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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Adelaide family the key to new disease breakthrough

    Source: University of South Australia

    25 October 2024

    L-R: Jiarna Zerella (PhD student, SA Pathology), Kristijan Ramsea (family member whose samples were used to make to make this discovery), Prof. Hamish Scott and Assoc. Prof. Chris Hahn.

    An Adelaide family has played a crucial role in the discovery of a new bone marrow disease called ERG Deficiency Syndrome, leading to the introduction of a new clinical diagnostic test.

    Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB) researchers at SA Pathology and the University of South Australia made the breakthrough after investigating the family’s battle with a complex set of blood disorders.

    The mother who suffered from several blood disorders in early adulthood, was subsequently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. A pattern of similar blood disorders was also recognised in her children, prompting genetic researchers to investigate.

    Extensive genetic testing by genome sequencing was performed on each affected family member ruling out all known genes associated with bone marrow failure and blood cancer.

    The family was then recruited into the Australian Familial Haematological Conditions Study (AFHCS) based in Adelaide, and their genome was re-examined by the researchers to detail their genetic information.

    It was here that researchers made a surprising discovery, identifying a highly suspicious mutation in the ERG gene, not previously known to cause symptoms linked to familial bone marrow failures and blood cancers.

    Adding to the complexity, the mutation was discovered by looking at hair samples as it was hidden by a mechanism called somatic gene rescue, masking the variant in each of the family members’ blood samples.

    After calling national and international colleagues and entering the mutation into an international matchmaking database (used for rare diseases to bring together researchers, who have identified patients with similar clinical symptoms and mutations in the same gene), the genetic researchers identified a cohort of patients from around the world with ERG mutations linked to bone marrow failure and blood cancer.

    The team then designed state-of-the-art bespoke tests to demonstrate that the mutations severely disrupt the role of ERG in the normal development of blood cells in a way that may predispose them to bone marrow failure and blood cancer.

    As a result, ERG has now been added to routine testing as a clinical screening test for bone marrow failure and blood cancer at SA Pathology and is being implemented worldwide.

    The discovery also opens the door for predictive testing, offering reproductive choices to families at risk, and screening of unaffected family members carrying the mutation for early detection of the disease.

    For those diagnosed with the disease, bone marrow transplantation offers a potential cure so the breakthrough also means that clinicians can identify unaffected family members as potential bone marrow donors.

    Quotes attributable to Lead Researcher and SA Pathology Head of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Professor Hamish Scott

    This Adelaide family has helped us pave the way for the identification of ERG Deficiency Syndrome, marking an exciting new chapter in our understanding of blood conditions.

    By being able to identify this mutated gene, we can diagnose patients and predict the likelihood of bone marrow failure and blood cancer occurring in the future, which will undoubtedly help countless families across the world.

    Quotes attributable to Researcher and Section Head of the Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Associate Professor Chris Hahn

    Thanks to this one Adelaide family, we have uncovered a new pathway in understanding blood conditions, enabling doctors to better monitor and counsel individuals at risk, which will help to improve blood cancer outcomes by early detection and optimal therapy.

    Hereditary cases of bone marrow failure and blood cancers are devastating for families, so identifying genetic mutations in those affected by these diseases has immediate implications for family members.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The II Forum of the Eurasian Network University was held in Minsk

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 22-23, 2024, the II Forum of the scientific and educational consortium “Eurasian Network University” was held in Minsk. The goal of the Forum is to deepen the interaction of science, education and business, develop network forms of implementing higher education programs, as well as programs of additional professional education and retraining of personnel for the labor market of the EAEU member states.

    The Forum was organized by the State University of Management with the support of the Belarusian State University of Economics, the Belarusian State University and the Belarusian-Russian University. The event was attended by heads and representatives of more than 20 leading universities in the Eurasian space, representatives of ministries, authorized government bodies and the business community.

    The Forum’s formal ceremony was opened by moderators: Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and Rector of the Belarusian State University of Economics Alexey Egorov. Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky addressed the Forum participants with a welcoming speech. The Deputy Minister noted the results of the fruitful and effective work of the Eurasian Network University over a two-year period, including the successfully launched project “Eurasian International Olympiad”, new joint educational programs launched, implemented programs for advanced training for the business community and civil servants in the field of business and management, and teachers of universities in the EAEU countries.

    Next, a welcoming address was presented to the Forum participants by Senator of the Russian Federation Lyudmila Skakovskaya. The Senator emphasized the special importance of the event in the context of modern challenges that require an active exchange of knowledge and technology in the field of education, science and culture, as well as promoting intercultural dialogue and the implementation of innovative projects. Head of the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Belarus Yuri Makushin delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing that the Forum is a unique platform not only for the exchange of experience, developments and ideas for the future development of science and the education system in the territory of the EAEU member states, but also for establishing partnerships, developing effective mechanisms for the development of interaction, which is especially relevant today, in the context of modern geopolitical turbulence.

    The leading speakers of the plenary session of the Forum were: First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education Vladimir Sipyagin, Chairman of the Committee on Education and Science of the CIS Business Center for Economic Development Dmitry Repnikov, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Economics, Professor Sergei Glazyev, Director of the branch of the National Accreditation Agency in Education Mikhail Petropavlovsky, Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the National Research University “MPEI” Nikolay Rogalev, Rector of the Mari State University Mikhail Shvetsov, Rector of the University under the Interparliamentary Assembly of the EurAsEC Irlan Iskakov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the Belarusian-Russian University Natalia Vologina, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the Almaty Technological University Lyazzat Baibolova.

    In their reports, the speakers presented models of inter-university cooperation, the advantages of network forms of education, areas of coordination of scientific and educational cooperation, the implementation of foreign internships as a driver for the development of trade and economic relations, and ways of integrating universities in the EAEU space.

    The International Scientific and Practical Conference of the Eurasian Network University “Priority Directions for the Development of Eurasian Integration” was held within the framework of the forum. The key topics of the sectional sessions were “Education in the Context of Eurasian Integration” and “Moral and Patriotic Education of Young People in the EAEU: Main Directions and Features of Organization”. The conference participants discussed issues of integration of government agencies, academic and business communities, prospects for the formation of a common educational space of the EAEU, tools for spiritual and moral-patriotic education of young people in EAEU universities.

    The exhibition of the Eurasian Network University, which was held at the Forum venue, also aroused great interest among students of Belarusian universities. Students got acquainted with the materials of the universities participating in the ENU, received information about the opportunities for participation in academic exchange programs at the universities participating in the ENU, Olympiads that provide opportunities to study within the quotas of the Government of the Russian Federation, and about additional professional education programs.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/25/2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Participants in a special military operation will be able to receive medical care at the nearest state medical facility during their vacation.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Military personnel on leave will be able to receive medical care at any convenient state hospital or clinic. A resolution on this, prepared at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense and with the support of the Ministry of Health, has been signed.

    The decision was made on the instructions of the President. It will be in effect for the duration of the special military operation.

    Previously, due to the lack of compulsory medical insurance policies, military personnel, even while on vacation, had to seek medical care only at departmental hospitals of the Ministry of Defense, which are not available in all regions of the country. The signed resolution will improve the availability of medical care for military personnel who need it.

    The document will be published.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Smokers come forward to get support to Swap to Stop

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Government recently announced measures to ensure that the country achieves its ambition of becoming Smokefree by 2030, including the provision of a million free ‘Swap to Stop’ vaping kits which, combined with behavioural support, are designed to help them quit smoking.

    The City of Wolverhampton Council has made these available at a range of community venues, including the city’s 8 Family Hubs and Central and Warstones libraries.

    The service is being delivered by trained members of staff, who are offering free vape starter kits alongside support and weekly ‘check in’ sessions delivered from the convenience of local community venues to help people on their quitting journey over a period of 12 weeks.

    Scores of would be quitters have already come forward to get help – and others are invited to sign up for free at Swap to Stop.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you.

    “Smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England, accounting for around for 64,000 deaths annually. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking related disease – but, when you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.

    “And it’s not just your body which will benefit, your purse or wallet will too. On average smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco – and that means you could have around £2,000 more to spend a year by quitting, and even more if you are a really heavy smoker.

    “Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is also one of the most effective tools for quitting, so we are delighted to deliver this Swap to Stop support in the community in Wolverhampton. If you want to quit, please sign up today.”

    Meanwhile, support to quit is also available through Live Well Wolverhampton, a new healthy lifestyles service offering people information, advice, guidance, self help tools and lifestyle interventions to enable them to make and maintain positive lifestyle choices. Please visit Live Well Wolverhampton or call or text ‘QUIT’ to 07378 768046 and an advisor will contact you.

    For more help and support to stop smoking, please visit Quit Smoking. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Ostrów Wielkopolski District of Wielkopolskie Region in Poland suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 25) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Ostrów Wielkopolski District of the Wielkopolskie Region in Poland, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 1 620 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland in the first six months of this year.

         “The CFS has contacted the Polish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: National health body to hold price negotiations with drugmakers

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The National Healthcare Security Administration said on Thursday that it will soon launch a new round of price negotiations with drugmakers bidding to be included into China’s national reimbursement drug list.

    On-site price negotiations will take place from Sunday to Wednesday and a total of 162 types of medications will be involved.

    Results will be released next month, and the corresponding, updated version of the reimbursement list will take effect on Jan 1, 2025.

    The administration, inaugurated in 2018, has implemented seven adjustments of the national drug reimbursement catalog, including the upcoming one.

    The past six rounds of price talks have added 446 medications into the reimbursement list, benefiting 800 million people and driving drug sales totaling nearly 500 billion yuan ($70.2 billion).

    Data shows that more than 90 percent of medications procured by public hospitals across the nation are those on the list.

    The administration added that special attention has also been paid to include innovative medications.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cluster of Rhinovirus/Enterovirus cases in Tuen Mun Hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

         â€‹The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital made the following announcement today (October 25):

         Six paediatric patients (three males and three females, aged 7 months to 5 years) of a paediatrics and adolescent ward have been presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms since October 21. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Rhinovirus/Enterovirus. The six patients are being treated in isolation. One of them is in serious condition due to underlying medical conditions while the remaining five patients are in stable condition.

         Enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward concerned according to prevailing guidelines. Droplet and contact precautions, hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of the environment and equipment have also been strengthened.

         The hospital will continue to closely monitor the conditions of the patients in the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How asbestos exposure continues to be a dire health risk – 25 years after it was banned

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Jjay69/Shutterstock

    Asbestos may have been banned from use in the UK since 1999 but the hazardous material continues to pose a serious danger to the population.

    Low levels of asbestos are naturally present in the air, water and soil, which usually doesn’t cause people to become ill. However, regular exposure to asbestos – in the workplace, for example – is a real health risk.

    Asbestos exposure can have an insidious effect on health. It can take decades for symptoms to become noticeable but, once diagnosed, most patients die within two years.

    According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, more than 5,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases each year, making asbestos the leading cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

    Perilous but popular

    Asbestos is a group of dangerous but naturally occurring fibrous minerals widely used for decades for their heat-resistant and insulating properties. The primary types of asbestos include the most commonly used chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos).

    These fibres are highly durable and resistant to heat, electricity, and chemical damage, which made asbestos a popular material in various industries, particularly in construction and manufacturing throughout the 20th century.

    Worryingly, despite the known dangers of asbestos, it remains a common material in many UK school buildings. According to a 2019 Department for Education survey, more than 80% of state schools in England and around 60% of schools in Scotland and Wales still have asbestos “present on their estate”.

    Asbestos is considered to be safe as long as it is undisturbed. However, if there are damaged or shedding fibres then the material becomes highly dangerous to those exposed to it.

    An (un)healthy education

    When asbestos fibres become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause significant damage to lung cells and other organs.

    The main health issues linked to asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that leads to lung tissue scarring and severe breathing difficulties.

    Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs – and sometimes the abdomen or heart. Sadly, as my research has shown, it’s extremely difficult to treat patients with this condition.

    HSE statistics show that 111 teachers died from mesothelioma between the years of 2011-20. In 2021, 23 teachers died from the cancer. A 2021 report by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC), a group that was set up to protect workers and students from the risk of asbestos, states estimates that “1,000 teachers and support staff and 9,000 former pupils died from mesothelioma between 1980 and 2017 due to asbestos exposure in schools”.

    Deadly decay

    State school buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1999 in the UK are likely to have been built using asbestos containing materials. Despite the guidance that asbestos is safe if not disturbed, there are concerns that the dilapidated state of many of the UK’s state school buildings is causing teachers and children to be at risk of asbestos exposure.

    In October 2024, the CEO of the Mesothelioma UK charity, Liz Darlison told the MailOnline that:

    The ongoing presence of asbestos in our deteriorating school buildings is like a bomb that is slowly exploding. It’s an unbelievable tragedy and a national disgrace that we are not doing more to protect people, especially children.

    Crumbling school buildings could disturb asbestos fibres, causing them to be released and then inhaled by teachers and students. Asbestos fibres are invisible – they can’t be seen, smelled or felt in the air or on clothes so it’s impossible to know if you’ve been exposed to it – until it’s too late.

    It seems, then, that only way to finally eradicate the health risks of asbestos is to remove it from public buildings. Strict enforcement of regulations, public education, safe removal programs and support for those who’ve been exposed to asbestos will be essential in ensuring that asbestos related health risks are finally eradicated.

    Justin Stebbing does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How asbestos exposure continues to be a dire health risk – 25 years after it was banned – https://theconversation.com/how-asbestos-exposure-continues-to-be-a-dire-health-risk-25-years-after-it-was-banned-232426

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Tribal Affairs organises “Janjati Samvad: Chunautiya aur Pahal” as part of the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 3:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs, as part of the National Learning Week – Karamyogi Saptah, organised a webinar on theme “जनजाति संवाद: चुनौतियां और पहल” (Tribal Samvad: Challenges and Initiatives) on 24th October 2024.

    Ms. R. Jaya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in her address, stressed the need to understand the significance of the Constitutional provisions in the socio-economic development as well as preservation and promotion of the socio-cultural heritage of the tribes of India. She also spoke about the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at the elimination of Sickle Cell Disease by 2047. During this she shared about the training workshops, modules, promotional campaign as undertaken by the Ministry in the direction of achieving the desired objectives of the Mission. Commending the steps taken so far, she emphasized that the insights gained from this webinar by the participants would be significant in advancing efforts as being taken under the National Learning Week through infusing a culture of continuous learning and capacity building.

    Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Special Director, National Tribal Research Institute and Chair Professor, IIPA, New Delhi contextualised the objectives and agenda of the Webinar as organised under the National Learning Week. During her address, she shared with the audience on the foundational knowledge on understanding the tribes in India, the policy and approach taken by Government towards the development and welfare of the tribes since independence, details on the important legislative frameworks, and the innovative initiatives as undertaken by the Government for Empowering the tribals.

    Dr. Nita Radhakrishnan, Additional Professor and HOD, Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, PGICH, Noida elaborated on the details of the National Mission on Elimination of the Sickle Cell Disease. She highlighted key facts and statistics including introducing the participants with the sickle cell disease, its prevalence in tribal communities, symptoms, complications, treatment, awareness and strategy for achieving the targets under the mission.

    Dr. B.M. Jyotishi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, in his address during the webinar, provided a comprehensive overview of the Constitutional and legal provisions for Scheduled Tribes (STs). His presentation focused on the political, social, and economic rights guaranteed to STs under the Indian Constitution, offering participants valuable insights into the legal framework designed to safeguard the ST communities. Dr. Jyotishi read out key provisions as enshrined in the Constitution. He shared relevant examples concerning these provisions, shedding light on the challenges faced in their implementation and the progress achieved.

    The Webinar ended with a summarisation of key points from the Speakers Address and a formal Vote of Thanks. The participants can watch the recorded video of livestream through this link.
    https://www.youtube.com/live/VMiPYfX2QZg

    ********

    PSF/DK

     

    (Release ID: 2068067) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda Presides over 53rd Foundation Day Celebrations and Convocation of University College of Medical Sciences

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda Presides over 53rd Foundation Day Celebrations and Convocation of University College of Medical Sciences

    Healthcare professionals make crucial contributions to society and approach their work with compassion, integrity, and dedication: Shri JP Nadda

    Reiterates Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system and ensuring that medical services are accessible to all

    “Union Government changed the National Health Policy in 2017 which made a shift in looking at healthcare from only a curative angle previously to a holistic approach that caters to preventive, integrative as well as curative healthcare”

    “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had promised to further add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years and we are going to do it”

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 1:50PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, presided as the Chief Guest at the 53rd Foundation Day and Convocation of the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), a constituent medical institution of the University of Delhi, here today. He was joined by Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lt. Governor of Delhi.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda highlighted the crucial contributions that healthcare professionals make to society and urged the graduates to approach their work with compassion, integrity, and dedication. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system and ensuring that medical services are accessible to all. Reaching out to the students, he stated, “Your efforts should be focused on shaping our national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.”

    The Union Health Minister said that “basic education is everyone’s birthright but professional education is a privilege that the society bestows on only a few”. Highlighting that the government spends between 30-35 lakh for every MBBS student, he urged the new doctors to shoulder more responsibilities as they embark on their professional careers.

    Shri Nadda also informed about the changes made in the National Health Policy by the Union Government in 2017 which made a shift in looking at healthcare from only a curative angle previously to a holistic approach that caters to preventive, integrative as well as curative healthcare. He also emphasized the recent achievements made in the healthcare sector including the establishment of 22 AIIMS, new medical and nursing colleges, increase in MBBS and MD seats by over 100% etc. He added that “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had promised to further add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years and we are going to do it.”

    During the ceremony, degrees were conferred to 146 MBBS students, 145 MD/MS students, 17 B.Sc (MT) Radiology students, and 4 M.Sc (R&MIT) students and 62 awards were given. Additionally, 4 certificates in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) were awarded. Shri Nadda also distributed awards to meritorious students for their exceptional achievements in the field of medical sciences.

    Congratulating the new doctors, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. He remarked that UCMS’s unwavering commitment to nurturing capable and compassionate healthcare professionals is commendable and crucial in meeting the country’s ongoing complex health challenges. “This convocation is a recognition of the tireless legacy of UCMS”, he said.

    To commemorate the event, a special souvenir was also released, highlighting the academic achievements of the UCMS in the last year.

    The convocation ceremony marked a proud moment for graduates, faculty, and family members alike, as the new medical professionals prepare to embark on their careers equipped with the knowledge and skills gained from one of India’s leading medical institutions.

    Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Chairperson, Governing Body of UCMS and Vice-Chancellor, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University; Prof. B Srinivas, Secretary of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Deputy Director General (Medical Education); Dr. Girish Tyagi, Registrar, Delhi Medical Council (DMC) and President-Elect of the Delhi Medical Association; Dr Amita Suneja, Principal, UCMS and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present at the event.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/MoS AIIMS Foundation Day/25th September 2024/2

    (Release ID: 2068035) Visitor Counter : 78

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – SANT mission to ECDC – Subcommittee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    SANT subcommittee will travel to Stockholm from 28 to 29 October to visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The delegation will be composed of three Members: Elena NEVADO DEL CAMPO (EPP, Spain), András Tivadar KULJA (EPP, Hungary), Marta TEMIDO (S&D, Portugal).

    The aim of this mission is to gather information about the current and planned activities of the Agency as well as the staff and budget situation. In addition, participating SANT Members would like to obtain first-hand insight on measures to prevent and control communicable diseases, in particular what concerns the MPox crisis. Members would also have the opportunity to discuss best practices for managing health crises, and understand how epidemiological data is collected and used to influence public health policies in the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Confirmation hearings – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

    Source: European Parliament

    The confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate will take place from 4 to 12 November 2024.

    The ITRE Committee is responsible for organising, either alone or jointly with other committees, the confirmation hearings of:

    – Teresa RIBERA, Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

    – Henna VIRKKUNEN, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

    – Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

    – Dan JØRGENSEN, Energy and Housing

    – Ekaterina ZAHARIEVA, Startups, Research and Innovation

    – Wopke HOEKSTRA, Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth

    – Andrius KUBILIUS, Defence and Space

    ITRE is also invited to the confirmation hearings of:

    – Jessika ROSWALL, Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

    – Olivér VÁRHELYI, Health and Animal Welfare

    For more information on the confirmation hearings.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (Through September 2024)

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    RELEASE: DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (Through September 2024)

    Posted on Oct 24, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

    Office of Administrative Hearings

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR | KIAʻĀINA

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA | HOʻOKELE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 24, 2024

    DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

    (Through September 2024)

    HONOLULU – The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and its respective state Boards and Commissions released a summary of disciplinary actions through the month of September 2024, taken on individuals and entities with professional and vocational licenses in Hawai‘i. These disciplinary actions include dispositions based upon either the results of contested case hearings or settlement agreements submitted by the parties. Respondents enter into settlement agreements as a compromise to claims and to conserve on the expenses of proceeding with an administrative hearing.

    The DCCA and the Boards and Commissions are responsible for ensuring those with professional and vocational licenses are performing up to the standards prescribed by state law.

    BOARD OF NURSING

    Respondent:        Kimberly A. Simmons (Maui)

    Case Number:     RNS 2022-890-L

    Sanction:             $1,000 fine

    Effective Date:     9-5-24

    RICO alleges that in July 2022, RICO received a complaint concerning Respondent’s conduct, and that Respondent received notice of RICO’s investigation in 2022 and failed to notify the Board of the ongoing RICO investigation in her 2023 renewal application, in potential violation of HRS §§ 436B-19(9), 457-12(a)(6) and 457-12(a)(11). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

    BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY

    Respondent:        Kathryn L. Lapierre

    Case Number:     PHA 2024-0001-L

    Sanction:             $1,500 fine

    Effective Date:    8-30-24

    RICO alleges that Respondent was served with a complaint by the state of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Legal Services and Compliance on September 25, 2019, Respondent indicated “No” to the question “Are there any disciplinary actions pending against you in this state or any other jurisdiction” on her July 22, 2020 renewal application, the state of Wisconsin disciplined Respondent on September 16, 2020, and Respondent failed to timely notify the Board of the disciplinary action, in potential violation of HRS §§ 465-13(a)(19), 436B-19(5), 436B-19(13), 436B-19(15) and 436B-19(17). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

    BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

    Respondent:        Laura J. Romig

    Case Number:     PTS 2023-3-L

    Sanction:             6-month license suspension, complete 30 CC units

    Effective Date:    9-10-24

    The Board adopted the Hearings Officer’s recommended decision and found and concluded that Respondent violated HRS §§ 461J-10.1(a), 461J-10.15(a), 461J-10.15(b), 461J-10.15(c) and 461J-12(a)(7). (Board’s Final Order after contested case hearing.)

    Respondent:        Joy T. D. Yanai

    Case Number:     PTS 2023-6-L

    Sanction:             $500

    Effective Date:    9-10-24

    The Board adopted the Hearings Officer’s recommended decision and found and concluded that Respondent violated HRS § 436B-19(11). (Board’s Final Order after contested case hearing.)

    BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY

    Respondents:      Thananya Owens and Healthland, LLC dba Siam Thai Massage and Spa

    Case Number:     MAS 2024-55-L

    Sanction:             $1,000 fine

    Effective Date:    9-17-24

    RICO alleges that on May 24, 2024, RICO investigators conducted an unannounced site inspection and Respondents admitted that an unlicensed massage therapist was currently engaging in massage therapist activity for compensation, and that RICO investigators observed Respondents did not conspicuously display their current massage therapists’ and establishment’s licenses, in potential violation of HRS §§ 452-24(a)(1), 452-24(a)(4), 452-24(a)(6), and HAR §§ 16-84-15(c) and 16-84-15(f). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

    Respondents:      Mareena Trinnaman and Saitara Thai Massage, LLC

    Case Number:     MAS 2024-15-L

    Sanction:             $2,000 fine

    Effective Date:     9-17-24

    RICO alleges that on February 22, 2024, RICO investigators conducted a site inspection and observed that several unlicensed massage therapists were engaging in massage therapy activities, in potential violation of HRS §§ 452-24(a)(1) and 452-24(a)(6), and HAR § 16-84-11(b). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

    BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC

    Respondent:        Dustin R. Craft

    Case Number:     CHI 2020-0020-L

    Sanction:             License revocation

    Effective Date:     9-11-24

    On March 11, 2024, the Board approved a Settlement Agreement between Respondent and RICO. The Board finds Respondent failed to comply with the terms of the Settlement Agreement. (Board’s Final Order for Noncompliance with Settlement Agreement.)

    BEHAVIOR ANALYST PROGRAM

    Respondent:        Kevin Abella (Hawaiʻi)

    Case Number:     BEH 2024-3-L

    Sanction:             $500 fine

    Effective Date:    9-26-24

    RICO alleges that the Disciplinary Appeal Committee of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) disciplined Respondent on January 22, 2024, finding Respondent violated subsections 1.02, 1.15, 4.01, 4.04, and 4.05, in potential violation of HRS § 465D-11(a)(7). (Director approved Settlement Agreement.)

    ATHLETIC TRAINERS PROGRAM

    Respondent:        Sadie Sewell

    Case Number:     APT 2023-1-L

    Sanction:             $500 fine

    Effective Date:     9-24-24

    RICO alleges that Respondent was disciplined by the Board of Certification on April 12, 2023, based on Respondent’s failure to comply with a continuing education audit, and that Respondent failed to report the disciplinary action to the program, in potential violation of HRS §§ 436B-19(9), 436B-19(15), and 436H-8(a). (Director approved Settlement Agreement.)

    BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SURVEYORS, AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

    Respondent:        William W. Wong

    Case Number:     ENG 2022-10-L

    Sanction:             License revocation, $6,000 fine

    Effective Date:    8-08-24

    The Board adopted the Hearings Officer’s recommended decision as modified by stipulation of the parties and found and concluded that Respondent violated HRS §§ 436B-19(8), (11), and (14), and 464-10, and HAR 16-115-10(5). (Board’s Final Order after contested case hearing.)

    REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

    Respondent:        Jon E. McElvaney (Hawaiʻi)

    Case Number:     REC 2022-273-L

    Sanction:             License revocation, voluntary lifetime surrender of license

    Effective Date:     9-27-24

    RICO filed a Petition for Disciplinary Action on May 6, 2024, alleging Respondent violated HRS §§ 436B-19(12) and 436B-19(14). (Commission approved Settlement Agreement After Filing of Petition for Disciplinary Action.)

    Respondent:        Hawaiiana Management Company, Ltd.

    Case Number:     REC 2024-184-L

    Sanction:             $1,500 fine

    Effective Date:     9-27-24

    RICO alleges that RICO received a complaint alleging a unit owner emailed Respondent a written Request for Condominium Association Records on March 4, 2024, that fulfillment of the request took longer than 30 days without a proper response by Respondent for the delay, and that Respondent did not provide an estimated cost or necessary affidavit until after 30 days from the request, in potential violation of HRS §§ 514B-154.5(c) and 467-1.6(a). (Commission approved Settlement Agreement.)

    Copies of the decisions are available online at: http://cca.hawaii.gov/oah/oah_decisions/

    BusinessCheck is an online platform designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for researching licensed professionals. This tool empowers users to verify licenses, review complaint histories and discover when a business was established, all in one place. Please visit businesscheck.hawaii.gov to verify a professional’s license status, confirming their qualifications, compliance with regulations and accountability to a governing body.

    # # #

     

    Media Contact:

    William Nhieu

    Communications Officer

    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    [email protected]

    Office: 808-586-7582

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 10.24.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 24, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Sarah Soto-Taylor, of Sacramento, has been appointed Undersecretary of the Government Operations Agency, where she has been Deputy Secretary for Business Transformation and Strategic Development since 2019. Soto-Taylor was Senior Consultant at Covered California from 2014 to 2019, where she was Deputy Director of Community Relations from 2012 to 2014. She held several positions at the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board from 2001 to 2012, including Assistant Deputy Director, Senior Eligibility and Enrollment Manager and Eligibility Policy and Enrollment Manager. Soto-Taylor was a Contract and Outreach Manager at the California Department of Health Care Services from 2000 to 2001. She is a member of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). Soto-Taylor earned a Master of Public Health degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from San Diego State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $218,388. Soto-Taylor is registered without party preference.

    Erin Suhr, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at the Government Operations Agency. Suhr has been Director of Operations in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2019. She was a Senior Advisor on the Newsom Transition Team from 2018 to 2019. Suhr was Director of Strategic Planning and Scheduling at Fahr LLC from 2014 to 2018 and Program Manager at The Center for the Next Generation from 2012 to 2014. Suhr was Deputy Director of Scheduling in the Office of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden from 2009 to 2011. She was a Staff Member at the Presidential Inauguration Committee for the Obama-Biden inauguration from 2008 to 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $198,000. Suhr is a Democrat.

    Adam Ebrahim, of Carmichael, has been appointed Senior Director of Policy and Continuous Improvement at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Ebrahim has been Principal Consultant at Azimuth Learning Partners since 2016. He was Director of Education Strategy at Parsec Education in 2024. Ebrahim was a Staff Consultant at the California Teachers Association from 2020 to 2024 and Director of LCAP and Continuous Improvement at the San Juan Unified School District from 2019 to 2020. Ebrahim was a Project Director at the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation from 2016 to 2019. He was a Staff Consultant for Fresno County Superintendent of Schools from 2015 to 2016. Ebrahim was a Teacher at the Fresno Unified School District from 2010 to 2015. He was an Enlisted Soldier and Commissioned Officer in the California Army National Guard from 2007 to 2012. Ebrahim earned a Master of Education degree in U.S. Education in a Global Context from National University, a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from Washington University in Saint Louis and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $172,704. Ebrahim is a Democrat.

    Clair Whitmer, of Vallejo, has been appointed Deputy Director at the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. Whitmer has served as Assistant Deputy Director of Regional Economic Engagement at the California Office of the Small Business Advocate since 2023 and as Northern California Regional Advisor at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development since 2021. She was CEO of UpBay Express from 2019 to 2023. Whitmer was an Executive Fellow for the City of Fresno Economic Development Department from 2019 to 2021. She was Head of Consumer Experience for Maker Media from 2014 to 2019 and Senior Director of Media Operations for Slashdot Media for Dice Holdings from 2011 to 2014. She was Director of Voter Outreach for the Overseas Vote Foundation from 2009 to 2010. Whitmer was News Editor/Director of Content Services for CNET Networks from 1996 to 2000. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $152,772. Whitmer is a Democrat. 

    Trelynd D.J. Bradley, of Los Angeles, has been appointed Deputy Director for Innovation and Emerging Technologies at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. He has served as Deputy Director of Sustainable Freight and Supply Chain Development at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development since 2022 and was Senior Business Development Specialist there from 2019 to 2022. Bradley held several roles at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research from 2017 to 2019, including Policy Analyst and Executive Fellow with the Capital Fellows Program. He was a Staff Assistant in the Office of Congressman Raul Ruiz from 2016 to 2017. Bradley was a Business Manager for Black Cat Fireworks from 2010 to 2017 and a Policy Intern for the Ontario International Airport Authority in 2016. Bradley is a member of the University of California, Riverside Alumni Association and the Capital Fellows Alumni Association. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics and Political Science from the University of California, Riverside. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $144,492. Bradley is a Democrat.

    Haley Lanham, of San Luis Obispo, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director of Communications at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Lanham has been Brand and Marketing Manager at REACH since 2021. She was a Project Manager at Vibrant Agency from 2020 to 2021. Lanham was a Marketing Coordinator at Visit SLO CAL from 2019 to 2020. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $105,000. Lanham is a Republican.  

    Recent news

    Oct 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: State and federal partners today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost cooperation on multi-benefit water projects in the Sacramento River Basin.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted a new agreement between…

    Oct 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: California Highway Patrol officers conducted blitz operations this weekend, targeting sideshows that led to 22 arrests and the seizure of 36 vehicles. These actions are part of the state’s ongoing enforcement surge in the region, in…

    Oct 22, 2024

    News What you need to know: Since January 2024, California has seized more than $191 million worth of illegal cannabis, with $70.7 million worth of illegal cannabis seized in the last three months alone.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Shuts Down Kat’s Kau Kau Moʻopuna Style

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Shuts Down Kat’s Kau Kau Moʻopuna Style

    Posted on Oct 24, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
     KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR
    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
     DIRECTOR
    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH SHUTS DOWN KAT’S KAU KAU MOʻOPUNA STYLE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 23, 2024                                                                                                    24-139

    KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch issued a red “closed” placard and immediately shut down Kat’s Kau Kau Moʻopuna Style on Oct. 22, 2024 due to a lack of an operational handwashing sink within the facility. The establishment, located at Mile Marker 106, Māmalahoa Hwy. in Kailua-Kona, is operated by Makaio Holdings LLC.

    During a routine inspection conducted on Oct. 22, 2024, the DOH inspector noted the following:

    • The one handwashing sink located in the mobile establishment was unable to dispense water.

    DOH is requiring the food establishment to take the following corrective actions:

    • Repair the handwashing sink to operational status.

    The establishment shall remain closed for business until the handwashing sink is repaired and a follow-up inspection by the DOH has been conducted. The operator will contact DOH for a follow-up inspection when the sink has been repaired.

    The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.

    The branch also investigates sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration. It is also responsible for mitigating the effects of these incidents to prevent any future occurrences. The DOH food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.

    For more information on the department’s placarding program go to the Food Safety Branch website.

    #  # #

    Media Contact:

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    808-586-4407

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Five Oxford leisure centres collecting books for children

    Source: City of Oxford

    Friday, 25 October 2024

    More Leisure Community Trust, which manages five leisure centres in Oxford, is partnering with national charity the Children’s Book Project to collect books for underprivileged children.

    More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), which manages five leisure centres in Oxford, is partnering with national charity the Children’s Book Project to collect books for underprivileged children.  

    From 7th to 31st of October, the trust’s five centres will begin a charity book drive, so the local community can donate good-quality children’s books, which can then be distributed to children across the UK, who cannot afford their own books.  

    The Children’s Book Project is dedicated to tackling ‘book poverty’, with the aim to provide every child with the opportunity to own a book. The charity recognises that book ownership can significantly enhance a child’s reading fluency which impact’s their successful progression through education.    

    The participating facilties are:

    • Barton Leisure Centre
    • Leys Pools and Leisure Centre
    • Ferry Leisure Centre
    • Hinksey Outdoor Pool
    • Oxford Ice Rink

    Founded in 2019, The Children’s Book Project won the Queen’s Award for Volunteering in 2020 and has since donated over 1 million books across the UK.  

    “We’re delighted to be working with the Children’s Book Project. This is an important cause, so we would encourage everyone to bring their spare children’s books to our centres and play your part in giving a child the gift of reading!” 

    Brian Taylor, Chair of More Leisure Community Trust

    “We are proud to support this important initiative in our leisure centres which brings the community together to help tackle book poverty. Access to books is a vital part of a child’s development, and this drive offers an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people.” 

    Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford

    “We are so pleased that More Leisure Community Trust in Oxford is collecting books for us, helping us on our mission to eradicate book poverty amongst children across the UK.  Families can make a huge impact by donating books they’ve grown out of will at their local centres. We promise that these books will get to the children who need them most. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to donate to us.” 

    Kirstin Knell, Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Children’s Book Project

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing holds international biomedical conference

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The 2024 International Biomedical Industry Innovation Conference Beijing Forum opened in Beijing yesterday, aiming to foster new quality productive forces in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.
    Yin Li, secretary of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, highlighted the Chinese capital’s commitment to advancing biomedicine development, emphasizing the importance of innovation and international cooperation. He outlined Beijing’s strategic advantages, including its world-class health care system, medical institutions and leadership in patents and drug approvals.
    Beijing recently launched 32 measures to accelerate innovation and aims to establish a globally influential biomedicine cluster, focusing on technological advancements and collaboration.
    Zeng Yixin, deputy director of the National Health Commission (NHC), underscored the importance of the biopharmaceutical industry in improving public health.
    During the conference, eight foreign pharmaceutical companies were offered a comprehensive suite of services to support their operations and enhance collaboration in Beijing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Inna Schmidt: “It is important not only to be a specialist, but also to contribute to the development of medicine”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Leading doctors of St. Petersburg constantly improve their competencies, choosing the Polytechnic University for this. For example, Inna Schmidt successfully combines the work of the head of the clinical diagnostic laboratory of the Clinical Hospital of St. Luke with scientific and educational activities. Inna Olegovna received an education at the St. Petersburg State Medical Academy named after I. I. Mechnikov and has an impressive list of additional education. Now she is a second-year student at SPbPU in the field of “Biomedicine”. Inna Olegovna told about her path in medicine, what it is like to be a student again, and what significant projects for medicine and science will be implemented jointly with the Polytechnic. Read more in the interview.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – “Legalizing abortion goes against the right to life enshrined in the Constitution”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “Rather than expanding access to safe termination of pregnancy by destroying life, the government should amplify its efforts towards educating the people on the imperatives of the values and dignity of the human person,” says Father Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the central body of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria.The intervention of Fr. Samjumi was necessary after the Department for Health Promotion of the Federal Ministry of Health undertook a review of the Penal Code to decriminalize abortion.In his statement, the Secretary General of the CSN recalls that the legalization of abortion contradicts the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. Article 33 of the 1999 Constitution states that “every person has a right to life, and no one shall be de- prived intentionally of his life”.Fr Samjumi says that rather than promoting abortion, the government should focus on educating citizens on reproductive health and the dignity of human life. “Rather than enthrone the culture of death through the legalisation of abortion, the government should place a premium on the sacred dignity and love that should be accorded to the human person, which is guaranteed by natural law and divine commandments and affirmed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” says the CSN Secretary General.”The Catholic Church and all ethically-minded people oppose all forms of abortion procedures whose direct purpose is to terminate the life of a baby in the womb. The unborn child has the right to live and be protected and not to be killed by the fiat of an unjust law. We believe strongly that every human life must be respected and protected, especially the most vulnerable ones in the womb from the moment of their conception”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 25/10/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Marketplace 2025 Open Enrollment Fact Sheet

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    The Health Insurance Marketplace®[1] Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov runs from November 1 to January 15. Consumers who select a plan by midnight December 15 (5 a.m. EST on December 16) can get full-year coverage that starts January 1, 2025. Consumers who select a plan after December 15, 2024, but before the deadline in January 2025, can have coverage that starts February 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest data shows twice as much flu among school children

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The latest weekly flu surveillance data published by UKHSA today shows flu case numbers are twice as high among school children, aged 5 to 14 years.

    As of 22 October (week 42), influenza positivity – the rate of laboratory confirmed flu cases – among school children aged 5 to 14 years is higher than any other age group, at a weekly average positivity rate of 5.7% compared with a whole population weekly average of 2.5%.

    All school-aged children, up to and including year 11, are eligible for a free nasal spray flu vaccine. The spray, delivered through local NHS School Immunisation Teams, is quick and painless. The vaccine usually produces a better immune response in children and evidence from last year’s flu season shows strong effectiveness for children in England with a 54% reduction in hospitalisation for those between 2 and 17 years of age.

    Delivery of the flu vaccine in schools started in early September and the local Immunisation Teams will move from school to school across their region throughout October and November, with school vaccination sessions completed by mid-December. It’s important that parents do sign and return the consent forms on time. In some areas this will now be sent digitally to make consent easier.

    Last year saw a sudden increase in the number of people having to be hospitalised, due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas and then again at the end of January. So even getting a vaccination in November will protect children for the usual peak flu season in December and January, and also importantly help stop them spreading the virus to others who are more vulnerable, such as grandparents or baby brothers and sisters.

    If your child has missed out on getting their flu vaccine at school, there will be further opportunities to get vaccinated, potentially at NHS community clinics. The school immunisation team will be able to provide further details. For children in a clinical risk group who have missed out, it is possible to make an appointment for the vaccine at your GP surgery.

    Younger children, aged 2 years (before the flu vaccination seasons starts on 1 September) and all 3 year olds, are also able to receive a flu vaccine from their GP surgery.

    To help reduce the impact of winter viruses on those most at risk, as well as ease NHS winter pressures, UKHSA – with Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England – has launched a scaled-up Get Winter Strong campaign. The campaign is currently running on broadcast TV, on demand and community TV, as well as radio channels, outdoor poster sites across England and on social media channels.

    The campaign will urge those eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccination when invited, ahead of winter, targeting those at greatest risk.

    Flu can be very serious for some younger children and puts many thousands in hospital every year. Maryam Sheiakh, a mother from Manchester, recounts the fear and anxiety she went through 2 years ago, when her then 4 year-old daughter, Saffy, spent more than a week at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after being admitted with flu, suffering with a severe cough and high temperature. She was transferred to a High Dependency Unit as she was struggling to breathe and needed oxygen. Maryam said:

    I was seriously concerned we might lose Saffy. I honestly thought she might die from this. I was so distraught watching her struggling to breathe day after day, worried about her breathing difficulties and getting oxygen to the brain – would she be the same little girl before she got ill?

    Thanks to the NHS staff, Saffy made a full recovery and, now aged 6, is thriving. Maryam, a nursery teacher, is now urging all parents to vaccinate their children to ensure they have the best protection against flu:

    Just go and get it, don’t take the risk. No parent wants to watch their child suffer like we did with Saffy.

    Dr Suzanna McDonald, Flu Vaccination Programme Lead at the UKHSA, said:

    This week’s data shows that while flu remains at low levels, it is highest among school children. Children’s immune systems respond well to flu vaccines, which for most children is given as a quick and painless nasal spray in school, helping to give them good protection as winter approaches. Flu season can often peak around late December, so getting your children vaccinated now will help ensure flu doesn’t ruin their and your family’s Christmas – as the vaccine will also help stop them spreading the virus.

    Parents should ensure they sign and return their vaccination consent forms so your children don’t miss out. But if they have missed the opportunity at school, you should still be able get them vaccinated at a community clinic. Flu can be a very nasty illness for anyone and every year thousands of children do end up in hospital. Nobody wants this for their child, so please ensure they get their flu vaccine on time.

    Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening said: 

    Today’s data is a stark reminder of how easily viruses can spread in schools – especially during the colder months when students are more likely to gather indoors – but vaccination is one of the best ways to stop the spread and help prevent yourself and others from getting sick this winter.

    Despite delivering almost 10 million flu vaccines to all eligible groups since kicking off this year’s Autumn campaign, it’s still as important as ever to ensure your child is protected as winter approaches.

    NHS staff continue to ensure getting vaccinated is as quick and convenient as possible – by visiting schools across the country to deliver jabs or providing the painless flu nasal spray in ‘Bluey’ themed children’s vaccine clinics – all to help avoid the growing risk of a tripledemic this winter as pressures on NHS services are increased.

    Latest NHS data published this week shows there has been 9,641,272 flu vaccinations delivered so far this Autumn – with 1,337,530 given to school  aged children and 321,678 to children aged 2 and 3.

    UK Health Security Agency press office

    10 South Colonnade
    London
    E14 4PU

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Murphy Announces Planned Innovation Center Based in Newark

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), a corporation of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), have launched the NJII Venture Studio, the state’s latest Strategic Innovation Center (SIC). The NJII Venture Studio will focus on accelerating and commercializing intellectual property with a focus on high technology and information technology developed by NJIT, NJII and NJIT’s corporate partners, as well as other academic institutions who contribute to the advancement of the industry. This will be the seventh SIC in New Jersey announced under the Murphy Administration.

    “Since I took office, my administration has been laser focused on positioning New Jersey as a national leader in innovation and technology development,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The NJII Venture Studio, our seventh Strategic Innovation Center, will provide aspiring entrepreneurs with access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to collaborate with industry experts. This exciting initiative reinforces New Jersey’s reputation as a hub for innovation and research and the tremendous expertise within our state’s research universities.”

    NJII, a non-profit subsidiary corporation established by NJIT in 2014, will operate and manage the Studio. The NJEDA and NJII have entered into a non-binding term sheet to establish the creation, funding, and management of the Venture Studio with an opportunity to make equity investments into participating companies. The Studio, which will be located in the Paul Profeta Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Newark, will seek to launch two to three start-ups a year over a four-year period.

    The Venture Studio will provide emerging companies with necessary business training, operating services, physical space, and management guidance to transform their research into commercially viable products and services. Pending approval by its Board, the NJEDA intends to invest $5.8 million into the project on a 1:1 basis with NJII, with program funding for the Venture Studio totaling $11.6 million.

    “Governor Murphy is dedicated to expanding New Jersey’s innovation economy by investing in various industries and equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to grow and scale their businesses,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Powered by the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center program, the NJII Venture Studio will foster the development of new technologies, good-paying jobs, and long-term, sustainable economic growth throughout the state.”

    NJII intends to partner with NJIT, other New Jersey higher education institutions, and NJII and NJIT’s corporate partners to offer university students hands-on experience and training.

    Since its founding, NJII has spun out two for-profit companies, Healthcare Innovative Solutions (HCIS) and BioCentriq, with hopes to replicate and expand its capacity to spin out startups.

    “We are excited to embark on this partnership with the NJEDA to further build the state’s Innovation Economy,” said Michael Johnson, Ph.D., President of NJII. “We see the NJII Venture Studio as a powerful tool that will bridge the gap between translational research and commercialization, resulting in innovative companies and world-changing technologies.”

    Serving as the SIC’s anchor academic partner, NJIT will provide access to university resources and intellectual property to assist with the launch and development of participating companies.

    “The creation of the NJII Venture Studio aligns perfectly with NJIT’s 2030 strategic plan, which calls for the university to expand on its role as a nexus of innovation—a physical and intellectual focal point for ideas, actions and people that brings together researchers, learners, entrepreneurs and partners from government, industry and the community to pursue innovation,” said Dr. Teik C. Lim, President of NJIT.

    “With this next Strategic Innovation Center, New Jersey continues to unlock unparalleled opportunities to grow cutting-edge industries and cultivate emerging talent right here in the Garden State,” said New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges. “Combined with the expertise and resources of the state’s world-class institutions, like NJIT, we are well-positioned to lead innovation and meet the workforce demands of tomorrow’s economy.” 

    “I commend Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for their continued focus on innovation and economic growth with the launch of the Venture Studio in Newark. This new Strategic Innovation Center is a vital step in positioning New Jersey as a national leader in emerging technologies and entrepreneurship,” said Senator Paul Sarlo, Chair of the Senate Budget Committee. “As an alumnus of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, I know firsthand the innovative spirit possessed by the university’s students and faculty. I am thrilled that this center will not only help jumpstart the careers of young entrepreneurs, but also give NJIT students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the process of starting a company.”

    “The NJII Venture Studio will offer fresh and exciting opportunities for students and entrepreneurs in Newark and beyond,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “The Studio’s prime location and proximity to the state’s key players in the innovation sector will open doors for entrepreneurs to advance their research, testing, and development of diverse technologies.”

    SICs are facilities that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, and education opportunities. SICs can be accelerators, incubators, or research centers. Having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support new, diverse innovators and help drive long-term economic growth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Pacific Financial Corp Earns $2.6 Million, or $0.25 per Diluted Share for Third Quarter 2024; Tangible Book Value Per Share Up 6.6% During Quarter; Board of Directors Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.14 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABERDEEN, Wash., Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pacific Financial Corporation (OTCQX: PFLC), (“Pacific Financial”) or the (“Company”), the holding company for Bank of the Pacific (the “Bank”), reported net income of $2.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $2.1 million, or $0.21 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2024, and $3.6 million, or $0.35 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2023. All results are unaudited.

    Pacific Financials’ third quarter 2024 operating results reflected the following changes from the second quarter of 2024: (1) higher net interest income as the rise in loan and investment yields outpaced the rise in deposit and borrowing costs; (2) a negative provision for credit losses due to lower provision for unfunded loans; (3) lower non-interest income due to smaller gains on the sale of loans and investment securities; (4) slightly lower non-interest expenses; (5) a small decrease in total gross loans of 0.6% offset by an increase in the purchase of investment securities with the balance of investment securities increasing $18.1 million, or 6.5% during the third quarter; (6) an increase in total deposits of 2.6% to $1.0 billion at September 30, 2024, and (7) a $6.2 million increase in shareholder equity, or 5.4%. Tangible book value per share increased 6.6% during the quarter to $10.47.

    The board of directors of Pacific Financial declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share on October 23, 2024. The dividend will be payable on November 22, 2024 to shareholders of record on November 8, 2024. Additionally, the Board of Directors has authorized an additional $2.6 million toward future repurchases, or approximately 2.0% of total shares outstanding. The current stock repurchase program expires in November 2024.

    “Our core operations continue to remain strong,” said Denise Portmann, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our focused efforts on deposit retention, combined with the efforts of our new commercial loan and deposit teams, resulted in increased business relationships during the third quarter. Additionally, we added to our investment securities portfolio to increase yields. During the fourth quarter, we will be closing our mortgage banking division which we anticipate will improve the efficiency of our operation and improve earnings. However, the fourth quarter will reflect some one-time charges related to severance, contract and lease terminations.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Return on average assets (“ROAA”) was 0.90%, compared to 0.76% for the second quarter 2024, and 1.21% for the third quarter 2023.
    • Return on average equity (“ROAE”) was 8.77%, compared to 7.47% from the preceding quarter, and 13.16% from the third quarter a year earlier.
    • Net interest income was $11.2 million, compared to $10.8 million for the second quarter of 2024, and $12.3 million for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) increased to 4.19%, compared to 4.15% from the preceding quarter, and 4.37% for the third quarter a year ago. The increase in the net interest margin in the most recent quarter was due to increased yields on interest-earning assets outpacing the increased cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    • Provision for credit losses was a benefit of $66,000 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to a provision of $304,000 for the preceding quarter and $244,000 in the third quarter a year ago. The benefit largely reflected lower provisions for unfunded loans relative to prior periods.
    • Gross loans balances held in portfolio decreased by $4.4 million, or less than 1% to $699.6 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $704.0 million at June 30, 2024, and increased by $27.6 million, or 4%, from $672.0 million at September 30, 2023.
    • Total deposits increased $25.8 million to $1.01 billion, compared to $985.6 million at June 30, 2024, and decreased from $1.05 billion at September 30, 2023. Core deposits represented 87% of total deposits, with non-interest bearing deposits representing 38% of total deposits at September 30, 2024.
    • Coverage of short-term funds available to uninsured and uncollateralized deposits was 229% at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024. Uninsured or uncollateralized deposits were 25% of total deposits at September 30, 2024, and 24% at June 30, 2024.
    • Asset quality remains solid with nonperforming assets to total assets at 0.10%, compared to 0.12% three months earlier, and 0.10% at September 30, 2023. Accruing loans past due 30 or more days represent only 0.03% of total loans at September 30, 2024.
    • Tangible book value per share increased 6.6% during the quarter to $10.47 per share at September 30, 2024 from $9.82 per share at June 30, 2024. The increase was largely the result of a decline in interest rates and its impact on the fair market value of securities.
    • Pacific Financial and Bank of the Pacific continued to exceed regulatory well-capitalized requirements. At September 30, 2024 Pacific Financial’s estimated leverage ratio was 11.6% and its estimated total risk-based capital ratio was 17.9%.

    Balance Sheet Review

    Total assets increased 3% to $1.16 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.12 billion at June 30, and decreased 2% from $1.18 billion at September 30, 2023.

    Liquidity metrics continued to remain strong with total liquidity, both on and off balance sheet sources, at $576.8 million as of September 30, 2024. The Bank has established collateralized credit lines with borrowing capacity from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) and from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, as well as $60.0 million in unsecured borrowing lines from various correspondent banks. There was no balance outstanding on any of these facilities at quarter-end.

    The following table summarizes the Bank’s available liquidity:

    LIQUIDITY (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Deposits
    ($ in 000s)    
                                       
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024   Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30, Jun 30, Sep 30,
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023
    Short-term Funding                                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 85,430 $ 63,183 $ 147,970   $ 22,247 35 % $ (62,540 ) -42 %   8 % 6 % 14 %
    Unencumbered AFS Securities   154,565   139,581   123,842     14,984 11 %   30,723   25 %   15 % 14 % 12 %
    Secured lines of Credit (FHLB, FRB)   336,771   332,674   318,557     4,097 1 %   18,214   6 %   33 % 34 % 30 %
    Short-term Funding $ 576,766 $ 535,438 $ 590,369   $ 41,328 8 % $ (13,603 ) -2 %   56 % 54 % 56 %


    Investment securities:     The investment securities portfolio increased 6% to $296.8 million, compared to $278.7 million at June 30, 2024 and increased 3% compared to the like period a year ago. The increase from the prior quarter was primarily due to the purchase of collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities. U.S. Treasury bonds, and securities issued by the U.S. Government sponsored agencies accounted for 85% of the investment portfolio as of September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023. Within that total, collateralized mortgage obligations accounted for 48% of the investment portfolio at September 30, 2024, compared to 45% the previous quarter.

    The average adjusted duration to reset of the investment securities portfolio was 4.2 years at September 30, 2024. Net unrealized losses on the investments classified as available for sale declined $7.2 million to $14.8 million ($11.5 million after-tax) at September 30, 2024, or 5% of AFS portfolio.

    Gross loans balances excluding loans held for sale decreased $4.4 million, or 1%, to $699.6 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $704.0 million at June 30, 2024. During the third quarter, loan pipelines and originations slowed from prior levels as borrowers continued to adjust to higher interest rates and economic uncertainty. Due primarily to loan amortization the loan portfolio reflected slight declines in most categories except multi-family lending which increased $2.8 million. Year-over-year loan growth was 4%, or $27.6 million, with the largest increases in residential 1-4 family and multi-family loans which increased $14.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively. Loans classified as commercial real estate for regulatory concentration purposes totaled $261.3 million at September 30, 2024, or 185% of total risk based capital.

    The Company continues to manage concentration limits that establish maximum exposure levels by certain industry segments, loan product types, geography and single borrower limits. In addition, the loan portfolio continues to be well-diversified and is collateralized with assets predominantly within the Company’s Western Washington and Oregon markets.

    Credit quality: Non-performing assets were minimal and remained at $1.1 million, or 0.10% of total assets at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.2 million, or 0.10% at September 30, 2023. The Company has zero other real estate owned as of September 30, 2024 and accruing loans past due more than 30 days represent only 0.04% of total loans.

    Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans was $8.9 million, or 1.27% of gross loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $8.9 million or 1.26% of loans at June 30, 2024 and $8.3 million or 1.24% at September 30, 2023.

    A negative provision for credit losses of $66,000 was recorded in the current quarter, reflecting less allowance requirements for unfunded loans. This compares to a provision for credit losses of $304,000 in the second quarter of 2024 and $244,000 for the third quarter of 2023. Net charge-offs for the current quarter remained minimal and reflected a net recovery of $11,000, compared to a net charge-off of $56,000 for the preceding quarter and $125,000 for the third quarter one year ago.

    Total deposits increased to $1.01 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $985.6 million at June 30, 2024 and decreased from $1.05 billion at September 30, 2023. The bank has focused efforts to retain customer relationships resulting in a $22.1 million increase in business deposits.

    Non-interest-bearing account balances, composed of commercial banking relationships, are the largest component of the deposit portfolio at 38% at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024. Money market deposits currently represent the second largest component of the deposit base and increased $11.5 million from the linked quarter and $12.8 million from the same quarter a year ago and represent 19%, 18%, and 17%, of total deposits, at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, respectively. Interest-bearing demand deposits are the third largest component of the deposit base representing 18% of total deposits at September 30, 2024. Pacific Financial continues to benefit from a strong core deposit base, with core deposits representing 87% of total deposits at quarter end.

    Shareholder’s equity increased $6.2 million, or 5% to $121.1 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $114.9 million at June 30, 2024, and increased $14.5 million, or 14% compared to $106.6 million at September 30, 2023. The increase in shareholders’ equity during the current quarter was due to quarterly net income, a decrease in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and dividends paid to shareholders. Net unrealized losses (after-tax) on available-for-sale securities were $11.5 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $17.1 million at June 30, 2024, and $23.1 million at September 30, 2023. This decrease in net unrealized losses reflects lower longer-term market interest rates at the end of the quarter.

    Book value per common share was $11.78 at September 30, 2024, compared to $11.12 at June 20, 2024, and $10.22 at September 30, 2023. The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 9.4% at September 30, 2024 and 9.1% at June 30, 2024, compared to 8.0% at September 30, 2023. Regulatory capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank continue to exceed the well-capitalized regulatory thresholds, with the Company’s leverage ratio at 11.6% and total risk-based capital ratio at 17.9% as of September 30, 2024. These regulatory capital ratios are estimates, pending completion and filing of regulatory reports.

    The current stock repurchase program expires in November 2024. The Board of Directors has authorized an additional $2.6 million toward future repurchases, or approximately 2.0% of total shares outstanding.

    Income Statement Review

    Net interest income increased $438,000 to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $10.8 million for the second quarter of 2024, and decreased $1.1 million compared to $12.3 million for the third quarter a year ago. The change in the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter reflects higher yields on a larger investment portfolio and an increase in loan yields due primarily to repricing of loans. Increasing deposit costs offset some of the benefit from higher yielding investments and loans. For the current quarter compared to the like period a year ago, funding costs have outpaced the rising yields on investments and loans.

    The Bank’s net interest margin continued to remain strong at 4.19% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to 4.15% the preceding quarter. For the third quarter ended September 30, 2023, the net interest margin was 4.37% reflecting lower funding costs relative to more recent periods.

    Yields on total interest earning assets increased 14 basis points to 5.29% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 5.15% for the prior quarter and 5.06% in the like quarter a year ago. Average loan yields increased to 5.99% during the current quarter, compared to 5.80% for the preceding quarter and 5.71% for the third quarter 2023.

    The Bank’s total cost of funds increased to 1.15% for the current quarter, compared to 1.05% for the preceding quarter, and 0.72% for the third quarter 2023. The increase in the costs of deposits was due to retention efforts and competitive pricing of deposit products. The percentage of non-interest bearing deposits remained high at 38% for the current quarter.

    Noninterest income decreased to $1.7 million for the current quarter, compared to $2.0 million for the linked quarter and increased from $1.6 million a year earlier. The decrease compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to decreased mortgage banking loan production and no gains on the sale of investment securities.

    The company plans to close its mortgage banking division by the end of 2024 which is expected to reduce non-interest income offset by a reduction of personnel and overhead expenses associated with the operation. The elimination of the mortgage banking division is expected to improve the efficiency of the company after severance and contract termination expenses are realized in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Fee and service charge income remained consistent in the third quarter of 2024 at $1.2 million compared to the previous quarter and the third quarter of 2023.

    Noninterest expenses decreased to $9.7 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $9.8 million for the prior quarter and increased from $9.1 million for the third quarter of 2023. Within the total of noninterest expenses for the current quarter compared to the prior quarter, the largest category of salaries and employee benefits remained at $6.3 million. Similarly, data processing and occupancy expenses remained consistent to the prior quarter.

    The company’s efficiency ratio decreased to 75.48% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 77.34% in the preceding quarter and increased from 65.78% in the same quarter a year ago. The increase in the efficiency ratio relative to the previous year primarily relates to the decreased net interest margin and higher overhead expenses related to the hiring, building and marketing of new commercial loan and deposit teams.

    Income tax expense: Federal and Oregon state income tax expenses totaled $633,000 for the current quarter, and $454,000 for the preceding quarter, resulting in effective tax rates of 19.6% and 17.6%, respectively. These income tax expenses reflect the benefits of tax exempt income and credits on tax-exempt loans and investments, affordable housing tax credit financing, and investments in bank owned life insurance.

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Nine Months Ended   Change
         
    (In 000s, except per share data)                                          
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024   Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30,   Sep 30,        
        2024     2024     2023       $ %   $ %   2024    2023      $ %
    Earnings Ratios & Data                                          
    Net Income $ 2,594   $ 2,126   $ 3,645     $ 468   22 % $ (1,051 ) -29 % $ 7,370   $ 11,663     $ (4,293 ) -37 %
    Return on average assets   0.90 %   0.76 %   1.21 %     0.14 %     -0.31 %     0.87 %   1.28 %     -0.41 %  
    Return on average equity   8.77 %   7.47 %   13.16 %     1.30 %     -4.39 %     8.52 %   14.34 %     -5.82 %  
    Efficiency ratio (1)   75.48 %   77.34 %   65.78 %     -1.86 %     9.70 %     75.67 %   64.64 %     11.03 %  
    Net-interest margin %(2)   4.19 %   4.15 %   4.37 %     0.04 %     -0.18 %     4.24 %   4.40 %     -0.16 %  
                                               
    Share Ratios & Data                                          
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.25   $ 0.21   $ 0.35     $ 0.04   19 % $ (0.10 ) -29 % $ 0.71   $ 1.12     $ (0.41 )  
    Diluted earning per share $ 0.25   $ 0.21   $ 0.35     $ 0.04   19 % $ (0.10 ) -29 % $ 0.71   $ 1.12     $ (0.41 )  
    Book value per share(3) $ 11.78   $ 11.12   $ 10.22     $ 0.66   6 % $ 1.56   15 %                
    Tangible book value per share(4) $ 10.47   $ 9.82   $ 8.93     $ 0.65   7 % $ 1.54   17 %                
    Common shares outstanding   10,283     10,336     10,427       (53 ) -1 %   (144 ) -1 %                
    PFLC stock price $ 11.65   $ 9.76   $ 10.00     $ 1.89   19 % $ 1.65   17 %                
    Dividends paid per share $ 0.14   $ 0.14   $ 0.13     $ –   0 % $ 0.01   8 % $ 0.42   $ 0.39     $ 0.03   8 %
                                               
    Balance Sheet Data                                          
    Assets $ 1,158,410   $ 1,124,295   $ 1,181,975     $ 34,115   3 % $ (23,565 ) -2 %                
    Portfolio Loans $ 699,603   $ 703,977   $ 671,969     $ (4,374 ) -1 % $ 27,634   4 %                
    Deposits $ 1,011,473   $ 985,627   $ 1,051,256     $ 25,846   3 % $ (39,783 ) -4 %                
    Investments $ 296,792   $ 278,728   $ 289,152     $ 18,064   6 % $ 7,640   3 %                
    Shareholders equity $ 121,087   $ 114,923   $ 106,601     $ 6,164   5 % $ 14,486   14 %                
                                               
    Liquidity Ratios                                          
    Short-term funding to uninsured                                          
    and uncollateralized deposits   229 %   229 %   254 %     0 %     -25 %                  
    Uninsured and uncollateralized                                          
    deposits to total deposits   25 %   24 %   22 %     1 %     3 %                  
    Portfolio loans to deposits ratio   69 %   71 %   63 %     -2 %     6 %                  
                                               
    Asset Quality Ratios                                          
    Non-performing assets to assets   0.10 %   0.12 %   0.10 %     -0.02 %     0.00 %                  
    Non-accrual loans to portfolio loans   0.16 %   0.19 %   0.18 %     -0.03 %     -0.02 %                  
    Loan losses to avg portfolio loans   -0.01 %   0.03 %   0.07 %     -0.04 %     -0.08 %     0.01 %   0.04 %     -0.03 %  
    ACL to portfolio loans   1.27 %   1.26 %   1.24 %     0.01 %     0.03 %                  
                                               
    Capital Ratios (PFC)                                          
    Total risk-based capital ratio   17.9 %   17.6 %   17.6 %     0.3 %     0.3 %                  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   16.7 %   16.4 %   16.5 %     0.3 %     0.2 %                  
    Common equity tier 1 ratio   15.0 %   14.8 %   14.8 %     0.2 %     0.2 %                  
    Leverage ratio   11.6 %   11.7 %   10.7 %     -0.1 %     0.9 %                  
    Tangible common equity ratio   9.4 %   9.1 %   8.0 %     0.3 %     1.4 %                  
                                               
    (1) Non-interest expense divided by net interest income plus noninterest income.
    (2) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis at a rate of 21%.
    (3) Book value per share is calculated as the total common shareholders’ equity divided by the period ending number of common stock shares outstanding.
    (4) Tangible book value per share is calculated as the total common shareholders’ equity less total intangible assets and liabilities, divided by the period
    ending number of common stock shares outstanding.
    INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Nine Months Ended   Change
         
    ($ in 000s)                                          
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024   Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30,   Sep 30,        
        2024     2024     2023       $ %   $ %   2024    2023      $ %
    Interest Income                                          
    Loan interest & fee income $ 10,520   $ 10,109   $ 9,549     $ 411   4 % $ 971   10 % $ 30,853   $ 27,166     $ 3,687   14 %
    Interest bearing cash income   1,108     847     2,322       261   31 %   (1,214 ) -52 %   2,890     7,669       (4,779 ) -62 %
    Investment income   2,503     2,410     2,371       93   4 %   132   6 %   7,388     6,832       556   8 %
    Interest Income   14,131     13,366     14,242       765   6 %   (111 ) -1 %   41,131     41,667       (536 ) -1 %
                                               
    Interest Expense                                          
    Deposits interest expense   2,684     2,358     1,716       326   14 %   968   56 %   7,033     3,437       3,596   105 %
    Other borrowings interest expense   243     242     246       1   0 %   (3 ) -1 %   727     682       45   7 %
    Interest Expense   2,927     2,600     1,962       327   13 %   965   49 %   7,760     4,119       3,641   88 %
    Net Interest Income   11,204     10,766     12,280       438   4 %   (1,076 ) -9 %   33,371     37,548       (4,177 ) -11 %
    Provision (benefit) for credit losses   (66 )   304     244       (370 ) -122 %   (310 ) -127 %   271     409       (138 ) -34 %
    Net Interest Income after provision   11,270     10,462     12,036       808   8 %   (766 ) -6 %   33,100     37,139       (4,039 ) -11 %
                                               
    Non-Interest Income                                          
    Fees and service charges   1,225     1,198     1,248       27   2 %   (23 ) -2 %   3,523     3,695       (172 ) -5 %
    Gain on sale of investments, net   –     121     –       (121 ) -100 %   –   -100 %   121     (154 )     275   -179 %
    Gain on sale of loans, net   267     445     170       (178 ) -40 %   97   57 %   865     540       325   60 %
    Income on bank-owned insurance   188     182     174       6   3 %   14   8 %   550     509       41   8 %
    Other non-interest income   7     17     18       (10 ) -59 %   (11 ) -61 %   34     53       (19 ) -36 %
    Non-Interest Income   1,687     1,963     1,610       (276 ) -14 %   77   5 %   5,093     4,643       450   10 %
                                               
    Non-Interest Expense                                          
    Salaries and employee benefits   6,341     6,321     5,560       20   0 %   781   14 %   18,656     17,006       1,650   10 %
    Occupancy   601     564     501       37   7 %   100   20 %   1,806     1,536       270   18 %
    Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment   286     267     252       19   7 %   34   13 %   837     808       29   4 %
    Marketing & donations   201     176     160       25   14 %   41   26 %   531     380       151   40 %
    Professional services   233     327     301       (94 ) -29 %   (68 ) -23 %   897     941       (44 ) -5 %
    Data Processing & IT   1,185     1,165     1,161       20   2 %   24   2 %   3,541     3,490       51   1 %
    Other   883     1,025     1,207       (142 ) -14 %   (324 ) -27 %   2,839     3,174       (335 ) -11 %
    Non-Interest Expense   9,730     9,845     9,142       (115 ) -1 %   588   6 %   29,107     27,335       1,772   6 %
    Income before income taxes   3,227     2,580     4,504       647   25 %   (1,277 ) -28 %   9,086     14,447       (5,361 ) -37 %
    Provision for income taxes   633     454     859       179   39 %   (226 ) -26 %   1,716     2,784       (1,068 ) -38 %
    Net Income $ 2,594   $ 2,126   $ 3,645     $ 468   22 %   (1,051 ) -29 % $ 7,370   $ 11,663     $ (4,293 ) -37 %
                                               
    Effective tax rate   19.6 %   17.6 %   19.1 %     2.0 %     0.5 %     18.9 %   19.3 %     -0.4 %  
    BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total
    ($ in 000s)    
                                       
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024 Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30, Jun 30, Sep 30,
        2024     2024     2023       $ %   $ %   2024  2024  2023 
    Assets                                  
    Cash on hand and in banks $ 20,621   $ 17,362   $ 12,052     $ 3,259   19 % $ 8,569   71 %   2 % 2 % 2 %
    Interest bearing deposits   80,522     58,586     146,886       21,936   37 %   (66,364 ) -45 %   7 % 5 % 12 %
    Investment securities   296,792     278,728     289,152       18,064   6 %   7,640   3 %   26 % 25 % 24 %
    Loans held-for-sale   140     4,051     637       (3,911 ) -97 %   (497 ) -78 %   0 % 0 % 0 %
    Portfolio Loans, net of deferred fees   698,974     703,322     671,134       (4,348 ) -1 %   27,840   4 %   60 % 63 % 57 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (8,897 )   (8,859 )   (8,347 )     (38 ) 0 %   (550 ) 7 %   -1 % -1 % -1 %
    Net loans   690,077     694,463     662,787       (4,386 ) -1 %   27,290   4 %   60 % 62 % 56 %
    Premises & equipment   17,124     15,571     13,756       1,553   10 %   3,368   24 %   2 % 2 % 2 %
    Goodwill & Other Intangibles   13,435     13,435     13,435       –   0 %   –   0 %   1 % 1 % 1 %
    Bank-owned life Insurance   28,084     27,860     27,321       224   1 %   763   3 %   2 % 2 % 2 %
    Other assets   11,615     14,239     15,949       (2,624 ) -18 %   (4,334 ) -27 %   1 % 1 % 1 %
    Total Assets $ 1,158,410   $ 1,124,295   $ 1,181,975     $ 34,115   3 % $ (23,565 ) -2 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
                                       
    Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity                                  
    Deposits $ 1,011,473   $ 985,627   $ 1,051,256     $ 25,846   3 % $ (39,783 ) -4 %   87 % 88 % 89 %
    Borrowings   13,403   $ 13,403   $ 13,403       –   0 %   –   0 %   1 % 1 % 1 %
    Other liabilities   12,447   $ 10,342   $ 10,715       2,105   20 %   1,732   16 %   1 % 1 % 1 %
    Shareholders’ equity   121,087   $ 114,923   $ 106,601       6,164   5 %   14,486   14 %   11 % 10 % 9 %
    Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity $ 1,158,410   $ 1,124,295   $ 1,181,975     $ 34,115   3 % $ (23,565 ) -2 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
    INVESTMENT COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total
       
    ($ in 000s)                                  
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024 Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30, Jun 30, Sep 30,
        2024     2024     2023       $ %   $ %   2024  2024  2023 
    Investment Securities                                  
    Collateralized mortgage obligations $ 141,842   $ 125,937   $ 126,376     $ 15,905   13 % $ 15,466   12 %   48 % 45 % 45 %
    Mortgage backed securities   41,264     37,159     38,322       4,105   11 %   2,942   8 %   14 % 13 % 13 %
    U.S. Government and agency securities   68,961     72,504     82,292       (3,543 ) -5 %   (13,331 ) -16 %   23 % 27 % 27 %
    Municipal securities   44,725     43,128     42,162       1,597   4 %   2,563   6 %   15 % 15 % 15 %
    Investment Securities $ 296,792   $ 278,728   $ 289,152     $ 18,064   6 % $ 7,640   3 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
                                       
    Held to maturity securities $ 42,301   $ 43,244   $ 56,469     $ (943 ) -2 % $ (14,168 ) -25 %   14 % 16 % 20 %
    Available for sale securities $ 254,491   $ 235,484   $ 232,683     $ 19,007   8 % $ 21,808   9 %   86 % 84 % 80 %
                                       
    Government & Agency securities $ 252,039   $ 235,570   $ 246,956     $ 16,469   7 % $ 5,083   2 %   85 % 85 % 85 %
    AAA, AA, A rated securities $ 44,084   $ 42,471   $ 41,025     $ 1,613   4 % $ 3,059   7 %   15 % 15 % 14 %
    Non-rated securities $ 669   $ 687   $ 1,171     $ (18 ) -3 % $ (502 ) -43 %   0 % 0 % 0 %
                                       
    AFS Unrealized Gain (Loss) $ (14,804 ) $ (21,978 ) $ (29,783 )   $ 7,174   -33 % $ 14,979   -50 %   -5 % -8 % -10 %
    PORTFOLIO LOAN COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total
       
    ($ in 000s)                                  
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024 Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30, Jun 30, Sep 30,
        2024     2024     2023       $ %   $ %   2024  2024  2023 
    Portfolio Loans                                  
    Commercial & agriculture $ 73,002   $ 74,952   $ 73,232     $ (1,950 ) -3 % $ (230 ) 0 %   10 % 11 % 11 %
    Real estate:                                  
    Construction and development   46,569     47,856     42,584       (1,287 ) -3 %   3,985   9 %   7 % 7 % 6 %
    Residential 1-4 family   105,298     105,807     90,449       (509 ) 0 %   14,849   16 %   15 % 14 % 14 %
    Multi-family   60,773     58,003     49,092       2,770   5 %   11,681   24 %   9 % 8 % 7 %
    CRE — owner occupied   167,086     169,491     164,057       (2,405 ) -1 %   3,029   2 %   24 % 24 % 25 %
    CRE — non owner occupied   157,347     157,591     154,993       (244 ) 0 %   2,354   2 %   22 % 22 % 23 %
    Farmland   26,553     27,195     27,641       (642 ) -2 %   (1,088 ) -4 %   4 % 4 % 4 %
    Consumer   62,975     63,082     69,921       (107 ) 0 %   (6,946 ) -10 %   9 % 10 % 10 %
    Portfolio Loans   699,603     703,977     671,969       (4,374 ) -1 %   27,634   4 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
    Less: ACL   (8,897 )   (8,859 )   (8,347 )                      
    Less: deferred fees   (629 )   (655 )   (835 )                      
    Net loans $ 690,077   $ 694,463   $ 662,787                        
                                       
    Regulatory Commercial Real Estate $ 261,292   $ 260,068   $ 244,277     $ 1,224   0 % $ 17,015   7 %   37 % 37 % 36 %
    Total Risk Based Capital(1) $ 140,971   $ 140,176   $ 137,473     $ 795   1 % $ 3,498   3 %        
    CRE to Risk Based Capital(1)   185 %   186 %   178 %       -1 %     7 %        
    CRE–MULTI-FAMILY & NON OWNER OCCUPIED COMPOSITION (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total
       
    ($ in 000s)                                  
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024 Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30, Jun 30, Sep 30,
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024  2024  2023 
    Collateral Composition(2)                                  
    Multifamily $ 63,099 $ 63,243 $ 54,677   $ (144 ) 0 % $ 8,422   15 %   27 % 27 % 26 %
    Retail   37,685   36,074   28,657     1,611   4 %   9,028   32 %   16 % 16 % 13 %
    Hospitality   30,844   30,248   32,190     596   2 %   (1,346 ) -4 %   13 % 13 % 15 %
    Mini Storage   25,758   23,619   20,977     2,139   9 %   4,781   23 %   11 % 11 % 10 %
    Office   22,921   23,266   27,075     (345 ) -1 %   (4,154 ) -15 %   10 % 10 % 13 %
    Mixed Use   22,708   23,520   22,457     (812 ) -3 %   251   1 %   10 % 10 % 11 %
    Industrial   13,912   13,691   10,898     221   2 %   3,014   28 %   6 % 6 % 5 %
    Warehouse   7,582   7,631   6,204     (49 ) -1 %   1,378   22 %   3 % 3 % 3 %
    Special Purpose   6,968   7,014   7,146     (46 ) -1 %   (178 ) -2 %   3 % 3 % 3 %
    Other   3,174   3,213   3,380     (39 ) -1 %   (206 ) -6 %   1 % 1 % 1 %
    Total $ 234,651 $ 231,519 $ 213,661   $ 3,132   1 % $ 20,990   10 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
                                       
    (1) Bank of the Pacific                      
    (2) Includes loans in process of construction                      
    CREDIT QUALITY (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from
     
    ($ in 000s)   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024
        2024    2024    2023      $ %   $ %
    Risk Rating Distribution                          
    Pass $ 691,199   $ 694,272   $ 664,327     $ (3,073 ) 0 %   26,872   4 %
    Special Mention   4,789     4,731     1,626       58   1 %   3,163   195 %
    Substandard   3,615     4,974     6,016       (1,359 ) -27 %   (2,401 ) -40 %
    Portfolio Loans $ 699,603   $ 703,977   $ 671,969     $ (4,374 ) -1 % $ 27,634   4 %
                               
    Nonperforming Assets                          
    Nonaccruing loans   1,138     1,370     1,219     $ (232 ) -17 %   (81 ) -7 %
    Other real estate owned   –     –     –       –   0 %   –   0 %
    Nonperforming Assets $ 1,138   $ 1,370   $ 1,219     $ (232 ) -17 %   (81 ) -7 %
                               
    Credit Metrics                          
    Classified loans1 to portfolio loans   0.52 %   0.71 %   0.90 %     -0.19 %     -0.38 %  
    ACL to classified loans1   246.11 %   178.11 %   132.68 %     68.00 %     113.43 %  
    Loans past due 30+ days to portfolio loans2   0.03 %   0.04 %   0.25 %     -0.01 %     -0.22 %  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.10 %   0.12 %   0.10 %     -0.02 %     0.00 %  
    Nonaccruing loans to portfolio loans   0.16 %   0.19 %   0.18 %     -0.03 %     -0.02 %  
                               
    (1) Classified loans include loans rated substandard or worse and are defined as loans having a well-defined weakness or weaknesses related to the borrower’s financial capacity or to pledged collateral that may jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the possibility that the Bank may sustain some loss if the deficiencies giving rise to the substandard classification are not corrected.
    (2) Excludes non-accrual loans
    DEPOSIT COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total
       
    ($ in 000s)                                  
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024 Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30, Jun 30, Sep 30,
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024  2024  2023 
    Deposits                                  
    Interest-bearing demand $ 183,337 $ 179,278 $ 208,091   $ 4,059   2 % $ (24,754 ) -12 %   18 % 19 % 20 %
    Money market   192,185   180,727   179,367     11,458   6 %   12,818   7 %   19 % 18 % 17 %
    Savings   117,131   121,851   138,981     (4,720 ) -4 %   (21,850 ) -16 %   12 % 12 % 13 %
    Time deposits (CDs)   133,995   125,560   92,720     8,435   7 %   41,275   45 %   13 % 13 % 9 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   626,648   607,416   619,159     19,232   3 %   7,489   1 %   62 % 62 % 59 %
    Non-interest bearing demand   384,825   378,211   432,097     6,614   2 %   (47,272 ) -11 %   38 % 38 % 41 %
    Total deposits $ 1,011,473 $ 985,627 $ 1,051,256   $ 25,846   3 % $ (39,783 ) -4 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
                                       
    Insured Deposits $ 636,725 $ 632,923 $ 666,308   $ 3,802   1 % $ (414,008 ) -62 %   63 % 64 % 63 %
    Collateralized Deposits   122,448   118,966   152,960     3,482   3 %   (30,512 ) -20 %   12 % 12 % 15 %
    Uninsured Deposits   252,300   233,738   231,988     18,562   8 %   404,737   174 %   25 % 24 % 22 %
    Total Deposits $ 1,011,473 $ 985,627 $ 1,051,256   $ 25,846   3 % $ (39,783 ) -4 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
                                       
    Consumer Deposits $ 458,097 $ 458,249 $ 466,877   $ (152 ) 0 % $ (8,780 ) -2 %   45 % 47 % 44 %
    Business Deposits   420,845   398,719   429,443     22,126   6 %   (8,598 ) -2 %   42 % 40 % 41 %
    Public Deposits   132,531   128,659   154,936     3,872   3 %   (22,405 ) -14 %   13 % 13 % 15 %
    Total Deposits $ 1,011,473 $ 985,627 $ 1,051,256   $ 25,846   3 % $ (39,783 ) -4 %   100 % 100 % 100 %
    NET INTEREST MARGIN (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Nine Months Ended   Change
         
    ($ in 000s)                                          
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024   Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30,   Sep 30,        
        2024    2024    2023      $ %   $ %   2024    2023      $ %
                                               
    Average Interest Bearing Balances                                          
    Portfolio loans $ 697,904   $ 699,404   $ 665,300     $ (1,500 ) 0 % $ 32,604   5 % $ 695,418   $ 653,619     $ 41,799   6 %
    Loans held for sale $ 1,276   $ 1,593   $ 497     $ (317 ) -20 % $ 779   157 % $ 1,155   $ 601     $ 554   92 %
    Investment securities $ 285,947   $ 283,637   $ 284,041     $ 2,310   1 % $ 1,906   1 % $ 287,315   $ 285,538     $ 1,777   1 %
    Interest-bearing cash $ 81,755   $ 62,494   $ 172,119     $ 19,261   31 % $ (90,364 ) -53 % $ 71,080   $ 206,259     $ (135,179 ) -66 %
    Total interest-earning assets $ 1,066,882   $ 1,047,128   $ 1,121,957     $ 19,754   2 % $ (55,075 ) -5 % $ 1,054,968   $ 1,146,017     $ (91,049 ) -8 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 383,332   $ 387,740   $ 441,782     $ (4,408 ) -1 % $ (58,450 ) -13 % $ 388,672   $ 457,750     $ (69,078 ) -15 %
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 615,388   $ 596,121   $ 619,183     $ 19,267   3 % $ (3,795 ) -1 % $ 600,694   $ 628,978     $ (28,284 ) -4 %
    Total Deposits $ 998,720   $ 983,861   $ 1,060,965     $ 14,859   2 % $ (62,245 ) -6 % $ 989,366   $ 1,086,728     $ (97,362 ) -9 %
    Borrowings $ 13,403   $ 13,404   $ 13,403     $ (1 ) 0 % $ –   0 % $ 13,403   $ 13,401     $ 2   0 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 628,791   $ 609,525   $ 632,586     $ 19,266   3 % $ (3,795 ) -1 % $ 614,097   $ 642,379     $ (28,282 ) -4 %
                                               
    Yield / Cost $(1)                                          
    Portfolio loans $ 10,509   $ 10,092   $ 9,570     $ 417   4 % $ 939   10 % $ 30,834   $ 27,208     $ 3,626   13 %
    Loans held for sale $ 22   $ 28   $ 8     $ (6 ) -21 % $ 14   175 % $ 55   $ 28     $ 27   96 %
    Investment securities $ 2,535   $ 2,442   $ 2,405     $ 93   4 % $ 130   5 % $ 7,485   $ 6,954     $ 531   8 %
    Interest-bearing cash $ 1,108   $ 847   $ 2,322     $ 261   31 % $ (1,214 ) -52 % $ 2,890   $ 7,669     $ (4,779 ) -62 %
    Total interest-earning assets $ 14,174   $ 13,410   $ 14,306     $ 764   6 % $ (132 ) -1 % $ 41,265   $ 41,859     $ (594 ) -1 %
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 2,684   $ 2,358   $ 1,716     $ 326   14 % $ 968   56 % $ 7,033   $ 3,437     $ 3,596   105 %
    Borrowings $ 243   $ 242   $ 246     $ 1   0 % $ (3 ) -1 % $ 727   $ 682     $ 45   7 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 2,927   $ 2,600   $ 1,962     $ 327   13 % $ 965   49 % $ 7,760   $ 4,119     $ 3,641   88 %
    Net interest income $ 11,247   $ 10,810   $ 12,344     $ 437   4 %   (1,097 ) -9 % $ 33,505   $ 37,740     $ (4,235 ) -11 %
                                               
    Yield / Cost %(1)                                          
    Yield on portfolio loans   5.99 %   5.80 %   5.71 %     0.19 %     0.28 %     5.92 %   5.57 %     0.35 %  
    Yield on investment securities   3.53 %   3.46 %   3.36 %     0.07 %     0.17 %     3.48 %   3.26 %     0.22 %  
    Yield on interest-bearing cash   5.39 %   5.46 %   5.35 %     -0.07 %     0.04 %     5.43 %   4.97 %     0.46 %  
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits   1.74 %   1.59 %   1.10 %     0.15 %     0.64 %     1.56 %   0.73 %     0.83 %  
    Cost of borrowings   7.21 %   7.26 %   7.28 %     -0.05 %     -0.07 %     7.25 %   6.80 %     0.45 %  
    Cost of deposits and borrowings   1.15 %   1.05 %   0.72 %     0.10 %     0.43 %     1.03 %   0.50 %     0.53 %  
                                               
    Yield on interest-earning assets   5.29 %   5.15 %   5.06 %     0.14 %     0.23 %     5.22 %   4.88 %     0.34 %  
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities   1.85 %   1.72 %   1.23 %     0.13 %     0.62 %     1.69 %   0.86 %     0.83 %  
    Net interest spread   3.44 %   3.43 %   3.83 %     0.01 %     -0.39 %     3.53 %   4.02 %     -0.49 %  
    Net interest margin   4.19 %   4.15 %   4.37 %     0.04 %     -0.18 %     4.24 %   4.40 %     -0.16 %  
                                               
    (1) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis at a rate of 21%.  
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (ACL) (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Nine Months Ended   Change
         
    ($ in 000s)                                          
        Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,     Jun 30, 2024   Sep 30, 2023   Sep 30,   Sep 30,        
        2024    2024    2023      $ %   $ %   2024    2023      $ %
    Allowance for Credit Losses                                          
    Beginning of period balance $ 8,859   $ 8,580   $ 8,223     $ 279   3 % $ 636   8 % $ 8,530   $ 8,236     $ 294   4 %
    Impact of CECL Adoption (ASC 326)   –     –     –       –   -100 %   –   -100 %   –     (157 )     157   -100 %
    Charge-offs   (5 )   (57 )   (126 )     52   -91 %   121   -96 %   (97 )   (259 )     162   -63 %
    Recoveries   16     1     1       15   1500 %   15   1500 %   19     55       (36 ) -65 %
    Net (charge-off) recovery   11     (56 )   (125 )     67   -120 %   136   -109 %   (78 )   (204 )     126   -62 %
    Provision (benefit)   27     335     249       (308 ) -92 %   (222 ) -89 %   445     472       (27 ) -6 %
    End of period balance $ 8,897   $ 8,859   $ 8,347     $ 38   0 % $ 550   7 % $ 8,897   $ 8,347     $ 550   7 %
                                               
    Net charge-off (recovery) to                                          
    average portfolio loans   -0.01 %   0.03 %   0.07 %     -0.04 %     -0.08 %     0.01 %   0.04 %     -0.03 %  
    ACL to portfolio loans   1.27 %   1.26 %   1.24 %     0.01 %     0.03 %     1.27 %   1.24 %     0.03 %  
                                               
    Allowance for unfunded loans                                          
    Beginning of period balance $ 617   $ 648   $ 754     $ (31 ) -5 % $ (137 ) -18 % $ 698   $ 203     $ 495   244 %
    Impact of CECL Adoption (ASC 326)   –     –     –       –   -100 %   –   -100 %   –     609       (609 ) -100 %
    Provision (benefit)   (93 )   (31 )   (5 )     (62 ) 200 %   (88 ) 1760 %   (174 )   (63 )     (111 ) 176 %
    End of period balance $ 524   $ 617   $ 749     $ (93 ) -15 % $ (225 ) -30 % $ 524   $ 749     $ (225 ) -30 %

    ABOUT PACIFIC FINANCIAL CORPORATION

    Pacific Financial Corporation of Aberdeen, Washington, is the bank holding company for Bank of the Pacific, a state chartered and federally insured commercial bank. Bank of the Pacific offers banking products and services to small-to-medium sized businesses and professionals in western Washington and Oregon. At September 30, 2024, the Company had total assets of $1.16 billion and operated fifteen branches in the communities of Grays Harbor, Pacific, Thurston, Whatcom, Skagit, Clark and Wahkiakum counties in the State of Washington, and three branches in the communities of Clatsop and Clackamas counties in Oregon. The Company also operated loan production offices in the communities of Burlington, Washington and Salem, Oregon. Visit the Company’s website at www.bankofthepacific.com. Member FDIC.

    Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other laws, including all statements in this release that are not historical facts or that relate to future plans or events or projected results of Pacific Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of the Pacific. Such statements are based on information available at the time of communication and are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied, and could negatively impact the Company’s operating and stock price performance. These risks and uncertainties include various risks associated with growing the Bank and expanding the services it provides, development of new business lines and markets, competition in the marketplace, general economic conditions, changes in interest rates, extensive and evolving regulation of the banking industry, and many other risks. Any forward-looking statements in this communication are based on information at the time the statement is made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Readers of this release are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    CONTACTS:
    DENISE PORTMANN, PRESIDENT & CEO
    CARLA TUCKER, EVP & CFO
    360.533.8873

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Doctors are preoccupied with threats of criminal charges in states with abortion bans, putting patients’ lives at risk

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sophie Bjork-James, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University

    The study took place in Tennessee, a state that has had a near-total ban on abortions since 2022. Anchiy/E+ via Getty Images

    Abortion bans are intended to reduce elective abortions, but they are also affecting the way physicians practice medicine.

    That is the key finding from our recently published article in the journal Social Science & Medicine.

    Medical providers practicing in states that implemented abortion bans in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Supreme Court decision are forced to balance the needs of their pregnant patients against the risk that the providers could be prosecuted for treating these patients. This dilemma has serious and far-reaching consequences.

    We interviewed 22 medical providers working in reproductive health care across Tennessee in the six months following the implementation of the state’s total abortion ban in 2022.

    Providers spoke with our team about the need to protect themselves from criminal liability and told us that they were increasingly hesitant to provide care that their patients needed.

    Why it matters

    A 2024 ProPublica investigation found that at least two women have died in Georgia as a result of being denied medical care stemming from the implementation of these abortion bans. Nearly all of our interviewees spoke about their fear that these kinds of deaths would happen.

    Providers told us that patients often believe that these bans include exceptions when the health of the pregnant person is at risk, but that is not always true in practice.

    In states with abortion bans, providers grapple with ensuring the health and autonomy of their patients while facing the looming threat of medical malpractice lawsuits and criminal liability.

    The Tennessee abortion ban allows for an “exception for situations where the abortion is necessary to prevent the death of a pregnant woman or prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of major bodily function.”

    The problem is that such cases are rarely clear-cut. And the stakes for health care providers are very high. In certain states, including Tennessee, if they are found to have provided an abortion in a case where the mother’s life or health was not imminently at risk, they can face felony charges, which could include multiple years in prison.

    In interviews, providers described many cases where terminating a pregnancy is medically necessary for the pregnant person. Take cases of preterm premature membrane rupture, a condition where a pregnant person’s water breaks before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Serious complications can follow a premature membrane rupture, particularly in cases that do not result in the beginning of labor.

    The standard treatment for this condition is to induce labor in an effort to prevent such potential medical complications. However, if it is early on in a pregnancy and the fetus would likely not survive outside the womb, this treatment is now discouraged, as the law does not sufficiently clarify what interventions are allowed to protect the pregnant person.

    In many cases, the physical harm the pregnant person is experiencing correlates with the level of legal protection a medical provider receives.

    Although doctors are trained to follow best practices around health care treatment, fear of malpractice accusations leads to the widely documented practice of defensive medicine, cases where providers either over-administer testing or avoid risks in an effort to prevent malpractice lawsuits.

    Abortion bans make this dynamic far worse because they often involve the threat of criminal prosecution, which is not covered by malpractice insurance. This exposes providers to a new form of risk, one that is shaping how providers interact with patients and provide care.

    Our team calls this new form of defensive medicine “hesitant medicine.” Providers are forced to prioritize their own criminal legal protection over the well-being of their patients, so they hesitate to provide treatment that patients need. Hesitancy is exacerbated by bans that are ambiguous about when a provider can intervene during a pregnancy complication.

    What’s next

    It will take years before researchers have data showing the full picture of how abortion bans are affecting women’s reproductive health. However, our interviews show that these bans are already shaping how providers are treating pregnant people.

    A majority of our interviewees had considered moving to a state without an abortion ban to practice medicine with far less stress around the threat of criminal prosecution, a trend that is already occurring. Over time, this exodus of providers could exacerbate the problem of health care deserts in the United States.

    To mitigate some of this harm, more effort is needed from medical associations, employers and legislatures to clarify or revise the Tennessee “Human Life Protection Act” in a way that better protects women’s health.

    Sophie Bjork-James receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    Anna-Grace Lilly and Isabelle Perry Newman do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Doctors are preoccupied with threats of criminal charges in states with abortion bans, putting patients’ lives at risk – https://theconversation.com/doctors-are-preoccupied-with-threats-of-criminal-charges-in-states-with-abortion-bans-putting-patients-lives-at-risk-240524

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Report calls for regulatory reform to tackle health impacts of gambling

    Source: Federation University

    A new Lancet Commission report highlights the urgent need for regulatory reform to address the health impacts resulting from the rapid expansion of commercial gambling. The report reveals that gambling harms are far more substantial than previously understood, exacerbated by the increased visibility of the gambling industry through digital and online platforms. 

    The harms associated with gambling extend beyond financial losses and include physical and mental health problems, relationship breakdown, heightened risk of suicide and domestic violence, increased crime, and loss of employment. According to the report, an estimated 80 million adults worldwide experience gambling disorder or problematic gambling. 

    Dr. Angela Rintoul, Principal Research Fellow at Federation University and a member of the Lancet Commission, expressed concern over the Australian government’s failure to respond to urgent cross-party recommendations from the Murphy Inquiry.  

    The Murphy Inquiry ‘you win some, you lose more’ was released in June 2023, detailing 31 recommendations, with the aim of reducing and ending gambling advertising and addressing the serious risk of suicide linked to gambling and a comprehensive national strategy on online gambling harm. 

    Dr. Rintoul stated, “We know that gambling causes enormous harm not only to those who gamble, but their family members, friends, and colleagues. High levels of gambling contribute significantly to suicide, domestic violence and other health and wellbeing issues. Constant promotion of gambling is exposing young people to gambling advertising as never before, with devastating consequences for many.”   

    The Lancet Commission report emphasises that the harms of gambling are not evenly distributed, with adolescents, children, and those from disadvantaged socio-economic groups being more at risk.  

    The Lancet Commission report calls for effective and well-resourced regulatory controls and international leadership to urgently reduce the impact of commercial gambling on public health.  

    For more information about the Lancet Commission report and its recommendations, please visit www.thelancet.com/commissions/gambling 

    About the Lancet Commission: 

    The Lancet Commission is an independent international body of experts that provides evidence-based recommendations to address pressing global health challenges. The Commission brings together leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to develop strategies for improving public health and achieving sustainable development. 

    Quotes attributable to Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley 

    “At Federation University, our mission is to transform lives and enhance communities and the recommendations in the Lancet Commission Report clearly outline urgent recommendations that will help keep our communities safe.” 

    “Gambling advertising has catastrophic impacts on lives far beyond financial stress and it is our responsibility to protect young people who are especially vulnerable to the risks.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federation University Australia Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Executive Deal, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Professor Remco Polman 

    “The Lancet Commission Report is timely considering the Murphy inquiry in Australia and the government must heed the report’s recommendations. I am proud that Federation University is globally at the forefront of this issue.” 

    “Gambling does significant harm to the individual as well as their environment. It will be key to develop effective strategies to reduce the harms of excessive gambling and protect our children from the harmful effects and the predatory strategies of gambling companies.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Meet and Greet with Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    As is customary with new CSAs and Science Ministers, the SMC invited the new Chair of the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee to come and meet with Science and Health reporters. Chi Onwurah spoke about her plans for the Science & Technology committee, her views on the proposed budget cuts to science and her hopes for science under a Labour administration. She answered journalists questions and took soundings about what the committee Committee doing in coming years.

    Speakers included:

    Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada launches solicitation for projects to build capacity and raise awareness on climate-sensitive infectious diseases

    Source: Government of Canada News

    PHAC’s Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund solicitation is now open and will run until November 28, 2024.

    October 25, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

    Climate change has ongoing impacts on our environment and the health of people in Canada.

    The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Infectious Disease and Climate Change (IDCC) Program focuses on preparing and protecting people in Canada against climate-sensitive zoonotic, food-borne and water-borne infectious diseases. The Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund (IDCCF) provides funding for projects that advance the monitoring and surveillance of these diseases, increase awareness among health professionals and share information and tools to prevent and reduce risk to people in Canada, especially among vulnerable populations.

    The IDCCF solicitation is now open and will run until November 28, 2024. Applicant projects must align with one of the following streams on climate-sensitive infectious diseases:

    • Stream 1 – Building capacity and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on climate-sensitive infectious diseases and health with projects developed by and with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples
    • Stream 2 – Mobilizing evidence and raising awareness to take action on climate sensitive diseases

    Projects supported through the IDCCF will help raise awareness among people in Canada and partner organizations on actions to take to reduce infectious disease risk, adapt to our changing climate, become more resilient and ultimately improve our health and well-being.

    Interested organizations can apply here.

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    613-291-4176

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plant power: Using diet to lower cancer risk

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It is about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. The American Cancer Society estimates about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2024.

    If you’re concerned about developing breast cancer, you might be wondering if there are steps you can take to help prevent it. Some risk factors, such as family history, can’t be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.

    While some people have a higher genetic risk of developing cancer, research shows that nearly 25% of overall cancer cases could be prevented with diet and nutrition alone. Many cancers can take 10 or more years to develop, so everyday nutrition choices are crucial in cancer prevention.

    Research has shown that eating a plant-based diet may provide a healthier alternative to the Standard American Diet, which is typically high-calorie loaded with red meat, high-fat dairy products, heavily processed foods, fast foods, refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and salt. The American Institute for Cancer Research promotes a plant-based diet.

    “When we talk about a whole foodplant-based diet, we mean the majority (at least 80% to 90%) of the food should be unprocessed plant-based foods — things like legumes, fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains, and nuts. Some people may end up eating minimal amounts of processed plant foods or animal-based foods like dairy or meat occasionally, but not on a regular basis,” says Dr. Susan Tannenbaum, program director, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health.

    In research studies, vegans, people who don’t eat any animal products, including dairy, or eggs, appeared to have the lowest rates of cancer of any diet. The next lowest rate was for vegetarians, people who avoid meat but may eat fish or foods that come from animals, such as milk or eggs.

    Plant-based foods are full of naturally occurring compounds, called phytochemicals, such as antioxidants and carotenoids that protect the body from damage. Phytochemicals also interrupt processes in the body that encourage cancer production. Plant-based diets also are high in fiber, which has been shown to lower the risk of breast and colorectal cancer.

    Tannenbaum advocates for a whole food plant-based diet and recommends this to her patients who are open to it, and many have had good results.

    “It’s not easy but at least they feel like they are doing something positive,” says Tannenbaum.  “It’s important for people to take ownership of their health.”

    One of her patients had lost 40 lbs. on a whole food plant-based diet and says she feels great and alive again.

    Eating a healthy diet has so many proven benefits, from losing weight to helping build strong muscle and bones. And it gives the body more of the nutrients it needs—which in turn may help cancer patients better manage treatment-related side effects and help them stay strong during their recovery.

    Research shows that lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer, even in women at high risk. To lower your risk:

    Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation — based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to no more than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk.

    Maintain a healthy weight. If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to accomplish this. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.

    Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.

    Breast-feed if you can. Breastfeeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect.

    Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy. You might be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you’re taking hormones.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Canada-Quebec Agreement: together to save lives

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    Over $86M to reduce substance-use harms and prevent overdoses

    Canada is facing one of the most serious public health crises in its history – the toxic illegal drug and overdose crisis. That’s why the governments of Quebec and Canada are joining forces to tackle this public health crisis, notably through prevention, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation measures.

    Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services, and the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced the Canada-Quebec Contribution Agreement to address substance use and addictions. The agreement provides more than $86.8 million to support Quebec’s efforts to address addiction, the prevention of overdoses and reduce substance-use harms. Federal funding for this agreement comes from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) and are being provided to the Government of Quebec without conditions.

    More than 96 projects, selected by Quebec, will benefit from the funds being invested. Some of these projects will make additional services available to prevent overdoses and reduce harms associated with substance use, based on the realities and priorities of each of Quebec’s regions. Others will involve setting up research projects to develop new knowledge about substance use and addiction. This funding will therefore support various institutional and community partners working to improve the health of people at risk of overdose or at risk from substance use.

    The governments of Quebec and Canada will continue to support community partners and organizations working to save lives and reduce the harms associated with substance use.

    Quotes

    “We recognize the tragic toll substance use is taking on families, friends and communities across Canada. Our comprehensive and compassionate approach is about reducing harms and saving lives. We are supporting community organizations that have deep roots in their communities, have the trust of their clients and have the first-hand knowledge needed to make a real difference in people’s lives. We are using every tool at our disposal to end this crisis and build a safer, healthier and more caring future for all Canadians.”

    The Honourable Ya’ara Saks
    Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

    “Substances circulating on the market have become extremely dangerous; Today, to use them is to endanger your life. That’s why we need to go even further in our prevention efforts by allowing those who wish to do so to test their drugs, but we also need to provide better support to people who use substances and to those around them, who often need help as well. Community organizations’ field expertise is one of the great strengths of our system in Quebec. I am pleased to announce that, for the first time in Quebec, a portion of the funds will be allocated to them, as they who are valuable allies of the health network. That’s why we want to continue to support them in their vital mission and increase the range of assistance available to those who need it most.”

    Lionel Carmant
    Minister Responsible for Social Services for the Government of Quebec

    “Across the country, organizations are working tirelessly to provide essential support to people who use substances. It is essential that funding be directed where it can have the greatest impact. We must use every tool at our disposal to tackle the overdose crisis, including supporting those who provide vital services to people in need of treatment.”

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada
    Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

    Quick facts

    • Federal funding for this agreement comes from the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).

    • Since 2018, the governments of Canada and Quebec have signed agreements recognizing that Quebec is responsible for administering federal funding throughout the province according to its own priorities and directions.

    • Through new investments announced in Budget 2023, the Government of Canada is investing $144 million in the SUAP to fund community support services and other evidence-based public health interventions.

    • Since 2017, over $650 million have been invested in more than 400 projects under Health Canada’s SUAP.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Yuval Daniel
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks
    Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
    819-360-6927

    Lambert Drainville
    Press Secretary
    Cabinet du ministre responsable des Services sociaux du Québec
    418-264-4146

    Media Relations
    Health Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UPDATE TO COVID-19 VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS AND ROLLOUT OF UPDATED JN.1 VACCINES

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    The Ministry of Health (MOH) will roll out the updated JN.1 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and JN.1 Moderna/Spikevax vaccines from 28 October 2024. This is based on the 2024/2025 recommendation of the Expert Committee for Immunisation (ECI). The vaccination is especially applicable to individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19, such as seniors and those who are medically vulnerable. 
    2.      With close to 500 Healthier SG General Practitioner (GP) clinics and 10 polyclinics offering COVID-19 vaccination in the community, the five remaining Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVCs) will cease operations from 1 December 2024. 
    ECI’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations 
    3.       We are living with COVID-19 as an endemic disease. The severity of COVID-19 infection is low in the healthy general population, given that most of our local population has either taken the vaccine and/or been infected with COVID-19 and recovered safely. 
    4.       Hence the ECI has recommended that individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19 should receive both the initial (if unvaccinated) and additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as they will benefit most from increased protection with vaccination. The persons recommended for COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 are: 
    a.       Individuals aged 60 years and above; 
    b. Medically vulnerable individuals aged 6 months and above; and  
    c. Residents of aged care facilities.  
    5.       Healthcare workers and persons living or working with medically vulnerable individuals are encouraged to consider receiving the vaccine. Other individuals aged 6 months and above who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can continue to do so.

    6.        Unvaccinated individuals who are receiving COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 should receive: 

    a. Ages 6 months to 4 years: Two vaccine doses, eight weeks apart; and 
    b. Ages 5 years and older: One vaccine dose. 
    7.       The number of initial doses recommended for unvaccinated individuals aged 5 years and above has been reduced from two doses (as previously recommended) to one dose, as most in this population would have some level of protection from past COVID-19 infection. One initial dose is now assessed to be sufficient to ensure an adequate level of protection in unvaccinated persons aged 5 years and above.
    8.       Vaccinated individuals aged 6 months and above who are receiving an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 should receive it at an interval of around one year (and at least five months) from the last vaccine dose. 
    Rollout of Updated JN.1 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/Spikevax Vaccines 
    9.       The Health Sciences Authority has approved the use of the updated JN.1 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and JN.1 Moderna/Spikevax vaccines in Singapore. 
    10.       From 28 October 2024, all vaccination locations offering the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and/or Moderna/Spikevax vaccines will begin administering the updated JN.1 vaccines. 
    11.       The updated COVID-19 vaccines provide a stronger immune response against current and emerging strains compared to previous versions of the vaccines, and therefore confer better protection against COVID-19. The safety profiles of the updated vaccines are comparable to that of previous versions.
    Closure of JTVCs from 1 December 2024
    12.       The JTVCs have served us well in offering mass testing and vaccination services during the pandemic. To bring COVID-19 vaccination closer to the community, close to 500 Healthier SG GP clinics and 10 polyclinics located island-wide are now providing COVID-19 vaccination services. In addition, more Healthier SG GP clinics will be onboarded to offer the COVID-19 vaccines.
    13.       With this, the five remaining JTVCs at Bukit Merah, Jurong East, Kaki Bukit, Sengkang and Woodlands will cease operations from 1 December 2024. Individuals who wish to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations at these locations may walk in by 30 November 2024, or visit https://vaccine.gov.sg/covid to book an appointment.
    14.       Mobile vaccination teams offering the COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be deployed across the island. Members of the public can visit https://gowhere.gov.sg/vaccine for the latest schedule. 
    15.       COVID-19 vaccination continues to be free for all eligible individuals under the National Vaccination Programme. Members of the public can visit https://gowhere.gov.sg/vaccine for the nearest vaccination sites and the vaccine types offered. Individuals may book an appointment at a Healthier SG GP clinic through https://vaccine.gov.sg/covid, or at a polyclinic through the HealthHub booking system. 
    16.       COVID-19 waves will continue to occur from time to time and can cause severe disease among those who are older or medically vulnerable. To increase their protection against severe disease, we encourage everyone to remain updated with their vaccination based on the prevailing recommendations, much like vaccination against influenza.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –