NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at a Press Gaggle in Siem Reap

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming. Thanks also to our partners from the Cambodian government who have joined us here today. 

    This is my fourth trip to Cambodia, but it is my first trip to Cambodia as USAID Administrator. But, maybe more significant than that, it is the first trip to Cambodia ever by the USAID Administrator, despite decades of investments that USAID has made in economic development, health development, food security, and the like. So, I feel really personally privileged to be back in a country that I find incredibly beautiful, filled with such warm and hospitable people who have welcomed me many times over the years. To now get to come back as USAID Administrator, it’s a great privilege. 

    I had the chance to tour a tuberculosis screening clinic here at the Svay Thom Pagoda. Over the past five years, USAID’s Community Mobilization Initiatives to End TB, which we have called COMMIT, has helped Cambodia make remarkable progress preventing, detecting, and treating tuberculosis. And, I got to see this screening effort, at least in one of them, up close. 

    In the past 20 years, Cambodia has cut the rate of tuberculosis in this country by almost half, and the country is no longer on the World Health Organization’s list of the 30 highest TB Burden Countries. That is genuine progress. But, of course, the fight against TB is not over. An estimated 54,000 Cambodians contract TB still every year, and about a third of TB cases go undetected. 

    So, to help Cambodia meet its goal of ending TB in this country by 2030, I am pleased today to announce a new five year initiative, which we will call COMMIT II, the second phase of our investment here. We will start with an initial $4 million investment for the first year of the program, with additional funding to come. 

    I want to stress that this is one of the largest local direct awards that USAID has ever given to a local Cambodian organization. We think it’s extremely important to invest directly in Cambodian organizations that are doing the work out in their communities to advance the health and the interests of the Cambodian people. 

    Through this program, COMMIT II, we will work directly with local communities to improve TB screening, diagnosis, and TB preventive therapy. We will focus especially on identifying and treating the cases that are currently going undetected. And, we know that getting at these undetected cases is the key to preventing the spread of this terrible disease. 

    Our work together, that of USAID with the Cambodian people, that of USAID with the Cambodian health ministry, is really just one example of the productive health partnership that has developed over the last decades. And it is also, I think, reflective of what is a deepening partnership between the United States and Cambodia, and between the American people and the Cambodian people. 

    I’d like to say a word about malaria as well. Over the past decade, the U.S. has invested $87 million to support Cambodia’s efforts to eliminate malaria. These efforts, led by the Cambodian people, have been a stunning success, with Cambodia registering zero malaria deaths since 2017 and now on track to completely eliminate malaria as soon as next year. 

    We have also supported Cambodia’s efforts to make childbirth safer for mothers and for infants. Since 2005, Cambodia has reduced maternal deaths by 67 percent, infant deaths by 71 percent, and deaths of children under five by 81 percent. 

    The United States and the American people also stood with the Cambodian people during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering 3.3 million vaccines and providing $16 million in other support. 

    We are really gratified now that Cambodia has become a new partner in the U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, which aims at making sure that Cambodia has the infrastructure to have the surveillance capacity in communities, the lab equipment and testing equipment that it needs in order to prevent, detect, and respond to future health threats. 

    Now we are supporting Cambodia taking on another urgent health threat, and this is one that – while I know the press has covered TB in the past, has covered the incredible progress made against malaria – this may be a harm and a form of illness that even the press has not yet given significant coverage to. And, this issue is lead poisoning, and specifically the lead poisoning of children. 

    Lead poisoning slows a child’s brain development. It harms their bodies, and it can even kill children. Lead poisoning affects an estimated six million children here in Cambodia. That’s over 70 percent of all kids in this country. 

    Taking on this global menace of lead poisoning is extremely important to USAID. It is an urgent priority for the United States government as a whole, and Cambodia has already made itself a really important partner in this effort. Cambodia was one of just 26 founding member countries in a brand new Partnership for a Lead-Free Future that we just launched in September at the UN General Assembly. And, we are really thankful to the Cambodian Health Ministry and to the government for stepping forward and being a leader in raising its hand and committing itself to eliminating lead poisoning for children here in Cambodia.

    Lead poisoning, unlike a lot of other diseases, is really hard to detect. It is tough to know also what the source of lead poisoning is. Is it spices? Is it paint? Is it the recycling of batteries that is causing lead poisoning? 

    Today, which as it happens, is part of international Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, I am pleased to announce that USAID will support Cambodia’s first-ever national survey to evaluate the levels of lead and other heavy metals in the blood levels of children and pregnant women. We will also look together at the level of lead in products in Cambodian stores. And, we will together work to understand how prevalent lead is in the environment. To be clear, understanding where lead poisoning is coming from here in Cambodia is absolutely critical to preventing it going forward. 

    USAID will also work together with the Royal Government of Cambodia and with UNICEF to take steps to mitigate lead exposure by raising awareness and developing policies and regulations that will prevent future exposure. Together, I am confident that just as we have on malaria and TB and just as we did on COVID-19, together we will make progress against this invisible threat.

    USAID stands ready to support the doctors, the teachers, the parents, the government officials and the citizens who want to rid their communities of lead poisoning once and for all. This partnership matters a great deal to the United States. We see how far it can go, and we are very satisfied with the progress that we have seen in the health sector, and eager to learn from it, to see how we can propel progress in other sectors as well. 

    And with that, I am happy to take your questions. Thank you.

    QUESTION: My name is Chamna. I am from Cambodianess, a news outlet based in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, ma’am. So, ma’am, my first question is that you know, as the first USAID Administrator to Cambodia, visited Cambodia for two days, can you give us, like, a brief activity that you have done and also you will do tomorrow?

    And, the second question is that, why do you choose Siem Reap, one of the cultural provinces of Cambodia, to visit, ma’am? And, also the third question, I was informed that you will visit Prime Minister Hun Manet tomorrow. So, what do you hope to communicate with the Prime Minister, ma’am?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: That’s a lot of questions. So, let me start with why did I come to Siem Reap. This is my third trip to Siem Reap. Once a person has come to Siem Reap once, they always insist on coming back. And, any tourist who has come if they haven’t come back, it is only because it is so far away. But, for me, when I knew I was coming to Cambodia, I’ve had such beautiful connections with the people of this town in my previous visits, such rich conversations. And again, the privilege for me is now to come as USAID Administrator and to actually see the work that we have been doing as the United States, as the American people, with the Cambodian people in communities, you know, in a manner that is not only advancing the U.S.-Cambodian partnership, but touching real lives. And so, just as the Cambodian people have touched me over the years, I felt I had to come back.

    And in terms of the content of the visit – my visit follows on, of course, the visit of Secretary [Lloyd] Austin, our Secretary of Defense. We believe really strongly in the United States in what we call the three Ds – diplomacy, defense, and development – because the three Ds reflect the needs, in a way, of all individuals, which is to be physically secure, to be free, to express oneself, and to live as one chooses and as one, and to raise children in a manner where you can imagine them fulfilling their dreams. 

    And then, of course, to develop economically. And we think that, you know, an enhanced security partnership of the kind that Secretary Austin discussed with more exchanges and more familiarity between us, more diplomatic engagement, and these really significant development investments will hopefully support those incredible Cambodians who are doing work to build a brighter Cambodia for the next generation. And, of course, young people are at the heart of Cambodia’s economic progress, and will be at the heart of its progress in strengthening its institutions, its governance, the rule of law, et cetera. 

    My visit will include, yes, a meeting with Prime Minister. I’m very much looking forward to that. I already had the chance in January of this year to meet with the Prime Minister in Davos when he attended, and I attended, the World Economic Forum. But, of course, now we have had a chance, over many more months, to work on shared challenges like strengthening global health security; to initiate new partnerships like the new partnership to combat lead poisoning. And, I look forward to talking about what more can be done, recognizing that we all want to see Cambodia’s economy continue to grow. He has been very specific, of course, about Cambodia – wanting Cambodia to become an upper middle-income country by 2030. We, as USAID, want to understand how we can be catalytic in supporting certain sectors, and so hearing directly from him about his priorities now deeper into his tenure as Prime Minister will be very important. 

    And, of course, we recognize as well that non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, civil society organizations, that those organizations who are in the community have such an important role to play as well in delivering services like we saw being delivered, in screening tuberculosis, or in educating the community, but also in rooting out corruption and exposing those forces that get in the way of Cambodia’s economy reaching its full potential, and above all, the Cambodian people benefiting as much as they should from all that Cambodia offers and all that young people are investing in that economy. So, I will see the Prime Minister. 

    I will, of course, later today – I can’t come to Siem Reap without seeing some of Angkor Wat. I will engage with individuals outside of government who are looking at, you know, what more can be done, again, to strengthen freedom and governance and the rule of law in this country. And, you know, I’m really looking forward to learning. On every trip, I learned so much, and Cambodia has changed really so much since my last visit to this country, which was back in 2012. Even just driving around, I can see so many of the changes. But again, my privilege is to be here as USAID Administrator and to talk to our incredible team about what more we can do to accelerate the progress in support of Cambodian leaders, inside and outside ministries.

    QUESTION: Okay, ma’am. Also, my second question has two parts, of course. Now, you’re touring the TB, you know, let’s say, progress. How to eliminate them, how to make the system better. So, what are the development[s] that you see so far back then, back there, when you tour the, you know, the mechanism, and also, what are the challenges that still remain? That, you know, when you talk to the expert, they say, there are many challenges out there that needs to be done. That is the first part of the question. 

    And, the second part of the question can be cultural, again, because I see doctors, I see, you know, organization experts, but, at the same time, they are working on health. But, they are not in the clinic. They are not in the hospital. They are in a pagoda, which is a sanctuary for Cambodia, so Buddhism for hundreds of years. So, when you see, you know, expert, modern, expert, modern equipment coming together with old people in the sanctuary of Cambodian religion, how do you make of the situation?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, and this is really important, I think, to stress what is so significant about what Cambodians are doing here, is that they are coming to the people. They are bringing the equipment to diagnose whether TB is present in a person to a more central location than the people would otherwise be able to access. So, normally, this very sophisticated X-ray equipment, and the computers that process the X-rays to diagnose whether somebody is likely to have TB, these individuals would have to go very, very far [to access]. 

    And, what USAID, in partnership with the Cambodian Ministry of Health and with this non-governmental organization that has been at the forefront, what we have done together is come up with activities that are designed to move the diagnosis and, ultimately, the treatment closer to the people. And, that is what you saw here, is a large group of individuals who were told that if you come to this place at this time, you won’t have to drive miles and miles in order to get the X-rays. And so, everyone here either had some symptom of TB, or had someone in their family who had some symptom. So, in their mind, they were worried, “Maybe, would I?” but maybe they weren’t worried enough to drive so far. Maybe they couldn’t afford a bus fare, or, you know, they didn’t have a motorbike in order to be able to make it that far. 

    And so, among the people who are here, I’m sure, are people whose TB cases would have gone undetected if we had relied on the old way of doing things. And so, this is really a partnership that looks at the data, sees that a third of TB cases in Cambodia go undetected, and so we have to fix that. If Cambodia is to reach its goal of getting rid of TB by 2030, that is going to require detecting all the cases of TB so that TB then isn’t spread in communities. And, mobile clinics, mobile health workers, mobile screening is going to be a big part of that solution. 

    And, you know, I think that when one seeks out meeting places, gathering places, one looks and here again, we as the United States and as USAID, we defer entirely to the Cambodian Ministry of Health about where best to situate these mobile screening, this equipment. We may invest the resources to purchase this equipment, but fundamentally, when it comes to respecting Cambodian culture, we are the guests of the Cambodian people. We are the guests of the Cambodian Government, and we take their lead and follow their guidance about how best to, again, meet people where they are likely to feel comfortable traveling to and sitting for some time as they go through the different stages of diagnosis, you know, starting, of course, with with the X-ray. But then, if they are deemed, if it is deemed possible that they have TB, going further, and then even waiting for a couple hours to get the formal diagnosis, then the counseling that is going to come. That is a long afternoon. It’s a lot to ask of particularly elderly people, who are among those who gathered. And so to do so in a manner that is culturally sensitive, but that also allows the individuals who come the comfort of not being out in the blazing sun for the entire day. I’m assuming that is why this location was chosen.

    QUESTION: Okay, so my final question is not related to TB or but it’s more like related to your, let’s say, journalism career. So, in Cambodia right now, a lot of young people are interested in journalism, if not you know the media subject. And also, you said that you were a former journalist working in many countries and zones, and now you are a diplomat, so it’s like a career transition. So, just a message for young people in Cambodia, how does journalism help shape, you know, a person’s career in the future? I mean, after they do journalism, of course.

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: I think journalism is an incredibly important form of civic participation. All of you are bringing to your communities news and facts and often vital information that citizens need to learn. For example, when journalists cover a local happening like this in Siem Reap that there was a gathering where people were able to get TB screening and diagnosis right here, somebody reads that or they see that on the news, and then they think to themselves, “Oh, I haven’t been feeling that well. Maybe I will go and find a screening facility. Or I will ask someone if they know when next this kind of gathering is going to happen, this kind of screening, mobile screening is going to be available.” That’s an example of the kind of good that a journalist can do for their community. 

    Obviously, they’re also in countries where corruption has been an issue. Journalism can be extremely important in also helping law enforcement know where corruption is happening so that it can be rooted out. The Cambodian government really wants to continue to grow the economy. All of us would like to see more American investment in Cambodia. Journalists have a really vital role to play in shining a spotlight on the kinds of things that might need to change in order for that investment to come at a faster clip than it has up to this point. 

    So, you know, I look back on my journalism career, and I feel grateful that I had that chance to be a journalist. I feel grateful to have made some small contribution, I hope, through my journalism. But, the other thing that young people should know as they think about their careers is, if you’re a curious person, journalism is incredible. Look at you. You’ve asked that’s your sixth question. You’re clearly a very, very curious person. But, journalism is incredible because you just get to go around and ask questions, any question that comes into your mind. You can actually earn a living asking questions and learning. And so, you get to perform something that hopefully helps your community grow and progress, while also yourself satisfying the kinds of questions that you’ve had maybe since you were a small child. So, I think it’s a great career. 

    The more that Cambodia can strengthen its checks and balances, where it has more and more independent institutions, that will give investors confidence. And journalists, over time, will become more and more independent, and will be a very important source of sunlight on all the developments in Cambodia, helping it progress into a more stable and prosperous society.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Starget Pharma and Cancer Focus Fund Announce $5.1 Million Investment to Support Phase 1b Clinical Trial of Novel Peptide Radioligand for Precision Cancer Therapy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Starget’s Smart Targeted Radioligand (STR) Theranostics Enable Precise Targeted Delivery of Highly Focused Molecular Radiation Directly to Cancer Cells while Minimizing Damage to Healthy Tissues
    • Lead Program DOTA–PTR-58 Was Developed Using Starget’s Proprietary Peptide Backbone Dynamics Platform that Leverages Backbone Cyclic Innovations and In-Silico AI to Rapidly Design Highly Specific Ligands

    TEL AVIV, Israel and HOUSTON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Starget Pharma (Starget), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing precision peptide radioligand therapies, and Cancer Focus Fund, LP, a unique investment fund established in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) to provide funding and clinical expertise to advance promising clinical therapies, today announced a $5.1 million investment from Cancer Focus Fund to support a Phase 1b clinical trial of Starget’s lead theranostic, DOTA-PTR-58. The trial will target tumors overexpressing somatostatin receptor type 3 (SSTR-3), including sarcomas, neuroendocrine tumors (NET), melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinomas. The trial will be conducted at MD Anderson and other centers and will begin enrolling patients in early 2025.

    Targeted theranostic radiotherapy combines diagnostic imaging with targeted treatment to provide personalized care for advanced metastatic cancers. Using patient data, theranostics precisely targets tumor cells, delivering localized radiotherapy that can either generate diagnostic images or directly destroy cancer cells. This approach offers greater precision and a wider therapeutic window than conventional radiation therapy.

    “This investment validates the potential of our smart targeted radioligands to provide safer and more effective therapies for challenging cancers,” said Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir, CEO of Starget Pharma. “Our Backbone Dynamics technology enables us to transform peptides into next-generation radiopharmaceuticals with enhanced properties. We look forward to collaborating with MD Anderson on this Phase 1b trial of DOTA-PTR-58, a first-in-class theranostic that has demonstrated both safety and tumor uptake in early studies. We believe our proprietary technology offers significant advantages over existing radioligand therapies, particularly for advanced cancer patients with limited options.”

    Starget’s Backbone Dynamics technology is an innovative peptide radioligand drug design platform that uses proprietary backbone cyclization to create molecules with enhanced stability, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics. The platform accelerates the design of new radioligand candidates, facilitating the rapid development of cancer therapies with enhanced efficacy and safety.

    “Starget Pharma’s novel STR technology exemplifies the potential cancer breakthroughs we seek to support,” said Ross Barrett, a founder and Managing Partner of Cancer Focus Fund. “Recent successes with peptide-based radioligands have begun to realize the promise of this approach, and Starget’s proprietary Backbone Dynamics technology further advances these gains by enhancing peptide diversity and optimizing candidate selection for a variety of difficult-to-treat cancers.”

    Jordi Rodón, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson, will serve as Principal Investigator of the Phase 1b trial.

    About DOTA-PTR-58 and SSTR-3
    DOTA-PTR-58 is a first-in-class superagonist radioligand with sub-nanomolar affinity targeting selective somatostatin receptor type 3 (SSTR-3), a receptor highly expressed across multiple tumor types including sarcoma, melanoma, NET and hepatocellular carcinomas. Unlike the more commonly used target SSTR-2, SSTR-3 shows lower expression in normal tissues, offering a broader therapeutic window. DOTA-PTR-58 comprises a theranostic pair: Imaging with a Ga-68 isotope and therapy with a Lu-177 isotope. A follow-on program will include Imaging with a Ga-68 isotope and therapy with an Ac-225 isotope. The molecule demonstrates high in vivo tumor uptake and internalization, selectivity and significant antitumor activity.

    About Starget Pharma
    Starget Pharma is a clinical stage company developing a pipeline of radiotherapy programs generated using its proprietary Backbone Dynamics peptide platform that leverages backbone cyclic innovations and in-silico AI to rapidly design highly specific Smart Targeted Radioligands (STRs) that deliver focused radiation for the imaging and treatment of cancer. These STR’s are designed to engage novel and validated tumor-specific targets with either alpha or beta isotopes. Starget’s lead program targets SSTR-3, a somatostatin receptor that is overexpressed in tumor cells compared to healthy tissues and has enhanced cell internalization compared to other tumor targets. First-in-human data has demonstrated promising safety and good tumor uptake. A Phase 1b trial is expected to begin in early 2025 at MD Anderson and other centers. Beyond its lead program, Starget has a robust pipeline encompassing novel tumor targets and isotopes, offering first-in-class and best-in-class potential for a variety of metastatic cancers. For more information, visit stargetpharma.com.

    About Cancer Focus Fund
    The Cancer Focus Fund LP is a unique investment fund established in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson). The fund provides investment support to advance promising cancer therapies that are close to being tested in humans or are in early clinical development, as well as the clinical trial expertise and infrastructure of MD Anderson and strategic partners Ochsner Health System Precision Cancer Therapies Program New Orleans and the LSU Feist Weiller Cancer Center Shreveport. The Fund’s objective is to leverage this unique combination to provide investors with superior risk-adjusted returns. In collaboration with partner MD Anderson, the Cancer Focus Fund provides both capital and translational research expertise with the goal of accelerating the development of novel cancer therapies that result in better outcomes for patients while generating returns for investors.

    Disclosures
    The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s relationship with Cancer Focus Fund, and all research conducted at MD Anderson related to Cancer Focus Fund, has been identified as an institutional financial conflict of interest by MD Anderson’s Institutional Conflict of Interest Committee and therefore is managed under an Institutional Conflict of Interest Management and Monitoring Plan.

    Contacts

    Starget Pharma
    Corporate:
    Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir
    Chief Executive Officer
    sigal@stargetpharma.com

    Media:
    ir@stargetpharma.com

    Cancer Focus Fund
    Corporate:
    Ross Barrett
    Managing Partner
    ross@cancerfocusfund.com

    Media:
    Barbara Lindheim
    BLL Partners for Cancer Focus Fund
    blindheim@bllbiopartners.com
    +1 917 355-9234

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swedish Minister for Health Care and Ukrainian Minister of Health sign agreement on continued support to Ukraine’s path to the EU and its health care

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister for Health Care Acko Ankarberg Johansson and Ukrainian Minister of Health Viktor Liashko have signed a technical agreement between Sweden and Ukraine. The aim is to intensify cooperation and advance Ukraine’s process of integration into the EU. Ms Ankarberg Johansson also visited several care facilities in Kyiv, including the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital that Russia attacked in July.

    “The Government has made clear that Swedish support to Ukraine will continue for as long as necessary. This includes the area of health care, which is an essential part of the country’s resilience and reforms. For me it was important to be here on the ground and show my support and that of the entire Government to the war-affected country,” said Ms Ankarberg Johansson.

    The agreement covers matters such as cooperation on transfer of knowledge to healthcare staff, efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and exchange of experience of rehabilitation for Ukrainians affected by the war. It also covers cooperation and capacity-building aimed at supporting reforms that are required for EU integration in areas such as medicines.

    The ministers signed the agreement at Ukraine’s Ministry of Health. It builds on earlier agreements between the countries.

    Ukrainian translation of Swedish handbook on spinal cord injury

    Ms Ankarberg Johansson visited a hospital in Kyiv, where Spinalis Foundation co-founder Professor Claes Hultling presented the Ukrainian translation of the Foundation’s handbook A new page of life with spinal cord injury. Speakers during the presentation included First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, Mr Liashko, Ms Ankarberg Johansson and Professor Hultling.

    The Spinalis Foundation promotes research and rehabilitation of spinal injuries. 

    During the visit in Kyiv, Spinalis concluded an agreement on international medical partnership with the Rivne Regional Hospital for Veterans of War.

    Visit to bombed children’s hospital

    Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, Okhmatdyt, is located in Kyiv. It was the target of a Russian missile attack on 8 July 2024, and a major portion of the hospital was destroyed in the attack and is in need of reconstruction. Ms Ankarberg Johansson was given a tour of the destruction and met with patients at the hospital.

    The Government has provided nearly SEK 10 million in support to help rebuild the children’s hospital. This support goes to the volunteer organisation Beredskapslyftet, which together with Astrid Lindgren’s Children’s Hospital at Karolinska University Hospital initiated the project and is responsible for purchasing equipment.

    Following the attack, the Government decided to provide immediate humanitarian aid, which was channelled via the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and distributed directly to the affected children and their families.

    Ms Ankarberg Johansson’s visit to Kyiv took place on 15–16 October. During her stay, she also visited a primary care clinic in Makariv that was rebuilt following an attack in March 2022 and met with injured soldiers who had undergone surgical reconstruction at a military hospital. Ms Ankarberg Johansson later stopped by the pharmaceutical company Farmak and attended the conference ‘European Integration of Ukraine: Healthcare’ to deliver an opening address.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to MHRA and NICE news on donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on MHRA saying ‘Donanemab licensed for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in some adults’, and NICE draft guidance saying ‘Donanemab does not currently demonstrate value for the NHS’.

    Prof Andrew Doig, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Manchester, said

    “Donanemab is a new drug for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) which tackles the build-up of a form of amyloid-β in the brain, the likely root cause of AD. It is an antibody that is administered through a needle inserted into a vein. Donanemab was tested with a clinical trial on about 2000 people with early-stage AD, run over 18 months.

    “Donanemab shows real benefit to patients with mild AD by slowing down cognitive decline. The benefits are small, however, and there are concerns with the drug. Firstly, donanemab is not a cure for AD and it does not reverse, or even halt, the disease. All it does is to slow down the rate at which the disease progresses, as measured by loss of memory and other cognitive skills. In effect, patients who take donanemab see a delay to their loss of brain function by around six months. Secondly, carrying out a diagnosis to see who is eligible to take donanemab can only be carried out by a PET scan, similar an MRI scan, or by analysing cerebrospinal fluid, carried out by a lumbar puncture. These diagnosis methods are expensive and can be unpleasant for patients, so are not routinely available. Genetic tests to check that a patient is eligible for the drug are also useful. Thirdly, there is a small, but real risk, that donanemab can cause swelling or bleeding in the brain. About a quarter of patients in the trial showed evidence of this. Finally, the cost of the drug is very high, as is the cost of administering the drugs, as it requires regular MRI scans. Given the small benefits and high costs of the drug, NICE has not approved donanemab. NHS resources are limited (e.g. MRI machines) and are better spent elsewhere.

    “This decision will be disappointing for patients and carers who are living with the burden of this horrible disease that has no cure. Nevertheless, there is hope. Better diagnostic methods are in development, such as a simple blood test, which would mean that PET scans or lumbar punctures are not needed. Donanemab has not been ruled out forever and this decision could change. We will continue to track how well it works over longer time periods. Costs may also come down. In addition, many other AD therapies, such as other antibodies are on the way. Some of them are likely to work better than donanemab and could be approved.

    “Donanemab and other related drugs have shown that it is possible to slow cognitive decline caused by AD. They therefore point the way to a future where AD can be treated, bringing benefit to millions of people.”

     

    Prof B. Paul Morgan, UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, said:

    “NICE has reached the decision that the Alzheimer’s drug Donanemab, despite having a modest effect on rate of disease progression, does not clear the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness hurdles for approval for use in the NHS.  The drug requires monthly infusions and carries significant risk of side effects, necessitating very close monitoring using imaging and other expensive tests.

    “The decision is not surprising in that it closely mirrors that made for another Alzheimer’s drug, Lecanemab, in August.  Both drugs are monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid, the main component of the plaques that develop in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. They differ subtly in that Lecanemab targets the soluble form of amyloid to prevent plaque formation while Donanemab targets amyloid aggregates in plaques. Nevertheless, both efficiently clear amyloid and have a similar slowing effect on progression of cognitive decline in patients. Both also share the same risks, notably an increase in inflammation in brain blood vessels that can lead to bleeding in the brain. 

    “The decision will be a disappointment to Alzheimer’s sufferers and their carers. It means that there are no disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer’s currently approved in the UK. The decision also highlights the problems with the amyloid-targeting drugs – eye-wateringly expensive, difficult to administer and potentially harmful. Balancing these against a modest impact on the disease, the decision made by NICE is understandable.  These drugs are already in use in the US and elsewhere, albeit at lower than predicted uptake, and more will be learned from their wider use.  In particular, improvements in patient selection and monitoring may tip the balance in the future.

    “The final lesson from these disappointments is that we need better drugs for Alzheimer’s disease, moving beyond the focus on amyloid clearance and targeting other aspects of the disease that may provide better, safer and affordable routes to effective therapy of this awful disease.”

     

    Prof Rob Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), said:

    “NICE have made the correct and responsible decision that donanemab treatment within the NHS cannot be considered to represent a cost-effective use of resources. Importantly, the estimated potential value-based benefits of donanemab to patients with dementia and their families were between only a fifth and a sixth of the actual costs of buying and administering the treatment.

    “Although there is considerable uncertainty about both the meaningfulness of the very small benefits seen with treatment and any longer term effects beyond the 18 months of data collected in the pivotal trials, NHS access to these new drugs would not have made an appreciable difference to the experience of patients and families affected by dementia. 

    We have well-established drug treatments and psychosocial interventions for Alzheimer’s disease that are already available to people with dementia within the NHS but are not universally accessed. Our priority now should be to ensure that everyone with dementia who might benefit from these cost-effective interventions and adequately resourced adult social care services is able to access them. It would be unhelpful if the conversation about how we adequately fund NHS and social care for people with dementia was distracted by the issue of these new drugs. We should thank NICE for their leadership and clarity in this regard.”

     

    Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 

    “These first drugs are just the opening chapter for Alzheimer’s treatments. Today’s MHRA approval of donanemab is another step towards a future where we can begin to offer treatments to people affected by dementia. In this case, NICE’s initial recommendation is that the benefits of the drug are not significant enough to make it cost effective, which means it will not be available to patients on the NHS. This will be disappointing to many. However, I do believe we are at a pivotal moment in our research mission to develop better, safer treatments.

    “This is a long journey and is only possible because of long-term investment in research that underpins the identification and development of new treatments. The MRC-funded UK Dementia Research Institute is at the forefront of research into dementias, and working together with our many partners from patient charities, leading UK universities, the NHS and industry we are hopeful that major advances in diagnostics and treatments are ahead of us.”

     

    Prof Charles Marshall, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), said:

    “This will be very disappointing news for people affected by Alzheimer’s who are desperate for something that can slow the course of the disease. Hopefully, future developments will allow the introduction of treatments like this in the NHS. For this we will need investment in modernised dementia clinics that can deliver diagnosis and treatment appropriately, as well as evidence that Donanemab continues to slow Alzheimer’s disease over a longer time period, which could make it cost effective. We need NHS patients to be involved in generating this evidence so that we can see how effective Donanemab might be if used widely in the UK.”

     

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “While people living with dementia and their loved ones will undoubtedly be disappointed by the decision not to fund this new treatment on the NHS, the good news that new treatments can slow disease even a small amount is hopeful.  New research is bringing us closer to treatments that should be safer and more effective. This decision on the amyloid targeting drug donanemab is not a surprise as it is consistent with the recent recommendations for lecanemab, a very similar drug.  Donanemab is an antibody that removes amyloid pathology from the brain. This is not a cure. The treatment slows disease progression modestly but does not stop or reverse symptoms.  The treatment also comes with potentially serious side effects of brain swelling and brain bleeding.”

     

    Prof Tom Dening, Professor of Dementia Research, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, said:

    “Given the MHRA and NICE positions previously stated on lecanemab, these decisions in relation to donanemab are hardly surprising. My personal position stands more with NICE, because I think that we don’t do enough to support people with dementia after they get a diagnosis, and the expensive monoclonal antibodies are a bit of a distraction from the main issue, which is to help people live the best lives they can with the diagnosis.”

    Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said:  

    “Disease-modifying therapies like donanemab and lecanemab offer a new horizon of hope in the fight against dementia. MHRA’s approval of donanemab marks another milestone in this journey, but it comes alongside a draft NICE decision not to recommend donanemab for use on the NHS. While this is disheartening, we respect the decision of the regulator. 

    “In other diseases like cancer, treatments have become more effective, safer and cheaper over time and we hope to see similar progress in dementia. 

    “With around 20 Alzheimer’s disease drugs in late-stage clinical trials, more drugs will be submitted for approval within the next few years. 

    “New treatments are an important catalyst for change, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. While preparing for the future, we must not lose sight of the million people living with dementia in the UK today – a third of whom don’t have a diagnosis. 

    “We need to see significant government investment to bring about radical change so that everyone with dementia in the UK can get an early and accurate diagnosis. Without this, people won’t be able to access existing treatments and interventions to help manage their symptoms today or be ready for the disease slowing treatments of tomorrow.” 

     

    Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

    “Today’s announcement marks another frustrating setback for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. We finally have two new treatments licensed in Britain for Alzheimer’s, but it’s incredibly disappointing that NHS patients in England and Wales won’t receive them. While these drugs are not cures and come with risk of side effects, trials show they are the first treatments to slow the decline in memory and thinking skills linked to Alzheimer’s, rather than just alleviating symptoms.

    “NICE’s recent interim decisions on lecanemab and donanemab highlight uncertainty about their benefits compared to the significant costs of delivering them in the NHS. Yet dementia remains the UK’s leading cause of death, and without action, an ageing population means more families will be affected, driving up NHS costs through emergency admissions and care.

    “NHS England has identified nearly 30 other dementia treatments that could be available by 2030, giving the government and NHS a crucial opportunity to transform how dementia is treated – just as Labour pledged in their manifesto. But we still haven’t heard from Health Secretary Wes Streeting on how he plans to break the deadlock we’re facing, where research is delivering new treatments but they remain out of reach for NHS patients. We’ve written to the Health Secretary again, calling for his leadership to bring together NICE, NHS England and industry so that people with dementia in the UK aren’t left behind.

    “Today’s decision also risks signalling that the UK is no longer a good place to launch new dementia treatments. Although the UK has a strong history in dementia research, it currently hosts just 7% of global dementia trials and under 3% of participants in phase 3 trials for dementia worldwide live here. How the government tackles these challenges will show if they’re serious about bringing innovation to the NHS and cutting the red tape that is limiting people’s access to research and innovative medicines.”

    MHRA decision and NICE draft guidance on donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease was published at 10:00am UK time Wednesday 22nd October 2024. 

    https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta11221

    Declared interests

    Prof Andrew Doig: Andrew Doig is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Manchester. He is a founder and director of PharmaKure, a spin-out company working on diagnostics and drugs for Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

    Prof Rob Howard: I don’t have any relevant CoIs.

    Prof Charles Marshall: I have no relevant conflicts to declare.

    Prof Siddharthan Chandran: Siddharthan is the academic lead of Neurii, a £5M partnership to deliver patient focused digital health solutions for dementia, part funded by Eisai. The UK Dementia Research Institute holds partnerships with charities (BHF, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and LifeArc), and industry (Lilly, Eisai, Astex, SPARC and Ono).

    Hilary Evans-Newton No COI.

    Prof Tom Dening: No COI.

    Professor Fiona Carragher: No conflicts of interest.

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones: I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Research Assesses Assets and Challenges for North Hartford Food Environment

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Links between eating a balanced diet and overall health are well-established. But for people living in “food swamps” these healthy options just aren’t readily available.

    A new study in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment highlights the lived experiences of women of color living in a food swamp in North Hartford, and both the challenges and opportunities for accessing healthy food in their neighborhood.

    The study was a collaboration between the UConn Department of Allied Health Sciences, the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, the UConn School of Medicine, and North Hartford community members.

    Food swamps are areas characterized by an oversaturation of fast food and other highly processed food options. They also have a lack of grocery stores with fresh produce.

    “Food swamps are areas where residents don’t have access to fresh, healthy foods,” says Curtis Antrum, lead author of the study and graduate assistant. “Instead, they are surrounded by establishments like fast food or corner stores. People of color in poorer neighborhoods are disproportionately impacted by food swamps.”

    The researchers used a method known as Photovoice for this study. This research method involves study participants taking photos, in this case, of the food environment in their neighborhood, and adding voice notes narrating their experience.

    This method empowers participants to engage in citizen science by sharing more detailed and personal information with the researchers.

    “Photovoice actually prompts a focus on action,” says Kristen Cooksey Stowers, assistant professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences and senior author on the paper. “Not just engaging lived experience and documenting problems and health inequities, but also keeping the dedication to engage lived experience and community voice when you are carving out and evaluating solutions.”

    From these accounts, the researchers identified some key themes in the challenges participants face, such as a lack of access to grocery stores; advertising and marketing that push “junk” food; lack of transportation to access healthier options; unaffordability of fresh produce; the impact of junk food on their children’s school performance; the prominence of alcoholic beverages over health alternatives; and the quality of fresh food at their local stores.

    “Anyone paying attention knows that North Hartford residents have been impacted by degradation and segregation; however, through the Photovoice approach, our lived experiences within this food swamp are urgent and impossible to ignore,” Mary Holter, a member of the Community Action Task Force (CATF).

    Curtis Antrum and Kristen Cooksey Stowers at the Gallery Walk for the Invest Health Hartford Team. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

    Participants did identify positive aspects of their food environment as well, such as the availability of culturally relevant foods for the city’s large Caribbean and Hispanic populations, like plantains and yucca. However, participants note that this does not fully meet their needs in the absence of other produce.

    The paper concludes by highlighting the assets the community already has and how these can be bolstered by policy changes and increased funding.

    “The message that we heard from [community members] was that they want more investment in our community assets,” Cooksey Stowers says.

    This paper reflects the overarching aim of Cooksey Stowers’ lab, the Health Equity Lab for the People (HELP), in shifting the field away from a negative framing of problems, but instead places the focus on solutions.

    Cooksey Stowers’ lab hopes to change this by empowering community members to have their voices heard by researchers and policy makers.

    “It’s very important from a personal level that we can reach them where they are, so they can participate actively and see the results,” Antrum says.

    The team plans to replicate this pilot study with a larger sample that includes men and women and will look at the impact of poor nutritional health on students’ educational outcomes. The team has also looked at how policies create food swamps. For example, in Hartford, corner stores and other non-grocery establishments that sell food were coded as grocery stores, giving policy makers an inaccurate picture of food access across the city.

    “The Photovoice Project is being shared in multiple venues, and as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. But in this case, the voice and lived experience of residents are captured alongside the photos, substantiating a more compelling case for the change that is required to move the needle towards health equity,” says Angela Harris of Phillips Metropolitan CME Church.

    Working with community partners, Cooksey Stowers successfully lobbied to have the definition updated to require “grocery stores” sell a certain percentage of fresh foods and a square footage requirement in 2022.

    “That was a barrier to change,” Cooksey Stowers says. “Because as we were presenting data to folks outside of Hartford trying to recruit a supermarket operator, trying to get state-level support, on paper they were seeing that there were grocery stores there.”

    Other policies can help restrict new fast-food establishments from opening while encouraging community-owned health-promoting businesses like cafes and restaurants with healthy options and fitness establishments. They presented this policy proposal to Hartford policy makers at the end of September.

    “They are envisioning a health-topia, not an area that is filled with dialysis treatments,” Cooksey Stowers says. “They want to focus on prevention, not just treatment.”

    “To make a real impact, we need sustainable investment and policy changes to turn food deserts and swamps into spaces that promote health, equity, and opportunity,” says Denise Holter, CATF chair. “This isn’t just about access to healthy, affordable food—it’s about ensuring dignity, choice, and a brighter future for everyone.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice and Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Electric, Hybrid Buses Coming to UConn as Next Generation of Clean Transit

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    For more than 100 years, Storrs students have been able hop on buses of varying kinds – from a 1920s jalopy to today’s sleekly designed “Ice Bus” – on their way to their classes, residence halls, and activities around campus.

    While UConn Storrs has grown and even the school’s name has evolved, one thing has remained the same: The buses have been powered by fossil fuels, which has been the standard technology for decades in mass transit around the world.

    But that’s about to change. As the State of Connecticut pursues more clean energy options, it is providing two new battery electric buses to the Windham Regional Transit District (WRTD), which operates UConn’s bus system, for use on the Storrs campus starting in the spring semester.

    The electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and provide all the features that today’s students need for a comfortable and productive ride. Those amenities include three-position bicycle racks, phone charging ports, comfortable silica cushion seats, on-board electronic information displays, and other features envisioned in the Customer Experience Action Plan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).

    The new buses are part of a larger initiative by CTDOT and state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) in partnership with transit providers to transition from diesel to zero-emissions models under an executive order that Gov. Ned Lamont issued in 2021.

    The new 32-seat electric buses fit ideally into UConn’s clean-energy transportation vision, which is part of the broader plan to attain carbon neutrality on campus by 2030. Some of the related initiatives in the works include installing a hydrogen fuel dispenser at Storrs next spring; replacing 24 aging utility fleet vehicles with hydrogen-fueled models; and adding nine hybrid buses, which are currently on order.

    Many more electric vehicle charging stations are also being added at Storrs, UConn Health, and other locations statewide. Like the hydrogen fuel station, they will be accessible for public use.

    “Transportation is a critical piece in the puzzle at UConn as we work toward carbon neutrality by 2030 and the goal of net carbon zero by 2040,” says Stan Nolan, UConn’s interim associate vice president for facilities operations, which include transportation and fleet services.

    “Transitioning our University vehicles to models that operate on more sustainable fuel sources will significantly enhance our progress, along with providing amenities like the charging stations to support and encourage others to adopt green-friendly transportation in our community,” he says.

    All told, the University’s fleet vehicles are driven a combined total of about 2,000 miles per day on and around its campuses. About three-quarters of them run on gasoline or diesel fuel, but that percentage is decreasing as vehicles reach the end of their serviceable lives and many are being replaced with clean-energy vehicles.

    President Radenka Maric, an internationally recognized expert in clean energy technology, says the impact of transitioning UConn’s fleet to green-energy sources will be an important step in the work toward carbon neutrality.

    It also establishes UConn and the State of Connecticut as a partnership model for other states to emulate and underscores ideals of UConn’s Strategic Plan, in which the wellness of people and the planet – starting right on its campuses – are among the six top focus areas.

    The two electric buses are expected to be added to the Storrs routes in the spring semester once the charging infrastructure is installed and ready for use at the WRTD bus garage.

    The electric buses can run for about 150 to 180 miles per charge in winter, and about 200 to 220 miles per charge in summer. That range is ideal for a location like the Storrs campus, where the buses are constantly circulating on a typical day and the per-charge mileage is expected to be on the higher side since they will travel on flat topography at low speeds, officials say.

    They will be around the same size as the current buses, most of which are seven or eight years old. Many of those buses will be taken off the road in coming years as they reach the end of their service life, with more clean-energy vehicles envisioned in their place.

    The two new electric buses will include UConn’s logo and other recognizable branding, along with a white noise sound for safety to ensure pedestrians can hear the bus even if they are wearing headphones, ear buds, or other clothes and gear.

    The new buses also will include the current audio warnings that are broadcast to indicate to people nearby whenever a bus is turning.

    The two new electric buses being deployed at Storrs are part of the State of Connecticut’s initiative to electrify at least 30% of the medium and heavy-duty transit fleet statewide by 2030, and 100% by 2035.

    Of the 50 new buses being delivered this year, 34 have been deployed across the various CTtransit divisions in addition to 11 already operating in the Hamden and Stamford areas from the 2022 Electric Bus Pilot program.

    “Transitioning our fleet from older diesel models to newer zero-emission buses reduces greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution,” says Benjamin Limmer, CTDOT’s Bureau Chief of Public Transportation. “These state-of-the-art buses are quieter, provide a smoother ride, and offer additional amenities that today’s riders deserve. We’re excited to see them running on the Storrs campus this spring.”

    Though UConn is moving into a new generation of clean energy mass transit, bus service at Storrs dates back to the days when it was still the Connecticut Agricultural College.

    A news story from a 1921 version of the Connecticut Campus student paper includes a colorful description of transportation options in previous years, including a 25-passenger Kissel car that often lost its front wheel on Route 195’s Spring Hill and a faster but short-lived Studebaker.

    One of the most famous – or infamous, some would say – was an old Pierce-Arrow they jokingly called the “Black Maria,” a common nickname for police vehicles.

    “Students will remember a good many times when they gave vent to their feelings because of Maria’s mulish behavior,” the newspaper wrote in an April 1921 profile of the driver, who transported students three times daily between Willimantic and the campus.

    The idea of a 32-seat passenger bus would have been inconceivable to students then.

    In fact, electricity had only arrived on campus starting in 1906 – and only in the chapel, library, and dining hall, not the dorms. Now, almost 120 years later, the two new electric buses and nine new hybrid buses represent the next generation of transportation at UConn.

    “UConn has always worked to ensure that its campuses are provided with the most modern, user-friendly, and socially responsible transportation options available. The addition of the new electric buses fits perfectly into that mission,” says Andy Kelly, UConn’s associate director of logistics in its facilities operations division.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Esplanade resurfacing during October half term23 October 2024 The Government of Jersey will be carrying out essential highway maintenance on the eastbound carriageway of the Esplanade from 26 October to 3 November 2024. The Esplanade and Victoria Avenue will remain… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    23 October 2024

    The Government of Jersey will be carrying out essential highway maintenance on the eastbound carriageway of the Esplanade from 26 October to 3 November 2024.

    The Esplanade and Victoria Avenue will remain open in both directions during the work, with a contraflow to ensure there are two lanes for each direction. 

    Signed diversions will also be in place, which will be especially important if you have an appointment at the General Hospital. Drivers approaching from the east will need to use Castle Street to get to Patriotic Street Car Park, while those coming from the west will need to use Cheapside/Gloucester Street to access Kensington Place/Patriotic Street. 

    We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. The work is much needed as some sections were last improved more than 20 years ago. 

    More details on diversions and working times are detailed on gov.je/roadworks​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: The Pet Hazard Decking Your Halls: truInsights into Foreign Body Ingestion & Holiday Decor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tis the season for holiday decor. But all those haunted Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving centerpieces and Christmas ornaments present a hidden danger pet parents need to watch out for.

    In 2023 alone, pet medical insurance company Trupanion (Nasdaq: TRUP) received more than 24,000 foreign body ingestion claims. Foreign body ingestion (FBI) is a painful, sometimes deadly, and costly condition that happens when a pet eats something they can’t pass through their gastrointestinal system without veterinary help.

    “Keep a close eye on your pets during the holiday season,” says veterinarian and Trupanion General Manager, Dr. Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM. “And if you suspect your pet ate something they shouldn’t have, don’t risk it—reach out to your veterinarian to have them examined to be sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry in these instances.”

    Foreign Body Ingestion: By the Numbers

    In 2023, Trupanion paid 24,305 foreign body ingestion claims. The average claim was $878, while the highest claim was $27,403.

    Amongst Trupanion’s current population of insured pets, 7% of dogs and 3% of cats have had an FBI claim. Puppies and kittens have the most FBI claims of any age group by far. Pets under 1 year of age claim 322% more than adults and senior pets. Adult pets claim 34% more than senior pets.

    Top 5 Dog Breeds Claiming

    • Doberman Pinscher
    • Maltese
    • Boston Terrier
    • Shih Tzu
    • German Pointer

    Top 5 Cat Breeds Claiming

    • Persian
    • Bengal
    • Russian Blue
    • Sphynx
    • Siberian

    The Science & Medicine of Foreign Body Ingestion

    When a pet eats a foreign object that they can’t pass through their gastrointestinal system, it can become lodged anywhere along the GI Tract and cause a variety of symptoms from vomiting and diarrhea to obstruction, organ damage, and even death.

    Early signs and symptoms of foreign body ingestion are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, refusal of food or loss of appetite, whining, restlessness, pain in the belly, straining to defecate or being unable to fully vacate the bowels.

    If these symptoms are observed, it’s recommended that the pet is seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible so that they can be evaluated for foreign body ingestion.

    During the examination, the vet may perform diagnostic imaging such as x-rays to see if a foreign object can be seen, or use a substance called Barium which when swallowed, illuminates on the radiographs to show if there is a blockage somewhere along the GI tract, and can help track the foreign material.

    Surgery is often needed to safely remove foreign objects from the GI tract to prevent further damage. The vet may also support with IV fluids, prescribing pain and/or nausea medications, inducing vomiting, performing bloodwork to check organ function, as well as observation while the pet passes the object.

    Prognosis is based on many factors such as what the pet ingested, how long the object has been stuck in the GI tract, where in the tract the object is stuck, and how healthy the pet is otherwise.

    Early intervention is always better. If too much time passes before treatment, the pet’s health may continue to decline, and if the blockage is an intestinal or stomach obstruction, the blood flow to organs can be affected, which can result in permanent damage or necrosis of those tissues. In these cases, just a few hours can mean the difference between life or death.

    Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

    Common items that pets ingest that result in foreign body ingestion include clothing (often socks and underwear), sticks, bones, corn cobs, champagne corks, food packaging and wrappers, dental floss, hair elastics, and toy stuffing or squeakers.

    During the holidays, the big ones to watch out for are decorations like tinsel, garlands, ribbons, and string. In fact, there is a specific type of very dangerous foreign body ingestion called a Linear Foreign Body, where things like strings or ribbons get lodged anywhere from the tongue down the esophagus and into the stomach and intestines. These linear foreign objects can cause the intestines to bunch and slice through the tissues as the body tries to expel them.

    “Keep a close eye on your pets during the holiday season,” says veterinarian and Trupanion General Manager, Dr. Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM. “There’s a lot going on—a lot of distractions for pet parents, and a lot of objects around the house this time of year that look like toys to our pets, so it’s vital to remain vigilant. On special occasions, ensure you’re cleaning up wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons after opening gifts, and when entertaining, keep pets contained and out of the kitchen so they don’t have access to food and bones, and to prevent guests from feeding them things they shouldn’t eat. And if you suspect your pet ate something they shouldn’t have, don’t risk it—reach out to your veterinarian to have them examined to be sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry in these instances.”

    More Foreign Body Ingestion Safety Tips

    • Provide gates and pens to control what areas pet have access to
    • Check toys regularly to ensure they’re still intact
    • Dispose of toys that are coming apart to prevent ingestion of stuffing, strings and squeakers
    • Keep laundry room doors closed to prevent access to laundry baskets and detergent pods
    • Keep bathroom and bedroom doors closed to prevent access to garbage cans and other debris

    About truInsights

    truInsights is a data focused initiative introduced by Trupanion and designed to deliver valuable health-related data and insights to pet parents, veterinarians and pet lovers alike. With over 20 years of pet health data, Trupanion has explored its veterinary invoice data from nearly two million pets and provides details on data trends, as well as prevention tips for keeping our pets safe.

    About Trupanion

    Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Puerto Rico and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

    Contacts:

    Media: Trupanion Corporate Communications

    Corporate.communications@trupanion.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Clinical ink Announces the Promotion of John Pappadakis to Chief Commercial Officer and Megan Petrylak to Chief Operating Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Winston Salem, NC, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clinical ink, a global life science technology company, announces the promotion of John Pappadakis from EVP, Global Business Development to Chief Commercial Officer and Megan Petrylak from EVP, Clinical Operations to Chief Operating Officer. Jonathan Goldman MD, CEO of Clinical ink commented: “I am delighted to announce the promotion of two of our most seasoned and experienced executives.  With John Pappadakis as CCO, and Megan Petrylak as COO, Clinical ink has the ideal leadership team to drive us to the next phase of growth.  Our unwavering focus on quality and innovation make us the partner of choice for our biopharmaceutical partners and the patients they serve.”

    John Pappadakis, Chief Commercial Officer

    John Pappadakis has 34 years of experience in sales and marketing leadership roles within the pharma industry. His career includes commercial and R&D positions at Oracle and IMS Health, following positions of increasing seniority at Pfizer and Parke-Davis where he launched over 30 new molecular entities.

    As Clinical ink’s EVP, Global Business Development, John devised an innovative go-to-market strategy centered around the addition of scientific and medical expertise, and the incorporation of new FDA requirements into the Clinical ink technology platform.  His vision inspired the creation of the company’s newest integrated cardiometabolic product, GlucoseReady™.  Under his leadership, the company recruited a world-class commercial team and demonstrated record levels of key BD metrics.

    As Chief Commercial Officer, John will further diversify Clinical ink’s customer base with the addition of new large, medium and small biopharmaceutical companies, whilst solidifying the company’s CRO relationships and other industry alliances.  His plans include the deepening of the therapeutic area focus on cardiometabolic, CNS, immunology and oncology, the introduction of an end-to-end decentralized/digital health platform centered around eCOA and EDCXtra™, as well as new licensing-based business models.  Moving forward, John will be announcing novel and transformative AI-driven clinical trial innovations.

    Megan Petrylak, Chief Operating Officer

    Megan Petrylak has over 14 years of clinical trial experience in senior operational leadership roles. She has particularly focused on driving successful outcomes in phase 1-3 clinical trials for a wide range of global biopharmaceutical and CRO customers. Prior to her 6 year tenure at Clinical ink, Megan served as Director of Project Delivery at Worldwide Clinical Trials. Prior to that role, she headed Bioclinica’s centers for imaging and eClinical project management.

    As EVP, Clinical Operations, Megan oversaw Clinical ink’s entire customer, site, and patient-facing operations function.  She augmented the team with deep expertise in data management and data quality, mandating a quality-first culture. This resulted in impressive increases in customer satisfaction, complemented by significant reductions in all study build and execution metrics and excellent quality outcomes.  In addition, Megan’s team successfully launched new products including GlucoseReady™ and EDCXtra™ and has developed a range of industry partnerships including TransPerfect for translations and eClinical Solutions for complex data solutions.  Her deep subject matter expertise in eCOA and data management has been recognized at numerous industry consortia and she has served as an expert speaker at meetings such as the Society of Clinical Data Management.

    In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Megan will oversee significant growth in Clinical ink’s revenue, broadening the customer base and expanding the range of integrated solutions. Her plans include upscaling the team to support the planned growth in revenue and margin profile, aided by automation of key operational and data processes. Megan will continue to prioritize quality to drive operational excellence and ensure exceptional delivery to clients.  

    About Clinical ink

    Clinical ink is the global life science company bringing data, technology, and patient-centric research together. Our deep therapeutic-area expertise, coupled with behavioral science, eDC/Direct Data Capture, eCOA, eConsent, telehealth, and digital biomarkers advancement (including the use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for detection of hypoglycemia), support the next generation of clinical trials and ultimately, the clinical management of patients.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Voters Express Growing Concerns About Deepfake Technology Ahead of 2024 Elections: Global Survey Reveals Rising Fears

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the 2024 U.S. elections approach, a new survey by Regula, a global leader in identity verification solutions, reveals growing voter concerns about hyper-realistic fake content. Many respondents worry that deepfakes could manipulate public opinion, undermine trust in the media, and jeopardize the integrity of election results.

    Given the evolution of AI-generated content into highly sophisticated tools of deception, voters and institutions feel uncertain about the upcoming wave of fake news.

    Image: Regula’s Deepfake Trends study reveals growing fears as deepfakes threaten to distort our perception of reality

    Key highlights from the new “Deepfake Trends 2024” survey include:

    • 33% of U.S. respondents say the media is most at risk from deepfakes, fearing fake news reports and interviews that could mislead the public.
    • 28% of Americans and 34% of Germans worry that deepfakes could directly manipulate political elections, spreading fabricated content designed to influence voter behavior.
    • In Mexico, a stunning 48% of people believe their media is vulnerable to deepfake corruption, the highest among surveyed nations.
    • The threat isn’t limited to elections—35% of U.S. respondents fear that AI-generated content could disrupt courtrooms with fake evidence, a concern shared by 27% of Germans.
    • Interestingly, for Singapore, which recently passed a law banning digitally manipulated content of candidates during elections, the largest concern about deepfakes lies in Healthcare. 35% of respondents worry that deepfakes could impersonate medical professionals or spread false medical advice, potentially leading to harmful health outcomes.
    • In the United Arab Emirates, the biggest concern (34% of respondents) is the use of deepfakes to create fake social media posts, messages, or videos, which could damage personal reputations and relationships.

    “We’ve reached a tipping point where voters and institutions alike can no longer trust what they see or hear. Deepfakes are becoming so sophisticated that we must equip ourselves with the tools and skills needed to detect and combat this new wave of disinformation. It’s crucial to remember that when overwhelmed by information, we often switch to autopilot, making us more vulnerable to manipulation. That’s why building digital literacy is essential—always question what you see, double-check before sharing, and protect your personal data. Strengthen your online security and stay informed on the latest AI developments—this is how we safeguard ourselves,” says Henry Patishman, Executive VP of Identity Verification Solutions at Regula.

    Find more insights on deepfake fraud and businesses in the survey report. Read the full version on our website.

    *The research was initiated by Regula and conducted by Sapio Research in August 2024 using an online survey of 575 business decision-makers across the Financial Services (including Traditional Banking and FinTech), Crypto, Technology, Telecommunications, Aviation, Healthcare, and Law Enforcement sectors. The respondent geography included Germany, Mexico, the UAE, the US, and Singapore.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the largest library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies in document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security or speed. Regula was repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at http://www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:

    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fcf6b3b-4ff4-404b-b2be-b36d7925a403

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 4BIO Capital leads oversubscribed $28.4 million Series A financing of March Biosciences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    March Bio is rapidly advancing its innovative autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, MB-105, in development for the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell lymphoma.

    Series A was led by 4BIO Capital and Mission BioCapital with participation from KdT Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments, Volnay Therapeutics, Modi Ventures, and Mansueto Investments.

    London, United Kingdom, 23 October 2024 – 4BIO Capital (“4BIO” or “the Group”), an international venture capital firm unlocking the treatments of the future by investing in advanced therapies and other emerging technologies, today announces that it has led a $28.4 million (£21.9 million) Series A Financing round of March Biosciences (“March Bio” or the “Company”).

    4BIO led the oversubscribed round alongside Mission BioCapital with participation from new investors KdT Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments, Volnay Therapeutics, Modi Ventures and Mansueto Investments and existing investors TMC Venture Fund, Cancer Focus Fund and Small Ventures.

    Since its inception as a spinout of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital), March Bio has rapidly advanced its innovative autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, MB-105, in development for the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell lymphoma. MB-105 is specifically engineered to overcome major hurdles related to T-cell targeting by overcoming T-cell fratricide while maintaining high potency against CD5 positive tumor cells. MB-105 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and durable remissions in relapsed T-cell lymphoma patients in a Phase 1 clinical trial at Baylor College of Medicine, with plans to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial in early 2025. Proceeds from the financing will support the Phase 2 clinical development of MB-105 to expand on this data with optimized manufacturing processes.

    Owen Smith, Partner of 4BIO Capital, said, “For far too long, T-cell cancers have been an innovation desert with patients facing a dismal prognosis. March Bio’s innovative autologous CAR-T approach brings patients new hope. MB-105 is specifically engineered for relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell lymphomas and I am delighted that this targeted approach combined with the incredible team led by Sarah is moving rapidly into Phase 2 to bring this exciting new treatment to patients. We are honored to be a co-lead investor in March Bio and to help support the company as it continues in its mission to bring transformative therapies to those in urgent need.”

    Sarah Hein, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of March Biosciences, added, “This oversubscribed financing enables us to advance our first-in-class CAR-T therapy, MB-105, into a Phase 2 trial for T-cell lymphoma – an indication with an exceptionally poor prognosis and few treatment options. With the support and confidence of 4BIO and all of our investors, we are not only advancing our lead program but also expanding our pipeline, underscoring our commitment to delivering best-in-class therapies to patients that can change the treatment paradigm for these challenging cancers.”

    Owen Smith of 4BIO Capital and Cassidy Blundell of Mission BioCapital will be joining March Bio’s Board of Directors. The financing will also provide resources for the ongoing development of undisclosed pipeline products, as well as for general corporate proceeds.

    – End –

    Contacts

    4BIO Capital +44 (0) 203 427 5500
    info@4biocapital.com
       
    ICR Consilium
    Amber Fennell, Kris Lam, Jonathan Edwards    		 +44 (0)20 3709 5700
    4biocapital@consilium-comms.com

    About 4BIO Capital

    4BIO Capital (“4BIO”) is an international venture capital firm focused on investing in advanced therapies, including genomic medicines and other emerging technologies, to unlock the treatments of the future. 4BIO’s objective is to invest in, support, and grow early-stage companies developing treatments in areas of high unmet medical need, with the ultimate goal of ensuring access to these potentially curative therapies for all patients. Specifically, it looks for viable, high-quality opportunities in cell and gene therapy, RNA-based therapy, targeted therapies, and the microbiome. The 4BIO team comprises leading advanced therapy scientists and experienced life science investors who have collectively published over 250 scientific articles in prestigious academic journals including Nature, The Lancet, Cell, and the New England Journal of Medicine. 4BIO has both an unrivalled network within the advanced therapy sector and a unique understanding of the criteria that define a successful investment opportunity in this space. For more information, connect with us on LinkedIn and X @4biocapital and visit http://www.4biocapital.com.

    About March Biosciences

    Houston-based March Biosciences, launched from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital), is dedicated to addressing challenging cancers unresponsive to current immunotherapies. Its lead asset, MB-105, is a CD5-targeted CAR-T cell therapy currently in Phase 1 trials in patients with refractory T-cell lymphoma and leukemia, with promising signals of efficacy and safety to date. A Phase 2 trial is expected to begin next early year. The company has raised over $50M to date, inclusive of this current financing and support from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and the NIH SBIR program. Learn more at http://www.march.bio.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: National tourist routes unite 50 regions of the country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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    Altai Krai. Turquoise Katun

    As part of the implementation of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, the Government, together with the regions, is actively developing the tourism infrastructure, opening new national routes and making travel around the country even more exciting and comfortable. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    “Development of tourism infrastructure is a complex task that the Government is solving on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin. Thanks to the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, we are increasing the availability of recreation for Russians and creating new routes. Traveling around Russia is safe, accessible and comfortable. Today, 56 national routes unite 50 regions, allowing travelers to see interesting sights of our country. In this way, we are popularizing domestic tourism, revealing the potential of the regions,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko added that national routes run through all federal districts, and the leader in their number is the North-West, where 16 routes have received national status.

    Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov spoke about the advantages of new national tourist routes.

    “National tourist routes are the result of the work of regional teams, a unique and ready-made tourist product. Each route is based on a verified set of tourist services that allow travelers to immerse themselves deeply in the history and culture of the territory in a short time, learn about its ethnographic and gastronomic features. For regions, this is not only an opportunity to declare themselves, but also an additional tool for promoting and attracting tourists, as well as an opportunity to receive funds from the national project for the development of infrastructure. For travelers, this is a guarantee of high quality, thoughtfulness and often greater accessibility of the trip,” said Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The Association of Tour Operators of Russia noted that the main goal of such routes is to ensure that tourists are absolutely confident in their comfort and the optimal price-quality ratio while traveling around the country.

    “Assigning the status of a national tourist route is a quality mark, a guarantee of its compliance with the highest requirements formulated in the decree of the Government of Russia. Each national tourist route has its own specifics, and a tourist can choose the most interesting destination for themselves. All NTMs are logistically thought out, have ready-made recommendations on where to stay and stay, are safe and comfortable. When choosing a trip along each route, a tourist can either use the services of tour operators or go independently. Descriptions and programs of national tourist routes can be found on a special page of the national tourism portal “Puteshestvoem.rf”, – clarified the executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia Maya Lomidze.

    The leader in the number of national tourist routes is the Leningrad Region, where the routes “History and Secrets of Medieval Vyborg” have been developed, as well as interregional routes – “Gosudareva Doroga”, which unites the sights of the Moscow, Tver, Leningrad and Novgorod Regions, and “Energy of Ladoga”, which passes through the Leningrad Region and Karelia and received a new status in October.

    “Lake Ladoga is the largest lake in Europe, the cleanest, many rivers flow into it, and only one flows out. It was here that Russian statehood was born, famous monasteries are located, which are a stronghold of spirituality. The unique nature of Lake Ladoga – the Karelian Isthmus, kames and eskers, skerries and numerous bays – all this is united by one route. For the region, the emergence of another national tourist route is very important in terms of regulating the tourist flow, positioning in the tourist geography of Russia. Thanks to the emergence of another national tourist route, the tourist flow to the region can grow annually from 5 to 10%. The plans include the development and promotion of NTM in the Russian and foreign markets,” said Olga Golubeva, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Culture and Tourism of the Leningrad Region – Head of the Tourism Department.

    Among the routes that received a new status in October are “The Secret North: from Arkhangelsk to Solovki,” which allows travelers to get acquainted with the history and traditions of the Russian North and visit the Solovetsky Archipelago, as well as the ethnographic tourist route through the Rostov Region “The Great Cossack Circle,” which offers an immersion in the traditions of the Cossacks.

    According to a study by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the most popular routes among organized tourists were the Grand Tour “All of Karelia”, as well as “Stories and Secrets of Medieval Vyborg”, “Zhigulevskie Weekend”, “Hello, Altai” and “Arkhangelsk – the Arctic Begins Here”.

    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: Global Cloud Storage Market Expected to Reach $234 Billion By 2028 as Tech Stocks Chase Big Opportunities in Big Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The cloud storage market is witnessing significant growth due to the expanding realms of IoT and big data. Cloud storage services offer an agile, flexible, and scalable model for data storage on the Internet, managed and operated by service providers. This model provides enterprises with advantages such as rapid deployment, scalability, reduced CAPEX, and uninterrupted business continuity. A report from MarketsAndMarkets projected that the global Cloud Storage Market size is expected to grow to USD $234.9 Billion by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.8% during the forecast period. The report said: “The rising investments by governments and investors in tailored Cloud Storage solutions offerings along with the increasing need for flexible, scalable, efficient storage and disaster recovery, backup solutions and services, are expected to drive the market growth. The demand across enterprises worldwide for Cloud Storage solutions in a shift to cloud-based technologies from on premises is expected to drive the market growth. Surge in demand to provide remote work force with omnipresent access to data and files has been a key driving factor to foster market adoption largely.” Active tech companies in the markets this week include: Scope Carbon Corp. (OTCQB: SCPCF) (CSE: SCPE), Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL), Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD).

    MarketsAndMarkets continued: “Based on use cases, Backup & Recovery will hold the highest market share in the Cloud Storage market during the forecast period. Backup & Recovery is crucial in safeguarding data and ensuring business continuity. These applications are purpose-built to address the unique challenges of modern, dynamic, and often distributed IT environments. By seamlessly integrating with cloud technologies and containerized workloads, they provide a layer of resilience that protects data against loss, corruption, or disasters. These solutions enable organizations to efficiently create backups, perform granular recoveries, and maintain data integrity, thereby supporting cloud applications and services reliable and uninterrupted operation. In an era where data is a paramount asset, Backup & Recovery applications in cloud storage are indispensable for mitigating risks and ensuring the availability and integrity of critical information.”

    Scope Carbon Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) Launches Subscription Model for Round-Trip Encrypted, Quantum-Resilient Cloud Storage for Individuals and Small Businesses – Scope Carbon Corp. (“Scope” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the official launch of its subscription model, now offering individuals and small businesses full access to its industry-leading round-trip encrypted and quantum-resilient decentralized cloud storage solutions.

    This launch builds on Scope Technologies’ commitment to providing top-tier, next-generation data security. With the QSE (Quantum Security Entropy) platform, individuals and small businesses can now leverage the same advanced encryption and decentralized storage infrastructure that Scope delivers to mid-sized and enterprise clients, ensuring their data remains safe from current and future cyber threats. The platform is designed for seamless scalability, allowing users to expand their storage and security needs as they grow, without compromising performance or protection. Additionally, QSE’s efficiency-driven model ensures competitive pricing, reflecting our ability to deliver premium security solutions with exceptional value. Readers are encouraged to visit Scope Technologies’ QSE platform at: https://www.qse.group/#services

    A New Era of Data Security for Individuals and Small Businesses

    Following the successful completion of platform updates and closed-group testing, individuals and small business users now have access to QSE’s cloud storage services, featuring:

    • Quantum-Proof Encryption: Utilizing quantum entropy to generate encryption keys that remain unbreakable, even by future quantum computing power.
    • Immutable, Decentralized Storage: A decentralized infrastructure ensures data is protected from ransomware, over-encryption, or tampering, offering a significant advantage over traditional cloud backups.
    • Seamless Integration: Easy-to-use APIs allow for quick setup and smooth integration with existing data systems, providing flexibility and scalability.
    • Accessible Pricing Plans: Tiered subscription options make enterprise-grade security affordable and accessible for both individuals and small businesses.

    “Data protection should not be a luxury,” said Sean Prescott, Founder and CTO of Scope Technologies Corp. “With this launch, we’re making the same round-trip, quantum-resistant encryption and decentralized storage vaults available to individuals and small businesses that we already provide to mid-sized and enterprise corporations. Now everyone can protect their data from today’s risks and the future challenges posed by quantum computing.” CONTINUED… Read this full release and more for Scope Technology at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-scpe/

    In other tech industry news of interest:

    Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ: ORCL) – To ease patient settlement and payment reconciliation, Oracle recently announced Oracle Health Payments. With the end-to-end payment solution, including gateway routing, processing, and acquiring under a single agreement, healthcare facilities can help reduce costly, unexpected service fees. It also makes it easier for patients to cover a copay, elective surgery, or an existing bill using a variety of payment options including, traditional chip and pin pay methods, or simply tapping to pay with the latest digital options including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

    Payment processing costs can vary widely between payment providers, card brands, or payment types. Compliance and service fees can also make it difficult for healthcare facilities to estimate and factor these costs into their financial planning. Built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle Health Payments offers a payment card industry (PCI)-compliant, fixed-rate pricing model with no additional service or convenience fees. Integrated with Oracle’s point-of-sale hardware and Oracle Health Patient Accounting, Oracle Health Payments uses end-to-end encryption and tokenization, empowering health systems to securely capture payments and automate revenue posting, which helps reduce fraud and collection costs.

    Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), the AI Data Cloud company, recently announced the launch of the AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality, uniting Snowflake’s data platform, AI capabilities, and industry-specific solutions to deliver best-in-class data insights for the travel and hospitality industry. Snowflake empowers airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel technology providers to harness data and artificial intelligence to improve operations and power five-star customer experiences across the sector.

    As the travel and hospitality industry transitions from recovery to stable growth, businesses face new challenges and opportunities. Snowflake is uniquely positioned to support this growth, offering a unified platform that streamlines AI and ML development, providing top-tier security and governance capabilities, and democratizing data access. With robust data collaboration capabilities and effortless scalability, Snowflake enables organizations to harness their data’s full potential.

    NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) recently announced that it has contributed foundational elements of its NVIDIA Blackwell accelerated computing platform design to the Open Compute Project (OCP) and broadened NVIDIA Spectrum-X™ support for OCP standards.

    At this year’s OCP Global Summit, NVIDIA will be sharing key portions of the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 system electro-mechanical design with the OCP community — including the rack architecture, compute and switch tray mechanicals, liquid-cooling and thermal environment specifications, and NVIDIA NVLink™ cable cartridge volumetrics — to support higher compute density and networking bandwidth.

    NVIDIA has already made several official contributions to OCP across multiple hardware generations, including its NVIDIA HGX™ H100 baseboard design specification, to help provide the ecosystem with a wider choice of offerings from the world’s computer makers and expand the adoption of AI.

    Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) and Intel Corp. (INTC) recently announced the creation of an x86 ecosystem advisory group bringing together technology leaders to shape the future of the world’s most widely used computing architecture. x86 is uniquely positioned to meet customers’ emerging needs by delivering superior performance and seamless interoperability across hardware and software platforms. The group will focus on identifying new ways to expand the x86 ecosystem by enabling compatibility across platforms, simplifying software development, and providing developers with a platform to identify architectural needs and features to create innovative and scalable solutions for the future.

    For over four decades, x86 has served as the bedrock of modern computing, establishing itself as the preferred architecture in data centers and PCs worldwide. In today’s evolving landscape—characterized by dynamic AI workloads, custom chiplets, and advancements in 3D packaging and system architectures—the importance of a robust and expanding x86 ecosystem is more crucial than ever.

    About FN Media Group:

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Scope Technology Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Announces $110 Million in Awards from ARPA-H’s Sprint for Women’s Health to Accelerate New Discoveries and  Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden created the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research to fundamentally change how our nation approaches and funds women’s health research. Despite making up more than half the population, women have historically been understudied and underrepresented in health research. Since its launch in November 2023, the Initiative has made significant investments to close gaps in research on women’s health—from menopause-related conditions to endometriosis to auto-immune conditions to cardiovascular disease—so that we can improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, and differently.
    Today in Las Vegas, Nevada, the First Lady will announce $110 million in awards from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to accelerate transformative research and development in women’s health. President Biden established ARPA-H, a new research and development funding agency, with bipartisan Congressional support to generate high-impact biomedical and health breakthroughs. In February 2024, the First Lady launched ARPA-H’s Sprint for Women’s Health, the first major deliverable of the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. Over the last 10 months, ARPA-H received an unprecedented response to this call for solutions for women’s health, with over 1,700 submissions across 45 states and D.C. as well as 34 countries.
    In less than a year, the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research has galvanized nearly a billion dollars in funding for women’s health research, including the First Lady’s recent announcement of $500 million from the U.S. Department of Defense and $200 million from the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, in his State of the Union address, President Biden called on Congress to make a bold, transformative investment of $12 billion in new funding for women’s health research. President Biden also signed a first-of-its-kind Executive Order on Advancing Women’s Health Research and Innovation, directing the most comprehensive set of executive actions ever taken to expand and improve research on women’s health. Through the Initiative, federal agencies have committed to taking over 100 actions to prioritize investments in women’s health research and integrate women’s health across the federal research portfolio.
    Accelerating Progress in Women’s Health Research
    Today’s ARPA-H awardees will spur innovation and advance high-impact, novel approaches to diseases and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, and differently. Today’s awardees are working across a range of women’s health issues—from pursuing new ways to prevent, detect, and treat cardiovascular conditions, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, neurological diseases, and pain in women to developing next-generation approaches to menopause, migraines, obstetrics, and gynecological care.
    One-quarter of today’s awardees are pursuing “launchpad” projects, meaning those projects have the potential for commercialization within two years. The remaining awardees are pursuing “spark” projects that are in the early stage of research. ARPA-H’s support for these projects will help ensure that women and their health care providers can soon benefit from the research investments being made today.
    The $110 million in ARPA-H awards announced today across 23 teams fund bold and transformative women’s health solutions, including:
    Aspira Women’s Health Inc. of Shelton, Connecticut will receive $10 million to create a first-of-its-kind definitive, non-invasive blood test to diagnose endometriosis. Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects about 1 in 10 women and often takes years and surgery to be diagnosed. Aspira Women’s Health Inc. aims to reduce the time it takes to diagnose endometriosis from years to days while helping health care providers identify the most appropriate treatment option for each woman’s needs.
    Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts will receive $9.1 million to improve our ability to assess brain disorders in women through a novel non-invasive MRI imaging biomarker. Even though conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and multiple sclerosis disproportionately affect women, there are significant gaps in our knowledge about how to prevent, detect, and treat these conditions in women. By developing a novel and non-invasive MRI technology to measure a specific brain protein, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. will advance our understanding of, and improve treatments for, brain disorders in women.
    Children’s Research Institute of Washington, DC—through its research arm on families—will receive $8.1 million to develop a novel way to assess chronic pain in women. Women experience pain differently than men which can lead health care providers to underestimate and undertreat this pain, resulting in prolonged suffering, delayed diagnosis and treatment, and a reluctance to seek medical care. Despite this need, there is currently no objective, quantitative indicator of chronic pain in women. Children’s Research Institute aims to fill this gap by studying how a woman’s eyes react to external stimulation, which is directly related to how she perceives pain.
    Gravidas Diagnostics, Inc. of Los Angeles, California will receive $3 million to create a first-of-its-kind at-home test to revolutionize our ability to detect early preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. By making it easier to identify preeclampsia quickly, Gravidas Diagnostics Inc.’s new low-cost fingerstick test would help women and their doctors get the information they need sooner to reduce pregnancy-related complications and improve maternal and child health.
    The University of Iowa will receive $10 million to revolutionize the treatment for late-stage and metastatic ovarian cancer by using personalized nanoparticles to boost a woman’s immune system. More than half of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed only after the cancer has metastasized, making it harder to treat and reducing survival rates. Leveraging nanotechnology, the University of Iowa will engineer personalized nanoparticles to use a woman’s own immune system to attack multiple cancers and help more women get the treatment they need to live longer.
    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) will receive $3 million to improve our ability to treat migraines in women. Women are more likely than men to suffer from migraines, which can be extremely debilitating. UNC-Chapel Hill will study the lymphatic system to better understand why women are more susceptible to migraines than men—with the goal of treating migraines with new drugs specifically targeting the brain lymphatics and developing personalized treatments to reduce women’s debilitating migraines.
    Additional information and a full list of awardees is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Halloween candy binges can overload your gut microbiome – a gut doctor explains how to minimize spooking your helpful bacteria

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christopher Damman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington

    It’s probably best to enjoy your Halloween spoils in moderation. Jupiterimages/The Image Bank via Getty Images

    Each October, as the days shorten and the air grows crisp, millions of Americans prepare for the beloved – and often sugar-fueled – tradition of Halloween. From jack-o’-lanterns glowing on porches to costumes ranging from the whimsical to the gory, Halloween is a time of playful scares, childhood memories and, of course, candy.

    But as the wrappers pile up and the sugar rush hits, there’s something far more sinister brewing beneath the surface: the negative effects of candy on your gut health.

    Sugar and other ingredients in Halloween treats can cast a sickly spell on the trillions of microorganisms that reside in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome. As a gastroenterologist and gut microbiome researcher at the University of Washington School of Medicine, I have dedicated my career to decoding the cipher of how food affects this microbial community within your gut.

    While no candy is truly healthy, some options are better for your gut than others. And there are ways you can help wake your gut from its sugar “spell” after holiday indulgence.

    Gut-busting treats

    What does all this candy do to your gut?

    In a healthy state, your gut microbiome acts like a microbial factory. It digests nutrients your body can’t – such as fiber and colorful, health-conferring plant compounds called polyphenols – and produces important molecules called metabolites that protect against infection and support brain health. It also regulates metabolism, or the transformation of food into useful components that power and grow cells.

    A balanced diet keeps your gut’s microbial cauldron churning smoothly. But the concentrated sugar, saturated fat and additives in candy can throw things into disarray by feeding inflammatory microbes that weaken your gut barrier – the protective lining that separates your microbiome from the rest of the body.

    Once the gut barrier is breached, even friendly microbes can stir up inflammation, causing health issues ranging from overweight to obesity, infections to autoimmune disease, and mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s.

    The food you eat shapes your gut microbes, which in turn shape your overall health.

    Sugar and inflammation impair your microbiome’s ability to digest food and regulate metabolism. Instead of producing healthy byproducts – such as butyrate from fiber and urolithin A from polyphenols – candy lacking these nutrients may trick your system into storing more fat, providing less energy for your muscles and brain.

    Too much candy can also affect your immune system. A healthy gut microbiome helps your immune system distinguish between friend and foe, reducing the risk of infections and autoimmune disorders. Sugar and inflammation undermine the microbiome’s role in training the immune system to distinguish between harmful invaders and harmless substances. Without a carefully calibrated immune system, your body may not effectively clear infections or may strongly react to its own cells.

    Neurologically, excess sweets can also affect the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication between the gut and brain. A healthy microbiome normally produces neurotransmitters and metabolites, such as serotonin and butyrate, that influence mood and cognitive performance. Sugar and inflammation adversely affects the microbiome’s role in mental health and cognitive function, contributing to depression, anxiety and memory troubles.

    The candy conundrum

    Not all Halloween treats are created equal, especially when it comes to their nutritional value and effects on gut health. Sugar-coated nuts and fruit such as honey-roasted almonds and candy apples rank among the top, offering whole food benefits just beneath the sugary coating. Packed with fiber and polyphenols, they help support gut health and healthy metabolism.

    On the opposite end of the spectrum are chewy treats such as candy corn, Skittles, Starbursts and Twizzlers. These sugar-laden confections are mostly made of high fructose corn syrup, saturated fat and additives. They can increase the unsavory bacterial species in your gut and lead to inflammation, making them one of the least healthy Halloween choices.

    Chocolate-based candies, however, stand out as a more microbiome-friendly option. While varieties such as Twix, Three Musketeers and Milky Way contain only a small amount of chocolate, pure chocolate bars – especially dark chocolate – are rich in fiber and polyphenols. In moderation, dark chocolate with at least 80% to 85% cacao may even benefit your gut microbiome and mood by encouraging beneficial bacterial species to grow.

    Candy apples usually provide a serving of fruit and nuts.
    Ryan Benyi Photography/Connect Images via Getty Images

    Chocolates with whole nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, offer a boost of fiber, protein and omega-3 fats, making them a healthier choice. Dark chocolate with nuts is best. But when sorting through Halloween treats, Peanut M&Ms, 100 Grands and Almond Joys may be better options over Rolos, Krackels and Crunches. Even candies with processed nuts, such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfingers, retain small amounts of fiber and protein, making them preferable to nut-free options.

    At the bottom of the list, along with chewy sugar candies, are pure sugar candies such as lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, gummies and Smarties. These sweets lack nutritional value, and their high sugar content can contribute to the growth of unhealthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.

    In the end, all candies are high in sugar, which can be harmful when consumed in large quantities. Moderation and an otherwise balanced diet is key to enjoying Halloween treats.

    Rebalancing after indulgence

    If the microbiome is critical for health, and candy can disrupt its balance, how can you restore gut health after Halloween?

    One simple strategy is focusing on the four F’s of food: fiber, phytochemicals, unsaturated fats and fermented foods. These food components can help support gut health.

    Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits and vegetables regulate digestion and nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

    Dark chocolate is a treat that may offer some health benefits.
    Wachiwit/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Polyphenol-rich foods such as dark chocolate, berries, red grapes, green tea and extra virgin olive oil help reduce inflammation and encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

    Unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fats, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon can also support a healthy microbiome.

    Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir and miso help replenish beneficial bacteria and restore gut balance.

    To make tracking your diet easier, consider using a food calculator to measure how well your meals align with the four F’s and microbiome friendly options. Like a virtual “spellbook,” an online tool can help ensure your food choices support your gut health and ward off the effects of sugar overload.

    As my daughters often remind me, it’s perfectly fine to indulge every now and then in a few tricks and treats. But remember, moderation is key. With a balanced diet, you’ll keep your gut healthy and strong long after the Halloween season ends.

    Christopher Damman is on the scientific advisory board at Oobli, Supergut, and One BIO.

    – ref. Halloween candy binges can overload your gut microbiome – a gut doctor explains how to minimize spooking your helpful bacteria – https://theconversation.com/halloween-candy-binges-can-overload-your-gut-microbiome-a-gut-doctor-explains-how-to-minimize-spooking-your-helpful-bacteria-240504

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: VR offers new opportunities for Social Work students

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 23 October 2024 at 13:30

    Cutting-edge technology allows students to experience realistic scenarios without risk

    Social workers of the future are now using cutting-edge virtual reality technology to replicate scenarios and complement their education at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

    The new materials have been created at ARU by Vanessa Ferguson, Leighanne Wilson, Dr Marques Hardin and Paul Driver, and a partnership between ARU and Bloomsbury Publishers means that Social Work students at subscribing institutions are able to access the simulations via the Bloomsbury Social Work Toolkit.

    An example scenario replicated by the technology is a simulated home visit, which gives students the opportunity to look around freely, spot any potential issues or signs of neglect, and click on hotspots to find out more information.

    Beginning with a referral or initial case notes, learners are prompted to record their thoughts, concerns, and reflections. From there, they can complete a series of preparatory activities to ensure they are ready for their simulated home visit. These activities test learners’ knowledge of relevant legislation and help prepare them for real-world scenarios they may encounter in their social work practice.

    All ARU students now have access to the technology through their online learning portal. The VR learning will complement the existing teaching and real-life placements that students undergo as part of their three-year undergraduate degree.

    This year is the first time ARU’s Social Work course has included virtual reality technology. A recent Office for Students (OfS) grant means ARU is equipping its campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough with state-of-the-art VR facilities to be used by a range of courses, including Nursing and Midwifery, as well as Social Work.

    Vanessa Ferguson, Associate Professor and Lecturer in Social Work at ARU, said:

    “A crucial part of a social worker’s role is the home visit, which has traditionally been challenging to replicate in a teaching environment and so students have relied on experience gained in placement.

    “The VR simulation offers them the chance to replicate these home visits and provides a safe environment to discuss their findings with their peers and tutors. 

    “We are delighted to be partnering with Bloomsbury to help improve the experience for our Social Work students, as well as students across the country, and we look forward to developing new scenarios to enhance their learning further.”

    Helen Caunce, Senior Publisher at Bloomsbury Publishers, said:

    “We are excited to announce the launch of immersive 360° social work simulations. Helping to prepare students for their placements can be a challenge and these valuable resources will provide much-needed support as students enter a new stage in their journey.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding boost for Hato Hone St John

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello and Minister for ACC Matt Doocey have announced today that the Government has invested over $21 million in additional funding into Hato Hone St John.

    “Hato Hone St John provides an essential service by ensuring people receive timely treatment in an emergency. This is a significant uplift in a constrained financial environment,” says Ms Costello.

    Health New Zealand and ACC will now jointly provide nearly $357 million of funding to Hato Hone St John in the financial year 2024/25 for emergency road ambulance and communication services.

    “This investment will ensure the ongoing delivery of the Hato Hone St John’s emergency road ambulance service. We know that adequate funding of our road ambulance services is essential to ensuring New Zealanders have access to emergency health care,” Mr Doocey says.

    “I am also pleased to see that negotiations with Hato Hone St John’s unions have been settled,” says Ms Costello.

    “We know Health NZ and ACC have worked closely with Hato Hone St John to minimise disruption and ensure essential services remain available.”

    Hato Hone St John has confirmed no further industrial action that would disrupt road ambulance services.   

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Brainstorming Session and First Meeting of Nodal Officers for the Mission on Science & Technology for Sustainable Livelihood System

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

    The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) convened the Brainstorming Session and First Meeting of Nodal Officers for the Mission on Science & Technology for Sustainable Livelihood System today (October 22nd, 2024) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi.

    The meeting was chaired by Dr. (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, O/o PSA and was joined by key government officials, identified as nodal officers from various ministries/departments including Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    This mission aims to leverage scientific advancements and technological innovations to enhance livelihoods and promote sustainable development across communities. The mission, to be implemented by DST, was recommended during the 22nd Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) meeting held on January 19, 2023, to strengthen the technology delivery mechanism for improving quality of life.

    In her opening remarks, Dr. Maini highlighted the need for collaboration across sectors, bringing convergence of existing programs to create scalable and inclusive livelihood models for ensuring last mile connectivity of the STI interventions in the mission. The key objective of today’s meeting included defining the roles and responsibilities of each ministry/department in the different components of the program and formulating a strategy for selecting pilot sites for implementation.

    Presentation was made by Dr. Sangeeta Agarwal, Scientist-F, O/o PSA highlighting the objectives of the mission, importance of definite roles of each participating ministry/department for successful implementation of the program and also presented the strategy for the selection of sites for pilot initiation of the mission. This was followed by presentation by Dr. Anita Aggarwal, DST on the SEED Division programs and IIT Delhi on Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.

    After the presentations, the Chair invited interventions from the nodal officers of each ministry/department. Each ministry/department clearly brought out the efforts being made by them in implementing their flagship schemes at the district and village levels. They shared insights on how these schemes may converge and contribute to the national mission.

    The session concluded with all the nodal officers agreeing to provide inputs regarding ongoing schemes/programs and their geographical spread. These inputs shall aid in identification and selection of sites for pilot scale implementation of the mission.

    *****

    MJPS/ST

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Human Rights Committee Commend Greece on Measures Taken for Unaccompanied Minors, Raise Questions on Domestic Violence and Allegations of Border Pushbacks

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Greece on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  Committee Experts commended Greece for the measures taken for unaccompanied minors, while raising questions on domestic violence, and allegations of pushbacks at the border. 

    One Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed measures taken by the State party, including the establishment of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors, the Emergency Response Mechanism, and law 4960/2022 on the establishment of a National Guardianship System for unaccompanied minors.  The Committee also appreciated the national protection strategy (2021–2025) and the mechanism for unaccompanied children living in precarious conditions. 

    Another Expert asked how the State party addressed the root causes of gender-based violence? Was there a comprehensive strategy to prevent, raise awareness on, and respond to gender-based violence?  Was there mandatory and continuous capacity building for judges, prosecutors, and other law enforcement officials about gender-based violence? 

    A Committee Expert said numerous reports documented instances of pushbacks by the Hellenic police and Hellenic coast guards, including patterns of excessive use of force, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, incommunicado detention, and unlawful destruction of personal belongings.  How would Greece ensure thorough, systematic, effective, and independent investigations into allegations of pushbacks and hold those responsible accountable?  Reports before the Committee indicated that from January 2020 to June 2024, there were 1,452 incidents at the borders affecting approximately 46,649 people. What measures were being taken to ensure that border control operations prioritised the protection of life and that rescue efforts were conducted in compliance with human rights?

    The delegation said violence against women had increased significantly during the pandemic. In April 2020, there was a significant increase of more than 200 per cent regarding phone calls to the hotline for reporting violence.  Psychosocial support was provided upon request, including both online and in-person. An awareness raising campaign was launched in 2024 and was displayed in the Athens urban rail network.  A panic button application was launched, enabling women in immediate danger to call for help in a safe manner by pressing a button on their phone which was linked to the police. 

    The delegation said pushbacks were not the policy of the Greek Government in any way, shape, or form; the Government policy was clear.  Actions taken by Hellenic authorities at the sea borders were carried out in full compliance with international obligations.  Allegations on so-called pushbacks were not compatible with the well-established operations of the Hellenic authorities.  However, any allegations of pushbacks or mistreatment of third country nationals were thoroughly investigated.  From 2015 to the present, the Hellenic coast guards had rescued more than 254,000 people.  Several mechanisms allowed complaints against pushbacks to be submitted to the Hellenic authorities, and the coast guards had a robust disciplinary mechanism.

    Introducing the report, Katerina Patsogianni, Secretary General for Equality and Human Rights, Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family of Greece and head of the delegation, said in recent years, Greece had confronted the combined effects of the economic crisis, the migration crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.  The country was now on a path to long-term progress and sustainability, benefiting its human rights framework.  Greece had developed one of Europe’s most efficient asylum services and continued to improve its capacities and infrastructure.  The fight against human trafficking was a top priority for authorities, who worked closely with non-governmental organizations in a strategic alliance. 

    In concluding remarks, Ioannis Ghikas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked the Committee for the frank and honest exchange.  Greece had worked hard to improve the situation, particularly on migration; the number of deaths in the Aegean Sea had fallen by 40 per cent. Greece had a vibrant society with few resources but was working to do better. 

    Tania María Abdo Rocholl, Committee Chairperson, thanked the delegation for the dialogue, which had covered a wide range of subjects under the Covenant.   The Committee aimed to ensure the highest level of implementation of the Covenant in Greece. 

    The delegation of Greece was made up of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Citizen Protection; the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy; the Ministry of Migration and Asylum; the Ministry of National Defence; the Ministry of Interior; the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports; the Ministry of Health; the Presidency of the Government; and the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-second session is being held from 14 October to 7 November 2024.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 22 October, to begin its consideration of the sixth periodic report of France (CCPR/C/FRA/6).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the third periodic report of Greece (CCPR/C/GRC/3).

    Presentation of Report

    IOANNIS GHIKAS, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said since the last review, Greece had made significant progress in key areas, including the protection of vulnerable groups, ensuring gender equality, and promoting human rights safeguards.  Despite unprecedented challenges, Greece had remained committed to protecting and promoting human rights and looked forward to the Committee’s recommendations. 

    KATERINA PATSOGIANNI, Secretary General for Equality and Human Rights, Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family of Greece and head of the delegation, said in recent years, Greece had confronted the combined effects of the economic crisis, the migration crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.  The country was now on a path to long-term progress and sustainability, benefiting its human rights framework.  Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, Greece implemented restrictive measures to curb the spread of the disease, which were proportionate, non-discriminatory, and scientifically evaluated.  At the same time, the authorities enacted policies to protect public health and mitigate the social and economic effects of the pandemic. The National Vaccination Programme ran smoothly and efficiently, targeting specific and vulnerable groups. Following recommendations to improve policy coordination, Greece launched national human rights action plans with input from independent bodies and civil society. 

    Significant progress had been made on gender equality, including ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Violence against Women and the International Labour Organization Convention on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.  The Labour Inspection Body was now an independent authority, and the Greek Ombudsperson’s role in equal treatment had been strengthened. In 2019, Greece introduced a comprehensive legal framework to promote gender equality.  The new national action plan 2026-2030 would guide future policies with civil society input. 

    This year marked a significant milestone for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, with the enactment of marriage equality for all, without gender discrimination.  On the rights of the child, key policy actions were focused on strengthening foster care and adoption, preventing child abuse, and setting rules for child protection units and childcare centres. 

    Greece was actively implementing the Roma National Strategy 2021–2030, guided by the principle “for the Roma, with the Roma.”  Key committees, including the Roma Forum, were fully operational. All available European Union funding was being used to enhance Roma’s employment, education, healthcare, and housing participation.  Harsher penalties now applied to crimes with racist characteristics. The National Council against Racism and Intolerance, an inter-ministerial body with the participation of independent bodies, adopted the first national action plan in December 2020. 

    For persons with disabilities, Greece established a National Accessibility Authority and was developing a national strategy for 2024-2030.  Key policies included deinstitutionalisation and a personal assistant programme for independent living.  A 2023 law improved access to justice for persons with disabilities and removed derogatory language from the legislation.  Additionally, the Ministry of Health had enacted legislation for psychiatric reform, shifting from institutional to community-based care.

    Greece had developed one of Europe’s most efficient asylum services and continued to improve its capacities and infrastructure.  Since 2021, the National Emergency Response Mechanism had supported thousands of unaccompanied minors in precarious conditions.  This year, Greece launched the new national guardianship system to serve vulnerable asylum applicants better at the first reception stage. In 2023, the General Secretariat of Vulnerable People and Institutional Protection was established in the Ministry of Migration and Asylum to address challenges faced by vulnerable refugees and migrants. 

    Greek law enforcement authorities fulfilled their border protection responsibilities in compliance with domestic, European and international law.  Allegations regarding violations of the principle of non-refoulement at land or sea borders did not correspond to the operational activities of law enforcement agencies.  Greece applied a firm policy for the effective monitoring of fundamental rights and the assessment of complaints of ill treatment at the border, comprised of internal disciplinary procedures; prosecutorial supervision under criminal law; and independent monitoring by the Greek Ombudsman and the National Transparency Authority.  In addition, a Special Committee for Compliance with Fundamental Rights and the position of the Fundamental Rights Officer were established in the Ministry of Migration and Asylum in 2022. 

    The fight against human trafficking was a top priority for authorities, who worked closely with non-governmental organizations in a strategic alliance.  In 2019, the National Referral Mechanism for trafficking victims was launched, which trained staff on standard operating procedures for victim protection, including in reception and identification centres.  A key development in the field of justice was the recent reform of the judicial map for civil and criminal courts, which aimed to reorganise courts geographically, streamline procedures, and speed up case resolution.  Greece had also undertaken several key initiatives to further develop a resilient and pluralistic media ecosystem, focusing on protecting, ensuring safety, and empowering journalists.  Ms. Patsogianni expressed gratitude for being able to engage in a constructive and frank dialogue with the Committee.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Committee noted that awareness raising on the Covenant was part of training activities for judges, lawyers and law enforcement officials. What were the channels used by the State party, the number of beneficiaries of these training courses, and the number of cases in which the provisions of the Covenant were invoked by the national courts?  What measures were taken by Greece to ensure the full implementation of the Committee’s views, including by providing victims with an effective remedy for the violation of their rights in several cases in the courts? 

    According to the information received, the measures taken by the State party during the COVID-19 pandemic had particularly wider implications for the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, who were subject to mandatory quarantine, late vaccinations, lack of access to vaccination for certain groups, and policing people’s movements.  To what extent and how long were asylum procedures suspended due to restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?  Could figures be provided on the number criminal investigations opened, and prosecutions and convictions of the perpetrators of domestic violence and femicide committed during the prolonged COVID-19 quarantine?  What measures had been taken by the State party to ensure effective reparation for the damage suffered by the victims?

    The Committee welcomed the decision taken by the Court of Appeal of Athens in a landmark judgment handed down on 7 October 2020 against the neo-Nazi party “Golden Dawn”, which was described as a criminal organization.  The report also provided figures on the number of alleged racist incidents.  However, information received indicated that there was not enough prosecution to punish the perpetrators of the wrongdoings.  What measures were being taken to encourage victims of discrimination to report the situation to authorities?  How was it ensured that victims of hate crimes had access to support services? 

    Another Expert said the Committee appreciated the adoption of several laws, including amendments to the whistleblower protection law, increasing the fines for foreign bribery offenses, as well as the creation of new anti-corruption institutions, including the National Transparency Authority in 2019.  However, the Committee was concerned about the limited practical impact of these reforms.  Could statistics on corruption efforts be provided, including the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions in corruption cases?  How did the State party ensure thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of corruption, regardless of the officials or institutions involved?  Could more information on technical initiatives be provided?  How were whistleblower protection mechanisms being implemented? 

    The Committee remained concerned about the use of excessive force during pushbacks of migrants and asylum seekers, including instances of pointing guns, hitting with batons, slapping, and pushing asylum seekers.  Could the State party comment on these reports?  Could the State party also comment on allegations that no investigations had been conducted into police violence against Roma communities nearly five years after the incidents?

    The Committee commended Greece for adopting the 10-year national action plan for mental health in 2023, and for adopting law 5129/2024 for the completion of the psychiatric reform.  What steps were being taken to reduce overcrowding and improve the overall quality and supervision of psychiatric care?  How was the State party working to improve the capacity of the Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People with Psychosocial Disability and the Health Quality Assurance Body?

    While the Committee commended Greece for making the reduction of involuntary hospitalisations a priority, how did the State party ensure that patients being evaluated for involuntary commitment were provided with appropriate legal safeguards.  How was the State party working to reduce the total number of involuntary commitments to psychiatric care?  The Committee was concerned by the use of physical and chemical restraints in psychiatric care; what was being done to ensure that the use of restraints was properly regulated and minimised. 

    One Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed measures taken by the State party, including the establishment of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors, the Emergency Response Mechanism, and law 4960/2022 on the establishment of a National Guardianship System for unaccompanied minors.  The Committee also appreciated the national protection strategy (2021–2025) and the mechanism for unaccompanied children living in precarious conditions.  It was hoped these measures were robust and effective. 

    However, the Committee had been informed that unaccompanied minors were still sometimes detained in police stations and subjected to heavy restrictions of movement. How did the State party ensure that short-term detention and restrictions did not amount to a disproportionate limitation of the rights to liberty, security, and freedom of movement of unaccompanied minors?  The Committee was aware of the National Guardianship System for unaccompanied minors and of the Hippocrates project on medical and psychosocial services.  How would the State party ensure that the system and project had sufficient resources to be effective, that available guardians were appointed, and that services would be provided in practice? How did Greece ensure that the age determination procedure was multidisciplinary, scientifically based, harmonised across the country, and used only in cases of serious doubts about the claimed age?

    The Committee understood that law 4800/2021 allowed perpetrators of domestic violence or sexual offences to retain child custody and unrestricted contact with their children until they were convicted by a first instance court.  What measures had Greece taken to protect the safety of women and children who were forced into contact with alleged abusers under shared custody arrangements?  It was understood that in cases of imminent danger to a child’s mental or physical health, a prosecutor could take immediate protection measures for up to 90 days and renewable.  How often was this measure taken?  How well-known was this option to prosecutors and lawyers, as well as to women and children involved?  Why did Greece decide not to include femicide as a crime within the law?  What other measures had it taken to protect women against femicide?  What measures had been taken to increase the availability of shelters across the country?

    Could the State party inform the Committee on how it addressed the root causes of gender-based violence?  Was there a comprehensive strategy to prevent, raise awareness on, and respond to gender-based violence?  Was there mandatory and continuous capacity building for judges, prosecutors, and other law enforcement officials about gender-based violence?  The Committee had received information that Greek coast guards were involved in incidents where women, including pregnant women, were beaten and sexually assaulted.  What concrete measures had the State party taken to protect women from assaults and to prosecute and punish perpetrators?

    Another Expert welcomed information from the State party regarding measures taken to improve conditions in reception and detention centres.  However, reports indicated that migrants and asylum seekers continued to be held in poor and prison-like conditions of detention, and that their living conditions may be considered as amounting to inhuman and degrading treatment. What measures did Greece plan to take to address inadequate conditions of detention in reception and detention centres?  Did the State party have any policies in place to ensure adequate resources were available for migrants and asylum seekers at times of increased arrivals? What steps would Greece take to prevent the detention of third country nationals and asylum seekers and ensure that measures of detention were only used as a last resort? 

    Would Greece consider abolishing the administrative detention of asylum seekers on the grounds of illegal entry, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups?  Would Greece consider putting in place a proper procedure for individualised risk assessment before imposing a detention order for an asylum seeker or a third party national?  What steps would be taken to ensure that all persons deprived of their liberty enjoyed fundamental legal safeguards against ill treatment from the outset of their detention, including the rights to be assisted by a lawyer without delay?  How was it ensured that all foreign nationals deprived of their liberty were granted access to a lawyer and doctor? 

    Another Expert asked what steps were being taken to develop a comprehensive statistical system on trafficking and improve early identification and referral systems? Could disaggregated data be provided on the number of trafficking cases investigated, convictions secured, and sentences imposed?  What steps was the State party taking to adopt a new national action plan and ensure sufficient resources for its implementation?  The situation on support and redress for victims was concerning, as there was a lack of adequately funded and inclusive shelters for trafficking victims and no victims had successfully obtained compensation.  What measures were being taken to increase the capacity of shelters and ensure that they were accessible to all victims?  How did Greece ensure the quality of services provided in shelters, and what long-term reintegration programmes were available?  What steps were being taken to facilitate access to compensation for victims, ensuring they received legal assistance? 

    It was reported that in 2023, of the 10,973 asylum appeals submitted to the Appeals Committees, only 5,915 cases, around 53 per cent, received legal aid.

    What steps were being taken to streamline the legal aid application process and court fee waivers for vulnerable populations?  What measures were being considered to increase the capacity and resources of the legal aid system to ensure timely and effective representation?  How was the State party addressing delays in providing legal aid, especially during critical stages such as police investigations and initial detention?  How did Greece plan to resolve ongoing delays in compensating legal aid lawyers? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that once ratified, international conventions formed part of domestic law. The national school of the judiciary provided training to judges and prosecutors.  Initial training was mandatory since 2022 and covered topics including human rights, gender law, and the treatment of victims.  Thirteen seminars were held online and in-person for judges in 2023, while 15 seminars were planned for 2024.  Greece did not have specific legislation to receive Views from the Committee. 

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Greek authorities resorted to a wide array of restrictive measures to protect public health.  All these measures were necessary and applied in a non-discriminatory manner.  The Greek Ministry of Justice recently amended the Criminal Code concerning the fight against corruption with a new law in 2024.  Greece had an increased number of ongoing corruption investigations and cases and looked forward to final judgments in the immediate future. 

    In 2021, Greece significantly amended the provisions relating to family law.  The law had since triggered widespread concerns regarding its impact on custody in situations of domestic violence.  The Greek legal system offered certain possibilities to suspend or regulate the parental rights of parents who had been abusive to their spouses or children. 

    The National Council against Racism, through strengthened collaboration, would focus on enhancing victims’ access to services, improving the skills of public officials to draft the second national action plan against racism and intolerance, and raising public awareness through a national campaign which reached over 100,000 people. 

    Violence against women had increased significantly during the pandemic.  In April 2020, there was a significant increase of more than 200 per cent regarding phone calls to the hotline for reporting violence. Psychosocial support was provided upon request, including both online and in-person.  A social media campaign had succeeded in raising awareness on the gender-based violence issue.  Since 2010, a comprehensive strategy had been implemented to combat gender-based violence, comprised of prevention measures.  An awareness raising campaign was launched in 2024 and was displayed in the Athens urban rail network.  A panic button application was launched, enabling women in immediate danger to call for help in a safe manner by pressing a button on their phone which was linked to the police. 

    The National Centre for Social Solidarity operated two support centres in Athens for families that faced psychosocial crises, with an emphasis on victims of violence and trafficking.  Short-term accommodation was provided. 

    One thousand and one hundred persons with disabilities had received personal assistance to enhance their independent living.  A protection officer was stationed at each institution to report any cases of abuse. The Transparent Authority was the intendent mechanism responsible for conducting inspections in institutions where there were allegations or suspicions of abuse. 

    From 2019 to 2023, incidents of domestic violence had increased from 5,221 victims to 11,589. There had been 10 homicides of female victims by male perpetrators last year and six so far this year.  Five offices for the protection of minors had been established and a special hotline was operational, enabling citizens to call and make complaints. 

    Foreigners in prison who did not have sufficient knowledge of the Greek language had the right to appear before courts with an interpreter.  Alternative detention measures were applied under certain conditions. Detainees were immediately informed of their rights upon arrival at the prisons.  Information, lawyer representation, and linguistic assistance were provided to any foreign prisoners.  There were plans to recruit interpreters for implementing linguistic projects.

    Sixty-eight offices had been established in the country to combat violence which arose due to racist motives.  A special hotline was put into operation for reporting hate motivated crimes.  The cybercrime division had developed a series of actions aimed at informing the public on hate speech.  Police personnel were trained in the use of weapons and carried appropriate weapons when performing their duties.  The promotion of ethical standards and the code of conduct of police officers was received through training. 

    For people who tried to illegally cross the maritime borders of Greece, Hellenic officers undertook all legal and necessary measures.  There were clear legal rules that governed the use of force during law enforcement and border control activities.  When Hellenic officers used firearms, it was mandatory to inform the local prosecutor.  Detailed instructions had been disseminated to coast guard officers, and it was ensured that vulnerable groups were immediately provided with appropriate medical care.  It was important to recognise the humanitarian efforts of the coast guard officers; hundreds of thousands of migrants had been rescued by the Hellenic coast guard officers throughout the migrant crisis. 

    Since 2002, the Hellenic police had been dealing with the issue of human trafficking.  There were 12 human trafficking teams and officers had received specialised training in identifying victims and providing support. The fight against trafficking remained a top priority for the Greek authorities.  The establishment of the Office of a National Rapporteur on Trafficking was followed by the National Referral Mechanism.  The Office of the National Rapporteur was responsible for a national strategy to combat trafficking, and was mandated to cooperate closely with all national authorities.  The National Referral Mechanism was in its fifth year of operation; it specialised in victim protection and facilitated training sessions. 

    The national crisis management plan for refugees had been activated during the COVID-19 pandemic and consisted of allocating specific areas for medical care and a temporary restriction on movement for foreign nationals.  This did not constitute a detour from the rights in the Covenant.  Regardless of their legal status, migrants and asylum seekers were offered vaccinations free of charge.  Free transport was provided to asylum seekers to reach the local markets and health centres. Restriction on freedom of movement procedures for third country nationals was temporary and was done to verify a person’s identity.  This did not apply to people who urgently required medical support. 

    The work of the Special Secretariat for Unaccompanied Minors had been remarkable.  The National Guardianship System aimed to ensure that every unaccompanied minor had a guardian.  It was a new system that was implemented in January 2024.  There was a system for submitting complaints and a national registry for unaccompanied minors.  There were 137 guardians active in Greece, with more than 500 minors under the programme.  Greece was following an established procedure regarding age assessment. 

    Current penitentiary legislation provided for the protection of prisoners, including the right to appeal their sentence in an appeals court.  A total of 226 appeals had been launched, of which 15 had been awarded a compensation amount, a favourable sentence, or transfer to another penitentiary.  A working group had been set up to develop a short, easy to use guide for prisoners, informing them of their rights.   

    A training programme had been implemented for mental health service professionals, related to the de-escalation of violence and issues of chemical restraints, to ensure the protection of the rights of those with mental disabilities.   

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said femicide was more than murder; it had specific gender motives and was driven by wider issues.  Could the delegation respond to this?  How were women made aware of the panic/warning application on the phone? What happened if men checked the phones? Did the police have sufficient capacity to respond?  Was it also available in rural areas? 

    Another Expert asked if all detention centres had good conditions?  Previously, the alterative to detention was determined by the asylum office, but now it was done by police officers.  Were individual assessments made before detention? 

    An Expert asked what concrete successes had been achieved in corruption cases, and what had been the challenges?  Could information about timely investigations into excessive use of force be provided? 

    One Expert said domestic violence was a real issue facing Greece.  Could information be provided on the sentences handed down and financial types of reparations to victims during the COVID-19 pandemic? 

    A Committee Expert asked for clarification on services available for trafficking victims. 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said more medical staff were joining the reception centres every day. Referrals were also made to local public hospitals for serious cases.  Two reception centres had been established on the mainland, which accepted many applicants from the islands and helped to decongest the islands’ reception centres.  There were centres for women victims of violence and accommodation to child victims was also guaranteed.  Access to compensation was provided by Hellenic authorities.  There had been a strong campaign for raising awareness of domestic violence, including a campaign on the nightly news.  The legal framework would not be changed. 

    The delegation said that at the borders, persons were obliged to remain within the premises to be registered for a minimum of five days, up to a maximum of 25.  Usually, registration was completed before the five days and then the restriction on movement was lifted.  Work was done to promote alternative measures to imprisonment, including electronic monitoring and community services. 

    The root causes of violence against women were identified as persistent gender stereotypes. The national action ban to combat violence against women addressed many areas to combat this scourge.  The panic button had specific features to ensure it remained undetectable by the abuser.  Only the victim was aware of its presence on the phone. 

    In Greece, persons with low income could apply for free legal aid.  Victims of trafficking and domestic violence could receive free legal aid regardless of their income.  The new legislation of the Penal Code made sanctions for violence against women more severe, with a victim-centred approach.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Committee was concerned about the system for the appointment of the most senior judges and prosecutors, including the President and Vice-President of the Council of State, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Audit. 

    Did the State party have any plans to revise the current system for appointing the highest positions of the judiciary and ensure the involvement of the judiciary in the process?  Were there any other measures in place to ensure that the highest positions of the judiciary were not subject to a strong influence from the executive and to safeguard the independence of the judiciary? 

    Greece had yet to establish a statelessness determination procedure; could the State party clarify its plans to finalise and implement a Presidential Decree establishing a statelessness determination procedure?  Would the State party consider ratifying the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness?

    The Committee was concerned about reports that unregistered Roma people faced lengthy and costly judicial procedures to acquire Greek citizenship, and that children born to stateless parents faced substantial barriers to obtaining Greek nationality.  Did Greece have any plans to amend the list of documents required to apply for Greek nationality on the basis of birth and non-acquisition of a foreign nationality at birth, especially for children born to stateless parents?  What concrete steps were in place to eliminate the barriers that stateless Roma faced to acquiring Greek nationality and to address the risk of statelessness within this community? 

    Concerns persisted about the application of the “safe third country” concept, particularly with the designation of Türkiye as a safe third country for asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Somalia.  Despite the lack of readmissions to Türkiye since March 2020, Greece continued to reject numerous applications as inadmissible under this concept, leaving many individuals in prolonged legal limbo without access to international protection.  What measures had been taken to reconsider the extensive use of the safe third country concept given the non-implementation of returns to Türkiye?  How was the State party addressing the protracted legal limbo experienced by asylum seekers, and what protections and support were available for their rights?  What had been done to 

    ensure the implementation of law 4939/2022, which mandated an in-merit examination when a third country did not permit entry?  What support mechanisms were in place for those whose applications had been deemed inadmissible? 

    Another Expert said the State party had asserted that pushbacks had never been practiced as a de facto border policy of the State party and that the Hellenic police and Hellenic coast guard consistently followed the established legal and procedural frameworks.  Yet numerous reports documented instances of pushbacks, including patterns of excessive use of force, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, incommunicado detention, and unlawful destruction of personal belongings.  Reports before the Committee indicated that from January 2020 to June 2024, there were 1,452 incidents at the borders affecting approximately 46,649 people.  Could the State party comment on such allegations and provide information on measures in place to prevent such practices and to safeguard the principle of non-refoulement? 

    Could information be provided on the outcome of investigations undertaken by the National Transparency Authority and other monitoring mechanisms on pushback allegations, and whether there was any follow-up or redress measures taken on allegations of pushbacks?  How would Greece ensure thorough, systematic, effective, and independent investigations into allegations of pushbacks and hold those responsible accountable?  What was the outcome of the 200 documented complaints of pushback cases?  What measures were being taken to ensure that border control operations prioritised the protection of life and that rescue efforts were conducted in compliance with human rights?

    Another Expert said according to the information received, conscientious objectors who performed civilian service would receive either food and accommodation without any salary, or €223.53, which was well below the legal minimum wage.  In addition, the law provided for the possibility for persons over the age of 33 to perform only part of their service and to buy back the rest, at a significantly higher rate than that for military service.  Could the State party comment on this information?  What measures did the State party intend to take to avoid imposing repeated sanctions on conscientious objectors?  What measures did the State party intend to take to ensure non-punitive alternative civilian service?

    It was evident that Roma were considered as a vulnerable social group, and could exercise all civil and political rights.  What measures were being taken to prevent, combat and eliminate all forms of discrimination against Roma children in the education system?  What measures were being taken to limit the use of forced evictions by adopting viable alternatives to eviction, including alternative housing for evicted families?

    The Committee was concerned that stricter registration and financial regulations could compromise civil society’s capacity to monitor human rights, particularly those of asylum seekers, refugees and displaced people.  How did the State party ensure that registration and financial requirements were necessary and proportionate?  How was it guaranteed that these requirements did not indirectly discriminate? 

    The Committee continued to receive information that human rights defenders, especially those working with migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and on pushbacks, were regularly subjected to smear campaigns, harassment, threats and criminal prosecution. In one case, a human rights defender faced restrictions, including a travel ban.  How were these measures considered proportionate?  How were human rights defenders protected in order to ensure that they could carry out their work safely?

    The Committee had received reports linking blanket bans on assemblies to political events. Could the State party confirm that authorities limited their discretion to prohibit assemblies to those strictly necessary and not merely due to their political content?  Now that the COVID-19 emergency measures had ended, what steps had the State party taken to prevent the imposition of blanket bans on all demonstrations?

    One Expert said credible reports indicated that police officers had used excessive force against, and caused serious injuries to, protestors and journalists participating in demonstrations.  What measures were being taken to ensure that police officers used the minimum force necessary in response to high-tension demonstrations?  Could updates be provided about the installation and use of surveillance systems in public demonstrations, including any efforts to establish clear criteria for identifying the persons and places subjected to surveillance, to limit the time period of data retention, and to make information about the systems publicly accessible? 

    What specific reform measures had been adopted to strengthen internal oversight and accountability within the Hellenic Police, especially regarding protest management? How was it ensured that all police officers consistently complied with the requirement to wear visible identification during public assemblies?

    Greece’s Ethics Committee had the authority to exclude media from state advertising and funds for up to two years, raising concerns that government control could have a chilling effect on press freedom.  How was it ensured that the Ethics Committee operated independently from government influence and respected journalistic integrity?  Would the State party revise the legal framework to protect journalists against the use of retaliatory lawsuits?  How were journalists informed about their rights and responsibilities during public demonstrations? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the Supreme Judicial Council decided on the placements, postings and promotion of judicial officers. The principle of non-refoulment was a cornerstone of the framework for the protection of refugees. Strict adherence to this principle applied, and the Hellenic police had circulated clear guidelines for Hellenic police staff regarding the protection of those arriving in the country, particularly women and children.  It was clarified that no third country national who applied for international protection should be returned until their application had been reviewed. 

    The Hellenic police conducted border surveillance duties with full respect of the human rights of third country nationals.  Particular emphasis was given in the provisions of the European Convention of Human Rights.  Land border activities conducted by the Hellenic police aimed at detecting all illegal crossings.  Greece’s legislative framework did not have a specific framework for protecting human rights defenders.  However, an article within the Penal Code set out a special aggravating condition for crimes or misdemeanours committed out of hatred. 

    Actions taken by Hellenic authorities at the sea borders were carried out in full compliance with international obligations. Allegations of so-called pushbacks were not compatible with the well-established operations of the Hellenic authorities.  However, any allegations of pushbacks or mistreatment of third country nationals were thoroughly investigated.  Hellenic coast guards demonstrated a high level of professionalism and were trained to respect the rights of all who were crossing the borders.  From 2015 to the present, the Hellenic coast guards had rescued more than 254,000 people. 

    Several mechanisms allowed complaints against pushbacks to be submitted to the Hellenic authorities, and the coast guards had a robust disciplinary mechanism. Upon receiving a complaint on human rights violations, an administration investigation was launched, and depending on findings, disciplinary sanctions were carried out.  An independent investigation had been launched by the Greek Ombudsman, the results of which were pending.  The law aimed to ensure people in distress at sea and migrants received the highest level of assistance. 

    Greece enacted a law in 2020, followed by a presidential decree, pertaining to public assembly.  This law clearly defined the power of police authorities while ensuring protection, fully protecting the right to freedom of assembly. The Greek police had imposed assembly bans during COVID-19 based on exceptional public health concerns. Greece’s primary aim was to promote the right to assembly, not to restrict it.  In 2023, only three rallies had been banned.  The Hellenic police prioritised de-escalation and the use of “soft measures”, with force being used as a last resort.  Around 34 cases of excessive use of force had been recorded against journalists in 2021, and were sent to the Ombudsman for review. 

    The use of the surveillance system in the context of public open-air assemblies was limited to the assemblies only, without focusing on particular people and without recording sound.  Police officers were obliged to wear a badge of identity on their uniforms during the assemblies. 

    The Greek asylum service had significantly expanded its operational capacity, now operating in 26 different locations across the country, including islands such as Lesbos; these islands were the frontlines of migratory flows.  The number of employees had tripled after 2019 to manage the high volume of cases. By implementing reforms, the Greek asylum service managed to reduce the large number of pending asylum cases to around 18,000 in 2024, down from over 200,000.  Asylum seekers whose appeal had been rejected had the right to file for the annulment of the decision within 30 days.  During 2023, refugee and protection status had been granted to 873 applicants.  This number was around 400 so far in 2024. 

    Greece had designated Türkiye as a safe third country concerning asylum seekers from certain countries.  Based on this information, it could safely be assumed that Türkiye respected the principle of non-refoulment.  Since March 2020, Türkiye had not been responding to requests from nationals from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Syria and other countries and was therefore not implementing its obligations. 

    Free legal aid was provided to asylum applicants.  Appeals committees were instructed to rule that the applicants were stateless if asylum applicants could not prove which country they came from.  Acquisition of Greek citizenship did not discriminate, and children born to Greek Roma parents were awarded Greek citizenship from birth.  The Greek Citizenship Code aimed to prevent statelessness.  Stateless children enjoyed a right to Greek citizenship if they resided permanently in Greece and had between six to nine years of Greek schooling, even if they had not been born in Greece.   

    Several laws referred to the requirements of registration for non-governmental organizations.  The new registration process aimed to set the same rules for all non-governmental organizations and was free of charge.  This year, 10 registrations had been accepted and only one was rejected. 

    In July 2022, the revision of the school curriculum for primary and secondary education was completed, seeking to foster a more equitable educational environment.  In this framework, the teaching of religious education in Greece was viewed as an essential component.  Like other subjects, religious education was intended to foster critical thinking and respect for diverse beliefs and values.  This course would be provided with alternative educational opportunities for students who did not participate in religious education due to their beliefs or backgrounds.

    Military service was a universal obligation in Greece.  Those who identified as conscientious objectors could fulfil this duty through another service, other than within the armed forces.  In the case of the person banned from leaving the country, this ban had been lifted. 

    The Greek authorities had gone the extra mile regarding the adoption of a law in 2022 to strengthen the transparency of print and electronic media. The conditions which had been set out for print and electronic media enhanced the protection of journalists. Regarding the two-year penalty of exclusion from media, this only occurred following a careful examination. This two-year penalty had been approved by the federal journalistic organizations of Greece. 

    More than 200 print media and 400 electronic media had been approved in Greece.  In July 2022, a taskforce was created to focus on issues including gender-based challenges in the media area.  Most recently, a training was conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for law enforcement operators and media professionals to foster better cooperation between the two groups. From this taskforce, a law was developed to protect journalists covering sports events from violence. 

    A new programme was being designed to help Roma people with no documents acquire them.  There was no specific legislation on minority associations or organizations.  Over 200 associations had been formed by members of the Muslim minority. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked how often demonstrations were completely prohibited?  How were associations informed about procedural rights? 

    Another Expert asked for more information regarding the income of conscientious objectors? 

    An Expert said there were overwhelming reports that had documented instances of forced returns.  How was it possible to follow the principle of non-refoulment in these instances?   

    Another Expert thanked the delegation for their thorough answers.  Could further clarification be provided about the State party’s plan to develop a statelessness determination procedure? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said each case of public assembly was evaluated directly, taking into account proportionality and necessity.  The police aimed to facilitate the legal rights to assembly without incident.  The new Penitentiary Code introduced a remedy, enabling those serving in pretrial detention to lodge complaints about the conditions of their living conditions and medical care. 

    Pushbacks were not the policy of the Greek Government in any way, shape, or form; the Government policy was clear.  Greece had significantly approved the asylum system for migration and was now the fourth most productive in the European Union. The State had made all the progress it could considering the difficult region.  Legislation protected everyone, including human rights defenders. Alleged “smear campaigns” needed to be examined by the courts; they could not always be presumed. 

    Closing Remarks

    IOANNIS GHIKAS, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked the Committee for the frank and honest exchange.  Although progress had been made, there was still work which needed to be done. Greece had worked hard to improve the situation, particularly on migration; the number of deaths in the Aegean Sea had fallen by 40 per cent.  Greece had a vibrant society with few resources but was working to do better. 

    TANIA MARÍA ABDO ROCHOLL, Committee Chairperson, thanked the delegation for the dialogue, which had covered a wide range of subjects under the Covenant.   The Committee aimed to ensure the highest level of implementation of the Covenant in Greece. 

    ____

    CCPR.24.023E

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.

    English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Senator Bernie Sanders and President Joe Biden Hold Event in New Hampshire to Discuss Lowering Prescription Drug Costs in America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today joined President Joe Biden in Concord, New Hampshire at the New Hampshire Technical Institute for an event on their work to lower prescription drug costs for the American people.
    Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and the full event can be watched live here and here:
    In America today we spend almost twice as much per person as any other major country on health care – over $13,000 for every man, woman and child.
    And one of the reasons for that is the outrageously high cost of prescription drugs in this country.
    The truth is that the American people, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or Independents, are sick and tired of paying, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.
    There is no rational reason why Merck should be charging diabetes patients in America $6,900 for Januvia when that same product can be purchased in Canada for $900 and just $200 in France.
    Why Johnson & Johnson charges Americans with arthritis $79,000 for Stelara when that same exact product can be purchased for just $16,000 in the United Kingdom.
    Why Bristol Myers Squibb charges patients in America $7,100 for Eliquis when that same exact product can be purchased for just $900 in Canada and just $650 in France.
    I personally, on two occasions, have led Americans into Canada where we purchased on one occasion a breast cancer drug and on another occasion insulin for one-tenth, one-tenth, the price Americans were paying for the same exact drug.
    The result of this absurd reality is that while ten top pharmaceutical companies made over $110 billion in profits last year, and paid their CEOs exorbitant salaries, 1 out of 4 Americans cannot afford the medicine their doctors prescribe. 
    How crazy is that?
    This is unacceptable, and it has got to change.
    In America, we must substantially lower the cost of prescription drugs so that our people can afford the medicine they need; so that we can lower hospital costs; so that we can lower insurance costs; so that we can lower out of pocket costs.
    In the midst of all of this let me give you some good news and that is that under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris we are making some very significant progress in taking on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and lowering prescription drug costs in America.
    Today, no senior in America is paying over $35 a month for insulin.
    Beginning next year, no senior in America will pay over $2,000 a year for prescription drugs. 
    And Medicare, despite the fierce opposition of pharma, is for the first time in history negotiating with the pharmaceutical industry to lower the price of some of the most expensive drugs in America.
    And as a result of these negotiations, guess what? 
    The price of Januvia in America will be cut by 79%.
    The price of Eliquis in America will be cut by 56%.
    And the price of Stelara in America will be cut by 66%.
    That is real progress. Thank you, President Biden for your courage in being the first President in history to take on the power of the big drug companies and thank you Vice President Harris for your hard work on this issue as well.
    I am also proud of the accomplishments the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), which I chair, has made to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.
    Earlier this year, the HELP Committee launched an investigation into the outrageously high price of inhalers that 25 million Americans with asthma and 16 million Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to breathe.
    And what we learned is that the American people were paying, in many cases, 10-70 times more for inhalers than the people in Canada and Europe.
    Working with the Biden Administration and Lina Khan of the FTC I am proud to tell you that the CEOs of 3 major inhaler manufacturers, agreed to cap the cost of their inhalers at no more than $35.
    When we first started this investigation Americans were paying up to $645 for these inhalers.  Today, they are only paying $35 for them. That’s progress.
    But, despite all that we’ve accomplished, it is not enough.  Much more has to be done.
    In his State of the Union address, President Biden called on Congress to pass legislation to cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for all Americans at no more than $2,000 a year and to substantially increase the number of drugs that can be negotiated with the pharmaceutical industry.  I strongly agree with him.
    And let me give you one example of what we have got to be doing in the future.
    Earlier this year, President Biden and I called on Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to substantially reduce the price of their blockbuster drugs for diabetes and weight loss.
    In the President’s view and in my view, it is unacceptable for Novo Nordisk to charge Americans with diabetes $969 for Ozempic when that same exact drug can be purchased for just $155 in Canada, $122 in Denmark, $71 in France, and just $59 in Germany.
    It is also unacceptable for this extremely profitable pharmaceutical company to charge Americans struggling with obesity $1,349 for Wegovy when this same exact drug can be purchased for just $265 in Canada, $186 in Denmark, $137 in Germany, and $92 in the United Kingdom.
    As President Biden and I stated in an op-ed:
    “If Novo Nordisk and other pharmaceutical companies refuse to substantially lower prescription drug prices in our country and end their greed, we will do everything within our power to end it for them. Novo Nordisk must substantially reduce the price of Ozempic and Wegovy.”
    And the good news is that some progress is being made.
    In August, Eli Lilly took a modest step forward by reducing the starter price for Zepbound from over $1,000 a month to less than $400 a month.
    Last month, the CEO of Novo Nordisk committed to working with Pharmacy Benefit Managers to lower the list price of Ozempic and Wegovy and expand access to these drugs at a hearing my committee held on this issue.
    But let’s be clear.
    If Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly do not do more to substantially reduce the price of these drugs, I believe the Administration should take bold action to make these drugs more affordable and more accessible.
    The outrageously high price of these drugs are forcing hundreds of thousands of Americans to buy cheaper, copycat versions of these drugs that have not been approved as safe and effective by the FDA.
    That is unprecedented and, in my view, that is unacceptable.
    Generic drug companies have told me that if the Administration exercises its authority to end the monopoly Novo Nordisk has over Ozempic they could sell this same FDA-approved drug for less than $100 in the United States.
    And it’s not just the high price of weight loss and diabetes drugs, as important as they are.
    In my view, we have to move forward aggressively so that the people in the United States are no longer paying more for the same prescription drugs than our friends in Europe, Canada, or Japan. And if we did that we can cut the price of prescription drugs in America by at least 50%.
    Bottom line: The pharmaceutical industry must stop ripping off the American people.
    Now, I understand that this fight will not be easy. 
    The pharmaceutical industry today has over 1,800 well-paid lobbyists on Capitol Hill – including former leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties.
    In the last 25 years, they have spent over $8.5 billion on lobbying and over $750 million in campaign contributions.
    Their greed has no end.
    But, in my view, if Congress stops listening to the needs of the CEOs in the pharmaceutical industry and starts listening to the needs of the American people we can make this happen.
    Again. This is not a progressive idea.  It’s not a conservative idea. It’s not a Democratic idea or a Republican idea.  It’s precisely what the American people want.
    Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris we have begun to take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry. 
    Now, it’s time to finish the job.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor obtains judgment to recover $120K in wages, damages from Huddle House franchisee who withheld wages, made illegal deductions

    Source: US Department of Labor

    OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Department of Labor has obtained a consent judgment and injunction to recover $120,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 177 Oklahoma restaurant workers whose employer deducted time for lunch breaks not taken and failed to pay employees for all hours worked.

    The Sept. 18, 2024, judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma against Gregg Hansen – operator of Huddle House franchise locations in Ardmore, Edmond and Oklahoma City – follows an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division that found the employer’s pay practices from October 2019 to February 2023 violated federal minimum wage and overtime provisions.

     “Gregg Hansen has deprived hundreds of low-wage workers at his Huddle House franchise locations of their full, hard-earned wages,” explained Wage and Hour Division District Director Michael Speer in Oklahoma City. “The Wage and Hour Division is determined to stop employers who repeatedly and willfully disregard federal labor regulations and hold them accountable for such blatant violations.”

    The division previously cited the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based employer for similar violations at the same Oklahoma locations from 2016 to 2021, and at its locations in Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. The willful and repeated nature of Hansen’s Fair Labor Standards Act violations prompted the department to pursue legal remedies. 

    At one point owning nearly 20 locations in nine states, Gregg Hansen has been known as one of the largest Huddle House franchise operators in the nation. The Huddle House brand is owned by Ascent Hospitality Management in Sandy Springs, Georgia, a multi-brand restaurant company with nearly 600 Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery locations in the U.S. and Canada. 

    Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division. Workers and employers can call the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243), regardless of where they are from. Calls are confidential and the division can speak with callers in more than 200 languages. 

    Download the agency’s new Timesheet App for iOS and Android devices, now available in English and Spanish, to ensure hours and pay are accurate. 

    Lea en Español 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor announces Advisory Board on Toxic Substances, Worker Health will meet Oct. 30

    Source: US Department of Labor

    Advises Secretary of Labor on benefits for nuclear weapons workers with medical conditions

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Labor today announced the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health for Part E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act will hold an online meeting Oct. 30, 2024. Meetings are open to the public.

    The act provides compensation and medical benefits to nuclear weapons workers diagnosed with medical conditions caused by their exposure to toxic substances at covered nuclear facilities.

    The Secretary of Labor appoints advisory board members to two-year terms. Meeting at least twice a year, the board advises the Secretary on certain technical aspects of the EEOICPA. The 12-member board includes four members from the scientific, medical and claimant communities. Dr. Aaron Bowman is the board’s chair. 

    WHAT:          Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health for Part E of the EEOICPA

    WHERE:        Dial-in number available on the advisory board website at least three days prior to the meeting.

    WHEN:          Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT

    Comments, materials, requests for accommodations and requests to speak must be sent by Oct. 23, 2024, to EnergyAdvisoryBoard@dol.gov. Requests must refer to the Advisory Board’s name and the meeting date of Oct. 30, 2024. 

    Read the Federal Register notice for more information on how to participate in the meeting.

    Questions about the board can be emailed to EnergyAdvisoryBoard@dol.gov. 

    Learn more about the advisory board. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024-46 NEWS RELEASE – DEPT. OF THE AG PARTNERS WITH DEA AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2024-46 NEWS RELEASE – DEPT. OF THE AG PARTNERS WITH DEA AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

    Posted on Oct 22, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
     GOVERNOR 

     

    ANNE LOPEZ 

    ATTORNEY GENERAL 

    News Release 2024-46

     

    THE ATTORNEY GENERAL PARTNERS WITH DEA AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 23, 2024

     

    HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General is partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement (DLE), Narcotics Enforcement Division; and local law enforcement agencies to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

     

    The department encourages everyone to help keep communities safe from the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs by participating in the National Prescription Take Back Initiative on: 

     

    Saturday, October 26, 2024

    10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

     

    Anyone with expired or unused medications is encouraged to bring them to the drive-thru collection sites located on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi islands.

     

    The Take Back events are conducted twice a year and are free and anonymous services to the public – no questions asked. Tablets, capsules, liquids and other forms of medication will be accepted. Everything can be kept in its original container. No labels need to be removed. Vaping devices will also be accepted, but batteries must be removed. New or used syringes will not be accepted.

     

    “The National Take Back Initiative is part of DEA’s ongoing commitment to promote the health and safety of all Hawaiʻi residents,” says DEA Honolulu District Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez. “The results of these semi-annual take back events are substantial with thousands of pounds of unneeded, potentially dangerous medications being collected and safely destroyed.”

     

    “The Department of Law Enforcement wants to encourage the public to turn in unused or unwanted medications at any of the community take back locations. By safely disposing of unused or unwanted medications, through the National take Back Initiative, we never have to worry about those medications being misused,” said DLE Deputy Director Jared Redulla.

     

    “This is a great opportunity to rid unused and expired medications from your home.  Prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved by others to abuse. Let’s work together to keep Hawaiʻi safe from prescription drugs entering our land and ocean,” says Valerie Mariano, branch chief, Community and Crime Prevention Branch, Department of the Attorney General.

     

    Medicine should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. The following are reasons why it is important to properly dispose of unwanted and unused medication.

     

    • Proper disposal reduces the risk of prescription drugs entering the water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
    • Having unused or expired medicine in the home increases the risk of accidental

                poisoning. Homes where children or the elderly live are especially vulnerable to

                this danger.

    • Children may mistake medicine for candy.
    • Medicines may lose their effectiveness after the expiration date.

    Go to http://ag.hawaii.gov for a list of the October 26 Take Back locations in Hawaiʻi. If unable to participate in the Take Back event, there are also several year-round medication drop-off sites in Hawaiʻi. To find your nearest location visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday#resources, or http://www.hawaiiopioid.org.

     

    ###

     

    Media Contacts:

    Dave Day
     Special Assistant to the Attorney General
     808-586-1284
     Email: [email protected]
    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office: 808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
     Email: [email protected]
     Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and URI Offer Free Testing for Lead in Child Care Facility Drinking Water; Testing Completed in Half of Public Schools

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    As part of an ongoing effort to identify and address sources of possible childhood lead poisoning, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is urging licensed child care facilities to sign up to have their drinking water tested for lead. The testing is free and is offered by a cooperative effort of RIDOH and the University of Rhode Island (URI) Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program. Child care facilities are required to test their drinking water upon initial licensure or when there are significant changes to the plumbing; however, historically, that testing has been at the owner’s expense.

    “Lead is poisonous and can impact a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school,” said Director of Health Jerome Larkin, MD. “No Rhode Islander should have to worry if the water their child is drinking at school or child care facility is safe. With our partners at URI, we have already tested the drinking water at more than half of Rhode Island’s public schools to see if onsite plumbing could be exposing students and staff to lead. We are pleased to be able to offer this same opportunity to licensed child care facilities.”

    Participating child care facilities select up to 10 drinking water faucets and fountains, including bottle filling stations, for testing. URI collects the samples, and the samples are tested at RIDOH’s State Health Laboratories. RIDOH has some limited federal funding that may help schools and child care facilities subsidize the costs of replacing eligible faucets and fountains. RIDOH will also provide child care facilities that detected any lead with suggested actions to lower lead levels. Child care facilities that follow any of RIDOH’s recommended actions will be able to re-test their drinking water, for free, to confirm lead levels were lowered. Lead is a poisonous metal. As plumbing gets old, lead can get into the water when metal wears away in pipes, lead-based solder, or brass fittings on faucets or water fountains. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Children with high blood lead levels can experience lifelong health problems, such as learning disabilities, loss of IQ, and reduced attention span. The effects are most serious for children younger than six.

    “The only way to know if there is lead in drinking water is to test for it. With this information, child care facilities are able to take the needed steps to lower lead levels and safeguard the health of children and staff,” said Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. RIDHS is the state agency that oversees child care facility licensing. “While child care centers are already testing, this provides an opportunity for them to do it at no charge. I would encourage these facilities in the state to take advantage of this important opportunity.”

    Results of testing in public schools Since this initiative started in 2023, RIDOH and URI have tested water at 148 public schools, representing the drinking water for more than 60,000 students. At the schools, 1,022 drinking water faucets and fountains were tested. Lead is measured in drinking water in parts per billion (ppb). Higher levels of lead (higher than 10 ppb) are more concerning. Nearly 80% of drinking water faucets and fountains tested did not detect any lead. High levels of lead in school drinking water were rare. Less than 4% of sampled drinking water faucets and fountains had higher than 10 ppb of lead.

    Although only 20% of all the faucets and drinking fountains tested detected lead, nearly 70% of schools tested detected lead in at least one drinking water faucet or fountain. Approximately 21% of schools detected high levels of lead (greater than 10 ppb) in at least one drinking water faucet or fountain. These results underscore the importance of testing individual drinking water faucets and fountains for lead at schools and child care facilities for lead. Schools and child care facilities can use test results to identify problematic water faucets and fountains and work to fix the problem. If the test results are lower than 10 ppb, the school or child care facility should flush the pipes before students and staff arrive and they should clean and replace aerators. If test results are higher than 10 ppb, the school should replace the faucet or drinking fountain.

    All drinking water testing results are shared with the school or child care facility and are posted on RIDOH’s website. Participating facilities are encouraged to share the results directly with their parents, staff, and community.

    This water testing project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water grant, established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.

    Any school or child care facility that is interested in participating can email Lisa Philo (lphilo@uri.edu). Questions can be emailed to emma.shipley.ctr@health.ri.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Pushes for Improved Menopause Research, Training, & Awareness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to reduce stigma and boost research into a key area of women’s health that has been traditionally underfunded by Congress, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging passage of the Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act (S.4246).  This bipartisan legislation seeks to boost menopause research, training, and education and would, for the first time, coordinate the federal government’s existing programs related to menopause and mid-life women’s health. 
    Menopause is a natural process in a woman’s life that involves a significant hormone shift women go through in middle age, marking the end of menstrual cycles.
    Despite the fact that half the population in the U.S. will eventually experience menopause, menopause research has long been underinvested in and overlooked.  To date, there are few federally funded clinical trials on menopause and menopausal hormone therapy and very little menopause education for doctors—only 31.3 percent of U.S. residency programs offer a formal menopause curriculum according to a survey conducted by The Menopause Society, and 80 percent of OB-GYN residents believed more menopause educational resources were needed in their program.
    Today, Senator Reed joined Dr. Renee Eger, MD, director of the Midlife Center at Women & Infants Hospital and medical director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Care Center at Women & Infants Hospital and Providence Community Health Centers president and CEO Merrill Thomas and Stephanie Avila, Certified Nurse Midwife for PCHC, Title X Clinical Program Coordinator, and other health experts to discuss efforts to increase federal research on menopause, and create a national public health awareness, education, and outreach program on menopause and mid-life women’s health.
    Senator Reed says it essential to have comprehensive research and data to develop effective policy to address the economic, social, and health impacts of menopause and perimenopause – which precedes it.
    Specifically, the Advancing Menopause and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act seeks to authorize $275 million over five years to strengthen and expand federal research on menopause, health care workforce training, awareness and education efforts, and public health promotion and prevention to better address menopause and mid-life women’s health issues. The federal funds would be set aside for clinical trials, public health, and medical research on menopause, as well as support for menopause detection and diagnosis and public outreach.
    “Menopause is a normal, natural life transition that has a major impact on women’s lives.  We need to talk about and stop the stigma. This legislation targets federal research dollars in a strategic way to improve women’s mid-life health.  Investing in menopause research will boost public health and can lead to the discovery of new treatments.  Importantly, this bill also expands training programs for health professionals,” said Senator Reed.  “For too long, menopause has been a stigmatized and overlooked issue.  This is a condition that happens to all women in mid-life, but federal research dollars have been severely lacking.  We need to change that by investing and changing the conversation to help more women lead healthier lives.”
    According to the women’s health advocacy nonprofit Let’s Talk Menopause, approximately 75 million women are in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause right now in the U.S.—with 6,000 more women reaching menopause each day.
    Dr. Eger stated: “You don’t think about menopause until you are IN menopause, or your mother, your wife, your sister, or your best friend is. It is wonderful to think that our government is financially acknowledging this. Thank you Senator Reed and the co-sponsors of this bill for making this a priority for all of our country.”
    “At Providence Community Health Centers, our patients face disproportionately greater challenges — they are poorer, sicker, and encounter significant barriers to receiving the care they need compared to the state’s average,” said Stephanie Avila, Certified Nurse Midwife and Title X Clinical Program Coordinator at Providence Community Health Centers. “Given the cardiovascular, bone density, brain health and mood implications, we have before us an opportunity to create broad, comprehensive health improvements by advancing research and training in this area. It is short sighted to see menopause as only a ‘GYN’ issue. This is an issue of much needed healthcare.”
    In March, the Biden-Harris Administration issued an Executive Order creating the White House Women’s Health Research Initiative to better address the long-standing gap of women’s issues in medical research.  It includes a call for greater investment in women’s mid-life and menopause research. 
    The first $500 million of that commitment was made last month, with the U.S. Department of Defense investing half a billion dollars to research medical issues that disproportionately affect women in military service and improve care for female service members, veterans, spouses, dependents and family caregivers.
    The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act was introduced by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  In addition to Murray and Reed, the bipartisan bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: FS Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Net Income of $10.3 Million or $1.29 Per Diluted Share and the Forty-Seventh Consecutive Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSBW) (the “Company”), the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington (the “Bank”) today reported 2024 third quarter net income of $10.3 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, compared to $9.0 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter one year ago. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $27.6 million, or $3.45 per diluted share, compared to net income of $26.3 million, or $3.33 per diluted share, for the comparable nine-month period in 2023.

    “Deposit growth experienced in the third quarter of 2024 was a direct result of the Bank-wide focus and strategic planning objective to fund loan growth with core deposits,” stated Joe Adams, CEO. “We are also pleased that our Board of Directors approved our forty-seventh consecutive quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per common share, demonstrating our continued commitment to returning value to shareholders.  The cash dividend will be paid on November 21, 2024, to shareholders of record as of November 7, 2024,” concluded Adams.

    2024 Third Quarter Highlights

    • Net income was $10.3 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $9.0 million for both the previous quarter and the comparable quarter one year ago;
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) increased to 4.35% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 4.29% in the previous quarter, and 4.34% for the comparable quarter one year ago;
    • Total deposits increased $44.5 million, or 1.9%, to $2.43 billion at September 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in noninterest-bearing checking of $34.4 million and certificates of deposit (“CDs”) of $15.0 million, compared to $2.38 billion at June 30, 2024 and decreased $27.1 million, or 1.1%, from $2.45 billion at September 30, 2023.  Noninterest-bearing deposits were $657.8 million at September 30, 2024, $623.3 million at June 30, 2024, and $670.2 million at September 30, 2023; 
    • Borrowings decreased $18.1 million, or 9.9% to $163.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $181.9 million at June 30, 2024, as a result of the Company’s strategic planning objective to fund loan growth with core deposits; 
    • Loans receivable, net was unchanged at $2.46 billion at September 30, 2024, and June 30, 2024, and increased $88.1 million, or 3.7%, from $2.38 billion at September 30, 2023;
    • Consumer loans, of which 87.3% are home improvement loans, decreased $9.3 million, or 1.4%, to $632.4 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $641.7 million in the previous quarter, and decreased $7.7 million, or 1.2%, from $640.1 million in the comparable quarter one year ago. Yields on consumer loans increased 18 basis points to 7.59% from 7.41% at the end of the second quarter 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, consumer loan originations included 80.4% of home improvement loans originated with a Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) score above 720 and 83.9% of home improvement loans with a UCC-2 security filing;
    • For the third quarter of 2024, there was a tax benefit of $420,000, compared to tax provisions of $2.4 million in the prior quarter, and $2.5 million for the same quarter last year.  The tax benefit for the third quarter of 2024 was due to $28.4 million of energy tax credits purchased during the current quarter related to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022;
    • Repurchased 97,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the third quarter of 2024 at an average price of $43.58 per share with $1.4 million remaining for future purchases under the share repurchase plan that was approved in July 2024;
    • Book value per share increased $0.30 to $37.45 at September 30, 2024, compared to $37.15 at June 30, 2024, and increased $4.87 from $32.58 at September 30, 2023.  Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP financial measure) increased $0.44 to $35.10 at September 30, 2024, compared to $34.66 at June 30, 2024, and increased $5.37 from $29.73 at September 30, 2023. See, “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
    • Segment reporting in the third quarter of 2024 reflected net income of $9.3 million for the Commercial and Consumer Banking segment and $1.0 million for the Home Lending segment, compared to net income of $8.0 million and $1.0 million in the prior quarter, and net income of $8.8 million and $166,000 in the third quarter of 2023, respectively;
    • The percentage of available unencumbered cash and secured borrowing capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve Bank to uninsured deposits was 182% at September 30, 2024, compared to 191% in the prior quarter. The average deposit size per FDIC-insured account at the Bank was $33,000 and $32,000 for September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively; and
    • Regulatory capital ratios at the Bank were 14.2% for total risk-based capital and 11.2% for Tier 1 leverage capital at September 30, 2024, compared to 13.9% for total risk-based capital and 10.9% for Tier 1 leverage capital at June 30, 2024.

    Segment Reporting

    The Company reports two segments: Commercial and Consumer Banking and Home Lending. The Commercial and Consumer Banking segment provides diversified financial products and services to our commercial and consumer customers. These products and services include deposit products; residential, consumer, business and commercial real estate lending portfolios and cash management services. This segment is also responsible for the management of the investment portfolio and other assets of the Bank. The Home Lending segment originates one-to-four-family residential mortgage loans primarily for sale in the secondary markets as well as loans held for investment.

    The Company reflected the sale of servicing rights in the first quarter of 2024 as a gain to the Commercial and Consumer Banking segment to offset the realized loss on sale of investment securities and will allocate the gain on a straight-line basis over four years as intercompany income from the Commercial and Consumer Banking segment to the Home Lending segment.

    The tables below provide a summary of segment reporting at or for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands):

        At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024  
    Condensed income statement:   Commercial and Consumer Banking     Home Lending     Total  
    Net interest income (1)   $ 28,612     $ 2,632     $ 31,244  
    Provision for credit losses     (1,331 )     (182 )     (1,513 )
    Noninterest income (2)     2,257       3,710       5,967  
    Noninterest expense (3)     (20,199 )     (5,633 )     (25,832 )
    Income before (provision) benefit for income taxes     9,339       527       9,866  
    (Provision) benefit for income taxes     (71 )     491       420  
    Net income   $ 9,268     $ 1,018     $ 10,286  
    Total average assets for period ended   $ 2,347,855     $ 612,935     $ 2,960,790  
    Full-time employees (“FTEs”)     442       117       559  
        At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023  
    Condensed income statement:   Commercial and Consumer Banking     Home Lending     Total  
    Net interest income (1)   $ 27,563     $ 3,071     $ 30,634  
    Provision for credit losses     (437 )     (111 )     (548 )
    Noninterest income (2)     2,680       2,302       4,982  
    Noninterest expense (3)     (18,539 )     (5,047 )     (23,586 )
    Income before provision for income taxes     11,267       215       11,482  
    Provision for income taxes     (2,480 )     (49 )     (2,529 )
    Net income   $ 8,787     $ 166     $ 8,953  
    Total average assets for period ended   $ 2,361,014     $ 540,372     $ 2,901,386  
    FTEs     434       128       562  
        At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024  
    Condensed income statement:   Commercial and Consumer Banking     Home Lending     Total  
    Net interest income (1)   $ 84,749     $ 7,242     $ 91,991  
    Provision for credit losses     (3,796 )     (193 )     (3,989 )
    Noninterest income (2)     6,919       10,027       16,946  
    Noninterest expense (3)     (58,250 )     (14,968 )     (73,218 )
    Income before (provision) benefit for income taxes     29,622       2,108       31,730  
    (Provision) benefit for income taxes     (4,253 )     165       (4,088 )
    Net income   $ 25,369     $ 2,273     $ 27,642  
    Total average assets for period ended   $ 2,369,740     $ 586,001     $ 2,955,741  
    FTEs     442       117       559  
        At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023  
    Condensed income statement:   Commercial and Consumer Banking     Home Lending     Total  
    Net interest income (1)   $ 83,332     $ 9,516     $ 92,848  
    Provision for credit losses     (2,555 )     (817 )     (3,372 )
    Noninterest income (2)     7,766       7,268       15,034  
    Noninterest expense (3)     (56,099 )     (15,215 )     (71,314 )
    Income before provision for income taxes     32,444       752       33,196  
    Provision for income taxes     (6,758 )     (157 )     (6,915 )
    Net income   $ 25,686     $ 595     $ 26,281  
    Total average assets for period ended   $ 2,288,996     $ 520,513     $ 2,809,509  
    FTEs     434       128       562  

    __________________________

    (1)   Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on assets and the cost of liabilities to fund those assets. Interest earned includes actual interest earned on segment assets and, if the segment has excess liabilities, interest credits for providing funding to the other segment. The cost of liabilities includes interest expense on segment liabilities and, if the segment does not have enough liabilities to fund its assets, a funding charge based on the cost of assigned liabilities to fund segment assets.
    (2)   Noninterest income includes activity from certain residential mortgage loans that were initially originated for sale and measured at fair value, and subsequently transferred to loans held for investment. Gains and losses from changes in fair value for these loans are reported in earnings as a component of noninterest income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded net increases in fair value of $262,000 and $448,000, respectively, as compared to net decreases in fair value of $343,000 and $285,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were $13.9 million and $15.2 million, respectively, in residential mortgage loans recorded at fair value as they were previously transferred from loans held for sale to loans held for investment.
    (3)   Noninterest expense includes allocated overhead expense from general corporate activities. Allocation is determined based on a combination of segment assets and FTEs.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Home Lending segment included allocated overhead expenses of $1.8 million and $4.8 million, compared to $1.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
         

    Asset Summary

    Total assets increased $28.8 million, or 1.0%, to $2.97 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $2.94 billion at June 30, 2024, and increased $50.1 million, or 1.7%, from $2.92 billion at September 30, 2023.  The increase in total assets at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, included increases of $15.7 million in other assets, consisting primarily of a federal income tax receivable of $25.7 million, $7.3 million in total cash and cash equivalents, $7.0 million in securities available-for-sale, and $6.5 million in loans receivable, net, partially offset by decreases in loans held for sale (“HFS”) of $4.4 million,  and core deposit intangible (“CDI”), net of $897,000. The increase compared to September 30, 2023, was primarily due to increases in loans receivable, net of $88.1 million, loans HFS of $30.7 million, other assets of $13.1 million, and FHLB stock of $5.8 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in total cash and cash equivalents of $40.3 million, securities available-for-sale of $23.7 million, mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) of $8.9 million, certificates of deposit at other financial institutions of $5.6 million, CDI, net of $3.7 million, deferred tax asset, net of $3.2 million, operating lease right-of-use assets of $1.7 million, and premises and equipment, net of $900,000.

    LOAN PORTFOLIO                                                
    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     September 30, 2023  
        Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
    REAL ESTATE LOANS                                                
    Commercial   $ 352,933       14.1 %   $ 359,404       14.4 %   $ 364,673       15.2 %
    Construction and development     292,366       11.7       274,209       11.0       289,873       12.0  
    Home equity     75,063       3.0       73,749       3.0       67,103       2.8  
    One-to-four-family (excludes HFS)     591,666       23.7       588,966       23.7       540,670       22.5  
    Multi-family     238,462       9.6       239,675       9.6       243,661       10.1  
    Total real estate loans     1,550,490       62.1       1,536,003       61.7       1,505,980       62.6  
                                                     
    CONSUMER LOANS                                                
    Indirect home improvement     552,226       22.2       563,621       22.7       562,650       23.4  
    Marine     76,845       3.1       74,627       3.0       73,887       3.1  
    Other consumer     3,346       0.1       3,440       0.1       3,547       0.1  
    Total consumer loans     632,417       25.4       641,688       25.8       640,084       26.6  
                                                     
    COMMERCIAL BUSINESS LOANS                                                
    Commercial and industrial (“C&I”)     296,773       11.9       285,183       11.5       236,520       9.8  
    Warehouse lending     15,249       0.6       25,548       1.0       23,489       1.0  
    Total commercial business loans     312,022       12.5       310,731       12.5       260,009       10.8  
    Total loans receivable, gross     2,494,929       100.0 %     2,488,422       100.0 %     2,406,073       100.0 %
                                                     
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (31,232 )             (31,238 )             (30,501 )        
    Total loans receivable, net   $ 2,463,697             $ 2,457,184             $ 2,375,572          
     

    Loans receivable, net was unchanged at $2.46 billion at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, and increased $88.1 million from $2.38 billion at September 30, 2023. Total real estate loans remained virtually unchanged at $1.55 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, however, there were notable shifts within the portfolio. Specifically, construction and development loans increased $18.2 million, one-to-four-family loans (excluding HFS) increased $2.7 million mainly due to new loan originations, and home equity loans increased $1.3 million. These gains were partially offset by declines of $6.5 million in commercial real estate loans and $1.2 million in multi-family loans.  In addition, commercial business loans increased $1.3 million to $312.0 million at September 30, 2024, up from $310.7 million on June 30, 2024, resulting from an increase of $11.6 million in C&I loans and a decrease of $10.3 million in warehouse lending.  Consumer loans decreased $9.3 million to $632.4 million at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, resulting from an $11.4 million decrease in indirect home improvement loans, partially offset by an increase of $2.2 million in marine loans. 

    The composition of CRE loans at the dates indicated were as follows:

    (Dollars in thousands)                        
        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     September 30, 2023  
    CRE by Type:   Amount     Amount     Amount  
    Agriculture   $ 3,610     $ 3,639     $ 3,926  
    CRE Non-owner occupied:                        
    Office     40,672       41,381       41,878  
    Retail     36,070       37,507       37,865  
    Hospitality/restaurant     27,743       28,314       25,252  
    Self storage     19,130       19,141       21,381  
    Mixed use     17,881       18,062       16,768  
    Industrial     15,402       17,163       17,431  
    Senior housing/assisted living     7,621       7,675       8,556  
    Other (1)     6,684       6,847       7,814  
    Land     2,523       3,021       6,381  
    Education/worship     2,545       2,571       2,645  
    Total CRE non-owner occupied     176,271       181,682       185,971  
    CRE owner occupied:                        
    Industrial     63,577       63,969       63,307  
    Office     42,156       41,978       41,663  
    Retail     19,968       20,885       23,228  
    Hospitality/restaurant     10,528       10,800       14,153  
    Other (2)     8,116       8,354       8,850  
    Car wash     9,575       9,607       7,818  
    Automobile related     8,874       8,200       8,193  
    Education/worship     4,609       4,610       4,617  
    Mixed use     5,649       5,680       2,947  
    Total CRE owner occupied     173,052       174,083       174,776  
    Total   $ 352,933     $ 359,404     $ 364,673  

    __________________________________

    (1)   Primarily includes loans secured by mobile home parks totaling $774,000, $782,000, and $2.4 million, RV parks totaling $689,000, $692,000, and $702,000, automobile-related collateral totaling $594,000, $599,000, and $0, and other collateral totaling $4.6 million, $4.7 million, and $4.8 million at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, respectively.
    (2)   Primarily includes loans secured by gas stations totaling $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.7 million, non-profit organization totaling $901,000, $908,000 and $928,000, and other collateral totaling $5.7 million, $5.1 million and $6.2 million at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, respectively.
         

    The following tables includes CRE loans repricing or maturing within the next two years, excluding loans that reprice simultaneously with changes to the prime rate:

    (Dollars in thousands)     For the Quarter Ended         Current Weighted
        Dec 31,   Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,   Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sep 30,         Average
    CRE by type:   2024   2025   2025   2025   2025   2026   2026   2026   Total   Rate
    Agriculture   $ 926   $ —   $ 424   $ —   $ 311   $ 181   $ 259   $ 306   $ 2,407   6.40%
    Apartment     9,990     9,817     5,271     1,829     18,671     1,908     14,485     9,797     71,768   4.87%
    Auto related     —     —     2,091     —     —     —     —     —     2,091   4.18%
    Hotel / hospitality     —     579     1,212     1,336     —     118     1,307     —     4,552   4.39%
    Industrial     8,337     897     588     —     10,361     584     173     1,636     22,576   5.29%
    Mixed use     795     1,750     3,490     250     318     —     —     —     6,603   5.00%
    Office     4,702     11,171     —     4,214     988     528     1,666     566     23,835   4.88%
    Other     1,227     —     116     1,168     246     901     —     2,545     6,203   4.96%
    Retail     1,266     2,006     —     83     —     465     3,285     —     7,105   4.15%
    Senior housing and assisted living     —     —     —     —     —     2,186     —     —     2,186   4.75%
    Total   $ 27,243   $ 26,220   $ 13,192   $ 8,880   $ 30,895   $ 6,871   $ 21,175   $ 14,850   $ 149,326   4.91%
     

    A breakdown of construction loans at the dates indicated were as follows:

    (Dollars in thousands)                                
        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024  
    Construction Types:   Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
    Commercial construction ─ retail   $ 8,710       3.0 %   $ 8,698       3.2 %
    Commercial construction ─ office     4,737       1.6       4,737       1.7  
    Commercial construction ─ self storage     10,408       3.5       10,000       3.6  
    Commercial construction ─ car wash     7,807       2.7       7,807       2.8  
    Multi-family     30,931       10.6       30,960       11.3  
    Custom construction ─ single family residential and single family manufactured residential     43,528       14.9       46,107       16.8  
    Custom construction ─ land, lot and acquisition and development     8,220       2.8       7,310       2.7  
    Speculative residential construction ─ vertical     145,549       49.8       131,293       47.9  
    Speculative residential construction ─ land, lot and acquisition and development     32,476       11.1       27,297       10.0  
    Total   $ 292,366       100.0 %   $ 274,209       100.0 %
    (Dollars in thousands)                                
        September 30, 2024     September 30, 2023  
    Construction Types:   Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
    Commercial construction ─ retail   $ 8,710       3.0 %   $ 7,347       2.5 %
    Commercial construction ─ office     4,737       1.6       4,591       1.6  
    Commercial construction ─ self storage     10,408       3.5       10,734       3.7  
    Commercial construction ─ car wash     7,807       2.7       7,287       2.5  
    Multi-family     30,931       10.6       52,913       18.3  
    Custom construction ─ single family residential and single family manufactured residential     43,528       14.9       44,542       15.4  
    Custom construction ─ land, lot and acquisition and development     8,220       2.8       7,012       2.4  
    Speculative residential construction ─ vertical     145,549       49.8       124,244       42.8  
    Speculative residential construction ─ land, lot and acquisition and development     32,476       11.1       31,203       10.8  
    Total   $ 292,366       100.0 %   $ 289,873       100.0 %
     

    Originations of one-to-four-family loans to purchase and refinance a home for the periods indicated were as follows:

    (Dollars in thousands)   For the Three Months Ended     For the Three Months Ended                  
        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024                  
        Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     $ Change     % Change  
    Purchase   $ 168,088       85.7 %   $ 193,715       92.3 %   $ (25,627 )     (13.2 )%
    Refinance     28,001       14.3       16,173       7.7       11,828       73.1 %
    Total   $ 196,089       100.0 %   $ 209,888       100.0 %   $ (13,799 )     (6.5 )%
    (Dollars in thousands)   For the Three Months Ended September 30,                  
        2024     2023                  
        Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     $ Change     % Change  
    Purchase   $ 168,088       85.7 %   $ 139,345       92.1 %   $ 28,743       20.6 %
    Refinance     28,001       14.3       12,001       7.9       16,000       133.3 %
    Total   $ 196,089       100.0 %   $ 151,346       100.0 %   $ 44,743       29.6 %
    (Dollars in thousands)   For the Nine Months Ended September 30,                  
        2024     2023                  
        Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     $ Change     % Change  
    Purchase   $ 497,705       88.8 %   $ 387,211       91.8 %   $ 110,494       28.5 %
    Refinance     62,546       11.2       34,635       8.2       27,911       80.6 %
    Total   $ 560,251       100.0 %   $ 421,846       100.0 %   $ 138,405       32.8 %
     

    During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company sold $167.6 million of one-to-four-family loans compared to $164.5 million during the previous quarter and $117.6 million during the same quarter one year ago. Gross margins on home loan sales were unchanged at 2.96% for both quarters ended September 30, 2024, and  June 30, 2024, and declined from 3.08% in the same quarter one year ago. Gross margins are defined as the margin on loans sold (cash sales) without the impact of deferred costs.

    Liabilities and Equity Summary

    Changes in deposits at the dates indicated were as follows:

    (Dollars in thousands)                                                
        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024                  
    Transactional deposits:   Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     $ Change     % Change  
    Noninterest-bearing checking   $ 641,270       26.4 %   $ 613,137       25.7 %   $ 28,133       4.6 %
    Interest-bearing checking (1)     165,944       6.8       166,839       7.0       (895 )     (0.5 )
    Escrow accounts related to mortgages serviced (2)     16,483       0.7       10,212       0.4       6,271       61.4  
    Subtotal     823,697       33.9       790,188       33.1       33,509       4.2  
    Savings     151,364       6.2       151,398       6.4       (34 )     (0.0 )
    Money market (3)     340,049       14.0       343,995       14.4       (3,946 )     (1.1 )
    Subtotal     491,413       20.2       495,393       20.8       (3,980 )     (0.8 )
    Certificates of deposit less than $100,000 (4)     533,441       22.0       530,537       22.3       2,904       0.5  
    Certificates of deposit of $100,000 through $250,000     452,705       18.7       427,893       18.0       24,812       5.8  
    Certificates of deposit greater than $250,000     126,075       5.2       138,792       5.8       (12,717 )     (9.2 )
    Subtotal     1,112,221       45.9       1,097,222       46.1       14,999       1.4  
    Total   $ 2,427,331       100.0 %   $ 2,382,803       100.0 %   $ 44,528       1.9 %
    (Dollars in thousands)                                                
        September 30, 2024     September 30, 2023                  
    Transactional deposits:   Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     $ Change     % Change  
    Noninterest-bearing checking   $ 641,270       26.4 %   $ 643,670       26.2 %   $ (2,400 )     (0.4 )%
    Interest-bearing checking (1)     165,944       6.8       219,468       8.9       (53,524 )     (24.4 )
    Escrow accounts related to mortgages serviced (2)     16,483       0.7       26,489       1.1       (10,006 )     (37.8 )
    Subtotal     823,697       33.9       889,627       36.2       (65,930 )     (7.4 )
    Savings     151,364       6.2       157,901       6.4       (6,537 )     (4.1 )
    Money market (3)     340,049       14.0       389,962       15.9       (49,913 )     (12.8 )
    Subtotal     491,413       20.2       547,863       22.3       (56,450 )     (10.3 )
    Certificates of deposit less than $100,000 (4)     533,441       22.0       527,032       21.5       6,409       1.2  
    Certificates of deposit of $100,000 through $250,000     452,705       18.7       406,545       16.6       46,160       11.4  
    Certificates of deposit greater than $250,000     126,075       5.2       83,377       3.4       42,698       51.2  
    Subtotal     1,112,221       45.9       1,016,954       41.5       95,267       9.4  
    Total   $ 2,427,331       100.0 %   $ 2,454,444       100.0 %   $ (27,113 )     (1.1 )%

    __________________________________

    (1)   There were no brokered deposits at September 30, 2024 and  June 30, 2024, compared to $50.1 million at September 30, 2023.                  
    (2)   Noninterest-bearing accounts.
    (3)   Includes $1.0 million, $4.0 million and $51,000 of brokered deposits at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
    (4)   Includes $250.2 million, $261.0 million, and $323.3 million of brokered deposits at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
         

    At September 30, 2024, CDs, which include retail and non-retail CDs, totaled $1.11 billion, compared to $1.10 billion at June 30, 2024 and $1.02 billion at September 30, 2023, with non-retail CDs representing 22.5%, 24.9% and 33.2% of total CDs at such dates, respectively. At September 30, 2024, non-retail CDs, which include brokered CDs, online CDs and public funds CDs, decreased $10.4 million to $262.9 million, compared to $273.4 million at June 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease of $10.8 million in brokered CDs. Non-retail CDs totaled $262.9 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $337.2 million at September 30, 2023.

    At September 30, 2024, the Bank had uninsured deposits of approximately $644.9 million, compared to approximately $586.6 million at June 30, 2024, and $591.6 million at September 30, 2023.  The uninsured amounts are estimates based on the methodologies and assumptions used for the Bank’s regulatory reporting requirements.

    At September 30, 2024, borrowings decreased $18.1 million to $163.8 million at September 30, 2024, from $181.9 million at June 30, 2024, and increased $41.9 million from $121.9 million at September 30, 2023. These borrowings were comprised of FHLB advances of $153.8 million, and overnight borrowings of $10.0 million.

    Total stockholders’ equity increased $4.9 million to $288.9 million at September 30, 2024, from $284.0 million at June 30, 2024, and increased $38.2 million, from $250.7 million at September 30, 2023. The increase in stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, reflects net income of $10.3 million, partially offset by cash dividends paid of $2.1 million. Stockholders’ equity was also impacted by decreases in unrealized net losses on securities available for sale of $4.2 million, net of tax, and decreases in unrealized net gains on fair value and cash flow hedges of $7.0 million, net of tax, reflecting changes in market interest rates during the quarter, resulting in a $2.7 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. Book value per common share was $37.45 at September 30, 2024, compared to $37.15 at June 30, 2024, and $32.58 at September 30, 2023.

    The Bank is considered well capitalized under the capital requirements established by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) with a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.2%, a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 11.2%, and a common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio of 12.9% at September 30, 2024.

    The Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements with a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.4%, a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 9.7%, and a CET1 ratio of 11.2% at September 30, 2024.

    Credit Quality

    The allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACLL”) was $31.2 million, or 1.25% of gross loans receivable (excluding loans HFS) at September 30, 2024, compared to $31.2 million, or 1.26% of gross loans receivable (excluding loans HFS), at June 30, 2024, and $30.5 million, or 1.27% of gross loans receivable (excluding loans HFS), at September 30, 2023. The virtually static balance in the ACLL at September 30, 2024, compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to insignificant changes in the loan portfolio period over period and provision for credit losses on loans that offset consumer loan net charge-offs.  The increase of $731,000 in the ACLL from the same quarter the prior year was primarily due to organic loan growth and increases in nonperforming loans and net charge-offs. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments decreased $79,000 to $1.5 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.6 million at June 30, 2024, and decreased $291,000 from $1.8 million at September 30, 2023. 

    Nonperforming loans decreased $634,000 to $10.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $11.4 million at June 30, 2024, and increased $5.2 million from $5.6 million at September 30, 2023. The decrease in nonperforming loans compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to decreases in nonperforming indirect home improvement loans of $549,000 and marine loans of $94,000. The increase in nonperforming loans compared to the same quarter the prior year was primarily due to increases in nonperforming construction and development loans of $4.7 million and commercial business loans of $461,000.

    Loans classified as substandard decreased $1.1 million to $23.2 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $24.3 million at June 30, 2024, and increased $4.0 million from $19.2 million at September 30, 2023.  The decrease in substandard loans compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to a decrease of $549,000 in indirect home improvement loans, $323,000 in commercial real estate loans, $94,000 in marine loans, $74,000 in C&I loans, and $59,000 in one-to-four family loans.  The increase in substandard loans compared to the prior year was primarily due to increases of $4.7 million in construction and development loans, $108,000 in home equity loans, $102,000 in indirect home improvement loans, partially offset by decreases of $462,000 in C&I loans, $293,000 in one-to-four-family loans, and $173,000 in marine loans. There was no other real estate owned (“OREO”) property at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, compared to one OREO property (a closed branch in Centralia, Washington) of $570,000 at September 30, 2023.

    Operating Results

    Net interest income increased $610,000 to $31.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $30.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase in interest and dividend income of $3.8 million, partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $3.2 million. The $3.8 million increase in total interest income was primarily due to an increase of $3.9 million in interest income on loans receivable, including fees, primarily as a result of new loans being originated at higher rates and variable rate loans repricing higher. The $3.2 million increase in total interest expense was primarily the result of higher market interest rates, higher utilization of borrowings and a shift in deposit mix from transactional accounts to higher cost CDs.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income decreased $857,000 to $92.0 million, from $92.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, resulting from an increase in interest expense of $16.0 million and an increase in interest income of $15.1 million.

    NIM (annualized) increased one basis point to 4.35% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from 4.34% for the same period in the prior year, and decreased 26 basis points to 4.30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from 4.56% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The change in NIM for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023, reflects the increased costs of deposits and borrowings, which outpaced the increased yields earned on interest-earning assets. 

    The average total cost of funds, including noninterest-bearing checking, increased 47 basis points to 2.39% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from 1.92% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was predominantly due to higher market rates for deposits and increased utilization of higher cost borrowings. The average cost of funds increased 75 basis points to 2.33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from 1.58% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, also reflecting increases in market interest rates over last year and increased utilization of borrowings. Management remains focused on matching deposit/liability duration with the duration of loans/assets where feasible.

    For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the provision for credit losses on loans was $1.5 million and $4.0 million, compared to $683,000 and $4.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The provision for credit losses on loans reflects an increase in charge-off activity for the quarter and increases in the loan portfolio for the year-to-date periods.

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs increased $1.1 million to $1.6 million, compared to $531,000 for the same period last year.  This increase was the result of increased net charge-offs of $996,000 in indirect home improvement loans and $82,000 in marine loans, partially offset by a net recovery of $8,000 in other consumer loans. Net charge-offs increased $2.7 million to $4.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  This increase included net charge-off increases of $1.5 million in indirect home improvement loans, $1.0 million C&I loans, $146,000 in marine loans and $117,000 in other consumer loans. Management attributes the increase in net charge-offs over the year primarily to volatile economic conditions.

    Noninterest income increased $985,000 to $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase reflects a $648,000 increase in gain on sale of loans, primarily as a result of the increased volume of loans sold and an increase of $566,000 in other noninterest income, primarily due to fair value changes on loans.  Noninterest income during the three months ended September 30, 2024, also reflects a $141,000 gain on the sale of MSRs, with no similar transaction occurring in the comparable quarter last year.  These increases were partially offset by a $400,000 decrease in service charges and fee income, primarily due to the sale of MSRs in the first quarter of 2024.  Noninterest income increased $1.9 million to $16.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from $15.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  This increase was primarily the result of an $8.4 million gain on sale of MSRs recorded during the first nine months of 2024 with no similar transaction occurring in the comparable nine month period in 2023, and a $1.5 million increase in gain on sale of loans, partially offset by a $7.8 million loss on sale of investment securities resulting from management’s strategic decision to increase the yields earned on and reduce the duration of the securities portfolio, and an $839,000 decrease in service charges and fee income due to a reduction in loan servicing fees due to the sale of MSRs in the first quarter of 2024. 

    Noninterest expense increased $2.2 million to $25.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $23.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to increases of $506,000 in impairment of MSRs, $482,000 in salaries and benefits, $557,000 in professional and board fees, which included $571,000 in nonrecurring consulting charges and legal fees related to application/system upgrades and tax credit work, $418,000 in operations, $315,000 in data processing, and a decrease of $105,000 in amortization of CDI. Noninterest expense increased $1.9 million to $73.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from $71.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  This increase was primarily due to increases of $1.1 million in data processing, $1.0 million in professional and board fees which included $824,000 in nonrecurring consulting charges and legal fees for the reasons stated above, $610,000 in operations expense, and $545,000 in impairment of MSRs, partially offset by a decrease of $1.6 million in acquisition costs as a result of no acquisition costs during the current period.

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a benefit for income taxes of $420,000 as compared to a provision for income taxes of $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The tax benefit was primarily due to the purchase during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, of alternative energy tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, resulting in a gain of $2.3 million, which was partially offset by the $1.8 million provision for income taxes recorded on net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduced several energy tax credits designed to promote clean energy investments, reduce carbon emissions, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The effective corporate income tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were (4.3)% which was reduced by 2,300 basis points due to the energy tax credits discussed above, and 22.0%, respectively. The decrease in the effective corporate income tax rate, excluding the effects of the energy tax credits, was attributable to tax benefits derived from the exercises of employee stock options during the current quarter.

    About FS Bancorp

    FS Bancorp, Inc., a Washington corporation, is the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington. The Bank offers a range of loan and deposit services primarily to small- and middle-market businesses and individuals in Washington and Oregon.  It operates through 27 bank branches, one headquarters office that provides loans and deposit services, and loan production offices in various suburban communities in the greater Puget Sound area, the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland metropolitan area of Washington, also known as the Tri-Cities, and in Vancouver, Washington. Additionally, the Bank services home mortgage customers across the Northwest, focusing on markets in Washington State including the Puget Sound, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    When used in this press release and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public stockholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management’s current expectations and forecasts regarding future events, many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Actual results may differ, possibly materially from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include but are not limited to, the following: adverse impacts to economic conditions in the Company’s local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels; labor shortages, the effects of inflation, a recession or slowed economic growth; changes in the interest rate environment, including the increases and decrease in the Federal Reserve benchmark rate and duration at which such interest rate levels are maintained, which could adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the values of our assets and obligations, and the availability and cost of capital and liquidity; the impact of inflation and the current and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; the effects of any federal government shutdown;  increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, adverse changes in the securities markets, the Company’s ability to execute its plans to grow its residential construction lending, mortgage banking, and warehouse lending operations, and the geographic expansion of its indirect home improvement lending; challenges arising from expanding into new geographic markets, products, or services; secondary market conditions for loans and the Company’s ability to originate loans for sale and sell loans in the secondary market; volatility in the mortgage industry; fluctuations in deposits; liquidity issues, including our ability to borrow funds or raise additional capital, if necessary; the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in banking, securities and tax law, in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform critical processing functions for us; environmental, social and governance goals; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, civil unrest and other external events on our business; and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on its website at http://www.fsbwa.com and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    Any of the forward-looking statements that the Company makes in this press release and in the other public statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be incorrect because of the inaccurate assumptions the Company might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that cannot be foreseen by the Company. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    FS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) (Unaudited)
     
                                Linked     Prior Year  
        September 30,     June 30,     September 30,     Quarter     Quarter  
        2024     2024     2023     % Change     % Change  
    ASSETS                                        
    Cash and due from banks   $ 17,950     $ 20,005     $ 18,137       (10 )     (1 )
    Interest-bearing deposits at other financial institutions     22,390       13,006       62,536       72       (64 )
    Total cash and cash equivalents     40,340       33,011       80,673       22       (50 )
    Certificates of deposit at other financial institutions     12,001       12,707       17,636       (6 )     (32 )
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     228,199       221,182       251,917       3       (9 )
    Securities held-to-maturity, net     8,455       8,455       8,455       —       —  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value     49,373       53,811       18,636       (8 )     165  
    Loans receivable, net     2,463,697       2,457,184       2,375,572       —       4  
    Accrued interest receivable     14,014       13,792       13,925       2       1  
    Premises and equipment, net     30,026       29,999       30,926       —       (3 )
    Operating lease right-of-use     5,365       5,784       7,042       (7 )     (24 )
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     9,504       10,322       3,696       (8 )     157  
    Other real estate owned     —       —       570       —       (100 )
    Deferred tax asset, net     4,222       4,590       7,424       (8 )     (43 )
    Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”), net     38,453       38,201       37,480       1       3  
    MSRs, held at the lower of cost or fair value     8,739       9,352       17,657       (7 )     (51 )
    Goodwill     3,592       3,592       3,592       —       —  
    Core deposit intangible, net     14,586       15,483       18,323       (6 )     (20 )
    Other assets     39,642       23,912       26,548       66       49  
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 2,970,208     $ 2,941,377     $ 2,920,072       1       2  
    LIABILITIES                                        
    Deposits:                                        
    Noninterest-bearing accounts   $ 657,753     $ 623,349     $ 670,158       6       (2 )
    Interest-bearing accounts     1,769,578       1,759,454       1,784,286       1       (1 )
    Total deposits     2,427,331       2,382,803       2,454,444       2       (1 )
    Borrowings     163,806       181,895       121,895       (10 )     34  
    Subordinated notes:                                        
    Principal amount     50,000       50,000       50,000       —       —  
    Unamortized debt issuance costs     (423 )     (439 )     (489 )     (4 )     (13 )
    Total subordinated notes less unamortized debt issuance costs     49,577       49,561       49,511       —       —  
    Operating lease liability     5,548       5,979       7,269       (7 )     (24 )
    Other liabilities     35,044       37,113       36,288       (6 )     (3 )
    Total liabilities     2,681,306       2,657,351       2,669,407       1       —  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES                                        
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                        
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding     —       —       —       —       —  
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 45,000,000 shares authorized; 7,817,172 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024, 7,742,607 at June 30, 2024, and 7,796,095 at September 30, 2023     78       77       78       1       —  
    Additional paid-in capital     55,264       55,834       57,464       (1 )     (4 )
    Retained earnings     251,843       243,651       222,532       3       13  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (18,283 )     (15,536 )     (29,409 )     18       (38 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     288,902       284,026       250,665       2       15  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 2,970,208     $ 2,941,377     $ 2,920,072       1       2  
     
    FS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended     Linked     Prior Year  
        September 30,     June 30,     September 30,     Quarter     Quarter  
        2024     2024     2023     % Change     % Change  
    INTEREST INCOME                                        
    Loans receivable, including fees   $ 43,800     $ 42,406     $ 39,874       3       10  
    Interest and dividends on investment securities, cash and cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit at other financial institutions     3,243       3,534       3,396       (8 )     (5 )
    Total interest and dividend income     47,043       45,940       43,270       2       9  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                                        
    Deposits     13,486       13,252       10,462       2       29  
    Borrowings     1,828       1,801       1,689       1       8  
    Subordinated notes     485       486       485       —       —  
    Total interest expense     15,799       15,539       12,636       2       25  
    NET INTEREST INCOME     31,244       30,401       30,634       3       2  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES     1,513       1,077       548       40       176  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES     29,731       29,324       30,086       1       (1 )
    NONINTEREST INCOME                                        
    Service charges and fee income     2,482       2,479       2,882       —       (14 )
    Gain on sale of loans     2,523       2,463       1,875       2       35  
    Gain on sale of MSRs     141       —       —       NM       NM  
    Gain on sale of investment securities, net     11       151       —       (93 )     NM  
    Earnings on cash surrender value of BOLI     252       242       233       4       8  
    Other noninterest income     558       533       (8 )     5       (7,075 )
    Total noninterest income     5,967       5,868       4,982       2       20  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                                        
    Salaries and benefits     13,985       13,378       13,503       5       4  
    Operations     3,827       3,519       3,409       9       12  
    Occupancy     1,662       1,669       1,588       —       5  
    Data processing     2,156       2,058       1,841       5       17  
    Loan costs     666       653       564       2       18  
    Professional and board fees     1,223       888       666       38       84  
    FDIC insurance     533       450       561       18       (5 )
    Marketing and advertising     377       377       452       —       (17 )
    Amortization of core deposit intangible     897       919       1,002       (2 )     (10 )
    Impairment (recovery) of servicing rights     506       (54 )     —       (1,037 )     NM  
    Total noninterest expense     25,832       23,857       23,586       8       10  
    INCOME BEFORE (BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     9,866       11,335       11,482       (13 )     (14 )
    (BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     (420 )     2,376       2,529       (118 )     (117 )
    NET INCOME   $ 10,286     $ 8,959     $ 8,953       15       15  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 1.32     $ 1.15     $ 1.15       15       15  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.29     $ 1.13     $ 1.13       14       14  
     
        Nine Months Ended     Year  
        September 30,     September 30,     Over Year  
        2024     2023     % Change  
    INTEREST INCOME                        
    Loans receivable, including fees   $ 127,203     $ 114,082       12  
    Interest and dividends on investment securities, cash and cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit at other financial institutions     10,660       8,667       23  
    Total interest and dividend income     137,863       122,749       12  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                        
    Deposits     39,620       24,696       60  
    Borrowings     4,796       3,749       28  
    Subordinated note     1,456       1,456       —  
    Total interest expense     45,872       29,901       53  
    NET INTEREST INCOME     91,991       92,848       (1 )
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES     3,989       3,372       18  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES     88,002       89,476       (2 )
    NONINTEREST INCOME                        
    Service charges and fee income     7,513       8,352       (10 )
    Gain on sale of loans     6,824       5,298       29  
    Gain on sale of MSRs     8,356       —       NM  
    Loss on sale of investment securities, net     (7,836 )     —       NM  
    Earnings on cash surrender value of BOLI     734       681       8  
    Other noninterest income     1,355       703       93  
    Total noninterest income     16,946       15,034       13  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                        
    Salaries and benefits     40,920       40,880       —  
    Operations     10,354       9,744       6  
    Occupancy     5,036       4,670       8  
    Data processing     6,172       5,092       21  
    Loan costs     1,904       2,077       (8 )
    Professional and board fees     3,034       2,001       52  
    FDIC insurance     1,515       1,732       (13 )
    Marketing and advertising     981       1,072       (8 )
    Acquisition costs     —       1,562       100  
    Amortization of core deposit intangible     2,757       2,484       11  
    Impairment of servicing rights     545       —       NM  
    Total noninterest expense     73,218       71,314       3  
    INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     31,730       33,196       (4 )
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     4,088       6,915       (41 )
    NET INCOME   $ 27,642     $ 26,281       5  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 3.54     $ 3.38       5  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 3.45     $ 3.33       4  
     

    KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS AND DATA (Unaudited)

        At or For the Three Months Ended  
        September 30,     June 30,     September 30,  
        2024     2024     2023  
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS:                        
    Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets) (1)     1.38 %     1.22 %     1.22 %
    Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity) (1)     14.08       12.72       13.81  
    Yield on average interest-earning assets (1)     6.56       6.48       6.13  
    Average total cost of funds (1)     2.39       2.38       1.92  
    Interest rate spread information – average during period     4.17       3.33       4.21  
    Net interest margin (1)     4.35       4.29       4.34  
    Operating expense to average total assets (1)     3.47       3.26       3.23  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities (1)     144.28       166.25       145.14  
    Efficiency ratio (2)     69.42       65.78       66.22  
    Common equity ratio (ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets)     9.73       9.66       8.58  
    Tangible common equity ratio (3)     9.17       9.07       7.89  
        For the Nine Months Ended  
        September 30,     September 30,  
        2024     2023  
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS:                
    Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets) (1)     1.25 %     1.25 %
    Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity) (1)     13.05       14.13  
    Yield on average interest-earning assets (1)     6.44       6.03  
    Average total cost of funds (1)     2.33       1.58  
    Interest rate spread information – average during period     4.11       4.45  
    Net interest margin (1)     4.30       4.56  
    Operating expense to average total assets (1)     3.31       3.39  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     144.14       146.23  
    Efficiency ratio (2)     67.21       66.10  
        September 30,     June 30,     September 30,  
        2024     2024     2023  
    ASSET QUALITY RATIOS AND DATA:                        
    Nonperforming assets to total assets at end of period (4)     0.36 %     0.39 %     0.21 %
    Nonperforming loans to total gross loans (excluding loans HFS) (5)     0.43       0.46       0.23  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans to nonperforming loans (5)     290.07       273.95       493.46  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans to total gross loans (excluding loans HFS)     1.25       1.26       1.27  
        At or For the Three Months Ended  
        September 30,     June 30,     September 30,  
        2024     2024     2023  
    PER COMMON SHARE DATA:                        
    Basic earnings per share   $ 1.32     $ 1.15     $ 1.15  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.29     $ 1.13     $ 1.13  
    Weighted average basic shares outstanding     7,676,102       7,688,246       7,667,981  
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     7,854,389       7,796,253       7,780,430  
    Common shares outstanding at end of period     7,713,359 (6)     7,644,463 (7)     7,693,951 (8)
    Book value per share using common shares outstanding   $ 37.45     $ 37.15     $ 32.58  
    Tangible book value per share using common shares outstanding (3)   $ 35.10     $ 34.66     $ 29.73  

    __________________________________

    (1)   Annualized.
    (2)   Total noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income and total noninterest income.
    (3)   Represents a non-GAAP financial measure.  For a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
    (4)   Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans (which include nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due), foreclosed real estate and other repossessed assets.
    (5)   Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccruing loans and accruing loans 90 days or more past due.
    (6)   Common shares were calculated using shares outstanding of 7,817,172 at September 30, 2024, less 103,813 unvested restricted stock shares.
    (7)   Common shares were calculated using shares outstanding of 7,742,607 at June 30, 2024, less 98,144 unvested restricted stock shares.
    (8)   Common shares were calculated using shares outstanding of 7,796,095 at September 30, 2023, less 102,144 unvested restricted stock shares.
    (Dollars in thousands)   For the Three Months Ended September 30,     For the Nine Months Ended September 30,     Linked Qtr.     Prior Year Qtr.  
    Average Balances   2024     2023     2024     2023     $ Change     $ Change  
    Assets                                                
    Loans receivable, net (1)   $ 2,536,106     $ 2,423,691     $ 2,504,129     $ 2,362,885     $ 112,415     $ 141,244  
    Securities available-for-sale, at amortized cost     250,957       294,148       288,460       276,835       (43,191 )     11,625  
    Securities held-to-maturity     8,500       8,500       8,500       8,500       –       –  
    Interest-bearing deposits and certificates of deposit at other financial institutions     48,546       68,369       49,887       67,163       (19,823 )     (17,276 )
    FHLB stock, at cost     10,739       4,626       6,666       5,190       6,113       1,476  
    Total interest-earning assets     2,854,848       2,799,334       2,857,642       2,720,573       55,514       137,069  
    Noninterest-earning assets     105,941       102,052       98,099       88,936       3,889       9,163  
    Total assets   $ 2,960,789     $ 2,901,386     $ 2,955,741     $ 2,809,509     $ 59,403     $ 146,232  
    Liabilities                                                
    Interest-bearing deposit accounts   $ 1,737,793     $ 1,741,257     $ 1,788,324     $ 1,703,688     $ (3,464 )   $ 84,636  
    Borrowings     191,279       138,013       144,635       107,254       53,266       37,381  
    Subordinated notes     49,567       49,500       49,550       49,484       67       66  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,978,639       1,928,770       1,982,509       1,860,426       49,869       122,083  
    Noninterest-bearing deposit accounts     650,852       676,000       648,345       664,319       (25,148 )     (15,974 )
    Other noninterest-bearing liabilities     40,606       39,365       41,965       36,095       1,241       5,870  
    Total liabilities   $ 2,670,097     $ 2,644,135     $ 2,672,819     $ 2,560,840     $ 25,962     $ 111,979  

    __________________________________

    (1)   Includes loans HFS.
         

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

    In addition to financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States (“GAAP”), this earnings release presents non-GAAP financial measures that include tangible book value per share, and tangible common equity ratio. Management believes that providing the Company’s tangible book value per share and tangible common equity ratio is consistent with the capital treatment utilized by the investment community, which excludes intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios and facilitates comparison of the quality and composition of the Company’s capital over time and to its competitors. Where applicable, the Company has also presented comparable GAAP information.

    These non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for total stockholders’ equity or operating results determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    Reconciliation of the GAAP book value per share and common equity ratio and the non-GAAP tangible book value per share and tangible common equity ratio is presented below.

    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)   September 30,   June 30,   September 30,  
    Tangible Book Value Per Share:   2024   2024   2023  
    Stockholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 288,902     $ 284,026     $ 250,665    
    Less: goodwill and core deposit intangible, net     (18,178 )     (19,075 )     (21,915 )  
    Tangible common stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)   $ 270,724     $ 264,951     $ 228,750    
                         
    Common shares outstanding at end of period     7,713,359 (1)     7,644,463 (2)     7,693,951 (3)  
                         
    Book value per share (GAAP)   $ 37.45     $ 37.15     $ 32.58    
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 35.10     $ 34.66     $ 29.73    
                         
    Tangible Common Equity Ratio:                    
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,970,208     $ 2,941,377     $ 2,920,072    
    Less: goodwill and core deposit intangible assets     (18,178 )     (19,075 )     (21,915 )  
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 2,952,030     $ 2,922,302     $ 2,898,157    
                         
    Common equity ratio (GAAP)     9.73 %     9.66 %     8.58 %  
    Tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP)     9.17       9.07       7.89    

    _________________________

    (1)   Common shares were calculated using shares outstanding of 7,817,172 at September 30, 2024, less 103,813 unvested restricted stock shares.
    (2)   Common shares were calculated using shares outstanding of 7,742,607 at June 30, 2024, less 98,144 unvested restricted stock shares.
    (3)   Common shares were calculated using shares outstanding of 7,796,095 at September 30, 2023, less 102,144 unvested restricted stock shares.
         

    Contacts:
    Joseph C. Adams,
    Chief Executive Officer
    Matthew D. Mullet,
    President/Chief Financial Officer
    (425) 771-5299
    http://www.FSBWA.com
      

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Ferguson: Washington successfully defends ban on the sale and distribution of DIY rape kits

    Source: Washington State News

    Leda Health’s over-the-counter rape kits gather evidence that is rarely, if ever, admissible in court

    TACOMA — A federal judge upheld Washington’s ban on selling and distributing over-the-counter sexual assault kits today, dismissing a lawsuit brought by a Pennsylvania company that sells the self-administered kits for profit.

    House Bill 1564, signed into law in 2023, prohibits the sale and distribution of self-administered sexual assault kits. The Legislature found that “at-home sexual assault test kits create false expectations and harm the potential for successful investigations and prosecutions. The sale of over-the-counter sexual assault kits may prevent survivors from receiving accurate information about their options and reporting processes; from obtaining access to appropriate and timely medical treatment and follow up; and from connecting to their community and other vital resources.”

    Sexual assault kits are used as part of a forensic examination, conducted by a trained medical professional, to gather evidence from survivors of sexual assault to be used in subsequent investigations and prosecutions. Washingtonians can receive free sexual assault kits from hospitals and other medical providers. These kits are admissible in court. Individuals can search for a local medical provider that provides free sexual assault exams here: https://depts.washington.edu/uwhatc/ch/sexual-assault-medical-exams-providers.html

    Leda Health sells “early evidence kits” in other states. Leda marketed and distributed its self-collection sexual assault kits in Washington prior to a cease-and-desist letter from the Attorney General’s Office and the passage of the new law.

    Law enforcement and prosecutors rely on these professionally administered exams to protect the integrity of those investigations and prosecutions. Evidence collected using over-the-counter rape kits outside a hospital setting are rarely, if ever, admissible in court.

    Leda challenged Washington’s ban, claiming the new state law violates the First Amendment and due process. Attorney General Bob Ferguson defended the law, and yesterday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge David G. Estudillo granted Ferguson’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit and denied Leda’s motion to block the law.

    “This is a legal victory for sexual assault survivors,” Ferguson said. “By an overwhelming bipartisan vote, the Legislature adopted this state law that prevents companies from exploiting sexual assault survivors. Survivors should know that they are not alone — critical services to help them seek justice are available from trained medical professionals, at no cost.”

    Washington’s law protects victims from misleading marketing from companies like Leda, which wrongfully claim their self-administered kits are a viable alternative to the kits done in a hospital setting.

    Banning “at-home” sexual assault kits

    House Bill 1564 went into effect in July 2023, after garnering overwhelming, bipartisan support from the state Legislature. 

    The law prohibits the sale and distribution of sexual assault kits that are marketed or presented to collect “evidence” at-home or over-the-counter by anyone other than law enforcement or a health care provider.

    Self-administered kits have multiple important differences from an exam conducted by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. These professionals receive specialized training including:

    • Providing comprehensive care to sexual assault survivors, including prevention treatment for STIs and follow-up care,
    • Collecting evidence in a way that avoids cross-contamination,
    • Storing evidence to avoid contamination or spoliation, and
    • Maintaining a chain of custody for the evidence.

    Consequently, evidence kits collected from these exams are accepted by the Washington State Crime Lab and routinely admitted as evidence by Washington courts.

    In contrast, self-administered kits face numerous barriers to admission as evidence, including concerns about cross-contamination, spoliation, validity, and chain of custody.

    Importantly, self-administered kits are not eligible for submission to the Crime Lab, and therefore any DNA collected would not be entered into CODIS, a national DNA profile database that national, state and local law enforcement use to identify repeat offenders, build leads, and track evidence.

    Survivors have the right to have an advocate or personal representative with them during an exam. Survivors do not have to make a decision about talking to law enforcement or reporting a crime in order to obtain a SANE exam. State law requires unreported sexual assault kits be transported to local law enforcement and stored for 20 years from the date of collection. Timely forensic examinations by a trained provider represent the best chance to preserve evidence if a survivor chooses to move forward with reporting the assault and criminal investigation.

    Ferguson’s Survivor Justice Unit

    Ferguson’s Survivor Justice Unit, formerly the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, is part of a coordinated, statewide effort to test every single backlogged sexual assault kit in the state.

    In October 2023, Ferguson announced the state had effectively cleared Washington’s backlog of sexual assault kits.

    In addition to this project, the unit:

    • Assists local law enforcement to investigate sexually motivated homicides. The SJU is currently assisting with two cold sexually motivated homicides: one in King County and one in Port Orchard.
    • Helps solve cold cases by assisting with genetic forensic genealogy and other advanced DNA testing. A response that is commonly received from such agencies is that they do not have the resources and or personnel available to delve into cold cases to determine whether such testing would be appropriate. For example, in August, AGO-funded forensic genetic genealogy testing helped Kent police narrow the list of suspects and make an arrest in the 44-year-old murder of Dorothy “Dottie” Silzel. Kenneth Duane Kundert, 65, was arrested in Arkansas on Aug. 20 after DNA on a cigarette butt Kundert discarded matched the profile of the suspect in the crime.
    • Stands up for survivors by following up on cold cases from backlogged sexual assault kits. The SJU uses available data to track sexual assault cases and identify serial sex offenders.

    The SJU has helped solve dozens of cold case sexual assaults and homicides.

    Ferguson requests $534,000 for the upcoming biennium to support the ongoing work of this new unit.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit http://www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Brionna Aho, Communications Director, (360) 753-2727; Brionna.aho@atg.wa.gov

    General contacts: Click here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Workshop to Offer Guidance on How to Open Business Claims for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Workshop to Offer Guidance on How to Open Business Claims for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

    Workshop to Offer Guidance on How to Open Business Claims for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

    SANTA FE, NM – Business owners impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding can receive tips at an Oct. 23 workshop on how to open a claim, learn more about what qualifies for compensation and begin the claims process on the spot. The Advocate team at the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is partnering with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration to offer guidance to affected businesses on the best way to start a claim before the Dec. 20, 2024, deadline. The workshop will be 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Oct. 23 at Highlands University’s Student Union Building, third floor, in Las Vegas, N.M. There will be information booths and presentations on what’s required for businesses to receive compensation and what resources are available to impacted businesses. To-date the Claims Office has paid more than $214 million to business owners and is bringing the Claims Office’s business team to the community to continue to share vital information to owners as they navigate the claims process. Claims Office business team members will be onsite to assist those who want to file a Notice of Loss (NOL), which is the first step in starting a claim.“Businesses are the backbone of communities and provide jobs and essential services, which is why the Advocate Team is committed to helping eligible businesses start their claims before the deadline,” said Paula Gutierrez, the Claims Office Advocate Branch Chief. “This workshop is one way to maximize the resources that are available to business owners to address their needs, as they navigate the claims process before the Dec. 20, 2024, deadline.”Business owners who aim to submit an NOL at the workshop should bring the following:  Tax returns and profit/loss statements for 2021 and 2022Articles of incorporation or organizationCompleted W-9Copy of the IRS letter with your name and Employer Identification NumberInventory and equipment list before and after the fire and flooding. Photos of damaged propertyA document showing estimated cost of damage or losses; that could be an invoice, receipt or purchase order of repairs and costs to replace equipment and inventory.  The workshop will offer instruction on business impacts that qualify for compensation, such as increased costs, temporary interruption or closure, loss of natural resources, canceled contracts and staff who were paid after operations shut down. Representatives from the Small Business Administration New Mexico District Office, the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency, New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program (Los Alamos National Laboratory), New Mexico Occupational Health & Safety Bureau and the City of Las Vegas Community Development Department will be onsite to share resources and answer questions.The Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. So far, it has paid more than $1.4 billion to claimants. As we continue to approach the Dec. 20, 2024, deadline, we continue to observe an increase in claim submissions, that may result in temporary longer wait times that often prevent same-day issuance of Letters of Determination for claims. We are actively working to reduce wait times and shorten processing times of claims. Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not affect eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim navigator or the Helpline at 505-995-7133.For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. 
    erika.suzuki
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 20:37

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera Launch Colorado Hospital Price Finder New tools add more transparency in health care

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera, and PatientRightsAdvocate.org (PRA) launched the Colorado Hospital Price Finder, a tool from a non-profit powered by information made available under HB22-1285, a law signed by Governor Polis to connect Coloradans with services, increase price transparency, and save people money on health care. This tool compliments the state-generated price transparency initiative Governor Polis and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing announced earlier this year, empowering Coloradans with the information they need about the cost of care. 

    “Saving Coloradans money on health care is a top priority and I am excited to help launch this new and free Colorado Hospital Price Finder to make healthcare pricing more competitive and save people money on healthcare. I am excited to see more of these tools online because the more transparency the better for all of us. We will continue to ensure Colorado’s competitive health care market provides high-quality care to everyone at lower costs and provide more clarity on the true cost of health care,” said Governor Polis. 

    The Polis-Primavera Administration in partnership with the legislature has passed landmark bipartisan laws that build off of federal standards to improve hospital price transparency and lower health care costs for hardworking Coloradans. 

    “For far too long there has been a veil of secrecy and confusion that has made it hard for payers, whether that’s employers, municipalities, school districts, and other purchasers of health care, to negotiate lower prices with hospitals. This tool breaks down barriers, and helps purchasers and policymakers access the information they need to lower costs for consumers,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. Lt. Governor Primavera leads the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. 

    HB22-1285 – Prohibiting Collection Hospital Not Disclosing Prices, sponsored by Representatives Patrick Neville and Daneya Esgar, and Senators Dominick Moreno and John Cooke, prohibited hospitals from taking debt collection action against a patient if the hospital was not in compliance with federal reporting requirements. SB23-252 – Medical Price Transparency, sponsored by Senators Kevin Van Winkle and Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Lindsay Daugherty and Anthony Hartstook, requires hospitals to make reimbursement rates publicly accessible. The Administration recently announced that the landmark reinsurance initiative will save Coloradans $493 million on health care premiums in 2025. Without the reinsurance initiative, costs would be higher for hardworking Coloradans. 

    This new service provides Coloradans the ability to research all available prices at every hospital and shop for the care that works for individuals and families. The new and free tool shows the total price that the hospital charges each payer, although the final amount charged to Coloradans depends on each person’s insurance plan and coverage. Coloradans can learn more about the Colorado Hospital Price Finder and service rates at ColoradoHospitalPrices.com. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Mobile Phlebotomy Lab and Its Owners to Pay $135,000 to Resolve Allegedly False Claims for Blood Testing Services and Travel Mileage

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Veni-Express Inc. (Veni-Express), headquartered in California, and its owners Myrna and Sonny Steinbaum have agreed to pay at least $135,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they submitted false claims for mobile phlebotomy services and associated travel mileage and paid kickbacks to a third-party marketer of these services, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). Veni-Express has agreed to pay $100,000, plus additional amounts based on the sale of company property. Myrna Steinbaum has agreed to pay $25,000, and Sonny Steinbaum has agreed to pay $10,000. These settlements are based on their ability to pay.

    The United States alleged that from 2015 to 2019, Veni-Express and the Steinbaums knowingly caused false or fraudulent claims to federal health care programs for mobile phlebotomy services and associated travel mileage. Specifically, with the Steinbaum’s oversight and approval, Veni-Express submitted false claims for venipuncture (blood draw) procedures that the company did not actually perform during homebound patient visits, and for travel mileage associated with these visits that was not reimbursable by Medicare. The United States further alleged that, from July 2014 to June 2015, Veni-Express paid unlawful kickbacks (in the form of a percentage of company revenue) to a third-party, Altera Laboratories also known as Med2U Healthcare LLC, for the marketing of Veni-Express’ services, in violation of the AKS.

    “Health care providers that bill for services they did not provide or offer illegal incentives to increase profits will be held accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to safeguard federal health care programs against those who seek to abuse them.”

    “Providers must not bill for services they did not perform. Further, the presence of unlawful kickbacks all too often corrupts medical judgment,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Our office is committed to investigating and holding accountable those who violate the False Claims Act and AKS to safeguard the public fisc and protect the integrity of our federal health care system.”

    “Improper incentives and billing Medicare for services never actually provided divert taxpayer funding meant to pay for medically necessary services for Medicare enrollees,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who engage in such unlawful relationships.”

    The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Banisha Evans, a former phlebotomist for another California provider, and Richard Drummond, a technical director at a Texas laboratory. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States for false claims and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned U.S. et al., ex rel. Evans v. PhlebXpress et al., No. 2:18-cv-2038 (EDCA) and U.S. ex rel. Drummond v. Veni-Express Inc., et al., No. 2:21-cv-1199 (EDCA).

    The relators’ share of the settlement has not yet been determined.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and HHS-OIG.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Trial Attorney Gary R. Dyal of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Kennedy for the Eastern District of California handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    Settlement

    MIL OSI USA News –