hazards that may affect participants, workers, and others
    • understand their duties under HSWA, the Adventure Activities Regulations, and GRWM Regulations
    • follow good practice for managing natural hazard risks.

    ​Read more about the adventure activities guidance here Adventure Activities – Managing the risks from natural hazards

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Create Easier Access to Supplemental Oxygen for Medicare Beneficiaries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act of 2025 to ease access to supplemental oxygen for Medicare beneficiaries by establishing a new payment methodology for non-liquid oxygen, allowing for most Medicare beneficiaries to be covered under the base payment levels.
    “It should be easier for people who need supplemental oxygen to get it,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They have enough to worry about as it is.”
    The SOAR Act would:
    Remove all oxygen and oxygen equipment from Medicare competitive bidding;
    Establish a separate base payment rate for liquid oxygen with an add-on payment for liquid oxygen at 6 liters/minute and higher;
    Create a new add-on to the supplemental oxygen rate to reimburse for respiratory therapist services when providing supplemental oxygen to Medicare beneficiaries; and
    Establish protections for Medicare beneficiary supplemental oxygen users.
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in introducing the bill.
    The SOAR Act is also supported by the American Lung Association, American Association for Respiratory Care, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Council for Quality Respiratory Care, American College of the Chest Physicians, COPD Foundation, American Thoracic Society, and Alpha-1 Foundation.
    “Today is an important day that has been years in the making for the American Lung Association and so many of the people who we serve who rely on supplemental oxygen every day. Thanks to advancements in research and treatment, most people living with severe lung disease can live active lives. Unfortunately, too many people face challenges in getting the right type and levels of oxygen required to do day-to-day activities. This is why the SOAR Act is critical to the 1.5 million people in the U.S. who need supplemental oxygen. Thank you to Senators Bill Cassidy, Mark Warner and Amy Klobuchar for championing this legislation. The American Lung Association urges members of Congress to cosponsor and swiftly pass this truly life-changing bill,” said Harold Wimmer, American Lung Association President.
    “For years, AARC has advocated for patient access to respiratory therapist care outside the acute care setting,” said Carl Hinkson MS, RRT-ACCS, NPS, FAARC, President of American Association for Respiratory Care. “AARC is proud to stand with the coalition in creating a future where supplemental oxygen is available and affordable and patients have access to expert care from a respiratory therapist to return to a fuller and healthier life.”
    “Thousands of people living with serious lung and respiratory diseases are confined to their homes, struggling for each breath because they are unable to access the supplemental oxygen they need,” said Scott Staszak, Chief Operating Officer of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. “We applaud Senator Bill Cassidy, Senator Mark Warner and Senator Amy Klobuchar for their pivotal role in advancing crucial Oxygen Reform legislation to ensure that everyone will be able to breathe easier.”
    “The SOAR Act represents a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive oxygen reform. The CQRC thanks Senators Cassidy, Warner and Klobuchar for their leadership on this bill and urges Congress to seize this opportunity and advance the SOAR Act without delay,” said Dan Starck, Interim Chair of the Council for Quality Respiratory Care. “This bipartisan legislation is a beacon of hope for patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and communities, promising improved access to supplemental oxygen and respiratory therapy to safeguard and enhance health and quality of life.”
    “As an association focused on improving care within chest medicine, we believe that access to oxygen is critical for many of our patients,” said Jack D. Buckley, MD, FCCP, President of the American College of the Chest Physicians. “This is one of the main advocacy pillars for our organization because it is so crucial to maintaining the quality of life for patients struggling with chronic lung disease. Without adequate access to oxygen, these patients have enormous difficulty with normal daily activities, such as traveling to the grocery store or getting to their next doctor’s appointment.”
    “Many people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, are struggling to lead more active and productive lives because Medicare policies unreasonably limit their access to supplemental oxygen therapy,” said Dr. Jean Wright, CEO of the COPD Foundation. “We are grateful to Senators Cassidy, Warner and Klobuchar for leading legislation to restore and update these critical services.”
    “As president of the American Thoracic Society, I applaud Senator Bill Cassidy, Senator Mark Warner and Senator Amy Klobuchar for introducing the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act – SOAR – to reform Medicare’s reimbursement of supplemental oxygen. The current Medicare system for providing supplemental oxygen does not serve patient needs creating needless suffering. Patients have suffered from low quality equipment to supply their oxygen. They have suffered from insufficient support staff to fix problems with their oxygen service. They have suffered from being given big, bulky, heavy oxygen systems that prevent them from ever leaving their homes and being part of a larger community most of us take for granted. The legislation that Senators Cassidy, Warner and Klobuchar introduced today will reform Medicare’s oxygen reimbursement system by ensuring patients get the oxygen system they truly need and not just the cheapest oxygen system available. I look forward to working with Senators Cassidy, Warner and Klobuchar to see this important legislation enacted by Congress,” said M. Patricia Rivera, MD, ATSF, President of the American Thoracic Society.
    “The engaged Senate leaders introducing the Medicare Oxygen Payment Reform are undertaking a great need for patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. We have heard firsthand many shocking personal stories about patients not properly matched or trained on the oxygen equipment they need to breathe each day. This legislation will improve outcomes for all oxygen dependent patients in the U.S. The Alpha-1 Foundation is proud share with our patients that the Senate is helping with a solution that includes access to patient equipment and education,” said Scott Santarella, President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation.
    “I am so proud of Senator Bill Cassidy for taking the lead on this Medicare Oxygen Payment Reform Legislation for U.S. citizens dependent on oxygen. People with conditions, like Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, who require oxygen in their daily lives have been suffering for too long to get the right type of equipment needed to breathe,” said Diana Patterson, Louisiana Alpha-1 patient.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ground broken on the first ‘Making Space for Water’ flood resilience projects

    Source: Auckland Council

    Today marks a major milestone in Auckland’s flood recovery programme, with the official groundbreaking of the first flood resilience (blue-green) projects under Auckland Council’s Making Space for Water programme.

    The two Māngere projects, including replacing a busy bridge and lifting New Zealand’s largest sewerage pipe, will significantly reduce flood risk for hundreds of homes in neighbourhoods surrounding the Te Ararata Stream and Harania Creek. Some of these homes have a serious risk to life from flooding.

    The projects are the first under the council’s 10-year Making Space for Water programme and were the first to be funded as part of a $2-billion co-funding agreement with local and central government following the severe weather events in early 2023.

    The area was blessed at dawn by mana whenua representatives from Te Ākitai Waiohua and supported by Ngāti Tamaoho and Te Ahiwaru, with Mayor Wayne Brown officially breaking ground, alongside local Member of Parliament Lemauga Lydia Sosene, Ward Councillors and members of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board.

    Mayor Wayne Brown and local iwi at sod turning ceremony in Mangere.

    “Māngere was one of the hardest hit communities when Tāmaki Makaurau experienced its worst rainfall on record in 2023, and the community has shown incredible resilience during some difficult times,” says Mayor Brown. 

    “It’s fitting that the first blue-green projects delivered under the council’s Making Space for Water programme are right here in Māngere.

    “Fixing Auckland’s infrastructure and making the most of our environment were among my key policies and why I supported this programme, and the commitment of budget to get projects like these done quickly, to ensure a positive outcome for the local community.”

    Mana whenua acknowledged the importance of restoring the mauri (life force) of local waterways, ensuring they can continue to sustain and support both people and the environment.

    Manukau ward councillors Alf Filipaina and Lotu Fuli celebrated this milestones and acknowledged the importance of the council working with central government with strong community support to accelerate the progress of these projects, including the Order in Council.

    “Community backing for an Order in Council was absolutely crucial in getting these projects approved and shovel-ready in record time. I also want to acknowledge the role that council staff, especially the Healthy Waters and Recovery Office teams, played in getting us to this point and all their hard work and dedication. Our communities were one of the hardest hit during the severe weather in 2023 and these projects will increase flood resilience for hundreds of properties – it’s certainly something to celebrate,” says Cr Filipaina. 

    “This is about more than just managing the flow of water – these projects are about building healthier and more resilient communities for people to live. This work is about reducing an intolerable risk to life and supporting our Māngere communities through some challenging conversations. It was great to acknowledge this milestone for the wider regional programme with more flood resilience projects to come,” says Cr Fuli.

    Working with the community

    A Stakeholder Advisory Group, made up of key community organisations and locals, has been serving as a bridge between the council and the broader community, ensuring that local knowledge is contributed, and broader outcomes are considered.

    “These projects are a great example of how Auckland Council and communities can collaborate to create outcomes that benefit everyone,” said Toni Helleur, CEO of I Am Māngere.

    “In addition to the flood resilience outcomes we’re also delivering social outcomes for South Auckland. Heb, the contractor for the Te Ararata project have employed seven people into full-time employment through council’s Nga Puna Pukenga Skills for Industry programme.

    Project details 

    Work in both catchment areas will address key blockage points so that in extreme storms rainwater can flow more easily out into the Manukau Harbour.

    In Te Ararata, the Walmsley Road bridge will be upgraded to increase water flow beneath it and a debris trap will be installed to reduce potential blockages upstream. A permanent maintenance platform and accessway to the Mahunga Drive culverts will also be built to enable quicker and easier access for maintenance crews.  

    In Harania, the embankment between Blake and Bicknell roads will be removed and replaced with a pedestrian bridge and a pipe bridge for the Eastern Interceptor, which carries roughly 70 per cent of Auckland’s wastewater from Okahu Bay to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.

    Harania Stream part of the Making Space for Water projects.

    These improvements will enable the waterways around Blake Road Reserve to flow more freely and lessen the likelihood of flooding in the future. Construction on the projects will start later this month, with completion expected in mid-2026.

    Planning and prioritisation for future projects

    Many communities were heavily impacted by the severe weather events of early 2023. Further areas across Tāmaki Makaurau continue to be assessed and prioritised for future blue-green works.

    You can find out more information about these projects on the council’s website or you can reach out to the team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ANZAC Day Events – Art of Remembrance 2025: ANZAC Tribute to New Zealand’s Nurses

    Source: Lindsay Stanley, for Art of Remembrance event on Anzac Eve

    Annual commemorative event at Kāhui St David’s to mark Anzac Eve with a moving musical tribute featuring Soprano Felicity Tomkins, Michelle Thorne, and friends.   A bronze plaque honouring the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps will be unveiled.

    11 April 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – To mark Anzac week, Kāhui St David’s, Auckland’s centre for music-making, inspiration and social connection, will host the 10th annual Art of Remembrance event on Anzac Eve, Thursday 24 April, with a powerful evening of music, reflection and tribute.

    Event:  Art of Remembrance 2025 – we will will remember them
    When: Thursday 24 April | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
    Where: Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland
    Tickets: Free entry – all welcome – tickets available via Eventfinda | www.kahuistdavids.nz

    St David’s Memorial Church, whose foundation stone was laid on Anzac Day 1927 as a memorial to World War One, was originally dedicated as The Soldiers’ Memorial Church. Today, it is home to Kāhui St David’s, a charitable trust,  and serves as a place of remembrance for all branches of the New Zealand Defence Force, as well as Auckland’s centre for cultural connection, community gathering, as a living memorial. .

    Honouring the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps

    This year’s Art of Remembrance pays special tribute to the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps, past and present, for their service in war, conflict and peacekeeping. It also recognises the vital role nurses play across Aotearoa – providing care in hospitals, communities, both at home and abroad.

    Georgina Greville, a senior nurse at Middlemore Hospital, whose immediate family included five World War One service members, says: “There were two nurses, two doctors, and one soldier with the Auckland Mounted Rifles.
    “My grandmother and sister were both nurses, serving in Egypt, Lemnos, and on the Western front, including at the Battle of the Somme.

    “The role of nurses in conflict and peacekeeping has historically been overlooked for many reasons. Having this permanent display in the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s, near the Lamp of Remembrance, the RNZE memorial window, the Sappers’ Chapel, and plaques dedicated to the 28th Māori Battalion and 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions, will be deeply meaningful to all nurses.

    “It recognises the contribution of nursing across all areas we serve – in both military and civilian contexts.”

    Kāhui St David’s is located in Grafton, near the medical and nursing schools and Auckland Hospital.  

    As part of this year’s commemoration, a bronze plaque dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps will be unveiled and permanently installed in the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s.

    Paul Baragwanath, Director of Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū, says: “Nurses have served with courage and compassion in every major conflict New Zealand has faced. In what is our 10th year of Art of Remembrance, we honour their legacy, their ongoing service, and their place at the heart of care – both in uniform and throughout our hospitals and communities.

    “We also hope that all nurses will see Kāhui St David’s as their place, together with whānau of the RNZE (Royal New Zealand Engineers), 28 Battalion and Veterans.” says Baragwanath.

    Since launching in 2015 with the Max Gimblett quatrefoil installation, the Art of Remembrance has become a nationally recognised tradition. In 2023, Brigadier Rose King (now Chief of Army) lit the Lamp of Remembrance, which continues to shine daily at Kāhui St David’s, honouring all who have served across the Defence Force and veteran community. Today, the building stands as a memorial for all branches of service.

    Many are expected to attend Art of Remembrance, experiencing the magnificent acoustics of this revitalised heritage space, with performances by Soprano Felicity Tomkins and Michelle Thorne, David Harvey on bagpipes, the Off Broadway Big Band, Helen Lukman-Fox on the 1905 Croft Organ and the audience singing together.

    Paul Baragwanath concludes: “Kāhui St David’s is a place where remembrance lives on – through art, music, and community, and New Zealand’s military remembrance.  

    “This much-loved annual event brings together veterans, whānau, musicians and the wider public in a space known for its magnificent acoustics and deep sense of purpose.

    “This new plaque ensures our nurses, so often unsung, are acknowledged in this special space for generations to come.”

    For more information, visit www.kahuistdavids.nz, and to secure your free ticket for Art of Remembrance, head to Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/a-musical-evening-of-remembrance2/auckland

    ***

    Art of Remembrance 2025 – Order of Service

    PŪORO

    The evening opens with taonga pūoro

    PROCESSION

    The Hills of Argyll

    Composed by George McIntyre, a Scottish prisoner of war during World War Two

    David Harvey, Bagpipes

    KARAKIA & MIHI WHAKATAU

    Kaumātua Tautoko Witika

    NATIONAL ANTHEM

    Led by Soprano Michelle Thorne-McHugh and Felicity Thomkins, The Off Broadway Big Band and Helen Lukman-Fox (organ)

    THANK YOU

    Paul Baragwanath, Director, Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pǔpū

    MUSIC

    Led by The Off Broadway Big Band, vocalist Michelle Thorne-McHugh, and organist Helen Lukman-Fox

    ADDRESS

    Reflections by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Jones ED, former Commanding Officer, 3/6 Battalion together and Georgina Greville, a senior nurse at Middlemore Hospital

    MUSIC

    Felicity Tomkins with Helen Lukman-Fox (organ)

    White Cliffs of Dover

    Composed by Vera Lynn

    ADDRESS

    Lieutenant Colonel Nick Jones, ED, former Commanding Officer of 3/6 Battalion, RNZIR

    MUSIC

    Felicity Tomkins with Helen Lukman-Fox (organ)

    White Cliffs of Dover

    Composed by Vera Lynn

    ADDRESS

    Georgina Greville, senior nurse at Middlemore Hospital

    MUSIC

    Felicity Tomkins with Helen Lukman-Fox (piano)

    The Rose of No Man’s Land

    HONOURING THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NURSING CORPS

    Lieutenant Colonel David Foote, Chief Nursing Officer / RNZNC Regimental Colonel unveils the plaque of remembrance

    MUSIC

    The Off Broadway Big Band with vocalist Kaitlyn Tanoa’i

    N.Z.A.N.S.: the Army nurses’ song

    Corporal Anaia Amohau, 1939 – 45

    LAYING OF THE WREATHS

    RNZNC

    All soldiers, sailors, aviators

    Royal New Zealand Engineers

    28th Māori Battalion

    All wreaths welcome

    THE ODE

    THE LAST POST

    MINUTE OF SILENCE

    THE ROUSE

    HYMNN

    HOSPITALITY.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Appeal close to home for Werribee Fire Brigade

    Source:

    Werribee Fire Brigade members are gearing up for the Good Friday Appeal

    Werribee Fire Brigade members will be hitting the streets once again this Good Friday, hoping to raise as much as possible for The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.

    Fundraising as a brigade since 1977, the brigade begins planning months before the day itself, taking into account where members will be stationed, transport for the day and most importantly who will be cooking the fish on the BBQ to keep them fueled.  

    Having raised well over $1 million for the cause over the years, the Appeal is a key event in the brigade’s annual calendar. 

    Werribee Fire Brigade Captain Michael Wells has been a CFA member for 36 years and has fond memories of fundraising with the brigade in the late 1980s right through to today. He said fundraising is a joint effort between the brigade itself and the wider community.  

    “We rely on our members to get involved, both in the lead-up to and on the day itself, and we rely on our community to be generous enough to allow us to do that,” Michael said. 

    “Everyone gets behind the cause and it really inspires us to keep doing this.” 

    For the brigade members, fundraising for the Appeal is a proud extension to their volunteerism with CFA. 

    “As firefighters, we often see devastation that can occur and incidents where children might end up needing the services of The Royal Children’s Hospital, whether it’s a burn or an injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident,” Michael said. 

    “We volunteer with CFA because we are community-minded and like giving back, so this is just another way we can contribute. We understand the importance of having the best facilities available, and if we can contribute to this in some way, it is worthwhile.” 

    The cause hits close to home for the team, with many brigade members using the services of The Royal Children’s Hospital over many years.  

    Werribee Fire Brigade firefighter Mick Davie is one of those members. Mick has done everything and more over his last 20 years of fundraising, from door-knocking, tin-rattling, to sitting on the organising committee.  

    “My family has a long history with both CFA and the Good Friday Appeal. Both my kids and my wife get there early in the morning with me, and we spend the day helping to raise as much money as we can for the cause,” Mick said.  

    “We’ve seen the impacts the Appeal can have firsthand, with both of our kids needing treatment. 

    “Our son, Jake, has needed two head reconstructions and our daughter, Charlotte, is currently going through cancer treatment, so we are at the hospital weekly. We can’t speak highly enough about them and what they have done for our family. 

    “We are so lucky to have the Royal Children’s Hospital so close and accessible to us. The staff there are the best in the world at what they do, they are so good at finding the best treatment for each individual and what will work best for each child. 

    “There is a reason that people come from around the world to see specialists there.  

    “We need the hospital to have the best gear possible so our kids can be looked after. 

    “You can see the impact that the Good Friday Appeal can have as soon as you visit The Royal Children’s Hospital. It is really important to keep the support going.” 

    This year, CFA volunteers are aiming to surpass $40 million in total funds collected for the Good Friday Appeal across 74 years.   

    On Good Friday, call 1300 APPEAL between 9am and 11pm.

    • Jake, Mick and Charlotte Davie
    • The Good Friday Appeal is a community event for Werribee crews
    • Werribee Fire Brigade have been heavily involved with the Appeal for many years
    • The Appeal is a great opportunity to get as many brigade members involved as possible
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Response to Warren Request, Education Department Watchdog Will Investigate Trump and DOGE’s Attempts to Gut Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 10, 2025
    Response from Education Department Inspector General (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – Following a request led by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General (IG) agreed to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). The investigation will cover how recent mass firings and buyouts for ED’s workforce affect the Department’s efficiency and effectiveness in serving students, teachers, and families across the country. 
    “This investigation will help reveal what’s at stake for those families. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk side with the billionaires, I will never stop fighting for our kids,” said Senator Warren in response to the investigation announcement.
    In early March, ED fired nearly 50 percent of the Department’s staff. Just one week later, President Trump signed an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take “all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.” Soon after, the President also announced that he would move management of federal student loans to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and shift programs for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
    “We will be conducting reviews…in order to identify the cumulative effect of staffing reductions…along with any actions that the Department should consider to help ensure productive and efficient operations following its workforce changes,” wrote the Acting Inspector General, René Roque. “We hope to begin issuing these reports in the summer of 2025, and we may identify additional work to be performed based on the results of our initial reviews.”
    On March 27, 2025, Senator Warren led the call for this independent investigation into the Trump administration’s actions. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) also joined the letter.
    Last week, Senator Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle ED and highlight the consequences for every student and public school in America. 
    As part of the campaign, Senator Warren will amplify the real-life impacts of cuts to ED; lead investigations to hold the Trump administration accountable, including ED Secretary Linda McMahon and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE); and bring students, teachers, parents, and unions into the fight to protect access to public education.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Aid Law Enforcement Who Have Suffered from Brain Injuries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced their Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act, which would increase awareness of concussions and brain injuries among public safety officers. This legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congressmembers Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.).
    Traumatic brain injuries can lead to serious issues, including difficulties with memory, concentration, and communication. Concussions are considered a mild traumatic brain injury, which is usually temporary but can take months to heal.
    “When law enforcement officers get a concussion or traumatic brain injury on the job, it is our responsibility to come together and care for them,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These public servants put themselves in harm’s way every single day. I’m working to ensure the men and women who keep our communities safe get the treatment and support they deserve.”
    “Law enforcement officers do not shy away from danger and risk their own health and safety to protect our communities,” said Senator Cornyn. “We need to do everything we can to support these heroes when they sustain a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty, and this legislation would help them identify signs of a concussion and seek swift treatment before it leads to more serious complications.”
    The Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act would require the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to collect and make publicly available information on traumatic brain injuries specifically for public safety officers and provide recommendations and protocols for identifying, diagnosing, and treating concussions. It would also have the CDC share information with mental health professionals on the connection between concussions and traumatic brain injuries with acute stress disorders and suicidal inclinations.   
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. The Senator recently reintroduced the Invest to Protect Act to set aside $250 million to help local police invest in training, mental health support, and recruitment and retention, as well as the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act to ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. She has repeatedly secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Paul, Hickenlooper, Lee Reintroduce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices by Streamlining Generic Drug Approval Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rand Paul (R-KY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to streamline the approval process for generic drugs, which will help generics enter the market more quickly and lower prescription drug prices for patients. Last Congress, this legislation advanced from Committee with a bipartisan 19-2 vote.
    “Skyrocketing prescription drug prices are forcing too many Granite Staters to choose between their health and their financial security,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help address a critical obstacle in the generic drug approval process that keeps affordable alternatives off of pharmacy shelves. By requiring more transparency from the FDA and streamlining the drug approval process, this bill will help deliver lower-cost medications to Americans faster.” 
    “No one should have to play a complicated guessing game with the FDA simply to bring a safe, effective, and affordable drug to market. The Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act will help low-cost generics get to American consumers faster,” said Dr. Paul.
    “More generic drugs means lower health care costs for Americans. Unnecessary and unclear FDA approval processes delay them from reaching the shelves,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bill speeds up the process to help Americans save more.”
    “Generic drugs have made the prescription drug market much more competitive, offering cheaper alternatives to their brand name counterparts. Streamlining the generic drug approval process by eliminating the pointless guessing game manufacturers are forced to play would eliminate red tape and bring down costs for American families,” said Senator Lee.
    “S. 1302 expedites generic submission by creating process efficiencies for FDA and Industry. These efficiencies will enhance patient access to lower-cost medicine. When generic medicines become available, they bring immediately lower prices for lifesaving and lifechanging medications. We are thankful for the work done thus far by Senators Hassan, Paul, Hickenlooper, and Lee,” said John Murphy, III, President & CEO for the Association for Accessible Medicines.
    Currently, the FDA requires certain generic drug manufacturers to demonstrate that they have the same active and inactive ingredients in the same concentration as the reference brand name drug. However, when a generic drug contains the wrong amount of inactive ingredients, the FDA cannot disclose the exact error, forcing manufacturers to engage in an often lengthy guessing game to reach the right balance. This legislation would require the FDA to more clearly identify the specific differences between the generic and brand name drug, thereby streamlining the approval process, helping more generics reach the market more quickly, and lowering prescription drug prices overall. 
    This measure is part of Senator Hassan’s ongoing efforts to lower health care costs for Americans. Senator Hassan previously led successful bipartisan efforts to help eliminate surprise medical billing, which has prevented millions of surprise bills. Senator Hassan also helped pass into law three bipartisan measures to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications. Additionally, Senator Hassan successfully pushed to cap insulin costs for those on Medicare as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which became law in 2022. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New High Court Judge appointed

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Simon Mount KC as a High Court Judge. 
    Justice Mount graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws in 1996 and a Master of Laws in 2000, having been a High Court judges’ clerk from 1995-1996. 
    From 1997-1999 Justice Mount was a Teaching Associate with Columbia Law School in New York, also graduating with a Master of Laws from Columbia Law School in 1999. Between 2001 and 2015 Justice Mount was a Teaching Fellow with the University of Auckland. 
    Justice Mount joined Auckland firm Meredith Connell as a Crown prosecutor in 2000, and was seconded to Crown Law as a Crown Counsel from2008-2009. 
    Justice Mount has practised out of Bankside Chambers in Auckland as a Barrister sole since 2010, specialising in public law, criminal and regulatory law, including health and safety, professional discipline and public inquiries. He was a Visiting Justice from 2011 to 2018, a District Inspector of Mental Health from 2012 to 2018, and the Senior Advisory District Inspector from 2023 until present. 
    He is admitted to practise law in the Cook Islands and has been Attorney-General of the Pitcairn Islands since 2015, serving as the principal legal adviser to the Governor of Pitcairn. He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 2017. 
    Justice Mount’s appointment as a High Court Judge will take effect on 1 June 2025, and he will sit in Auckland. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man caught three times with dealer quantities of fentanyl indicted federally

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    In one encounter police and medics saved the life of an infant suffering from opioid overdose

    Seattle – A 37-year-old man who was living in a Des Moines, Washington, hotel, is charged federally with four counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of money laundering announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Dennis Aguilar Huisa was placed under arrest twice last fall when he was found to have possession of fentanyl pills and/or powder, methamphetamine, cocaine and a firearm. Huisa has been in state custody since his final encounter with law enforcement on November 1, 2024.

    According to the criminal complaint, Puyallup Police first contacted Huisa on the side of the road in the early hours of August 15, 2023. Huisa said his car had overheated and he and a passenger were waiting for the engine to cool down. The police officer noticed that the license plate on the car did not match the type of vehicle listed in the registration. Huisa was removed from the car while law enforcement determined whether the car or the license plates were stolen. A second officer noticed blue pills in the car. Ultimately the car was impounded. A search revealed about 1,000 fentanyl pills as well as some suspected fentanyl powder. There was also a scale with drug residue in the car.

    On September 7, 2024, Puyallup Police responded to a report of a nine-month-old infant who had stopped breathing. Huisa and a woman met the officers outside a box truck the infant in their arms. Law enforcement worked to get the child to respond and breath, medics responded and continued to work on reviving the child.

    The law enforcement investigation found evidence that Huisa and the child’s mother has given the infant two doses of Narcan suspecting that the child had been exposed to fentanyl or other drugs. Huisa gave permission to search the box truck. Law enforcement located approximately 115 blue fentanyl pills. On Huisa they found fentanyl powder and over $16,000 in cash.

    The infant was taken to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. The child was given additional dose of Narcan, and the child’s blood tested positive for fentanyl, amphetamine, and oxycodone. The child survived and was temporarily released to Child Protective Services.

    Finally, on November 1, 2024, Auburn Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant on the Des Moines motel where Huisa had been living. In the hotel room they found small packages of fentanyl powder packaged for sale in the toilet. They found additional fentanyl powder, methamphetamine, and cocaine in other places around the room. Officers once again searched the box truck Huisa had been driving and found two kilograms of fentanyl powder and a Polymer 80 ‘ghost gun’ – a gun made without a serial number.

    Huisa was charged by criminal complaint on March 12, 2025, and was brought into federal custody today. He was indicted by the grand jury on March 26, 2025, for four counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and money laundering. Huisa is making his initial appearance at 2:00 today.

    Possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to life in prison to run consecutive to the other sentence imposed in the case. Money laundering is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

    The charges contained in the criminal complaint and the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case is being investigated by the Puyallup Police Department, the Auburn Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Conzatti.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Laws to Improve Public Safety

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed new laws to improve public safety in Colorado and strengthen the state’s workforce. The Governor signed SB25-003 – Semiautomatic Firearms & Rapid-Fire Devices, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan and Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Andrew Boesnecker and Meg Froelich, to improve public safety by enhancing gun safety education. The Governor also wrote a signing statement. 

    “I am focused on improving public safety and making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the country. This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense. I am confident that this bill contributes to improving public safety in our state by helping to ensure an educated and trained gun owner community, including gun safety and safe storage,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This law is not a ban, and I have been clear that I oppose banning types of firearms. Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership.” 

    The Governor and his office worked with the sponsors, advocates, and Coloradans to improve the bill throughout the legislative session. As passed, this bill provides for lawful purchasers to undertake a gun safety education course prior to continuing to be able to purchase the gun of their choice starting in August 2026. 

    Governor Polis signed bills into law to strengthen the state’s resources for public safety, support Colorado youth, and enhance workforce development opportunities. 

    • SB25-059 – Supports for State Response to Mass Shootings, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan and Steven Woodrow, and Representative Michael Carter
    • SB25-151 – Measures to Prevent Youth from Running Away, sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Meg Froelich, and Representative Lindsay Gilchrist

     “These laws will ensure the state is prepared to support victims of crimes, and help Colorado youth in care sites get needed services to stay safe and healthy. Each of these new laws will improve public safety for communities across the state,” said Governor Polis. 

    These new laws add to a long line of laws signed by Governor Polis to improve public safety. This includes cracking down on auto theft and illegal guns, increasing funding for local law enforcement, community-led crime prevention efforts, safe storage, emergency risk protection order and more. 

    The Governor also signed HB25-1221 – Emily Griffith Associate of Applied Science Degree, sponsored by Representatives Eliza Hamrick and Lori Garcia Sander, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Paul Lundeen. 

    “This new credential can help connect more Coloradans to needed skills that lead to good-paying jobs. I appreciate the work of the sponsors on this legislation and look forward to seeing Coloradans take advantage of it,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the following bipartisan bills administratively: 

    • SB25-015 – Wildfire Information & Resource Center Website, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Tisha Mauro. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-033 – Prohibit New Liquor-Licensed Drug Stores, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Dylan Roberts, and Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Ron Weinberg. This bill is bipartisan. SIGNING STATEMENT
    • HB25-1027 – Update Disease Control Statutes, sponsored by Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Kyle Brown, and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Kyle Mullica. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1173 – Advisory Board Serving Office of School Safety, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Dusty Johnson, and Senator Chris Kolker. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1110 – Railroad Crossing Maintenance Costs, sponsored by Representatives Ty Winter and Monica Duran, and Senators Byron Pelton and Robert Rodriguez. This bill is bipartisan. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Nelson’s hands-on message to Te Whatu Ora over patient safety – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    More than 200 people are expected to make a chain around Nelson Hospital on Saturday, to demand a new hospital immediately and enough staff to care for the community.
    Nelson residents will go hand-in-hand with unions New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO), Public Service Association (PSA) and Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) to further highlight the hospital’s troubles including understaffing, structural deficiencies and even pest-related woes.
    NZNO delegate Amanda Field says the Government’s failure to adequately fund healthcare means management of Nelson Hospital is being forced to make difficult decisions that hurt both patients and staff.
    “Cutting back on workers and prioritising the budget and targets not only raises health and safety risks for the treatment of vulnerable patients and exhausted staff but also leaves the building maintenance underfunded. Every staff member who works in healthcare has the patient at the centre of their work. As soon as the focus is on targets and budgets the patient journey becomes secondary.
    “We are appealing to the Government for more funding, employing appropriate staffing numbers and a specific commitment to building the new hospital.”
    Field says local communities are feeling frustrated and worried that 23 years after a new hospital was promised there’s still no sign of one.
    “People of Nelson are really motivated. Hands around the hospital is an opportunity for the community to come together and show their concern and support.
    They are speaking out about their experiences. They are frustrated they have been made to wait since 2002, and waitlists are impacting on the health of patients and healthcare workers’ wellbeing.
    “Health and safety of patients and staff is paramount. Doctors and nurses are speaking out because they are primarily concerned about the health of this community, which are all a part of.”
    Hands around the Nelson Hospital starts at 12 noon outside Hospital Main Entrance on Tipahi Street.
    “The chain will be on the footpath on the roadside around the hospital and not on the hospital grounds, so there’s no risk of impacting services,” Field says.
    “We urge anyone who can make it to join us.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health AWARDS – ProCare and Unitec recognise Top Pacific Nurses

    Source: ProCare

    ProCare in partnership with Unitec, is pleased to announce the winners of the Top Pacific Nurse award for the 2024 academic year – Katerina Alapae and Seluvaia Havea.

    The winners were presented their awards at the Pacific Graduation Dinner on Thursday 3 April, where graduates who had completed the Pacific Nursing programme were recognised.

    This is the third year the ProCare Top Pacific Nurse Award has been presented. It recognises high-achieving Pacific nursing students and aims to encourage interest in primary care nursing and support for the wider community.

    Viv Pole, Head of Pacific Health at ProCare says: “This is a fantastic award and a testament of ProCare’s support for our Pacific nurses, with one of our strategic goals being to improve the Pacific health workforce. We are excited to once again support this partnership with Unitec to recognise their talented Pacific students.

    “Our ProCare GP network supports a Pacific population of around 90,000 people. As they step into their careers, these graduates join a growing workforce of skilled Pacific healthcare professionals, ensuring culturally responsive care for their communities,” concludes Pole.

    Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO says: “We’re delighted to recognise the achievements of these Pacific Nurse graduates. Their hard work, dedication, and talent has not gone unnoticed, and we are thrilled to celebrate with them. No doubt this award will be the first of many, and we look forward to following their careers and future endeavours to benefit our Pacific communities and Aotearoa.”

    To read more about each of the winners, check out their profiles on the ProCare website: https://www.procare.co.nz/news/2025/unitec-top-pacific-nurse-graduate-profiles/

    About ProCare

    ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Household spending lifts in March but consumers remain cautious – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    Interest rate cuts are expected to fuel a consumer recovery in 2025, however rising global uncertainty could weigh on sentiment.

    The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose 0.9 per cent in March, buoyed by a lift in recreation and hospitality spending off the back of Melbourne Grand Prix and the return of the winter football codes.

    Modest gains were seen across all 12 spending categories for the month, led by Education which surged 4.3 per cent amid rising tuition fees and the start of the academic year. Notable uplifts were also seen in Insurance (+1.6 per cent), Recreation (+1.4 per cent), Hospitality (+1.2 per cent), the latter showing its first lift since December.

    “While it’s encouraging to see a rebound in spending this March, particularly across discretionary categories like Recreation and Hospitality, it’s premature to call this a turning point, as the overall pace of spending growth remains lower than the final quarter of 2024,” CBA Senior Economist Belinda Allen said.

    “We expect interest rate cuts over the coming year to see consumers loosen their purse strings, but global uncertainty from the U.S tariffs may impact this recovery. It’s worth noting Australia is well placed to weather the global economic volatility and remains in a structurally sound position with limited direct impacts from the US tariffs. At the same time, the RBA has room to cut rates if required.”

    Over the past 12 months, spending was up 5.6 per cent, with the strongest growth concentrated in essential services where inflation remains elevated and premiums have risen such as Insurance (+15.3 per cent), Education (+12.7 per cent), Health (+11.9 per cent) and Household Services (+9.2 per cent). In contrast, Transport was down 3.3 per cent annually, led by lower petrol prices.

    Renters continue to show the weakest spending growth, with the annual rate of spending in original per capita terms rising by 2.0 per cent, well below owners with a mortgage (+3.2 per cent) and those who own their home outright (+3.5 per cent).

    “Queensland saw the softest growth rate in March, with spending rising just 0.1 per cent following ex-tropical cyclone Alfred,” Ms Allen said.

    Spending gains were led by South Australia (+1.2 per cent), Northern Territory (+0.9 per cent).

    The CommBank HSI Index tracks month-on-month data at a macro level and is based on de-identified payments data from approximately 7 million CBA customers, comprising roughly 30 per cent of all Australian consumer transactions.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno County Podiatrist and Sales Representative Indicted for Conspiracy to Submit Millions of Dollars in False Claims Related to Skin Grafts

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Felipe Ruiz, 51, of Fresno, and Jose Gabriel Aguirre, 52, of Clovis, charging them with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Ruiz was a podiatrist at West Coast Podiatry Inc. (WCP), a podiatric medical practice with locations in Fresno, Madera, and Stanislaus Counties.

    Aguirre was a sales representative for several companies that sold skin grafts. Aguirre used his name, his wife’s name, and the name of a corporation registered to his wife to sell the skin grafts.

    Between June 2021 and January 2024, Ruiz purchased skin grafts from Aguirre and permitted Aguirre, who was not a licensed health care provider, to apply the skin grafts to Medicare and Medi-Cal beneficiaries without Ruiz being present. Ruiz and Aguirre also allowed beneficiaries to refer to Aguirre as “Dr. Gabe,” though he was not a doctor.

    Ruiz and Aguirre subsequently submitted claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal that falsely represented that Ruiz had applied the skin grafts to the beneficiaries, when Aguirre had actually rendered the services. As a result, Medicare and Medi-Cal paid Ruiz millions of dollars for the false claims. Ruiz then made payments to Aguirre. Ruiz and Aguirre used the money for their own benefit and for personal expenditures.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Ruiz and Aguirre face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New mental health and addictions facility officially opened in Whangārei

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey have today officially opened Manaia House, a new community mental health and addictions facility in the heart of Whangārei.

    “Today marks a significant milestone for the Whangārei community and the wider region, who will soon be able to access mental health services from one location, where all services will be consolidated.

    “$19.5m has been invested by the Government into this purpose-built, centrally located facility, which has been designed to support contemporary models of care in a modern, welcoming environment.

    “Manaia House, which has 75 consultation rooms, will now provide all of the region’s community mental health and addiction services, consolidating what was previously spread across four separate locations in Whangārei.”

    “Modern, reliable health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government, and this new facility will enhance mental health services in the Northern Region, improve accessibility, and free up much-needed space at Whangārei Hospital where some services have been operating from.”

    The ground floor will accommodate adult and older people’s services, the middle floor will accommodate children’s services, and the top floor will accommodate around 250 staff. 

    Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the Government is serious about its commitment to increasing access to mental health and addiction services.

    “I have been clear that we need a strong mental health and addiction system that spans prevention, early intervention, primary mental health services, and specialist services,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Manaia House is an important step toward that vision for the Whangārei community and the wider region and I feel privileged to be here today alongside the staff and community to celebrate its completion.

    “This facility represents a significant investment towards people’s wellbeing, and I look forward to hearing about the positive impact Manaia House will have on people’s lives.”

    Manaia House will be open to patients and their families from 12 May 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Longer wait for treatment under National

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    New Zealanders have waited longer to get an appointment with a specialist and to get elective surgery under the National Government.

    Health data released today shows the Government is failing to ensure New Zealanders can get hospital treatment when they need it.

    “National’s chaotic job cuts and underfunding have taken waitlists backwards and New Zealanders’ health will suffer for it,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

    In Q1 2023/2024, 67 percent of patients saw a specialist for a first appointment in less than four months. This latest data from October through to the end of December last year showed only 60 percent got an appointment within four months – a drop of 7 percent.

    “You’ll also be waiting longer for elective surgeries – so if you need a hip replaced, or a gynaecological procedure, be prepared.”

    In mid 2023, 62.1% of patients got their surgery within four months. At the end of 2024, that number was down to 59.2%.

    Reducing elective surgery waitlists and waiting times for first specialist appointments are targets the Government set itself.

    “Hospitals will continue to struggle to meet demand unless we get the basics right; like being able to see a doctor in the community,” Ayesha Verrall said. 

    “But even that statistic is going backwards – the number of people enrolled with a GP is down 2 per cent for the same period in the previous year to 94.7%.

    “The family doctor or GP is often the first port of call when you are sick or need other kinds of health care. But 5 per cent of New Zealanders aren’t registered with one, and even if they are, it’s hard to get an appointment.

    “That puts pressure on our emergency departments and after hours services, and ultimately our entire hospital system.

    “By underfunding GPs the National Government is just kicking the can down the road for many New Zealanders who will get sicker or need more urgent care without being able to see a doctor in the community,” Ayesha Verrall said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy: There Is Thievery Happening Down The Street. They Are Stealing From The People Of This Country, And We’re Not Going To Let Them Get Away With It.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    Click HERE (14:37) to Watch Murphy’s Remarks

    WASHINGTON–Following House Republican’s passage of the budget resolution, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Thursday joined Fair Share America’s rally and grassroots organizers from more than 30 states, to call out Donald Trump’s tax cut scam and demand Congress stand with working families instead of billionaires and corporations.

    Murphy pointed to the fight over Obamacare in 2017 as proof that grassroots resistance can stop even the most powerful forces in Washington: “[Republicans’] number one priority was to repeal the Affordable Care Act, right? To get rid of health care for 20 million Americans. I was here during that time, and I remember that the political pundits, all the smart people in Washington, said it’s a done deal. It’s their number one agenda. They control the House. They control the Senate. They control the White House. Obamacare is dead, right? [But] they didn’t kill it because we mobilized, because we organized, because we threw sand in the gears at every single point in that process, because what they were trying to do was so deeply immoral, but it was also so deeply unpopular.”

    Murphy slammed Trump and his billionaire friends for trying to strip away the vital services working Americans depend on, just to squeeze out more profits for themselves: “I frankly don’t even know what it would be like to be a billionaire with an extra $100,000, right? I have no idea. I have no idea the kind of rapacious greed that it takes for somebody to demand more when you have so much. But you know what I do know? I know what it feels like for somebody who is living paycheck to paycheck, right? Who relies on Medicaid in order to make sure that their sick child gets the medications they need. I know what it feels like for that person to wake up one day and have their safety net ripped out from under them, right? I know the pain, the agony that that involves.”

    “And so we have a job to do,” Murphy continued. “We have the power – not the billionaire class, not the thieves down the street – we can do, in 2025, exactly what we did in 2017. We can be a constant presence, not just here in Washington, but back in their states. If they won’t meet with you, go find them. Show up to their offices, show up to their public events, right? Demand that they answer to you why they are putting the billionaires first.”

    Murphy concluded: “I know that you can wake up every day and feel anxious, and feel angry about what they’re trying to do to our country, what they’re trying to do to Medicaid, what they’re trying to do to give billionaires tax cuts, but also wake up with a little sense of joy, right? A little sense of joy, because you are here today, because you are at a point in your life where you can speak truth to power. You live in a country where accountability still exists. You live in a nation where you can stand up, speak up and stop evil from being perpetuated on the people of this country. So, I’m angry. I am anxious. But I am also joyous. Because I know that when the day comes, we are going to be able to stand together and say that together, united, we were able to stop the biggest transfer of wealth ever in this country, from the middle class and the poor to the rich. We will stop this tax cut for the wealthy.”

    A full transcript of his remarks can be found below:

    MURPHY: “All right, who matters more: the people or the billionaires?”

    CROWD: “The people!”

    MURPHY: “Let me ask you again, who matters more: the people or the billionaires?”

    CROWD: “The people!”

    MURPHY: “Listen guys, we have work to do, right? We have work to do. There is thievery happening down the street. They are stealing from the people of this country, and we are not going to let them get away with it.”

    CROWD: “No!”

    “So listen, this is really important, what you’re doing, and I just want to remind you of a similar moment. So back in 2017 when Trump was president the first time, what was their number one priority? Their number one priority was to repeal the Affordable Care Act, right. To get rid of health care for 20 million Americans. I was here during that time, and I remember that the political pundits, all the smart people in Washington, said it’s a done deal. It’s their number one agenda. They control the House. They control the Senate. They control the White House. Obamacare is dead, right? 

    “But, did they kill it?”

    CROWD: No!!

     MURPHY: “And they didn’t kill it because we mobilized, because we organized, because we threw sand in the gears at every single point in that process, because what they were trying to do was so deeply immoral, but it was also so deeply unpopular, right? 

    “And what they are trying to do right now, this reverse Robin Hood, in which they steal from the poor and the middle class in order to enrich the very, very wealthy– who’s asking for that in this country?”

    CROWD: “No one!”

    MURPHY: “No one. No one is asking to throw millions of people off their health care, to close rural hospitals and drug treatment centers all across the country, just so that a billionaire can get another $100,000 in a tax break. No one is asking for that in this country. 

    “I frankly don’t even know what it would be like to be a billionaire with an extra $100,000, right? I have no idea. I have no idea the kind of rapacious greed that it takes for somebody to demand more when you have so much. 

    “But you know what I do know? I know what it feels like for somebody who is living paycheck to paycheck, right. Who relies on Medicaid in order to make sure that their sick child gets the medications they need. I know what it feels like for that person to wake up one day and have their safety net ripped out from under them, right? I know the pain, the agony that that involves. 

    “And so we have a job to do. We have the power – not the billionaire class, not the thieves down the street – we can do, in 2025, exactly what we did in 2017. We can be a constant presence, not just here in Washington, but back in their states. If they won’t meet with you, go find them. Show up to their offices, show up to their public events, right? Demand that they answer to you why they are putting the billionaires first. 

    “The people in this country have the power. There are more of us than there are of them. Democracy is fragile, it is under assault today, but it is still alive in America, right? The people of this country still have the power. 

    “What they are doing is immoral. What they are doing is unpopular. They are having a hell of a time passing it as we speak. All we have to do is convince a handful of Republicans that they will never ever set foot in their offices again if they vote for this billionaire tax cut. 

    “So listen, do the work. Do the work. And I’ll just end with this. Listen, I know that you can wake up every day and feel anxious and, feel angry about what they’re trying to do to our country, what they’re trying to do to Medicaid, what they’re trying to do to give billionaires tax cuts, but also wake up with a little sense of joy, right? A little sense of joy, because you are here today, because you are at a point in your life where you can speak truth to power. You live in a country, right, where accountability still exists. You live in a nation where you can stand up, speak up and stop evil from being perpetuated on the people of this country, right? 

    “So I’m angry. I am anxious. But I am also joyous. Because I know that when the day comes, we are going to be able to stand together and say that together, united, we were able to stop the biggest transfer of wealth ever in this country, from the middle class and the poor to the rich. We will stop this tax cut for the wealthy. Thank you, everybody.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Security – Nurses call for immediate halt to police withdrawal

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Police withdrawal from mental health call outs should be stopped until Te Whatu Ora makes critical resources available, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
    Phase Two of the changes come into effect on Monday (14 April) but police have delayed the starting date in all but five districts, saying other areas are not ready. The new phased roll out is the second time police have rescheduled the changes.
    NZNO Mental Health College chair Helen Garrick says the health sector is not ready for the police withdrawal either.
    “This is a matter of safety for everyone, including the people who need mental health support, their whānau and the mental health workforce.”
    The first phase of the changes officially came into effect last November, but Helen Garrick says NZNO mental health nurses report the police withdrawal actually started long before that.
    NZNO agrees with the Mental Health Foundation there is no adequate plan to support the transition away from police attending mental health call outs, she says.
    “The police withdrawal should be stopped until the following resources and agreements are in place:
    • Resourcing
    for new crisis hubs to be staffed by a qualified mental health workforce
    24/7.
    • Purpose
    built safe spaces attached to hospitals or community centres, staffed 24/7
    and suitable for people experiencing mental distress, and their whānau, to
    wait for mental health assessment. Emergency Department waiting rooms are
    completely unsuitable.
    3. Resourcing for nationwide co-response teams – consisting of a minimum of a mental health nurse and police officer – to transport people under the Mental Health Act.
    • Increased
    staff for mental health crisis teams and a commitment to workforce
    development and filling current vacancies, without the creation of an
    associate psychologist qualification.
    • Leaving
    decisions about mental health risk and the need for police assistance in
    the hands of mental health staff, not police communications.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Lee Introduce Legislation to Repurpose Woke USAID Funding to Improve Veterans’ Homes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Veterans First Act of 2025, which will redirect wasteful taxpayer funding previously allocated for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to instead pay for outstanding repairs in state veterans’ homes. This legislation follows the Trump administration’s actions to largely shut down USAID after it was revealed that the agency was using taxpayer funds to pay for woke, leftist priorities. As Alabama’s representative on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sen. Tuberville is always looking for ways to improve the lives for our veteran heroes.
    “Let’s be honest, USAID was largely being used as a Democrat slush fund under Joe Biden,” said Sen. Tuberville. “We don’t need to waste BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars on research in Wuhan or transgender operas in Colombia when our own veterans are living in horrible conditions. There are more than 160 state veteran homes across the country that provide long-term care to eligible military veterans. The VA currently offers construction grants that cover up to 65% of renovation costs, but funding constraints can cause years of delays for homes that are waiting to receive federal funds to match the funds approved at the state level. This critical legislation would provide sufficient federal funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home Construction projects that already have the state-matching funds. Our veteran heroes were willing to lay down their lives for our freedom. The least we can do is make sure they have a decent place to call home.
    “Our bill takes 2 billion dollars that was going to be thrown into the USAID money pit and distributed to radical progressive causes across the globe, and instead puts it toward desperately needed housing and hospitals for the men and women who defend America. We should put our veterans before any foreign interests or organizations,” said Sen. Lee. 
    “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, taxpayer dollars were wastefully sent overseas to fund DEI initiatives while the pressing needs of veterans here at home were ignored,” said Rep. Taylor. “Under President Trump, Republicans are getting our Nation’s priorities straight and our Heroes are at the top of the list. I am proud to lead this bill to ensure State Veterans Homes across our country are equipped with the funding to meet our veterans’ needs.”
    Specifically, the Veterans First Act of 2025 would:
    Redirect $2 billion of USAID funds toward State Veteran Home repairs and renovations,
    Provide sufficient funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home construction grants,
    These are ready-to-go projects that already possess state-matching funds and are only awaiting federal matching funds to being work.

    Put America’s veterans first and reorient our nation’s spending priorities.
    Representative Dave Taylor (R-OH-02) led the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Read full text of the legislation here. 
    BACKGROUND:
    Sen. Tuberville represents Alabama’s more than 400,000 veterans on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and has worked to make quality improvements for veterans. He has introduced several pieces of legislation that have been signed into law, including the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act, and legislation to streamline Post-9/11 benefits for service members and their dependents.
    Already this year, Sen. Tuberville introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at helping veterans, including the Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, HBOT Access Act, andVeteran Fraud Reimbursement Act.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. Issues Advisory for 1,587 Cases of 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Marketside Celery Sticks Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 10, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 10, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesProduceFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

    Company Name:
    Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Marketside

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Celery Sticks

    Company Announcement
    Oxnard, Calif. – April 10, 2025 – Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 4 in/1.6oz Marketside Celery Sticks with best if used by date 03/23/2025.
    This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use.
    This advisory is being initiated due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture from a Georgia store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.
    Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
    To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product.
    The specific products involved are 4 count 4 in/1.6 oz bundle packs of Marketside Celery Sticks sold at Walmart stores identified by having a UPC code 6 81131 16151 0 on back of bag, with Best if Used by Date 03/23/2025, and Lot Code: P047650 on front of bag. All potentially affected products are past their expiration date and no longer for sale.
    Consumers who have this product in their possession, including in their freezer, should not consume and discard the product.
    This voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. produced products.
    The only products involved in this advisory can be identified with the following details:
    Marketside Celery Sticks 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Pack

    Store: 

    Walmart 

    Distributed to select stores in:

    AL, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY.

    Product UPC Code:

    6 81131 16151 0

    Lot Code:

    P047650

    Best If Used by Date:

    03/23/2025

    Pack Size & Packaging:

    4/1.6-ounce, bag

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/10/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Miramar homicide investigation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    Police continue to make steady progress in the investigation into the homicide of 63-year-old Abdul Nabizadah, who was found critically injured in Camperdown Rd, Miramar at 2.20am on Monday 17 March.

    Mr Nabizadah later died in Wellington Hospital from injuries Police believe were received while being assaulted and robbed at this location at around 12.30am.

    The investigation team are continuing to gather evidence of the events of the evening and are establishing a good understanding of what occurred.

    The investigation has established a link between the homicide and an aggravated burglary that occurred at a nearby Darlington Road address at about 2am, when a man was found by homeowners inside their house. Police have arrested a man alleged to be responsible for this burglary and he is due to appear in the Wellington District Court on 17 April.

    During the examination of the Camperdown Road scene Police located a woman’s large size Mirrou brand zip-up jacket with white stripes on the arms. It was found discarded on the walkway leading from Camperdown Road to Nevay Road. Police want to speak to the owner of this jacket to determine if it is connected in any way to the incidents of that night.

    The investigation team have previously sought information about a silver Mazda 6 vehicle seen on several occasions in the Miramar area on the night of the incidents.

    Following assistance from members of the public the investigation team have now identified this vehicle and believe it is connected to the two incidents. Police now urgently want to speak to the driver and occupants of this car on the night of the incidents and we encourage them to make contact with us.

    We are actively looking for a number of people who we know have relevant information and encourage them, along with anyone else that has relevant information, to contact us as soon as possible.

    If you have any information that could help the investigation team, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting Our International Students and Scholars

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    To the University Community,

    UConn prides itself on being both one of Connecticut’s greatest assets and a global university. We attract outstanding students from our state as well as students, faculty, and staff from more than 100 other countries to engage in world-class research and scholarship in our state. UConn faculty, staff, and students contribute to Connecticut’s future and help to change the world for the better through advances and innovation in a multitude of fields.

    As a follow-up to last week’s message on immigration resources and information: You may be aware of recent reports of student visa revocations and SEVIS record terminations disrupting the lives and academic careers of international students and scholars in the U.S.

    These actions have touched UConn as well, and while the number of impacted students here is small, consequences for those impacted are significant. UConn, through its International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) unit, monitors the SEVIS records of our international students and visiting scholars on F and J visas daily, auditing records for any changes initiated by external government officials.

    At the first sign of a change, the ISSS will email the student or visiting scholar to inform them of the update and ask them to visit the Center for International Student and Scholar Services (CISS) to meet with a staff member who can connect the student to legal resources and university support services.

    ISSS will also notify the student or scholar’s department head and dean so that the student’s academic unit can provide appropriate support. Each student or visiting scholar’s situation is unique, and support for each case is coordinated through ISSS in collaboration with many campus partners, including the Dean of Students Office, The Graduate School, the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, the Cultural Centers, academic deans, and department heads.

    UConn Health’s International Office administers a separate SEVIS program and will follow similar procedures. To date, no cases have impacted international students and scholars at UConn Health.

    Our university units are working together to prepare our campuses and respond as quickly as possible to this rapidly evolving situation. In February, UConn established a rapid response team to address immigration policy changes impacting our community. The team is co-chaired by Rae Alexander, Assistant Vice President for Global Affairs, and Fany DeJesus Hannon, Dean of Students. It includes representation from the Office of the General Counsel, The Graduate School, the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, University Communications, and UConn Police.

    We understand that there are multiple conversations happening on campus about this important issue. We invite you to send your inquiries to Rae Alexander, rae.alexander@uconn.edu, to ensure your questions and concerns reach the team.

    You may be asking what you can do at this time:

    • International students and visiting scholars can visit the Center for International Students & Scholars website for updated guidance on travel concerns and emerging trends related to their immigration status, and to connect with international advising staff who can provide individualized guidance.
    • Undocumented students can reach out to the Dean of Students Office and view the Undocumented Student Resources
    • General student support is also available from the Dean of Students Office and The Graduate School.
    • UConn employees who have questions about their employment-based visa sponsorship can reach out to Alison Cutler or Christene Cooper in Human Resources.
    • The International Office at UConn Health is responsible for all visas for international students and staff/faculty employed through UConn Health. Reach out to Kaitlin Dornenburg, Department of Human Resources, for assistance.
    • All UConn faculty and staff can reach out to Rae Alexander, Assistant Vice President for Global Affairs, with general questions or concerns about changing immigration policies and their impact on our community.

    We also want to remind students of the mental health support services available to them:

    International students at UConn Health:

    International students at UConn Storrs and the regional campuses:

    International employees, including graduate assistants represented by the GEU at UConn Storrs and regional campuses:

    International employees at UConn Health:

    Finally, we encourage everyone to bookmark the new Legal Resources and Community Partners webpage, which will be updated as information and resources are confirmed.

    If you have not been directly impacted by what has been happening in the U.S., now is the time to check in on your friends and fellow Huskies who may be feeling scared and isolated. Now is the time for us as a community to support each other.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: While Trump, Republicans, RFK, Jr. Dismantle HHS, Pressley, Warren Re-Introduce Bill to Confront Racism as a Public Health Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Anti-Racism in Public Health Act Would Require Federal Government to Actively Develop Anti-Racist Health Policy

    Bill Text (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, with Trump and Republicans continuing their coordinated attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and RFK, Jr. dismantling the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including closing the Office of Minority Health, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are re-introducing the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025, legislation that would declare racism a public health crisis and require the federal government to actively develop anti-racist health policy. The bill would help expand research and investment into the public health impacts of structural racism through two bold new programs within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    “While Trump and Republicans embolden white supremacy and carry out their coordinated assault on Black, brown, and other marginalized communities, we must continue pushing back and advancing an affirmative, anti-racist agenda that addresses racism as the public health crisis that it is,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “By expanding research into the public health impacts of structural racism and requiring the federal government to develop anti-racist health policy, our bill is the type of responsive legislation the moment demands. I’m grateful to Senator Warren for her ongoing partnership as we continue working to dismantle centuries of racism in our public health system.”

    “For centuries, racism has denied Black and Brown mothers life-saving care during pregnancies and led to higher rates of chronic illness like diabetes and asthma,” said Senator Warren. “We’re renewing the fight to tackle racial disparities head-on and give everyone a chance at a healthy life.”

    In addition to researching of the impacts of structural racism on public health, the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act would:  

    • Create a “National Center for Anti-Racism” at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to declare racism as the public health crisis that it is and further develop the research base and knowledge of the science and practice of anti-racism. The Center would be responsible for:
      • Conducting research, collecting data, awarding grants, and providing leadership and coordination on the science and practice of anti-racism in the provision of health care, the public health impacts of systemic racism, and the effectiveness of interventions to address these impacts; 
      • Creating at least three regional centers of excellence in anti-racism; 
      • Educating the public on the public health impacts of structural racism and anti-racist public health interventions; 
      • Consulting with other Centers at the CDC to ensure that scientific and programmatic activities initiated by the agency consider structural racism in their designs, conceptualizations, and executions; and 
    • Create a Law Enforcement Violence Prevention Program within the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC. Physical and psychological violence perpetuated by law enforcement results in deaths, injuries, trauma, and stress, and disproportionately affects marginalized populations. This bill would take a public health approach to combating police brutality by creating a dedicated law enforcement violence prevention program at the CDC.

    In October 2022, as a result of the lawmakers’ introduction of the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act, HHS awarded $493,000 to the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) to support their efforts to address homelessness and substance use disorder policies that create or perpetuate health disparities and contribute to structural racism.

    Joining Pressley and Warren in introducing the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act are Representatives Joyce Beatty, Shontel Brown, André Carson, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Dwight Evans, Hank Johnson, Jennifer McClellan, Jerry Nadler, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Mark Pocan, Delia C. Ramirez, Jan Schakowsky, Terri Sewell, Adam Smith, Melanie Stansbury, Mark Takano, Bennie G. Thompson, Ritchie Torres, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.

    The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: Columbia NOW, SC; Power to Decide; Public Citizen; National Council of Jewish Women; YW Boston; Physicians for a National Health Program; Center for Policing Equity; Justice in Aging; Feminist Women’s Health Center; Guttmacher Institute; Center for Reproductive Rights; Diversity Uplifts, Inc.; Every Mother Counts; Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals; and Boston Medical Center.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here.

    In November 2022, Rep. Pressley, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission Dr. Bisola Ojikutu held a roundtable discussion with public health advocates to highlight the nearly $493,000 in new federal funding to help Boston address the public health impacts of structural racism.

    In October 2022, Rep. Pressley, Senator Warren, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded the new funding for BPHC, which was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) alongside nine other grants to community organizations across the country. In total, HHS awarded over $4.8 million to support local efforts to address policies that may create or perpetuate health disparities and contribute to structural racism.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Care within sight: How technology is making healthcare more accessible

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Care within sight: How technology is making healthcare more accessible

    (left) Illustration of an optics diagram published in 1894. (center) Dr. Sunil Gupta holds a mobile retinal scan device powered by IRIS software, standing next to a projection showing the results of a recent exam. (right) Ophthalmic vision test showing letters and numbers at varying sizes to determine a patient’s strength of vision.

    In 2020, IRIS was selected as a recipient of the Microsoft AI for Health Initiative grant. This collaboration provides IRIS with access to advanced AI tools and Azure computing resources, further enhancing their diagnostic solutions. Deep learning has presented significant opportunities for the automated detection of retinal diseases, including DR. This approach allows for rapid and accurate detection of potential diseases, often within seconds, and facilitating immediate follow-up and treatment decisions. Research suggests that retinal screening using digital photography and telemedicine can lead to early detection, potentially preventing over 90% of DR cases.

    The IRIS software allows healthcare providers at various levels of training to conduct retinal scans and return a diagnosis quickly. After capturing the images, they are securely uploaded to the IRIS platform, enhanced for clarity, and reviewed remotely by a licensed eyecare professional at the IRIS Reading Center. Diagnosis results, including images and reports, are then added to the patient’s health record, enabling referrals to specialists if needed.

    Advancements in telemedicine now enable remote consultations, offering care without the need to visit an eye doctor in person. This is notable given that there are approximately 200,000 ophthalmologists worldwide, and roughly 20,000 currently practicing in the United States, with some states lacking any. IRIS software is part of that solution by creating a new model where skilled health workers can travel to a person’s home to capture the retinal scans and submit them for a timely diagnosis, reducing the strain on patients to make special trips to the closest doctor. Consequently, nearly 30 million individuals in the United States with diabetes may receive more timely diagnosis and treatment.

    In West Virginia, a small community hospital achieved notable success by integrating IRIS technology. Within 13 months, they conducted over 1,500 exams, detecting diabetic retinopathy in 16.17% of patients and other eye conditions in 24.4%. This program improved patient outcomes and satisfaction by making screenings more accessible and convenient, significantly impacting patients.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Bombardment, deprivation and displacement continue in Gaza

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    Hostilities across the Gaza Strip continue to take a devastating toll on the population, with daily reports of Israeli strikes killing and injuring many civilians, UN aid coordination office OCHA said on Thursday. 

    OCHA said dozens of people, including at least eight children, were killed in Gaza City on Wednesday after an Israeli strike hit a residential building. Many others are still missing under the rubble. 

    The agency stressed that civilians must be protected and should never be a target.

    Medical evacuations and displacement orders

    Israel’s total blockade on all commercial and lifesaving relief supplies remains in place, though the World Health Organization (WHO) pointed to some good news as 18 Gazans were medically evacuated for specialized treatment abroad. 

    The patients along with nearly 30 companions headed for Norway, Malta, Luxembourg and Romania via the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Wednesday.

    WHO noted, however, that some 12,500 patients in the enclave still need to be evacuated.

    Access to healthcare facilities has been impacted by displacement orders issued by the Israeli military and the safety of healthcare workers remains at risk.

    At least two medical professionals were reported killed as they left their health facility in Gaza City on Monday, according to OCHA.

    Today, 12 out of 17 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are partially functional and there is only one field hospital. 

    Blockade’s devastating impacts

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dire health conditions in a media briefing on Thursday.

    He said the blockade, which took effect on 2 March, has prevented the entry of all food and medicine. Additionally, 75 per cent of UN missions within Gaza over the past week were denied or impeded.

    “This blockade is leaving families hungry, malnourished, without clean water, shelter, and adequate healthcare, and increasing the risk of disease and death,” he said, speaking from WHO Headquarters in Geneva.

    He noted that during the recent “precious ceasefire” WHO was able to re-supply the Gaza health system as well as its warehouses. Stocks are now dangerously low and will run out within two to four weeks.

    Healthcare under attack

    Tedros said that “180,000 doses of routine childhood vaccines – enough to fully protect 60,000 children under the age of two – have not been allowed to enter, leaving newborns and young children at risk.”

    Furthermore, it is estimated that since the ceasefire collapsed, almost 1,500 people have been killed, including 500 children, and almost 400,000 people have been displaced again.

    “The health system is only functioning partially and is overwhelmed. Meanwhile, healthcare continues to be attacked,” Tedros said, recalling that more than 400 humanitarians have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, following the deadly Hamas terror attacks in southern Israel.

    Looting on the rise

    As supplies inside the Gaza Strip near exhaustion and the situation becomes increasingly dire, there has been an increase in looting in recent days, OCHA said.  

    Several incidents were reported in Rafah, and Deir Al-Balah, and Al Zawaida earlier this week.

    OCHA once again reiterated the urgency of re-opening crossings to allow the entry of critical supplies. 

    Children going hungry

    Currently, more than 60,000 children are reportedly suffering from malnutrition at a time when community kitchens are rapidly running out of fuel and supplies.   

    Humanitarian partners are also warning of acute water shortages in shelters hosting displaced people. 

    “The loss of water – together with the lack of cleaning supplies and cohabitation with livestock – are having a dire public health impact. In March, more than one third of households in Gaza experienced lice infestations,” OCHA said.

    This week, humanitarian partners also identified more than a dozen unaccompanied and separated children and are doing everything possible to reunite them with their families. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Better cleaning of hospital equipment could cut patient infections by one-third – and save money

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Mitchell, Professor of Nursing and Health Services Research, University of Newcastle

    Annie Spratt/Unsplash

    Hospital-acquired infections are infections patients didn’t have when they were admitted to hospital. The most common include wound infections after surgery, urinary tract infections and pneumonia.

    These can have a big impact for patients, often increasing their time in hospital, requiring additional treatment and causing discomfort. Unfortunately, some people who sustain an infection in hospital don’t recover. In Australia, there are an estimated 7,500 deaths associated with hospital-acquired infections annually.

    It’s important to prevent such infections not only for the benefit of patients, but also because of their cost to the health system and to reduce antibiotic use.

    Even though patients don’t usually come into contact with each other directly in hospitals, there are many ways bacteria can be transmitted between patients.

    Our own and other research suggests medical equipment (such as blood pressure machines, dressing trolleys and drip stands) could be a common source of infection.

    In recent research, we’ve shown that by regularly disinfecting shared medical equipment, we can help reduce infections picked up in hospitals – and save the health system money.

    We introduced a new cleaning package

    We conducted an experiment in a New South Wales hospital where we introduced a package of extra cleaning measures onto several wards.

    The package consisted of designated cleaners specifically trained to clean and disinfect sensitive medical equipment. Normally, the cleaning of shared equipment is the responsibility of clinical staff.

    These cleaners spent three hours a day disinfecting shared medical equipment on the ward. We also provided regular training and feedback to the cleaners.

    The start date for the cleaning package on each ward was randomly selected. This is known as a “stepped wedge” trial (more on this later).

    We monitored the thoroughness of cleaning before and after introducing the cleaning package by applying a florescent gel marker to shared equipment. The gel cannot be seen without a special light, but is easily removed if the surface is cleaned well.

    We also monitored infections in patients on the wards before and after introducing the cleaning package. Over the course of the experiment, more than 5,000 patients passed through the wards we were studying.

    Finally, we looked at the economic costs and benefits: how much the cleaning package costs, versus the health-care costs that may be saved thanks to any avoided infections.

    Shared hospital equipment such as IV drip stands can harbour infections.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    What we found

    Before the intervention, we found the thoroughness of cleaning shared equipment, assessed by the removal of the gel marker, was low. Once we introduced the cleaning package, cleaning thoroughness improved from 24% to 66%.

    After the cleaning package was introduced, hospital-acquired infections dropped by about one-third, from 14.9% to 9.8% of patients. We saw a reduction in a range of different types of infections including bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections and surgical wound infections.

    To put this another way, for every 1,000 patients admitted to wards with the cleaning package, we estimated there were 30 fewer infections compared to wards before the cleaning package was introduced. This not only benefits patients, but also hospitals and the community, by freeing up resources that can be used to treat other patients.

    Treating infections in hospital is expensive. We estimate the cost of treating infections before the cleaning intervention was around A$2.1 million for a group of 1,000 patients, arising from 130 infections. These costs come from extra time in hospital and treatment costs associated with infections.

    We estimated the 30 fewer infections per 1,000 patients reduced costs to $1.5 million, even when factoring in the cost of cleaners and cleaning products. Put differently, our intervention could save a hospital $642,000 for every 1,000 patients.

    Some limitations of our research

    Our experiment was limited to several wards at one Australian hospital. It’s possible the cleaning was particularly poor at this hospital, and the same intervention at other hospitals may not result in the same benefit.

    For various reasons, even with trained designated cleaners we didn’t find every piece of equipment was cleaned all the time. This reflects common real-world issues in a busy ward. For example, some equipment was being used and not available for cleaning and cleaners were sometimes absent due to illness.

    We don’t know whether even more cleaning might have resulted in an even greater reduction in infections, but there is often a law of diminishing returns when assessing infection control interventions.

    In the real world, hospital cleaning isn’t perfect. But we could do better.
    aguscrespophoto/Shutterstock

    A limitation of looking at infection rates before and after the introduction of an intervention is that other things may change at the same time, such as staffing levels, so not all the difference in infections may be due to the intervention.

    But the stepped wedge model, where the cleaning package was introduced at different times on different wards, increases our confidence the reduction in infections was the result of the cleaning package.

    Improving hospital cleaning is a no brainer

    Shared medical equipment harbours pathogens, which can survive for long periods in health-care settings.

    Like our study, other research has similarly suggested a clean hospital is a safe hospital. Importantly, cleaning needs to include thorough disinfection to reduce the risk of infection (not just removing visible dirt and stains).

    Our work is also consistent with other research that shows improving cleaning in hospitals is cost-effective.

    Cleaning services and products have often been subject to cuts when hospitals have needed to save money.

    But prioritising effective cleaning of medical equipment appears to be a no brainer for health system administrators. We need to invest in better cleaning practices for both the health of patients and the financial bottom line.

    Brett Mitchell receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Medical Research Future Fund. Brett is Editor-in-Chief of Infection, Disease and Health for which he is paid an honorarium by the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Brett has appointments at Avondale University, Monash University and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. GAMA Healthcare Australia provided cleaning wipes used in a study referenced in this article.

    Allen Cheng receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Government. He is a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Advisory Committee advising the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare.

    – ref. Better cleaning of hospital equipment could cut patient infections by one-third – and save money – https://theconversation.com/better-cleaning-of-hospital-equipment-could-cut-patient-infections-by-one-third-and-save-money-251917

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –