NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wealthier Canadians live longer and are less likely to be dependent as they age, new research finds

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marie-Louise Leroux, Professeure titulaire en Sciences Economiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

    Population aging is a growing challenge for developed countries like Canada, with significant implications for health care and long-term care systems. In OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, the population of people aged 80 and above is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching 9.8 per cent of the population.

    This demographic shift highlights the increasing demand for high-quality long-term care services. Older individuals frequently experience limitations in daily living activities, such as dressing, washing and household tasks.

    By 2050, half of people aged 65 or older in OECD nations are expected to report some limitation in daily living, and dementia cases are projected to reach 42 million. Canada is not exempt from this trend.



    Read more:
    Enabling better aging: The 4 things seniors need, and the 4 things that need to change

    In Québec, for instance, around 315,000 individuals require help with daily activities — a number expected to nearly double by 2050.

    As the number of elderly people needing care grows, the demand for long-term care services will present significant financial challenges for both individuals and governments. Understanding the economic and demographic factors driving long-term care needs, as well as their implications, is crucial for building a more equitable and robust care system.

    Low-income individuals face double penalty

    Research has shown that while life expectancy has increased, it’s unevenly distributed across socioeconomic groups. Factors such as age, ethnicity, gender, income and education play a significant role in determining longevity.

    In Canada, men in the top five per cent of earners live, on average, 11 per cent longer than those in the bottom five per cent. For women, the longevity gap between those with the highest earnings and the lowest earnings is 3.6 years. These findings are consistent with research from other countries, including the United States.

    However, research on the relationship between income and loss of autonomy is still limited. Some studies suggest that lower socioeconomic status is associated with poorer health outcomes and higher disability rates among older adults.

    In the United Kingdom and the U.S., individuals in the bottom third of wealth distribution live seven to nine fewer years without disability compared to those in the top third. Similarly, in Europe, less wealthy individuals have a higher likelihood of becoming dependent and they remain dependent longer.

    Understanding these socioeconomic disparities is crucial for shaping public policy and identifying which groups are the most vulnerable. Low-income individuals face a double penalty: they are both more likely to need long-term care and they are less financially equipped to bear the associated costs.

    As a result, public long-term care policies might consider prioritizing the support of low-income individuals, since wealthier individuals can more easily afford care.

    High-income Canadians live longer

    Our research explored the relationships between longevity, dependency and income using data from a 2016 survey of 2,000 Canadians aged 50 to 69.

    The data combined both subjective self-reports with objective data about the likelihood of living to age 85, developing limitations in daily living activities or entering a nursing home. Financial resources were measured through reported income and savings.

    Our findings show that Canadians with higher incomes are more likely to live to age 85 and are less likely to become dependent. After controlling for several socioeconomic factors, we found that a one per cent increase in income was associated with the following:

    • nearly a five per cent increase in survival probability;
    • a one per cent decrease in the likelihood of having limitations in daily living activities;
    • and a two per cent decrease in the likelihood of entering a long-term care home.

    The relationship between income and dependency was particularly strong among individuals in the top third of the income distribution. This suggests that financial resources play a significant role in extending life and maintaining independence as people age.

    Interestingly, despite their lower objective likelihood of needing nursing home care, higher-income individuals perceived themselves as more likely to require it. A one per cent increase in income was associated with a four per cent increase in the self-reported probability of entering a nursing home, even though the actual probability of this happening dropped by two per cent.

    This discrepancy may be explained by wealthier individuals considering other factors, such as their financial resources and the possibility of receiving care at home from a professional caregiver.

    Targeted support is needed

    The socio-demographic relationships from our study have important implications for designing equitable long-term care policies. Wealthier individuals tend to live longer and are less often dependent, meaning they are in a better position to pay for long-term care expenses.

    On the other hand, low income individuals are more likely to become dependent and may experience greater financial strain if they need to pay for long-term care costs over an extended period, potentially driving them into poverty.

    Our findings recommend that provincial and territorial governments should adopt redistributive policies for long-term care. These policies could involve providing additional subsidies aimed at low-income older individuals, either as a preventive measure or when they first become dependent.

    This approach aligns with the proposal made by Québec Health Minister Réjean Hébert in 2015, who suggested implementing “autonomy insurance” to help retirees above a certain age manage long-term care costs.

    Redistributive policies are critical not only because low-income individuals have fewer financial resources, but also because they face a higher likelihood of dependency. Without targeted support, these individuals could be left struggling to afford the care they need. Designing policies that recognize these disparities can help ensure a more equitable and sustainable long-term care system in Canada.

    Marie-Louise Leroux receives funding from FRQSC and SSHRC-CRSH. She is affiliated with CIRANO (Montréal) and CESifo (Munich).

    Marie Connolly receives funding from FRQSC and SSHRC-CRSH. She is affiliated with CIRANO (Montréal).

    – ref. Wealthier Canadians live longer and are less likely to be dependent as they age, new research finds – https://theconversation.com/wealthier-canadians-live-longer-and-are-less-likely-to-be-dependent-as-they-age-new-research-finds-240081

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SPEECH BY MR ONG YE KUNG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF REDEVELOPED PASIR RIS POLYCLINIC, 7 OCTOBER 2024, 2.30PM, AT PASIR RIS POLYCLINIC

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean

    SMS Dr Janil Puthucheary

    SMS Desmond Tan

    Advisors Ms Yeo Wan Ling and Mr Sharael Taha

    Mr Cheng Wai Keung, Chairman, SingHealth

    Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group CEO, SingHealth

    Colleagues and friends

    1.     It is my pleasure to join you today at the official opening of the redeveloped Pasir Ris Polyclinic. A couple of years ago, we started a new practice in the Ministry of Health (MOH), which is that we will officially open a polyclinic on its first day of operations, instead of waiting months later when you are operationally ready. We thought to have a smaller event to open on the first day of operations. 

    2.     I was told we cannot roll pineapples in a Polyclinic, even if it is on the first day, but I am very happy to be able to share this day with everyone. But just for the record, at a Polyclinic, we wish for health, not wealth. 

    Primary Care in Singapore

    3.     Pasir Ris Polyclinic is one of our 26 polyclinics in Singapore. Together with the private General Practitioner (GP) clinics, they form the primary care system of our healthcare system. 

    4.     Primary care is probably the most critical part of any healthcare system. It provides universal access to healthcare for everyone. It ensures efficiency because through primary care, we can treat an illness before it becomes serious. In an ageing society like Singapore, primary care moves further upstream, to deliver preventive care and build health in our community and the population. 

    5.     Many countries recognise that. I have been visiting healthcare and primary care systems in many parts of the world. In China, for example, over the last 10 years, they have been building the equivalent of polyclinics – what they call Community Health Centres – in their cities. I have visited a few of them. In Beijing, there is one centre for every 50,000 residents. 

    6.     Indonesia is also expanding its network of community health centres, called “Pusat Kesihatan Masyarakat”, throughout the archipelago of 18,000 islands. 

    7.     The Philippines is actively building community primary care centres, called BUCAS (Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service) centres. Their Health Minister told me their system is in fact modelled on our polyclinics system. 

    8.     In Singapore, we have always placed strong emphasis and invested significantly in primary care. This includes upgrading the competencies of our family doctors, organising doctors, nurses and care coordinators into teams to deliver more holistic and effective care, and building new polyclinics, facilities and infrastructure. 

    9.     Today, our polyclinics manage almost seven million outpatient visits every year, including 40% of all chronic care patient load. Primary care accounts for about 15% to 20% of total healthcare spending. It is a reasonable and healthy level, which reflects its importance, and we should try to maintain this even as overall healthcare expenditure increases. 

    10.     We will focus on a few key areas of primary care in the coming years. The first is infrastructure, namely the expansion of the polyclinics network. The number of polyclinics will grow from 26 today to 32 by 2030. 

    11.     Second, in preventive care, through the Healthier SG strategy. This is a long journey. But we have an encouraging start, judging by the number of enrollees in the programme. More importantly, I think there is a palpable shift in health habits amongst Singaporeans. We always say Healthier SG depends on three up’s – sign up, turn up and follow up. We have achieved signing up and turning up, and now, we need to follow up. We need to continue to put resources in incentives, outreach, community programmes, new care protocols, technology and IT systems, to make Healthier SG successful in building health for the long term. 

    12.     Third, we also need to upgrade the private family doctor clinics. Excluding aesthetics clinics, we have about 1,600 private clinics. They are an integral part of the national healthcare system. They deliver subsidised primary care through the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), help manage patients with chronic diseases, and coordinate care with polyclinics, hospitals, as well as social agencies. During pandemics like COVID-19, they stepped forward and became our first line of defence, directly attending to infected patients. 

    13.     We are looking into ways to enhance the professional competencies of private family doctors, improve their premises to encourage multi-disciplinary practice, and strengthen their partnerships with community organisations and other healthcare providers. 

    Uniqueness of Pasir Ris Polyclinic

    14.     This newly redeveloped Pasir Ris Polyclinic is a good example of our commitment to improving primary care in Singapore. Our planning team had put in extra effort to create a polyclinic that is community- and patient-centric

    15.     It is an impressive polyclinic. There will be a wide range of services, including physiotherapy and dental services. In the coming months, the Grace Memory Clinic and Health Wellness Clinic will be opened to support residents with dementia and mental health needs. 

    16.     This polyclinic will be a training site for family doctors. It will also feature an Academic Family Medicine Centre, dedicated to training doctors under the Family Medicine residency programme. 

    17.     It will also enhance service delivery through the use of technology such as telemonitoring, electronic registration, appointment making and payment options for a more seamless patient experience. Teleconsultation services will not only cover traditional areas like preventive care and chronic disease management, but also dietician and physiotherapy services. 

    Closing

    18.     I thank everyone who has put in so much effort to plan, design and execute this newly redeveloped Polyclinic. I also want to thank the Grassroots Advisers who have paid a lot of attention to this redeveloped Polyclinic, and helped MOH ensure that it will serve the needs of the community and its residents. 

    19.     As an Adviser in Sembawang who is heavily involved in the development of our community hub called Bukit Canberra, I can fully appreciate what it is like for other Advisers to oversee such a major integrated development like the Pasir Ris Mall. 

    20.     It doesn’t open with a big bang, but facilities are added in phases. Each addition makes the destination even more attractive, evolving into a hub for residents. I am glad that MOH gets to contribute to this key community project in Pasir Ris town. On that note, let me now invite Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, the lead Adviser of this area, to deliver his remarks. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS-2024) Campaign – ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    “Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS-2024) Campaign – ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’

    Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) drives Nationwide cleanliness and social welfare initiatives under leadership of Shri S Krishnan

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 8:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS 2024) Campaign was organized in MeitY from 17th   Sept 2024 to 2nd Oct 2024 with great energy and enthusiasm and a large number of activities ranging from pledge ceremony, lectures, tree plantation, cleanliness drives, health & social welfare Shivirs & slogan competitions were organized by MeitY and all associated organizations under the guidance of Shri S Krishnan Secretary MeitY and Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary MeitY.

     

    32 competitions, 21 health camps, and 15 welfare camps for SafaiMitras

    Along with the MeitY organizations 127 pledge taking ceremonies were held, 32 slogan/waste to Art competitions were held, 45 Walkathons/Cyclothons were held, 571 tree plantation activities were undertaken, 39 CTU were cleansed, 21 Health Camps & 15 welfare camps for Safai Mitras were organized. Photographs and videos of the events were uploaded on the SHS-2024 portal.  The MeitY has also issued messages on X social media.

     

    Pledge Taking Ceremony

     

     

     

    CTU

     

     

          ShramDaan

     
         

     

     Lecture on Plastic waste, solid

    waste and liquid waste at MeitY

     

    ‘Cleanliness is Next to Godliness’

     

    On the culmination of the SHS 2024 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhiji’s Birth Anniversary, a cultural programme was organized under chairmanship of Secretary MeitY with participation of Shri Akash Tripathi, MD & CEO MyGov, Shri Sushil Kumar, JS, Shri Shobhendra Bahadur, Dir Pers. and other senior officers of the level of Sr Directors, DGs, CEOs and SafaiMitras. The cultural event brought out the message of “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” as envisioned by our father of the Nation.

     

     

     

    Cultural Event

     

     

    ********

    Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2062192) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate fatal Beaconsfield crash

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police investigate fatal Beaconsfield crash

    Saturday, 5 October 2024 – 7:24 am.

    Police are investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred on Weld Street Beaconsfield at approximately 5pm on Friday 4/10/2024.
    A blue Mitsubishi was being driven in a southerly direction, on Weld Street, by a 44-year-old Beaconsfield woman, when the vehicle collided with a tree. Tragically the driver died at the scene.
    A 20-year-old woman was walking along the roadside at the time of the crash, and she was also injured. The woman is currently in the Launceston General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
    Police will be preparing a report for the coroner.
    Police offer heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased woman and also would like to thank the members of the community who assisted both victims at the scene.
    Anyone with information, or who saw the blue Mitsubishi driving in Beaconsfield prior to the crash, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor McKee Appoints Dr. Michael Browner Jr. to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Published on Friday, October 04, 2024

    PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today announced his appointment of Michael Browner Jr., Ph.D., to serve on the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.

    Dr. Browner currently works as the principal of Frank E. Thompson Middle School in Newport and has decades of experience across all levels of education in Rhode Island. 

    “Michael not only brings extensive knowledge and experience in education and administration but is a proven community leader who is actively working on behalf of Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m confident Michael will bring that same passion and dedication to the commission and help continue its mission of upholding the highest standards of integrity in our state.”

    Dr. Browner has worked in education in Rhode Island since 1998. During his time as a Rhode Island educator, Dr. Browner has worked as an assistant principal, an elementary English language arts teacher, a middle school social studies teacher, an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University (RWU), and an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island (URI).

    “As a Rhode Island native, I am both humbled and honored to accept this appointment to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission,” said Dr. Michael Browner Jr. “I am hopeful that my many years of service in the field of education in Rhode Island will be an asset to the mission of the Ethics Commission. I am excited about the work ahead and the opportunity to serve my home state in a new capacity.”

    Dr. Browner earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Rhode Island College (RIC) and URI. He holds a Master of Education in School Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education, both from RIC.

    He is an active member of the Rhode Island Civic Readiness Task Force, the Rhode Island Association of School Principals, and RWU’s Education Advisory Board. Dr. Browner is also a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Providence where he serves as the church organist. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Roundup: October 4, 2024

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency: 

    • On Monday, Oct. 7, the Science Board to the FDA will convene to receive an update from the New Alternative Methods subcommittee and hear details about the FDA’s reorganization, implemented on Oct. 1, and includes significant updates to the Office of the Chief Scientist and the creation of a unified Human Foods Program. This meeting is open to the public and prior registration is not required. Attendees can access the meeting here.
    • On Thursday, the FDA Office of Women’s Health (OWH) released its updated Women’s Health Research Roadmap. The Roadmap, provides a science-based framework to address women’s health research questions and to build women’s health science into the FDA’s research activities and outlines priority areas in which new or further research is needed and serves as a catalyst for research collaborations both internal and external to the FDA. 

      “The updated roadmap serves as a guide to drive research that will address the health needs of women and bridge knowledge gaps to improve health outcomes.,” said Kaveeta Vasisht, M.D., Pharm.D., FDA’s Associate Commissioner for Women’s Health and Director, Office of Women’s Health. 

      The Roadmap will be used by OWH as a tool to promote women’s health research, advance strategic and diverse research investments, and maximize research impact.

    • On Thursday, the FDA posted a new video in the “FDA In Your Day” series. In this video Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hilary Marston, discusses the importance of making a game plan for fall respiratory virus season. 
    • On Thursday, the FDA approved Opdivo (nivolumab) with platinum-doublet chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by single-agent nivolumab after surgery as adjuvant treatment, for adults with resectable (tumors ≥ 4 cm and/or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and no known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements. Adverse reactions were similar to those occurring in other clinical trials of nivolumab with chemotherapy. Of those who received neoadjuvant nivolumab, 5.3% were unable to undergo surgery due to adverse reactions compared with 3.5% in the placebo arm. In addition, 4.5% who received neoadjuvant treatment and surgery in the nivolumab arm had delays in surgery due to adverse reactions compared with 3.9% in the placebo arm. See the prescribing information for additional safety information. Full prescribing information for Opdivo will be posted on Drugs@FDA.
    • On Thursday, the FDA updated the outbreak advisory, Investigation of Illnesses: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies to include additional cases.
    • On Thursday, the FDA published a list of unsafe imported radiation-emitting products for consumers. The FDA has significant concerns about potentially hazardous radiation-emitting electronic products that importers try to bring into the U.S. To help protect public health, the FDA publishes “Import Alerts” along with information about unsafe radiation-emitting products. Each alert lists the reason for the alert, what products or manufacturers are affected, what FDA laws and/or regulations appear to have been violated, and other information. The FDA also publishes a list of known radiation-emitting electronic products that have failed safety testing and are hazardous to use. However, this is not an exhaustive list. Consumers should be aware that even electronic products — that are not on the alerts list — may be hazardous if used unsafely. When using radiation-emitting electronic products, consumers should follow safety instructions.
    • On Tuesday, the FDA announced a new, streamlined approach for processing complaints, including whistleblower complaints related to FDA-regulated products. The public will be able to direct complaints about foods and dietary supplements to the Human Foods Program through online reporting forms, and by phone to 1-888-SAFEFOOD. 
    • On Tuesday, the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) announced that breakthrough designated devices reviewed in the Office of Radiological Health and the Division of Ophthalmic Devices are eligible to enroll in the Total Product Life Cycle (TPLC) Advisory Program (TAP) Pilot. Additionally, CDRH provided a resource for innovators and collaborators: TAP Pilot Engagement Tips that is intended to provide considerations that may help foster productive engagement between medical device sponsors and non-FDA parties including patients, payers, and health care providers during the medical device design and development process.
    • Last week, the FDA approved its 60th biosimilar since the start of the biosimilars program. The FDA celebrates the successful growth of the program and its impact on expanded treatment options for patients.

    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 USA: Statement by Acting Secretary of Labor Su on September jobs report

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su issued the following statement on the September 2024 Employment Situation report: 

    “Today’s jobs report shows that our economy continues to thrive, adding 254,000 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.1 percent. With an average of 186,000 jobs added over the past three months, it’s clear that people who need a job are finding a job. That’s how strong our economy is. 

    “We’re seeing steady growth across sectors like Private Education & Health Services (+81,000), Leisure & Hospitality (+78,000), Government (+31,000) and Construction (+25,000). At the same time, wages have risen 4.0 percent over the past year, putting more money in working families’ pockets. Since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office in January 2021, our economy has added over 16.2 million jobs, including 729,000 in manufacturing and 940,000 in construction. 

    “Four years ago, students were logging into school via Zoom, trick-or-treating was canceled, and we faced unprecedented challenges. Today, as we approach Halloween 2024, our economy is on strong footing with record employment gains, shrinking unemployment gaps, and rising wages. The Biden-Harris administration has delivered on lower unemployment and inflation, creating a vibrant, inclusive economy that works for everyone.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Laws Range from Renaming Northern Snakeheads to Raising Some SNAP Benefits

    Source: US National Invasive Species Information Center

    Undocumented migrants could get access to health care on the state’s insurance marketplace, those 60 and older could get a few more dollars in food stamp benefits and the northern snakehead will get what officials hope is a more palatable name – literally.

    Those are just some of the more than 400 new laws that took effect Tuesday, a fraction of the more than 1,000 enacted by the legislature this year.

    The quirkiest of the bunch may be the snakehead bill, which would christen the toothy, invasive species, nicknamed “frankenfish,” as the Chesapeake Channa. The hope is that people who would turn their noses up at a meal of snakehead might take a chance on channa and thus rein in the species, on the theory that if you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em.

    Most of the bills, however, dealt with weightier public policy issues, like the Access to Care Act, which brings the state one step closer to letting undocumented migrants buy individual private health care plans on the state’s insurance marketplace.

    House Bill 728 and Senate Bill 705 direct the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to apply for a federal waiver that would let residents buy insurance on the state’s marketplace regardless of their documentation status. If approved, it could open the door for thousands of undocumented and uninsured state residents who are currently barred from using the marketplace to go there for affordable health care plans.

    Even though the law only took effect Tuesday, the exchange has already submitted a waiver request to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is awaiting its response. CMS already approved a similar waiver for Washington.

    It could still take months after approval before undocumented residents can use the exchange, with state documents saying the program would be operational “as early as calendar 2026.”

    Another health-related will shield health care providers in Maryland from liability if they help out-of-state patients obtain gender-affirming care, so long as the services provided are legal in Maryland. SB 119 also protects those who seek gender-affirming care in Maryland from being surrendered back to a state where the treatment is prohibited.

    Gender-affirming care refers to a multitude of procedures and treatments to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity, including hormone therapy, voice training, surgery and other medical services. The group Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition posted to social media that it is “proud Maryland is a safe state that protects gender affirming care.”

    “But, we look forward to a day when shielding laws aren’t necessary. No one should be criminalized for receiving or providing gender-affirming care,” the post says.

    In the area of social services, SB 35 and HB 666 will mean a few extra dollars a month for older Marylanders getting federal food assistance. The state currently gives an extra $40 a month toi those aged 62 and above in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps. The new law lowers the eligibility age to 60 and boosts the monthly benefit to $50 to help pay for groceries.

    Renters’ rights and affordable housing

    Affordable housing and renter’s rights were central topics of the 2024 legislative session, and could be again next year as renters work to boost legislation that did not make it past the finish line this year. But those that passed and took effect Tuesday included one of Gov. Wes Moore’s proposed three-pronged housing package.

    HB 693 is known as the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act. It creates a state Office of Tenants and Landlord Affairs that will help tenants know their protections and legal recourse under Maryland law. It also raises certain fees in the eviction process to reduce the number of unnecessary evictions.

    The other pieces of Moore’s housing package included a bill creating a state investment agency called Maryland Community Investment Corp., that took effect earlier this summer; and HB 538, which aims to incentivize developers to add affordable housing in future developments by allowing them to exceed typical density limits if the project includes a certain percentage of affordable housing units. That bill passed this year but will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2025.

    Renter advocates are celebrating another law that they hope will help hold landlords accountable if they do not adequately address life-threatening repairs. HB 1117, known as the Tenant Safety Act, will enable multiple tenants to jointly file a complaint with the local district court and collectively put rent payments in escrow while the complaint is adjudicated.

    “The Tenant Safety Act marks a powerful new chapter for tenants in Maryland, especially for seniors like me. No longer will we face neglect from landlords alone,” said Sharon Little John, a housing advocate with CASA, in a written statement Monday. “Together, we demand safe, dignified living conditions for all. Every tenant’s well-being is essential, and every landlord must ensure it.”

    Public health approach

    Tuesday also saw the creation of the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention, which will take a data-driven, public health approach to gun violence prevention in the last legislature. The center, housed in the state Department of Health, will be geared toward collaboration between state and local government agencies, hospitals and community-based violence intervention programs.

    Maryland joins several states and jurisdictions with similar centers modeled after the White House’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, including North Carolina, California and Washington, D.C.

    “I’m glad to know we are on the right side of being proactive as best as we can,” said Del. Sandy Bartlett (D-Anne Arundel), vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “Until we truly look at it as a public health issue with folks who solve public health crises for a living, we’re kind of just circling the wagons.”

    The fiscal note with SB 475/HB 583 said it will cost about $2.2 million to hire an executive director, an epidemiologist and a program manager for the center in fiscal 2025, and $10 million to operate it in later years.

    The center will work with various state and local agencies “to ensure a multi-departmental approach to reducing firearm violence.” It must solicit and consider input from communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence, public health experts, organizations with expertise in firearm safety and training and “any other experts, groups or organizations as the executive director determines appropriate and necessary.”

    “It’s a great opportunity for us,” said Del. Luke Clippinger (D-Baltimore City), chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “It’s building upon programming that we have across the state that is seeking to address these issues.”

    SB 652, sponsored by Sen. Cory McCray (D-Baltimore City), requires the Department of Juvenile Services to report how many juveniles in its care were shot or shot someone else, along with their ages and county of residence. That report, due by Dec. 1 every year, must describe actions taken by the agency after each incident.

    The report must be submitted to the General Assembly and the Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform and Emerging and Best Practices – a panel created in a June 1 law as  part of a comprehensive juvenile justice reform package. So far, four of the 26 commission members have been named  – Bartlett and Del. N. Scott Phillips (D-Baltimore County) and Sens. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery), chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, and Nick Charles (D-Prince George’s), and Bartlett. The remaining 22 members have yet to be appointed by the governor.

    Other laws taking effect include:

    • Future convictions for first-degree rape will not be eligible for a decrease in prison time for good behavior under SB 1098. It was sponsored by Smith in honor of Pava LaPere, a 26-year-old entrepreneur found dead on the rooftop of her Baltimore apartment last year. Jason Dean Billingsley, the man charged with her murder, is a convicted sex offender who had been released from prison early due to good behavior credits.
    • The “Kids Code” laws — HB 603 and SB 571 — will require default privacy settings and safety measures for children using online platforms. The law limits the collection of data,  including geolocation data, from minors by social media and other companies, as well as sale of that data, among other requirements. A similar California law has been challenged in court, but not the Maryland law – so far.
    • Maryland’s treasurer is now among the list of state officials who cannot solicit or receive campaign donations during legislative sessions. HB 1503, sponsored by Del. Denise Roberts, (D-Prince George’s), was passed after Maryland Matters reported that Treasurer Dereck Davis (D), a former Prince George’s County delegate, was continuing to raise money – though not during session — and keeping his political options open. Davis testified “enthusiastically” in favor of the bill.
    • HB 19 and SB 207, the frankenfish rebranding. The northern snakehead, known for its frightening appearance and ability to live on land for several days, is known scientifically as the Channa argus. It will now be known, at least in Maryland, as the Chesapeake Channa. The invasive species has no natural predators in the U.S. and is a voracious eater, but Sen. Jack Bailey (R-Calvert and St. Mary’s) said it’s “delicious to eat” and hopes the name change will land the fish on tables and control the population, if not eat it out of existence in the state.
    • A rebranding of the Port of Baltimore nearly 20 years ago becomes official in state law. In 2006, then-Gov. Robert Ehrlich announced that the port would be known as the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. Bentley covered maritime issues as a journalist and later served as chair of the federal Maritime Commission for six years, before serving for a decade in Congress as a Republican representing Maryland’s 2nd District. HB 375 and SB 156 make a technical change that adds Bentlely’s name to all references to the port in state law.
    • Minor league ballplayers in Maryland will be exempt from state wage and hour laws under HB 702 and SB 466. The players, who are already paid under union contracts, are exempt from federal minimum wage and overtime rules, and the law extends that to state law, too.
    • Retailers who sell products containing kratom cannot sell products not recognized by the Food and Drug Administration or that do not meet new labeling requirements, under HB 1229. They are also barred from marketing it to minors. Kratom, derived from an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, is considered a substitute for opium and can be a stimulant at low doses. At higher doses, the herbal extract can have euphoric or sedative effects.
    • Employers will prohibited from discriminating against a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. HB 602, sponsored by Clippinger, was one of five bills in House Speaker Adrienne Jones’ (D-Baltimore County) “decency agenda.”
    • The DRIVE Act — short for the Distributed Renewable Integration and Vehicle Electrification Act — sets guidelines for utilities to create robust charging programs for electric vehicles.
    • A measure long sought by public health and environmental advocates lays out how artificial turf should be removed, replaced and disposed of.
    • A law that sets greenhouse gas emissions limits for cement producers and manufacturers.
    • A law that updates the state’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Protection Program to incorporate climate resilience, environmental justice, and equity measures. The bill also requires state and local governments to update maps of so-called critical areas at regular intervals.
    • A law that codifies the rights of citizens to sue individuals or entities that pollute local waterways. The legislation was a reaction to a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that sought to limit what constitutes a navigable waterway, making it harder for polluters to be targeted in litigation.

    – This story was updated on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to correct the effective date for HB 538 to Jan. 1 and to add the Kids Code law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Council of Medical Research signs MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam to Boost Solar Power Usage in Health Research Facilities

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Indian Council of Medical Research signs MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam to Boost Solar Power Usage in Health Research Facilities

    The collaboration marks a major step towards sustainable energy adoption in India’s healthcare research sector

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 3:55PM by PIB Delhi

    In a landmark agreement to promote sustainable energy within India’s healthcare and research sector, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and a cleaner, greener future, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN). The partnership is aimed at harnessing solar power for ICMR institutes across the country, supporting India’s push towards renewable energy and sustainability.

    Under this agreement, NVVN will supply, install, test, commission, and maintain rooftop solar panels at 15 ICMR institutes with a combined capacity of 4,559 KW. The project also includes a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for grid-connected solar projects, offering a fixed solar tariff for the next 25 years, ensuring long-term cost efficiency and sustainability for ICMR’s operations.

    Seven institutes are already benefitting from solar power under earlier projects, and the MoU with NVVN will extend solarization efforts to additional facilities, significantly reducing ICMR’s carbon footprint and energy expenditure.

    This partnership effectively advances India’s national renewable energy goals, fostering a sustainable future in healthcare research, and positioning ICMR as a leader in green energy adoption within the biomedical field.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/ICMR NVVN Release/04th October 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2061998) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the Hiramani Arogyadham Day-Care Hospital in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the Hiramani Arogyadham Day-Care Hospital in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

    The then CM of Gujarat and now PM Shri Narendra Modi took numerous steps to improve healthcare facilities and make them accessible to public

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission keeping in mind the health interests of citizens, providing toilets and access to drinking water in every household

    By initiating the celebration of International Yoga Day, PM Modi made regular exercise a part of public’s daily routine

    The Modi govt. builds health infrastructure in the country, with a plan to increase 75,000 medical seats in the next 10 years

    To alleviate the burden of expensive medications, the government established a mechanism to provide generic medicines, allowing the poor to access medicines at 10 to 30 percent lower price

    The Modi govt. is strengthening the healthcare system for millions by integrating 37 different schemes

    This is a prime example of creating plans with sensitivity and foresight to alleviate the suffering of the people

    Shri Narhari Amin has consistently worked to serve society and solve problems

    At Hiramani Arogyadham, therapies, dialysis, and physiotherapy for various ailments have been made affordable for the general public

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today inaugurated the Hiramani Arogyadham Day-Care Hospital in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. On this occasion, several dignitaries, including Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, were present.

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, and now the Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi, made numerous efforts to improve healthcare facilities in Gujarat and make them accessible to the public. He mentioned that Shri Narhari Amin has consistently worked to serve society and solve problems. Shri Shah highlighted that Narhari Ji established infrastructure for athletes across Gujarat through the state’s cricket association. Moreover, through schools, he has made significant efforts to provide quality education to around 4,000 children and contribute to their overall development. Shri Shah further noted that after establishing old age homes and the Annapurna Trust, Narhari Ji has now built this Hiramani Arogyadham in memory of his parents, which is truly commendable.

    Union Home Minister said that modern lifestyles, fast-paced lives, pollution, and other factors that lead to various diseases affecting our bodies, requiring long-term treatment. He mentioned that these ailments often need multiple therapies, dialysis, physiotherapy, and other treatments to reduce the suffering caused by the diseases. Shri Shah pointed out that such treatments are usually very expensive and are less accessible to the poor, middle class, and people in rural areas. Keeping these challenges in mind, Shri Narhari Ji has built the Hiramani Arogyadham, which was inaugurated today. Shri Shah highlighted that Narhari Ji has taken a holistic approach to address people’s health concerns.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission keeping public’s health in mind, helping people avoid many diseases caused by unhygienic conditions. He further mentioned that after this, the government ensured access to clean drinking water in every household, which helped prevent waterborne diseases. Following that, toilets were built in every home, and International Yoga Day was introduced to make regular exercise a part of people’s daily routine. Shri Shah added that through the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Card, PM Modi has provided comprehensive healthcare coverage of up to five lakh rupees to millions of people, freeing them from the burden of expensive treatments.

    Union Home Minister stated that while a plan can be formulated by the government, comprehensive healthcare is not possible without adequate infrastructure. He mentioned that to address this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the construction of health infrastructure across the country. Shri Shah noted that the Modi government has set a target to increase the number of medical seats by 75,000 in the next 10 years. He also highlighted that the government has established a mechanism to provide generic medicines to relieve people from the burden of expensive drugs, allowing them to access medicines at about 10 to 30 percent lower prices compared to the market.

    Shri Amit Shah stated that the entire healthcare setup is built by integrating approximately 37 different schemes. He mentioned that by combining these 37 various initiatives, an effort has been made to address the health concerns of the country’s 1.4 billion people. Shri Shah emphasized that This is a prime example of creating plans with sensitivity and foresight to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    Union Home Minister stated that if facilities for daily treatments for chronic illnesses, such as dialysis and physiotherapy, are available nearby and at affordable rates, then poor people can benefit from them. He mentioned that at Hiramani Arogyadham, therapies, dialysis, and physiotherapy for various ailments have been made available for the general public at affordable rates.

    *****

    RK/VV/ASH/PS

    (Release ID: 2062014) Visitor Counter : 58

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating Flaxmere shooting

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are investigating after two men were shot in Flaxmere last night.

    Police were called to a Berwick Crescent address at 11.30pm yesterday, following reports of a shooting.

    Officers were subsequently notified that two men had arrived at Hawke’s Bay Hospital with injuries consistent with being shot.

    One of the men was reported to have a serious injury, while the other was reported to have a moderate injury.

    Enquiries are under way to establish exactly what has occurred. 

    Anyone with information which could assist our enquiries is asked to please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241005/2014.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2024 HHS Hispanic Health Summit | September 25, 2024 | Part 2

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

    Please virtually join Secretary Xavier Becerra for the 2024 HHS Hispanic Health Summit. At this Summit, senior HHS leaders, the Biden-Harris Administration, and Latino health leaders will highlight their work to improve equity and access to health care in the Latino community. Panels and workshops topics will focus on health care access, reproductive health, caregiving, environmental health, and much more.

    —

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfISSXnle5U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2024 HHS Hispanic Health Summit | September 25, 2024 | Part 1

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

    Please virtually join Secretary Xavier Becerra for the 2024 HHS Hispanic Health Summit. At this Summit, senior HHS leaders, the Biden-Harris Administration, and Latino health leaders will highlight their work to improve equity and access to health care in the Latino community. Panels and workshops topics will focus on health care access, reproductive health, caregiving, environmental health, and much more.

    —

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARJXHZKBaTI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswomen Escobar, Strickland, and Jacobs introduce the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

    Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024. The Senate companion has been introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

    Studies have shown that servicemembers face unique challenges accessing contraception and family planning counseling, especially when deployed. With that in mind, the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024:

    1. Requires that all people enrolled in TRICARE have coverage of contraceptives without cost-sharing, the same as civilians;
    2. Requires the Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive family planning education program for all servicemembers, ensuring that military families have the information necessary to make informed decisions; and
    3. Guarantees access to emergency contraception for survivors of sexual assault upon their request.

    Permanently alleviating these challenges is particularly important at a time when our military continues to confront recruitment and retention challenges.

    “The Department of Defense provides health care to nearly 1.62 million women of reproductive age, but many military dependents face co-pays on birth control when their civilian counterparts don’t,” Congresswoman Escobar said. “No military family should have fewer rights than those they serve to protect. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues, Sara Jacobs and Marilyn Strickland, in introducing a long overdue, commonsense piece of legislation to ensure military families have access to the care they need.”

    Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Given all that we ask from our service members and their families, it’s absolutely shameful that they can be forced to pay more than civilians for contraception – an essential part of health care. Research tells us that even small copays of contraception can prevent people from getting the care they need, pushing some to forgo contraception completely, choose less effective methods, or use it inconsistently. That’s an unacceptable risk for our service members and endangers our military readiness. I’m proud to co-lead the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act to fix this glaring oversight and ensure that our military can get the contraception they need.”

    “Answering the call to serve often means making a great number of sacrifices for your country, and being able to start a family should not be one of them,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). “All Americans deserve access to contraceptives.”

    “At this critical moment for reproductive health access, we are grateful for the introduction of this bill by Representatives Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland to lift barriers to birth control for service members and their families,” said Jackii Wang, Senior Legislative Analyst for Reproductive Rights & Health at the National Women’s Law Center. “Being able to decide if, when, and how to become a parent is a decision that everyone should have, including those in the Armed Forces. The Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act is critical to ensuring that service members have the freedom to control their own futures.”

    “Service members and their families deserve access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care — including birth control,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “They should have the freedom to control if, when, and how they build their families. This should not be up for debate. To truly support our service members and military families, we must protect and expand their access to the health care they need, when they need it. Thank you to Reps. Escobar, Strickland, and Jacobs for reintroducing this bill.” 

    Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju said: “With reproductive freedom under attack like never before, it is more urgent than ever that our lawmakers take bold action to safeguard and expand access to contraception for members of our military and their families. We are grateful to Reps. Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland for fighting to ensure that everybody, including servicemembers, has the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, families, and futures.”

    “Servicemembers deserve equal and affordable access to comprehensive contraceptive services for themselves and for their families,” said Freya Riedlin, Senior Federal Policy Counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights. “With the vast majority of servicemembers being of reproductive age, the need to ensure comprehensive access to contraception and family planning services couldn’t be clearer. We commend Congresswomen Escobar, Strickland, and Jacobs for championing this vital bill.”

    “Every person deserves to be able to determine if, when and how they build their families, including our service members and veterans. As physicians, we understand that access to contraceptive care is a key part of safeguarding our basic human right to bodily autonomy. We applaud the steps this bill takes to ensure that servicemembers and their families have meaningful access to the full spectrum of contraceptive care through the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers & Dependents Act,” Dr. Jamila Perritt, President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health and ob/gyn in Washington DC, said.

     

    “Everyone deserves access to the contraceptive method they want and need without cost being a barrier. The fact that this is not possible for all of our servicemembers and their families right now is deeply unfair and disrespectful of what they give to our country,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide. “As a practicing OB-GYN, it is so frustrating to see patients on TRICARE, counsel them about contraception and then not know whether they will be able to access the method they need. Thank you to Representatives Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland for your leadership—it’s time to fix this.”

    “Birth control and contraception are essential health care,” said Jocelyn C. Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health plans for non-military families must cover contraceptives with no cost sharing. This bill would provide our service members and their dependents with the same benefits, allowing them to make decisions about their health and reproductive care without worrying about the costs they will incur. We appreciate Rep. Escobar’s leadership on this issue to ensure service members faithfully serving our country get the high-quality health care they deserve.”

    Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantees that employer-sponsored and marketplace health plans cover preventive services without cost sharing, including all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive methods, counseling, and related services, these protections do not apply to coverage through TRICARE, a health care program for uniformed servicemembers and their families.

    In July 2022, the Department of Defense took a critical action in eliminating copayments for medical contraceptive services (i.e., intrauterine devices, birth control shot, birth control implant, and diaphragm measurement and fitting), and effective January 2023, certain TRICARE beneficiaries will no longer face cost-sharing or copayments for tubal ligation (surgical sterilization) services when obtaining care through a civilian provider. However, congressional action is needed to completely eliminate copayments for prescription contraceptives and ensure that servicemembers and their loved ones have equitable access to all methods of contraception.

    Congresswomen Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland are joined by co-sponsors Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Marc Veasy (TX-33), James McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), James Himes (CT-04), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Susan Wild (PA-07), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Scott Peters (CA-50), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), John Larson (CT-01), Susan Wild (PA-07).

    The Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024 is endorsed by Endorsements: National Partnership for Women & Families, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Women’s Law Center, Power to Decide, Service Women’s Action Network.

    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wittman Introduces Bipartisan Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) today introduced the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act, a bipartisan effort co-led by Reps. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01), and Jim Costa (D-CA-21). The legislation will study the implementation of automated software tools to improve and expedite the organ donation referral process.

    This legislation seeks to enhance patient safety by ensuring that every potential organ donor is automatically referred, while reducing the time hospital staff spend on manual referrals. Automating the deceased organ donor referral process will allow hospital staff to focus more on patient care, minimizing the risk of human error, and ultimately increasing the number of organs available for transplant.

    “By harnessing the power of technology, we can streamline the organ donation referral process, giving healthcare providers more time to care for their patients and save more lives,” said Congressman Wittman. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will remove barriers to adopting automated electronic organ donor referrals in health systems nationwide so we can give hope to patients waiting for the gift of life.”

    “There are over 100,000 Americans on the national transplant waiting list. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to improve and modernize the organ donation process,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The bipartisan Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act will study the potential for automated electronic donor referrals, reducing the barriers to successful organ transplantation and ultimately saving lives.”

    The bill is endorsed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), American Kidney Fund (AKF), LifeNet Health (OPO for Virginia’s First District), Infinite Legacy (OPO for greater DC area), American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Society of Transplantation (AST), New Jersey Sharing Network, Kidney Transplant Collaborative, Waitlist Zero, and LifeCenter Northwest.

    “The Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act is a critical step towards supporting the national adoption of automated electronic deceased donor referral technology.,” Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of UNOS. “Eight lives can be saved by just one organ donor. One small-scale study found that deploying automated deceased organ donor referral systems increased organ donors by 333%. The widespread use of such technology could increase the number of organs available for transplant and ultimately increase the number of Americans who receive lifesaving organ transplants.” 

    “The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) supports the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act, an important step in ensuring that every potential donor is given the opportunity to save lives,” said Dorrie Dils, president of AOPO. “We commend Representative Wittman for his dedication and leadership on this important issue. Our member Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) have seen firsthand how automatic referrals expedite the identification of potential organ donors, significantly increasing an OPOs ability to rapidly authorize donors and recover organs for transplant – all of which leads to more lives saved. Accordingly, we strongly support legislative efforts to make this the standard practice.” 

    “This is an important step towards improving our ability to make data-driven improvements to the organ donation and transplantation system. With better data, we can make targeted improvements to streamline the process, reduce delays, and ultimately save more lives,” said Kevin Longino, CEO of the NKF and a kidney transplant recipient. “We thank Reps. Wittman, McClellan, Miller-Meeks, and Costa for introducing the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act and for their continued leadership.” 

    “With over 90,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list, we need to dedicate more resources toward measures that will make the transplant system more effective,” said LaVarne A. Burton, president and CEO of AKF. “The Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act would require a study to gather information and assess if automation of the current manual referral system to organ procurement organizations would improve the current system. Utilizing technology in referrals could be an important part of updating the Organ Procurement Transplantation Network.”

    “LifeNet Health has found that automatic electronic donor referrals can support earlier identification of potential organ donors, reduce administrative errors, and save hospital staff time,” said LifeNet Health OPO Executive Director Todd Hubler. “LifeNet Health thanks Representatives Wittman, McClellan, Miller-Meeks, and Costa for their leadership on the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act.”

    “With more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a lifesaving transplant, we commend Congressman Wittman for his efforts advancing this critical legislation,” said Charlie Alexander, president and CEO, Infinite Legacy. “All opportunities that standardize and enhance the organ donation process allow us to embrace and implement best practices which improve patient safety and maximize the number of lives we can save through organ donation.”

    “The American Society of Transplant Surgeons is proud to support the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act, as we are committed to modernizing all aspects of the transplant ecosystem to provide better outcomes for our patients,” said Ginny L. Bumgardner, MD, Ph.D., president, American Society of Transplant Surgeons. “The study proposed in this legislation will provide data on best practices in automated electronic donor referral that will enhance system performance to save countless lives through the selfless gift of organ donation.”

    “Waitlist Zero is in full support of the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act,” said Eliane Perlman, executive director of Waitlist Zero. “This will provide for a thoughtful study, a key aspect of improving the deceased organ allocation system’s automated electronic deceased donor referrals. This will allow the system to “look before it leaps” into the next phase of improvements. Thanks to the heroes in the organ donation world, the number of deceased donor kidney donations has increased steadily every year for the past 32 years.”

    Background

    Automated electronic deceased organ donor referrals are used by hospitals to refer to organ procurement organizations (OPOs) patients who may become deceased organ donors. Widespread use of automated electronic deceased organ donor referral could increase patient safety and reduce the number of Americans waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. The technology uses hospital electronic health records (EHR) systems to flag patients who are potential candidates for donation and send patient information to the collaborating OPO. Automated electronic deceased organ donor referral replaces the standard practice of manually notifying OPOs of potential deceased organ donors, lifting the burden of reporting off busy hospital staff, reducing the risk of human error, and ensuring every potential donor is referred.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investigation ongoing into delayed referrals

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Alberta’s government takes the health and well-being of all Albertans seriously, especially when it comes to having timely access to specialists to support their health needs.

    In late September, AHS notified Alberta’s government that there was an issue affecting patient referrals to community specialists from AHS’ new electronic health record, Connect Care. Following an audit of referrals, AHS discovered that some patient referrals to community physician specialists or allied health providers (for example, physiotherapy and dieticians) outside of AHS were not being processed through Connect Care.

    AHS has identified approximately 14,000 patients who may have been affected by the outgoing referrals to external health care providers not being properly processed. While the review is currently in its early stages, a total of 31 patients have been identified to date as requiring immediate follow up. They may have experienced a potential negative outcome due to the delay in referrals being processed in a timely manner.

    A thorough review of the incident is underway to determine all possible contributing factors. Alberta Health has engaged the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) to provide an independent third-party review of systems and operational process to determine how a situation like this could have occurred and can be prevented in the future.

    “Timely access to care at critical times is a priority. This issue is greatly concerning, and we are committed to taking swift action to ensure AHS addresses and prioritizes the issue. I’ve asked the HQCA to investigate, and I look forward to recommendations brought forward as a result of the third-party review.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    AHS has begun to notify patients potentially affected by the disruption. AHS will work with the community provider to facilitate patient access in the event of delay that results directly from the issue. Patients can access information on the status of their referrals through MyHealth Records. 

    Quick facts

    • Approximately 14,000 referrals to community providers outside of AHS may have been affected since the implementation of Connect Care.
    • Prior to Connect Care, there was no way to monitor the number of referrals sent and whether they were received by the community provider. 
    • Approximate total number of unsent referrals to community providers by zone:
      • Central: 741
      • North: 549
      • Edmonton: 10,025
      • Calgary: 3,329
      • South: 268

    Related information

    • MyHealth Records

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: A Proclamation on Child Health Day,  2024

    Source: The White House

         Our Nation’s children deserve every opportunity to reach their biggest dreams — that begins with ensuring our families and children have the resources and support they need to stay healthy and strong.  On Child Health Day, we recommit to supporting families as they help their children to lead healthy lives.

         When we came into office, Vice President Harris and I promised to give families some well-deserved breathing room so that families could care for their children without worrying about how they were going to pay the bills.  That is why my American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit, which reduced child poverty by nearly half across the Nation.  That law also made our Nation’s biggest investment in child care ever, keeping businesses open and hundreds of thousands of child care workers employed to care for children.  To lower health insurance costs, I signed the Inflation Reduction Act, saving millions of families $800 per year on their health insurance premiums.  And we strengthened the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program to provide home visits from trained professionals, who can offer prenatal care and postpartum support to new mothers and ensure their children’s health and well-being needs are met.  We launched the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA to help better support pregnant and postpartum moms.  We also modernized the Thrifty Food Plan for the first time in nearly five decades so that millions more families can afford nutritious foods.  We are working to reduce the amount of sodium in food to help prevent children from experiencing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke later in life.  At the same time, we are working to secure free and healthy school meals for every child — beginning with setting a goal to deliver free school meals to nine million more children by 2032.

         My Administration is also working to ensure our youth have access to the mental health care they need, making the largest investment in mental health ever.  This includes over $2 billion in funding, including $1 billion through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, to help schools across the country train and hire new mental health counselors.  We made it easier for schools to leverage Medicaid to deliver health care, including mental health care, to millions of children and youth.  And we launched 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which anyone can call, text, or chat to be connected to a trained crisis counselor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

          Americans deserve to live in a safe community, free from the threat of violence — and when it comes to our Nation’s children, one of our most fundamental responsibilities is keeping them safe.  In the United States, firearms are the leading cause of death for children.  It is unacceptable.  Children are exposed to violence and worry about school shootings happening to them, and this exposure and fear can lead to negative consequences for their school life, mental health, and more.  That is why I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years and have announced dozens of gun safety executive actions, including one that will improve the active shooter drills that nearly all students undergo.  I also established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris.  We have made significant progress, but we must do more.  I continue to call on the Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of firearms, enact universal background checks, and end immunity for gun manufacturers. 

         Our Administration is also making historic investments to tackle the climate crisis, which is essential to protecting our children’s futures.  Every child should be able to turn on the faucet at home or school and have access to safe, clean water — that is why, through my Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are working to replace every lead pipe in America.  My Inflation Reduction Act — the most significant investment in climate ever — is investing in air quality sensors so that we prevent communities from experiencing the harmful effects of pollution.  And we have recommitted to conserving 30 percent of all our Nation’s lands and waters by 2030 so that generations to come may enjoy them.

         Our children deserve to grow up in a country that cares about their health, happiness, and opportunities for success.  During Child Health Day, may we recommit to supporting our children and families so that they can thrive.  And may we continue to build a future where every child can reach their full potential. 

         The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as amended (36 U.S.C. 105), has called for the designation of the first Monday in October as Child Health Day and has requested that the President issue a proclamation in observance of this day.

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 7, 2024, as Child Health Day.  I call upon families, child health professionals, faith-based and community organizations, and governments to help ensure that America’s children stay safe and healthy.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                  JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lunds & Byerlys Voluntarily Recalls L&B Lone Star Dip Due to Potential Mold

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Foodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Potential mold contamination

    Company Name:
    Lunds & Byerlys
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    L&B

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Lone Star Dip

    Company Announcement

    Edina, Minn. (October 4, 2024) – Lunds & Byerlys is voluntarily recalling approximately 500 containers of L&B Lone Star Dip because of potential mold growth contamination.

    The recalled product was sold at Lunds & Byerlys stores throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding area.

    Brand Name & Description

    Unit Size

    UPC

    Impacted Best By Date(s)
    L&B Lone Star Dip 12 oz. 18169-74197 10-15-24
    10-17-24

    No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall. This product concern was first noticed by store employees, and they notified the company’s Quality Assurance team.

    If a customer recently purchased the impacted product, they are encouraged to return it to any Lunds & Byerlys for a full refund (no receipt required) or destroy the product immediately.

    For additional questions, customers can call 952-548-1400 Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    952-548-1400

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jacks and the Green Sprouts Recalls Alfalfa and Alfalfa Onion Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Foodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Listeria monocytogenes

    Company Name:
    Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Jack & the Green Sprouts

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Alfalfa and Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts

    Company Announcement

    Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc. of River Falls, WI is recalling its 5 ounce packages of Alfalfa and Alfalfa Onion sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

    The produce was sold in MN, WI and Iowa at grocery store and local Co-ops.

    The product comes in a 5 ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot #300 UPC 763247198915 or #246 UPC 763247195945 on the top.

    No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

    The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 5 ounce packages of Alfalfa sprouts.

    The production of the product has been suspended while the company continues to investigate the source of the problem.

    Consumers who have purchased 5 ounce packages of Alfalfa and Alfalfa Onion sprouts are urged to discarded or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 715-425-9495, 8:00-2:00, Monday thru Fridays.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    715-425-9495

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski & Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    10.04.24
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With colder weather around the corner and Congress continuing its work on appropriations bills, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Jack Reed (D-RI) and are leading a bipartisan call for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible.
    “As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution (PL 118-83),” Murkowski, Collins and Reed wrote.
    The Senators say the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. Murkowski helped provide a total of $4.1 billion for LIHEAP in fiscal year 2024, with $4 billion through appropriations and $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.  Nationwide, an estimated 5.1 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP in FY 2023. In Fiscal Year 2024, Alaskans got $21.3 million from LIHEAP.
    LIHEAP is administered by states, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, and territories.  Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.
    Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2025 — or until the funding is exhausted.
    Full text of the letter follows:
    “Dear Secretary Becerra:
    As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution (PL 118-83). 
    As the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months.  October marks the start of the heating season for many states, and with temperatures already dropping, low-income families and seniors are feeling additional strains on their household budgets. 
    As state agencies activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible.  As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.
    We look forward to working with you on this critical program, and thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Disturbing Reports Of Veteran Mistreatment At Buffalo VA, Gillibrand, Kennedy Pledge To Hold VA’s Feet To The Fire; Demand Comprehensive VA-Wide Review Of Community Care Practices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Today, following disturbing allegations of veteran mistreatment at the Buffalo VA, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 416 to discuss the failures at the Buffalo VA and to pledge to hold it accountable. She is leading a bipartisan push demanding that the Government Accountability Office conduct a VA-wide review of the Veterans Integrated Services Networks’ (VISN) community care consult practices to ensure that no veteran in New York or anywhere in the country suffers egregious delays in care again. Gillibrand was joined by Congressman Tim Kennedy, Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa, and veterans of VFW Post 416.
    “Caring for our veterans is our most sacred duty,” said Senator Gillibrand. “But the Buffalo VA failed to honor that duty and caused unimaginable suffering for Western New York veterans and their families as a result. This can never happen again – in Buffalo, in New York, or anywhere in the country. Today, I’m demanding a VA-wide review of veteran community care consultpractices to ensure that no one is slipping through the cracks. I am pledging to hold the VA accountable for its egregious failures last year and ensure that every patient has access to high-quality and timely care moving forward.”
    “This egregious neglect and failure is a betrayal to the women and men who have made incredible sacrifices to safeguard our nation. I join in requesting that the GAO conduct a full review of community care practices, which did not meet the needs of our veterans. I will not rest until the Buffalo VA has the leadership, staff, funding, and infrastructure—including a new state-of-the-art facility—to deliver the care that our heroes have earned and deserve,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. 
    “I am proud of the work my office has done to shine a spotlight on the unacceptable, and at times inhumane, practices at the Buffalo VA. This report confirms what we long suspected in painful detail: the Buffalo VA has failed in its mission, allowing veterans to suffer unnecessarily and neglecting to treat life-threatening conditions. Such failures are a grave disservice to those who have bravely served our country, and we are committed to ensuring accountability and meaningful change,” said Assemblymember Patrick Burke.
    “Thank you to Senator Gillibrand for addressing this important issue and her commitment to ensuring timely, effective and high-quality care for all veterans. I am honored to stand here today as our federal elected officials work together to address any failures in service, and take the necessary steps to do better going forward for all who served our country,” said Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa. 
    “As a member of the military community, I know the struggles facing veterans when it comes to their mental and physical recovery and wellbeing. I want to thank Senator Gillibrand for putting a spotlight on this issue. We all need to come together to make improvements and assist veterans as best we can. Every man and woman who served under the American flag deserves the best care and resources possible, and today’s announcement is the right step in that direction,” said Amherst Deputy Town Supervisor Shawn Lavin. 
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to the Government Accountability Office is available HERE or below:
    Dear Mr. Dodaro:
                On Friday, September 27th, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) released its findings following its inspection of the VA Western New York Health System in Buffalo, New York. The report – Leaders Failed to Address Community Care Consult Delays Despite Staff’s Advocacy Efforts at VA Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo – found a shocking pattern of apathy and incompetence on the part of Department facility and community care leaders in addressing the needs of patients with complex and high-risk conditions.
                As the report indicates, these delays caused or led to an increased risk of harm to the patients. One veteran passed away while waiting months to receive palliative care that would have helped manage cancer pain in their final months. Another patient  waited nine weeks to schedule radiation therapy for a new cancer malignancy, despite efforts by the chief of oncology to get the community care team to schedule treatment. Another veteran in their twenties continued to suffer from seizures for another 10 months as they waited for a consult to be scheduled, the delay partially caused by a referral being canceled by the community care medical director. These are only some of the cases highlighted by an OIG report that identified incompetence and bureaucratic red tape that failed the veterans in Buffalo again and again.
                The failure by the leadership at the Buffalo VA Medical Center must never occur again, and veterans across the United States must be reassured that they can receive timely and high-quality health care across the VA health care system.  Therefore, I request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of Veterans Integrated Services Networks’ (VISN) community care consult practices. The review should include, but not be limited to: 
    Oversight of medical centers’ adherence to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requirements for processing consults for conditions considered high-risk or complex; 
    Whether consults are appropriately prioritized and consistently processed within VHA’s timeliness requirements;
    Reviewing how medical facility, VISN leaders, and the VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care respond to concerns regarding delays in consult scheduling from providers, staff, patients, and their families and how this is built into VHA’s quality and risk management programs;
    Best practices to prevent and address leadership deficiencies within the community care scheduling process, including the prioritization of patient safety;
    I request a briefing on the preliminary findings with final results to be submitted on a date and in form mutually agreed upon. Please include recommendations, as appropriate, for agency or congressional action in your evaluation.
    Sincerely, 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Government of Canada to make announcement regarding support for the health and safety of firefighters

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    October 4, 2024, Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, will make an announcement regarding the National Framework on Firefighting-Related Cancers.

    The Minister will be joined by Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, and Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness.

    A press briefing will take place immediately after the announcement.

    Date

    October 7, 2024

    Hour

    11:30 a.m.

    Place

    The event will take place in person at the following address:

    Station 13 – Côte-de-Sable530 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7N4

    Media can also participate via Zoom:https://hc-sc-gc-ca.zoom.us/j/68392760885Access code: 759384

    Please identify yourself (first and last name) and indicate your media when joining the event.

    Twitter:@GovernCanHealthFacebook :Healthy Canadians

    Media Information

    Matthew KronbergPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Mark HollandMinister of Health343-552-5654matthew.kronberg@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHealth Canada613-957-2983media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to make an announcement on supporting the health and safety of firefighters

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    October 4, 2024, Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health will make an announcement about the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting.

    The Minister will be accompanied by Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness.

    There will be a media availability following the announcement.

    Date

    October 7, 2024

    Time

    11:30 AM

    Location

    The event will be held in-person at:

    Station 13 – Sandy Hill
    530 King Edward Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 7N4

    Media may also join by Zoom: https://hc-sc-gc-ca.zoom.us/j/68392760885
    Passcode: 759384

    Please indicate your name (first and last) and media outlet when joining the event.
    Twitter: @GovCanHealth
    Facebook: Healthy Canadians

    Media Inquiries:

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654
    matthew.kronberg@hc-sc.gc.ca

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Cramer Bills Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – Two critical pieces of legislation in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease were signed into law this week. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) cosponsored both pieces of legislation, the National Alzheimer’s Project (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act. These bills are meaningful advancements in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

    The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act requires the National Institutes of Health to annually submit an estimate of its budget and personnel needs for carrying out initiatives and essential research pursuant to the National Alzheimer’s Project. The NAPA Reauthorization Act extends the National Alzheimer’s Project to 2035. The project was first authorized in 2011 and supports coordination of federal planning, programs, and research to support efforts addressing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia such as healthy aging and cognitive decline.

    “Like many others, Alzheimer’s has a personal connection to me and my family,” said Cramer. “I am committed to doing everything I can to support those that are affected by the disease while at the same time, working toward treatments that work and ultimately, a cure. I believe we can get there. There’s a lot to be done, but I am heartened by the progress of these bills that are being signed into law.” 

    Cramer has worked to support the community of people who experience Alzheimer’s disease including their families, loved ones, and medical care teams. In September, he participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Bismarck and visited the Bismarck Memory Cafe. 

    Cramer joined U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in cosponsoring theComprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act to direct the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test an innovative payment and delivery system tailored for dementia care management. Additionally, Cramer joined U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the CMS requirement for Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) for monoclonal antibodies drugs designated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. The letter encouraged CMS to take steps to remove these requirements for FDA-approved treatments to ensure reasonable access for Alzheimer’s patients outside of a clinical trial.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IPhsa at ICMM: Strengthening Indo-Pacific Health Security

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BRISBANE, Australia  –  

    During the International Committee for Military Medicine (ICMM) 45th World Congress “Military Medicine Shaping Global Health” held in Brisbane from September 22-27, 2024, the Indo-Pacific health security alliance (IPhsa) hosted a session co-chaired by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). This gathering brought together regional and international stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing health security and future collaboration.

    Key session highlights included the announcement of the next IPhsa event in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2025, as well as the continued participation of the African Partnership Outbreak Response Alliance (APORA) in sharing lessons learned. These discussions focused on best practices and expanding partnerships to address health threats in the Indo-Pacific.

    CAPT Jeffrey Bitterman of INDOPACOM opened the session by emphasizing the critical importance of regional cooperation to address evolving health threats, including infectious diseases and natural disasters.

    “By building health security capacity, together, we foster global stability, will cultivate key partnerships and mitigate harmful influences and enhance readiness in our collective interoperability. Collaboration with public health authorities, media organizations and other stakeholders is also crucial for building public trust and health security efforts”. – CAPT Bitterman, U.S. INDOPACOM Command Surgeon.

    He underscored IPhsa’s milestones, such as the 2022 signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation and the 2024 Terms of Reference, which formalized military-civilian partnerships. He highlighted that strengthening preparedness and interoperability across sectors is key to protecting public health and maintaining regional stability.

    A pre-recorded message from Mr. Ludy Prapancha Suryantoro of the World Health Organization emphasized the need for enhanced civil-military collaboration in health emergencies. He introduced the Civil-Military Mapping tool, designed to improve coordination and identify gaps in health emergency preparedness, especially in biosecurity/laboratories, CBRN, one health and disaster response.

    ADF’s AIRCDRE Nicole dos Santos closed the session by reflecting on the significance of global health security as a cornerstone of national and regional safety. She drew upon themes of interconnectedness, referencing the term “Ubuntu” to highlight shared humanity and collective responsibility. AIRCDR dos Santos emphasized the growing convergence of geopolitical, geostrategic, and geoeconomic factors, noting the need for a multilateral, whole-of-government approach to health security. She celebrated IPhsa’s role in fostering collaboration between military and civilian sectors and called for sustained partnerships to face global challenges.

    “Leading to improved global health security, we are very privileged to be a founding member of the alliance, and we look forward to contributing to the development of the Indo Pacific health security alliance over the coming years. As we progress and mature, we would like to welcome more of you to join the alliance and work with us to improve the health security of our region and our world for those who follow.” – AIRCDRE dos Santos, Director General Operational Health – Joint Health Command

    As the session concluded, participants echoed the call for stronger cooperation and looked ahead to the upcoming IPhsa meeting in PNG in 2025, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to bolster regional health resilience.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 10/07/2024, the deposit auction of the PPC “TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND” will take place

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73776

    Category24-7, MIL-AXIS, Moscow, Moskov Stotsk Exchange, Russians Savings, Russian Federation, Russians Language, Russian economy

    Post navigation


    Archives

    Archives Privations of the Police Proudly would trust WordPress

    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 10/07/2024
    Placement currency RUB
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 1,050,000,000.00
    Placement period, days 55
    Date of deposit 10/08/2024
    Refund date 02.12.2024
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 19.00
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 1,050,000,000.00
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Agreement General Agreement
     
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 11:00 to 11:10
    Applications in competition mode from 11:10 to 11:15
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 11:25
       
    Additional terms With the right of early withdrawal of the deposit at a rate of 0.01% per annum

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: WHO approves first mpox diagnostic test for emergency use

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox, marking a significant milestone in expanding global access to mpox testing.

    The approval comes as Africa continues to struggle with limited testing capacity, which fueled the spread of the virus. Over 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported across the continent in 2024, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Nigeria being the most affected.

    In the DRC, only 37 percent of suspected cases have been tested this year, according to the global health agency.

    The test, known as Alinity m MPXV assay, will boost diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where rapid and accurate testing is crucial.

    The Alinity m MPXV assay is a real-time PCR test designed to detect mpox virus DNA from human skin lesion swabs, enabling laboratory and health workers to confirm cases quickly.

    “This first mpox diagnostic test listed under the Emergency Use Listing procedure represents a significant milestone in expanding testing availability in affected countries,” said Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: WHO approves 1st mpox diagnostic test for emergency use

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox, marking a significant milestone in expanding global access to mpox testing.

    The approval comes as Africa continues to struggle with limited testing capacity, which fueled the spread of the virus. Over 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported across the continent in 2024, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Nigeria being the most affected.

    In the DRC, only 37 percent of suspected cases have been tested this year, according to the global health agency.

    The test, known as Alinity m MPXV assay, will boost diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where rapid and accurate testing is crucial.

    The Alinity m MPXV assay is a real-time PCR test designed to detect mpox virus DNA from human skin lesion swabs, enabling laboratory and health workers to confirm cases quickly.

    “This first mpox diagnostic test listed under the Emergency Use Listing procedure represents a significant milestone in expanding testing availability in affected countries,” said Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024” launched today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Senior Police Call (SPC) officially launched the “SPC Share the Love 2024” today (October 5) to distribute blessing bags to the needy in society to express love and care. At the same time, the scheme also demonstrated the SPC spirit of “helping oneself and others”.
          
         Officiating at the kick-off ceremony held at the Police Sports and Recreation Club this morning, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, said that to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the HKSAR Government had launched various celebratory activities with the theme of “Love our Country, Love Hong Kong, Love our Community”. He added that this year also holds special significance to the “SPC Share the Love” as it also marks the 10th anniversary of the SPC.
          
         Mr Siu reminded the elderly to raise awareness on road safety and emphasised that nurturing the elderly to become the Police’s fight crime partners has always been the mission of the SPC. He expressed gratitude to the members for joining hands with the Police to fight crime over the years. He also thanked all sectors of society for supporting the SPC and assisting the Police in disseminating anti-crime and road safety messages, thereby enhancing the elderly’s happiness as well as fostering a sense of satisfaction and belonging in the community.
          
         During the ceremony, members of the Yuen Long District SPC and the World Nunchaku Association (HKNA) presented a spectacular nunchaku performance to the audience, along with the song “The Chinese”. In addition, by staging a drama, SPC ambassador, Mr Ng Tai-keung, reminded the senior citizens to stay alert to recent scams where fraudsters impersonate the staff of social welfare organisations to obtain personal information of the elderly under the pretext of handing out money or other benefits.

         After the ceremony, Mr Siu and the Deputy Commissioner (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming, another officiating guest, visited Caritas Elderly Centre – Ngau Tau Kok in Choi Ying Estate and Pok Oi Hospital Mr Kwok Hing Kwan Neighbourhood Elderly Centre in Hoi Lai Estate respectively to call on the elderly and distribute the blessing bags with food and daily necessities.

         In addition, from today until October 11, two “SPC Fight Crime Vigour” publicity trucks will tour various districts across Hong Kong to disseminate crime prevention messages. During this period, the Police Community Relations Offices and SPC members from 22 police districts will distribute blessing bags to the needy in the community to demonstrate the Force’s motto of “Serving Hong Kong” and express love and care to the elderly, in pursuit of the SPC spirit of “helping oneself and others”.

         Other officiating guests of the ceremony included the Chairperson of SPC Central Advisory Board (CAB) cum the Regional Commander of Hong Kong Island, Mr Kwok Ka-chuen; the Vice-Chairperson of SPC CAB cum the Chief Superintendent of Public Relations Wing, Mr Leung Chung-man; and representatives of SPC CAB, Ms Ng Yin-mui; Dr Dominic Chu Chun-ho; Mr Wilfred Ng Sau-kei; and Dr Malcolm Lam Wai-wing. Furthermore, a number of members of SPC CAB also attended the ceremony and participated in the distribution of blessing bags.

         Launched in February 2014 with the motto – “SPC Spirit Helping Oneself and Others”, the SPC Scheme is open to anyone aged 55 or above. Through this scheme, the Hong Kong Police Force hopes to provide an effective platform for the elderly to maintain close contacts with the Force, and to participate in meaningful activities as well as to serve the community. It also provides training for the members to promote crime prevention.                     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: ASIA/HOLY LAND – October 7, one year later. Patriarch Sabbah: there will be peace only if the Palestinian tragedy ends

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Jerusalem (Agenzia Fide) – The catastrophe that overwhelms the Holy Land and the entire Middle East “did not begin on 7 October 2023”. The cycles of violence that generated the tragic present also experienced in the land of Jesus «were infinite, starting in 1917, reaching their peak in 1948 and 1967, continuing from then until today». Now the angry retaliation of the Israeli military force “can destroy and bring death”, but “it cannot lead to the security that Israelis need”, because peace can return “only when the tragedy of the Palestinian people comes to an end”. These are words irrigated with lucid realism, pain and at the same time hope “against all hope” those collected in the document-appeal released by the Latin Patriarch Emeritus of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah and the members of the “Christian Reflection” group one year after the massacres carried out by Hamas against Israeli Jews on 7 October 2023, a massacre that has opened the new vortex of death and annihilation that sucks in entire populations and drags the entire world towards the abyss of global war. The “Christian Reflection” of Jerusalem is a group of Christians from the Holy Land – priests, religious and lay people – gathered around Patriarch Emeritus Sabbah to share reflections on the role of Christians in the face of conflict and in society. Precisely for brothers and sisters in faith in Christ, the document signed by Patriarch Emeritus Sabbah poses decisive questions: «As Christians» we read in the text, entitled “Keeping hope alive” «we are also faced with other dilemmas: this is a war in which we are merely passive spectators? Where do we stand in this conflict, too often presented as a struggle between Jews and Muslims, between Israel, on the one hand, and Hamas and Hezbollah supported by Iran, on the other? Is this a religious war? Should we hunker down in the precarious safety of our Christian communities, isolating ourselves from what is happening around us? Must we simply watch and pray on the sidelines, hoping that this war will eventually pass?”“We are staring into the darkness”After a year of incessant war, “as the cycle of death continues unabated,” Patriarch Sabbah and think tank members warn the urgency “” of seeking the hope that comes from our faith”, while they admit that they are “exhausted, paralyzed by pain and fear. We are staring into the darkness”, while “our beloved Holy Land and the entire region are reduced to ruin” and “every day we mourn the tens of thousands of men, women and children who have been killed or injured, especially in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, Israel, Lebanon and beyond, in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Iran.” In Gaza – the tragic description of the facts continues – “houses, schools, hospitals, entire neighborhoods are now piles of rubble. Disease, hunger and desperation reign supreme.” In all of this – the authors of the document ask – “has the Zionist dream of a safe home for the Jews in a Jewish state called Israel brought security to the Jews?”. International inaction “Incredibly” note the Sabbah Patriarch and the members of Christian Reflection «the international community watches almost impassively. Calls for a ceasefire, ending the devastation, are repeated without any meaningful attempt to rein in those wreaking havoc. Weapons of mass destruction and means to commit crimes against humanity converge in the region”. If the international community is absent – the document continues – Christians, despite their defenselessness and small numbers, are called to be confident in the Resurrection of Christ also in the present tragic situation. The one underway – the document insists – «is not a war of religion. And we must actively take sides, on the side of justice and peace, freedom and equality. We must stand alongside all those, Muslims, Jews and Christians, who seek to put an end to death and destruction” Sabbah and his companions in the think tank turn to Christian leaders, “our bishops and our priests for words driving. We need our pastors to help us understand the strength we have when we are together. Alone, each of us is isolated and silenced.” Above all – they add – there is a need to ask for God’s help “so as not to despair, so as not to fall into the trap of hatred. Our faith in the Resurrection teaches us that all human beings are to be loved, equal, created in the image of God, children of God and brothers and sisters of one another.” For this reason “our schools, hospitals, social services are places where we take care of all those in need, without discrimination”. And faith in Christ “makes us spokespersons for a land without walls, without discrimination, spokespersons for a land of equality and freedom for all, for a future in which we can live together”.Putting an end to the Palestinian tragedyWith lucid realism, the authors of document-appeal recognize that peace will be possible “only when the tragedy of the Palestinian people comes to an end”. For this reason there is a need “for a definitive peace agreement between these two partners and not for temporary ceasefires or provisional solutions”. Israel’s massive military force “can destroy and bring death, it can wipe out political and military leaders and anyone who dares to stand up and oppose the occupation and discrimination. However, it cannot bring the security that Israelis need. The international community”, they add, “must help us by recognizing that the main cause of this war is the denial of the right of the Palestinian people to live in their land, free and equal”. “We are one people, Christians and Muslims. Together”, continues the document addressed to the Palestinians, “we must seek the way beyond the cycles of violence. Together with them, we must engage with those Israeli Jews who are also tired of the rhetoric, the lies, the ideologies of death and destruction.” (GV) (Agenzia Fides 5/10/2024)Share:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI