Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Stephen Ferrara and Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Dr. David J. Smith, urging them to protect Fort Leonard Wood’s newly built hospital, the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH).
Senator Hawley wrote, “In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.”
He continued, “As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.”
Senator Hawley is following up on a letter he sent to Dr. Smith on May 13, 2025, in which he outlined his concerns over potential reductions to the hospital’s funding, personnel and services.
Read the full letter here or below.
Dr. Steve Ferrara Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness 4000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000
Dr. David J. Smith Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Acting Director Defense Health Agency 7700 Arlington Blvd., Suite 5101 Falls Church, VA 22042
Dear Dr. Ferrara and Dr. Smith,
I write to follow up on my letter to Dr. Smith of May 13, 2025 concerning the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) at Ft. Leonard Wood. Thank you for your June 16, 2025 response—it provided some helpful information, but did not allay my concerns regarding the future of GLWACH.
In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.
As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.
I therefore request that you provide me with written answers to the following questions by August 1, 2025:
1. Does DHA intend to reduce the funds, personnel, or other resources available to GLWACH?
2. Does DHA intend to change the care or services provided by GLWACH?
3. Can DHA commit to maintaining GLWACH’s current scope of care, including its Surgery, Emergency Room, OBGYN, Labor and Delivery, Inpatient Services, and Outpatient Allergy and ENT Services departments?
4. What effects will recent or planned changes to DOD’s resourcing model for direct care—including a potential shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model—have on GLWACH and Ft. Leonard Wood?
5. Does DHA have a plan to solicit and consider input from the Army, local community members and groups, and other stakeholders before it makes changes to the resourcing or management of GLWACH?
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Stephen Ferrara and Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Dr. David J. Smith, urging them to protect Fort Leonard Wood’s newly built hospital, the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH).
Senator Hawley wrote, “In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.”
He continued, “As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.”
Senator Hawley is following up on a letter he sent to Dr. Smith on May 13, 2025, in which he outlined his concerns over potential reductions to the hospital’s funding, personnel and services.
Read the full letter here or below.
Dr. Steve Ferrara Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness 4000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000
Dr. David J. Smith Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Acting Director Defense Health Agency 7700 Arlington Blvd., Suite 5101 Falls Church, VA 22042
Dear Dr. Ferrara and Dr. Smith,
I write to follow up on my letter to Dr. Smith of May 13, 2025 concerning the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) at Ft. Leonard Wood. Thank you for your June 16, 2025 response—it provided some helpful information, but did not allay my concerns regarding the future of GLWACH.
In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.
As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.
I therefore request that you provide me with written answers to the following questions by August 1, 2025:
1. Does DHA intend to reduce the funds, personnel, or other resources available to GLWACH?
2. Does DHA intend to change the care or services provided by GLWACH?
3. Can DHA commit to maintaining GLWACH’s current scope of care, including its Surgery, Emergency Room, OBGYN, Labor and Delivery, Inpatient Services, and Outpatient Allergy and ENT Services departments?
4. What effects will recent or planned changes to DOD’s resourcing model for direct care—including a potential shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model—have on GLWACH and Ft. Leonard Wood?
5. Does DHA have a plan to solicit and consider input from the Army, local community members and groups, and other stakeholders before it makes changes to the resourcing or management of GLWACH?
WHO Member States have held their first meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, formalizing next steps on implementing key provisions of the historic legal instrument to make the world safer from future pandemics.
Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau guiding the negotiations, said the first meeting, that ran from 9-10 July, was a critical moment in the global effort to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. It followed the World Health Assembly’s landmark adoption on 20 May 2025 of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
“Through the WHO Pandemic Agreement, countries recognized that global collaboration and action, based on equity, are essential for protecting people from future pandemics,” Ambassador Tovar said. “Now, through the IGWG, countries are breathing life into the Agreement by establishing the way forward to implement the Agreement’s life-saving provisions.”
The Assembly established the IGWG to, as a priority, draft and negotiate an annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS). This PABS system is intended to enable safe, transparent and accountable access and benefit-sharing for PABS materials and sequence information. The outcome of the IGWG’s work on the PABS annex will be submitted to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in 2026 for its consideration.
In addition to negotiating the PABS annex, the IGWG has been established to discuss procedural and other matters to prepare for the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Pandemic Agreement and develop a proposal for the terms of reference for the Coordinating Financial Mechanism.
Fellow IGWG Bureau co-chair Mr Matthew Harpur, of the United Kingdom, said he was encouraged by the strong collaboration shown by WHO Member States to take the WHO Pandemic Agreement forward.
“Global collaboration is the foundation of an effective response to global threats,” said Mr Harpur. “I am encouraged by the commitment shown by WHO Member States during the first IGWG to work together to protect their citizens, and those of all other countries.”
The first meeting of the IGWG adopted the body’s method of work, timeline of activities leading up to next year’s World Health Assembly, and mode of engagement with relevant stakeholders, and elected co-chairs and vice chairs to lead the IGWG process. The IGWG also decided to identify experts to provide inputs on the PABS annex and possibly hold an informal briefing before the second meeting of the IGWG, which will be held on 15-19 September 2025.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Control Tower Continuity Act to help reduce the current air traffic controller shortage in the United States. This legislation would give the U.S. Secretary of Transportation the authority to exempt exceptional individuals over the age of 61 from the mandatory air traffic controller retirement age to prevent flight delays, cancellations, and potential safety concerns:
“Healthy and skilled air traffic controllers should not be forced to retire at age 61,” said Senator Blackburn. “As the United Staes faces a shortage of air traffic controllers, Americans are forced to endure delays, cancellations, and safety concerns. The Control Tower Continuity Act would empower healthy and experienced air traffic controllers to work beyond the current mandatory retirement age to address air traffic controller shortages.”
BACKGROUND
Air traffic controller staffing has been an issue faced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for years.
The FAA is short about 3,000 air traffic controllers across the nation.
The current mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers is 56, and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has the authority to exempt “exceptional” individuals until age 61.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has expressed interest in using his authority to exempt individuals until age 61.
THE CONTROL TOWER CONTINUITY ACT
The Control Tower Continuity Act would allow the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to exempt air traffic controllers from thas e mandatory retirement age past the age of 61 as long as they meet relevant medical standards, providing more flexibility during times of air traffic controller shortages.
Under this legislation, air traffic controllers over the age of 61 would be required to update their medical certifications every six months, as opposed to every year.
US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Australia’s pharmaceutical exports to the United States has raised alarm among industry and government leaders.
There are fears that, if implemented, the tariffs could cost the Australian economy up to A$2.8 billion. That’s both in direct exports and as inputs to third countries that produce drugs also hit by tariffs.
The proposed tariffs come amid growing pressure from pharmaceutical lobby groups in the US for Trump to use trade negotiations as a tool to make changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and raise Australian drug prices.
In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated the government would not compromise the integrity of the PBS to do a deal with the Trump administration. Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie also confirmed bipartisan support for the PBS.
Our largest export market for pharmaceuticals
The US is Australia’s biggest pharmaceutical export market, accounting for 38% of total Australian pharmaceutical exports and valued at $2.2 billion last year.
About 87% of exports to the US consist of blood plasma products, mainly from manufacturing giant CSL. These are used for transfusions in a range of medical and surgical situations.
In a submission to the US Commerce Department, which is reviewing the sector, CSL called for tariffs to be phased in over five years, and for an exemption for certain biotech equipment.
Trump floated proposed tariffs potentially as high as 200%. But he also said these would not be imposed for “about a year, a year and a half” to allow negotiations to take place.
It helps reduce the cost of essential medications, ensuring access to treatments for a wide range of medical conditions. Medicines included on the PBS are subsidised by the government, with the patient making a capped co-payment. More than 900 medicines were listed on the scheme in 2023–24, costing the government $17.7 billion.
Decisions to list medications on the PBS are made by the health minister based on recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. The committee evaluates the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness (“value for money”) and estimated financial impact of new medications.
If approved, the PBS uses this information to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, helping to keep prices affordable.
How does the US system compare?
This contrasts with the US system, which operates more under free-market principles. In the US, pharmaceuticals are subsidised through private health insurance or government programs such as Medicaid. Neither directly negotiates with pharmaceutical companies.
The fragmented nature of the US system enables pharmaceutical companies to maintain higher prices, as there is no central authority to enforce cost controls. Studies have shown that prices for pharmaceuticals in the US are, on average, 2.78 times those in 33 other countries.
In addition, in the US pharmaceutical companies are granted extensive patent protections. These provide exclusive rights to sell their drugs for a certain period.
This exclusivity often leads to monopolistic pricing practices, as generic competitors are barred from entering the market until the patent expires.
In Australia, patents also exist. But the PBS mitigates their impact by negotiating prices and promoting the use of cost-effective alternatives, such as generics, once they become available.
Industry lobbying
US pharmaceutical industry bodies have long criticised the PBS. They claim the scheme “undervalues new innovative medicines by setting prices based on older inferior medicines and generics, and through use of low and outdated monetary thresholds per year of life gained from clinically proven treatments”.
The slow process to list drugs on the PBS has also attracted criticism. The advisory committee meets only three times a year, with resources currently being stretched beyond capacity.
In response to these criticisms, the Australian government commissioned a review, which was completed in 2024. It provided 50 recommendations to ensure Australians can continue to access effective, safe and affordable medicines in an equitable and timely way.
The government has established an advisory group to work on implementing these recommendations. However, it is unclear whether proposed changes will appease the powerful US pharmaceutical industry.
I am responsible for evaluating new health technologies for consideration of government subsidy through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Australia’s pharmaceutical exports to the United States has raised alarm among industry and government leaders.
There are fears that, if implemented, the tariffs could cost the Australian economy up to A$2.8 billion. That’s both in direct exports and as inputs to third countries that produce drugs also hit by tariffs.
The proposed tariffs come amid growing pressure from pharmaceutical lobby groups in the US for Trump to use trade negotiations as a tool to make changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and raise Australian drug prices.
In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated the government would not compromise the integrity of the PBS to do a deal with the Trump administration. Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie also confirmed bipartisan support for the PBS.
Our largest export market for pharmaceuticals
The US is Australia’s biggest pharmaceutical export market, accounting for 38% of total Australian pharmaceutical exports and valued at $2.2 billion last year.
About 87% of exports to the US consist of blood plasma products, mainly from manufacturing giant CSL. These are used for transfusions in a range of medical and surgical situations.
In a submission to the US Commerce Department, which is reviewing the sector, CSL called for tariffs to be phased in over five years, and for an exemption for certain biotech equipment.
Trump floated proposed tariffs potentially as high as 200%. But he also said these would not be imposed for “about a year, a year and a half” to allow negotiations to take place.
It helps reduce the cost of essential medications, ensuring access to treatments for a wide range of medical conditions. Medicines included on the PBS are subsidised by the government, with the patient making a capped co-payment. More than 900 medicines were listed on the scheme in 2023–24, costing the government $17.7 billion.
Decisions to list medications on the PBS are made by the health minister based on recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. The committee evaluates the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness (“value for money”) and estimated financial impact of new medications.
If approved, the PBS uses this information to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, helping to keep prices affordable.
How does the US system compare?
This contrasts with the US system, which operates more under free-market principles. In the US, pharmaceuticals are subsidised through private health insurance or government programs such as Medicaid. Neither directly negotiates with pharmaceutical companies.
The fragmented nature of the US system enables pharmaceutical companies to maintain higher prices, as there is no central authority to enforce cost controls. Studies have shown that prices for pharmaceuticals in the US are, on average, 2.78 times those in 33 other countries.
In addition, in the US pharmaceutical companies are granted extensive patent protections. These provide exclusive rights to sell their drugs for a certain period.
This exclusivity often leads to monopolistic pricing practices, as generic competitors are barred from entering the market until the patent expires.
In Australia, patents also exist. But the PBS mitigates their impact by negotiating prices and promoting the use of cost-effective alternatives, such as generics, once they become available.
Industry lobbying
US pharmaceutical industry bodies have long criticised the PBS. They claim the scheme “undervalues new innovative medicines by setting prices based on older inferior medicines and generics, and through use of low and outdated monetary thresholds per year of life gained from clinically proven treatments”.
The slow process to list drugs on the PBS has also attracted criticism. The advisory committee meets only three times a year, with resources currently being stretched beyond capacity.
In response to these criticisms, the Australian government commissioned a review, which was completed in 2024. It provided 50 recommendations to ensure Australians can continue to access effective, safe and affordable medicines in an equitable and timely way.
The government has established an advisory group to work on implementing these recommendations. However, it is unclear whether proposed changes will appease the powerful US pharmaceutical industry.
I am responsible for evaluating new health technologies for consideration of government subsidy through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova spoke at a joint meeting of the State Duma committees in preparation for holding a government hour on the topic “On priorities in implementing the demographic policy of the Russian Federation.” The meeting was also attended by Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, representatives of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Utilities.
“Our absolute priority is to preserve the population. This is the main national goal, designated by the President of the country. And this is a national goal for many years. Because within this goal, the birth rate is, of course, the most difficult issue. And the birth rate is not a momentary decision. It is a person’s motivation to start a family. And this is our hard and painstaking work. And I will start with the basics of state policy to support traditional spiritual and moral values. This is, in fact, the key issue. Fostering in society an attitude towards family, towards a child, towards parents, towards grandparents. Towards a multi-generational, dynastic family. And pride in the fact that this family exists,” said Tatyana Golikova.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that today, on average, a woman gives birth to her first child at the age of 26, and the average age of a woman at the birth of a child is 29.
“As our President says, the entire infrastructure should be built around the family. And this means that all our priorities, our national projects should work towards this idea,” noted Tatyana Golikova. “What we are seeing today is a great commitment to urbanization. And this commitment to urbanization leads to the fact that individual settlements are left without people. We must create the appropriate infrastructure around. This settlement must live, so that it is interesting to live in it.”
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, 80.4% of births today occur in cities. At the same time, by the end of 2024, the total fertility rate in Russia as a whole was 1.4, and in the village – 1.6.
In addition, on the eve of the government hour, Tatyana Golikova met with all factions of the State Duma – United Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, A Just Russia and New People. The meetings were also attended by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, the Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, representatives of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities and the Ministry of Culture.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming area at City Park and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick due to high bacteria counts.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751). A list of closed beaches can also be accessed at https://health.ri.gov/beaches/
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has fined Bupa A$35 million for unlawfully rejecting thousands of health insurance claims over more than five years.
Between May 2018 and August 2023 Bupa incorrectly rejected claims from patients who had multiple medical procedures, with at least one of those procedures covered under their health insurance policy.
Instead of paying the portion of the treatment that was covered, Bupa’s automated systems wrongly rejected the entire claim.
Each tier has a minimum set of “clinical categories”. These are groups of hospital treatments that must be covered.
For example, basic hospital cover only has three mandatory inclusions: rehabilitation, hospital psychiatric services and palliative care. But this is “restricted” cover, meaning patients will often still have to pay substantial out-of-pocket costs for these services.
Basic cover is entry-level cover, mainly for people who want to avoid the Lifetime Health Cover loading and the Medicare Levy Surcharge. These are both ways of encouraging people to take up private health insurance while young and keeping it, especially people on higher incomes.
At the other end of the scale is gold cover, which includes unrestricted cover for all defined clinical categories, including pregnancy and birth.
You can generally change your level of cover at any time. When you upgrade to include new services or increase benefits for existing services, you will need to serve new waiting periods for those new or increased benefits.
A common waiting period is 12 months for pre-existing conditions (any ailment, illness or condition that you had signs or symptoms of during the six months before upgrading, even if undiagnosed), and for pregnancy and birth-related services. But there is generally only a two-month waiting period for psychiatric care, rehabilitation or palliative care, even if it’s for a pre-existing condition.
It’s a good idea to review your policy every two years because your health needs and financial circumstances can change.
How much do companies pay out?
The proportion of premiums that are paid out to cover medical claims is known as the “average payout ratio”. And this has been about 84–86% over most of the past 20 years.
This does not mean your health insurer will pay out 84–86% of your individual claim. This national average accounts for the percentage of all premiums in any one year, across all insurers, that’s paid out in claims.
That’s because for-profit health insurers have pressure to deliver profits to shareholders and have incentives to minimise payouts and control costs.
If not properly managed, these incentives may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses and denied claims.
Why has my claim been rejected?
Common reasons for claims to be rejected include:
the policy excluded or restricted the clinical category
the waiting period was not served
incorrect information (for example, a doctor billed an incorrect item number)
what’s known as “mixed coverage” (as in the Bupa scandal), where not everything in a claim is covered, but the entire claim is declined.
What if I think there’s an error?
If your health insurance company refuses your claim, you can request a detailed explanation in writing.
If you believe your claim has been incorrectly denied, you can make a formal complaint directly with the insurer. For this you need to check your policy documents, and gather supporting evidence. This may include detailed invoices, medical reports, referral letters and correct item numbers.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the health fund’s internal review, or the fund doesn’t respond with the specific time-frame (for instance, 30–45 days), you can escalate your complaint.
You can get in touch with the Commonwealth Ombudsman (phone: 1300 362 072). This provides a free, independent complaint handling service for a range of consumer issues, including health insurance.
The Bupa scandal, along with ongoing concerns about transparency and rising out-of-pocket costs, highlights the need for policy reforms to better protect consumers.
The government should require health insurers and health-care providers to give clear estimates of all potential out-of-pocket costs for a procedure before it happens. This would avoid unexpected bills and help consumers make informed decisions about their health care.
Yuting Zhang has received funding from the Australian Research Council (future fellowship project ID FT200100630), Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Victorian Department of Health, National Health and Medical Research Council and Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network. In the past, Professor Zhang has received funding from several US institutes including the US National Institutes of Health, Commonwealth fund, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has not received funding from for-profit industry including the private health insurance industry.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited Connect Health + Wellness in Martinsville, Virginia. The visit featured discussions focused on rural health care issues with hospital leadership and staff.
“The Martinsville-Henry County area is served by dedicated health care professionals, like those at Connect Health + Wellness,” said Representative Griffith. “I am thankful for the opportunity to tour their dental facility in Martinsville. As the new chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I support finding ways that help our rural hospitals provide critical health care access to rural communities.”
“At Connect Health + Wellness, we are deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality and affordable medical and dental care, particularly in the rural communities we serve,” said Connect Health + Wellness CEO Marcus Stone. “We are honored to welcome Representative Griffith and to have the opportunity to showcase our work as part of the ongoing conversation about strengthening rural healthcare in our region.”
Pictured: Rep. Griffith tours the Connect Health + Wellness dental facility.
BACKGROUND
This July, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
In a recent Rules Committee hearing, Congressman Griffith committed to working with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie to explore improvements to health care access for rural communities.
Connect Health + Wellness is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025
Francesca Albanese
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Ukraine
Sudan
Somalia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Libya
UN Environment Programme/Report
Briefings
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS REPORT 2025
On Monday, in a press conference, the Secretary-General will launch the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025. He will be joined by the Deputy-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and our Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua.
The press conference will take place at 12:45 p.m., just after the noon briefing.
FRANCESCA ALBANESE
In response to questions on the sanctions imposed by the United States on Francesca Albanese, the Spokesman said that the imposition of sanctions on special rapporteurs is a dangerous precedent.
Francesca Albanese, like all other Special UN Human Rights Rapporteurs, is an independent human rights expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and reporting to the Human Rights Council. Special Rapporteurs do not report to the Secretary-General, and he has no authority over them or their work.
That being said, Member States are perfectly entitled to their views and to disagree with the reports by the Special Rapporteurs, but we encourage them to engage with the UN human rights architecture.
The use of unilateral sanctions against special rapporteurs, or any other UN expert or official is unacceptable.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that a UN team managed to bring about 75,000 litres of fuel from Israel into the Gaza Strip. That is the first such provision in 130 days. As mentioned yesterday during the noon briefing, the UN and its humanitarian partners need hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel each day to keep essential life-saving and life-sustaining operations going, meaning the amount entered yesterday isn’t sufficient to cover even one day of energy requirements. Fuel is still running out and services will shut down if greater volumes do not enter Gaza Strip immediately.
One partner, for instance, reported that this week that in a matter of days, fuel shortages could cut off supplies of clean drinking water to about 44,000 children that depend on that water source. The lack of fresh water would further increase the risk of waterborne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its operations across the Gaza Strip, including shelling and ground incursions. This morning, people waiting to get nutritional supplements were reportedly struck in Deir al Balah. According to Al-Aqsa Hospital, the attack resulted in dozens of casualties, the majority of whom were women and children.
In a statement issued today, Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said she was appalled by the reported killing of 15 Palestinians, including nine children and four women, who were just waiting in line for nutritional supplies their children. And I can tell you that the UN, yet again, condemns the killing of civilians in Gaza.
OCHA stresses that parties are bound by international humanitarian law to prevent such excessive death and injury of civilians in the midst of war.
All parties must take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm, and indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited.
Another strike today reportedly hit the office of a humanitarian partner in Gaza city; three staff were killed.
Yesterday, UN partners providing education services said that between October 2023 and June of this year, 626 temporary learning spaces have been established in Gaza, with 240,000 students enrolled, about half of those students are girls. However, UN partners say that only 299 spaces are currently operational due to the ongoing displacement orders, funding shortfalls and other challenges.
UN humanitarian partners, including first responders, health workers, and aid workers, continue to deliver food and other assistance under intolerable conditions, and they themselves are facing hunger. A number of our own colleagues are also facing hunger. They also face water scarcity and threats to their personal safety, just like everyone else in Gaza.
As we said, time and again: This catastrophic situation must end. A ceasefire is not only urgent, it is long overdue, and all of the hostages need to be released unconditionally and immediately.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=10%20July%202025
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Dale Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted today in support of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. The vital legislation championing veterans, supporting military families, and prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, passed the House of Representatives on a 218-206 vote.
Once enacted, this bill will provide essential funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to support critical investments in military infrastructure, readiness, and the well-being of service members, veterans, and their families.
“I’m proud to support this bill, which delivers on our promises to America’s veterans by fully funding their health care and benefits,” said Rep. Strong. “It will help improve the lives of our troops and their families with better access to childcare, safer housing, and stronger base infrastructure. This funding bill also makes an effort to fund key construction projects to support readiness and our national security, expands mental health services, combats veteran homelessness, and makes smart investments in the Indo-Pacific to push back against China’s growing threat.”
NORTH ALABAMA WINS
Representative Strong successfully secured pivotal provisions directly benefiting North Alabama:
Advancing U.S. Space Command Headquarters Plans
One provision advances the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) Headquarters process and requires a detailed funding plan and report for the necessary facilities investments.
“During the entire USSPACECOM basing process, Redstone Arsenal ranked as the #1 location for the headquarters. Four subsequent DoD Inspector General and GAO reports confirmed that the Air Force made the right choice — Redstone is what is best for national security, the taxpayer, the personnel, and their families,” said Strong.
Ensuring Fair Veteran Cemetery Placement
Strong was also successful advancing a provision directing the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to conduct a report evaluating its veteran population data collection methodology. A 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report indicated that if U.S. Census Bureau data were used rather than NCA’s current methodology, North Alabama would rank 2nd in need for a VA cemetery.
“Nearly 60,000 veterans call Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District home. Those veterans and their families deserve the opportunity to choose a final resting place closer to home. Currently, the closest VA cemeteries are in Corinth, MS, Montevallo, AL, and Chattanooga, TN. I firmly believe that a more accurate data evaluation would make North Alabama a top candidate for a National or VA-grant funded state cemetery,” said Strong.
Other wins that will benefit North Alabama include a provision that expresses Congressional support for DoD range operations and supporting facilities, such as Redstone Test Center at Redstone Arsenal, and language directing the Veterans Health Administration to submit a report and recommended legislative changes to improve reimbursement rates, locality adjustments, prescription drug prices for veterans living in VA State Veteran Homes, like the Floyd E “Tut” Fann Home in Huntsville, AL.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Champions our veterans by:
Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.
Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.
Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.
Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by:
Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans by preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.
Syncing up with President Trump’s Executive Orders on no funds for DEI, gender affirming care, and protecting Hyde-like language at the VA.
Prohibiting the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.
Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:
Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region, and infrastructure necessary to support advanced weapons systems.
Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China.
DETAILED FUNDING SUMMARY
Department of Defense (Military Construction and Family Housing)
Provides $18 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing for the following:
Planning and design of future barracks to address barrack deficiencies identified by the Government Accountability Office.
Demolition of excess and obsolete infrastructure, saving taxpayers money and lowering long-term facility maintenance costs at DoD.
Guard and Reserve facility construction.
Military Family Housing.
Child development centers to improve the quality of life of military families.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Provides $452.64 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the following:
Fully funds veterans’ medical care
Fully funds veterans’ benefits and toxic exposures-related needs for the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF).
Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, an innovative effort to end veteran homelessness.
The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 is the first of 12 annual Appropriations bills to pass the House of Representatives.
“I want to thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, as well as the MilCon-VA subcommittee Chairman Judge John Carter and Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman-Schultz for their hard work on this critical funding bill,” said Strong.
Source: US Whitehouse
Today, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the Administration is taking the biggest step in more than 30 years to protect taxpayer-funded benefits for American citizens — NOT illegal aliens. The move, which preserves roughly $40 billion in benefits for American citizens, overturns decades of bureaucratic defiance and builds on President Trump’s executive order directing an END to the subsidization of open borders.
Under President Trump, hardworking Americans will no longer be forced to front the cost of benefits for illegals:
The Department of Health and Human Services is restricting illegal aliens from 13 additional public programs, including Head Start, health workforce scholarships and loans, mental health and substance abuse support, family planning, and more.
The Department of Education is ending free tuition for illegal aliens at post-secondary career and technical education programs.
The Department of Agriculture is restricting illegal aliens from federally funded food assistance programs.
The Department of Labor is barring illegal aliens from accessing federal workforce development resources and grants.
The Department of Justice is closing longstanding loopholes that have allowed illegal aliens to access taxpayer-funded benefits.
ATLANTA – U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors cited Keystone Foods, a distributor for Tyson Foods, for allegedly failing to protect employees against fire and explosion hazards at its Camilla, Georgia, poultry plant.
The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that on Dec. 26, 2024, two workers at the plant, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc., were seriously burned when a hose filled with oil ruptured, igniting the oil mist and causing a fire and explosion in the boiler room. Inspectors concluded Keystone Foods did not ensure workers followed proper internal procedures nor the manufacturer’s guidelines when conducting maintenance on its boiler pump.
OSHA issued Keystone Foods a citation for a serious violation under the OSH Act’s general duty clause and proposed penalties of $16,550.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Visit OSHA’s website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.
Brazilian Stone Design LLC to pay $33K in penalties after OSHA finds 7 serious violations
ATLANTA – U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors determined that Brazilian Stone Design LLC, a Powder Springs stone countertop manufacturer, exposed workers to respirable crystalline silica.
The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the employer, which fabricates and sells kitchen and bathroom countertops, with seven serious citations. The employer will pay $33,000 in penalties.
The employer was cited for allegedly exposing workers to high airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica and failing to require the use of respirators; perform fit testing and training for workers wearing respirators; conduct air monitoring; and administer an effective hearing conservation program.
To help protect workers, OSHA has issued two respirable crystalline silica standards, one for construction and the other for general industry and maritime. Learn more about crystalline silica.
Visit OSHA’s website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today published more than 200 decision letters, known as complete response letters (CRLs). The CRLs were issued in response to applications submitted to the FDA for approval of drugs or biological products between 2020 and 2024, marking a significant step in the Agency’s broader initiatives to modernize and increase transparency. By making the CRLs available, the public now has significantly greater insight into the FDA’s decision-making and the most common deficiencies cited that sponsors must address before their application is approved. CRLs are issued directly to product sponsors when the FDA completes its review cycle and determines that it cannot grant an approval of an application in its current form. The FDA issues CRLs for various reasons, most related to safety and efficacy concerns, manufacturing deficiencies, and bioequivalence issues. These deficiencies are detailed in the letter and may also include recommendations for addressing them. “For far too long, drug developers have been playing a guessing game when navigating the FDA,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Drug developers and capital markets alike want predictability. So today we’re one step closer to delivering it to them, with an ultimate goal of bringing cures and meaningful treatments to patients faster.” Because the FDA has historically refrained from publishing CRLs for pending applications, sponsors often misrepresent the rationale behind FDA’s decision to their stakeholders and the public. According to a 2015 analysis conducted by FDA researchers, sponsors avoided mentioning 85% of the FDA’s concerns about safety and efficacy when announcing publicly that their application was not approved. Moreover, when FDA calls for a new clinical trial for safety or efficacy, that critical information is not disclosed approximately 40% of the time. Lessons learned from non-approvals are also not shared within the industry, leading companies to repeatedly make similar mistakes. This initial batch of published decision letters associated with since-approved applications is now accessible to the public at openFDA . The CRLs were redacted for trade secrets and confidential commercial information. The Agency is in the process of publishing additional CRLs from its archives and is continuously exploring ways of providing the public with greater transparency into its decision-making process.
Consumer:888-INFO-FDA
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Boilerplate
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 10, 2025 FDA Publish Date: July 10, 2025 Product Type: Food & BeveragesBakery Product/MixAllergens Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description Undeclared hazelnuts
Company Name: Hartford Bakery, Inc. Brand Name:
Brand Name(s) Lewis Bake Shop
Product Description:
Product Description Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf
Company Announcement EVANSVILLE, IN – July 10, 2025 — Hartford Bakery, Inc. is voluntarily recalling six lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” as this product may contain undeclared hazelnuts. People with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products. Out of an abundance of caution, Hartford Bakery, Inc. is removing all units of product included in the six effected lot codes noted below. Hartford Bakery, Inc has determined that no other lot codes were affected. The recalled “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” products were distributed in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi retailers, including Kroger and Walmart. The product comes in a flexible plastic bag marked with the following information:
Lot code T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, T10 174020406 found on the front panel of packaging. Net Weight 12OZ (340G), UPC 24126018152 found on the bottom of packaging. An expiration date of 07/13/2025 found on the front panel of packaging.
The recall was initiated after discovering that approximately 883 loaves of bread from six production lots contained visible hazelnuts and were distributed in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” packaging. While the packaging states “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it does not state that it “Contains Hazelnuts.” An investigation revealed an error in change of packaging for a hazelnut-containing bread to the implicated white bread product. While there have been no major reports of injury or illness to date, Hartford Bakery is aware of one customer who experienced digestive discomfort after consumption. Hartford Bakery also received consumer complaints from those who saw the nuts before consuming the product. Consumers who purchased the implicated products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Hartford Bakery at 1-812-425-4642 Monday through Friday, except for holidays, from 8:00am-3:00pm CST.
People pray before Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance at a town hall hosted by Lance Wallnau on Sept. 28, 2024, in Monroeville, Pa.AP Photo/Rebecca Droke
The NAR is a loosely organized but influential charismatic Christian movement that shares similarities with Pentecostalism, especially in its belief that God actively communicates with believers through the Holy Spirit. Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, however, the organization emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets as authoritative leaders tasked with transforming society and ushering in God’s kingdom on Earth. Prayer, prophecy and worship are defined not only as acts of devotion but as strategic tools for advancing believers’ vision of government and society.
After the shooting, the Christ for the Nations Institute issued a statement “unequivocally” denouncing “any and all forms of violence and extremism.” It stated: “Our organization’s mission is to educate and equip students to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through compassion, love, prayer, service, worship, and value for human life.”
But the shooting has drawn attention to the school and the larger Christian movement it belongs to. One of the most important aspects of NAR teachings today is what is called “the Seven Mountain Mandate.”
The Seven Mountain Mandate calls on Christians to gain influence, or “take dominion,” over seven key areas of culture: religion, family, education, government, media, business and the arts.
The Seven Mountain concept was originally proposed in 1975 by evangelical leader Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Now known as “Cru,” the Campus Crusade for Christ was founded as a global ministry in 1951 to promote Christian evangelism, especially on college campuses.
Since 1996, Bill Johnson, a senior leader of Bethel Church, and Johnny Enlow, a self-described prophet and Seven Mountain advocate, among others, have taken the original idea of the Seven Mountain Mandate and reshaped it into a more aggressive, political and spiritually militant approach. Spiritual militancy reflects an aggressive, us-vs.-them mindset that blurs the line between faith and authoritarianism, promoting dominion over society in the name of spiritual warfare.
Their version doesn’t just aim to influence culture; it frames the effort as a spiritual battle to reclaim and reshape the nation according to their vision of God’s will.
Lance Wallnau, another Christian evangelical preacher, televangelist, speaker and author, has promoted dominion theology since the early 2000s. During the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Wallnau, along with several prominent NAR figures, described Donald Trump as anointed by God to reclaim the “mountain” of government from demonic control.
In their book “Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate,” Wallnau and Johnson explicitly call for Christian leadership as the only antidote to perceived moral decay and spiritual darkness.
NAR-aligned leaders have framed electoral contests as struggles between “godly” candidates and those under the sway of “satanic” influence.
Similarly, NAR prophet Cindy Jacobs has repeatedly emphasized the need for “spiritual warfare” in schools to combat what she characterizes as “demonic ideologies” such as sex education, LGBTQ+ inclusion or discussions of systemic racism.
In the NAR worldview, cultural change is not merely political or social but considered a supernatural mission; opponents are not simply wrong but possibly under the sway of demonic influence. Elections become spiritual battles.
This belief system views pluralism as weakness, compromise as betrayal, and coexistence as capitulation. Frederick Clarkson, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates, a progressive think tank based in Somerville, Massachusetts, defines the Seven Mountain Mandate as “the theocratic idea that Christians are called by God to exercise dominion over every aspect of society by taking control of political and cultural institutions.”
The call to “take back” the culture is not metaphorical but literal, and believers are encouraged to see themselves as soldiers in a holy war to dominate society. Some critics argue that NAR’s call to “take back” culture is about literal domination, but this interpretation is contested.
Many within the movement see the language of warfare as spiritually focused on prayer, evangelism and influencing hearts and minds. Still, the line between metaphor and mandate can blur, especially when rhetoric about “dominion” intersects with political and cultural action. That tension is part of an ongoing debate both within and outside the movement.
At the same time, the Seven Mountain Mandate doesn’t depend on centralized leadership or formal institutions. It spreads organically through social networks, social media – notably podcasts and livestreams – and revivalist meetings and workshops.
André Gagné, a theologian and author of “American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times,” writes about the ways in which the mandate spreads by empowering local leaders and believers. Individuals are authorized – often through teachings on spiritual warfare, prophetic gifting, and apostolic leadership – to see themselves as agents of divine transformation in society, called to reclaim the “mountains,” such as government, media and education, for God’s kingdom.
This approach, Gagné explains, allows different communities to adapt the action mandate to their unique cultural, political and social contexts. It encourages individuals to see themselves as spiritual warriors and leaders in their domains – whether in business, education, government, media or the arts.
The framing of the Seven Mountain Mandate as a divinely inspired mission, combined with the movement’s emphasis on direct spiritual experiences and a specific interpretation of scripture, can create an environment where questioning the mandate is perceived as challenging God’s authority.
Slippery slope
These beliefs have increasingly fused with nationalist rhetoric and conspiracy theories.
The ‘Appeal to Heaven’ flags symbolize the belief that people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority when they think the government has failed. Paul Becker/Becker1999 via Flickr, CC BY
A powerful example of NAR political rhetoric in action is the rise and influence of the “Appeal to Heaven” flags. For those in the New Apostolic Reformation, these flags symbolize the belief that when all earthly authority fails, people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority to justify resistance.
To be clear, its leaders are not calling for violence but rather for direct political engagement and protest. For some believers, however, the calls for “spiritual warfare” may become a slippery slope into justification for violence, as in the case of the alleged Minnesota shooter.
Understanding the Seven Mountain Mandate is essential for grasping the dynamics of contemporary efforts to align government and culture with a particular vision of Christian authority and influence.
Art Jipson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today introduced the Say No to Indoctrination Act to codify President Trump’s executive order preventing taxpayer dollars from funding radical gender ideology in K-12 schools.
“Schools should prepare our children for the future, not promote radical gender ideology,” said Risch.“The Say No to Indoctrination Act puts an end to woke education practices in K-12 schools and makes President Trump’s common-sense policy permanent.”
Senator Risch’s bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and has received support from Concerned Women for America and American Principles Project.
“Children should not be radicalized, indoctrinated or taught gender ideology in public elementary or secondary schools funded by federal tax dollars,” Crapo said. “This legislation places commonsense guardrails around the use of these dollars in public education, which will ensure schools are providing foundational instruction in subjects like mathematics and reading rather than divisive concepts of gender ideology.”
“For far too long, radical left-wing ideology has preyed on K-12 students in our nation’s school systems. It’s high time we put a stop to these woke lesson plans that take advantage of children and undermine parental rights. I am proud to join Senator Risch and my colleagues to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding public schools that teach gender ideology,” said Budd.
“As American students lag behind globally in math, reading, and writing, the last thing our taxpayer-funded teachers and schools should be doing is teaching radical leftist nonsense like so-called gender theory,” said Marshall. “I’m proud to support this legislation to codify President Trump’s executive order, and ensure our children’s education is focused on meaningful, future-ready skills, not woke ideology.
“Parents send their kids to school to learn the skills they need to succeed later in life, not to be indoctrinated with radical gender ideology. There are only two genders—male and female, and not a single penny of federal funds should go to schools that teach anything different,” said Schmitt.
“Our children go to school to be educated, not indoctrinated,” said Tuberville. “I’ve always said that education is the key to unlocking opportunity. But under Joe Biden, Democrats turned our children’s classrooms into woke propaganda HQ. Schools should focus on teaching kids to read, write, and do math. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Say No to Indoctrination Act to get woke politics out of the classroom.”
The Say No to Indoctrination Act codifies the Executive Order President Trump issued on January 20, 2025, declaring that no taxpayer dollars be sent to K-12 schools that teach or promote radical gender ideology.
Risch has long fought to eradicate radical gender ideology. In May, Risch introduced the Protecting Minors in Federal Health Plans Act, which would prohibit Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans from covering gender transitions for minors. Risch also introduced the Dismantle DEI Act to codify President Trump’s executive order terminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and initiatives.
Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system.
The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.
“By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone. I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”
“Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”
“A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”
“Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”
Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.
Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.
Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.
“As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”
“The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”
“Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”
“Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”
Indigenous Advisory Council
Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.
Related information
Advisory councils – Health
Terms of Reference: Regional Advisory Councils
Member Handbook
Related news
Ensuring a successfully refocused health system (Nov. 18, 2024)
Get involved in Alberta’s health advisory councils (April 16, 2024)
EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced eight pharmaceutical companies will pay approximately $720 million for their role in manufacturing opioid pills that fueled the ongoing nationwide epidemic of opioid addictions. These funds will help deliver critical resources to communities throughout New York and the nation to combat the opioid crisis. New York will receive up to $38.7 million from the eight companies. To date, Attorney General James has secured more than $3 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts.
“For years, drug companies prioritized profits at the expense of struggling New Yorkers who became trapped in deadly opioid addictions,” said Attorney General James. “While communities throughout our state continue to suffer from the opioid crisis, these resources will help us begin to heal. I will continue to work to hold those responsible for the opioid crisis accountable and ensure that New Yorkers who have been most affected get the support they need.”
The eight companies and the total amounts they will pay in funding to address the opioid crisis are:
Mylan (now part of Viatris) will pay $284,447,916 over nine years;
Hikma will pay $95,818,293 over one to four years;
Amneal will pay $71,751,010 over 10 years;
Apotex will pay $63,682,369 in a single year;
Indivior will pay $38,022,450 over four years;
Sun will pay $30,992,087 in one to four years;
Alvogen will pay $18,680,162 in a single year; and
Zydus will pay $14,859,220 in a single year.
Payments will begin as soon as 2026. The eight companies will also provide $14 million in additional funding and Mylan, Hikma, Amneal, and Indivior will provide opioid addiction treatment medications or cash in lieu of this product to participating states valued at approximately $86 million. All companies besides Indivior will be prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products and making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill. They must also put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior will not manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid addiction.
For New York, the settlement negotiations were led by Special Counsel Monica Hanna and Assistant Attorney General Matthew Conrad with the assistance of the Deputy Director of Research and Analytics Gautam Sisodia and Data Scientist Kenneth Morales, under the supervision of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. In addition to New York, the settlements were negotiated by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.
Attorney General James is a national leader in holding accountable the companies that fueled the opioid crisis and securing resources to help combat the epidemic of addictions and overdoses. To date, Attorney General James has secured more than $3 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts from companies including, Purdue, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt, Allergan, Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen. Attorney General James has also led multistate coalitions in reaching settlements for billions of dollars with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart for their roles in failing to properly regulate opioid prescriptions. Additionally, Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition of states secured settlements with consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the marketing firm Publicis Health for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can cause severe disease and complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death. It can spread through air. People can pass the virus to others before they show symptoms, and the virus can stay suspended in the air in a room for several hours.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis. Three to four days after the onset of fever, a rash develops. It generally begins on the face, then spreads rapidly to the rest of the body.
There has been a resurgence of measles activity in Canada in recent years, with several thousand confirmed cases reported nationally in 2025, after 146 cases were reported in 2024. Cases occur largely in people who were unimmunized or under-immunized (only received one dose). There is also significant measles transmission in other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and Africa. This is usually the source of cases seen in Canada.
Measles vaccines have been part of B.C.’s immunization program since 1969, with a second dose (and a comprehensive catch-up campaign for children, youth, and young adults) added to the schedule in 1996.
In B.C., measles vaccine is provided as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for the first dose and is recommended for children beginning at their first birthday. A second dose, generally with measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (MMRV), is given at school entry (age 4-6 years).
How to check your immunization records:
Check immunization records for adults and children through the Health Gateway.
If the records are not in the Health Gateway:
Adults and children may have received a paper record at the time of immunization. For example, in B.C., immunizations may be recorded in the Child Health Passport.
If the immunization record is incomplete in Health Gateway and people have a paper record, they can submit the record.
If people don’t have a paper record, they can:
Contact the health-care provider that gave the vaccines.
Contact the community health nurse if the vaccines were given in a First Nations community.
If people have moved to B.C. from another province or country, contact the immunization provider or local public health unit and ask to have the records sent to them.
Drivers who park illegally in Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General sites) and IWK Health Centre parking lots can be fined $500 starting today, July 10.
“Free on-site parking at health facilities is for patients, visitors and authorized staff. We want to discourage drivers from parking at these sites without a valid reason and crowding out legitimate users,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “We hope this step will be a strong deterrent for anyone considering parking at a hospital or healthcare facility who is not seeking or providing care.”
The Province has created new regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act that allow parking enforcement officers to issue tickets to drivers of vehicles parked illegally in designated hospital parking lots in Halifax.
The Health Authority Parking Lots Pilot Project Regulations:
impose a fine of $500 for parking in specific hospital parking lots if not attending a Queen Elizabeth II or IWK facility
list authorized users, including patients, healthcare providers, health authority employees, visitors, volunteers and service providers
list documents that can be used to show the person is properly parking in the lot (e.g. a health authority exit pass, health authority ID, etc.).
Parking tickets will be issued by a peace officer or a special constable. Both health authorities – Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health – will have special constables authorized to issue parking tickets.
Quick Facts:
the ticket amount is $536.60, but will be reduced to $500 if it is paid during the first 60 days after it is issued, in accordance with the Summary Offence Tickets Regulations
the QEII Health Sciences Centre includes buildings on two sites in Halifax – the Halifax Infirmary site includes Camp Hill Veterans Memorial, Abbie J. Lane Memorial and the Halifax Infirmary; the Victoria General site includes the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, the Centre for Clinical Research, and the Bethune, Mackenzie, Dickson, Victoria and Centennial buildings
Additional Resources:
Health Authority Parking Lots Pilot Project Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/2025-129.pdf
News release – Free Parking at Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/30/free-parking-hospitals-healthcare-facilities
Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Designate Astria Toppenish as a Critical Access Hospital
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to allow Astria Toppenish to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital, which is currently ineligible for certain rural hospital support due to unique geographic and economic factors and the number of patients it serves.
“This legislation helps address the unique financial situation of Astria Toppenish by allowing them to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital. Certain rural hospitals like Astria Toppenish face unique challenges qualifying for adequate federal reimbursements as the demand for services continues to rise. While there is plenty of work to be done in addressing these challenges, this legislation is a strong first step in reforming the way we support rural hospitals providing critical health services to our communities.” said Rep. Newhouse.
This legislation would directly benefit Astria-Toppenish as it delivers critical healthcare services to the area but is not currently eligible for CAH status. This status would allow it to access financial benefits that allow other rural hospitals to continue providing care to the communities they serve.
“I’m proud of the collective work done to propel forward legislation for a Critical Access Hospital designation for Astria Toppenish Hospital. This rural facility serves a vital role in the Yakima Valley, especially for the residents of Toppenish and the Yakama Nation. Without this hospital, families would be left without access to timely, lifesaving care—and that’s simply unacceptable,”said Brian Gibbons, President and CEO of Astria Health.
Gibbons continued,“Astria Health has stretched resources as far as they can go, doing everything possible to keep the doors open. But no health system—especially one serving multiple underserved communities—can continue reallocating funds without consequences.”
Cathy Bambrick, Administrator for Astria Toppenish Hospital, added,“A Critical Access designation would allow Toppenish hospital to receive enhanced reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid patients—who make up the majority of those treated at our facility. It’s a commonsense, fiscally responsible solution that supports rural health, preserves access to care, and upholds our commitment to underserved populations.”
The CAH designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. To accomplish this goal, CAHs receive certain benefits, such as cost-based reimbursement for Medicare services.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Designate Astria Toppenish as a Critical Access Hospital
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to allow Astria Toppenish to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital, which is currently ineligible for certain rural hospital support due to unique geographic and economic factors and the number of patients it serves.
“This legislation helps address the unique financial situation of Astria Toppenish by allowing them to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital. Certain rural hospitals like Astria Toppenish face unique challenges qualifying for adequate federal reimbursements as the demand for services continues to rise. While there is plenty of work to be done in addressing these challenges, this legislation is a strong first step in reforming the way we support rural hospitals providing critical health services to our communities.” said Rep. Newhouse.
This legislation would directly benefit Astria-Toppenish as it delivers critical healthcare services to the area but is not currently eligible for CAH status. This status would allow it to access financial benefits that allow other rural hospitals to continue providing care to the communities they serve.
“I’m proud of the collective work done to propel forward legislation for a Critical Access Hospital designation for Astria Toppenish Hospital. This rural facility serves a vital role in the Yakima Valley, especially for the residents of Toppenish and the Yakama Nation. Without this hospital, families would be left without access to timely, lifesaving care—and that’s simply unacceptable,”said Brian Gibbons, President and CEO of Astria Health.
Gibbons continued,“Astria Health has stretched resources as far as they can go, doing everything possible to keep the doors open. But no health system—especially one serving multiple underserved communities—can continue reallocating funds without consequences.”
Cathy Bambrick, Administrator for Astria Toppenish Hospital, added,“A Critical Access designation would allow Toppenish hospital to receive enhanced reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid patients—who make up the majority of those treated at our facility. It’s a commonsense, fiscally responsible solution that supports rural health, preserves access to care, and upholds our commitment to underserved populations.”
The CAH designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. To accomplish this goal, CAHs receive certain benefits, such as cost-based reimbursement for Medicare services.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study in PLOS Climate looks at projections of future heat deaths in England and Wales given different climate scenarios.
Dr Raquel Nunes, Assistant Professor in Health and Environment at the University of Warwick, said:
“The study highlights the importance of mitigation and adaptation for future heat-health outcomes. While it presents valuable future projections, it relies on pre-defined assumptions and scenarios, largely omitting the urgent need to transition from reactive to anticipatory strategies.
“The forecast of a third consecutive UK heatwave so far this summer – and the increasing frequency, intensity and duration of such events – underscores the urgent need to shift from reactive to anticipatory strategies. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are both preventable and avoidable, yet they expose systemic failures and highlight the need for socially inclusive and institutionally embedded adaptation across governance, infrastructure, and health and care services to prevent increasing vulnerabilities and inequalities.”
Dr Akshay Deoras, Research Scientist at the University of Reading, said:
“If floods and storms are the loud alarms of climate change, extreme heat is its silent killer. It is disproportionately lethal, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. With another heatwave bearing down on the UK, this warning feels more urgent than ever.
“This new comprehensive study makes the threat clear. It analyses heat-related mortality across fifteen plausible combinations of climate and socioeconomic scenarios, capturing a wide range of possible futures for England and Wales. It simultaneously accounts for climate change, population growth and ageing, and adaptive capacity. This multi-driver approach avoids the underestimation of future health burdens that can occur when only one driver is considered.
“The results show that heat is not only claiming more lives, but that power outages and an aging population could make things far worse if adaptation doesn’t keep pace. Even under the most optimistic scenarios, heat-related deaths are set to rise sharply by mid-century. One of the limitations of the study is that temperature exposure is assigned at the regional level using population-weighted averages, which may not fully reflect local microclimates, potentially masking local hotspots of risk.
“To save lives, we must cut greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen adaptation strategies at the same time. Crucially, the study highlights the power of natural, passive cooling techniques, such as shutters, shading, and cool roofs, which work even when the electricity fails. These solutions not only protect people but also avoid the trap of relying on air conditioning, which drives further global warming. As the UK experiences fewer cold extremes and more frequent and deadly heatwaves, protecting older adults must be at the heart of climate and public health planning—before this silent threat becomes an undeniable crisis.”
Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Reading, said:
“Warming of the climate is making heatwaves more severe and dangerous. The new study paints a concerning picture of the future in which a greater intensity of summer heat compounds with an ageing, more vulnerable population to increase the risk of death.
“The research finds danger to people from persistent heat diminishes in scenarios involving deeper cuts in climate warming greenhouse gases but remain concerningly large, meaning that adaptation of our infrastructure and culture is also needed as well as rapidly transitioning to a low carbon society.
“The study also notes a concurrent reduction in mortality from cold extremes and may underestimate the adaptive measures that could be adopted in response to hot conditions but underscores the importance of avoiding the worst case storylines by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving our resilience to worsening weather extremes.”
‘Projections of heat related mortality under combined climate and socioeconomic adaptation scenarios for England and Wales’ by Rebecca Cole et al. was published in PLOS Climate at 7pm UK time on Thursday 10 July 2025.
UConn John Dempsey Hospital continues to earn national honors for delivering lifesaving care to patients experiencing strokes and heart attacks. The hospital has once again received multiple American Heart Association (AHA) awards for excellence in stroke and cardiovascular treatment, continuing a longstanding tradition of high performance and commitment to quality.
These honors reflect the hospital’s sustained excellence in treating both stroke and heart attack patients, including those with complex conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.
Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award (9th consecutive year)
Mission: Lifeline® – STEMI Receiving Center Gold Award (11th consecutive year)
Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Silver Award
The Stroke Gold Plus Award celebrates the hospital’s ninth consecutive year of delivering stroke care that aligns with the latest, research-based national guidelines. The recognition also includes the Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award, which highlights UConn John Dempsey Hospital’s commitment to caring for stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes, who face an increased risk of complications.
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the U.S. The AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke initiative helps hospitals improve outcomes by ensuring consistent, timely care that reduces disability and improves survival rates.
In cardiovascular care, the hospital once again earned high marks for its treatment of both ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) a severe form of heart attack caused by a full blockage of a coronary artery and non-ST elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMI), which are more common and require complex clinical management.
The STEMI Receiving Center Gold Award, earned for the 11th straight year, recognizes hospitals that provide 24/7 rapid response care and coordinate closely with emergency medical services to restore blood flow as quickly as possible. The NSTEMI Silver Award highlights the hospital’s continued focus on guideline-driven care and recovery support for patients experiencing this more frequent, yet still dangerous, type of heart attack.
UConn John Dempsey Hospital also earned another Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll distinction in cardiovascular care—recognizing its integrated care approach for patients who are at higher risk due to diabetes and other chronic conditions.
These recognitions reaffirm UConn John Dempsey Hospital’s role as a regional leader in emergency stroke and heart care.
“These national honors are a direct reflection of the talent, dedication, and teamwork of our clinical staff,” said Dr. Andy Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health. “We are proud to provide Connecticut residents with access to exceptional, evidence-based care that continues to improve outcomes and save lives.
With its continued streak of national honors, UConn John Dempsey Hospital remains at the forefront of evidence-based, time-sensitive care that saves lives and supports long-term recovery.
BLUE BELL, Pa., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Slipstream, a trusted technology partner serving the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical industry, is proud to announce its co-authorship of a groundbreaking study on Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), recently published in the American Journal of Hematology.
The study, “Characterizing the Healthcare Utilization and Costs of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia”, is the largest study of patients with HHT ever conducted, including over 24,000 patients living with this rare, inherited bleeding disorder. The research reveals that, within this sample, the direct medical costs for HHT exceeded $450 million annually in the United States, driven primarily by the treatment of bleeding-related complications, including anemia.
“By leveraging Komodo Health’s Healthcare Map®, which includes data from over 330 million US patients, we have been able to characterize a rare disease whose natural history and burden have never been well-defined or fully understood,” said Tracy J. Mayne, PhD, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Life Science Research at Slipstream. “We now know that nearly 60% of patients diagnosed with HHT have bleeding so severe that it causes anemia, and a significant portion of those patients receive frequent IV iron and/or red cell transfusions. The burden for both patients and the healthcare system is enormous, with significant implications for advocacy and drug development.”
The research team, which includes collaborators from Massachusetts General Hospital, Cure HHT, and Diagonal Therapeutics, utilized Komodo real-world claims data to evaluate the economic burden of disease in a cohort of more than 24,000 patients in 2022 and 2023.
Key findings from the publication include:
Per patient per year (PPPY) costs for people living with HHT are comparable to or surpass those of other rare and resource-intensive diseases.
Bleeding and its consequences were identified as the primary drivers of healthcare costs.
Mean PPPY costs for all HHT patients were >$19,000 across 2022 and 2023, about 20% higher than those for sickle cell disease.
For HHT patients with anemia, the mean PPPY costs were approximately $27,000
Patients with HHT receiving hematologic support (iron infusions and/or red blood cell transfusions) had mean PPPY costs of approximately $40,000
HHT patients with anemia, while accounting for nearly 60% of the HHT patient population, were responsible for approximately 80% of the direct medical costs.
Notably, the prevalence of liver transplantation among HHT patients, arising from complications of liver AVMs, was 40 times greater than in the general U.S. population.
“Slipstream was founded on the belief that technology should empower the life sciences industry to move faster, work smarter, and operate more efficiently,” said Brandon McKay, Chief Executive Officer at Slipstream. “Studies like this one validate how the right data, paired with the right expertise, can redefine what is possible in healthcare. This collaboration is exactly the kind of work we strive to do partnering with innovators across the ecosystem to unlock the power of real-world data and digital platforms. Our goal is always to accelerate impact where it matters most, improving patient outcomes.”
This landmark study provides critical evidence of the high level of unmet need for patients living with HHT, who have few treatment options and no approved drugs that modify disease or are able to slow or halt progression. This study strengthens the case for future therapeutic development and is an example of the value real-world evidence and the Komodo health database bring to the rare disease space.
About Slipstream Slipstream is a trusted technology partner exclusively serving the Life Sciences industry. Our global team brings deep domain expertise and pragmatic, end-to-end solutions that simplify complex challenges across the entire product lifecycle. We deliver with speed, compliance, and foresight— empowering clients to accelerate research, optimize time to market, and improve patient outcomes, ensuring technology keeps pace with their life-changing mission.
About Slipstream’s Digital CRO Practice
Slipstream’s Digital CRO Practice is advancing drug development by utilizing real-world data and current data science to create external/synthetic controls and real-world/placebo hybrids as primary basis of approval for drugs developed to treat rare diseases. As a market leader in digital pharmaceutical digital platforms, Slipstream combines deep therapeutic expertise with real-world regulatory experience and industry-leading technology to help rare disease companies achieve approval faster and at significantly reduced cost. Using large national databases, Slipstream also assists in site identification and recruitment for rare disease trials.
BLUE BELL, Pa., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Slipstream, a trusted technology partner serving the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical industry, is proud to announce its co-authorship of a groundbreaking study on Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), recently published in the American Journal of Hematology.
The study, “Characterizing the Healthcare Utilization and Costs of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia”, is the largest study of patients with HHT ever conducted, including over 24,000 patients living with this rare, inherited bleeding disorder. The research reveals that, within this sample, the direct medical costs for HHT exceeded $450 million annually in the United States, driven primarily by the treatment of bleeding-related complications, including anemia.
“By leveraging Komodo Health’s Healthcare Map®, which includes data from over 330 million US patients, we have been able to characterize a rare disease whose natural history and burden have never been well-defined or fully understood,” said Tracy J. Mayne, PhD, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Life Science Research at Slipstream. “We now know that nearly 60% of patients diagnosed with HHT have bleeding so severe that it causes anemia, and a significant portion of those patients receive frequent IV iron and/or red cell transfusions. The burden for both patients and the healthcare system is enormous, with significant implications for advocacy and drug development.”
The research team, which includes collaborators from Massachusetts General Hospital, Cure HHT, and Diagonal Therapeutics, utilized Komodo real-world claims data to evaluate the economic burden of disease in a cohort of more than 24,000 patients in 2022 and 2023.
Key findings from the publication include:
Per patient per year (PPPY) costs for people living with HHT are comparable to or surpass those of other rare and resource-intensive diseases.
Bleeding and its consequences were identified as the primary drivers of healthcare costs.
Mean PPPY costs for all HHT patients were >$19,000 across 2022 and 2023, about 20% higher than those for sickle cell disease.
For HHT patients with anemia, the mean PPPY costs were approximately $27,000
Patients with HHT receiving hematologic support (iron infusions and/or red blood cell transfusions) had mean PPPY costs of approximately $40,000
HHT patients with anemia, while accounting for nearly 60% of the HHT patient population, were responsible for approximately 80% of the direct medical costs.
Notably, the prevalence of liver transplantation among HHT patients, arising from complications of liver AVMs, was 40 times greater than in the general U.S. population.
“Slipstream was founded on the belief that technology should empower the life sciences industry to move faster, work smarter, and operate more efficiently,” said Brandon McKay, Chief Executive Officer at Slipstream. “Studies like this one validate how the right data, paired with the right expertise, can redefine what is possible in healthcare. This collaboration is exactly the kind of work we strive to do partnering with innovators across the ecosystem to unlock the power of real-world data and digital platforms. Our goal is always to accelerate impact where it matters most, improving patient outcomes.”
This landmark study provides critical evidence of the high level of unmet need for patients living with HHT, who have few treatment options and no approved drugs that modify disease or are able to slow or halt progression. This study strengthens the case for future therapeutic development and is an example of the value real-world evidence and the Komodo health database bring to the rare disease space.
About Slipstream Slipstream is a trusted technology partner exclusively serving the Life Sciences industry. Our global team brings deep domain expertise and pragmatic, end-to-end solutions that simplify complex challenges across the entire product lifecycle. We deliver with speed, compliance, and foresight— empowering clients to accelerate research, optimize time to market, and improve patient outcomes, ensuring technology keeps pace with their life-changing mission.
About Slipstream’s Digital CRO Practice
Slipstream’s Digital CRO Practice is advancing drug development by utilizing real-world data and current data science to create external/synthetic controls and real-world/placebo hybrids as primary basis of approval for drugs developed to treat rare diseases. As a market leader in digital pharmaceutical digital platforms, Slipstream combines deep therapeutic expertise with real-world regulatory experience and industry-leading technology to help rare disease companies achieve approval faster and at significantly reduced cost. Using large national databases, Slipstream also assists in site identification and recruitment for rare disease trials.
BLUE BELL, Pa., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Slipstream, a trusted technology partner serving the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical industry, is proud to announce its co-authorship of a groundbreaking study on Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), recently published in the American Journal of Hematology.
The study, “Characterizing the Healthcare Utilization and Costs of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia”, is the largest study of patients with HHT ever conducted, including over 24,000 patients living with this rare, inherited bleeding disorder. The research reveals that, within this sample, the direct medical costs for HHT exceeded $450 million annually in the United States, driven primarily by the treatment of bleeding-related complications, including anemia.
“By leveraging Komodo Health’s Healthcare Map®, which includes data from over 330 million US patients, we have been able to characterize a rare disease whose natural history and burden have never been well-defined or fully understood,” said Tracy J. Mayne, PhD, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Life Science Research at Slipstream. “We now know that nearly 60% of patients diagnosed with HHT have bleeding so severe that it causes anemia, and a significant portion of those patients receive frequent IV iron and/or red cell transfusions. The burden for both patients and the healthcare system is enormous, with significant implications for advocacy and drug development.”
The research team, which includes collaborators from Massachusetts General Hospital, Cure HHT, and Diagonal Therapeutics, utilized Komodo real-world claims data to evaluate the economic burden of disease in a cohort of more than 24,000 patients in 2022 and 2023.
Key findings from the publication include:
Per patient per year (PPPY) costs for people living with HHT are comparable to or surpass those of other rare and resource-intensive diseases.
Bleeding and its consequences were identified as the primary drivers of healthcare costs.
Mean PPPY costs for all HHT patients were >$19,000 across 2022 and 2023, about 20% higher than those for sickle cell disease.
For HHT patients with anemia, the mean PPPY costs were approximately $27,000
Patients with HHT receiving hematologic support (iron infusions and/or red blood cell transfusions) had mean PPPY costs of approximately $40,000
HHT patients with anemia, while accounting for nearly 60% of the HHT patient population, were responsible for approximately 80% of the direct medical costs.
Notably, the prevalence of liver transplantation among HHT patients, arising from complications of liver AVMs, was 40 times greater than in the general U.S. population.
“Slipstream was founded on the belief that technology should empower the life sciences industry to move faster, work smarter, and operate more efficiently,” said Brandon McKay, Chief Executive Officer at Slipstream. “Studies like this one validate how the right data, paired with the right expertise, can redefine what is possible in healthcare. This collaboration is exactly the kind of work we strive to do partnering with innovators across the ecosystem to unlock the power of real-world data and digital platforms. Our goal is always to accelerate impact where it matters most, improving patient outcomes.”
This landmark study provides critical evidence of the high level of unmet need for patients living with HHT, who have few treatment options and no approved drugs that modify disease or are able to slow or halt progression. This study strengthens the case for future therapeutic development and is an example of the value real-world evidence and the Komodo health database bring to the rare disease space.
About Slipstream Slipstream is a trusted technology partner exclusively serving the Life Sciences industry. Our global team brings deep domain expertise and pragmatic, end-to-end solutions that simplify complex challenges across the entire product lifecycle. We deliver with speed, compliance, and foresight— empowering clients to accelerate research, optimize time to market, and improve patient outcomes, ensuring technology keeps pace with their life-changing mission.
About Slipstream’s Digital CRO Practice
Slipstream’s Digital CRO Practice is advancing drug development by utilizing real-world data and current data science to create external/synthetic controls and real-world/placebo hybrids as primary basis of approval for drugs developed to treat rare diseases. As a market leader in digital pharmaceutical digital platforms, Slipstream combines deep therapeutic expertise with real-world regulatory experience and industry-leading technology to help rare disease companies achieve approval faster and at significantly reduced cost. Using large national databases, Slipstream also assists in site identification and recruitment for rare disease trials.
