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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bob Dean Jr. and Affiliated Corporate Entities Agree to $8.2M Consent Judgment to Resolve Allegations of Financial Misconduct Stemming from Evacuation of Nursing Homes During Hurricane Ida

    Source: US State of California

    Bob Dean Jr. and several companies that he owned and operated have agreed to an $8.2 million consent judgment to resolve allegations that they violated the National Housing Act of 1934 (NHA), by misappropriating and misusing the assets and income of four nursing homes in Louisiana before and after Hurricane Ida’s landfall in August 2021. The four nursing homes, all of which were owned and operated by Dean and his companies, and had loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Houma; Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Harvey; Maison Orleans Healthcare in New Orleans; and West Jefferson Health Care Center in Harvey.

    The FHA, part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides mortgage insurance on loans that cover residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, pursuant to the NHA. To encourage lenders to make loans to such facilities, FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses that result from borrowers defaulting on their mortgage loans. To obtain such FHA-insured loans, loan recipients must enter into regulatory agreements with the FHA that provide, among other requirements, that the assets and income of an FHA-insured nursing home may only be spent on goods and services that are reasonable and necessary to the operation of the nursing home. The NHA permits the United States to recover twice the amount of any assets and income of FHA-insured nursing homes that were improperly distributed or misspent.

    In 2023, the government filed a complaint against Dean and his corporate entities alleging that they misspent the nursing homes’ assets and income. The United States alleged that in the five years leading up to Hurricane Ida, Dean funneled money that should have been used to prepare an evacuation site for nursing home residents to his personal bank accounts, leaving his nursing homes — and, more importantly, the nursing homes’ residents — unprepared for a hurricane. As a result, when Hurricane Ida made landfall in August 2021, the residents of Dean’s nursing homes had to ride out the storm in an overcrowded and ill-prepared industrial warehouse Dean owned through a corporate entity. The United States alleged that at Dean’s evacuation center, his nursing homes’ residents languished in squalor and did not receive adequate care, leading to the Louisiana Department of Health evacuating the nursing home residents from Dean’s warehouse and revoking Dean’s nursing homes’ licenses. The United States further alleged that, following the hurricane, Dean did not use the homes’ income and assets solely to operate or maintain the nursing homes, but instead to purchase personal goods and services, including antiques, firearms and cars.

    “This settlement demonstrates the department’s continuing commitment to holding accountable those who put their own financial gain over the needs of our nation’s seniors,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to take action to protect the integrity of federal programs designed to ensure that nursing home residents, who are among our most vulnerable citizens, receive appropriate care.”

    “As the residents of Louisiana well know, hurricanes and natural disasters can devastate people’s lives,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr for the Middle District of Louisiana. “Nursing home operators like Mr. Dean have an obligation to protect their residents during such events, particularly if they are going to rely on federal programs to support or sustain their businesses. This settlement will ensure that those individuals charged with caring for our community’s most vulnerable residents take seriously their duty to have proper safeguards and plans in place to avoid tragedies like the one we saw in Independence, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida.”

    “Nursing home providers have obligations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents entrusted to their care,” said HUD General Counsel Damon Smith. “Owners of FHA-insured nursing homes should be on notice that we will hold them accountable when we learn of allegations that they have failed to meet those obligations.”

    “By the time Hurricane Ida bore down on the vulnerable nursing home residents at properties operated by Mr. Dean, he illegally skimmed funding from those facilities and failed to maintain sanitation and adequately equip the warehouse he designated as the evacuation site,” said HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “He unfairly enriched himself while residents under his charge endured horrid conditions including insufficient food and medical care. HUD OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold accountable those who misappropriate funds at the expense of vulnerable populations.”

    The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the case, with substantial assistance from HUD and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorneys Christopher Reimer and Samuel Robins of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Davis Rhorer Jr. and Chase Zachary for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the matter.

    The United States’ complaint stemmed from an investigation that the Justice Department initiated as part of its Elder Justice Initiative, which supports the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

    The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Announce more than $2.2 Million in Federal Funding for Behavioral Health Education Programs Based on Alexandria, Richmond, and Harrisonburg

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, both D-VA, announced $2,225,710 in federal funding for education programs based in Alexandria, Richmond, and Harrisonburg to train behavioral health professionals to address substance use disorders, students’ mental health, and racial disparities in access to mental health treatment. The funding is being allocated by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for which the senators have consistently supported robust and continued funding.
    “Helping those who struggle with behavioral health needs starts with adequately funding programs to recruit, educate, and train the first responders and behavioral health professionals who will be on the front lines,” said the senators. “This over-$2.2 million in grant funding will help us do that, and we will continue to do all that we can to bring resources to Virginia to support the mental health of our communities.”
    The funding will be allocated as follows:
    $1,924,595 to the Alexandria-based Foundation for The Advancement of Human Systems via the Minority Fellowship Program to recruit, train and support master’s- and doctoral-level students in behavioral health care professions to address services disparities for racial and ethnic minority populations. 
    $199,939 to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to recruit and train first responders in rural areas on how to provide trauma-informed, recovery-based care for people with substance use disorders (SUD), and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (COD), in emergency situations.
    $101,716 to Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg to strengthen mental health services for college students, including increasing protective factors that promote mental health, as well as reducing risk factors for suicide.
    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long advocated for federally-funded resources for Virginians who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine announced $3.5 million in federal funding to expand mental health and substance abuse disorder services at community health centers. In August 2023, Warner and Kaine announced $1.4 million in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to expand access to mental health care in Virginia. In December 2022, Warner and Kaine announced $1 million in federal funding from SAMHSA to expand the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline in Virginia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, Federal Response Positioned to Fully Support Florida Ahead of Milton Landfall

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA, Federal Response Positioned to Fully Support Florida Ahead of Milton Landfall

    FEMA, Federal Response Positioned to Fully Support Florida Ahead of Milton Landfall

    Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued and others are underway. If local authorities issue evacuations, please listen and evacuate immediately. Your life could be at risk.

    WASHINGTON — FEMA and its federal partners are leaning forward and have pre-positioned resources to support local and state response efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. President Joseph R. Biden approved an Emergency Declaration for Florida on Monday, authorizing FEMA to coordinate Federal disaster relief efforts to save lives and protect the health and safety of those in the storm’s path. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground, meeting with officials across the impacted states to marshal the full capabilities of the federal government. 

    This includes pre-staging a full slate of response capabilities in Florida and the region, including: seven FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams, eight FEMA Urban Search & Rescue and swift water rescue teams, three U.S. Coast Guard Swift Water Rescue teams, four Health Care System Assessment Teams, five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and an Incident Management Team from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) temporary power teams, debris experts and a roofing team, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) debris removal and wastewater experts, 300 ambulances and 30 High Water Vehicles with ladders from the U.S. Department of Defense. Additionally, FEMA has five incident staging bases with commodities including food and water. Right now, FEMA currently has 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water in the pipeline to deploy as needed to address ongoing Helene and Milton response efforts and can expand as needed.

    The National Hurricane Center forecasts Hurricane Milton will be a large and extremely dangerous hurricane when it approaches the west coast of Florida tomorrow, bringing devastating hurricane-force winds and life-threatening life surge. In addition to storm surge and extreme winds, Milton will bring heavy rain and the risk of life-threatening flooding, especially in areas with coastal and inland flooding. 

    Hurricane Milton is an extremely dangerous, potentially deadly storm. Those in its path are urged to rush to complete preparations today, know how they are going to get information and listen to local officials.  

    FEMA senior leaders across different regions are on the ground in Florida supporting response efforts. FEMA Region 10 Regional Administrator Willie Nunn will remain in Florida throughout the duration of Hurricane Milton. John Brogan, the Federal Coordinating Officer for Milton and Helene, will also remain in Florida. Nearly 900 staff are already supporting recovery efforts at the Joint Field Office in Tallahassee and operating across the designated counties for hurricanes Helene, Debby and Idalia. This includes more than 460 supporting Hurricane Helene recovery, more than 300 supporting Hurricane Debby recovery and more than 100 supporting Hurricane Idalia recovery.

    FEMA officials are still actively supporting North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia as they respond to and recover from Hurricane Helene including more than 7,400 federal workers of which 1,500 are FEMA staff. FEMA will not divert personnel or resources from these ongoing responses. 

    FEMA understands that people in the path of this storm may still be recovering from hurricanes Helene, Debby and Idalia and urges everyone to protect themselves and take care of others because time is running out to prepare for the hurricane’s potentially deadly impacts.

    Counties in Hurricane Milton’s path have issued evacuation orders. If you need to evacuate, please “evacuate out, not up.” People should visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to determine if they live in an evacuation zone. 

    • If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.  
    • Your gas tank and electric vehicle only need to be halfway full or halfway charged to ensure you can evacuate further inland to a safe location and away from storm surge. You may only need to travel tens of miles, not hundreds.
    • If you live in a county with an evacuation order in place and need evacuation assistance, please call 1-800-729-3413 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the hurricane evacuation charter bus schedule. Again, this is for residents that are in areas with evacuation orders. Florida also partnered with Uber to provide free rides to a shelter using the code MILTONRELIEF.
    • The state of Florida has activated the State Assistance Information Line. Residents needing information and resources can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English, Spanish & Creole speakers available to answer questions.
    • A list of emergency shelters, including those that can accommodate people who need assistance and those who have pets can be found at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster.
    • Additional resources and state updates on Hurricane Milton can be found by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
    • For live updates, follow FLSERT on X and Instagram and FDEM on Facebook.

    Download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in your area.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Calls on Administration To Take Action To Address Shortage Of IV Solutions Caused by Hurricane Destruction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and administration officials to use all appropriate authorities to resolve the national shortage of intravenous (IV) solutions caused by the halt in production at the North Carolina IV fluids manufacturing plant hit by Hurricane Helene. Klobuchar also warns that another plant in Daytona Beach, Florida that manufactures IV solutions could also become compromised by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, exacerbating the existing shortage. 
    “Flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina,” wrote Senator Klobuchar. “The plant – the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country – has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant.” 
    “To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness,” Klobuchar continued. “In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions.”
    Klobuchar has been a national leader in efforts to address prescription and over-the-counter drug shortages.
    In June, Senator Klobuchar chaired an Antitrust Subcommittee hearing titled “Strengthening U.S. Economic Leadership: The Role of Competition in Enhancing Economic Resiliency.” The hearing focused on the danger of consolidation in critical supply chains, which can make the country vulnerable to disruptions and supply shortages that can endanger U.S. economic resiliency and national security.
    In July 2023, Klobuchar, and Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) bipartisan legislation to prevent and mitigate drug shortages was passed out of the Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on a bipartisan vote of 17 to 3. The Drug Shortage Prevention Act would require manufacturers of over-the-counter and prescription medicines to notify the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) when they are unlikely to meet demand. The legislation also requires drugmakers to provide information about their suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and in-process materials to the FDA.
    In 2012, Klobuchar and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act, which Collins also cosponsored. This bipartisan legislation was signed into law as part of the Food & Drug Administration Safety & Innovation Act of 2012 (FDASIA). The Klobuchar law allows the FDA to require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA six months in advance if any supply or manufacturing disruption could lead to a prescription drug shortage. The law also created the Drug Shortage Prevention Task Force and requires the FDA to submit a report to Congress every year on drug shortages. In 2023, the number of new drug shortages tracked by FDA was 33, compared to a peak of 251 new shortages during 2011, before Klobuchar’s 2012 bill was passed into law giving FDA more tools to prevent shortages.
    The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Secretary Becerra,
    As you know, Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction and flooding across much of the southern United States. This natural disaster has caused widespread disruption to vital services across the region and country. Notably, flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina. The plant – the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country – has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant. 
    To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness. 
    As you know, the Baxter facility is responsible for the manufacture of approximately 60 percent of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions available to health care providers in the United States. As a result of Hurricane Helene, hospitals, dialysis centers, and other health care providers around the country—including many in Minnesota—are already being forced to ration these basic, but life-saving supplies. This means many patients have no choice but to delay starting dialysis, delay elective care, or potentially receive suboptimal treatments. Hospitals and health providers are now canceling elective surgeries, such as cardiovascular and other surgical operations, and canceling organ transplants. 
    In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions. Steps must be also taken to ensure that companies advertising or selling FDA-approved IV solutions do not engage in price gouging or other illegal practices. I also urge the administration to implement strategies outlined in recent federal supply chain and manufacturing resilience assessments to mitigate any supply and distribution disruptions.,, Today, few companies in the United States make IV solutions, with a majority share flowing from a single plant. No single entity should be responsible for such a large proportion of fundamental medical supplies on which the health of our nation depends.
    Thank you for your continued efforts as we recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and for your attention to this urgent matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bob Dean Jr. and Affiliated Corporate Entities Agree to $8.2M Consent Judgment to Resolve Allegations of Financial Misconduct Stemming from Evacuation of Nursing Homes During Hurricane Ida

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Bob Dean Jr. and several companies that he owned and operated have agreed to an $8.2 million consent judgment to resolve allegations that they violated the National Housing Act of 1934 (NHA), by misappropriating and misusing the assets and income of four nursing homes in Louisiana before and after Hurricane Ida’s landfall in August 2021. The four nursing homes, all of which were owned and operated by Dean and his companies, and had loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Houma; Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Harvey; Maison Orleans Healthcare in New Orleans; and West Jefferson Health Care Center in Harvey.

    The FHA, part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides mortgage insurance on loans that cover residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, pursuant to the NHA. To encourage lenders to make loans to such facilities, FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses that result from borrowers defaulting on their mortgage loans. To obtain such FHA-insured loans, loan recipients must enter into regulatory agreements with the FHA that provide, among other requirements, that the assets and income of an FHA-insured nursing home may only be spent on goods and services that are reasonable and necessary to the operation of the nursing home. The NHA permits the United States to recover twice the amount of any assets and income of FHA-insured nursing homes that were improperly distributed or misspent.

    In 2023, the government filed a complaint against Dean and his corporate entities alleging that they misspent the nursing homes’ assets and income. The United States alleged that in the five years leading up to Hurricane Ida, Dean funneled money that should have been used to prepare an evacuation site for nursing home residents to his personal bank accounts, leaving his nursing homes — and, more importantly, the nursing homes’ residents — unprepared for a hurricane. As a result, when Hurricane Ida made landfall in August 2021, the residents of Dean’s nursing homes had to ride out the storm in an overcrowded and ill-prepared industrial warehouse Dean owned through a corporate entity. The United States alleged that at Dean’s evacuation center, his nursing homes’ residents languished in squalor and did not receive adequate care, leading to the Louisiana Department of Health evacuating the nursing home residents from Dean’s warehouse and revoking Dean’s nursing homes’ licenses. The United States further alleged that, following the hurricane, Dean did not use the homes’ income and assets solely to operate or maintain the nursing homes, but instead to purchase personal goods and services, including antiques, firearms and cars.

    “This settlement demonstrates the department’s continuing commitment to holding accountable those who put their own financial gain over the needs of our nation’s seniors,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to take action to protect the integrity of federal programs designed to ensure that nursing home residents, who are among our most vulnerable citizens, receive appropriate care.”

    “As the residents of Louisiana well know, hurricanes and natural disasters can devastate people’s lives,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr for the Middle District of Louisiana. “Nursing home operators like Mr. Dean have an obligation to protect their residents during such events, particularly if they are going to rely on federal programs to support or sustain their businesses. This settlement will ensure that those individuals charged with caring for our community’s most vulnerable residents take seriously their duty to have proper safeguards and plans in place to avoid tragedies like the one we saw in Independence, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida.”

    “Nursing home providers have obligations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents entrusted to their care,” said HUD General Counsel Damon Smith. “Owners of FHA-insured nursing homes should be on notice that we will hold them accountable when we learn of allegations that they have failed to meet those obligations.”

    “By the time Hurricane Ida bore down on the vulnerable nursing home residents at properties operated by Mr. Dean, he illegally skimmed funding from those facilities and failed to maintain sanitation and adequately equip the warehouse he designated as the evacuation site,” said HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “He unfairly enriched himself while residents under his charge endured horrid conditions including insufficient food and medical care. HUD OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold accountable those who misappropriate funds at the expense of vulnerable populations.”

    The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the case, with substantial assistance from HUD and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorneys Christopher Reimer and Samuel Robins of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Davis Rhorer Jr. and Chase Zachary for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the matter.

    The United States’ complaint stemmed from an investigation that the Justice Department initiated as part of its Elder Justice Initiative, which supports the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

    The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council supporting World Mental Health Day (10 October 2024)

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    This year’s World Mental Health Day – due to take place on Thursday, 10 October 2024 – aims to highlight what can be done to prioritise mental health in the workplace.  The day is observed each year to raise awareness of mental health and encourage people to reach out for help.

    The Council aims to reduce stigma around mental health and provide appropriate support to staff through a range of resources.

    This support and intervention aims to give staff the confidence to discuss mental health openly in the workplace, manage their own mental health and wellbeing and, provide appropriate support to others when required.

    Although stress is not a mental health condition, it may be a symptom of something else and may lead to a mental health issue if not managed appropriately.  Managing stress is a key part of creating a mentally healthy workplace.

    World Mental Health Day aims to get us all talking openly about mental health, mental illnesses and the treatment and preventions that are available to us all.

    Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Cllr Derek Louden, commented:  “By supporting and recognising World Mental Health Day, we are able to increase our understanding of Mental Health and its impact on our lives. We are all experiencing additional stresses and uncertainty because of global factors, including the cost of living crisis.  This means many of us across Highland are likely to be feeling the effects of reduced Mental Health.

    “Taking care of our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health and there are many resources available to the public which can help manage emotional wellbeing and which address dealing with issues such as isolation, sleep disturbance, and anxiety; they also provide short and valuable techniques to help everyone take care of their mental health, in addition to staying physically fit.”

    Visit the World Mental Health Day official website and take the opportunity to talk about any problems this World Mental Health Day.

    If you, or someone you care for, is in immediate danger call 999.  If the crisis is not life threatening, call NHS 24 on 111 or speak to your GP.  There are other services you can contact 24 hours a day for support:

    • Samaritans – 116 123 (calls are free and do not show on a phone bill)

    • Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DURING SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN SECURES MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR HUDSON VALLEY VETERANS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Ryan (New York 18th)

    Ryan delivered $595,316 for Mental Health America of Dutchess County to save lives by boosting its suicide prevention services and increasing mental health resources for Hudson Valley veterans

    During Suicide Prevention Month, Congressman Pat Ryan Secures Mental Health Resources for Hudson Valley Veterans

    Ryan delivered $595,316 for Mental Health America of Dutchess County to save lives by boosting its suicide prevention services and increasing mental health resources for Hudson Valley veterans

    POUGHKEEPSIE, NY –  Today, Congressman Pat Ryan secured $595,316 for Mental Health America of Dutchess County (MHADC) to save lives by investing in its suicide prevention and mental health services for Hudson Valley veterans. The funding will support MHADC’s comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programming that provides veterans with direct assistance from specialists, access to therapeutic activities and mental health resources, as well as a full-spectrum of support services. Ryan, a West Point graduate and Army veteran, delivered the funding during National Suicide Prevention Month and has fought for funding for veteran suicide prevention programs since his time as Ulster County Executive. The federal funding awarded to Mental Health America of Dutchess County is from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grants (SSG Fox SPGP.)

    “MHADC’s veterans program saves lives – period,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Every day, we lose more than 17 heroes to suicide – we should not lose even one. I know that MHADC is right with me in saying that we will not rest until we end the suicide and mental health crisis facing our veterans. I’m proud that these funds will deliver the support and services that every veteran deserves.”

    “MHADC is excited to have our SSG Fox SPGP renewed for a third year,” said Alyssa Carrion, Director of Veterans Programs at Mental Health America of Dutchess County. “The funds provided by this grant provide suicide prevention services for the Veterans of Dutchess and Orange Counties.  We provide yoga, art, equine, music, reiki, and meditation services for our enrollees, as well as access to TISA funds for emergency situations.  This grant has made an amazing difference in the lives of our local Veterans and we are thrilled to continue for a third year.”

    “We are overwhelmed and so grateful to receive our third year of funding through the SSG Fox SPGP,” said Dr Lisa Connolly, Psy.D., LMHC, Chief Operating Office of Mental Health America of Dutchess County. “Our MHA’s Veterans’ Program has done so many worthwhile and incredibly creative endeavors with this funding. Thank you so much for entrusting us, and we promise to continue to meet and exceed all your expectations.”

    The VA’s Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grants directs funding to community-based suicide prevention efforts and increases accessibility to VA support and resources through community-based organizations. 

    Mental Health America of Dutchess County’s SSG Fox SPGP’s program provides veterans with direct assistance from program specialists and connects them with the specific supportive services they need. The program offers unique opportunities and therapeutic approaches including equine, art, and music therapy to keep veterans active and engaged. Additionally, the program assists veterans with Temporary Income Support Assistance and VA benefits and healthcare assistance. 

    MHADC’s other veterans programs offer a full spectrum of services to uplift Hudson Valley veterans, including:

    • Vet2Vet is funded by the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans’ Peer Services Project. Services include support groups, short-term care management, recovery groups, referrals for specialized care, benefits claims assistance, educational information, and free social events and supportive networks.Advocacy
    • The HERO Program that tackles veteran homelessness and includes funding for emergency housing for veterans and their families.
    • The Veterans Employment Training & Transitions Assistance Program (VET-TAP) assists veterans in gaining fulfilling employment, including resume building, job hunting, job applications, and interview preparation. The program also offers local Veterans the opportunity to obtain licenses and certifications in various fields. 

    According to the VA’s 2023 National Veteran Suicide Precention Annual Report, the U.S. loses over 17 veterans per day to suicide. The Report also found that suicide was the 13th leading cause of death among veterans in 2021 and the American Psychological Association notes that veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than nonveteran adults.

    Congressman Ryan graduated from the United States military Academy at West Point in 2004 and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress. He served two combat tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army. As Ulster County Executive, Ryan fought for funding for the The Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Projects, a peer-to-peer program that supports veterans living with PTSD, TBI, addiction, and mental health challenges. 

    Ryan serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is a member of the House Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. Ryan has pushed for significant legislation to address the suicide and mental health crisis in the veteran and military servicemember communities, including the Veterans’ Sentinel Act, the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act, and the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act as well as resolutions to bring awareness to the crisis including Recognizing the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag and Expressing support for the designation of September 22 as “National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day.”

    Ryan has fought for federal funding for organizations that support Hudson Valley veterans, including delivering $1 million for the Rumshock Veterans Foundation’s Veterans Village Project that is currently constructing affordable housing for homeless veterans in Orange County. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Notice of Intent to Reaffirm a Categorical Exclusion Issued to Paige Associates

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is seeking public comment on its intent to reaffirm a Categorical Exclusion issued to Paige Associates on April 30, 2021.

    RIDOH previously reviewed for approval the request by Paige Associates (PWS # 1900020) for a Categorical Exclusion determination for its proposed Public Water Supply and Distribution System Improvements project. The original project included replacement of the existing water system, repair and refurbishment of the water storage tank, improvements to the pump house structure and the monitoring and control system, and installation of a new supply well.

    Paige Associates is proposing minor changes to the previously proposed project. The change consists of replacing the water storage tank.

    It has been determined that any impacts from the revised project, subject to certain defined conditions and with all proposed mitigation and the required mitigation and conditions in accordance with state permits and comments, would be minor and short term in duration and that the project, subject to certain defined conditions and with all proposed mitigation and the required mitigation and conditions in accordance with state permits and comments, will not individually, or cumulatively over time, have a significant effect on the quality of the environment. Therefore, RIDOH is hereby giving notice of intent to reaffirm the Categorical Exclusion, with the described minor project changes, for the proposed project pursuant to the requirements and authority set forth in Chapter 46-12.8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund regulations (216-RICR-50-05-6).

    A copy of the Categorical Exclusion can be obtained by calling RIDOH’s Center for Drinking Water Quality at 401-222-6867 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by emailing DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov. All material submitted for review is available for public inspection weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at RIDOH, Center for Drinking Water Quality, Three Capitol Hill, Room 209, Providence, RI 02908.

    Written comments should be sent to the Center for Drinking Water Quality at the address above or emailed to DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov within thirty (30) days of the date of this notice.

    A public hearing to hear or otherwise receive comments on the proposed intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion will be held if RIDOH receives such a request by twenty-five (25) persons, or by a governmental agency, or by an association having not less than twenty-five (25) members, within ten (10) days of published notice. If a public hearing is held, it will be open to the public, recorded and held at least five (5) days before the end of the public-comment period. A hearing will not be held earlier than ten (10) days after notice of its location, date, and time published. A request for a public hearing should be sent to the Center for Drinking Water Quality at the address above or emailed to DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov. Notice should be taken that if RIDOH receives a request(s) as provided above on or before 4:30 p.m., October 18, 2024, a public hearing will be held at the following time and place:

    October 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. RIDOH Auditorium Three Capitol Hill Providence, Rhode Island 02908

    Interested persons should contact RIDOH to confirm if a hearing will be held at the time and location noted above.

    The location of the public hearing will be accessible to the handicapped. Interpreter services for people with hearing impairment and audiotapes for people with vision impairment will be made available. RIDOH is handicap accessible to individuals with disabilities.

    Please call RIDOH’s Center for Drinking Water Quality at 401-222-6867 for further information. For individuals requesting communication assistance, call Rhode Island Relay (TTY) at 711 or 800-745-5555 at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honoring New York’s Fallen Firefighters

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today honored 32 fallen firefighters at the 27th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony held at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany. The Memorial honors 2,692 New York’s firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, paying tribute to them as well as thousands of firefighters across the state who continue to serve and protect their communities.

    “Let us take a moment to remember the 32 courageous firefighters whose lives were dedicated to protecting others. Their names, now forever honored on the Memorial Wall, symbolize the bravery and sacrifice that define our firefighting community,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate Firefighter Appreciation Day and Fire Prevention Week, let us not only express our gratitude but also commit ourselves to fire safety and the well-being of those who risk everything for us. Together, we uphold the legacy of these heroes and the values they instill in us all.”

    “Our firefighters embody the definition of what it means to selflessly serve one’s community, and today, we remember those we lost fulfilling that service,” Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said. “These men and women are heroes who rose to meet challenges that most of us can scarcely imagine, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay to those they have left behind. Today, we mourn alongside their families, friends, and colleagues as we salute their courage.”

    The fallen firefighters added to the wall this year include:

    NAME FIRE DEPARTMENT
    Thomas W. Anderson Jr. Fire Department of the City of New York
    Rev. Msgr. John E. Delendick Fire Department of the City of New York
    James A. Drohan Sr. Ossining Fire Department
    Russell Feliciano Fire Department of the City of New York
    Albert A. Filosa Fire Department of the City of New York
    John P. Fogarty Fire Department of the City of New York
    Niel G. Frazier Jr. Ellington Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
    Frederick H. Gallagher Fire Department of the City of New York
    Joseph P. Giordano Freeport Fire Department
    Wayne T. Goehring Fire Department of the City of New York
    Andrew J. Hornbuckle Fire Department of the City of New York
    Edward V. Hronec Fire Department of the City of New York
    Stewart G. Hunt Ancram Fire Department
    Robert J. Kelly Fire Department of the City of New York
    Lamont Killian Jr. Mount Vernon Fire Department
    Scott E. LaFlesh Plattsburgh Fire Department
    Arthur S. Lakiotes Fire Department of the City of New York
    James C. Mager Fire Department of the City of New York
    Anthony Malfi Fire Department of the City of New York
    Vincent J. Mandala Fire Department of the City of New York
    George P. Matthias Greenport Fire Department
    Thomas J. McDougall Fire Department of the City of New York
    Brian E. O’Flaherty Fire Department of the City of New York
    Jeffrey S. Pells Arlington Fire District
    Philip A. Pinto Jr. Eastchester Fire District
    James T. Redmond Fire Department of the City of New York
    Karl J. Sederholt Fire Department of the City of New York
    Lloyd W. Stuart Fire Department of the City of New York
    John E. Veteri Sr. Larchmont Fire Department
    Michael Verzi Fire Department of the City of New York
    Christopher P. Viviano Fire Department of the City of New York
    Israel J. Vosseller New Haven Volunteer Fire Department

    Governor Hochul also today issued two proclamations to honor the state’s career and volunteer firefighters, marking Oct. 8, 2024 as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of Oct. 7-11, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week. The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control works with local fire departments, fire service organizations, school districts, civic groups, and the National Fire Protection Association to provide the public with information and programs about the importance of fire safety awareness.

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We honor our fallen firefighters on this day and recognize their courage and the ultimate sacrifice they made to keep others safe. We will always be grateful for their dedication and bravery. We thank them for their service and grieve their loss with their families and loved ones.”

    State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “Those honored today include both career and volunteer members from across the State. Illnesses directly related to the response and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site after the attacks of September 11, 2001 continue to take their toll. We also gather to acknowledge and recognize the families, friends, and fellow firefighters of those who we are honoring today. Their loved one’s service required they too serve and sacrifice, and we offer our support and sympathy for their loss.”

    About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

    The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs.

    About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Meet on World Cerebral Palsy Day organized on 6th October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability) and Multiple Disability organized a National Meet on World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6thOctober 2024. The trust is a statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

    Eminent experts and Professionals in the field of Cerebral Palsy participated in the National Meet as resource persons. Shri K.R Vaidheeswaran, Joint Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Trust delivered the inaugural address, mentioning the need for innovation in the field of Cerebral Palsy to enable persons with cerebral palsy to join mainstream.

    Dr. Neelam Sodhi, MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and founder of North India Cerebral Palsy Association shared her experience on bringing up her son who is a person with Cerebral Palsy and a software expert leading an independent life in Bangalore.

    Dr. Jitendra Kumar Jain, Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon and Chairman, Trishla Foundation, Prayagraj informed important facts and current updates in management of children with Cerebral Palsy. Persons with Cerebral Palsy namely – Mr. Siddharth GJ, Bangalore, a Bank Manager and a Motivational Speaker; Mr. Deepak Parthaasarthy, Chennai, Sports Journalist; and Dr. Ritesh Sinha, Karnal, a Beacon of Resilience and Innovation shared their life journey during the meet.

    Dr. Neeraj Mishra, Occupational Therapist, Dept. of Neurology, G.B Pant Hospital, Delhi addressed the occasion on Handling Children with Cerebral Palsy. There was a panel discussion on ‘The Way Forward Towards Inclusion’ by Mrs. Meenu Arora Mani, Mr. Sawai Singh and Ms. Vinayana Khuranna, all Persons with Cerebral Palsy. The moderator of the panel discussion was Ms. Anuradha from Ability Inclusion and Development (AADI), Delhi.

    The concluding remarks were given by Mr. Avelino Nicolau de Sa, a Person with Cerebral Palsy and a Board Member of the National Trust. The virtual meet was attended by more than 130 participants which includes Board Members of the National Trust, Govt. Officials, Organizations and Professionals working for Persons with Cerebral Palsy etc.

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2063222) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs 194th Meeting of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs 194th Meeting of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

    Union Minister Announces Establishment of 10 New ESIC Medical Colleges, Supporting PM’s Independence Day (2024) Pledge of 75,000 New Medical Seats in Next 5 Years

    Gives Extension to Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana for a period from 01.07.2024 to 30.06.2026

    Announces Provision of Medical Care to ESIC Beneficiaries under convergence program of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on PAN India basis

    Approves Starting of Para-medical & B.Sc (Nursing) Courses at ESIC Medical Colleges

    Approves Recruitment of Nursing Officers through NORCET

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports chaired the 194th meeting of the ESI Corporation at ESIC Headquarters in New Delhi today. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises was also present on the occassion. At the meeting, the Union Minister announced several key decisions of ESI Corporation for further strengthening the infrastructure and medical facilities of ESIC. 

    Establishment of 10 New ESIC Medical Colleges

    ESI Corporation has approved in-principle for the establishment of 10 New ESIC Medical Colleges at Andheri (Maharashtra), Basaidarapur (Delhi), Guwahati-Beltola (Assam), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Naroda-Bapunagar (Gujarat), Noida & Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Ranchi (Jharkhand).

    This decision will support the announcement made by Prime Minister during the independence day (2024) speech of creating new 75000 medial seats in next 5 years.

    Extension of Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna for a period from 01.07.2024 to 30.06.2026

    In order to provide relief to insured persons, who have been rendered unemployed, a scheme namely “Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna” was introduced in ESIC on a pilot basis for a period of two years w.e.f. 01.07.2018. The scheme was intended to provide support in the form of an Unemployment Allowance during the period when an insured person searches for a new engagement for earnings.

    After completion of two years since its inception, the scheme was extended for another one year from 01.07.2020 to 30.06.2021. It was further extended upto 30.06.2022 and then upto 30.06.2024.

    Further, this scheme has been extended for a further two years with effect from 01.07.2024 to 30.06.2026.

    Provision of Medical Care to ESIC Beneficiaries under convergence program of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on PAN India basis

    This decision will help the ESIC beneficiaries to get treatment at empanelled hospitals of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantra Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in unserviced/deficient areas of country. There shall not be any expenditure limit for Insured Persons of ESIC in emapanelled hospitals under PMJAY.

    Starting of Para-medical & B.Sc (Nursing) Courses at ESIC Medical Colleges

    ESI Corporation has approved Para-medical & B.Sc (Nursing) Courses in ESIC Medical College Alwar (Rajashtan), Bihta (Bihar), Faridabad (Haryana), Joka (West Bengal), K.K. Nagar (Tamil Nadu), Sanathnagar (Telangana) & Rajajinagar (Karnataka).

     

    Nursing Officer Recruitment through NORCET in line with the AIIMS recruitment policy

    ESI Corporation has approved for the adoption of recruitment for the post of Nursing Officer, in line with the AIIMS recruitment policy, for conducting the recruitment of Nursing Officers through NORCET organized by AIIMS. This will ensure that there is no shortage and vacancy of nurses in ESIC Hospitals/Colleges and Dispensaries.

    ESI Corporation approved for the Acquisition of land parcels for construction of Hospitals/Dispensaries/DCBOs at different locations

    After analyzing the norms and strengthening ESIC’s infrastructure to deliver and meet the medical needs of insured workers, the corporation approved the proposals for Acquisition of land for construction of following projects: –

    (i) 100 bedded ESI Hospital at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

    (ii) 01 Doctor Dispensary at Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

    (iii) DCBO at Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh

    (iv) 350 bedded ESI Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra

    (v) ESI Dispensary and Branch Office, Dhubri, Assam

    (vi) 100 bedded ESI Hospital at Muzaffarpur, Biha

    (vii) DCBO at Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh

    Further, Construction of 717 new staff quarters at ESIC residential colony, Sector-56, Noida, Uttar Pradesh has also been approved.

    Various agenda items pertaining to improvement in Medical Care Services, Administration, Financial Matters were deliberated upon and decided during the meeting along with the review of ongoing construction projects.

    The 194th meeting of the ESI Corporation was attended by Ms. Dola Sen, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri N.K. Premachandran, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary (L&E) and Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General, ESIC. Principal Secretaries/Secretaries of the state governments, representatives of employers, employees and experts in the medical field were also present during the meeting.

    ********

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2063239) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Round Table Conference on IPR and Commercialization in Ayush Systems organised

    Source: Government of India (2)

     Round Table Conference on IPR and Commercialization in Ayush Systems organised

    Integration of traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation

    Global Partnerships in the last decade led to tremendous Growth in the Ayush Manufacturing Sector: Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ayush

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 7:00PM by PIB Delhi

    A Round Table Conference focusing on “Intellectual Property, Regulatory Framework, and Commercialization Aspects in Traditional Knowledge of Ayush Systems” was organised by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in collaboration with the School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur here today. The conference gathered leading experts from academia, government, and industry to address the critical challenges and opportunities in protecting and advancing traditional knowledge in Ayush systems.

    The event was graced by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, as the Chief Guest. Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University, Haryana, Prof. Anupam Srivastava, Head of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at NIA, Jaipur, Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from the School of Biotechnology, JNU were among other dignitaries who graced the event.

    In his address, Prof. Kotecha emphasized the essential role of research and teaching in Ayurveda and how these pillars drive the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) agenda in traditional medicine.

    Highlighting the Ministry’s initiatives to strengthen Ayush systems, he said, “The evolving digital ecosystem and the generation of scientific evidence are crucial for advancing the Indian system of medicine. We integrate traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation.” Prof. Kotecha praised the Ayurveda Biology Program at JNU for its forward-thinking approach, which contributed to the modernisation and internationalisation of Ayurveda research.

    He also elaborated on India’s collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), focusing on developing global standards for traditional medicine. He credited these initiatives for contributing to India’s burgeoning Ayush manufacturing sector, which has witnessed tremendous growth over the past decade. Prof. Kotecha stressed that the collaboration between academia and industry is critical to further enhancing the global competitiveness of Ayush products while ensuring the protection of traditional knowledge through appropriate IPR frameworks.

    Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University, Haryana, was the Guest of Honor at the conference. He underscored the need for greater cooperation among all Ayush agencies to address common challenges in research and commercialisation. “A molecular understanding of traditional medicine and developing research tools specific to Ayush systems are essential. Moreover, we must include IPR as a core subject in postgraduate courses to prepare future scholars for the challenges ahead,” he remarked.

    Addressing a session, Prof. Anupam Srivastava, Head of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at NIA, Jaipur, traced the evolution of Ayush systems from the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) to the establishment of the Ministry of Ayush. He emphasized the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library’s (TKDL) critical role in protecting India’s traditional medicinal knowledge from biopiracy. He proposed a six-month course on IPR, specifically tailored to the needs of Ayush professionals, to address gaps in intellectual property awareness.

    Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from the School of Biotechnology, JNU, spoke on the importance of protecting traditional knowledge in India and globally. He stressed the need to bridge research gaps to facilitate the commercialisation of Ayush products. “The proprietary issues surrounding Ayush systems can only be resolved through dedicated research and innovation. We must safeguard our traditional knowledge while ensuring its global integration,” he said.

    The conference concluded with a series of panel discussions that brought together leaders from Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. These sessions explored the creation and protection of intellectual property for Ayush innovations, the necessary regulatory frameworks, and strategies for commercialisation and benefit sharing.

    This conference marked a pivotal moment in addressing Ayush systems’ regulatory and intellectual property challenges. The discussions centred on crafting a shared vision to strengthen research, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives promoting India’s traditional knowledge globally. The event also fostered collaborations to advance Ayush systems’ contributions to global healthcare.

    As India continues to assert its leadership in traditional medicine, the dialogue initiated at this conference will catalyse further advancements in research, commercialisation, and intellectual property protection in the Ayush sector. The Ministry of Ayush remains committed to ensuring that Ayush systems continue to grow as an integral part of global healthcare solutions.

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    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2063258) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Combination nanotherapeutic clotting implant reduces localized tumor recurrence post-surgery

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 8:34PM by PIB Delhi

    A combination therapeutic implant consisting of metal-based nanomedicine reinforced with patient derived blood clotting components reduces localised tumour recurrence post-surgery.

    The technology can be used to fabricate a therapeutic kit that can generate this autologous hybrid implant by using simple equipment such as handheld homogenizer and a centrifuge which might be beneficial to marginalised cancer patients.

    Surgery and chemotherapy are inevitable in managing solid tumors. However, local recurrence due to residual tumor and systemic toxicity due to drug non-specificity confer these vital modalities inefficient. Nanotechnological tools show promise in reducing toxicity and improving solubility of chemodrugs, but due to their poor tumor bioavailability (<0.7% of injected dose) and rapid clearance by reticulo endothelial system, their progress is deescalated. A key obstacle is also the adsorption of host serum proteins over the surface of nanoparticles termed as ‘protein corona’.

    Protein corona has been recently established as a molecular fingerprint of a patient and has been realized to be integrated into the basic design of nanoparticles for a futuristic personalized treatment strategy. Considering serum proteins being the first line of interaction for a drug molecule soon after its systemic administration, scientists are trying to devise ways in positively channelizing corona proteins towards generation of precision nanomedicines and diagnostic tools.

    Scientists at Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with researchers from IIT Ropar, AIIMS Bilaspur and PGIMER Chandigarh have developed and tested an indigenous intra-operative combination treatment consisting of drug and metal-based nanomedicine stabilized by patient derived serum protein corona termed as Nano-Micro-Sera (NMS) and reinforced them into autologous fibrin to aid in the post-surgical management of locally recurrent tumors.

    The hybrid fibrin implant quickly bonds with damaged tissue in the residual tumor bed. After closure of the surgical site, localized chemo-phototherapy impeded tumor recurrence through immunogenic cell death (ICD) mediated dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation.

    Although fibrin sealants are commercially available, autologously derived fibrin glue is also utilized favourably during mastectomy, maxillofacial and ophthalmological surgery. Due to its wide acceptance for such clinical procedures, strengthening it further with therapeutic functionality by incorporating NMS is highly warranted.

    The autologous hybrid fibrin glue developed by the researchers exhibited remarkable synergy and superior outcomes in suppressing recurrent breast tumors. This host-specific approach published in the journal Nanoscale was meticulously crafted for bedside fabrication using minimal resources, addressing the limitations of conventional therapies and ensuring accessibility for patients across different economic conditions.

    Considering the large number of patients suffering from solid tumors in India, an affordable methodology for localized post-surgical management will have significant impact in controlling recurrence of primary tumor and thereby affecting the probability for local as well as distant metastasis.

    Publication link: DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01076k

    Figure shows work flow for preparation of Nano Micro Sera (NMS) and its application at the tumor bed with hybrid fibrin glue that initiates concurrent chemo-photo thermal attack on residual cancer cells and further activation of immune cells. The combination nanotherapeutic fibrin implant (iv-NMS) effectively decreased post-surgical tumor regrowth in comparison to Control groups (i-autologous implant, ii-combination of chemotherapeutic drug and photothermal agent loaded fibrin implant and iii-immunoadjuvant loaded fibrin implant), thus improving overall survival.

    ***

    NKR/DK

    (Release ID: 2063297) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

    India becomes the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 9:01PM by PIB Delhi

    World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem becoming the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. An official Certification was handed over to Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by Ms. Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South East Asia during the WHO’s South East Asia Region, Regional Committee meeting held at New Delhi, today.

    Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. Trachoma is contagious, spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness.

    WHO has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease. WHO estimates suggest that 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma and 6 million of them are blind or at risk of visually disabling complications. Trachoma is found in underprivileged communities living in poor environmental conditions.

    Trachoma was amongst the leading cause of blindness in the country during 1950-60. The Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963 and later on Trachoma control efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).

    In 1971, blindness due to Trachoma was 5% and today, owing to the various interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), it has come down to less than 1%.  WHO SAFE strategy was implemented throughout the country wherein SAFE stands for adoption of surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, environmental cleanliness etc. As a result, in 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma. However, surveillance continued for trachoma cases in all the districts of India from 2019 onwards till 2024.

    The National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey was also carried out in 200 endemic districts of the country under NPCBVI from 2021-24, which was a mandate set by WHO in order to declare that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.

    All the reports were compiled in a specific dossier format by the NPCBVI team and were shared with the WHO country office for final scrutiny. Finally, after years of fighting against Trachoma, WHO declared that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.

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     MV

     HFW/India eliminates Trachoma as a public health problem/8th October 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2063310) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Announces $30.5 Million for UCSF to Research Drug Side-effect Prevention

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    San Francisco – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) will receive up to $30.5 million in new federal funding for its research into preemptively identifying the side-effect targets a drug might have to design the drug to avoid them.  This funding comes from the new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) initiative, which was developed by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and established by March 2022 government funding legislation that then-Speaker Pelosi led in negotiating and enacting.

    “UCSF has long been a beacon of excellence in scientific research and medical treatment, especially its leadership on HIV/AIDS with Ward 86,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.  “With this new federal funding, UCSF will be able to support the cutting-edge research of San Francisco scientists into proactively preventing side-effects for FDA-approved drug therapies.  We are grateful for President Joe Biden’s leadership and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s authorship in championing the ARPA-H legislation which has offered so many families across America hope for a better future.”

    “The AVOID-OME project leverages high-throughput drug discovery and machine learning to flip the process of predicting adverse reactions on its head and markedly improve the time and cost involved in candidate drug discovery. This work will create a “public good” dataset and algorithm that the drug discovery community can leverage and grow to develop future drug candidates more efficiently and effectively,” said Harold Collard, Vice Chancellor for Research, UCSF.

    UCSF will soon be able to draw on a $30.5 million federal budget to support its “structurally enabling the ‘avoid-ome’ to accelerate drug discovery” project.  This initiative promises a more proactive and data-driven approach that will ultimately accelerate the delivery of new drug therapies to patients.

    Modeled on successful defense and energy research initiatives, ARPA-H supports break-through research efforts with the potential to improve health outcomes for those living with devastating medical conditions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Thriving Together: Stories of Sickle Cell Strength | Oct 2024 | Episode 2

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    In this video, Acting Associate Commissioner for Minority Health at the FDA, Dr. Christine Lee, sits down with Dr. Claudia Banquet, an affiliate professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Together, they highlight ongoing efforts at HHS to support quality of life for a thriving Sickle Cell Disease community and discuss recent projects related to sickle cell disease. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98D8yq-ovX4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Enters Consent Decree Against Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. Following Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese Products

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. (“Rizo Lopez Foods”), a California-based food manufacturer, and the company’s co-owners, Edwin Rizo and Tomas Rizo. Among other requirements, the consent decree prohibits Rizo Lopez Foods from manufacturing and selling certain food products until the company complies with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), federal regulations and other requirements.  

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods of Modesto, California.

    L. monocytogenes is a species of disease-causing bacteria. When people eat food contaminated with L. monocytogenes, they may develop a disease called listeriosis. This infection can have serious adverse effects for consumers, particularly women who are or may become pregnant, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Complications from the disease can include pneumonia, central nervous system damage, endocarditis, localized abscesses, skin lesions and conjunctivitis. 

    In January 2024, the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch collected a retail sample of the Defendants’ Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese, and the sample tested positive for L. monocytogenes. Whole genome sequencing of the L. monocytogenes-positive cheese sample matched previous clinical illnesses identified by CDC. The FDA inspected the Defendants’ facility from January–February 2024, and the FDA subsequently identified the same strain of L. monocytogenes in the facility’s environment. This match indicates that the L. monocytogenes strain likely originated from the Defendants’ facility. In February 2024, Rizo Lopez Foods voluntarily recalled its entire inventory of dairy products, regardless of the sell-by date of the product.

    In total, the CDC outbreak investigation identified 26 illnesses, which occurred across 11 states and included 23 hospitalizations. Two of the individuals subsequently died. Four individuals were pregnant, including one who suffered a pregnancy loss. 

    “Food safety is a critical responsibility. Producers of fresco type cheeses are responsible for producing safe food, including being in compliance with food safety laws and regulations. Through this unfortunate outbreak, we see what can happen when a company fails to meet their legal responsibilities,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “The FDA will always put the safety of consumers and public health first and will continue to hold companies accountable when they manufacture and distribute contaminated food into the U.S. marketplace.” 

    The consent decree prohibits Rizo Lopez Foods, Edwin Rizo, and Tomas Rizo, and any persons or entities in active concert or participation with them who receive notice of the decree, from directly or indirectly manufacturing, preparing, processing, packing, repacking, receiving, labeling, holding, and/or distributing any product, excluding pre-packaged food, at or from their facilities unless and until certain requirements are met to ensure they are operating in compliance with the FD&C Act, the FDA’s regulations, and the decree. The consent decree requires the defendants to make corrective actions and receive FDA approval before they may resume operations.

    The FDA remains committed to fostering a culture of food safety among all food producers that provide products to the U.S. The Agency has developed a strategy for reducing the likelihood of outbreaks and illnesses of listeriosis associated with cheeses and will continue to work with companies to ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply.

    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low. 

    The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner with Whānau Āwhina Plunket to train its workforce and establish immunisation services at up to 27 sites across the country. 

    Dr Reti says this is an important step in reducing the barriers to getting children immunised, helping to achieve the Government’s target of 95 per cent of children being fully vaccinated at 24 months. 

    “A key part of our plan to increase childhood immunisations is expanding the workforce able to deliver vaccinations, including midwives and pharmacies, so people can access vaccinations wherever they go to get healthcare,” Dr Reti says. 

    “With existing clinical infrastructure and professional networks, Whānau Āwhina Plunket is perfectly placed to put this funding to use and start vaccinating children very soon. For example Whangārei, the first site, expects to be able to deliver childhood immunisations by the end of 2024.”

    Ms Costello, in her capacity as Associate Health Minister for maternity health, says Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurses are specialist health professionals who play an essential part in supporting women and families in the first days and weeks of a new baby’s life. 

    “Plunket is already supporting whānau to make informed decisions around immunisation, alongside the other services they provide to parents and families around the birth of their child,” says Ms Costello. 

    “The pilot will allow for Plunket to deliver vaccinations alongside in-clinic Well Child visits, at dedicated immunisation clinics, at community events and eventually in homes.

    “It’s natural step for Plunket to work alongside colleagues and partners, including Hauora Māori partners, Pacific providers, general practice and pharmacists to make it easy for parents to get their children vaccinated.”

    This initiative to boost the vaccination workforce is in addition to the $50 million investment over two years for Hauora Māori providers to deliver additional vaccinations, and thereby lift immunisation rates. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Joins SEIU Care Worker and Child Care Advocates for the SEIU ‘Walk a Day’ Program, Pledges to Support Child Care Workers on Critical Issues: Increasing Pay and Protections for Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    ADDISON, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined local child care provider and Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU) member Maria Esther Hurtado at her home in Addison to participate in SEIU’s ‘Walk a Day’ experience. Shadowing Hurtado during her typical daily activities with the children she cares for, the congressman spoke on the urgent need to increase child worker pay to ensure that those caring for America’s next generation receive the dignity and respect they deserve.


    “Child care workers like Maria are guiding America’s future by providing these children with a healthy and safe environment to grow and learn,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “The impact of their work is immeasurable, yet people like Maria are expected to support and care for our kids while also providing for themselves on near-poverty wages. It was humbling to walk in Maria’s shoes this morning, and I thank her for her service to our community here in Addison, as well as the thousands of other SEIU workers doing the same across the country. It’s time we repay their hard work and dedication by raising child care worker pay and by securing more federal funding for child care.” 

    “Without living wages and benefits, providers like me can’t afford to stay in child care and new providers won’t join us,”said child care provider Maria Esther Hurtado. “There’s a huge demand for child care and too many families are going without. That’s bad for providers, bad for families and it’s bad for the economy when parents can’t work because of lack of child care.”

    “Whether it’s child care, senior care, or caring for those with disabilities, all families regardless of zip code are pressed to find and afford care, while workers are struggling to care for our own families because of low wages and lack of paid leave. Vice President Harris’ proposal is a critical step towards building a care system that works for everyone. We will continue to demand that our elected leaders prioritize caregivers and make meaningful investments to solve the care crisis,” said Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois.

    The rising cost of child care has made it unavailable and unaffordable for working-class families, the very people who need the services most. At the same time, child care providers have also been squeezed, with low wages and a lack of benefits creating an unsustainable shortage of child care workers, forcing providers to work harder to fill the gap without a compensation increase. Congressman Krishnamoorthi is a proud co-sponsor of the Child Care for Working Families Act and the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, two pieces of legislation that would ensure child care workers are paid a living wage and have protections such as overtime, access to paid sick leave, and health care coverage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Delivers Nearly $13 Million for Milwaukee and Kenosha to Remove Dangerous Lead Paint

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that she helped deliver over $12.9 million to remove dangerous lead paint from homes in Southeastern Wisconsin. Milwaukee County will receive $7.75 million and Kenosha County will receive nearly $5.2 million in funding through the Baldwin-backed annual funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2024.
    “Every child deserves to grow up in an environment free of toxic chemicals. We know that no amount of exposure to lead is safe, especially for children, and whether it’s replacing outdated service lines or renovating homes with lead paint, we need to be doing more to protect our children from the lifelong effects of lead poisoning,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to deliver this funding to ensure children and parents in Southeastern Wisconsin can be confident that their families are not being exposed to dangerous chemicals and can live healthy lives.”
    The funding for Milwaukee and Kenosha Counties comes through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) grant program, which aims to minimize the number of children under the age of six years who experience lead poisoning. This funding helps transform communities by fixing older housing, preserving affordable housing, and improving the health of children and families in these communities.
    “Exposure to lead can cause serious, lasting health issues and developmental delays, especially in young children under the age of six. As we work to make Milwaukee County the healthiest county in Wisconsin, we must address the leading cause of lead poisoning in our region: lead in paint,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and Senator Tammy Baldwin for recognizing health dangers in our community and responding with new funding through the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address these challenges. Milwaukeeans deserve both affordable and safe housing, and together with our federal partners we will make substantial strides toward achieving that goal.”
    “This nearly $5.2 million grant will have a direct impact on the health and safety of children in Kenosha and Racine counties, allowing us to continue our ongoing work to identify and address lead paint hazards through the Live Lead Safe Program,” said Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “We’re thankful to our federal partners — Senators Baldwin and Johnson, and Congressman Steil — for their continuing support of this program in our community.”
    Senator Baldwin is committed to ensuring Wisconsin children can grow up in an environment free of toxic chemicals like lead. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senator Baldwin has helped bring home nearly $130 million to remove lead service lines, with an estimated $240 million more on the way over the next three years. In August, Senator Baldwin also announced that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will receive nearly $850,000 to address lead in drinking water at childcare facilities throughout Wisconsin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: School of Pharmacy Welcomes Keynote Speaker for 2024 Professionalism Ceremony

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A UConn graduate and experienced healthcare industry leader, Zembrowski currently serves as the Director of Dermatology Marketing Development at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where he has supported the growth of the blockbuster brand DUPIXENT for the past 6 years. 

    Zembrowski, who graduated from UConn’s School of Pharmacy in 2007, has held leadership roles at major healthcare companies including Regeneron, Allergan, and Nestlé Health Science. In his current role at Regeneron, he leads marketing efforts for Dupixent, a key dermatology treatment, overseeing scientific marketing, and key opinion leader initiatives. Throughout his career, he has successfully launched award-winning campaigns, and played a key role in product launches in multiple disease states.

    Some of his notable career achievements include launching Direct-to-Consumer (TV advertising) for Regeneron and leading a global line launch for Nestle. Zembrowski is also dedicated to mentoring future healthcare leaders. He established the Bryan Zembrowski Pharmaceutical Industry Scholarship, which has supported UConn student pharmacists since 2007, and has mentored students through programs at both Rutgers University and UConn.

    Bryan Zembrowski

    In addition to his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UConn, Zembrowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Boston College and has completed executive training in leadership and digital marketing from Rutgers University and the Center for Creative Leadership.

    His keynote speech is sure to inspire and encourage UConn’s future pharmacists as they step into the evolving healthcare field.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Driving the national mission to end child poverty

    Source: Scottish Government

    Championing innovative local projects to support families.

    More families across Scotland will get access to the help they need, where and when they need it – as local projects receive a funding boost from the Scottish Government.

    Grants of up to £80,000 have been awarded to 12 projects undertaking a range of work, including:

    • helping families to access health services
    • providing money and budgeting advice
    • supporting employees to work flexibly around their family life

    The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund invests in innovative, local projects to tackle child poverty – a commitment in this year’s Programme for Government.

    First Minister John Swinney welcomed the announcement on a visit to CentreStage, a performing arts charity in Kilmarnock.

    Later today (Tuesday 8 October) the First Minister will also meet people with experience of poverty at Bute House, before leading a Parliamentary debate as part of Challenge Poverty Week.

    The First Minister said:

    “Organisations like CentreStage demonstrate how the government is working closely with communities, local government and the third sector to help families facing challenges right now. My national mission to end child poverty is underpinned by the importance of this type of collaboration.

    “We want to see this community-focussed approach replicated across Scotland. That’s why our Fairer Future Partnerships are expanding to five new areas across Scotland – joining up local services, offering financial advice and supporting parents into work. 

    “Engaging people with experience of poverty as we build these services is at the heart of the government’s approach – and we are building on the strong foundations we have laid to end poverty in Scotland.

    “The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund will kick-start another 12 innovative projects across the country to give even more families the help and support they need.”

    Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council and Chair of East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board said: 

    “In East Ayrshire, we recognise that the challenges of addressing poverty and inequality require the combined efforts of a whole range of partners.  We are therefore delighted to be one of five new Fairer Future Partnerships and look forward to working with Scottish Government and our partners, including the third sector, to advance local, innovative approaches that reduce child poverty through improving wellbeing, maximising incomes and supporting people into work.  

    “As a Council we have already committed £40 million to be spent over the next ten years in support of change, prevention and early intervention, reflecting our commitment to tackling poverty and increasing fairness in our communities.”

    Background

    List of projects to receive grants from Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund:

    Area 

    Project 

    West Lothian  

    Identifying and addressing unmet need among low-income families 

    Fife 

    Embedding income maximisation across children’s health services aligning with a preventative and proactive care programme 

    East Lothian 

    What Matters? Collecting, measuring and using data that is meaningful to families in East Lothian 

    Aberdeen City 

    Evaluation and design of lone parent employability support to inform and direct future provision 

    East Renfrewshire 

    Flexible for families employer scheme 

    South Ayrshire  

    Exploring interconnection between child poverty and additional support needs: enhancing neurodiverse parenting support in South Ayrshire through preventative family wellbeing approaches 

    Dumfries & Galloway  

    Accessible Financial Wellbeing Support for Priority Families Project 

    Grampian 

    Health Equity & Learning Project (HELP), identifying and addressing barriers for families accessing NHS services 

    Scottish Borders  

    Money advice and budgeting support for families in the Scottish Borders 

    Edinburgh  

    Challenging poverty related stigma 

    Stirling  

    Early intervention family engagement 

    Tayside 

    Dundee Dads Rock 

    Challenge Poverty Week is a Poverty Alliance initiative which has taken place every year since 2013. This year it will take place from 7–13 Oct, with organisations across Scotland coming together to highlight the injustice of poverty in Scotland.  

    The Programme for Government 2024-25 commits to:

    • Expanding place‑based ‘fairer futures partnerships’ to five more areas (North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, Perth and Kinross, Inverclyde, and Aberdeen City) – alongside three existing ones – supporting innovative, local approaches to joined‑up services that improve family wellbeing, maximise incomes, and support people into work. This will build an evidence base and share approaches that can be transferred to other parts of Scotland.
    • Investing in innovative, local projects to tackle child poverty, through a second round of our Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OS named future operator of National Underground Asset Register

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Geospatial Commission appoint Ordnance Survey to operate the National Underground Asset Register, with the service transitioning to public beta in spring 2025.

    • Ordnance Survey appointed future operator of NUAR 
    • NUAR to be incorporated into the National Mapping Service’s public task and run on a cost recovery basis 
    • Move to public beta service in spring 2025 will allow eligible organisations to roll NUAR out across their workforces 

    The public are set to benefit from reduced disruptions to essential public services as the Ordnance Survey (OS) is today (8 October) announced as the future operator of the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR). 

    NUAR is improving the efficiency and safety of the way we install, maintain, operate and repair our buried infrastructure by providing secure access to data about the water, gas, electricity and telecommunications pipes and cables beneath our feet. 

    Currently workers must contact multiple organisations and wait on average over six days just to get the information they need. With NUAR, they can get that information instantly, any time of the day, any day of the year. This means planners and excavators get access to the data they need, when they need it, to carry out their work effectively and safely. NUAR also includes features to keep data secure and improve its quality over time. 

    This will lead to economic growth of at least £400 million per annum through increased efficiency of data sharing and excavations, fewer accidental strikes on underground pipes and cables, and reduced disruptions for the public and businesses. It will also contribute to the building of the infrastructure needed across the country, such as new roads, rail and houses.

    Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: 

    We are committed to unlocking the power of data to reduce disruptions to the public and help deliver economic growth across the UK. From spring, NUAR will minimise the chance of accidental damage to the pipes and cables beneath our feet, protecting the supply of gas, water and electricity to our homes and businesses. 

    By harnessing the Ordnance Survey’s centuries of expertise in managing critical national geographic data, we will ensure this service can deliver for the public and industry from Newcastle to Newport and Brighton to Belfast.

    The Geospatial Commission will retain long-term policy and performance oversight of the service. The OS Board has agreed to operate NUAR as part of its public task and on a cost recovery basis. In the upcoming months, the services will begin transitioning from AtkinsRéalis, who collaborated with the Geospatial Commission to develop the award-winning NUAR minimum viable product, to OS.  

    Plans are in place for NUAR to evolve from its current status as a minimum viable product, where use is constrained to testing and feedback, into a public beta service by spring. From that point NUAR will be able to be used in real-life situations by any eligible asset owners, their contractors and accredited surveyors to help ensure safe digging and excavation.

    Nick Bolton, Chief Executive Officer, Ordnance Survey said: 

    We are excited to apply our expertise in mapping Great Britain above ground, to the infrastructure below it. This innovative digital map shows how collaboration, between private sector and government, can bring huge economic benefit to the nation. Being trusted to operate a critical national asset, such as NUAR, is recognition of our enduring capabilities and we are delighted to be responsible for running this service.

    Heidi Mottram, Chief Executive Officer, Northumbrian Water Group said: 

    Ever since we collaborated with Ordnance Survey and others to design and produce the forerunner of NUAR at Northumbrian Water Group’s Innovation Festival in 2018, we have always felt this system, which benefits utilities and customers alike, should be hosted and managed not-for-profit in the public sector. Our planning and operation teams have fully embraced NUAR and this move to our national mapping agency is welcomed.

    Ashley Behan, Street Works and Permitting Manager, Lincolnshire County Council said: 

    As one of the first Highway Authority users of the NUAR platform, we are pleased to see public authority management of NUAR come to fruition, with its transfer to Ordnance Survey. As the National Mapping Service for Great Britain and one of the developers of NUAR, Ordnance Survey has a unique insight into mapping systems and how the platform works, and we are looking forward to seeing how it develops under their stewardship. 

    The centralisation and consistency of asset information NUAR provides is invaluable and will be key to the sector moving forward, safeguarding the country’s vital underground networks in a more structured way.

    Tom Duncan, Head of Design and Records, GTC said: 

    As an active user and supporter of the NUAR platform, I am pleased to see it transition to Ordnance Survey as its permanent home. This move should enhance the management of data relating to underground assets and improve collaboration across sectors, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient infrastructure planning.

    Dr Lawrence J Smith, Technical Information Manager, Thames Water said: 

    We are delighted to hear that Ordnance Survey has been selected as the public authority to lead the next phase of NUAR’s evolution. Having collaborated closely with Ordnance Survey for several decades, we have confidence in their capabilities and in their ability to undertake this role. The NUAR application is becoming an increasingly vital asset in ensuring the safety of both our workforce and customers. At Thames Water, we fully support this announcement.

    Background

    NUAR is an emerging digital service, which provides instant access to a map of underground assets (i.e. pipes and cables) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland already benefits from a system of this kind, known as the Scottish Community Apparatus Data Vault (or Vault for short), and the Geospatial Commission has worked closely with colleagues in the Scottish Government on this development. 

    OS is Great Britain’s National Mapping Service and has been mapping the surface of Great Britain since 1791. As part of its public task, it manages, maintains and provides access to the National Geographic Database, which contains over 500 million features and is updated over 20,000 times a day. OS data and services underpin critical activities across the country, such as getting ambulances to patients quickly, registering to vote and the provision of energy, water and broadband.

    NUAR has recently won the ‘Digital Innovation in Productivity’ category at the Digital Construction Awards, and been shortlisted for the following awards:  

    • New Civil Engineer (NCE) Awards 2024 – Technology Solutions Provider of the Year 

    • Digital Construction Awards 2024 – Digital Innovation in Health, Safety and Wellbeing 

    • Management Consultancies Association awards 2024 – Performance Improvement in the Public Sector Award 

    • Association for Project Management awards 2024 – Programme of the Year

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Game-changing tech to reach the public faster as dedicated new unit launched to curb red tape

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Science Secretary launches new Regulatory Innovation Office today to speed up public access to new technologies.

    New Regulatory Innovation Office Bringing new technologies to the public, faster.

    • Regulatory Innovation Office to reduce the burden of red tape and speed up access to new technologies that improve our daily lives – from AI in healthcare to emergency delivery drones
    • Search begins for a Chair to lead the office, driving economic growth through regulatory reform that enables innovation
    • New Office delivers on a key manifesto commitment and is among steps to back business in buildup to UK hosting International Investment Summit

    New technologies, like AI for better treatments in our NHS and drones delivering emergency supplies to all corners of the UK, could reach the public faster through a dedicated new office that will reduce the burden of red tape on innovation and help kickstart economic growth.

    The new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will reduce the burden for businesses hoping to bring new products and services to the market in some of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors through innovations like –AI training software for surgeons to deliver more accurate surgical treatments for patients and drones which can improve business efficiency and quickly send critical deliveries to remote parts of the country.

    To do so, it will support regulators to update regulation, speeding up approvals, and ensuring different regulatory bodies work together smoothly. It will work to continuously inform the government of regulatory barriers to innovation, set priorities for regulators which align with the government’s broader ambitions and support regulators to develop the capability they need to meet them and grow the economy.

    The announcement comes ahead of further plans to reduce the burden of red tape and support the government’s key mission of kickstarting growth across the country. The new Office will also help set the scene for when the UK hosts the International Investment Summit on Monday 14 October, where the Chancellor will make clear that the UK is “open for business” as the government resets relations with trading partners around the globe.

    The launch of the RIO comes hot on the heels of a raft of public and private investments announced on Sunday (6 October) aimed at transforming cancer treatments for patients while bringing a wave of cutting-edge UK-made MedTech products to the global market.

    The RIO’s mission will initially support the growth of four fast-growing areas of technology making a difference to people’s lives before backing further technologies and sectors as the Office evolves. These are: 

    • Engineering biology – this is the use of synthetic biology and biotechnology to create new products and services derived from organic sources. These technologies can improve health with new treatments like innovative vaccines, help create cleaner fuels and make food production more efficient and sustainable such as through pest resistant crops and cultivated meat. The new RIO will help regulators to bring those products to market safely and more quickly – realising the environmental and health benefits they can bring to our lives.
    • Space – the UK’s space industry is growing fast, supporting everything from GPS on phones to vital communication systems, as new innovations improve our weather forecasting to disaster response systems. To sustain this growth, regulatory reform is needed for greater agility and clarity help foster competition, encourage investment, and open up market access. 
    • Artificial Intelligence and digital in healthcare – with increasing pressures on the NHS, AI is set to revolutionise healthcare delivery so doctors can diagnose illnesses faster and improve patient care. It will help run hospitals more efficiently with medical staff able to spend less time on administration, cutting waiting times and it could enable more personalised medicines, tailoring treatment to individuals. RIO will support the healthcare sector to deploy AI innovations safely, improving NHS efficiency and patients’ health outcomes.
    • Connected and autonomous technology – autonomous vehicles like drones can deliver emergency supplies to remote areas quickly and efficiently and work to approve this technology could play a key part in supporting emergency services to keep people safe. Greater support could also enable more drones to be used by businesses across the UK, building on projects like the drone service used by Royal Mail to deliver to Orkney and improving efficiency.

    The cross-cutting nature of these emerging technologies, which do not fit neatly into existing regulatory frameworks can mean a slower process in getting them onto the market. The new Office will work closely with government departments including the Department for Transport, the Department for Health and Social Care, and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs to address regulatory barriers in these initial growth areas.

    The new office will also bring regulators together and working to remove obstacles and outdated regulations to the benefit of businesses and the public, unlocking the power of innovation from these sectors to generate tens of billions of pounds for the UK economy in the coming years. 

    Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:

    The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office, a key manifesto commitment, is a big step forward in bringing the UK’s most promising new technologies to the public faster and safely while kickstarting economic growth. 

    By speeding up approvals, providing regulatory certainty and reducing unnecessary delays, we’re curbing the burden of red tape so businesses and our public services can innovate and grow, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life for people across the UK.  

    From breakthroughs that could help doctors diagnose illnesses earlier to satellite navigation for more accurate weather forecasting and getting emergency supplies to where they are needed, quickly and effectively, RIO will make sure UK companies are at the forefront of the next generation of technologies.

    The Science and Technology Secretary is also looking to appoint the RIO’s first Chair to lead the charge in backing business and safe innovation, and work with regulators and partners to shape a regulatory environment that is fit for the future. Applications are now being welcomed for an ambitious, visionary leader committed to driving that change.

    The organisation has been established within DSIT, where it will incorporate the existing functions of the Regulatory Horizons Council and the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund.

    Alongside the launch of the RIO, the government is already making progress in developing regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies, becoming the first country to outline how it will approach quantum regulation, offering certainty to the sector and encouraging the responsible development of the technology.  

    This is set out in our response to the Regulatory Horizon Council’s report on quantum technologies, also published today. It marks a crucial first step in regulating innovation in a technology that will increasingly underpin powerful computers, secure communications and advanced sensors, in sectors from healthcare to national security.   

    Alongside this package of announcements, today we are announcing:

    • A £1.6 million award to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as part of round one of the Engineering Biology Sandbox Fund, which aims to test innovative regulatory approaches for products like cultivated meat. Cell-cultivated products are foods created through the isolation of cells from meat, seafood, fat, offal or eggs which are grown in a controlled environment. It could result in food production which is more environmentally friendly and sustainable, using just 1% of the land used for animal equivalents, while increasing food security. Programmes like this will help bring innovative food products to shop shelves safely but without unnecessary delay and at lower costs, giving consumers more choice.
    • The publication of new voluntary screening guidance for synthetic nucleic acid. These technologies allow companies to ‘print’ DNA and RNA, enabling academics and businesses to study and engineer biological systems that help sectors like healthcare and accelerate our path to net-zero. The guidance emphasises the government’s intent for a pro-innovation culture in the engineering biology ecosystem through providing well-defined guardrails for customers and producers of synthetic nucleic acid.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ASB delivering Kiwis the best in digital banking

    Source: CanStar

    October 8, 2024: Congratulations to ASB, the winner of Canstar’s Award for Bank of the Year | Digital Banking, for the third consecutive year.

    According to Canstar’s latest research, 96% of bank customers use digital banking, and 94% do all their banking online. However, digital banking habits are still evolving.

    Smartphones have transformed the way we manage our day-to-day finances: four years ago, half of Kiwis (49%) used mobile banking apps, while 42% accessed accounts through bank websites. Those figures now stand at: 70% mobile apps and 23% bank websites.

    And leading the field in transforming the way we access online banking is ASB.

    In awarding ASB Canstar’s Bank of the Year | Digital Banking title for the third year in a row, our research team noted that ASB had maintained its market-leading position across several key digital banking categories, via the ASB Mobile Banking app and its online banking portal.

    Tom Slee, Canstar Group Manager – Wealth, Health & New Zealand says, “Most of us rely on our phones to conduct all our everyday banking, and ASB’s customers truly have the power to control their finances at their fingertips.

    “ASB’s Mobile Banking app not only makes everyday banking easy, it empowers ASB customers to set savings goals and stick to them, thanks to innovated features such as Goal Planner, Spend Tracker and the Save the Change tool. Congratulations to ASB for achieving a hat-trick of Digital Banking Awards – it’s a well-deserved accomplishment.”

    ASB’s Executive General Manager Technology and Transformation, David Bullock says, “Financial wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and one of the many ways we are championing this is through tools such as Spend Tracker, Support Finder, Save the Change and Card Tracker. In the past financial year, more than half a million of our customers used at least one of our digital financial wellbeing tools to help get ahead and achieve their goals.

    “We’ve also continued to develop our communication channels for customers, with improvements to our chatbot, Josie, as well as introducing the ability for customers to message us directly through the ASB mobile banking app. We’re incredibly proud of the work we’re doing in this space and it’s great to have this recognised by Canstar.”

    Canstar Bank of the Year | Digital Banking Award

    Canstar’s expert research team assessed the winner of its 2024 rating methodology and feedback from 3851 bank customers. The offers customers the strongest combination of products, features and tools across offerings.

    The award is designed to help consumers make more informed financial choices and sits alongside Canstar’s other awards, covering banking, insurance and KiwiSaver products.

    Click here for more information on ASB’s win: https://www.canstar.co.nz/digital-banking/best-digital-banking/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Enabling a Better Understanding of the Mind-Body Connection Through Advanced Health Research

    Source: Samsung

    Mental health impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from our physical health to our relationships with friends, family, and communities, as well as productivity at work and beyond. Despite the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being, most technology is centered around physical health. Samsung is committed to fostering innovative health solutions for both today and the future, which is we frequently collaborate with leading medical institutions and universities to leverage advanced technologies and explore new possibilities in health and wellness.
    In support of World Mental Health Day, Samsung is highlighting ongoing research programs with Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT Media Lab, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Tulane University School of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute. Samsung has collaborated with these institutions to create a range of studies that dive deep into the mind-body connection. By examining various health indicators, including depression, mood, recovery, and even cardiovascular diseases, Samsung and leading medical institutions seek to deliver more comprehensive and preventative health solutions for all.
    Enabling Depression Prevention & Detection with Massachusetts General Hospital

    Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) continues to analyze the correlation between depression and various biomarkers by evaluating the health metrics of 150 participants — each with different levels of depression — using Galaxy Watch. The study aims to validate the correlations between depression and biometrics, such as participants’ patterns of biometric data, active time, sleep stage, and latency on both weekends and weekdays, to identify more detailed characteristics. The findings will be used to introduce a mental health index, allowing users to better understand their mental state and take proactive measures.

    Measuring Well-Being through Sleep with MIT Media Lab

    MIT Media Lab has expanded the understanding of sleep’s role in well-being by linking sleep patterns to overall health. Approximately 200 college students participated in the study, tracking their sleep over the course of a month and self-evaluating across five well-being indicators every morning, including alertness, happiness, energy, health, and calmness. The study found strong associations between sleep and well-being, particularly when considering not only sleep duration, but also sleep regularity. Moreover, utilizing an AI-based mixed-effect random forest (MERF) model, MIT Media Lab was able to predict the participants’ self- reported well-being based on their sleep patterns within a mean absolute error of 11- 15 points on a 100 point scaler, which closely matched their self-evaluation results. This outcome highlights the link between sleep and well-being, as well as the possibility of personalized well-being assessment and management through the analysis of sleep patterns.
    Helping Rapid Recovery with Brigham & Women’s Hospital

    Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH) is studying the relationship between biomarkers and an individual’s resilience, or how quickly one recovers from major stressors. As a holistic measure, resilience captures both the capacity of the body and the mind to withstand major events such as disease and surgery. As a first use case, they are monitoring patients before, during and after undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery. Galaxy Watch tracks participants’ lifestyle patterns and health conditions in real time while the data is automatically collected and analyzed using the Samsung Health Research Stack, a system designed to increase the efficiency and accuracy of large-scale research. This study aims to uncover insights into recovery and ability to withstand stressors, not only to help inform from medical decisions, but also help individuals understand how they can be prepared in both mind and body for any challenges that may come.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Inclusive Response and Recovery: FEMA’s Disability Integration Efforts During Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Inclusive Response and Recovery: FEMA’s Disability Integration Efforts During Hurricane Helene

    Inclusive Response and Recovery: FEMA’s Disability Integration Efforts During Hurricane Helene

    FEMA Supporting Survivors with Disabilities Through Proactive and Inclusive Disaster Recovery Efforts

    WASHINGTON — FEMA’s Disability Integration Advisors are on the ground in areas impacted by Helene to ensure recovery resources are accessible to all survivors. At FEMA, accessibility isn’t confined to one program or specialist, it is incorporated into the execution of all our work and programs. The Disability Integration Advisors are experts in proactively addressing the disability community’s equities and work alongside FEMA leadership to guide FEMA staff in incorporating these equities into their work. Having these advisors on the ground now is crucial to developing recovery systems that are planned and executed with survivors with disabilities in mind. Their duties include ensuring the distribution of water and food factors in survivors who cannot get to reach points and those who require assistive aids to file a FEMA application receive what they need to begin the recovery process. 

    At the direction of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration Sherman Gillums plans to visit Helene-impacted areas to meet and collaborate with disability advocates and provide disability integration guidance to emergency managers. 

    “Disability, in some form or fashion, affects just about every family in our country and it is impossible to have a successful response without keeping accessibility at the forefront,” said Director Sherman Gillums. “We’re making sure people can access the information they need to make informed decisions in their recovery. Along with our state, local and voluntary partners, we’re working to get people access to their care needs such as oxygen and prescription medications. Meeting these needs early prevents medical complications and helps preserve independence while reducing the likelihood of forced institutionalization or premature death.” 

    As part of FEMA’s broader efforts to ensure all survivors have access to vital recovery information, specialized teams are actively addressing the needs of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. FEMA’s Office of External Affairs’ Certified Deaf Interpreter and communication access specialists are working with disability integration specialists, non-profit partners and state agencies, such as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Emergency Preparedness team. Together, they are coordinating events to provide information on FEMA assistance, helping survivors complete the application for assistance and ensuring critical updates are communicated in accessible formats, including American Sign Language (ASL). This collaborative effort ensures that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing survivors receive the support they need throughout the recovery process.

    For those needing to apply for FEMA disaster assistance: You can apply online now or get help to apply using one of the methods below:

    • Call the FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week.
      Hours may be longer during high disaster activity. If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
    • Find a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you.
      DRCs are accessible and set up to provide help and answer questions after a disaster. The operating hours and services offered may vary at each DRC.
    • Downloading and applying on the FEMA App. 

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Graham, Governor McMaster, Lt. Governor Evette Announce Team South Carolina Days For Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – In order to best serve South Carolinians who were impacted by Hurricane Helene, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) is joining Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in announcing a series of Team South Carolina Days. These will be one-stop-shops for South Carolinians who need access to federal, state and nonprofit resources as the state rebuilds after Hurricane Helene.
    Click here to watch Graham’s video on Team South Carolina Days
    Graham said, “I know it’s been tough on our state. There has been so much devastation. I’ll be working with Governor McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Evette to host Team South Carolina Days where we will get federal, state and local people together so you’ll know where to go to get the services you need.”
    Graham concluded, “I know people are hurting out there. I believe this will help.”
    Team South Carolina Days will include representatives from South Carolina state agencies to assist with a variety of services including information for seniors, veterans, and children, and information concerning insurance and unemployment benefits. Officials from the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to provide information on disaster loans for small businesses. The South Carolina Office of Resilience will be able to provide assistance with applying for disaster relief and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will attend to take applications for individual assistance. Several nonprofits are expected to be in attendance as well.
    Please see below for information on the Team South Carolina Days that have been announced.
    Serving Pickens, Anderson, and Oconee Counties:
    Wednesday, October 9
    10:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Clemson Littlejohn Coliseum
    219 Perimeter Road
    Clemson, SC 29634
     
    Serving Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties:
    Thursday, October 10
    10:00 am – 4:00 pm
    University of South Carolina Upstate
    Health Education Complex
    300 N. Campus Blvd
    Spartanburg, SC, 29303
     
    Serving Greenville County:
    Friday, October 11
    10:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Greenville Technical College
    Student Success Center
    506 South Pleasantburg Drive
    Greenville, SC 29607
    Additional Team South Carolina Days will soon be announced for the weeks of October 14 and 21 for other impacted counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: An unbroken night’s sleep is a myth. Here’s what good sleep looks like

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Reynolds, Associate Professor in Clinical Sleep Health, Flinders University

    Bricolage/Shutterstock

    What do you imagine a good night’s sleep to be?

    Often when people come into our sleep clinic seeking treatment, they share ideas about healthy sleep.

    Many think when their head hits the pillow, they should fall into a deep and restorative sleep, and emerge after about eight hours feeling refreshed. They’re in good company – many Australians hold the same belief.

    In reality, healthy sleep is cyclic across the night, as you move in and out of the different stages of sleep, often waking up several times. Some people remember one or more of these awakenings, others do not. Let’s consider what a healthy night’s sleep looks like.

    Sleep cycles are a roller-coaster

    As an adult, our sleep moves through different cycles and brief awakenings during the night. Sleep cycles last roughly 90 minutes each.

    We typically start the night with lighter sleep, before moving into deeper sleep stages, and rising again into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep – the stage of sleep often linked to vivid dreaming.

    If sleeping well, we get most of our deep sleep in the first half of the night, with REM sleep more common in the second half of the night.

    Deepest sleep usually happens during the first half of the night.
    Verin/Shutterstock

    Adults usually move through five or six sleep cycles in a night, and it is entirely normal to wake up briefly at the end of each one. That means we might be waking up five times during the night. This can increase with older age and still be healthy. If you’re not remembering these awakenings that’s OK – they can be quite brief.

    What does getting a ‘good’ sleep actually mean?

    You’ll often hear that adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. But good sleep is about more than the number of hours – it’s also about the quality.

    For most people, sleeping well means being able to fall asleep soon after getting into bed (within around 30 minutes), sleeping without waking up for long periods, and waking feeling rested and ready for the day.

    You shouldn’t be feeling excessively sleepy during the day, especially if you’re regularly getting at least seven hours of refreshing sleep a night (this is a rough rule of thumb).

    But are you noticing you’re feeling physically tired, needing to nap regularly and still not feeling refreshed? It may be worthwhile touching base with your general practitioner, as there a range of possible reasons.

    Common issues

    Sleep disorders are common. Up to 25% of adults have insomnia, a sleep disorder where it may be hard to fall or stay asleep, or you may wake earlier in the morning than you’d like.

    Rates of common sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea – where your breathing can partially or completely stop many times during the night – also increase with age, affecting 20% of early adults and 40% of people in middle age. There are effective treatments, so asking for help is important.

    Beyond sleep disorders, our sleep can also be disrupted by chronic health conditions – such as pain – and by certain medications.

    There can also be other reasons we’re not sleeping well. Some of us are woken by children, pets or traffic noise during the night. These “forced awakenings” mean we may find it harder to get up in the morning, take longer to leave bed and feel less satisfied with our sleep. For some people, night awakenings may have no clear cause.

    A good way to tell if these awakenings are a problem for you is by thinking about how they affect you. When they cause feelings of frustration or worry, or are impacting how we feel and function during the day, it might be a sign to seek some help.

    If waking up in the night is interfering with your normal day-to-day activities, it may indicate a problem.
    BearFotos/Shutterstock

    We also may struggle to get up in the morning. This could be for a range of reasons, including not sleeping long enough, going to bed or waking up at irregular times – or even your own internal clock, which can influence the time your body prefers to sleep.

    If you’re regularly struggling to get up for work or family needs, it can be an indication you may need to seek help. Some of these factors can be explored with a sleep psychologist if they are causing concern.

    Can my smart watch help?

    It is important to remember sleep-tracking devices can vary in accuracy for looking at the different sleep stages. While they can give a rough estimate, they are not a perfect measure.

    In-laboratory polysomnography, or PSG, is the best standard measure to examine your sleep stages. A PSG examines breathing, oxygen saturation, brain waves and heart rate during sleep.

    Rather than closely examining nightly data (including sleep stages) from a sleep tracker, it may be more helpful to look at the patterns of your sleep (bed and wake times) over time.

    Understanding your sleep patterns may help identify and adjust behaviours that negatively impact your sleep, such as your bedtime routine and sleeping environment.

    And if you find viewing your sleep data is making you feel worried about your sleep, this may not be useful for you. Most importantly, if you are concerned it is important to discuss it with your GP who can refer you to the appropriate specialist sleep health provider.

    Amy Reynolds receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund, the Australian Research Council, the Lifetime Support Authority, and has received consulting and/or speaker fees from industry-funded sources including Compumedics, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Sydney Trains.

    Claire Dunbar received funding from The Hospital Research Foundation for their PhD Scholarship and previously from Flinders University development grants.

    Hannah Scott receives research funding from Re-Time Pty Ltd, Compumedics Ltd, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, and Flinders University.

    Nicole Lovato receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund, the Hospital Research Foundation, the Lifetime Support Authority, and industry including ResMed, Phillips, and ReTime.

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

    – ref. An unbroken night’s sleep is a myth. Here’s what good sleep looks like – https://theconversation.com/an-unbroken-nights-sleep-is-a-myth-heres-what-good-sleep-looks-like-238069

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Highlights Health Care and Economic Development During Mingo County Stops

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made two stops in Mingo County focused on health services and economic development.
    First, Senator Capito, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), visited Williamson Memorial Hospital to get an in-person update about ongoing upgrades at the facility. This was Senator Capito’s first visit to the facility under new leadership.
    “West Virginians in Mingo County and surrounding areas rely on Williamson Memorial Hospital for a range of health services,” Senator Capito said. “That’s why it was welcome news when Dr. Beckett purchased the hospital, and since then has made investments and renovations to improve the facility, filling a critical health care gap. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with hospital leadership and staff, as well as tour the facility and learn more about the operations, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact in and around the region in the near future.”
    “Returning Williamson Memorial to our community is an endeavor that has drawn all of us together, starting here in Williamson, extending throughout the Tug Valley and reaching across our state,” Williamson Health & Wellness Center CEO Dr. C. Donovan “Dino” Beckett said. “We are honored Sen. Capito is a part of it and excited to share with her a look at the extraordinary strides we’ve made at the new Williamson Memorial. Our hospital represents the resolve, commitment and ingenuity of West Virginia and is a testament to our overarching mission at Williamson Health & Wellness Center: Health for everyone.”
    “We are so pleased to have Sen. Capito join with us in celebrating the great strides we’ve made with the return of Williamson Memorial,” Tim Hatfield, CEO of the new Williamson Memorial said. “She recognizes, as we do, the importance of this effort. It means greatly improved access to care for the people of our community and it means the return of valuable jobs to our economy. And because of the upgrades to the facility and our reliance on an integrated care model, the new Williamson Memorial is not only back, it is better than ever and here to stay.”
    Next, Senator Capito traveled to the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. where she met with community business leaders and participated in a roundtable discussion. Additionally, Senator Capito received a tour of the Coal-Mac Trucking facility and a demonstration at JP Technical Services.
    “It was great to meet with business leaders today in Mingo County and hear more about the success they have had at the Industrial Park. Whether it’s the employee growth Coal-Mac is experiencing or the expansion of services JP Technical Services is offering, I enjoyed the opportunity to hear about what is working for these local businesses and how I can continue to be a good partner to them in the Senate. I look forward to taking insights from our conversation today back to Washington in order to better support West Virginia workers,” Senator Capito said.
    Photos from today’s visits are included below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Williamson Memorial Hospital in Williamson, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Mingo County business leaders at the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –