NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI: Mulvihill U.S. Health Care Enhanced Yield ETF Declares Monthly Distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: XLVE) Mulvihill U.S. Health Care Enhanced Yield ETF has declared a monthly cash distribution in the amount of $0.058333 per unit, payable on November 7, 2024 to unitholders of record on October 31, 2024.

    For further information, please contact Investor Relations at 416.681.3966, toll free at 1.800.725.7172, email at info@mulvihill.com or visit http://www.mulvihill.com.

    John Germain, Senior VP & CFO Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.
      121 King Street West
      Suite 2600
      Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3T9
       

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with exchange traded funds (ETFs). Please read the prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. There are risks involved with investing in ETFs. Please read the prospectus for a complete description of risks relevant to ETFs. Investors may incur customary brokerage commissions in buying or selling ETFs.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Welcomes Additional Oversight with Consent Decree for Veterans Homes

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – The U.S. Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey today jointly filed a consent decree in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey. As part of this agreement, a third-party federal monitor will be appointed to the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus, two long-term care facilities operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

    “We welcome this additional input and oversight. We’re committed to making sure our veterans have the best possible care and quality of life at all three of our Veterans Homes,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With this consent decree, we can resolve past differences with the Department of Justice and focus our efforts on providing the best possible care to our Veterans Homes residents. I’m proud of the progress we have made and remain determined to not only meet federal standards but to exceed them.”

    “This agreement between the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Justice is the result of months of constructive conversations on how best to care for the Veterans, Veteran Spouses, and Gold Star Families who call our facilities home,” said Col. Yvonne Mays, the Acting Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The veterans homes at Menlo Park and Paramus have made significant progress confirmed by repeated, independent inspections conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We look forward to continuing our important work and we welcome this partnership with a federal monitor.”

    The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus achieved zero deficiencies in two separate no-notice focused infection control surveys conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The surveys occurred on Sept. 5, 2024 and Sept. 10, 2024. The Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland also achieved zero deficiencies in a no-notice focused infection control survey on June 8, 2024.

    These no-notice focused infection control surveys consisted of inspections that assessed the homes’ procedures related to infection control regulations, including staff handwashing, donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, and continuing education records. Additionally, inspectors reviewed kitchen and sanitizing operations, contact tracing, cohorting, isolation, and quarantine protocols.

    Menlo Park also received no clinical deficiencies in two no-notice facility wide surveys conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health from July 8-16, 2024 and July 16- 19, 2024. These separate surveys were comprehensive and encompassed everything from the home’s infection control and clinical care, to kitchen operations, human resources, emergency management, and housekeeping.

    These on-the-ground achievements follow a series of reforms signed into law by Governor Murphy in 2021. In late 2022, the Governor also engaged consulting and management support services from long-term care subject matter experts to accelerate positive change. These reforms led to systemic changes implemented at all three homes, including the onboarding of full-time resident advocates, new electronic medical records systems, a learning management system that has enabled thousands of hours of training and continuing education for direct care and non-direct care staff, and increased wages for frontline healthcare workers to attract and retain the best and most qualified individuals to care for residents.

    The Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland remain open for admissions to eligible applicants. For those interested in learning more, please visit the Veterans Memorial Homes’ website: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/memorial-homes/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Research of Postdoctoral Fellows Celebrated at UConn Health

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The 8th Annual Postdoc Research Day (PDRD) took place on September 19 at the Academic Rotunda, where researchers from UConn Health and The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine came together to share their research. This half-day event featured oral and poster presentations by the postdocs, as well as a keynote address.

    PDRD is an annual event to celebrate postdoc research. The event attracted 70 attendees, including faculty, staff, graduate students, and postdocs.

    “PDRD is an opportunity for the UConn Health and Jackson Lab communities to come together and learn about all the great research our postdocs are doing, while giving the postdocs a highly visible platform to introduce themselves to everyone,” said UConn Health Director of Postdoctoral Affairs Dr. Chris Heinen.

    The afternoon event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Heinen who highlighted the significant role of postdocs in building a strong and collaborative research community.

    Following this, nineteen postdocs presented research talks as part of the annual Speak4Science competition, each with four minutes and one slide to describe the significance of their research question. Three awards were given to the best research presentations: Drs. Anirudhya Lahiri, Moriah Turcotte, and Lisa Wren.

    Keynote Speaker Dr. Brian Coombes. (Photo provided by Sama Abdulmalik)

    “It’s exciting to hear about each other’s research,” shared Sama Abdulmalik, a member of the UConn Health and Jackson Laboratory PostDoctoral Association (UJPDA).

    Dr. Brian Coombes, a distinguished professor and chair in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, served as the event’s keynote speaker and was introduced by by UJPDA member Patience Shumba. Coombes’ research focuses on enteric bacteria associated with acute and chronic human diseases, including Crohn’s disease.

    The final event of the day was a reception that combined poster presentations and networking opportunities. Researchers showcased their latest findings, sparking informative discussions and conversations.

    Postdoc Research Day Organizing Committee. From the left, top:
    Drs. Alexander Calderon, Ying Tang, Anvar Sariev, Sama Abdulmalik, Patience Shumba, Chrysoula Argyrou & Chris Heinen (not shown: Zeynep Altunay).

    Special thanks to the PDRD’s organizing committee, Director of Postdoctoral Affairs, Chris Heinen, Sama Abdulmalik (UCH), Zeynep Altunay (UCH), Chrysoula Argyrou (UCH), Alexander Calderon (JAX), Anvar Sariev (UCH), Patience Shumba (UCH), Ying Tang (UCH), as well as Stephanie Holden (UCH) and Jane Tran Sills (UCH) and Sarah Wojiski (JAX), Dawn Traficante (JAX) and Rowena Grainger (JAX), who developed a successful event.

    Thanks to everyone who participated in making this research day a great success.

    Speak4Science Short Talk Awards included:

    • Anirudhya Lahiri, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health
      Psychosine alters astrocyte secretome
    • Moriah Turcotte, Calhoun Cardiology Center, UConn Health
      β-adrenergic receptors in heart disease
    • Lisa Wren, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine
      Base editing in dilated cardiomyopathy
    Keynote Speaker, Dr. Brian Coombes and Director of Postdoctoral Affairs, Dr. Chris Heinen.(Photo provided by Sama Abdulmalik)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President of India to visit Rajasthan from October 3 to 4

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 OCT 2024 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Rajasthan from October 3 to 4, 2024. 

     On October 3, the President will grace the 32nd convocation of Mohanlal Sukhadia University at Udaipur. 

    On October 4, the President will grace the Global Summit on the theme ‘Spirituality for Clean and Healthy Society’, being organised by the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at Mount Abu. On the same day, she will also grace the Adi Gaurav Samman Samaroh, being organised by the Government of Rajasthan, at Mangarh Dham, Banswara.  

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2061175) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ Campaign from 17th September to 1st October 2024 in Department of Science and Technology (DST)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 02 OCT 2024 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Science and Technology conducted the ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ Campaign in the different buildings of Department and across all its Autonomous Bodies and subordinate offices of DST spread across various parts of the country.

    Under ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ Campaign, Secretary, DST administered Swachhata pledge to all the officials of DST to create awareness and commitment for a clean and garbage free India. All the 26 Autonomous Bodies and subordinate offices under Ministry of Science and Technology participated in the campaign and celebrated it as a festival of cleanliness.

    Various activities were planned by the Department of Science and Technology which included Painting Competition for students of classes 6th to 10th from various parts of the country on the theme ‘Clean India of my Dream’.

    Activities relating to vermicomposting of the organic waste generated in Departmental Canteen, office campus of DST, Autonomous Institutions and Survey of India offices all over India to regulate landfills and reduce pollution, fostering the creation of wealth from waste.

    Preventive Health Checkup for sanitation workers of DST was conducted during the period. Safety gears and cleanliness tools were distributed to the sanitation workers of DST. Four (4) Lecture cum Awareness Sessions on “Cleanliness & its impact on health” were conducted in Government and private Schools and Biodegradable items were distributed in Govt. Schools spread in the vicinity of Technology Bhawan. Shramdaan activity was organized during which officers/scientists of DST were engaged in cleaning the surrounding areas of Technology Bhawan.

    Cleaning, repair of equipments, beautification of the campus and disposal of waste was done in Vigyan Sadan and the premises of DST. Auction of the unserviceable items of Vigyan Sadan and weeding out of old papers lying in the reception block of Technology Bhawan was done. Extensive cleaning of the Departmental Canteen and area behind the Old S&T Block was carried out. A total of 15 trucks loaded with horticulture and other waste materials were removed from the site.

    Provision for natural lighting was made in the dark areas of Technology Bhawan. Plantation drive was conducted under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ in Technology Bhawan and nearby schools. Multiple Yoga Sessions were also organized for the DST officials in which participation of the women employees was seen in large numbers. Also, sanitary napkin vending machine along with incinerator machine was installed in fourteen female washrooms in Technology Bhawan to ensure a clean and female friendly workplace.

    Various areas were identified for being cleaned up during the campaign period for optimization of space Management and enhancement of workplace experience in premises of DST and its autonomous organisations. Further, Joint Secretary (Admn.), DST, Smt. A Dhanalakshmi inspected the identified cleanliness sites in the office premises and directed the senior officers to put their best efforts to achieve the target during the campaign period.

    Awareness about the campaign was spread through different social media platforms like X (Formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and Facebook. The campaign was conducted in full swing to achieve the targets set by the Department of Science and Technology for the specified period.

    Autonomous Institutions (AIs) and Subordinate Offices under the Department located various part of the country also actively participated in ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ 2024 Campaign and  conducted various activities such as Pledge taking ceremony, Poetry writing competition, quiz competition on cleanliness and hygiene, Awareness Campaign with Villagers (Gram Shabha), Plantation Drive under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, Waste management workshop for school children, lectures for spreading awareness on Swachhata, Preventive Health Checkup camp for Safai Mitra etc.

    ***

    NKR/AG

    (Release ID: 2061198) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Wage Increase for Khadi Artisans and Special Discounts on Gandhi Jayanti announced

    Source: Government of India

    Wage Increase for Khadi Artisans and Special Discounts on Gandhi Jayanti announced

    Shri J.P. Nadda, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje shops at the Khadi Bhavan on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, officially launching the special discount campaign.

    Announcement of 25 percent increase in the wages of spinners and 7 percent increase in the wages of weavers from October 2, 2024.

    KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar said, “Keeping with the vision of revered Bapu, patriotism and welfare of artisans is the priority of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji”

    Posted On: 02 OCT 2024 8:39PM by PIB Delhi

    On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, extended Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for the welfare of the poor by announcing a significant wage hike for Khadi artisans across the country. Spinners who spin yarn on the charkha will see a 25% increase in their wages, while weavers who work on the loom will receive a 7% hike. Additionally, a special discount of 20% on Khadi products and 10% on Village Industries products has been launched at the flagship Khadi Bhavan in Connaught Place, New Delhi, as well as across the country.

    To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Union Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Shri J.P. Nadda, and Union MSME Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Minister of State for MSME and Labour & Employment Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, along with KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar and several other dignitaries, shopped at the Khadi Bhavan on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, officially launching the special discount campaign. Shri J.P. Nadda purchased fabric for a Khadi kurta and Village Industries products, making the payment online. Addressing the media, Shri Nadda appealed to citizens to buy Khadi products.

    Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi also urged people through the media to adopt Khadi and indigenous products and become a part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

    Speaking at the event, KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar reiterated Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “I see God in every thread spun on the charkha.” Embracing this philosophy, KVIC has been weaving the fabric of welfare for the poor through the “Charkha Revolution.”

    On September 17, 2024, in a ceremony held at Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace, Porbandar, on the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday, the announcement of a 25% wage hike for spinners and a 7% increase for weavers was made. The revised wages came into effect on October 2, 2024, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Shri Kumar explained that spinners who previously earned ₹10 per hank would now receive ₹12.50, an increase of ₹2.50 per hank. He highlighted that this is the second time in his tenure that the wages of spinners and weavers have been increased; the last hike was on April 1, 2023, when wages were raised from ₹7.50 to ₹10 per hank.

    Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for transforming the lives of spinners and weavers through the ‘Khadi Revolution.’ The Khadi sector’s business crossed ₹1.55 lakh crore in the last fiscal year, and to ensure the benefits reach Khadi artisans, KVIC has decided to increase wages. Shri Kumar added that there are approximately 3,000 registered Khadi institutions across the country employing around 4.98 lakh Khadi artisans, of which nearly 80% are women. The increased wages will empower these artisans economically. Shri Kumar emphasized that during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure over the past decade, wages have increased by nearly 213%, symbolizing the economic empowerment of rural India through Khadi.

    In his address to the media, Shri Manoj Kumar announced the launch of a special discount campaign across the country, including at the flagship Khadi showroom in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The discount campaign will run from October 2 to November 30, 2024, offering a 20% discount on Khadi products and a 10% discount on Village Industries products.

    Chairman emphasized on following our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal in his popular ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, the Khadi Bhavan in Connaught Place has set a new sales record every year on Gandhi Jayanti for the past decade. Sales on Gandhi Jayanti have consistently surpassed ₹1 crore over the last three years, with ₹1.01 crore in 2021-22, ₹1.34 crore in 2022-23, and ₹1.52 crore in 2023-24. These figures highlight how Khadi, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, has become the flagship of the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Made in India’ movements, symbolizing the rise of a ‘New India’s New Khadi.’

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    Sushil kumar

    (Release ID: 2061265) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Current challenges and opportunities for addressing obesity – 02-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    This paper presents current developments and challenges in the prevention and management of obesity in the European Union. The analysis provides an overview of the disease, emphasises the importance of designing supportive environments in prevention efforts, and makes an argument to upskill the healthcare provided to persons living with obesity. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With uptick in traffic fatalities, California makes record investment in enforcement and road safety projects

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 2, 2024

    What you need to know: California is investing record amounts of federal funding and implementing new measures to save lives following an increase in traffic fatalities.

    SACRAMENTO – As states across the nation, including California, continue to see an increase in traffic-related deaths, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced new record investments in transportation safety, education and enforcement programs. The record funding complements a slate of new safety measures recently signed by the Governor.

    The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is awarding a record $149 million in federal funding for 497 grants that expand safe biking and walking options and provide critical education and enforcement programs that will make roads safer throughout the state. This is the third consecutive year of historic funding, exceeding last year’s amount by $21 million. 

    Roughly 12 people are killed on California roadways every day. Thanks to the help of the Biden-Harris Administration, we’re doing something about it – surging record investments to communities across the state for enforcement and safety improvements and programs. This funding builds on action we recently took with the legislature to protect Californians on our roads and highways. 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Last week, Governor Newsom announced he signed legislation allowing Malibu to add new speed cameras to a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. He also signed legislation setting long-term goals for safer and more inclusive transportation infrastructure, as well as new accountability measures.

    The OTS funds hundreds of projects throughout the state addressing alcohol and drug-impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belts and child safety seats, bicycle and pedestrian safety, emergency medical services, police traffic services and traffic records. 

    The investments are part of Governor Newsom’s infrastructure agenda to build more, faster. See projects in your community at build.ca.gov.

    “The OTS is supporting the biggest investments in traffic safety programs since the 1960s,” said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “The once-in-a-generation funding will benefit communities across California as we continue to forge a path toward our goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads with the immediate action, urgency and undivided attention traffic safety deserves.” 

    Among the projects funded today:

    • Approximately $51 million for law enforcement agencies: More than 200 law enforcement agencies are receiving grants to conduct equitable enforcement targeting the most dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted and impaired driving, as well as support education programs focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety.
    • Approximately $13 million for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Programs: Funding for bicycle and pedestrian safety programs increased by 12% from the previous grant cycle. The programs fund walking and biking safety assessments and trainings to implement infrastructure solutions that improve active transportation, including a pilot speed limit setting and technical assistance program that looks at promising speed management policies and practices to make roads more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
    • Approximately $2.74 million for Emergency Medical Services: Funds extrication equipment, also known as the “Jaws of Life,” for three dozen fire departments, a nearly 40% increase in funding from the previous grant cycle. Research shows that approximately 42% of fatal crash victims were alive immediately following the crash. Increased investments in approaches to address post-crash care also include supporting the development and use of the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency’s trauma training mobile application used to help treat victims at the crash site. 
    • $350,000 for University of California, Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC): Funds the development of an autonomous vehicle crash data dashboard and mapping system using crash and disengagement records from the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as a public survey to understand California residents’ comfort with new emerging vehicle technology. 
    • $143,078 for Calaveras County Public Health Department: Funds a prevention focused program that addresses multiple traffic challenges in the rural county, such as child passenger safety, school zone safety, and bicycle safety, with the goal of serving as a model for rural road safety efforts in other counties throughout the state.

    California encourages the public to join the movement for safer roads and sign up as a “traffic safety champion” at gosafelyca.org/get-involved.

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    Oct 1, 2024

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    News What you need to know: A recent joint enforcement operation led by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), seized and destroyed millions of dollars of illegally cultivated cannabis. The Alameda County operation also led to the confiscation of a…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gallego, Mayor Weiers, APA President Justin Harris Highlight Work to Support Local Law Enforcement, Protect Public Safety

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)

    October 02, 2024

    GLENDALE – Gathering at the Glendale Police Department, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, and Glendale Police Officer and Arizona Police Association President (APA) Justin Harris held a press conference highlighting Rep. Gallego’s work to support local law enforcement and protect public safety.

    “Ensuring Arizonans’ safety is my top priority,” said Rep. Gallego. “That’s why, since taking office, I’ve voted for billions of dollars in funding for local law enforcement and have fought to bring $61 million of that back home to Arizona. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to protect public safety in Arizona, and I’ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do more.”

    “I would like to thank the Congressman and our delegation for continuing to support public safety,” said Mayor Weiers. “In 2022, Congressman Gallego and our representatives in Washington D.C. funded public safety upgrades for our police department, including funding a new mobile command center and also funding to rebuild our 9-1-1 communications center that receives nearly 400,000 calls each year. I urge our delegation to remain focused on ensuring federal policies do not stop our officers from protecting the public.”

    “The Arizona Police Association values Rep. Gallego’s commitment to supporting the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our community,” said APA President Harris. “His dedication and commitment to ensure that police officers have the necessary funding and resources to enforce the laws, to maintain order and to support our communities is something we greatly appreciate and respect.”

    A recording of the press conference can be viewed HERE. Pictures of the event can be accessed HERE.

    Background on Rep. Gallego’s work to support local law enforcement

    During his time in Congress, Rep. Gallego has voted for over $168 billion in law enforcement funding and fought to bring home $45.9 million in Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program and $49.7 million in Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) funding to Arizona.

    Earlier this year, Rep. Gallego introduced his First Responders Emergency Assistance Act which would create a new emergency grant program for law enforcement and first responders in communities experiencing increased migrant arrivals. He also backs multiple bipartisan bills to strengthen the COPS program and support local law enforcement, including:

    • the Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act to provide an emergency boost to the COPS Hiring Program, doubling the amount of federal grant funding available for local departments this fiscal year.

    • the Recruit and Retain Act to increase the recruitment of new and qualified officers by reducing application and recruiting costs associated with finding new talent.

    • the Strong Communities Act to build stronger relationships between police and the communities they serve by incentivizing law enforcement officers to work in the communities where they live.

    • the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act to expand the COPS Hiring Program to allow local law enforcement agencies to utilize program grants for recruitment and retention bonuses and to allow grant applications to be valid for five years, instead of the current one year.

    • the Supporting the Health and Safety of Law Enforcement Act to create a new grant program to increase coordination between community mental health centers and law enforcement officers on mental health issues, including homelessness and public safety.

    • the Invest to Protect Act to help small and mid-sized police departments, including Tribal police departments, recruit and provide safety training, de-escalation training, and mental health support for their officers.

    • the Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Act to authorize $10 million in funding for small and mid-sized police departments to earn or renew accreditation from state, regional, tribal or national police accreditation organizations.

    In 2023, he introduced the Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act, a bipartisan bill that strengthens Tribal law enforcement and increases public safety in Indian Country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: HHS Food is Medicine Briefing | September 2024

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

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has worked collaboratively with federal partners and non-

    governmental organizations and communities to develop a Food Is Medicine (FIM) Virtual Toolkit populated with

    resources that can be used to advance FIM approaches across the country and help communities design and

    implement effective FIM interventions. The collection of resources helps enable communities – in any stage of

    programming – to become engaged in FIM, continue a FIM initiative, or start new FIM programs that meet the needs

    of the people in their communities. The Virtual Toolkit is available at https://health.gov/foodismedicine.

    —

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

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu3A8Gn11jM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Kenya Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Fancy Chepkemoi Too, the new Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to her appointment in Geneva, she served as the Chairperson of Kenya’s National Environmental Complaints Committee.  She has experience holding senior positions within the Kenyan Government, including Director of the Kenya Revenue Authority, and was awarded the distinguished Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear for her service in 2023.

    A seasoned lawyer, Ms. Too is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.  She has also served in several senior academic positions, including Director of Postgraduate Law Programmes at Strathmore University, Kenya, and Dean at the School of Law, Kabarak University, Kenya.

    Ms. Too obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Laws and a Master of Laws from Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Laws from Moi University, Kenya.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CR24.037E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor announces over $1M in grants awarded to support mine safety, health awareness; education, training

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $1 million in grants to seven organizations in five states to support education and training initiatives that will help identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around the nation’s mines.

    Administered by the department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety grant program will allow recipients to create accessible, comprehensive training materials in multiple languages, promote and conduct mine safety training or educational programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts. 

    In awarding the grants, MSHA gave special emphasis to education and training programs that reach miners at smaller mines and underserved populations in the industry. Training and education supported by the grants align with the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety grant program’s mission, as well as key MSHA priorities including mine rescue, better protecting miners from exposure to silica dust and powered haulage safety. 

    “As the Biden-Harris administration moves full steam ahead to ensure the implementation of MSHA’s new respirable silica dust standard, the grants awarded today are a valuable tool to make training and resources available to better protect miners from the debilitating and deadly effects of silica dust exposure,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson. “All miners deserve a safe and healthy work environment and the ability to retire with their dignity and enjoy the fruits of their labor.”

    Established under the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, the grant program honors 25 miners who perished in mine disasters at the Jim Walter Resources #5 mine in Brookwood, Alabama, on Sept. 23, 2001, and at the Sago Mine in Buckhannon, West Virginia, on Jan. 2, 2006.

    “In remembrance of the 25 miners who lost their lives, the Brookwood-Sago grants have historically included awards for mine emergency preparedness and rescue, and this year we are proud to continue that important tradition by supporting those critical programs,” Williamson said. “This year’s grant recipients share our commitment to mine rescue and ensuring miners return home safe and healthy to their families and communities at the end of their shift.”

    The recipients of the 2024 Brookwood-Sago grants are as follows:

    Recipient City

    State

    Amount
    University of Arizona Tucson

    AZ

    $134,999
    Wayne State University Detroit

    MI

    $201,276
    Desert Research Institute Reno

    NV

    $128,233
    UMWA Career Centers Inc  Prosperity

    PA

    $74,810
    Pennsylvania State University University Park

    PA

    $149,465
    West Virginia University Morgantown

    WV

    $173,543 
    West Virginia University Research Corp. Morgantown

    WV

    $151,392

    Learn more about MSHA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AB Specialty Silicones must pay $1.3M federal penalty, implement comprehensive safety programs after 2019 Waukegan plant explosion

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WAUKEGAN, IL – Chemical products manufacturer AB Specialty Silicones LLC will pay $1.3 million in penalties after an explosion and fire at its Waukegan plant in May 2019 claimed the lives of four workers. 

    The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reached a settlement agreement with the company after an investigation revealed AB Specialty Silicones failed to ensure electrical equipment complied with OSHA standards. The company also used propane-powered forklifts to transport flammable liquids in areas where employees handled flammable liquids and gases.

    As part of the agreement, the company has temporarily ceased production and use of silicon-hydride emulsions at all facilities until a new process area for production is designed by an engineering firm.

    “This agreement will never replace the four workers lost in this preventable tragedy, but it’s a step in the right direction,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago. “OSHA will continue to hold AB Specialty Silicones accountable for improving their safety culture by working with industry experts, and both management and employees to develop and continually test safety measures, emergency response procedures and training employees in hazard recognition.”

    On Oct. 1, 2024, the Administrative Law Judge overseeing the case before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission accepted the parties’ notification of settlement and terminated proceedings.

    As part of the agreement, AB Specialty Silicones agreed to do the following: 

    • Develop a company-wide safety and health management system, implement an emergency action plan and conduct evacuation drills. 
    • Provide safety training to employees and offer it in all languages understood by employees. 
    • Require specialty training for management on handling flammable materials.
    • Purchase industrial trucks properly rated for handling flammable materials for all facilities. 
    • Perform comprehensive audits of its occupational health and safety management system certification and maintain at all facilities. 
    • Hire third-party consultants to assist with the analysis of electrical classification and hazards for any future or rebuilt facilities and audit those facilities six months after the start of operations.
    • Allow OSHA to periodically inspect facilities without requiring a warrant.

    AB Specialty Silicones will pay the penalty in 12 quarterly installments through Sept. 1, 2027. If a payment is missed, the entire penalty becomes due immediately. 

    Headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, AB Specialty Silicones is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty silicone chemicals. 

    Learn more about OSHA. 

    Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission

    Docket No. 19-1831

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor orders railroad to reinstate employee, pay $200K in back wages, damages after retaliation for safety complaints

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ENDERLIN, ND – A federal whistleblower investigation has found a North Dakota railroad company illegally retaliated against and terminated a claims representative who reported an injury, discussed safety concerns with their supervisor and filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor. 

    The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated a complaint filed by an Enderlin-based employee of Soo Line Railroad Co. who reported an injury they believed was related to dust and chemical exposures during indoor workplace construction. In the months after, the claims representative discussed their safety complaints with their supervisor and co-workers. 

    While the Federal Railway Safety Act protects a worker’s right to report injuries, to discuss them and file complaints with regulatory agencies, Soo Line Railroad later suspended and fired the employee subsequently.

    OSHA investigators found Soo Line Railroad violated the claims representative’s federal protections and ordered the company to reinstate the employee, pay them more than $45,000 in back wages and $155,000 in other damages. The railroad operator must also remove negative reports from the worker’s personnel record.

    “Employees must be able to exercise their legal rights regarding workplace safety freely without fear of  employer retaliation,” explained OSHA Regional Administrator Jennifer S. Rous in Denver. “Our investigation and actions on this employee’s behalf reflect the U.S. Department of Labor’s determination to ensure workers’ rights are protected.”

     Based in Minneapolis, the Soo Line Railroad is a key U.S. subsidiary of Calgary-based Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, one of the six major Class I railroads in the U.S.

    The company and the former employee may file objections or request a hearing with the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges within 30 days of receiving the agency’s order.

    OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of the FRSA and more than 20 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various workplace safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, securities, tax, criminal antitrust and anti-money laundering laws. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage.

    Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of Labor does not release the names of employees involved in whistleblower complaints.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor expands grain handling safety emphasis program to address continued deaths, injuries in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

    Source: US Department of Labor

    KANSAS CITY, MO – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a regional emphasis program to address worker safety in the highly hazardous grain handling industry as preventable injuries and unchecked hazards continue to be a serious concern for workers in the region. The program in Missouri is identical to programs already in place in Kansas and Nebraska.

    Between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2023, OSHA responded to three fatalities, 13 reported amputations and 36 hospitalizations among industry workers in the three states alone. During that period, the agency completed 104 inspections including 68 in Kansas, 28 in Nebraska and eight in Missouri, and received 131 complaints or referrals about unsafe conditions in the grain handling industry. 

    “The tragic toll of preventable deaths and injuries in the grain handling industry highlights the severe dangers workers face when safety regulations are ignored,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Billie A. Kizer in Kansas City, Missouri. “With this regional emphasis program, OSHA can target high-risk worksites, pushing employers to tackle the root causes of worker injuries and prioritize safety as a core business value.”

    Hazards at grain handling facilities are well documented and include dangers related to fires and explosions if combustible dust ignites, engulfment, confined spaces, falls, auger entanglements, electrical shock and electrocution, struck-by incidents, and those related to rail car operations. 

    The expanded five-year program targets industry employers with grain elevators, grain storage and milling operations, and those engaged in animal feed production, farm machinery and equipment repair or maintenance.  

    As part of its continued 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.

    OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers free and confidential advice to small and medium businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. 

    OSHA also offers online compliance information about grain handling. Resources include Hazards and controls in Agricultural Operations, Respiratory Protection and the Hazard Exposure and Risk Assessment eMatrix. 

    The emphasis program will be in place through Sept. 30, 2029.

    Learn more about OSHA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Joker: Folie à Deux as ‘ruin porn’ – how the new sequel plays with duplication and disintegration

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna-Sophie Jürgens, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication (Pop Culture Studies), Australian National University

    Warner

    Like two-headed playing cards, Joker stories are about dual identity, doubles and duplicity.

    Throughout DC comics and films, the Joker turns others into facsimiles of himself, grinning widely. He shares his state of mind through infectious laughter and mass “clownification”, creating copies as he goes.

    Film sequel Joker: Folie à Deux, directed by Todd Phillips and released in cinemas today, participates in this rich tradition. It also challenges it by introducing a Joker haunted by his own lost futures – the glam clown, homicidal entertainer and irresistible lover he could have become.

    What can we learn from the Joker character about our cultural fascination with duplication and disintegration?

    Madness by imitation

    Doubling, split consciousness and double meanings have been ingredients in Joker stories since the character’s creation in the 1940s.

    He offers different origin stories himself in the 2008 movie blockbuster The Dark Knight (with Heath Ledger as the Joker). He is presented as many in the recent comic series Three Jokers. The Joker shuffles his own “selves like a croupier deals cards” in the 2007 Batman comic The Clown at Midnight.

    Within the DC clowniverse, the Joker turns others into Joker copies and clowns, usually through the use of biological or chemical weapons or poisons, virology, hypnotism or sheer charisma. Joker copies include Joker fans and followers in clown costumes and masks, as in the 2019 film starring Joaquin Phoenix. In comics he is described as having an influence that

    […] affects people, on an almost subconscious, primal level. For most people – regular people – he inspires fear. For the less stable people – he simply inspires.

    For more than 80 years, his laughter has spread like a virus and caused mass-clownification countless times.

    ‘The whole world smiles with you.’ The new Joker sequel plays with dual identity and shadow selves.

    Multiplying his potency

    Joker stories tend to revolve around three scenarios of imitation, doubling and multiplication: several people acting as one (that is, the Joker), one person acting as many (as in Batman: R.I.P. when Batman tries to understand the Joker by experiencing his state of mind like a second consciousness), and a number of personalities nestled within the Joker wreaking havoc. All of these scenarios are powerful reminders clown laughter and humour need not be funny.

    The Joker character was inspired by famous films from the 1920s and ’30s, including Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920), F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922), Fritz Lang’s Metropolis (1926), Roland West’s The Bat (1926) and Paul Leni’s The Man Who Laughs (1928). Many of these works feature hapless or unhappy (comic) performers, who all struggle with identity.

    The cultural mould to which the Joker belongs is linked with the more than century-old fascination with doppelgangers, male nervousness, violent and involuntary laughter and the loss of agency and sense of the self.

    The Joker has long played with ideas of duality.
    IMDB/Warner

    Haunting through absence

    The new sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, draws on all these very Joker traditions. Arthur Fleck and his Joker (Phoenix again) struggles with his split identities.

    Set two years after the events of the previous film, Fleck is a patient at Arkham State Hospital, where he meets the dual character Lee Quinzel/Harley Quinn (played by Lady Gaga). She wants him to lean into his Joker self.

    Although she is neither the clown nor a scientist as she’s portrayed in other stories, she also wants to be a Joker version. Arthur himself wants to be the Joker, but for reasons both external and internal he ends up not really becoming the Joker we recognise from the first film.

    The sequel is ultimately a trick played on the audience. “There is no Joker,” Arthur confirms at the end, just Arthur. Folie à Deux is about a broken dream’s loveliness.

    The Joker is a collective dream that fails to come true. He appears in the form of fantasies. He is the past, but at the same time present and absent. This is how the concept of hauntology has been defined – a split between realities. The film glamorises and exploits disillusion as we watch the Joker and his future possibilities disintegrate.

    In this way, Joker: Folie à Deux is a clown version of ruin porn, inviting us to enjoy the “decay” of a character. It gives us glimpses of a post-double version of the Joker, a non-Joker, left in pieces.

    Joker: Folie à Deux is in cinemas now.

    Anna-Sophie Jürgens 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. Joker: Folie à Deux as ‘ruin porn’ – how the new sequel plays with duplication and disintegration – https://theconversation.com/joker-folie-a-deux-as-ruin-porn-how-the-new-sequel-plays-with-duplication-and-disintegration-240311

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Delivers $5 Million in Workforce Training Funds for Central Washington

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Senator Murray advocates for the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
    Murray authored the bill that established the grant program providing OIC with $5 million in 2014 and has funded it ever since
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced a $5,048,619  million grant for the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Washington to provide training, support, and career services to help migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents develop skills to pursue careers in agriculture or non-agriculture sectors.
    “I hear all the time from businesses across our state who need more skilled workers, and workers who want to set themselves and their families up for success,” said Senator Murray. “With this grant the OIC will be able to provide comprehensive workforce and educational training for our farmworkers and their families in Central Washington. Investing in this kind of workforce training not only helps us build a strong economy for our state and nation, but helps make life better for people in Washington state.” 
    The OIC is an economic development and career training agency in Yakima, Washington that educates, trains, and provides supportive services to low-income and rural communities. The Center has hosted programs on job skills training, high school completion, energy assistance, emergency food assistance, energy conservation, and youth and seniors in the region for over 50 years. 
    Murray secured funding to the OIC from the National Farmworker and Jobs Program within the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The grant delivered is authorized through the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act(WIOA)—landmark legislation Murray authored and led passage of in 2014 to strengthen the nation’s workforce development programs, help Americans–including youth and those facing significant barriers to employment–acquire high-quality jobs and careers, and assist employers in hiring and retaining skilled workers. 
    Senator Murray has been a consistent advocate for federal investments to strengthen our workforce and support workers and employers across Washington state. In Congress, Murray is advocating for the reauthorization of WIOA. As Senate Appropriations Chair, Murray prioritizes protecting investments in workforce training and development, securing $2.9 billion in FY 2024 for WIOA formula grants and $285 million for Registered Apprenticeships. In the Senate FY 2025 funding bill she passed out of committee, Murray protected essential investments made in recent years by providing $2.9 billion for WIOA formula grants, $290 million for Registered Apprenticeships, and $110 million for YouthBuild while she sustained funding for other programs—such as Reentry Employment Opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Federal government and Boyle Street Community Services invest in vital community building in downtown Edmonton

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Press release

    Edmonton, Alberta, May 3, 2024 — Edmonton’s downtown core will have a renovated facility to deliver a vital range of programs and services thanks to a joint investment of more than $45 million from the federal government and Boyle Street Community Services.

    Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director, Boyle Street Community Services, this new building will be better suited to provide health and support services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Edmonton’s growing downtown core.

    The new Okimaw Peyesew Kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) will be an accessible, energy-efficient building that will replace the former community centre. It will provide essential health and housing services, while supporting Edmonton’s vulnerable community, all under one roof. Located two blocks north of the former location, the centre will feature a private outdoor space for ceremony and land-based healing, as well as 75,000 square feet of indoor space, including a triage area for those waiting for health supports and services. Improvements to this innovative, solution-focused space include improved accessibility to services on the ground floor and the integration of important aspects of Indigenous culture and ceremony throughout the building. The renovated building, which will be carbon neutral, will serve as the headquarters for Boyle Street Community Services.

    For over 50 years, Boyle Street Community Services has been working to help people experiencing homelessness and poverty. The new facility will allow Boyle Street Community Services to continue its long-standing work in the community, providing vital programs such as basic needs support, health services, addictions assistance, identification and financial services, cultural healing and essential services.

    Quotes

    “Through this significant investment in the new Okimaw Peyesew Kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) in Edmonton, the federal government is helping to improve Edmonton’s downtown core. By ensuring Boyle Street Community Services continues to operate in a centralized location that provides a safe and reliable space for the community, we will make our downtown core a safer and more vibrant place to work and live. This world-class facility, which is being built to better meet the unique needs of a vulnerable population, will provide dignified support to those who need it most in our city.”

    The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “Today’s transformative $21 million contribution to Okimaw Peyesew Kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) through the BCVI grant from the Government of Canada is ensuring that the people our organization serves receive the health and community services they need in a welcoming, accessible and beautiful building. It is also enabling us to build a carbon neutral and climate resilient building that will enable our organization to sustainably support our community for decades to come. The success of this project is yet another testament to the care and compassion that exists in Edmonton and Canada. It reminds us of what can be accomplished when we come together and put the dignity of our most vulnerable neighbours at the heart of our efforts.” On behalf of everyone who works at Boyle Street, I want to thank Ministers Boissonnault and Fraser, and their teams, for their dedication and commitment to our organization, and for their role in making okimaw peyesew kamik a reality.”

    Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director, Boyle Street Community Services

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing $21,000,000 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, and Boyle Street Service Society is investing $24,023,383.

    These improvements are expected to result in annual fuel savings of approximately 99% for the facility and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 709 tonnes.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency, and by helping to build resilience to climate change.

    The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for modernization, repair or improvement work that promotes the environment and accessibility.

    At least 10 percent of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.

    The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is now closed.

    On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Prairie Green Economy Framework, which highlights the need for a collaborative, regional approach to sustainability, focused on strengthening the coordination of federal programs and initiatives with significant investments. The Framework is the first step in a journey that will bring together many stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department working to diversify Canada’s Prairie economy, has committed $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to create a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.

    Infrastructure Canada supports the Prairie Green Economy Framework to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding and attract new investment to the Prairies to better meet needs.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Mathis DenisPress OfficerOffice of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages343-573-1846mathis.denis@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInfrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll Free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Elliott TantiDirector, Communications and EngagementBoyle Street Community Services587-338-4025etanti@boylestreet.org

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SPEECH BY MDM RAHAYU MAHZAM, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE COMMUNITY CARE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY CARE EXCELLENCE AWARDS CEREMONY, 2 OCTOBER 2024

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Dr Gerard Ee, Chairman, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)
    Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Chief Executive Officer, AIC
    Distinguished guests, award recipients
    Ladies and gentlemen
    1. A very good morning. I am delighted to be here at the Community Care Manpower Development Awards (CCMDA) and Community Care Excellence Awards (CCEA), as we recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of our dedicated and inspiring staff. I am pleased to be among passionate individuals who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of our community and advancing the community care sector.
    Community Care Manpower Development Awards 
    2. The CCMDA is a study award first introduced in 2017 and provides important training support and opportunities for both new and in-service staff in the community care sector. Since its inception, CCMDA has supported the professional development of over 980 individuals, with 118 receiving the award this year.
    3. Growing our workforce is essential to meet the growing needs of our community. For instance, as palliative care services expand in the coming years, there will be growing demand for community care staff to acquire the relevant skills and knowledge to support the needs of this group. 
    4. Acquiring new skills is never easy, especially if we may already have many things on our plate, such as taking care of our families, and managing our careers. Ms Liu Maoxiang, from Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS), has inspired us with her journey to grow professionally. With the support of her SACS colleagues and the CCMDA, she embraced the opportunity to further develop her professional skills as a social worker focusing on palliative and community care. Her journey saw her taking up a Professional Certificate in Palliative Care for Social Workers in 2024. She subsequently completed her training and continued on her journey as a social worker with SACS specialising in palliative and community care. Her dedication to lifelong learning and passion for serving others exemplify the values that we see in our awardees today. We wish her a long and fulfilling career. 
    Community Care Nursing Leadership Programme 
    5. Alongside individual growth, it is crucial to cultivate nursing talents for leadership roles, to ensure a robust pipeline of nursing leaders for the future. The Community Care Nursing Leadership Programme (CCNLP) aims to achieve this by preparing nurses to take on leadership roles. Nominated nursing talents will undergo a three- or five-year developmental programme that includes leadership coaching, clinical training both at home and abroad, and more.
    6. Since its launch in 2021, CCNLP has supported 25 nursing leaders from various settings, such as nursing homes, community hospitals, palliative care, and centre-based care. Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of six nurses who completed the programme this year.
    Community Care Excellence Awards
    7. As we continue to nurture the skills and leadership capabilities of our staff, it’s also essential to recognise that these efforts ultimately serve a greater purpose to improve the quality of service that we provide. The CCEA celebrates the dedication of individuals and teams who have shown outstanding service and commitment to delivering quality care to their seniors. Since the CCEA was introduced in 2014, nearly 2,000 individuals and teams have received the award. This year, we are honouring 229 recipients, including 209 individual awards. 
    8. One such individual is Ms Ng Ling Ling, an executive from Ren Ci Community Hospital who took the initiative to streamline manual data work by picking up Robotic Process Automation. By automating repetitive tasks needed for financial counselling forms, she not only improved the quality of financial counselling at Ren Ci Community Hospital but, more importantly, freed up her team’s bandwidth to offer more meaningful interactions with patients and their families.
    9. The CCEA also acknowledges team achievements in areas such as clinical quality, client experience, and improvements in productivity and digitalisation. This year, Lentor Health Nursing Home at Macpherson embarked on the Chef Partnership Programme, where it worked with professional chefs to optimise kitchen workflows, train staff in modern cooking techniques, and of course, develop tasty and nutritious meal plans for their residents. From this programme, Lentor Health achieved a 47% improvement in resident satisfaction. This is testament to the sector’s dedication to innovate and improve the everyday experiences of our seniors. 
    10. As part of our ongoing effort to recognise the exceptional contributions of healthcare leaders in preventive health and community care, I am pleased to announce the introduction of a new Platinum Leadership Award category for next year’s CCEA. This prestigious award will honour Community Care Leaders who have made outstanding contributions to advance and enhance community care. It celebrates those who exemplify remarkable leadership, driving excellence and pioneering practices that strengthen the sector and ensure that all Singaporeans have the support they need to live and age well within their communities.
    Strengthening Manpower Capabilities
    11. As we recognise our healthcare workers’ efforts to upskill and bring greater impact to their roles, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and AIC are committed to supporting these aspirations by creating clear career progression pathways that align with the evolving needs of the community. I am pleased to share that the Community Care Career Track for support care staff, initially piloted in 2021, is now ready for adoption across the sector. The new track provides new opportunities for support care staff progression, by broadening their roles and enabling cross-deployment across various care settings. 
    12. Ms Kelly Kait from Ren Ci Nursing Home exemplifies this progression. After completing her training, she was promoted from Community Care Associate to Senior Community Care Associate, where her role was expanded to include responsibilities such as assisting with mobility training.  Over time, with greater experience gained, she will be able to advance further along the Care Track at Ren Ci.
    13. To prepare our support care staff for these new roles, AIC, in partnership with MOH, SkillsFuture Singapore, and industry stakeholders, have accredited the training and development of Community Care Associates as part of the national Skills Framework for Healthcare. I am pleased to share that the first group of 12 staff have started this training back in July. Upon completion, they will be awarded the WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare for Community Care. With this certification, and continuous training, this group can move on to assume roles where they will work closely together with clinicians and therapists to provide holistic care to support the physical and clinical wellbeing of clients. 
    14. We look forward to having all community care organisations and support care staff join us in this transformative journey as we roll out the Community Care Track across care settings. This will contribute to our collective effort to provide even better care and support for our communities.
    15. In closing, I would like to wish all awardees continued success in your learning journeys. I commend you for your dedication and exceptional contributions to the community care sector. Your efforts continue to make a significant impact, and I am certain you will continue to inspire and lead.
    16. Congratulations to all our awardees and thank you for your commitment to advance community care.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Royalty Corp. Announces October 2024 Cash Dividend and Q3 2024 Earnings Release Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB.A) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.02083 per common share for the period of October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024, which is equal to $0.25 per common share on an annualized basis. The dividend will be paid on October 31, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 15, 2024.

    Q3 2024 Earnings Release Date
    DIV will release earnings results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 following the closing of regular trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on November 6, 2024.

    About Diversified Royalty Corp.

    DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIV’s objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors.

    DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube + Tires, AIR MILES®, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Stratus Building Solutions and BarBurrito trademarks. Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES® is Canada’s largest coalition loyalty program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is a home care provider with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canada’s leading franchisee supplemental education services. Stratus Building Solutions is a leading commercial cleaning service franchise company providing comprehensive environmentally friendly janitorial, building cleaning, and office cleaning services primarily in the United States. BarBurrito is the largest quick service Mexican restaurant food chain in Canada.

    DIV’s objective is to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to continue to pay a predictable and stable monthly dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend over time, in each case as cash flow per share allows.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, ”project”, “should”, “believe”, “confident”, “plan” and “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: the amount and timing of the October 2024 dividend to be paid to DIV’s shareholders; DIV’s objective to continue to pay predictable and stable monthly dividends to shareholders; and DIV’s corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking information. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular there can be no assurance that: DIV will be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; or DIV will achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIV’s business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Information Form dated March 21, 2024 and in its most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, copies of each of which are available under DIV’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.com.

    In formulating the forward-looking information contained herein, management has assumed that, among other things, DIV will generate sufficient cash flows from its royalties to service its debt and pay dividends to shareholders; the business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.

    All of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information included in this news release is presented as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

    THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    Additional Information

    Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.com.

    Contact:
    Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8470

    Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8471

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Warnock Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Push for Agricultural Disaster Relief Funding Following Hurricane Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Warnock Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Push for Agricultural Disaster Relief Funding Following Hurricane Helene

    Senator Reverend Warnock is a key member of the Senate Agriculture committee and longtime champion of Georgia’s agriculture community 
    Senator Reverend Warnock is urging congressional leadership to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to agricultural producers following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene
    Senator Reverend Warnock has previously pushed Congress to approve additional disaster relief for Georgia’s farmers
    Senator Reverend Warnock and lawmakers: “To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation”

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a key member of the Senate Agriculture committee, joined 34 of his colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral effort to push Congressional leaders to approve urgent disaster relief funding that will help prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Last week, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a devastating Category 4 hurricane before making its way through Georgia and downgrading to a tropical storm affecting South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee—with deep, disastrous impacts across agricultural sectors. In a new letter led by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and U.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-GA-08), Senator Warnock and a bipartisan group of lawmakers representing southeastern U.S. states urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to work with Congress and the Biden Administration to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to agricultural producers following the damaging impacts of Hurricane Helene to the state’s crops and livestock.

    “To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation,” Senator Warnock and colleagues wrote to congressional leadership. “Farmers and growers nationwide, not only those damaged by Helene, have now faced multiple growing seasons without sufficient federal support. Our constituents are counting on us to act swiftly.”

    Warnock, Ossoff and Scott were joined in their letter by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and U.S. Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Rich McCormick (R-GA-06), Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), Andrew Clyde (R-GA-09), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Rick Allen (R-GA-12), David Scott (D-GA-13), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA-14), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Don Davis (D-NC-01), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Greg Murphy (R-NC-03), Kathy Manning (D-NC-06), Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11), Alma Adams (D-NC-12) Wiley Nickel (D-NC-13), Jeff Jackson (D-NC-14), and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01).

    “Federal agricultural disaster assistance is essential to help our states and our Nation recover. We urge you to work with the administration to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to our growers. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working with you to secure these critical resources,” Senator Warnock and the lawmakers continued.

    Senator Warnock has been a vocal proponent for additional disaster aid and resources for Georgia’s farmers. Prior to Hurricane Helene, Senator Warnock pushed the Biden Administration to support Georgia’s agricultural industry following natural disasters, including urging the Administration to provide funding for agricultural disaster assistance in the President’s supplemental appropriations requests to Congress, noting the particular impact of Hurricane Idalia and the early freeze in March 2023 on Georgia’s key agricultural industries. Following Hurricane Idalia, Senator Warnock also successfully passed legislation strengthening funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Small Business Administration to address storm damage. In December 2023, Senator Warnock traveled to Albany and joined local growers on a pecan farm damaged by severe storms to highlight his commitment to South Georgia farmers—including his focus on securing federal disaster assistance to Georgia farmers impacted by these storms, and protecting permanent disaster assistance to provide relief following future natural disasters and stronger storms. The Senator has also championed improving safety net programs for Georgia’s specialty crops and securing federal relief for producers following natural disasters, previously introducing the bipartisan Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act to reform the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) so it will work more efficiently, improve margins for producers, and help them compete with foreign imports. In 2021, Senator Warnock joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to introduce legislation that will help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters; the Disaster Reforestation Act improves the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct the value of their timber prior to the loss caused by a natural disaster.

    Read the bipartisan, bicameral letter HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Issues Joint Statement with Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism on FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) along with Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, respectively, released the following statement in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2023 Hate Crime Statistics Report. The FBI data shows anti-Jewish hate crimes increased in 2023 by nearly 63 percent from 2022, which is the highest number recorded in almost three decades.
    “We are deeply alarmed by the dramatic increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans over the past year, as noted in the FBI’s 2023 Hate Crimes Statistics Report,” said the Members. “With antisemitism skyrocketing across the United States following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, a whole-of-government approach is needed to protect Jewish communities from violence and hate.”
    Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose from 1,122 to 1,832 incidents from 2022 to 2023. According to the FBI, a total of 16,009 law enforcement agencies, which represent 95.2 percent of the agencies enrolled in the hate crime data collection program, participated in hate crimes reporting for 2023.
    They continued: “As the co-chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, we remain steadfast in our commitment to root out the scourge of antisemitism. We’ll continue working across party lines to ensure the federal government keeps Jewish Americans safe from discrimination.”
    Jewish Americans make up around two percent of the US population, yet antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 15.4 percent of all hate crimes reported by the FBI. Anti-Jewish incidents comprised a little over two-thirds of all religion-based hate crimes. 
    As co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Countering Antisemitism, Lankford has been leading the fight against rising antisemitism. Lankford, along with the co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces, introduced a bill to take historic action to counter antisemitism in the United States by establishing a first-ever National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism. In May, Lankford and Rosen sent a letter urging the Department of Education to designate a senior official to oversee efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. They also called on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to hold a full hearing on rising antisemitism on college campuses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Prevent Fentanyl Trafficking Through U.S. Transportation Networks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced new legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles, and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and tribal law enforcement resources, deploy cutting edge non-intrusive detection technologies, and increase inspections at ports of entry.

    “I’ve heard from parents who lost children, law enforcement fighting on the front lines, and advocates – all demanding we do more to stop the scourge of fentanyl,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m fighting this crisis on all fronts – from stopping the precursor chemicals being manufactured in China, to boosting access to overdose reversal drugs, and everything in between. I’m proud to lead this legislation to give our law enforcement the tools they need to stop drug traffickers from using American airports, railways, ports, and roads to smuggle fentanyl into our communities.”

    According to U.S. Government authorities, drug traffickers exploit the U.S. transportation network to smuggle fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other illicit drugs into and throughout the country. Once drugs have entered the country, drug traffickers continue to rely on the national transportation network—trucks, trains and commercial aircraft—to move their product to its final destination.

    Senator Baldwin introduced this legislation with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024 would:

    • Create a National Prevention Plan: Directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop a comprehensive national strategy that examines the entire U.S. transportation network and ports of entry to prevent the smuggling of illicit synthetic drugs.
    • Boost Illegal Drug Detection by Air, Sea, Rail and Road: The bill establishes four new transportation-specific inspection programs—private and commercial aircraft, railroads, commercial vehicles and maritime vessels—to expand detection across all transportation modes and prevent interstate smuggling. State, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement would carry out inspections using non-intrusive technologies and canines, in coordination with federal law enforcement authorities – and without unduly delaying the movement of goods or interrupting interstate commerce.
    • Deploy High-Tech Detection Tools: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the ONDCP to accelerate new emerging, non-intrusive technologies, including integrating AI and quantum, to detect illicit synthetic drugs. National laboratories, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, are already developing next-generation technologies for fentanyl detection. AI could help increase capacities to integrate multiple sources of data and overcome challenges in identifying fentanyl when it is mixed with other opioids to evade detection.
    • Increase Port of Entry Drug Detections: Currently, only 1-2 percent of passenger vehicles and 15-17 percent of commercial vehicles are scanned at U.S. ports of entry. The bill requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect 100 percent of motor vehicles and railroads entering the country through a port of entry within five years, and all civil air cargo and maritime cargo within ten years.
    • Support Law Enforcement Workforce, Technology and Training: Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide grants to state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement to acquire new technology and canines and support overtime and other program-related expenses. It would also increase federal support to state and local crime scene investigators and forensics laboratories to process evidence related to fentanyl crimes and deaths.
    • Improve Data and Information Sharing to Prevent Drug Trafficking: Requires the Director of ONDCP to create a public-private task force to improve intelligence and information sharing among federal, state and local authorities and the private sector to combat drug trafficking.

    “The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition applauds Senator Cantwell for her work on the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. We know that a large portion of illegal narcotics are trafficked through our transportation systems, and this legislation will provide the needed resources such as advanced detection technology and canines to enhance law enforcement’s ability to conduct inspections on our nation’s transportation systems,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.

    “The Major Cities Chiefs Association thanks Senator Cantwell for taking an innovative approach to fentanyl interdiction with the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. In cities across the country, resources are strained and the fentanyl crisis is a factor. Federal support is welcome as MCCA member agencies work to curb this crisis and promote safer communities and public health. We look forward to additional engagement on the matter as it moves forward in Congress,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

    “Deaths and adverse events from illicit synthetic drugs continue to be at epidemic proportions, yet funding for forensics labs remains stagnant.  This bill prioritizes resources for the professionals on the front lines of the fight against illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances.  We commend members of the Commerce Committee for taking this approach to ensure our forensic experts have the necessary resources and data to combat this epidemic,” said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.

    “The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senator Cantwell’s introduction of the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. While recent figures show progress in reducing drug poisoning deaths in the U.S., we are nowhere near where we need to be to protect Americans from the ongoing threat.  This bill would strengthen the ability of agencies at all levels of government to detect and disrupt drug trafficking,” said Drew Evans, President of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies.

    “The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association appreciates Senator Cantwell’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and her support for providing critically needed tools and resources for state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement to interdict fentanyl shipments before negatively impacting the communities across the country. Given the profound impact fentanyl has had on families, schools, and communities, this bill will be instrumental in enabling law enforcement agencies participating in the HIDTA program to develop new and innovative strategies to tackle this crisis,” said F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.

    “The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. This vital legislation will equip law enforcement with effective tools to combat drug smuggling and the fentanyl crisis, while also enhancing data sharing in the fight against drug trafficking. We extend our gratitude to Senators Cantwell, Tester, Baldwin, Rosen, and Luján for their leadership in advancing this important initiative,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of Major County Sheriffs of America.

    Senator Baldwin has been fighting to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis, disrupting supply chains and bolstering support for prevention and recovery services. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Coast Guard, Senator Baldwin held a hearing in September  on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting the fentanyl crisis and stemming the flow of drugs into the United States. She worked to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to stem the flow of the drug from coming into the U.S. by cracking down on Chinese chemical suppliers and Mexican cartels. Senator Baldwin also fought to pass a bipartisan bill that would have helped bolster border security and technology and reform parts of the immigration system.

    As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), Senator Baldwin wrote the government funding bill that funds the opioid response program and successfully fought to get it signed into law. Senator Baldwin also led the charge to improve the reach of the funding through her State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act, giving Wisconsin increased funding and more flexibility in administering federal investments.

    A one-pager on this bill is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pharma company funding for patient advocacy groups needs to be transparent

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joel Lexchin, Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management, York University, Canada

    As a first step in determining whose interests patient groups align with, we need more transparency about the source of their revenue. (Shutterstock)

    Patient groups should be playing a central role in Canada’s health-care system, advocating for their members by promoting the visibility of their conditions, pushing for more rapid and accurate diagnoses and lobbying for the introduction and funding of new treatments and drugs that may help relieve their members’ symptoms and extend their lives.

    However, all of this requires resources. In the past, groups could turn to the federal government for funding, but that option dried up in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

    Pharmaceutical industry funding

    In response, patient groups looked to the pharmaceutical industry to be able to continue functioning. How much money Canadian groups get from drug companies is largely unknown.

    Neither the federal government nor the major industry association, Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC), require companies to report on payments to groups and similarly there are no rules saying that patient groups must reveal who gives them money or how much. Even if groups are registered charities, that type of granular information is not collected in reports they have to file with the Canada Revenue Agency.

    How much money Canadian patient advocacy groups get from drug companies is largely unknown.
    (Shutterstock)

    There is one source of partial information that has not been investigated until now. Since 2016, six companies have voluntarily released detailed annual statements about which groups they give money to and the value of those payments — GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi and Teva.

    I have analyzed the available reports from these companies. Because pharma companies have a history of trying to buy influence — a topic I’ve researched extensively — it’s important to look at what and who they are funding. All told, from 2016 to 2023, they gave more than $30 million in 671 separate payments to 263 groups. The $30 million figure is a minimum because not all of the six companies report in any individual year. There are also an additional 42 member companies in IMC that don’t file any reports. (Teva does not belong to IMC.)

    The median amount that a patient group received was $26,000 but that number hides the extremes. The Black Health Alliance received a single payment of $250 in 2023 from Novartis whereas the World Federation of Hemophilia, based in Montréal, got over $4.5 million from Roche and Sanofi between 2020 to 2023. Fourteen groups accounted for almost one-half of all payments groups received. Although Novartis only reported in three years (2021-23) it gave the largest amount of money, over $7.5 million.

    Conflicts of interest

    Receiving money creates a conflict-of-interest (COI), where a COI is defined by the U.S. Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) as “a set of circumstances that creates a risk that…judgment or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest.” In this case, that would mean that the patient group was looking out for the interests of the drug company that gave it money as opposed to the interests of its patient members.

    However, just because groups received money from drug companies does not necessarily equate to the positions and actions that they took. There is a wide range of positions taken by patient groups that have received pharma funding, and when their positions align with those of their sponsors, these associations do not establish cause and effect.

    The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders that received just shy of $450,000 between 2018 and 2023 from a combination of GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi has publicly criticized the legislation that potentially creates the first steps to a universal, first-dollar coverage pharmacare plan.

    Twenty-eight patient groups, including Save Your Skin Foundation and Myeloma Canada, lobbied the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board to try to stop the board from instituting reforms to how it regulated drug prices. Save Your Skin Foundation got just over $750,000 in drug company money and Myeloma Canada got $831,000.

    Pharma companies have a history of offering funding and other resources that have been shown to influence health-care professionals.
    (Shutterstock)

    Some groups that take drug company money do not necessarily align with the interests of their funders. The president of the Canadian Spondylitis Association (CSA) pulled his organization out of a focus-group project organized by Janssen and AbbVie because he refused to sign off on a report claiming that patients were strongly opposed to switching from the medication Humira, sold by AbbVie, to a less expensive biosimilar.

    Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) used to receive grants from Janssen and AbbVie until it also came out in favour of switching to biosimilars. (CSA received over $100,000 from Merck and Novartis, while ACE $267,000 from Merck and Novartis as well as Teva.)

    How pharma funds buy influence

    Pharma companies have a history of offering funding and other resources that have been shown to influence health-care professionals, which has extended the reach of pharma companies’ interests into virtually all aspects of health care. Funding patient groups may be another strategy to further extend the reach of those interests, which do not always align with those of patients and the public.

    As a first step in trying to determine whose interests patient groups align with, we need more transparency about the source of their revenue. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) code requires that member companies disclose on their websites a list of patient organizations to which they provide financial support, the amount of the payment and a description of the nature of the support or services provided.

    However, a study of industry payments in Nordic countries concluded that the EFPIA code fails to ensure transparency and compliance. EFPIA allows national industry associations the freedom to determine how its code will be implemented and how much oversight is required, leading to disparate transparency practices. EFPIA has not created a disclosure template to standardize reporting. Finally, EPFIA’s code does not apply to companies that are not members.

    Industry codes are not the answer.

    Before the Ontario election in 2019, the government was finalizing regulations for Bill 160 that required all drug and device manufacturers to disclose payments to patient groups. The legislative process stopped when the government changed post-election. The federal government should pick up the mandate on this issue and pass similar legislation to make reporting mandatory on a national basis.

    Between 2021-2024, Joel Lexchin received payments for writing a brief on the role of promotion in generating prescriptions for a legal firm, for being on a panel about pharmacare and for co-writing an article for a peer-reviewed medical journal. He is a member of the Boards of Canadian Doctors for Medicare and the Canadian Health Coalition. He receives royalties from University of Toronto Press and James Lorimer & Co. Ltd. for books he has written.

    – ref. Pharma company funding for patient advocacy groups needs to be transparent – https://theconversation.com/pharma-company-funding-for-patient-advocacy-groups-needs-to-be-transparent-239197

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Positive progress on Government health targets

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets. 

    Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into effect on 1 July. 

    “The latest report shows that while there’s still work to do, and I acknowledge that quarter by quarter we will expect variation, Health New Zealand is already making progress on four out of the five health targets,” says Dr Reti. 

    “This clearly demonstrates the value and the need for targets in the health system, as we’re seeing stabilisation of numbers that have fallen in the absence of a clear focus on performance over the last six years.”

    The greatest improvements have been made in reducing wait times for cancer treatment, first assessments and elective treatment.

    “I’m pleased to see positive progress made against our cancer treatment waiting time target, which is now sitting at 83.5 per cent, compared to 82.7 per cent in the previous quarter. 

    “As the system prepares to implement new cancer treatments coming online from 1 October, starting with Keytruda, I expect New Zealanders’ access to cancer treatment to improve even more in the coming months. 

    “We continue to see small improvements in the time that people are spending in the emergency departments, with 71.2 per cent of patients admitted, discharged or transferred from an ED within six hours, compared to 70.1 per cent in the previous quarter.

    “Over 61 per cent of patients received planned care within four months. In real terms, this means 1,519 fewer people waiting for surgery. 

    “However, while people are waiting less time for treatment, they’re still waiting too long to be assessed, with only a small improvement in the wait times for a first specialist assessment.” 

    While Health New Zealand’s data shows improvements in some areas, it also highlights the need for a strong and sustained focus on improving the public services New Zealanders rely on, particularly health care.

    “We know we have more work to do, particularly to boost childhood immunisations,” says Dr Reti.  

    “Too many Kiwi kids are getting ill with vaccine-preventable diseases. This latest report shows that 76.5 per cent of children were immunised at 24 months, compared to 77.2 per cent in the previous quarter. 

    “This reduction partially reflects an increase in the accuracy of Health New Zealand’s reporting. With the move to the Aotearoa Immunisation Register, we now have a more accurate picture of eligible New Zealanders and where each of them is in their vaccination schedule. 

    “The Government has already invested $50 million over two years to boost immunisations and is working to expand the vaccinator workforce, so people can get immunised wherever they go to access healthcare – through a midwife, at participating pharmacies or at community events. 

    “Recently, we released our plan to implement the health targets, and we are working hard to turn around the significant financial issues at Health New Zealand.

    “Our health targets are ambitious and this is not something that we can turn around overnight. However, today’s results are promising and I am confident that New Zealanders will see a real difference in access to quality healthcare.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blunt Rochester, Carper, Coons announce nearly $40 million in new funding for substance use disorder and mental health services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (all D-Del.) announced that Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will receive $38.8 million in new funding to help combat the opioid crisis. The Biden-Harris administration is awarding the money through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which helps states, tribal lands, and territories address opioid addiction – a top priority under President Biden’s Unity Agenda.

    “Combatting the opioid epidemic impacting communities in Delaware and across the country continues to be a top priority of mine,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester, member of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force in Congress. “The decrease in overdose deaths in Delaware demonstrates that our opioid response programs are making a difference. The federal funding we’re announcing today, which I helped secure alongside Senator Carper and Senator Coons, will help expand our state’s prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts significantly. I’ll continue my work at the federal level to ensure that Delaware has the resources and support needed to save lives.” 

    “The opioid epidemic is one of the worst in American history, and Delaware has not been immune to this heartbreaking crisis,” said Senator Carper. “Today’s announcement of $38.8 million for Delaware through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is welcome news, as this funding will support prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery supports, and medications for opioid use disorder to address the overdose crisis.”

    “The devastating opioid epidemic is taking lives and destroying families in every state in the country, including Delaware,” said Senator Coons. “I’m glad that funding for prevention and recovery programs is a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration, and this new investment of nearly $40 million in the First State is proof of that. I’ll keep working with the rest of Delaware delegation to combat this crisis and help families on the road to recovery.”

    Recent preliminary federal data have shown that the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts are leading to a decline in drug overdose deaths across the country. From April 2023 to April 2024, overdose deaths decreased by roughly 10%. This decline coincides with the administration’s increased efforts to address the addiction and overdose epidemic. Overdose deaths fell for the first time in a decade in Delaware, according to data from the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Still, the 527 accidental drug overdose deaths reported in Delaware in 2023 highlight the critical need for this continued federal investment in substance use prevention and recovery services.

    Funds directed to Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will go toward prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services. They will also boost resources to help individuals, families, and communities combat opioid and stimulant misuse.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Hospital CEO to Pay Over $5.3M to Settle Kickback Allegations Involving Laboratory Testing

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Former hospital chief executive officer (CEO) Jeffrey Madison, of Georgetown, Texas, has agreed to pay $5,343,630 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act involving illegal payments to physicians for laboratory referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Madison also has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of, and litigation against, other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “The Justice Department will continue to pursue individuals — including C-suite executives — who commit health care fraud,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks to physicians from laboratories or other healthcare providers can undermine healthcare decision-making, subject patients to unnecessary medical services and waste taxpayer funds.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded health care programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations in a lawsuit alleging that Madison, the former CEO of Little River Healthcare (Little River), a critical access hospital in Rockdale, Texas, caused the submission of false claims for laboratory testing to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE from January 2015 to June 2018. Madison allegedly agreed to a kickback scheme in which Little River paid commissions to recruiters who used purported management service organizations (MSOs) to pay kickbacks to doctors to induce their laboratory testing referrals to Little River. The settlement resolves allegations that Madison knowingly signed, and caused others to sign, false certifications in Medicare cost reports regarding Little River’s compliance with the Anti-Kickback Statute, and thereby caused the submission of false claims to federal health care programs.

    In addition, the settlement resolves allegations in the same lawsuit that, after defendant Doyce Cartrett Jr., M.D., of Silsbee, Texas, informed Little River of his potential laboratory testing referral volume, Madison agreed to have Little River pay Cartrett $2,000 per month in kickbacks disguised as purported medical director fees from February 2015 to May 2017, to induce Cartrett to shift his laboratory testing referrals to Little River. Madison allegedly agreed for Little River to pay the monthly fees, even though Little River did not receive any genuine medical director services from Dr. Cartrett.

    Madison did not contest, and accepted responsibility for, the allegations against him in the United States’ amended complaint. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Madison was excluded from participating in federal healthcare programs for 25 years. The lawsuit is captioned United States, et al. ex rel. STF LLC v. True Health Diagnostics LLC et al., No. 4:16-cv-547 (EDTX).

    “Seeing past a corporate entity and holding individuals responsible for making the decisions to engage marketers to pay providers for their laboratory referrals is what justice requires,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “This settlement is a testament to our continued efforts to combat fraud against our federal healthcare programs and to hold accountable all participants who profited from knowingly violating the laws meant to guard against overutilization of medical services and protect the public fisc.”

    “Illegal kickback payments, even when disguised as medical director fees, undermine and corrupt the medical decision-making process,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Both the payer and recipient benefit from these schemes, but it is ultimately the taxpayers who foot the bill. HHS-OIG will continue collaborating with law enforcement and prosecutors to protect the Medicare trust fund that millions of Americans depend on.”

    “Our nation’s uniformed military service members and their families should never have to question the integrity of their healthcare providers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Settle of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southwest Field Office. “Medical decisions influenced by greed destroy the fundamental element of trust in patient care. This settlement reinforces the commitment the DCIS shares with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department to pursue all available remedies against those who conspire to commit fraud against our Military Health System.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, with assistance from HHS-OIG and DCIS. The United States has recovered over $52 million relating to conduct involving MSO kickbacks to health care providers, which includes recoveries from 46 physicians.

    Trial Attorneys Christopher Terranova and Gavin Thole of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Betty Young for the Eastern District of Texas handled the case.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Settlement

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State of Missouri holds 2024 Show Me Challenge competition, winning team presents idea to expand operations to maximize print efficiencies

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, the State of Missouri announced the winners of the 2024 Show Me Challenge competition. On Monday, nine finalist teams competed in-person before a panel of state government senior leaders to present the best ideas to improve state government.

    Inspired by the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” the Show Me Challenge continues to bring together state team members from across Missouri’s 17 executive departments to pitch solutions that improve systems and processes that serve the citizens of Missouri, cut out unnecessary work, and/or save the State time and money.

    The Show Me Challenge invited all State of Missouri team members in the executive branch to submit an initial pitch outlining their solutions. Nine teams were then invited to participate in the final competition. They had the opportunity to further develop their pitch, receive coaching, and then present their ideas in front of a panel of judges, including department directors and other senior leaders with government, policy, and business expertise.

    The finalist teams represented nine of the 17 executive departments of the Missouri state government and competed in front of a live audience.

    First place went to the team Space Rangers from the Office of Administration (OA) for their request to find additional space for their printing and mailing services team (OA Document Solutions) to maximize print efficiencies by acquiring additional equipment. 

    Winning team members of Space Rangers are:

    Brandon Bailey
    Lance Clingman
    Erin Coles
    Kenneth Cummings
    Aaron Dickey
    Terry Groner
    Bradley Malone
    Maddie Meyer 

    OA Document Solutions (OADS) held a close partnership with University of Missouri Print and Mail Services (MU) for over 40 years. Throughout this collaboration, MU has consistently delivered print services that surpassed OADS capabilities in terms of size or finishing. On August 2, 2023, MU announced that they would be phasing out MU Print Services over the next calendar year. OADS began brainstorming how to acquire and put to use the MU equipment with capabilities that would expand their services, provide substantial return on investment, and minimally impact services to our State Agency customers. With the new equipment, OADS will be able to increase our efficiencies 200-800% in run time and/or finishing, depending on the project.

    “OADS is committed to streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency by consolidating all print equipment into a single, appropriately-equipped facility. This will not only enhance productivity but also provide an opportunity for OADS to meet the printing demands of the state agencies in-house. Furthermore, it allows OADS to have better quality control of production and meeting the customer requested deadlines,” said Erin Coles, OA Document Solutions Program Manager, OA. “Our team appreciated the opportunity through the Show Me Challenge to showcase what we have been working on to senior leaders. The process improvements we continue to make will allow us to better serve our State Agencies and citizens of Missouri.”

    Second place went to Data for All from the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Revenue (DOR), Department of Economic Development (DED), and OA for their project that would create a curriculum, checklists, and other resources to educate state team members to help increase accessibility of documents published online by the State of Missouri. 

    Third place went to Team MoVest (Missouri Vital Empowerment for State Teams) from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), DESE, & OA for their idea to create a virtual learning experience that will provide a unique opportunity for all state team members to grow their professional networks, develop new skills, and enhance their abilities.

    A Fourth and Fifth place were also awarded to contestants. Fourth place went to Recovery from MoDOT for their design to help the department recoup money spent repairing MoDOT property by automatically bringing together information from a variety of sources to make it easier to recover outstanding funds. Fifth place went to Hands on Deck from the Department of Social Services (DSS) for seeking to establish in their Children’s Division a pool of experienced retired/former employees to be paid on an hourly basis as they step in to cover workforce gaps when an office or facility experience inadequate workforce numbers, extended absence, or crisis situations. 

    The judges for this year’s competition were Senator Mike Bernskoetter, Representative Dave Griffith; Anna Hui, Director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR); Valerie Huhn, Director, DMH; Robert Knodell, Director, DSS; Valarie Moseley, Deputy Director, Department of Corrections (DOC), and Tyler Hobbs, Legislative Director, Governor’s Office. 

    The judges considered a pitch’s quality, practicality, and potential for impact.

    “It is incredibly inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of our public servants, who are committed to making state government more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” said Rep. Dave Griffith. “By empowering employees to share their insights, we ensure that we are delivering the best possible services to the people of our state.”

    “The Show Me Challenge is an exciting opportunity for our team members to present their best ideas for improving government. Not only does it empower our workforce to take an active role in driving positive change but fosters a culture of innovation for the services we provide to our customers,” said Valerie Huhn, Director, DMH. “The creativity and insight from our team members is one of our greatest assets and I look forward to seeing how their ideas will enhance our operations and make a lasting impact on state government.”

    “This competition showcases the incredible talent and ingenuity of our frontline state team members, giving them a platform to present ideas that can significantly improve how we operate,” said Robert Knodell, Director, DSS. “Through tapping into the creativity of our workforce, we are uncovering innovative solutions that make government more efficient and save valuable time and taxpayer dollars. The Show Me Challenge is a powerful reminder that the best ideas often come from within.” 

    To date, over 600 team members have pitched ideas to improve production and processes across state government. The 2025 Show Me Challenge competition will begin next spring.

    For more on the Show Me Challenge, go here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study of vaping trends among adults in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The Lancet Public Health looks at vaping trends in adults who have never regularly smoked.

    Prof Peter Hajek, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Health and Lifestyle Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), said:

    “Some people have genes and circumstances leading them to like nicotine products. Traditionally, they ended up smoking, but some are now discovering vaping without becoming smokers first. If vaping did not exist, they would be smoking. The study authors point this out.

    “The just-released figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK smoking prevalence is under 12%, an all-time low. If much less risky alternatives are allowed to continue to compete with cigarettes, smoking (and heart disease, lung disease and cancers that it causes) will continue to decline as well. 

    “The UK and USA, which allow vaping, have seen significantly faster declines in cigarette sales and in smoking among young and low income people than Australia, which bans vaping.  Sweden, which is the only EU country that allows use of low-risk oral tobacco, has by far the lowest smoking prevalence.  Efforts are needed to limit use of nicotine products in adolescents but if more adults (as well as adolescents) are taking up vaping instead of smoking it may in fact be good news.”

    ‘Vaping among adults in England who have never regularly smoked: a population-based study, 2016-24’ by Sarah Jackson et al. was published in The Lancet Public Health at 23.30 UK time Wednesday 2 October 2024.

    Declared interests

    Peter Hajek: no COIs

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON – First responders across local and state governments, the private sector, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and the federal family continue working to address the immediate needs of survivors and their communities.

    These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across affected states impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

    President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance that is available for survivors in designated counties in Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA App.

    Survivors may receive 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.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55506″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/857edeb73204d77dbc46b266f2c2e336.jpeg?itok=L9ZoNHwY” alt=”Caption: Asheville, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – Volunteers distribute supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Asheville, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – Volunteers distribute supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55523″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/dda6592057e439dfd4aa24c9e7690799.jpg?itok=I_98rZYb” alt=”Caption:

    Valdosta, Ga. (Sept. 30, 2024) – FEMA helps survivors of Hurricane Helene by distributing water, MREs, and tarps in Lowndes County, Georgia.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Valdosta, Ga. (Sept. 30, 2024) – FEMA helps survivors of Hurricane Helene by distributing water, MREs, and tarps in Lowndes County, Georgia.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55516″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/64ca229be08c2e8e9e6957d8554c1b59.jpg?itok=9v_5E7Gt” alt=”Caption: Steinhatchee, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help survivors of Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Steinhatchee, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help survivors of Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55497″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/ad690fcdc4cec543993db83fbbc20de4.jpg?itok=cwpj5KSr” alt=”Caption:

    Fletcher, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help Hurricane Helene survivors, including registering them for aid.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Fletcher, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help Hurricane Helene survivors, including registering them for aid.
    SWANNANOA, North Carolina – Volunteers serve hot food to survivors in downtown Swannanoa. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55553″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/c08e18a8e81aa97721e01330817a1619.jpg?itok=TLOxdx_N” alt=”Caption: Swannanoa, N.C. – (October 1, 2024) – The town of Swannanoa in Western North Carolina reels in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Swannanoa, N.C. – (October 1, 2024) – The town of Swannanoa in Western North Carolina reels in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
    GREENVILLE, South Carolina – Members of the South Carolina Army National Guard distribute meals and water to disaster survivors in Greenville. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    ASHEVILE, North Carolina – Members of the North Carolina Army National Guard work alongside volunteers at William W. Estes Elementary School to load meals and water for disaster survivors. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    STEINHATCHEE, Florida. – FEMA speaks with a Hurricane Helene survivor. Agency personnel are on the ground helping survivors register for disaster assistance. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina:  The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response deployed a National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) team to provide 24-hour emergency department surge support at Mission Hospital in Asheville. This is one of four sites in western North Carolina receiving NDMS medical support. (Source: HHS)

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages: Disaster Multimedia Toolkit. 

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –