NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $7.4 MILLION FOR ROCKLAND COUNTY TO REMOVE LEAD PAINT HAZARDS FROM AGING HOMES, SAYS INVESTMENT WILL PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF HUDSON VALLEY CHILDREN FROM TOXIC…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program Provides Federal Funding To Rid Homes And Communities Of Lead Hazards
    Schumer Has Long Fought To Get The Lead Out Of NYS – Securing Millions In Fed $$ To Remove Lead Hazards From Homes – And Latest Investment Will Boost Efforts Even Further To Rid Homes Of Toxic Lead Paint
    Schumer: Federal Funding To Remove Lead Hazards Is A Shot In The Arm To Protect Rockland’s Children And Public Health
    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced $7,400,000 in federal funding for Rockland County from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program. Schumer explained that the funding will be used to address lead-based paint hazards, improving the health of children and families across New York State.
    “No amount of toxic lead exposure is safe for children in Rockland County. I am proud to secure $7.4 million to help Rockland County & the Village of Pomona remove lead paint from homes to protect our children and public health,” said Senator Schumer. “Lead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future. This major federal funding is the shot in the arm the Hudson Valley needs accelerate lead paint removal and prevention and protect the health and safety of families in Rockland County.”
    This funding builds on years of efforts by Schumer to help address toxic lead exposure across Upstate NY. Schumer has long been a driving force in securing federal funding to reduce lead exposure in New York. In addition to fighting lead exposure in paint, Schumer has also led the charge to increase federal funding to eliminate lead service pipes for drinking water in New York. The senator secured one of the largest federal investments ever into eliminating lead service pipes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, which includes a $15 billion carve-out within the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) over 5 years ($3 billion every year) for lead service pipe replacement.
    According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children’s developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children’s toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. For children under the age of 6, lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues, which may lead to lifelong health and financial consequences. Schumer has long advocated for protecting New York’s children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate these toxic elements from homes in order to reduce lead poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage.
    The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $22+ MILLION FOR FOUR UPSTATE NY COMMUNITIES TO REMOVE LEAD PAINT HAZARDS FROM AGING HOMES; SENATOR SAYS INVESTMENT WILL PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF NY’S CHILDREN FROM TOXIC…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Fed Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program Will Boost Albany, Schenectady, Onondaga, and Chautauqua County To Help Rid Homes And Communities Of Lead Hazards
    Schumer Has Long Fought To Get The Lead Out Of Upstate NY – Securing Millions In Fed $$ To Remove Lead Hazards From Homes – And Latest Investment Will Boost Efforts Even Further To Rid Homes Across Upstate NY Of Toxic Lead Paint
    Schumer: Fed $$$ Is A Shot In The Arm To Protect Upstate NY’s Children And Public Health
    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced $22,467,061 in federal funding for four cities from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program. Schumer explained that the funding will be used to address lead-based paint hazards, improving the health of children and families across Upstate NY in Onondaga, Albany, Schenectady, and Chautauqua Counties.
    “No amount of toxic lead exposure is safe for children in Upstate NY. Today I am proud to deliver $22+ million for communities from the Capital Region to Central NY to Western NY to remove lead paint from homes to protect our children and public health,” said Senator Schumer. “Lead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future. This major federal funding is the shot in the arm that these regions need to boost lead paint removal and prevention and protect the health and safety of families across Upstate NY.”
    A full list of awards can be found below:

    Organization Name

    Community

    County

    Federal Funding

    Albany Community Development Agency

    Albany

    Albany

    $5,000,000.00

    City of Schenectady

    Schenectady

    Schenectady

    $3,967,061.00

    Onondaga County Community Development

    Syracuse

    Onondaga

    $7,750,000.00

    Chautauqua County

    Mayville

    Chautauqua

    $5,750,000.00

    This funding builds on years of efforts by Schumer to help address toxic lead exposure across Upstate NY. Most recently in 2023, Schumer helped secure $6.3 million in federal funding for Broome County, nearly $4 million for Utica, and $3.3 million for Niagara County through the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program to bolster ongoing efforts.
    Schumer has long been a driving force in securing federal funding to reduce lead exposure in New York. In addition to fighting lead exposure in paint, Schumer has also led the charge to increase federal funding to eliminate lead service pipes for drinking water in New York. The senator secured one of the largest federal investments ever into eliminating lead service pipes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, which includes a $15 billion carve-out within the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) over 5 years ($3 billion every year) for lead service pipe replacement.
    According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children’s developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children’s toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. For children under the age of 6, lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues, which may lead to lifelong health and financial consequences. Schumer has long advocated for protecting New York’s children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate these toxic elements from homes in order to reduce lead poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage.
    The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On NLRB’s Complaint Calling Out Amazon For Illegally Refusing To Bargain With Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 03, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on Thursday released a statement on the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) complaint against Amazon accusing the company of illegally refusing to negotiate with Teamsters representing delivery drivers employed by one of its Delivery Service Partners (DSP). In its complaint, the NLRB claims Amazon violated its responsibility as a joint employer of its delivery drivers by taking retaliatory and threatening action against employees and terminating its contract with the DSP after the drivers unionized.
    “Amazon has made billions on the backs of the hard-working drivers who deliver their packages, but when those drivers tried to organize for better wages and working conditions, the company refused to negotiate and eventually fired them. For years, Amazon has hidden behind this absurd claim that drivers delivering Amazon packages in Amazon-branded vans—even wearing Amazon-branded vests— aren’t Amazon employees in order to avoid being held responsible for their safety and well-being. The NLRB has already determined that Amazon is a joint-employer of these drivers, and this complaint is a really important step in holding Amazon and other greedy corporations accountable and protecting workers’ right to negotiate for the fair pay, safe conditions, and dignified employment they deserve,” said Murphy.
    In August, Murphy released a statement applauding the NLRB’s finding that Amazon is a joint employer of its delivery drivers. In January, Murphy led a bipartisan letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy demanding information about the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, including Amazon’s justification for refusing to bargain with union representatives of DSP employees and requiring DSPs to sign non-poaching agreements. After receiving a response from Amazon that was unresponsive to the questions asked, at odds with publicly available data and reporting, and apparently self-contradictory, Murphy led 33 of his colleagues in calling on Amazon to provide the information requested by the members. In early August, Murphy and Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.-12) led 25 of their colleagues in Congress in sending a letter to the NLRB encouraging the Board to reach a decision in several key cases of unfair labor practices brought against Amazon by delivery drivers across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Demands John Deere Explain “Disgraceful” Attempts to Prevent Farmers from Repairing Their Own Equipment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    October 03, 2024
    Raises Concern about Company Undermining Right-to-Repair Agreements, Violating Clean Air Act
    Repair restrictions like John Deere’s hurt farmers and consumers across the country; cost American farmers $4.2 billion per year
    “John Deere has repeatedly interfered with farmers’ ability to repair the equipment they own, including by blocking independent repairs to maximize profit, negotiating an MOU in bad faith, and failing to inform farmers of their rights in potential violation of the Clean Air Act.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Boston, MA – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Deere & Company (John Deere) accusing the company of undermining its own “right-to-repair” agreements and evading its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act by failing to grant its customers the right to repair their own agricultural equipment. 
    John Deere restricts farmers from repairing broken equipment themselves, even when they have the knowledge and tools to do so, instead forcing them to wait for weeks until a John Deere technician is available, and risking missed crop windows on which farmers’ livelihoods rely. In Massachusetts, there are just three John Deere dealerships for 470,000 acres of farm operations, or 2,400 farms per dealership. Farmers nationwide lose an average of $3,348 per year “directly tied to downtime and repair restrictions imposed by equipment manufacturers.” Repair restrictions cost U.S. farmers $4.2 billion per year.
    “While John Deere’s profits spike thanks to this strategy, farmers suffer,” wrote Senator Warren.
    In fact, by overcharging for repair services, John Deere has seen its profits streaming in. Since 2020 the company has seen a 270% increase in profits, despite labor strikes, supply disruptions, a drop in sales, and a global pandemic. 
    After years of legal battles, in January 2023, John Deere signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) promising to provide farmers and independent repair shops with the diagnostic tools and information they need to make repairs to their machines. But the MOU appeared to be a veiled attempt to hold off the passage of “right-to-repair” legislation. In exchange for pledges to provide the information and tools needed for farmers to make repairs, John Deere secured a politically valuable promise from the American Farm Bureau Federation to encourage American farmers not to introduce, promote, or support federal or state right-to-repair legislation that imposed obligations beyond the MOU’s commitments. 
    John Deere is not upholding its side of the bargain, and appears to have negotiated the MOU in bad faith. Rather than allow farmers meaningful opportunity to repair their equipment, John Deere has provided inadequate tools and disclosures.
    The software tool offered to farmers redacts or obfuscates functions and information required to complete repairs. Further, earlier this year, John Deere admitted to omitting a legally required addendum about repair rights from its manuals. 
    The exclusion of this information may violate the Clean Air Act, which requires manufacturers to “provide in boldface type on the first page of the written maintenance instructions notice that maintenance, replacement, or repair … may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual.” The EPA warned John Deere that its manuals were not in compliance with EPA regulations.
    “John Deere has repeatedly interfered with farmers’ ability to repair the equipment they own, including by blocking independent repairs to maximize profit, negotiating an MOU in bad faith, and failing to inform farmers of their rights in potential violation of the Clean Air Act,” wrote Senator Warren. “Deere’s attempts to stave off right-to-repair reforms that would save American farmers $4.2 billion per year are disgraceful.”
    Senator Warren asked John Deere to respond to questions related to the company’s repair restrictions and apparent failure to comply with the law by October 17, 2024. 
    Senator Warren has repeatedly sought to bolster competition and fight back against costly restrictions on repairs for cars, military equipment, and other goods: 
    In September 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent two letters regarding the costly restrictions imposed on the Department of Defense that bar the military from repairing its own military equipment and instead force it to pay billions of dollars extra to military contractors.
    In July 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren included a provision in the Senate Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA that would require contractors to provide DoD with “fair and reasonable” access to repair materials.
    In August 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), celebrated the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reversing course and allowing enforcement of Massachusetts’ pro-consumer Right to Repair law. 
    In June 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reverse its course after it sent a recent letter to auto manufacturers, advising them not to comply with Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law. 
    In February 2022, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Angus King (I-Maine), and Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) urged the Department of Health and Human Services to move forward with the march-in petition submitted for the prostate cancer drug Xtandi.
    In July 2021, Senator Warren and Representative Doggett (D-Texas) sent a letter to the Department of Defense requesting information about steps taken to reduce costs of DoD-funded prescription drugs and medical products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation

    Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation
    hejones1

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with state, federal and local partners to help North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene access needed health care. Temporary changes to NC Medicaid will allow people to more easily refill prescriptions early, get medically necessary services, be admitted to a nursing home and more.

    “This storm has been catastrophic for so many people in our state. We are committed to using every tool we have to help people and communities survive and recover,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.

    Flexibilities are active from Sept. 26, 2024, through Oct. 15, 2024, and are intended to:

    • Ensure people can get their medicine. People covered by NC Medicaid will be able to fill their prescriptions early, including people who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency. 
    • Ensure children with complex medical needs and adults with disabilities or serious health conditions are safe. Case managers are implementing required disaster plans for Community Alternatives Program for Children and Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults. 
    • Make it easier for health care providers to participate in Medicaid as part of disaster relief. To ensure there are medical professionals on the ground, health care providers can apply to be a NC Medicaid provider through a temporary, expedited process.
    • Ensure people get medically necessary services. NC Medicaid providers will not need to get prior authorization for medically necessary drugs, equipment and supplies provided during the Hurricane Helene emergency. People covered by NC Medicaid who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency will be reimbursed for medically necessary services.
    • Maintain support for people with traumatic brain injury or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. When direct support is not available due to the emergency, relatives may provide Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living. People who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency may receive Innovations Waiver services without prior authorization, including respite. And NC Medicaid will cover the replacement or repair of homes or vehicle modifications damaged by Hurricane Helene.
    • Help hospitalized patients have continuity of care. Hospitals in affected counties that participate in Medicare and are approved to provide post-hospital skilled nursing facility care can do so for patients who no longer need acute care. They can provide this care for patients that are unable to find placement in skilled nursing facility.
    • Expedite the process for someone to be admitted to a nursing home. People covered by NC Medicaid who have been displaced due to the emergency will not need to have a Preadmission Screening and Resident Review.
    • Access private duty nursing. People covered by NC Medicaid will not need prior authorization for private duty nursing that is medically necessary. 

    Additional detail, including documentation requirements, is available in the NC Medicaid Bulletin issued on Oct. 1, 2024.

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you would like general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene and ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte está trabajando con socios estatales, federales y locales para ayudar a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte afectados por el huracán Helene a acceder a la atención médica necesaria. Los cambios temporales en NC Medicaid permitirán que las personas vuelvan a surtir las recetas con mayor facilidad, obtengan los servicios médicos necesarios, sean ingresados en un hogar de ancianos y más.

    “Esta tormenta ha sido catastrófica para muchas personas en nuestro estado. Estamos comprometidos a utilizar todas las herramientas que tenemos para ayudar a las personas y las comunidades a sobrevivir y recuperarse”, dijo el Secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley.

    Las medidas de flexibilidad están activas a partir del 26 de septiembre de 2024, hasta el 15 de octubre de 2024, y están destinados a:

    • Garantizar que las personas puedan obtener sus medicamentos. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid podrán surtir sus recetas antes de tiempo, incluidas las personas que se han reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia. 
    • Garantizar que los niños con necesidades médicas complejas y los adultos con discapacidades o problemas de salud graves estén seguros. Los administradores de casos están implementando los planes de desastres requeridos para el Programa de Alternativas Comunitarias para Niños y el Programa de Alternativas Comunitarias para Adultos Discapacitados.
    • Facilitar la participación de los proveedores de atención médica en Medicaid como parte del alivio de desastres. Para garantizar que haya profesionales médicos en el sitio, los proveedores de atención médica pueden solicitar ser proveedores de NC Medicaid a través de un proceso temporal y acelerado.
    • Garantizar que las personas reciban los servicios médicos necesarios. Los proveedores de Medicaid de Carolina del Norte no necesitarán obtener autorización previa para los medicamentos, equipos y suministros médicamente necesarios proporcionados durante la emergencia del huracán Helene.Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid que se hayan reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia recibirán un reembolso por los servicios médicamente necesarios.
    • Mantener el apoyo a las personas con lesión cerebral traumática o discapacidades intelectuales y/o del desarrollo. Cuando el apoyo directo no está disponible debido a la emergencia, los familiares pueden proporcionar Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living (apoyos comunitarios, apoyo en empleo y vivencia). Las personas que se han reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia pueden recibir servicios de Exención de Innovaciones (Innovations Waiver) sin autorización previa, incluso relevo. Y NC Medicaid cubrirá el reemplazo o la reparación de viviendas o modificaciones de vehículos dañados por el huracán Helene.
    • Ayudar a los pacientes ingresados en hospitales a tener continuidad de atención médica. Los hospitales en los condados afectados que participan en Medicare y están aprobados para brindar atención poshospitalaria en un centro de enfermería especializada pueden hacerlo para pacientes que ya no necesitan cuidados intensivos/agudos. Pueden proporcionar esta atención a pacientes que no pueden ser colocados en un centro de enfermería especializada.
    • Acelerar el proceso para que alguien sea ingresado en un asilo de ancianos. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid que hayan sido desplazadas debido a la emergencia no necesitarán someterse a una evaluación previa a la admisión ni a una revisión de residentes.
    • Acceder a enfermería de servicio privado. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid no necesitarán autorización previa para la enfermería de servicio privado que sea médicamente necesaria. 

    Los detalles adicionales, incluso los requisitos de documentación, están disponibles en el Boletín de NC Medicaid emitido el 1 de octubre de 2024.

    No hay una manera correcta o incorrecta de sentirse en respuesta al trauma de un huracán. Si la tormenta le ha afectado y necesita a alguien con quien hablar, llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a la Línea de Ayuda en Caso de Catástrofe al 1-800-985-5990. La ayuda también está disponible para cualquier persona, en cualquier momento en inglés o español a través de una llamada, mensaje de texto o chat al 988. Más información en linea988.org

    Si desea información general, acceso a recursos o respuestas a preguntas frecuentes, visite el sitio web: ncdps.gov/helene y ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    Si necesita información sobre recursos de ayuda para la recuperación para un residente afectado por la tormenta, envíe un correo electrónico a IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    Oct 3, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: White  House Appoints 2024-2025 Class of White  House  Fellows

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The President’s Commission on White House Fellows is pleased to announce the appointment of the 2024-2025 class of White House Fellows. Founded in 1964, the White House Fellows program offers exceptional young leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government. Fellows spend a year working with senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking Administration officials, and leave the Administration equipped to serve as better leaders in their communities. Fellowships are awarded on a non-partisan basis.
    This year’s Fellows advanced through a highly competitive selection process, and they are a remarkably gifted, passionate, and accomplished group. These Fellows bring experience from across the country and from a broad cross-section of professions, including from the private sector, state government, academia, non-profits, medicine, and the armed forces.
    Applications for the 2025-2026 Fellowship year will be accepted starting November 1, 2024. The application link and additional information is available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/fellows/.
    Class of 2024-2025 White House Fellows
    Patrick Branco is from Kailua, Hawai‘i, and is placed at the Department of the Navy. He has been the Director of External Affairs with Hawai‘i Green Growth, a United Nations (UN) hub catalyzing action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the Asia-Pacific region. Branco is the first from Hawai‘i to receive the Congressman Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, funding his master’s degree at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He served at the State Department in Colombia, Pakistan, Venezuela and the Secretary of State’s Operations Center. In 2020, he was elected to the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives. Branco currently serves as a U.S. Navy officer reservist and is proficient in Spanish, Korean, and Hawaiian.
    Nicholas Dockery is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is placed at the Office of the First Lady: Joining Forces Initiative. With a distinguished career in the Infantry and Special Operations Community, Nick has deployed to numerous combat zones and operational areas worldwide. For bravery and wounds in combat, Nick was awarded two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts. His military experience is complemented by his academic and advisory roles; he served as a research fellow at the Modern War Institute and as an advisor to the Military Times Charitable Foundation. Nick has received the West Point Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, and the title of 2022 Soldier of the Year. An advocate for equine therapy, Nick passionately supports its use in helping veterans cope with PTSD. Nick holds a Master of Public Policy from Yale University and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
    Tawny Holmes Hlibok, Esq. is from West Palm Beach, Florida, and is placed at the Domestic Policy Council. As a third-generation Deaf person and attorney, she is a dedicated advocate for deaf children’s education rights and language equity including access to sign languages. Tawny is a tenured associate professor in Deaf Studies at the world’s only university for the Deaf, Gallaudet University, where she recently won $3.75 million funding to lead a national implementation and change center for early intervention with deaf babies and their families in partnership with HRSA and NICHQ. She also serves as the executive director of the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf.
    DeAnna Hoskins is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is placed at the Department of the Army. She has served as President/CEO of JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA), a national nonprofit that empowers people directly impacted by the criminal justice system. DeAnna is a nationally- recognized advocate and policy expert who has shifted the national narrative on the disparities and limitations of having a criminal background. She has served as Senior Policy Advisor and as Deputy Director of the Federal Interagency Reentry Council at the U.S. Department of Justice. DeAnna was also the founding Director of Reentry for Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners in Ohio.
    Michael Kennedy is from Morehead City, North Carolina, and is placed at the United States Coast Guard. As a nurse practitioner, her career involves direct patient care while leading process improvement in rural and underserved settings. Michael attended Lenoir Community College to become a Registered Nurse and later earned a B.S. Nursing from Barton College. Witnessing disparities in practice led Michael to East Carolina University for an M.S. Adult Nurse Practitioner, Post-M.S. Nursing Leadership, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, and Post-DNP Nursing Education. To better serve her community, Michael completed a Post-M.S. Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP and Post-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health NP at Duke University. Michael is a Great 100 Nurse and Bonnie Jones Friedman Humanitarian Award recipient.
    Hoa Nguyen is from Silver Spring, Maryland, and is placed at the National Economic Council and the United States Coast Guard. At Montgomery College, she is an associate professor and chair of the business department, where she helped implement a zero-textbook-cost Business degree, saving students thousands of dollars in education costs. Under her leadership, faculty and students have won multiple local, state and national awards and recognitions. Hoa also co-led numerous initiatives that led to the launch of the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Taskforce at the college. Hoa received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Arizona.
    Amnahir Peña-Alcántara is from Bronx, New York, and is placed at the Department of Commerce: National Institute of Standards and Technology. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University funded by the NSF’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship. Her research focuses on polymer blends for stretchable electronics. She graduated from MIT with a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering, and was a researcher at Northwestern University, Oxford University, and MIT. She has interned in wearable technology and textile fabrication companies in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and India.
    Padmini Pillai is from Newton, Massachusetts, and is placed at the Social Security Administration. Padmini is an immunoengineer bridging the gap between discoveries in immunology and advances in biomaterial design to treat human disease. She has led a team at MIT developing a tumor-selective nanotherapy to eliminate hard-to-treat cancers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Padmini was featured in several media outlets including CNBC, The Atlantic, and The New York Times to discuss vaccination, immunity, and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on vulnerable communities. Padmini received her Ph.D. in immunobiology from Yale University and a B.A. in biochemistry from Regis College.
    Maddy Sharp is from San Diego, California, and is placed at the Office of the Second Gentleman. She is a physician leader committed to securing a healthier and more equitable future for all Americans. She has served as a health policy fellow for Senator Amy Klobuchar and a policy research fellow for Secretary John Kerry. Madison has performed clinical work and research in Nicaragua, Jordan, and the Navajo Nation to reduce health disparities and championed policies to enhance healthcare delivery. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Madison holds an M.D. from the Yale School of Medicine and B.A. from Yale University, where she captained the NCAA Division I field hockey team.
    Jason Spencer is from Medford, New York, and is placed at the Department of Commerce. Jason is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy serving as an Information Warfare and Intelligence Officer. At sea, he was assigned to aircraft carriers and destroyers deployed to the Middle East and Europe. Ashore, Jason served as Targeting Officer and Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and later as Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. At the Pentagon, he served as Senior Intelligence Briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations – Intelligence Plot and as an Executive Officer to the Joint Staff’s Director for Intelligence. Jason earned a B.A. in international studies and political science from Virginia Military Institute, an M.A. from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, and an M.P.A. from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
    Nalini Tata is from New York City, New York, and is placed at the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs. She is a neurosurgery resident at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she helps treat the spectrum of emergency and elective neurosurgical conditions between a level I trauma center and a world-renowned cancer institute. Her published work spans clinical and non-scientific journals with a focus on advancing equity in access to care. Her career in neurosurgery and long-standing interest in public policy are closely bound by a deep-rooted dedication to public service. She received her BSc in neurobiology from Brown University, MPhil from the University of Cambridge, M.D. from Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, and MPP in Democracy, Politics, and Institutions from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
    Alexander Tenorio is from Los Angeles, California, and is placed at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a neurological surgery resident at the University of California, San Diego. He is the proud son of Mexican immigrants and dedicated to improving health disparities. He has led a research team investigating neurological traumatic injuries at the U.S.-Mexico border with his published work featured in the Los Angeles Times and New York Times. In his commitment for health equity, he partnered with Hospital General de Tijuana in Mexico to improve their neurosurgical care. He earned an M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco and B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
    Zachary White II is from Birmingham, Alabama, and is placed at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a Radiation Oncology resident physician and cancer researcher at Stanford University. Passionate about health equity, Zach co-chairs Stanford Medicine’s GME Diversity Committee, promoting diverse medical trainees’ recruitment and development, and provides health education to communities to improve health literacy. Zach graduated summa cum laude from Tuskegee University with a B.S. in biology and earned an M.S. in biomedical and health sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his M.D. from the University of South Alabama, where he served as class president.
    Ryan Wisz is from Aiken, South Carolina, and is placed at the Central Intelligence Agency. He is a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy serving as a Submarine Warfare officer. At sea, he has served aboard Attack and Ballistic Missile submarines and has deployed seven times, including missions vital to national security. Ashore, he has served as aide-de-camp to the Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and as the Submarine Squadron Engineer in San Diego, California. Prior to military service, he was a Page in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate. He received his B.S. in economics from the University of South Carolina and is a Distinguished Graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School with his MBA and published master’s thesis. He has received numerous personal and unit awards during his Navy service, is active in local tutoring, and passionate about financial education and physical fitness.
    Mark York is a seventh-generation farmer from Lake Wilson, Minnesota, and is placed at the Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital. He is a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Harvard, where he researches crowdsourcing and reinforcement learning algorithms in collaboration with MIT. He is the co-founder and President of Farm Yield Africa, a non-profit providing tractor services and microcredit to 1,500 farmers in Ghana since 2016. Mark has worked as a consultant, and before that he led a data science team at a startup building agricultural risk models. He began his career at Cargill as a commodity trader and data scientist. Mark studied agronomy and mathematics at South Dakota State University, where as Student Body President he introduced legislation at the state and local level.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Improving health care in rural and remote Alberta

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    Albertans living in rural and remote communities face unique challenges that require tailored supports and approaches to deliver safe, high-quality and sustainable health care services. To help guide actions, address challenges and improve outcomes in rural and remote health care, Alberta’s government is launching a Rural Health Action Plan.

    As some of the first steps being taken under the action plan, Alberta’s government is introducing a $16-million Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program, an $800,000 Medical First Responder (MFR) Grant program and a $600,000 Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Education Grant program.

    “There is an urgent need for customized supports in rural and remote communities across Alberta. This action plan will serve as a roadmap to build and maintain access to high-quality health care in these areas of the province.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    “Investing in our rural health care workforce is essential for communities across the province. The introduction of the Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program is a vital step toward attracting and retaining skilled professionals in Alberta’s rural and remote areas.” 

    Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for rural health

    Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program

    To support family medicine residents who are interested in practising in rural or remote Alberta, Alberta’s government is introducing a $16-million Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program. This initiative will provide up to $8 million annually for the next two years.

    Bursaries of either $125,000 (for rural stream applicants) or $200,000 (for remote stream applicants) will be available to medical students in their final year of an undergraduate medical program at any medical university who have been matched with a family medicine residency program at the University of Alberta or University of Calgary. The bursaries will also be available to residents currently completing a family medicine residency at the University of Alberta or University of Calgary, regardless of their year of study, including those graduating in June 2025. In return, bursary recipients will commit to delivering comprehensive patient care in eligible communities for three years after completing their residency, enhancing the capacity of rural and remote communities.

    This initiative is one part of a comprehensive strategy to build a thriving rural and remote health care workforce. Applications for 2024-25 will open in December.

    Medical First Responder Grant and Emergency Medical Responder Education Grant

    Alberta’s government is also implementing two grant programs to strengthen rural, remote, and First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities by attracting and retaining paramedics. This will also support the work to address long emergency response times by funding new medical first responder programs in communities with limited access to health care services.

    The initiative includes an $800,000 Medical First Responder (MFR) Agency Grant program to foster the establishment of new MFR agencies, and a $600,000 Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Education Grant program for communities with existing emergency medical services (EMS) stations to recruit and train a local workforce. MFR agencies in Alberta such as fire departments provide initial medical care and assistance to individuals in emergency situations before more advanced medical help arrives, playing a valuable role in the care of patients before they arrive at a hospital. These agencies often consist of trained volunteers or professionals who are equipped to respond to a wide range of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumatic injuries and respiratory distress. MFRs are key partners with EMS in Alberta that provide timely aid to patients and assist EMS when requested.

    “This initiative is an exciting step in improving access to health care in rural and remote municipalities like ours, and we thank the provincial government for their commitment to taking swift and ongoing action to support and stabilize primary health care in our community.”  

    Nicholas Nissen, mayor, Town of Hinton

    “The RMA is encouraged by the Government of Alberta’s efforts into applying a rural lens on how health care is funded, structured and delivered. This plan is a significant step towards designing and implementing a system that works for rural communities across the province.”

    Paul McLauchlin, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta

    Quick facts

    • The Rural Health Care Action Plan will be reviewed and updated every three years.
    • Focus areas of the action plan include:
      • Workforce: Create a healthy, sustainable, engaged and efficient health workforce in rural and remote Alberta.
      • Access: Deliver high-quality and appropriate health care services when and where Albertans need it. 
      • Models of Care: Create unique care models and solutions that serve the needs in rural and remote communities.
      • Community Care: Establish community-specific supports to promote the physical and mental well-being of rural and remote Albertans.
      • Prevention and Wellness: Support rural initiatives to reduce risk factors and encourage protective measures to reduce strain on the health system.
    • Bursary recipients will be free to practise and stay in a single community, move between communities or practise as locums, as long as they maintain a minimum patient panel and practise in Rural Remote Northern Program (RRNP) eligible communities.
    • The New Medical First Responder (MFR) Grant program will be used to fund up to 16 new programs at $50,000 per agency.
    • The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Education Grant program is expected to fund about 25 courses. The cost will vary depending on associated travel costs.

    Related information

    • Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS)
    • Rural Health Action Plan
    • Emergency Medical Responder Education Grant
    • Medical First Responder Grant

    Related news

    • Enhancing early detection of cervical cancer (Sept. 26, 2024)
    • Supporting innovation and growth in rural Alberta (Sept. 24, 2024)
    • Investing in Alberta’s Emergency Services (Feb. 21, 2024)
    • Strengthening health care: Improving access for all (Oct. 18, 2023)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of the U.S. Presidential Delegation’s Travel to Mexico for the Inauguration of Claudia  Sheinbaum

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    From September 30 – October 2, First Lady Jill Biden traveled to Mexico City, Mexico as the Head of the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the inauguration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. The First Lady was joined by United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar; U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra; U.S. Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Isabel Casillas Guzman; U.S. Senator Chris Coons of Delaware; U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut; U.S. Representative of the 44th District of California and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Nanette Barragán; Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary, Carlos Elizondo; and Mayor of Tucson, Arizona, Regina Romero.
    During the visit, the First Lady delivered remarks at a reception hosted by Ambassador Salazar, where she highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Mexico. The First Lady and Ambassador Salazar also attended a dinner hosted by President Sheinbaum the evening before the inauguration, where she met with and congratulated President Sheinbaum. In addition to attending the President’s inauguration, the First Lady and the Delegation attended a luncheon in honor of President Sheinbaum. Concluding their travel, the First Lady and members of the Delegation visited the Museo Frida Kahlo to celebrate the shared cultural connections between the United States and Mexico. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina

    Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina

    Today, President Biden will travel to Georgia and Florida to survey damage, meet with local officials, community leaders and first responders

    WASHINGTON — As search and rescue, power restoration and communication capabilities remain top priorities throughout the Southeast, FEMA has already helped thousands of Hurricane Helene survivors jumpstart their recoveries with more than $20 million in flexible, upfront funding.  

    More than 5,000 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed, including more than 1,500 from FEMA. To date, FEMA has shipped over 9.3 million meals, more than 11.2 million liters of water, 150 generators and more than 260,000 tarps to the region. 

    President Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for eight counties in Tennessee. This declaration comes in addition to areas in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Yesterday, the President announced an increase in federal cost share for each state to help state, tribal and local governments and non-profit organizations cover the cost of recovery.

    Disaster survivors in declared areas can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    There are three ways apply for FEMA assistance:

    Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.

    Voluntary organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has more than 850 trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. Additionally, they are helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page, where you can enter pertinent information about the person you’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

    People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mold mitigation with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through October 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist.

    Connectivity is crucial for disaster response and lifesaving operations. With areas still experiencing mass communications outages, it’s critical that local, state and federal first responders can communicate with each other to conduct lifesaving operations like search and rescue. Fortunately, FEMA has resources that can ensure communications support in even the most remote areas affected by Helene.

    One of FEMA’s tools for emergency communications is Starlink, a mobile unit that allows customers high-speed internet by connecting to satellites. FEMA has successfully deployed Starlink in previous disasters including Guam, Hawaii and Alaska. Because the unit is portable and weighs less than 15 pounds, FEMA can deliver it to the areas that need it most, bringing connectivity to over 100 users.

    Over 60 Starlink units have been sent to multiple states in support of Hurricane Helene response efforts, including 40 units to North Carolina with more on the way. FEMA is in the process of purchasing additional units for use in other areas affected by the storm.

    North Carolina

    In North Carolina, more than 500 FEMA staff are on the ground in North Carolina, with more arriving daily.  over 30 Disaster Survivor Assistance staff are on the ground in affected areas to help survivors to apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    Over 38 state and federal Urban Search and Rescue teams are in North Carolina helping people. As of today, these have rescued or supported over 2,100 survivors. Additional federal search and rescue teams have arrived to support the mission. 

    Wednesday, President Biden visited the state to survey damage and meet with community leaders and state officials. Administrator Criswell remains in North Carolina and will be on the ground until the situation has stabilized. 

    FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance for North Carolinians displaced by Tropical Storm Helene. Residents in declared counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

    As of today, more than 70% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Nearly 8,000 crews continue to assist with remaining power restoration efforts.

    To date, over 40,000 people have applied for disaster assistance and FEMA has paid out more than $6.2 million in Individual Assistance directly to survivors. 

    Cellular restoration continues to improve, with less than 38% of cellular sites down as of today. Ten counties have 50% or more cell sites down. Two Federal Communications Commission surveillance teams are conducting inspection operations on equipment in targeted counties.  FEMA is boosting response coordination by providing 40 Starlink units to ensure first responders can communicate with each other. 

    The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has full mobile cellular service. 

    Commodity distribution, mass feeding and hydration operations are underway in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA commodity shipments are enroute to support operations. 

    Voluntary organizations are supporting mass feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. 

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. 

    Twenty-six shelters are housing over 1,000 occupants. Mobile feeding operations continue to help survivors in heavily impacted areas, including 3 mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell and Watauga counties. 

    The North Carolina National Guard has delivered 12 aircraft pallets, totaling more than 100,000lbs of food and over 38,000lbs of water to Asheville.

    Information for Residents

    • Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.  
    • Residents should not travel to western North Carolina to keep the roadways clear for search and rescue teams and utility crews.  
    • Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.   

    Florida

    Today, President Biden will visit the state to survey damage and meet with state and local leaders.

    On Wednesday, five counties were added to the disaster declaration, bringing the total eligible for Individual Assistance to 22 counties. Survivors in Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Leon and Suwannee counties may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA specialists are canvassing Florida communities impacted by Hurricane Helene to help survivors apply for assistance. Additionally, FEMA inspectors have begun visiting applicants’ homes to verify disaster-caused damage.

    FEMA has received over 85,000 applications for assistance and has provided more than $7.5 million to survivors.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting either debris assessments or water/wastewater assessments across seven counties.

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. More than 450 volunteers continue conducting direct emergency feeding and working with feeding partners to provide distribution in support of partner production. Sixteen shelters remain open with less than 475 occupants.

    The Salvation Army has active mobile feeding units serving meals and distributing supplies in 13 counties.

    Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.

    Georgia

    Today, President Biden will visit to survey damage in various affected areas of Georgia. On Wednesday, Vice President Harris visited Richmond County to meet with community leaders. On Wednesday, Vice President Harris was in Augusta to survey damage and meet with local officials. 

    FEMA has received nearly 100,000 applications for assistance. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.  

    The Salvation Army has 26 active mobile feeding units providing meals and support to 10 counties in the affected areas.  

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. The organization continues to conduct direct emergency feeding and working with feeding partners to provide distribution in support of partner production. Two new shelters opened yesterday, totaling 10 shelters with over 500 occupants.  

    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene.

    South Carolina

    Today, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.  

    Region 10 Regional Administrator Willie Nunn is on the ground to help oversee response and recovery operations in the state.

    In South Carolina, FEMA has received over 88,000 applications and distributed more than $4.4 million to survivors.  

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. One shelter closed yesterday. Nine shelters remain open with less than 175 occupants. 

    Team Rubicon is continuing to route clearance operations in Spartanburg County and continues planning for clearing other areas. 

    The state has established a Mass Feeding Task Force to include multiple voluntary agencies. Three Salvation Army mobile feeding units are in hard hit areas. FEMA is supporting the state’s feeding mission with Meals Ready to Eat and drinking water.  

     Information for Residents

    • Residents with questions on Hurricane Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. 
    • Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. 

    Virginia  

    Several federal agencies, including FEMA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Energy and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, are already in Virginia and working hard with their counterparts with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and other state agencies. Priorities include coordinating the removal of debris and restoration of critical infrastructure.

    Today, the first Disaster Survivor Assistance staff will start working on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties. These teams help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    Residents of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe counties, as well as residents of the city of Galax, are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses due to Tropical Storm Helene.

    Tennessee

    On Wednesday, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state. This includes individual assistance for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties.

    Individual Assistance provides money to survivors for serious needs, including food, gas and medication. It also provides money for the repair and/or replacement of personal property and repairs to a disaster-damaged home.

    Shelter and mass feeding operations have expanded with support from National Guard, delivering food to Unicoi, Washington and Carter counties via aircraft.

    Ten shelters remain open with decreasing populations, as people are able to safely return home.

    Power and cellular restoration continues to improve. Power has been restored to nearly all customers and less than 13% of cellular sites are down across the affected area.

    Information for Residents

    • Residents can call 1-800-824-3463 to report a missing person. Callers should be prepared to provide as much information as possible including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification and last known whereabouts.  
    • Counties have started establishing donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Proposal for the appointment of Ms Catherine Paugam-Burtz as Director General of the ANSM.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    The President of the Republic is considering, on the proposal of the Prime Minister, appointing Ms Catherine Paugam-Burtz as Director General of the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products.

    The President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate are notified of this draft appointment, so that the relevant committee of each of the assemblies can decide under the conditions provided for in the fifth paragraph of Article 13 of the Constitution.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pinellas Park boat manufacturer faces $328K in penalties after Department of Labor follow-up inspection finds significant safety issues ignored

    Source: US Department of Labor

    TAMPA, FL – Rather than address the 15 existing safety and health hazards cited by federal workplace safety inspectors in July 2023, a Pinellas Park boat manufacturer continues to jeopardize the safety and health of its workers, according to a follow-up inspection by the U.S. Department of Labor.

    Prompted by the failure of Blacktip Boatworks LLC to submit required proof of abatement to the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, inspectors returned to the worksite in March 2024 and discovered the company had not corrected hazardous conditions, including failing to institute a workplace respiratory protection program and procedures for workers required to wear tight fitting respirators, and failing to develop and maintain a written hazard communication program and safety data sheets for workers handling hazardous chemicals. 

    In addition, the agency identified repeat and serious safety and health violations, such as failing to provide training to workers voluntarily using respirators, failing to conduct periodic inspections on equipment used to lift boats and remove damaged equipment from service, failing to electrically interconnect containers used to transfer flammable liquids, and failing to provide medical evaluations and fit testing to workers required to wear tight-fitting respirators.

    “Our follow-up inspection found Blacktip Boatworks continuing to expose its employees to potentially disabling and deadly injuries,” explained OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida. “The citations we issue are not recommendations. They are violations of federal law that must be addressed immediately.”

    View the citation and Failure to Abate notice.

    OSHA cited Blacktip Boatworks with four failure-to-abate, two serious and three repeat violations, as well as one other-than-serious violation because of the inspection. The company now faces a total of $328,287 in penalties. 

    OSHA’s Maritime Industry page provides solutions to prevent injuries from hazards including forklifts, slips, trips and falls and materials handling. The agency’s site offers training publications, videos, and other resources to identify, reduce and eliminate hazards in the maritime sector.

    Based in Pinellas Park, Blacktip Boatworks LLC designs and builds semi-custom flat, bay and offshore boats. 

    The employer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Power concludes Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 with felicitation of Sanitation/ Housekeeping staff (Safai-Mitras) and staff

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Power concludes Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 with felicitation of Sanitation/ Housekeeping staff (Safai-Mitras) and staff

    Ministry organizes 170 Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs (SMSS) during the campaign

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Power, along with its Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and various associated organizations, organized activities of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign for 2024, themed “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata” (Cleanliness as Nature – Cleanliness as Culture).  This initiative focused on comprehensive cleanliness, raising community awareness, and promoting the benefits of maintaining a clean environment.

    Focus Areas

    The SHS 2024 campaign emphasized on three primary pillars:

    1. Swachhta Ki Bhagidari (Public Participation, Awareness, and Advocacy)
    2. Sampoorna Swachhta (Comprehensive Cleanliness, including Swachhta Lakshit Ekayi – CTUs)- some picture of CTUs (Before and After) are enclosed)
    3. Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs (Preventive Health Checkups and Social Security Coverage)

    Special attention was given to identifying, adopting, and maintaining Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs).

    Pre-Launch Activities

    In preparation for this campaign, the Ministry of Power and its organizations have initiated the following key activities:

    1. Nodal Officer Appointments: Nodal officers have been designated across the Ministry, CPSUs, and other organizations to streamline efforts. A dedicated WhatsApp group has been created for timely communication and action.
    2. Awareness Campaign: Banners and hoardings promoting SHS 2024 have been displayed at Shram Shakti Bhawan (SSB) and in the offices of CPSUs and other organizations. Social media platforms are also being leveraged to raise awareness about the upcoming activities.

    Progress Since the SHS 2024 Launch

    Since the official launch of SHS on September 17, 2024, the following actions were  undertaken:

    1. The Pledge: On launch day, the Ministry and its organizations collectively took a pledge to prioritize cleanliness both within and outside their offices.
    2. Tree Plantation Drive: A large-scale tree plantation initiative began on September 17, 2024, resulting in the planting of 5,011 trees to date.
    3. Community Engagement Initiatives: As of October 03rd , 2024, the following community-driven actions have been taken:
      • 1217 Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari (SMJB) initiatives have been launched.
      • 408 Swachhata Lakshya Ekai (SLE) units have been created.
      • 170 Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs (SMSS) have been organized.
      • 257 CTUs have been identified, adopted, and will be maintained over the years.
    4. Distribution of Sanitary Kits: On September 17 and 23, 2024, sanitary kits (gloves, masks, brooms, wipers, etc.) were distributed to housekeeping staff engaged in the Ministry to ensure safe and effective cleaning of office premises.
    5. Sanitary Pad Vending/Dispensing Machines and Incinerators: On September 26, 2024, sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators with a capacity of 100 pads were installed in the five female restrooms in Shram Shakti Bhawan, under the Ministry of Power, to promote a healthy and clean environment.
    6. Preventive Health Check-up: As part of the SHS 2024 campaign, a preventive health check-up camp was organized on September 26, 2024, for 25 Safai-Mitras (housekeeping staff) and staff involved in insecticide spraying.
    7. Distribution of Immunity Booster Kits: On September 26, 2024, Immunity Booster Kits, containing items like Chyawanprash, Dettol soap, masks, sanitizer, and protein supplements, etc. were provided to Safai-Mitras and drivers engaged in the general pool in the Ministry of Power.
    8. A Mega Shramdaan activity was organized for the employees of Ministry of Power officers/officials on 01st October, 2024 at nearby area of PFC office complex, Barakhamaba Road, New Delhi. Appx. 800 officers/officers were participated in this Shramdaan activity.

    Swachhata Hi Seva Concluded on October 2nd, 2024

    The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign 2024 was conclude on 2nd October 2024 (Swachh Bharat Diwas) with a Shramdaan activity conducted at Shram Shakti Bhawan, followed by felicitation of all the Sanitation/ Housekeeping staff (Safai-Mitras) and staff involved in insecticide spraying by distributing of Woolen Quilts to them for their consistent efforts in ensuring the success of this event.

    *****

    Sushil Kumar

    (Release ID: 2061574) Visitor Counter : 76

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce Ms. Gina Raimondo co-chair India-U.S. CEO Forum

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce Ms. Gina Raimondo co-chair India-U.S. CEO Forum

    Forum stands as indispensable catalyst for economic cooperation between India and US; serves as key advisory body to India-US Commercial Dialogue

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The India-U.S. CEO Forum, chaired jointly by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Shri Piyush Goyal, and US Secretary of Commerce, Ms. Gina Raimondo was held today in Washington D.C., USA.

    The India-U.S. CEO Forum convened as a platform to allow private sector members to develop and provide recommendations to the Indian and US governments that reflect the private sector’s views, concerns and suggestions about the creation of an environment in which the bilateral economic links are strengthened. The Forum works in tandem with, and provides inputs to, government-to-government U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue.

    The Forum is co-chaired from Private Sector by Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, and Mr. James Taiclet, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin. This is the third time the Forum has been convened since its reconstitution in November 2022 by the Governments of India and the USA and saw participation from 16 CEOs. Both governments appreciated the Forum’s progress on initiatives and its achievements over the past two years.

    The CEOs, under the seven working groups, presented priority areas to create stronger partnerships and boost growth across various critical areas such as Entrepreneurship and Promoting Small Businesses, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace and Defence, ICT and Digital Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Environment, Infrastructure and Manufacturing, Financial Services, Trade and Investments, among others.

    Both sides deliberated on the progress made as of the last meeting of the Forum in March 2023, including the launching of innovation handshake and a knowledge sharing platform called NIHIT (Network for Innovation and Harnessing Investments and Trade).

    Government representatives and CEOs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening commercial and trade ties, driving economic growth and innovation, and fostering a resilient bilateral partnership.

    Earlier during the day, Minister Goyal began his third day of the U.S. tour with the offering of a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial across the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. in remembrance of his 155th birth anniversary.

    The Minister of Commerce and Industry met with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ms. Gina Raimondo over a luncheon meeting and discussed areas of mutual interests. They discussed the pathway for strengthening bilateral cooperation in critical minerals supply chains as recommended by the US-India CEO forum. They also discussed opportunities to increase US investments in India especially in some of the new industrial cities being planned in India.

    ***

    AD/VN/CNAN

    (Release ID: 2061595) Visitor Counter : 73

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 13,822 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been established across the country

    Source: Government of India (2)

    13,822 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been established across the country

    In the last 10 years, medicines worth Rs.6100 crores sold through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana; led to estimated savings of Rs. 30,000 Crores for citizens as compared to the branded medicines

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 7:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, as of September 30, 2024, a total of 13,822 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been established across the country. Notably, in September 2024, these Kendras achieved record sales of ₹200 Crores – the highest monthly sales in the history of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

    For comparison, in September 2023, sales were ₹141 Crores, highlighting a significant 42% growth on year to year basis. This remarkable increase reflects the programs success in providing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions to the masses. Overall up to September 2024, there has been 31.20% of total annual growth as sales target of Rs. 913.30 Cr. has already been achieved. Almost 10 lakh people daily purchase medicines from Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

    Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), in last 10 years, sale of medicines worth Rs. 6100 crores have been done through Kendras, which has led to estimated savings of Rs. 30,000 Crores for the citizens as compared to the branded medicines.

    Under the PMBJP, a medicine is priced on the principle of a maximum of 50% of the average price of the top three branded medicines. The price of Jan Aushadhi Medicines, surgical devices and nutraceutical products are cheaper at least by 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of branded medicines available in the market. PMBI has already been progressing at very fact pace towards achieving the target of 25000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in India.

    *****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2061631) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) to promote sustainable agriculture and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to achieve food security for self sufficiency

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Cabinet approves the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) to promote sustainable agriculture and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to achieve food security for self sufficiency

    States given flexibility to reallocate funds from one component to another based on their specific requirement

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 8:14PM by PIB Delhi

     The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the proposal of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) for rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) operating under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s into two-umbrella Schemes viz. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), a cafeteria scheme and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).  PM-RKVY will promote sustainable agriculture, while KY will address food security & agricultural self-sufficiency. All components shall leverage technology to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the various components.

    The PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) will be implemented with total proposed expenditure of Rs.1,01,321.61 crore. These Schemes are implemented through the State Governments.

    This exercise ensures that all the existing schemes are being continued.   Wherever it was considered necessary to give fillip to any area for farmer’s welfare, the scheme has been taken up in Mission mode, for example National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm [NMEO-OP], Clean Plant Program, Digital Agriculture & National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Seeds [NMEO-OS].

    The scheme Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), a component under the KY, is being modified by adding an additional component namely MOVCDNER- Detailed Project Report (MOVCDNER-DPR), which will provide flexibility to the North Eastern  states  to address critical challenges.

    By rationalization of the schemes, the States are given an opportunity to prepare a Comprehensive Strategic Document on Agriculture Sector of the State in a holistic manner. The Strategic Document focuses not only the production and productivity of the crops but also tackles the emerging issues of Climate Resilient Agriculture and development of Value Chain approach for agricultural commodities. These plans are envisaged to articulate the overall strategy and the schemes/programs, linked with the objectives flowing from the strategic framework.

    The rationalisation of Various Schemes has been undertaken to:

    •      To avoid duplication, ensure convergence and provide flexibility to States.

    •      Focus on emergent challenges of Agriculture – Nutrition security, Sustainability, Climate resilience, value chain development & private sector participation.

    •      State governments will be able to draw a comprehensive strategic plan suiting their requirements for agriculture sector.

    •      Annual Action Plan (AAP) of States can be approved in one go rather approving individual scheme-wise AAPs.

     

    One important change is to provide, in PM-RKVY, the state governments be given flexibility to re-allocate funds from one component to other based on their state specific requirements.

    Out of the total proposed expenditure of Rs.1,01,321.61 crore the projected expenditure towards central share of DA&FW is Rs.69,088.98 crore and states share is Rs.32,232.63 crore. This includes Rs.57,074.72 crore for RKVY and Rs.44,246.89 crore for KY.

    The PM-RKVY comprises of the following schemes:

                    i.        Soil Health Management

                  ii.        Rainfed Area Development 

                 iii.        Agro Forestry

                 iv.        Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

                  v.        Agricultural Mechanization including Crop Residue Management

                 vi.        Per Drop More Crop

               vii.        Crop Diversification Programme

              viii.        RKVY DPR component

                 ix.        Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups

     

     *****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2061649) Visitor Counter : 191

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Financial Services (DFS) concludes Swachhata Hi Seva-2024 campaign; plants more than two lakh saplings across the country

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Department of Financial Services (DFS) concludes Swachhata Hi Seva-2024 campaign; plants more than two lakh saplings across the country

    More than 25,000 events organised during the campaign, including Swachhata Pledge, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir, Plantation drive – Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam along with mass scale cleanliness drives

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 8:52PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, along with its organisations (PSBs, PSFIs, PSICs etc) participated in the Swachhata Hi Seva, 2024 campaign observed from 17thSeptember to 2nd October with the Theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’.  

    More than 25,000 events were organised during the campaign. All organisations took up Swachhata Pledge, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir, Plantation drive- Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam along with mass scale cleanliness drives. The activities were organised in full force with enthusiasm by involving staff members, customers and general public in almost all States & UTs of the country.

    More than two lakh saplings were planted as part of the SHS Campaign. Various Health camps, Walkathon, Human Chain, Mass Cleanliness Drive, Shramdaan etc were taken up on large scale covering almost all districts of the country. More than 3780, Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) were transformed during SHS -2024.

     

     

         

     

    https://x.com/BankofIndia_IN/status/1840753625037209925

    https://x.com/UnitedIndiaInsu/status/1841124415805014073

    https://x.com/UnitedIndiaInsu/status/1841012817601970395

    https://x.com/bankofbaroda/status/1837367079206539643

    https://x.com/UCOBankOfficial/status/1841026249696702761

    https://x.com/IOBIndia/status/1841166393062146200

    https://x.com/centralbank_in/status/1841056308268605643

    https://x.com/centralbank_in/status/1840060758102593652

    https://x.com/LICIndiaForever/status/1838878539510133119

    https://x.com/aicofindia/status/1839628120199975264

    https://x.com/NABARDOnline/status/1840972902889636102

    https://x.com/sidbiofficial/status/1841096270183641526

    https://x.com/IOBIndia/status/1840782405495398784

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2061685) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor investigators find Nebraska grain cooperative exposed workers to combustible dust, multiple hazards at Hemingford elevator

    Source: US Department of Labor

    HEMINGFORD, NE ‒ Federal investigators found life-threatening hazards at a Nebraska grain cooperative, where workers faced risks of fire and explosions due to the company allowing a buildup of combustible dust and failing to maintain effective dust collection systems, leading to more than $500,000 in proposed penalties. 

    Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration responded to a complaint of unsafe working conditions at Legacy Cooperative’s Hemingford grain elevator and opened its inspection in March 2024, under the agency’s regional emphasis program for grain-handling facilities in Nebraska. 

    Specifically, OSHA found the company permitted more than one-eighth inch of grain dust to accumulate in priority housekeeping areas, such as in the bottom belt tunnel and around the elevator legs. The agency also found duct tape wrapped around the dust collection system, located in the bottom belt tunnel, in a makeshift attempt to repair the dust collection system. This reduced the system’s efficiency and increased its vulnerability to failure. If left unchecked, grain dust can ignite in seconds and cause deadly fires and explosions. 

    “Grain dust fires and explosions are a well-known industry hazard, which makes Legacy Grain Cooperative’s failure to control dust where a belt’s friction could easily cause ignition inexcusable,” said OSHA Area Director Matthew Thurlby in Omaha, Nebraska. “Employers must develop company-wide safety procedures to mitigate known grain handling dangers and ensure workers are trained to recognize hazards.”

    OSHA cited Legacy Cooperative for two willful and 22 serious safety and health violations and proposed penalties totaling $536,965 for the following safety failures:

    • Not conducting regular inspections on equipment.
    • Failing to certify completion of preventive maintenance. 
    • Not complying with permit-confirmed space requirements, including developing procedures for entry operations that included hazard evaluations, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, monitoring and training.
    • Exposing workers to fall hazards from unguarded stairway holes and a lack of handrails.
    • Failing to close electrical openings and improper use of flexible cords.
    • Not providing forklift training as required.
    • Failing to label containers of hazardous chemicals properly.

    Through its alliance program, OSHA has partnered with the Grain Handling Safety Coalition, Grain Elevator and Processing Society and National Grain and Feed Association to address hazards, reduce risks and improve safety and health management systems to help prevent life-altering injuries and fatalities and identify the critical steps for handling grain safely. 

    Established by the merger of Farmer’s Cooperative and Panhandle Cooperative in 2024, the Legacy Cooperative is based in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Its Hemingford elevator was operated by Farmer’s Cooperative previously. 

    The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. 

    Learn more about OSHA and industry-recognized safety rules for agricultural operations. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor enters agreement with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics to resolve alleged gender pay discrimination at Delaware facility

    Source: US Department of Labor

    NEWARK, DE – The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has entered into a conciliation agreement with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. to resolve alleged pay discrimination against female employees at its manufacturing facility in Newark. 

    A routine OFCCP compliance review found that, beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the employer paid females in system engineer roles less than male counterparts in similar positions at the laboratory diagnostics manufacturing center. Such action violates Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

    In addition to paying eight female system engineers $57,200 in back wages and interest, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics made $24,821 in salary adjustments for three women. The company also agreed to review its compensation practices and policies and train managers to ensure future compliance. 

    “Our conciliation agreement with Siemens reflects the U.S. Department of Labor’s continued efforts to bridge gender wage gaps and hold federal contractors accountable when they fail to comply with the law,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Regional Director Samuel B. Maiden in Philadelphia.

    Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. is contracted by the National Institutes of Health and employs about 1,300 workers in Newark. Since 2020, the company has held at least $882 million in federal contracts with numerous federal agencies including the National Institute of Health and the Department of Defense.

    Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc. in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc. is the holding company of Siemens Healthineers AG’s U.S., based in Germany. 

    In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. These laws, as amended, prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discrimination in employment because of disability or status as a protected veteran.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Executive at Irvine-Based Company That Marketed Faulty Stem Cell Products Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    LOS ANGELES – The imprisoned founder and CEO of an Orange County-based company that marketed stem cell-based products linked to multiple hospitalizations was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison – consecutive to his current prison sentence.

    John Warrington Kosolcharoen, 53, most recently of Rancho Santa Margarita, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who also scheduled a December 3 restitution hearing in this case.

    Kosolcharoen pleaded guilty on August 26 to one count of introducing an unapproved new drug into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead. Kosolcharoen is currently in custody serving a sentence for a separate, unconnected conviction.

    “Exploiting the hopes of patients suffering from serious illnesses is not merely greedy, it’s cruel,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who take advantage of victims’ fears and anxieties to line their pockets.” 

    “Misleading the public about the safety and effectiveness of purported cures and treatments is illegal,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who market potentially dangerous products for personal gain.” 

    Beginning in 2016, Kosolcharoen created two companies, the Irvine-based Liveyon LLC and the San Diego-based Genetech Inc., to manufacture and distribute injectable stem cell products made from human umbilical cord blood. Liveyon marketed the products under different brand names, including “ReGen.”

    Kosolcharoen and others misrepresented ReGen as suitable for the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as lung and heart diseases, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others. Liveyon marketed the products throughout the United States until about April 2019 using advertising materials that contained multiple false and misleading statements about their purported safety and effectiveness.

    In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers that patients seeking cures and remedies for serious diseases and conditions may be misled about unapproved stem cell products that are illegally marketed, have not been shown to be safe or effective, and, in some cases, may have significant safety issues that put patients at risk. Stem cell products are regulated by FDA, and generally they must have FDA approval before being introduced into interstate commerce.

    Kosolcharoen misled the FDA about Liveyon’s activities by directing Liveyon’s purchase orders to falsely state that the stem cell products were being sold “for research purposes only.” In 2018, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reports of patients in multiple states requiring hospitalization for bacterial infections after receiving Liveyon products. Kosolcharoen admitted that he and others fraudulently induced customers into purchasing stem cell-derived Liveyon products by, among other things, misleading the public about the cause and severity of adverse events suffered by Liveyon patients, and falsely reporting and concealing material facts regarding the outcome of an FDA inspection of Genetech. According to FDA records, that inspection documented evidence of significant deviations from good manufacturing and tissue practices.

    FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations; the FBI; Amtrak Office of Inspector General; Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Labor Employment Benefits Security Administration; and the California Department of Health Care Services investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis of the Major Frauds Section and David H. Chao of the General Crimes Section, Assistant Director Ross S. Goldstein and Trial Attorneys Meredith B. Healy, Kathryn A. Schmidt and Peter J. Leininger of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Lake Washington in Glocester

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Lake Washington in Glocester due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the lake. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Toxins and/or high cell counts have been detected by the RIDOH State Health Laboratory from water samples collected by the DEM.

    Use caution in all areas of Lake Washington. Cyanobacteria can sink or float to control their location in the water column. Other factors such as, wind, rain and wakes from recreational activities can affect the location of a bloom. All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

    Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

    If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

    It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.

    To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Study subsidies strengthening NSW’s health workforce

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 3 October 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Health

    More than 3,900 students across NSW have already benefitted from the Minns Labor Government’s $120 million investment in tertiary health study subsidies, with all subsidies now awarded for the 2024 calendar year.

    The recipients of the subsidies include 1,840 nursing students, 280 midwifery students, 1,020 allied health, 520 medical students and 262 paramedical students.

    Students beginning their degrees will receive subsidies of $4,000 per year over three years.

    The subsidies, announced as part of the 2023-24 Budget, are also expected to support a further 8,000 healthcare students over the next four years.

    Students seeking to receive the subsidy in 2025 can apply from mid-January 2025 and must be willing to make a five-year commitment to the NSW public health system.

    The subsidies form part of a series of measures introduced by the Minns Labor Government to further strengthen the state’s health workforce, including:

    • Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
    • Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
    • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers
    • Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.

    The full list of 2025 eligible workforce groups will be available in October 2024 on the NSW Health website.

    Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:

    “I am so pleased more than 3,900 people across NSW have already benefitted from our health worker study subsidies.

    “The subsidies help students with costs such as fees, technology, travel, and helps us keep talented people here in NSW, working in the country’s largest public health system.

    “Attracting skilled healthcare workers is a longstanding challenge, and while there is a long way to go rebuilding our healthcare system, we are committed to doing it so that people can access the care they need, when they need it.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “We are shoring up the future of our health workforce in NSW and we’re honouring our election commitment to reducing financial barriers to studying healthcare.

    “When we boost our health workforce we improve health outcomes, it’s as simple as that.

    “It’s encouraging to see such a strong subscription of these subsidies.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Little kids, too little movement: Global study finds most children don’t meet guidelines for physical activity, screen time and sleep

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark S Tremblay, Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine and Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    A recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement recommendations for physical activity, sleep and screen time. (Shutterstock)

    Appropriate levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep (collectively termed movement behaviours) are essential for the healthy growth and development of preschool-aged children.

    This was the impetus for creating the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (birth to four years). Likewise, this is why the World Health Organization adopted the Canadian guidelines when creating the global guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five years of age.

    Considering the extensive benefits of movement behaviours, it is very alarming that a recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement behaviour guideline recommendations.

    A 24-hour day in the life of a preschooler meeting the guideline recommendations includes:

    • three or more hours of total physical activity (including at least one hour of energetic play or activities that make them slightly out of breath),
    • one hour or less of screen time, and
    • 10 to 13 hours of good quality sleep

    Importantly, preschoolers who meet these guidelines gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills.

    Global levels

    Preschoolers with healthy movement behaviour habits meeting these guideline recommendations gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills.
    (Pixabay/Oleksandr Pidvalnyi)

    A new global study shows most children around the world don’t meet these guidelines. The study included more than 7,000 preschoolers from 33 different countries, including Canada. The countries represented various World Bank income groups (e.g., high, middle and low income countries); and the geographical regions of Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific.

    When looking at each movement behaviour individually for preschoolers around the world, 49 per cent met the physical activity recommendations, 42 per cent met the screen time recommendation, and 81 per cent met the sleep recommendation.

    That most young children are not meeting each of these basic recommendations separately is cause for concern; that 86 per cent are not meeting all guideline recommendations combined is alarming and places preschoolers around the world at risk of sub-standard health and development.

    Globally, 81 per cent of preschoolers met sleep recommendations.
    (Shutterstock)

    Seventeen per cent of boys met all the guideline recommendations, compared to 13 per cent of girls. This slight difference was driven by more boys meeting the physical activity recommendation (56 per cent boys, 42 per cent girls), and protected from being even worse by more girls meeting the screen time (45 per cent girls, 38 per cent boys) and sleep (82 per cent girls, 79 per cent boys) recommendations.

    The fact that boys had more screen time and less good quality sleep could be related, as previous research has found screen time overall and screen time in the evening is associated with less sleep and lower sleep quality.

    Better screen time and sleep habits for girls protected their overall movement behaviour adherence from being even worse, showcasing the various paths to health through different movement behaviour combinations. However, the low number meeting all movement behaviour recommendations demonstrates the need for all preschoolers to routinely be more active, reduce screen time and accumulate good quality sleep in a day.

    By income

    Screen time in the evening is associated with less sleep and lower sleep quality.
    (Shutterstock)

    Low-income countries had the highest movement behaviour guideline adherence levels (17 per cent), compared to middle-income (12 per cent) and high-income (14 per cent) countries.

    While children from high-income countries were more active and had more quality sleep, they also had the worst screen time behaviours compared to low- and middle-income countries. It is a double-edged sword that in higher-income countries, children have more access to physical activity opportunities and quality sleep environments, but also more access to screen time devices.

    Likewise, middle-income countries with the lowest movement behaviour adherence rates could symbolize a region’s development transition where infrastructure in the homes and communities cannot yet support more physical activity and good quality sleep, but availability of cell phones, televisions and other screens leads to increased sedentary behaviours.

    By region

    The African and European regions had the highest movement behaviour adherence (24 per cent), while the Americas region had the lowest (eight per cent). With 17 per cent meeting the screen time recommendations and 68 per cent meeting the physical activity recommendations, the Americas region had the worst screen time and best physical activity.

    The physical activity levels of the Americas region preschoolers are higher compared to the 39 per cent of older Canadian children and youth as reported in the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. But these older Canadian children and youth did have slightly better, albeit still poor, screen time behaviours with 27 per cent meeting the guidelines.

    Sixty-eight per cent of preschool-aged children in the Americas were meeting the physical activity recommendations, compared to only 26 per cent of Southeast Asian children. However, it remains a concern that roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity.

    Roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity.
    (Shutterstock)

    Guidance for improvements can be drawn from the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, where the goal of a 15 per cent relative reduction in global physical inactivity rates by 2030 relies on capacity-building collaborations within research organizations and alliances to strengthen our global understanding of movement behaviours.

    Along with the best movement behaviours overall, the African region had the best screen time levels with 63 per cent meeting the recommendations. This is potentially explained by limited access to screen time devices.

    However, to better understand why screen time behaviours are better in Africa, initiatives like the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Global Matrix project should be used as a model. Within the Global Matrix, region-level differences are an opportunity to learn the strengths of other regions, while addressing regional weaknesses at home.

    For instance, Canada could be a model for less active countries, while attempting to model the African region’s reduced screen time lifestyles. Further, projects such as the SUNRISE study — where researchers from more than 70 countries are collaborating to measure preschoolers’ movement behaviours, health and development — are excellent venues for this necessary capacity-building and global learning.

    Take home

    The WHO has Global Movement Guidelines for preschool children and a Global Action Plan to increase physical activity. Canada has similar guidelines and a similar plan.

    However, health movement behaviour levels in Canada and across the globe are unsatisfactory and forecast further global health challenges, inequalities, and distancing from United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It’s time to get our little ones a little more active.

    Mark S Tremblay has received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada for research distally related to this article. He is affiliated with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology who created the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years, under his leadership. He was also on the expert panel for the World Health Organization for the development of the global guidelines cited in the article.

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

    – ref. Little kids, too little movement: Global study finds most children don’t meet guidelines for physical activity, screen time and sleep – https://theconversation.com/little-kids-too-little-movement-global-study-finds-most-children-dont-meet-guidelines-for-physical-activity-screen-time-and-sleep-240421

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Marshall, Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Coverage of Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Imaging

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    The legislation would ensure all health insurance plans cover additional breast screenings with no cost-sharing for individuals at greater risk for breast cancer.
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan Find It Early Act to improve health insurance coverage of breast cancer preventative care. This bill would ensure all health insurance plans cover screening and diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, molecular imaging, and other technologies, with no cost-sharing. 
    “This bill is a crucial step in ensuring that all women have access to the additional imaging they need for early detection of breast cancer, without the burden of extra costs. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation that improves coverage of necessary follow-up care for women. This is a great first step that has the opportunity to change lives,” Senator Marshall said. 
    “Early detection is an important step in improving health outcomes for patients,” Senator Klobuchar said. “While I was fortunate to have had a routine screening catch cancer at an early stage, that is not the case for many. This bipartisan legislation will enable more women to access screenings and diagnostic exams, which can make a big difference in treating this disease early.”
    U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) will lead companion legislation in the House of Representatives.  This bipartisan legislation is supported by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer; Dense Breast-info; American College of Surgeons; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; My Density Matters; Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: G7 voices concern over ‘deteriorating situation’ in Mideast

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Thursday voiced “deep concern” over the “deteriorating situation” in the Middle East.

    The “dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fuelling uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no one’s interest. Therefore, we call on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint,” said a G7 statement released by 10 Downing Street.

    The statement said G7 leaders had discussed “coordinated efforts and actions” to avoid further escalation of conflict in the region, without specifying details.

    “We also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance, and an end to the conflict,” it said.

    As to the recent escalating conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, leaders of the seven biggest developed countries urged all actors to protect civilian populations, saying they are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.

    In the statement, they stressed “the importance of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact in the Middle East,” saying that “we are committed to reinforcing our support to the mission, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.”

    The G7 comprises the United States, Britain, Canada, Italy, France, Germany and Japan.

    Also on Thursday, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported that a total of 1,974 people have been killed, including 127 children and 261 women, since the onset of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in October last year. The World Health Organization said on the same day that 28 healthcare workers were killed in the past 24 hours in Lebanon amid escalating hostilities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ADHD prescribing has changed over the years – a new guide aims to bring doctors up to speed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Prosser, Professor of Public Policy and Leadership, UNSW Sydney

    Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

    Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most diagnosed childhood neurological disorder in Australia.

    Over the years, it has been the subject of controversy about potential misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis. There has also been variation in levels of diagnosis and drug prescription, depending on where you live and your socioeconomic status.

    To address these concerns and improve consistency in ADHD diagnosis and prescribing, the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association has released a new prescribing guide. This will help the health-care workforce to consistently get the right treatment to the right people, with the right mix of medical and non-medical supports.

    Here’s how ADHD prescribing has changed over time and what the new guidelines mean.

    What is ADHD and how is it treated?

    Up to one in ten young Australians experience ADHD. It is diagnosed due to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that has negative effects at home, school or work.

    Psychostimulant medication is a central pillar of ADHD treatment.

    However, the internationally recognised approach is to combine medicines with non-medical interventions in a multimodal approach. These non-medical interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), occupational therapy, educational strategies and other supports.

    Medication use has changed over time

    In Australia, Ritalin (methylphenidate) was originally the most prescribed ADHD medication. This changed in the 1990s after the introduction of dexamphetamine, along with the subsequent availability of Vyvance (lisdexamfetamine).

    Perhaps the most significant change has come with “slow release” versions of the above medications that can last more than eight hours (longer than a school day).

    When following clinical guidelines, prescribing medication for ADHD is safe practice. Yet the use of amphetamines to treat young people with ADHD has caused public concern. This highlights the importance of consistent guidelines for prescribing professionals.

    Medication for ADHD can be combined with other non-drug approaches.
    Caleb Woods/Unsplash

    Growth in diagnosis and prescribing

    Starting from low levels, there was a dramatic rise in diagnosis and drug treatment in the 1990s. Much of this was overseen by a small number of psychiatrists and paediatricians in each state or territory. While this promised the potential of consistency in the early days, it also raised concerns about best practice.

    This led to the development of the first ADHD clinical guidelines by the National Medical Health and Research Council in 1997.

    It was followed by several refinements as prescription expanded due to changing diagnostic criteria (expanding to include a dual diagnosis with autism) and the need for best practice with the growing prescription by GPs. These guidelines enhanced the consistency of approaches nationally and reduced the likelihood of misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis.

    However, a recent Senate inquiry found diagnosis and drug treatment continued to grow substantially in the five years to 2022. It emphasised the need for a more consistent approach to diagnosis and prescribing.

    First the ingredients, then the recipe

    The most recent clinical guidelines, released by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association in 2022, outlined a roadmap for ADHD clinical practice, research and policy. They did so by drawing on the lived experience of those with ADHD. They also emphasised broader health questions, such as how to respond to ADHD as a holistic condition.

    It remains difficult to predict individual responses to different medication. So the new prescribing guide offers practical advice about safe and responsible prescribing. This aims to reduce the potential for incorrect prescribing, dosing and adjusting of ADHD medication, across different age groups, settings and individuals.

    To put this visually, the clinical guidelines describe what the ingredients of the cake should be, while the prescribing guidelines provide step-by-step recipes.

    So what do they recommend?

    An important principle in both these documents is that medication should not be the first and only treatment. Not every drug works the same way for every child. In some cases they do not work at all.

    The possible side effects of medication vary and include poor appetite, sleep problems, headaches, stomach aches, moodiness and irritability. These guidelines assist in adapting medication to reduce these side effects.

    Medication provides an important window of opportunity for many young people to gain maximum value from psychosocial and psychoeducational supports. These supports can, among others, include:

    Support for ADHD can also include parent training. This is not to suggest parents cause ADHD. Rather, they can support more effective treatment, especially since the rigours of ADHD can be a challenge to even the “perfect” parent.

    Getting the right diagnosis

    There have been reports of people seeking to use TikTok to self-diagnose, as well as a rise in people using ADHD stimulants without a prescription.

    However, the message from these new guidelines is that ADHD diagnosis is a complex process that takes a specialist at least three hours. Online sources might be useful to prompt people to seek help, but diagnosis should come from a qualified health-care professional.

    Finally, while we have moved beyond unhelpful past debate about whether ADHD is real to consolidate best diagnostic and prescribing practice, there is some way to go in reducing stigma and changing negative community attitudes to ADHD.

    Hopefully in future we’ll be better able to cherish diversity and difference, and not just see it as a deficit.

    Brenton Prosser is a Board Member of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia and affiliated with the School of Population Health at UNSW.

    – ref. ADHD prescribing has changed over the years – a new guide aims to bring doctors up to speed – https://theconversation.com/adhd-prescribing-has-changed-over-the-years-a-new-guide-aims-to-bring-doctors-up-to-speed-240313

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Aeromedical Training Academy opens in Bundaberg

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The new Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Aeromedical Training Academy in Bundaberg is now officially opened.

    Located next to the Bundaberg RFDS base, the new academy has a Beechcraft King Air B360/260 Flight simulator – the first of its kind in Australia – as well as two simulator rooms, two full motion aircraft simulation bays, five meeting rooms and two offices. 

    The facility also features changerooms, IT and storage rooms, solar energy capabilities, 18 car parking spaces and an access road to service the simulator building.

    This world-class facility will train the next generation of Queensland RFDS pilots, with non-RFDS pilots also able to use the simulator for their endorsements or regular training for King Air aircraft.

    In total, the simulator will be able to provide 7,000 hours of simulator training on a 24/7 basis, with the RFDS to utilise 1,500 of those available hours.

    The project supported 200 jobs during construction, 90 per cent of these living in the region. 

    The Australian Government committed $14.9 million to the $28.88 million project, with the RFDS ($10.4 million) QCoal Foundation ($3 million) and Bundaberg Regional Council ($580,000 in kind donation) providing the remaining funds.

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

    “This new state-of-the-art academy will support essential medical services by ensuring Queensland RFDS pilots are trained to meet current flight standards in a superior training device.  

    “We’re proud to have played a role in making this project a reality, through our $14.9 million contribution, so the RFDS has the facilities they need to save lives in the future.

    “This project highlights our commitment to delivering the services and infrastructure that regional, rural and remote communities need.

    “The RFDS Aeromedical Training Academy won’t just benefit the hundreds of people who receive care from the RFDS each year, it will also cement Bundaberg as a hub for regional healthcare and training in specialist services.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – 40 events in 29 centres across the country this weekend will mark the 12-month anniversary of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Protests across the country this weekend will mark the 12-month anniversary of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. 

     

    “We are incredibly proud of New Zealanders who have come out week after week for 12 months to stand with Palestine” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “As far as we are aware this long-term pattern of solidarity has no precedent in New Zealand’s past”

     

    “The protests have shown the absolute best of kiwi humanity”

     

    “Meanwhile the Luxon government has been shameful and cowardly” says Minto. “It is blindly following the US lead and condemning every act of Palestinian resistance while refusing to utter a single word of condemnation of the rogue state of Israel which has been actively inciting a wider war in the Middle East.”

     

    Israel is dangerous. It is out of control and armed to the teeth by western countries – almost certainly including New Zealand through Auckland’s Rakon Limited.

     

    We are aware of threats by the pro-Israel fringe to disrupt Palestine solidarity action this weekend but we will not be deterred. We have written to the police in the expectation they will deal with anyone making threats against the movement which has a 12-month record of peaceful protest and relentless solidarity with Palestine.

     

    We will be exercising out rights to protest under the Bill of Rights Act and expect the police to take appropriate action to protect those rights.

     

    The demands from the marchers will be for accountability for Israel in line with international law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice which just this year has ruled Israel must

     

    • stop any acts of genocide
    • withdraw its troops from Gaza
    • end its unlawful occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories

     

    The 40 events across the motu for this week are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details given below.

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    North Island

    Opononi – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 6 October

    1:30 pm

    Outside the Four Square, Opononi

     

    Kerikeri – Rally

    Saturday 5 October

    9am-11am

    Kerikeri roundabout, State Highway 10

     

    Kerikeri – Israelism Film Screening

    Sunday 6 October

    3pm

    Cornerstone Church, 144 Kerikeri Road

     

    Whangarei – Vigil

    Monday 7 October

    7pm

    Whangarei Town Basin

     

    Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!

    Every Saturday

    8:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

     

    Auckland – Obela Picket

    Friday 4 October

    12:00 pm

    Outside Woolworths Supermarket, Victoria St West

     

    Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau

    Saturday 5 October

    9 am – 12 Noon

    Bond Street overbridge

     

    Auckland – Rally at Britomart

    Saturday 5 October

    2:00 pm

    Te Komititanga – Britomart Square

     

    Auckland – Vigil

    Monday 7 October

    4-6pm

    Outside TVNZ, Corner Hobson Street and Victoria Street West

     

    Thames – Vigil 

    Saturday 5 October

    10am

    Thames Market, 700 Pollen Street

     

    Tauranga – Flag waving

    No flag waving this weekend

     

    Tauranga – Candlelight Vigil

    Monday 7 October

    6:30pm (Mural painting from 5:30pm, weather permitting)

    Beach by Moturiki/Leasure Island

     

    Hamilton – Rally

    No rally this weekend

     

    Hamilton – 12km Walk for Palestine and T-shirt Painting

    Saturday 5 October

    11am

    Claudelands Park (corner of Heaphy Tce & Boundary Rd)

     

    Whāingaroa/Raglan – Cultural Day – Film Screening, Food, and more

    Sunday 6 October

    10:00am

    Raglan Old School Art Centre

     

    Cambridge – Rally for Palestine

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    Cambridge Town Hall

     

    Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    Every Saturday

    9:30 – 11:30 am

    Gisborne Farmers Market

     

    Rotorua – Rally for Palestine

    Every Thursday

    4:00 pm

    Rotorua Lakes Council, Haupapa Street (Sir Howard Morrison Corner)

     

    Napier – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 5 October

    11:30 am

    Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

     

    Hastings – Rally for Palestine

    No rally this weekend

     

    Palmerston North – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 6 October

    2:00 pm 

    The Square, Palmerston North

     

    New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge

    Friday 4 October

    4:30 pm

    Paynters Ave Bridge

     

    New Plymouth – March for Gaza

    Saturday 5 October

    1:00 pm

    The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

     

    Whanganui – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 5 October

    11:00 am

    Riverside Market, Whanganui

     

    Carterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Tuesday

    12:00 midday

    Memorial Square.

     

    Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine

    Every Wednesday

    11:00 am

    Memorial Square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough

     

    Masterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Sunday

    9:30 am

    Town Hall Lawn

     

    Wellington – Vigil for Palestine (by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)

    Every Friday

    6:00 pm

    In front of Wellington Hospital

    49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Flags on the Bridge

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Every Friday

    7:15 – 8:15 am

    Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Obela boycott protest and hīkoi 

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Saturday 5 October

    1:00pm

    Waitangi Park

     

    Wellington – Rally and March

    Sunday 6th October

    12pm 

    Pukeahu War Memorial marching to Odlins Plaza

    (Organised by Justice for Palestine and Alternative Jewish Voices)

     

    South Island

    Nelson – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 5 October

    11 am

    1903 Square

     

    Blenheim – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 5 October

    11:00 am

    Blenheim Railway Station

     

    Christchurch – Flag waving

    Wednesday 2 October

    4-5:30 pm

    Sumner, cnr Beachville Road and Main Road

     

    Christchurch – Flag waving

    Friday 4 October

    4-6 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 5 October

    1:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Timaru

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Greymouth – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 6 October

    5pm

    Greymouth Town Square

     

    Dunedin – Vigil for Palestine

    Sunday 6 October

    6pm

    The Octagon

     

    Queenstown 
    No Rally this weekend

     

    Invercargill – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 6 October

    1:00 pm

    Wachner place Invercargill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific Nuclear Issues- Pacific STATEMENT ON THE NUCLEAR LEGACY IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

    Source: Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)

    SOLIDARITY STATEMENT BY CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTING THE RESOLUTION TO THE 57th SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY-BUILDING TO ADDRESS THE HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS OF THE NUCLEAR LEGACY IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

    We are Pacific activists in national, regional and international CSOs which support longstanding campaigns for nuclear justice by governments and peoples of Pacific Island countries which were subjected to unconscionable nuclear weapons testing by imperialist powers. We wholeheartedly support the Resolution to be submitted by the President of the Republic of Marshall Islands, H.E. Dr Hilda Heine, to the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council on 4 October 2024 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands.

    We are aware that this Resolution builds on the sustained efforts by the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) over many years to attain nuclear justice through the United Nations and the UN Human Rights system, seeing this as offering a supportive pathway to nuclear justice. We also remember and cherish the strong roles played by Marshallese anti-nuclear activists like Darlene Keju Johnson in challenging the injustice and racism of occupying colonial powers conducting dangerous nuclear weapons testing programmes in the Pacific region, and in raising global awareness and helping to build the regional anti-nuclear movement.

    We note the earliest international appeal by the people of the RMI to stop the deadly nuclear weapons tests being carried out by the United States in their islands was made on 6 May 1954, when they filed a petition with an urgent plea to the United Nations Trusteeship Council on the nuclear weapons testing, saying they were ‘not only fearful of the danger to their persons from these deadly weapons, but also

    concerned about the increasing number of people removed from their land’, and ‘requesting that all experiments with lethal weapons in the area be immediately ceased.’1 Although the Trusteeship Council (comprising the

    1 Recorded in A/HRC/RES/51/35 Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 7 October 2022 at the Fifty-first session of the Human Rights Council.

    1

    We note that since 2012, the RMI has submitted reports to Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and reported on the impacts of nuclear testing, especially on women’s health and lives, to the CEDAW Committee, a UN Human Rights treaty body.3 The Reports of two Special Rapporteurs Confirm recognition of the serious intergenerational health problems, continuing environmental contamination and loss of land and livelihoods resulting from the US nuclear weapons testing programme as impacting the enjoyment of human rights by the Marshallese people.

    Despite the best efforts of successive RMI governments to seek support for the implementation of the comprehensive Recommendations submitted 12 years ago by the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the Recommendations have not been implemented.

    On 7 October 2022, by HRC Resolution 51/35 on “Technical assistance and capacity-building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands,” the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was requested to prepare a report on the RMI’s nuclear legacy.

    The resulting report, submitted by the OHCHR on 4 September 2024 at the Fifty-seventh session of the HRC and titled Addressing the challenges and barriers to the full realisation and enjoyment of the human rights of the Marshallese people stemming from the state’s

    permanent members of the UN Security Council) heard the petition on 20 August 1954, the nuclear testing programme continued until 1958.2

    2Ibid.
    3 CEDAW/C/MHL/CO/1-3, Concluding observations on the combined initial to third periodic reports of the Marshall

    Islands*, 14 March 2018 https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n18/070/31/pdf/n1807031.pdf 4 A/HRC/21/48/Add.1 Annex – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes on his mission to the Marshall Islands (27-30 March 2012) and the United States of America (24-27 April 2012)https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g12/163/76/pdf/g1216376.pdf

    A/HRC/49/53. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment in a non-toxic environment, 12 January 2022 https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc4953-right-clean-healthy-and-sustainable-environment -non toxic

    2

    nuclear legacy (A/HRC/57/77),5 details plainly the nuclear history of their Islands and its legacy, noting amongst other things:

    • that ‘sixty-seven known nuclear tests were conducted by the United States from 1946 to 1958 in the Marshall Islands.4 These tests had a total yield equivalent to 108,490,500 tons of dynamite – approximately 7,232 times the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and equivalent to dropping said atomic bomb daily for nearly twenty years’;

    • that the Marshallese filed multiple actions in US courts claiming property losses resulting from nuclear testing, without success;

    • that the RMI established a Nuclear Claims Tribunal and provided some compensation to claimants from a $150 million Trust Fund established by the US, but claims assessed by the Tribunal for personal injury and damages caused on Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utrōk atolls totalled more than $2.3 billion;

    • that the Marshallese government in 2017 established a National Nuclear Commission, which developed a national justice strategy centred on 5 pillars: Compensation, Health Care, the Environment, National Capacity and Education and Awareness;

    • that as part of the Human Rights 75 Initiative, the RMI has pledged to pursue transitional justice for the human rights violations and challenges stemming

    from the nuclear legacy; and

    • that ‘the nuclear legacy is not just a chapter in history, but a continuing reality for the Marshallese people’.

    The report recommended:

    • that the United Nations, through the HRC, continue to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to the Marshall Islands; and

    5 A/HRC/57/77: Addressing the challenges and barriers to the full realization and enjoyment of the human rights of the people of the Marshall Islands, stemming from the State’s nuclear legacy – Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 4 September 2024 https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session57/advance-versi ons/ A-HRC-57-77-AUV.pdf

    3

    • that it prepares subsequent reports on transitional justice measures to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy through a cross-jurisdictional, inter-disciplinary, and gender-responsive approach.

    The RMI Resolution on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands seeks to operationalise the recommendations of the OHCHR.

    It makes four specific requests: one to all States, relevant UN agencies and other stakeholders to support the efforts of the RMI Government to improve the health of its people and its environment; and three renewed requests to the OHCHR:

    • to work with the Government of the RMI and provide technical assistance and capacity building to the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands in advancing its national strategy for nuclear justice;

    • to prepare a further report for submission to the HRC, followed by ‘an enhanced interactive dialogue’ which includes participation by the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands; and

    • in preparing the requested report, to widely seek views – of the RMI Government, the National Nuclear Commission, States, UN agencies, funds and programs, NGOs, Indigenous peoples, youth representatives, the Marshallese diaspora and affected communities.

    We stand this week with H.E. President Dr Hilda Heine, Ambassador Doreen de Brum and staff at the RMI Embassy in Geneva, National Nuclear Commissioners, and with all Marshallese people in their determined and dignified national struggle for nuclear justice.

    We strongly support the Resolution the Marshall Islands Government is submitting to the Human Rights Council on October 4 to address the adverse impacts of the nuclear legacy on the realisation and enjoyment of human rights by the people of the Marshall Islands. We extend our solidarity and best wishes in securing all the resources needed to achieve nuclear justice for present and future generations of Marshallese.

    ENDORSED BY:: 1. Aid/Watch

    2. Alliance for Future Generations
    3. Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders (APNED)
    4. Association for Promotion of Sustainable Development
    5. Banaba Human Rights Defenders Network
    6. Belau Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (BANGO-Palau) 7. Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT)
    8. Conservation International – Palau Office
    9. Council of Pacific Education (COPE)
    10. DAWN (Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era) 11. Diverse Voiced and Actions for Equality (DIVA FIJI)
    12. Environmentalists Against War
    13. femLINKpacific
    14. Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS)
    15. Fiji Nuclear Veterans Association
    16. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC)
    17. Fiji Womens Rights Movement (FWRM)
    18. Fiji Youth SRHR Alliance
    19. Hawai’i Institute for Human Rights
    20. Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross – Member of the French Polynesian Assembly 21. ICAN Aotearoa New Zealand
    22. ICAN Australia
    23. International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana Asia Pacific 24. International Youth Training Centre-IYTC
    25. Kiribati Association of Non-Government Organizations
    (KANGO) 26. Moruroa e Tātou
    27. Nagasaki Appeal for Peace
    28. Nauru Island Association of Non‐Government Organisations (NIANGO) 29. Ngaratumetum Traditional Womens Organization
    30. Nuclear Truth Project
    31. Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC)
    32. Pacific Disability Forum (PDF)
    33. Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) 34. Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN)
    35. Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)
    36. Pacific Womens Mediators Network (PWNM)
    37. PacificwinPacific

    38. Palau Resource Institute (PRI)
    39. Pax Christi Korea (PCK)
    40. Peace Movement Aotearoa
    41. Peoples Development Community (PDC)
    42. Samoa Umbrella for Non-Government Organisations (SUNGO) 43. Social Watch – Tamilnadu

    44. South Lakeland and Lancaster District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
    45. Think Tank
    46. Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition (VHRC)

    47. Vanuatu Indigenous Land Defense Desk (VILDD) 48. Washington Butterfly for Hope
    49. Women Empowerment Nauru Association (WENA)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wollongong to host Multicultural Water Safety Day

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Wollongong to host Multicultural Water Safety Day

    Published: 4 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Sport

    As summer approaches, local government, sporting and community organisations have come together to host a free Multicultural Water Safety Day at Wollongong City Beach next Friday.

    In the 12 months to 30 June 2024, 61 people drowned at beaches, coastal waterways and the ocean according to Surf Life Saving NSW data.

    The Multicultural Water Safety Day aims to empower multicultural communities in the Illawarra with the skills and confidence to safely enjoy local waters.

    The initiative is a collaboration between the NSW Office of Sport, Illawarra Multicultural Services, Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra, Surf Life Saving NSW, Royal Life Saving, University of Wollongong, and other local stakeholders designed to educate multicultural communities on vital water safety skills and knowledge, particularly the beach, inland water and rock fishing safety.

    As well as interactive educational sessions including a live rip dye and resuscitation demonstrations, there will be hands-on practical activities and the opportunity to engage with facilitators and local organisations.

    The event will be held at Wollongong City Beach from 10am on Friday, 11 October. 

    Minster for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, said:

    “The Illawarra and South Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the State and the NSW Government is committed to making sure that all members of our community can enjoy them safely.

    “With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the water safety in the region.”

    “We hope that this event is the first step in instilling a lifelong understanding and appreciation of water safety among our multicultural communities.”

    Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said:

    “Swimming and being on or near the water is a key part of the Australian lifestyle, but too many people, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, continue to lose their lives to drowning.”

    “The NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in water activities or just enjoying a swim at the beach have the skills and knowledge to do so safely.”

    Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, said:

    “Wollongong is a diverse community and events such as these allow us to provide targeted resources to our multicultural residents, particularly those who may not have grown up around the water.

    “Many newer residents and visiting students have little or no experience in the surf, it’s important they gave a good understand of water safety. 

    “I encourage as many members of our community as possible to come down, participate and learn potentially life-saving lessons.”

    Projects Coordinator for Illawarra Multicultural Services, Amro Zoabe said:

    “Working with multicultural communities, IMS understands the importance of having vital information available in language. By having our multilingual community workers provide language support for this event, we ensure everyone has equitable access.

    “We are lucky to be living on Dharawal land on waters. This event helps make sure our multicultural communities, access these waters safely.”
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ‘Beat the bite’ helps youngsters stay mosquito safe

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health

    Thousands of children can help their families ‘Beat the Bite’ with the statewide distribution of books that help teach the importance of mosquito bite prevention.

    ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ is an entertaining story about two youngsters who love playing in and exploring the great outdoors while staying safe from mosquito bites.

    More than 77,000 books have been printed and are being delivered to schools, early childhood and education centres and local councils across NSW, with 430 public and independent schools, 103 early childhood and education centres, 66 councils already having opted in to receive books. Other services such as Aboriginal health and immunisation services, scouts and guides across NSW have also ordered books.

    The statewide distribution is an expansion of a popular Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) initiative which saw more than 43,000 books distributed across Murrumbidgee, Southern and Western NSW.

    Mosquitoes can transmit diseases that are spread to humans through mosquito bites. In NSW they can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Ross River, and Barmah Forest virus.

    These viruses may cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

    Protective measures to avoid bites, include:

    • Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
    • Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk
    • Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes
    • Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
    • Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.

    A vaccine is available to protect against Japanese encephalitis virus, which is available for free to those at greatest risk of exposure. For more information on eligibility visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

    Services interested in receiving ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ can contact the Surveillance and Risk Unit, Environmental Health Branch at HSSG-EHBSurveillance@health.nsw.gov.au

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

    “This is a fun and informative way of helping youngsters understand the risk mosquitoes pose and ways to protect themselves and their families.

    “The best way to avoid infection by mosquito borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and this creative children’s book explains to children and their families four simple steps to take to stay bite free; spray up, cover up, screen up and clean up.

    “Through this story, we hope children can encourage their families, peers, and even the community to take simple actions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.”

    Quotes attributable to MLHD Senior Environment Officer and Author, Tony Burns:

    “I am really excited that Jack and Angie are going to be helping spread the message about mosquito bite prevention to a much wider audience.

    “We know mosquitoes can transmit a range of diseases, so we want to make sure as many people as possible get this important message. We’re keen to see youngsters get the message early, so they can develop good habits around taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

    MIL OSI News –