NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller Speaks on the Need to Reform Temporary Assistance for Needy Families During Ways and Means Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) participated in a Ways and Means hearing that focused on the misuse of welfare funds and the need to reform Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) non-assistance funds to ensure the money goes to families in need, connects people to work, and improves accountability. 

    Congresswoman Miller began her remarks by highlighting how TANF fraud has been committed within different states including West Virginia. She asked former professional football player, Brett Favre, to share his concerns about the misuse of these funds spreading throughout the country. 

    “I was reviewing the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) statement for the record highlighting the forthcoming report Chairman Smith and Chairman LaHood requested investigating TANF non-assistance spending. One thing that disturbed me was how widespread and repetitive TANF waste, fraud, and abuse is in the country and how weak our accounting systems are to catch and correct it. According to the GAO, 99 of the 155 audit findings have repeated for at least 1 year. West Virginia has had the same internal control deficiency finding reported for 15 years and nothing has been done to correct it. Mr. Favre, do you believe more scandals like the one you found yourself involved in is possible across the country if we don’t act now to reform and bring more transparency and accountability to the TANF program?” asked Congresswoman Miller. 

    “100% absolutely. If it can happen in my state, it can happen in any state. You just spoke on the statistics and it’s kind of frightening to be honest with you what is being wasted,” responded Brett Favre.

    Congresswoman Miller asked Sam Adolphsen, the Policy Director for the Foundation for Government Accountability, about what necessary steps the Federal Government should take to ensure that TANF non-assistance funds are going to the right places. 

    “TANF is our nation’s primary welfare program, but it’s my understanding that there are no federal guidelines about eligibility and that there are issues with how funding is allocated to states. Based on your testimony, we know that you believe TANF could be better utilized if that were the case. For example, West Virginia has historically had a higher poverty rate compared to the rest of the country. That would mean that my home state would need more funds to address the unique challenges and demographic of my rural community. What can we do at the federal level to make sure TANF money is actually getting to families in poverty and to states with the highest rates of poverty?” asked Congresswoman Miller. 

    “One of the things we could do to stop this from happening is to actually enforce some of the rules we do have. California has been out of compliance for 15 years with their work participation rate. [The Department of Health and Human Services] HHS has said that there’s $1 billion in fines, essentially that they should levy, but they’ve written that down to $60 million. We have these audits, that you mentioned, that the GAO is looking at. The first and easy step is just to act on those basic oversight measures that we can already take. I think just the question of the funding is exactly the right question. How do we make sure there’s money in these programs, right? There are unobligated funds, there are carryover funds, there is a large outlay of funding to the states. We need to make sure it gets targeted down to the folks who need it the most. We need to get into the rural areas of each state with the highest levels of poverty where they need some assistance to help get back on their feet. The way that can be done is by making sure states use most of that funding to meet the core objectives because those are going to target those in poverty directly,” responded Mr. Adolphsen. 

    Congresswoman Miller proceeded to ask Mr. Adolphsen to identify what other possible factors to consider when deciding who is eligible for TANF funds. 

    “Is there any criteria other than ‘poverty rates’ that you believe could be prioritized when determining which families receive TANF funds, so we ensure that the neediest families [are adequately supported]?” asked Congresswoman Miller. 

    “It should be. There should be some income thresholds associated with this support and not just the cash support in the states, but also these other job assistance programs, education attainment. Again, California spends $1 billion a year on tuition for a higher education, for college. That is not directly for the purpose of the program when that has no income threshold on it and you have families well above the poverty line, 6 figures getting those tuition grants they’re working in the system. That has to stop in order to make sure we can target the funds to those who are truly in need,” responded Mr. Adolphsen.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Welcomes New $500,000 Grant for Opioid Efforts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting notice of a new grant of $500,000 in federal funding for local mental health and substance abuse services, specifically opioid efforts.

    This award is from the local application efforts of Fiso Talalupelele and the American Samoa Department of Health, led by Director Motusa Nua. The grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as directed by Congress in authorizing and appropriating health funds, through the HHS Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

    “Thank you especially to Fiso Talalupelele for the effort to secure a new grant, so these much-needed funds can be put to good work,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to HHS leadership for this support, and congratulations to Director Motusa Nua.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – ProCare announces changes to its Health Limited Board

    Source: ProCare

    Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has announced changes to its Health (PHO) Limited Board – effective 3 September.

    Donovan Clarke has been appointed as a Director on the Health Board following the resignation of Ann Davis, who has acted as a Nurse Representative since March 2022.  

    Tevita Funaki, Chair of ProCare’s Health Board, acknowledges Ann’s contribution to the Board: “Ann has been a fantastic addition to our Board as the first Nurse Representative. We thank her for her service to ensure the provision of essential primary healthcare services to the people of Tāmaki Makaurau.

    “Her dedication and knowledge are second to none, and we wish her all the best for her future endeavours,” points out Funaki.

    Commenting on Donovan’s appointment Funaki says: “Donovan has been a Director on the ProCare Network Board for several years, so knows ProCare and the primary care landscape well. Donovan has led significant change across governance structures and is passionate about making an impact on health outcomes in a community.

    “He is a transformational leader having championed key projects across primary care, mental health and addictions, and the disability sector. We are thrilled to have him join our Health Board and help shape the way we operate,” concludes Funaki.

    Commenting on his appointment, Clarke says: “I am pleased to be welcomed onto ProCare’s Health Board to work alongside our other fantastic Board members. It is a challenging time in health right now, especially in General Practice, so I am committed to doing what I can to advocate on behalf of our practices and community. I look forward to navigating the changes that primary care faces and ensuring that we continue to best serve our practices, patients, whānau and communities.”

    About ProCare

    ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation, and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Federal government launches Health Crisis Preparedness Canada to help country prepare for future health emergencies

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    The new agency will focus on strengthening innovation and industrial capacity in the life sciences and biomanufacturing sector to help Canada prepare for health emergencies.

    The new agency will focus on strengthening innovation and industrial capacity in the life sciences and biomanufacturing sector to help Canada prepare for health emergencies.

    September 24, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Canadians and their livelihoods. The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure the country is better positioned to respond to future health emergencies, including by building a more robust life sciences ecosystem.

    Today, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, and the Minister of Health, the Honourable Mark Holland, jointly announced the creation of Health Crisis Preparedness Canada (HCPC), a new federal agency within Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada that will work to protect Canadians from future pandemics and help the country achieve its medical countermeasures and life sciences goals.

    PCSC will become a national hub for engagement, facilitating the coordination of industry efforts in response to public health needs, while supporting the growth of the national life sciences sector. This new organization will bridge the gap between research and commercialization, ensuring that Canadians can access the most effective vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other products more quickly, particularly when they are needed most.

    When the body is fully operational, it will:

    will integrate decision-making processes to strengthen the capacity of the life sciences sector; strengthen its partnerships with industry, academia and international organizations with a similar mandate; develop and maintain an industrial action plan to mobilize the research sector and industry in the event of a health emergency; and support world-class innovations that will position Canada as a leader in next-generation technology platforms.

    In establishing this body, Canada is following in the footsteps of other G7 countries that have established specialized health emergency preparedness entities, including the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in the United States and the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority.

    Audrey MilettePress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industryaudrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canadamedia@ised-isde.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: authID Appoints Identity Industry Veteran Erick Soto as Chief Product Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — authID Inc. (Nasdaq: AUID), a leading provider of biometric identity verification and authentication solutions, today announced the appointment of Erick Soto as Chief Product Officer.

    Mr. Soto, a seasoned product leader with over 15 years of industry experience, comes to authID after serving as a Chief Product Officer and adviser to successful identity verification providers, financial technology businesses, and neobanks. In his new role, Soto will oversee the evolution of the authID platform for biometrically onboarding and authenticating customers’ employees and consumers. He will direct a robust group of developers and designers working on the continuous improvement of authID’s Proof and Verified product lines to enhance performance, functionality and user experience.

    Most recently serving as the Chief Product Officer at Oxygen Health, a neobank and provider of health benefit plans, Soto has also held identity positions as the Chief Product Officer – New Digital Initiatives at BBVA, the global financial services group, and as the VP of Product at Socure, a provider of identity verification and fraud prevention solutions, where he partnered with authID Chief Executive Officer, Rhon Daguro, to build Socure into a unicorn valued at $4.5 billion.

    “We are excited to welcome a leader of Erick’s caliber to authID,” said Rhon Daguro. “authID will greatly benefit from Erick’s industry knowledge and experience, and it is our history of collaboration in shaping several of this industry’s most successful identity technologies that will ultimately drive increased value for our customers. I look forward to working closely with Erick again, as we continue to deliver solutions that provide our enterprise customers with absolute knowledge of who is behind the device, while also granting their users enhanced privacy protections.”

    authID continues to enhance its industry-leading processing time, liveness detection, and precision in differentiating legitimate users from fakes and frauds, and also provides cutting-edge capabilities for safeguarding the privacy of users’ biometric data. 

    “I am thrilled to join the authID team at this exciting time for the business,” said Erick Soto, Chief Product Officer. “I was drawn to authID because of the strength and precision of its fraud-fighting technology, and the potential to take the platform even further. Building on their years of success in delivering top-tier identity solutions gives me a strong foundation to drive further progress in identity verification and authentication. We face both known and emerging threats, and our customers rely on authID to stay ahead of these challenges while enabling them to safely onboard new users, secure accounts and protect privacy.”

    About authID
    authID (Nasdaq: AUID) ensures enterprises “Know Who’s Behind the Device™” for every customer or employee login and transaction through its easy-to-integrate, patented, biometric identity platform. authID quickly and accurately verifies a user’s identity and eliminates any assumption of ‘who’ is behind a device to prevent cybercriminals from compromising account openings or taking over accounts. Combining secure digital onboarding, FIDO2 passwordless login, and biometric authentication and account recovery, with a fast, accurate, user-friendly experience, authID delivers biometric identity processing in 700ms. Binding a biometric root of trust for each user to their account, authID stops fraud at onboarding, detects and stops deepfakes, eliminates password risks and costs, and provides the fastest, frictionless, and the more accurate user identity experience demanded by today’s digital ecosystem. Discover how authID can help your organization secure your workforce or consumer applications against identity fraud, cyberattacks and account takeover at www.authID.ai.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Gateway Group, Inc.
    Cody Slach and Alex Thompson
    1-949-574-3860
    AUID@gateway-grp.com

    Investor-Relations@authid.ai

    Media Contact
    Walter Fowler
    NextTech Communications
    1-631-334-3864
    wfowler@nexttechcomms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson Joins Sen. Grassley in Calling Out Abuses in the Biden-Harris Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 42 bicameral Republican colleagues in a letter urging President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to work with Congress to root out abuses in their administration’s unaccompanied migrant children program and stop the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s cover-up of the crisis. HHS has failed to comply with two out of three Department of Homeland Security (DHS) subpoenas and other information requests issued amid its investigation into more than 100 suspicious sponsors.

    Under the Biden-Harris administration, more than 500,000 unaccompanied migrant children have crossed the southwest border without a parent or guardian to provide care. Simultaneously, cartel trafficking activity surged an estimated 2,500 percent from the Trump administration to the middle of the Biden-Harris term in 2022. Amid this crisis, the lawmakers noted that the Biden-Harris administration limited background checks for sponsors of unaccompanied children, cut back on familial DNA testing at the border, and decreased information sharing with law enforcement.

    The lawmakers urged Biden and Harris to “make changes to [their] policies and procedures for UACs” in order to “end this public safety crisis.” They specifically called on the Biden-Harris administration to enhance information sharing with law enforcement and Congress, fully cooperate with DHS’s child exploitation investigation, and thoroughly respond to all congressional oversight requests.

    “[The Biden-Harris HHS] must stop its cover-up and cooperate with law enforcement and Congress to end this crisis and protect unaccompanied children and the American people,” the lawmakers wrote.

    Sens. Johnson and Grassley were joined by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.),  John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Kennedy (R-La.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).

    Additional co-signers in the House include House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), along with Reps. Tom McLintock (R-Ca.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Russell Fry (R-S.C.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) and Michael Rulli (R-Ohio).

    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce Nearly A Million Dollars in Federal Funding for Nevada Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    This Funding Will Be Used By Law Enforcement Agencies To Hire More Officers, Purchase Essential Equipment, And Invest In Officer Mental Health

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced nearly one million dollars in federal funding for law enforcement agencies across Nevada to help them hire more officers, purchase essential equipment, and invest in officer mental health. The funding for these awards is made through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program, Tribal Resources Grant Program, and Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA), all of which offer various grant programs to support state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies. Earlier this year, bipartisan legislation to expand the COPS Hiring Program was signed into law.

    “From hiring more police officers and purchasing new equipment to funding mental health programs, I’ll always fight to support our law enforcement,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The COPS Office has a long history of helping keep our communities safe, and I’m proud of my work to bring as many of these resources as possible into the Silver State.”

    “Nevada law enforcement works around the clock to fight crime, respond to emergencies, and keep our communities safe. That’s why I’ve been working across the aisle in the Senate to support them with the federal resources they need to do their jobs effectively and maintain their well-being,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding is coming to law enforcement agencies across our state to help hire more officers, purchase equipment, and improve officer mental health and wellness.”

    “I would like to thank Senator Rosen and our entire congressional delegation for their continued support in protecting the citizens and businesses of Sparks,” said Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawford. “This will allow the Sparks Police Department to build a team of officers to improve upon our crime reduction strategies.”

    “This grant will enhance the City’s ongoing commitment to providing vital mental health and wellness services to the men and women of the Henderson Police Department. We are grateful to Senator Rosen and the other members of Nevada’s congressional delegation for their support of our grant application and for this funding which will be used to assist officers and their families as they approach retirement and prepare to successfully transition from their law enforcement careers,” said Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero. “Studies have shown that police officers may be at a greater risk of experiencing challenges related to their mental well-being as they get ready to retire and this grant will help ensure we are offering those who serve and protect our community the full assistance they and their families need.”

    “The Lovelock Paiute Tribal Police Department is excited to announce that we have been selected and awarded the US DOJ COPS grant,” said Lovelock Colony Chief of Police Jeff G. Perry. “With the collaborative effort of our Tribal Police Department, Lovelock Paiute Tribal Council, Tribal Administrator, the grant award will be utilized to sufficiently staff 24-hour service to the Lovelock Indian Colony. This will increase safety efforts along with our proposed Lovelock Indian Colony Camera Program (LICCP). Our camera program will significantly reduce criminal activity and trespassing on the colony along with better staffing support towards future community policing services. These interactions will be positive and proactive in ways that build trust and cooperation among the residents and all who visit the Lovelock Indian Colony. Our proposal is to re-establish all components of the neighborhood watch program. Officers will again utilize teams, zones, area captains and area officers. In addition, this program will help to reduce the non-tribal criminal activity on the colony. Without this funding, we could not have achieved to operate at this capacity and continue our community-oriented policing efforts to greatly reduce criminal activity.”

    The awards are being distributed as follows:

    • $500,000 from the COPS Hiring Program for the Sparks Police Department to hire more officers.
    • $353,063 from the Tribal Resources Grant Program for the Lovelock Paiute Tribe to hire officers and invest in equipment.
    • $43,308 from the LEMHWA Program for the City of Henderson’s mental health and wellness projects for law enforcement officers.

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have been advocating to ensure Nevada’s law enforcement community has the resources it needs. Last year, they announced more than $1 million in COPS funding for Nevada law enforcement and public safety. Last month, they also highlighted nearly $1 million in federal community project funding they secured to provide mental health training and support to thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Earlier this month, bipartisan legislation that Senator Rosen co-sponsored to fund family support and mental health services for law enforcement officers passed the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Surety Health Brings Profits to Corporations and Newfound NIL Funds to Universities and Colleges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Surety Health, Inc. has recently partnered with Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Boca Raton, FL, a Tier 1 National Research Institution by supporting the university’s athletic departments in the NCAA’s American Athletic Conference. This partnership will cause a percentage of corporate profits from other companies to help increase the university’s athletic department NIL initiative which refers to the rights of college athletes to control and profit from their name, image and likeness.

    J. Stephen Leach, CEO founded the company in 2022 through a vision to use a specific tax law in the American Healthcare Act of 2017 passed by the 115th congress to increase profits in excess of $100 million for employers in the Palm Beach County area. This partnership with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is also causing greater exposure to some of the nation’s largest employers to help increase company profits while also benefiting their employees.

    Surety Health will also partner with a dozen or so other universities in a similar capacity to increase the company’s value by $1 billion per university for its shareholders.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in public transportation in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, September 24, 2024 — Residents in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s will have access to a new transportation service following an investment of $234,548 from the federal and provincial governments.

    This funding is supporting the establishment of SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit, a bookable transit system that will provide a dependable and low-cost transportation option for those in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s.

    Quotes

    “Public transit is an invaluable tool in helping people get around their communities easily and conveniently. SMART-GO will do just that for the residents of the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s, and I’m incredibly proud that our government could support it.

    The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “Everyone deserves access to transportation so they can get to medical appointments, work, see family and friends and do everyday activities that improve our quality of life. In our rural communities there are often less options for transportation and that’s why I’m proud to support SMART-GO as they will make a huge difference in Guysborough County.”

    The Honourable Kim Masland, Nova Scotia Minister of Public Works

    “SMART-GO is thrilled and incredibly grateful to receive government funding, which allows us to bring our much-needed transportation service to the St. Mary’s community. By providing accessible and convenient door-to-door transit, we aim to enrich the lives of our residents, ensuring they remain connected to essential services and fostering a deeper sense of unity within our community. This invaluable support from the government will empower us to make a positive difference in the daily lives of those who call St. Mary’s home, and for that, we extend our heartfelt thanks.”

    Heather Kreffer, Executive Director, SMART-GO

    Quick facts

    • The federal government is investing $187,638 in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and the provincial government is contributing $46,910.

    • The RTSF helps Canadians living in rural and remote areas get around their communities more easily. It supports the development of rural transit solutions, including new transit service models that could be replicated or scaled up.

    • The RTSF’s Capital Projects stream helps cover capital costs like the purchase of vehicles or digital platforms, as well as support for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. This stream closed on February 28, 2024.

    • The RTSF’s Planning and Design Projects continuous intake remains open. Through this stream, eligible applicants can receive a grant up to $50,000 in support of a communities’ projects to plan and design a new or expanded transit solution for their communities. Some examples of eligible Planning and Design Projects activities are assessment of routes and modes of travel, feasibility studies, public and stakeholder engagement and surveys.

    • A minimum of 10% of RTSF’s funding is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.

    • One in five Canadians live in rural communities. Rural communities in Canada account for nearly 30% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

    • The RTSF complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan the federal government has committed to providing federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation available in every community.

    • The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an average of $3 billion a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities. 

    • The CPTF meets the needs of communities of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas, to mid-size and smaller communities, including rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities. 

    • Since 2015, the federal government has committed over $30 billion for public transit and active transportation projects. These historic investments have resulted in close to 2000 projects across the country.

    • The funding announced today builds on the federal government’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

    • Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
     Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Blaise Theriault
    Communications Advisor,
    Nova Scotia Department of Public Works
    902-476-5092
    blaise.theriault@novascotia.ca

    Heather Kreffer
     Executive Director,
    SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit 
    902-522-2000
    info@smart-go.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitobans Asked to Help Select Design for Province’s New Health Card

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    September 24, 2024

    Manitobans Asked to Help Select Design for Province’s New Health Card

    The Manitoba government is following through on its commitment to deliver a new and modernized health card this year and as part of the next step in the process, Manitobans are invited to help choose the design of the new card, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.

    “The initial response to our new health card designs was amazing,” said Kinew. “However, we want to make sure that all Manitobans have the opportunity to provide feedback on which card best reflects our unique province and people. Let us know and have a say about our province’s new health card.”

    Manitobans can view and vote for their favourite Manitoba health card design at EngageMB. The designs feature iconic Manitoba symbols such as a bison, a polar bear and the northern lights.

    The premier noted that all Manitobans can also help ensure a smooth transition to the new health card by reviewing their current health card and ensuring that all information is accurate and up to date. This includes making sure the card accurately reflects everyone in the household who is eligible for health-care coverage in the province and the mailing address is current.

    To make updates to Manitoba health cards and changes to personal information visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/updatehealthcard.html.

    To view and vote for Manitoba’s new health card design, visit https://engagemb.ca/health-cards. This engagement is open until midnight on Sunday, Sept. 29.

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Investing in Public Transit in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, September 24, 2024 — Residents of the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s will have access to a new transportation service thanks to an investment of $234,548 from the federal and provincial governments.

    This funding supports the creation of SMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit, an on-demand transportation system that will provide residents of the Municipality of the District of St. Mary with a reliable, low-cost transportation option.

    Quotes

    “Public transit is an invaluable tool that helps people move around their communities easily and conveniently. That is exactly what SMART-GO will provide to residents of the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s, and I am incredibly proud that our government is supporting this project.”

    The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “Everyone deserves access to transportation services to get to medical appointments, go to work, see family and friends, and do the everyday activities that improve our quality of life. There are often fewer transportation options in our rural communities, which is why I am proud to support SMART-GO, which will make a huge difference in Guysborough County.”

    The Honourable Kim Masland, Nova Scotia Minister of Public Works

    “SMART-GO is thrilled and incredibly grateful to receive funding from the government, which allows us to provide a much-needed transportation service to the St. Mary’s community. By providing accessible and convenient door-to-door transportation, we aim to improve the quality of life of our residents by allowing them to maintain their access to essential services and thereby fostering an even greater sense of unity within our community. This invaluable support from the government will allow us to make a positive difference in the daily lives of St. Mary’s residents, and for that, we sincerely thank you.”

    Heather Kreffer, Executive Director, SMART-GO

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing $187,638 in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and the provincial government is investing $46,910.

    The FSTCR helps Canadians living in rural and remote areas move more easily within their communities. It supports the development of rural transit solutions, including new models of transit services that could be replicated or expanded.

    The FSTCR Capital Projects component helps cover investment costs, such as purchasing vehicles or digital platforms, as well as supporting the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. This component ended on February 28, 2024.

    The FSTCR Planning and Design Projects stream is accepting submissions on an ongoing basis. Under this stream, eligible applicants may receive a grant of up to $50,000 to support community projects to plan and design a new or expanded transit solution for their community. Eligible activities under the Planning and Design Projects include route and mode assessments, feasibility studies, public and stakeholder engagement, and surveys.

    A minimum of 10% of FSTR funding is allocated to projects benefiting indigenous people and communities.

    One in five Canadians lives in a rural community. Canada’s rural communities generate nearly 30% of the country’s gross domestic product.

    The Rural Transit Solutions Fund complements Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through this plan, the federal government is providing federal funding for public transit to ensure clean and affordable transportation solutions are available in all communities.

    The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CCTF) will provide an average of $3 billion per year in permanent funding to address local transit needs by strengthening integrated planning, improving access to transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable and inclusive communities.

    The FTCC serves the needs of communities of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas to mid-sized and smaller communities, including rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities.

    Since 2015, the federal government has committed more than $30 billion to public transit and active transportation projects. These historic investments have enabled nearly 2,000 projects to be completed across the country.

    The funding announced today builds on work the federal government is doing under the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

    Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia OuslisCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Blaise TheriaultCommunications AdvisorNova Scotia Department of Public Works902-476-5092blaise.theriault@novascotia.ca

    Heather KrefferExecutive DirectorSMART-GO: St. Mary’s Association for Rural Transit 902-522-2000info@smart-go.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $387,750 IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO MERCER UNIVERSITY TO HELP TREAT DRUG ADDICTION

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    MACON, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is pleased to announce that Mercer University has been awarded $387,750 in federal funds by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through its Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs for biochemistry research that will help address the opioid epidemic and the additional complications arising from illicit contamination with fentanyl and xylazine.

    “I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is supporting the amazing research being done at Mercer University,” said Congressman Bishop. “Through the tireless efforts of faculty and staff to better understand the biochemistry of illicit drugs, we can develop new ways to treat addiction and help prevent drug abuse.”

    “The widespread adulteration of fentanyl with xylazine has worsened the ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic, as the addition of xylazine causes new clinical consequences, including severe skin necrosis,” said Dr. Nader H. Moniri, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research at Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Co-Principal Investigator of the study. “This NIH grant is vital for advancing the understanding of how xylazine use destroys skin tissue at a molecular level. By investigating these processes, we aim to identify pathways for developing more effective treatments and interventions.”

    Xylazine is a non-opiate sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant only authorized in the United States for veterinary use according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is not currently a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the prevalence of xylazine is increasing, spreading beyond the traditional white-powder heroin markets in the northeastern United States where it has been seen for several years.

    The research supported by this grant will help better understand how xylazine affects individuals. The findings may be helpful in developing clinical treatments to counteract the negative effects seen with illicit use of the drug or substances contaminated with it.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UNICEF – Leading global businesses and organisations join UNICEF to demand increased investment and action on child and youth mental health

    Source: UNICEF Aotearoa NZ

    An open letter, signed by more than 40 entities and published at the UN General Assembly, calls for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the mental health funding gap.
    Today, (overnight NZ time) at an innovative financing for mental health event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UNICEF and the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health launched an open letter, signed by more than 40 businesses and organisations, calling for greater investment and action on child and youth mental health globally.
    Supported by UNICEF Coalition members, including Jo Malone London, lululemon, Pinterest, Spotify, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd and Z Zurich Foundation, and joined by global businesses and organizations, such as Capgemini, Dove, Kleenex, LEGO Foundation, Les Mills, Movember, Pandora, Tim Bergling Foundation, and United for Global Mental Health, the letter urges a coordinated multi-sectoral response to address the global mental health funding gap of at least US$200 billion.
    Increased funding is critical to supporting child and youth mental health, especially in the face of continued challenges that existed long before the pandemic, including climate change, global humanitarian crises, online risks and historic underinvestment in its promotion, prevention and care.
    One in seven adolescents worldwide are living with a mental health condition – with most cases going undetected and untreated. This is exacerbated by limited resources. On average less than 2 per cent of global government health expenditures is spent on mental health for the general population, while only a very small proportion of these funds goes towards children’s mental health services.
    “The private sector has a unique capacity to foster mental health and wellbeing, through their substantial influence within their workforces, through their services and customers, and globally. By leveraging their resources, expertise and influence, UNICEF and partners can contribute to comprehensive, accessible, and effective solutions that address the diverse needs of children, young people, caregivers and communities at large to promote mental health and wellbeing on a global scale,” said UNICEF Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships Carla Haddad Mardini.
    UNICEF’s Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health and its members are calling for wider recognition, investment and responsibility from the business community, and private and public sectors to drive forward progress.
    Jo Dancey, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Jo Malone London said: “Too many children and young people are living with mental health conditions, but don’t have access to support or treatment. As a global brand and a UNICEF Coalition member, we care deeply about this issue and the need for change. By signing this letter alongside over 40 businesses and organizations, we are highlighting the need for global leaders to act early to support the mental health of children, young people and caregivers globally.”
    Katarina Berg, General Manager Sweden + CHRO, Sustainability, Global Workplace Services at Spotify, said: “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with UNICEF and we remain committed to making a meaningful impact on improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for our listeners, artists, and creators.”
    Wanji Walcott, Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer at Pinterest, said “At Pinterest, we’re creating an inspirational and positive online experience for young people everywhere. Supporting youth mental health and wellbeing is foundational to our mission and this work requires everyone coming together. We’re proud to partner with UNICEF and other coalition members to leverage our collective resources and help tackle the mental health funding gap.”
    Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Z Zurich Foundation, said: “We are dedicated to relentlessly contributing to mental wellbeing programmes which can best support youth to thrive in all aspects of their life. It’s encouraging to witness the positive response from various sectors to our call for increased investment in mental health globally. Although there is still much work to be done, these efforts will significantly help to address the mental health needs of all young people, particularly those who are most vulnerable.”
    Other supporting signatories of the letter include Orange and the Solterre Foundation, as well as key global mental health actors, such as the MHPSS Collaborative, the Healthy Brains Global Initiative, Prospira Global and Vertentes, among others.
    This is a critical year for addressing child and youth mental health as a global issue, with actions taken now paving the way to the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health in September 2025, which will culminate in the publication of an outcome document with commitments across member states.
    The Open Letter to global leaders gathering for UNGA 79 and the Summit for the Future says:
    ‘As you gather for the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week and the Summit of the Future, we, over 40 businesses, organizations and supporters from over 20 countries, together with the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health led by UNICEF – are calling for increased investment in and action on child and youth mental health globally. Historic underinvestment in mental health promotion, prevention and care and ongoing stigma and discrimination, accompanied by the impact of COVID-19 and persisting global challenges, are affecting child and youth mental health in every country. While demand for support is increasing, global investment is not even meeting the current levels of need.
    Mental health determines emotional, intellectual, physical and social well-being. It shapes how we think, feel and act and confers our ability to handle stress, build and manage relationships, and make choices that affect not only our own lives, but also those of the
    people around us. Mental health is important at every stage of life, especially for children and young people. When child and youth mental health is prioritized the impact on young lives both now and for the future is significant, including improved quality of life, increased likelihood of completing education, long-term economic returns, and lower rates of premature mortality [1]. However, the consequences of failing to address child and youth mental health conditions extend into adulthood. Fifty per cent of mental health conditions develop before the age of 14 and have the potential of impairing both physical and mental health and limiting children’s opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.[2] Additionally, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds globally.[3]
    The global annual mental health finance gap is estimated to be at least $200 billion.[4] Most countries around the world allocate relatively small budgets to support health systems, and within those budgets an even smaller proportion, just 2 per cent on average [5], is directed towards mental health support – including much-needed child and youth mental health services. This critical funding gap must be addressed so we can collectively meet the urgent mental health needs of future generations.
    It is estimated that, due to mental health conditions, we lose nearly US$390 billion worth of human capital that could go towards national economies each year.[6] We must promote a multi-sectoral response to achieve change. Both the private and the public sectors have a key role to play through investment and influence, to break this cycle and shape our collective future.
    The Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health calls for increased investment in mental health across all countries and in all sectors and settings, including in humanitarian crises, that meets the mental health needs of all young people, especially those most in need. We urge governments to increase their domestic spending on mental health within relevant budgets including health, education and social services, as well as scale funding for mental health and psychosocial support within international development assistance. This should include targeted financing for children and youth.
    Acting early to support children, youth and caregivers is the best investment we can make to promote good mental health, prevent poor mental health, and respond to the complex mental health issues children face today. We urge you to prioritize child and youth mental health now.
    We are calling for global leaders across the public and private sectors to invest in:
    – Ensuring every child, youth and caregiver globally can access support for their mental health: This means increasing access to quality and holistic mental health support provided across sectors, by investing in promotion, prevention and care for children, youth and caregivers, with a focus on community-based care that is effective, sustainable, age sensitive and culturally appropriate.
    – Filling the evidence gaps on child and youth mental health: This means improving data and increasing research to better understand who is affected in each context and what works for specific at-risk groups, and to further expand our ability to respond across age groups, with a focus on promotion and prevention. This investment should aim to future-proof our response, ensuring resilience during pressing global challenges such as in humanitarian emergencies and climate and ecological crises.
    – Developing internal strategies and practices: This includes fostering employees’ mental health and well-being by encompassing mental health support within the workplace and developing and adapting products or services offered by the company and in the wider community. This includes initiatives tailored for youth and caregivers employed in the organizations.
    Though our inner worlds are often unseen, our actions should not be. Child and youth mental health is ‘On Our Minds’.’
    Full list of signatories:
    UNICEF Coalition Member signatories:
    Jo Malone London, lululemon, Pinterest, Spotify, Z Zurich Foundation, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
    Supported by:
    Cape Mental Health, Capgemini, ChildFund International, Darbar Sahitya Sansada, Dove, Family first nurseries, Global Mental Health Lab, Columbia University, Health Brains Global Initiative, Health Poverty Action, Instituto Vita Alere de Prevencao e Posvencao do Suicidio, Kleenex, League for Mental Health in Slovakia, LEGO Foundation, Les Mills International Ltd, Little Lions Child Coaching NPC, Mental Wealth Initiative, The University of Sydney, MLAC institute for Psychosocial Services, Movember, Northern Cape Mental Health Society, Orange, Pandora, Partnership for Children, Professionals for Humanity (PROFOH), Prospira Global, Sehat Jiwa Bahagia, Soleterre Foundation, SoulBeeGood, Tanzania Community Health Information and Support (TaCHIS), The MHPSS Collaborative, Tim Bergling Foundation, Trusts Motion, United for Global Mental Health, Vertentes, War Child Alliance, Youth Association for Development Pakistan, YouthConnektAfrica.
    About the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health
    The Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health was established by UNICEF, with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation, to address the increasing global burden of mental health in young people by calling for investment and action on mental health. Current Coalition members include Jo Malone London, Pinterest, Sony, Spotify, Zurich Insurance Group and Z Zurich Foundation.
    Since its launch, the Coalition members have collectively invested over US$30 million in child and youth mental health, catalyzing significant impact in numerous countries. Its direct investment has globally empowered children and young people with tools, training, and awareness initiatives. This means that young people worldwide are equipped with the necessary resources to navigate their mental health and wellbeing, enabling them to face life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.
    About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org. Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
    UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Wicker Introduce Resolution Commemorating the 30th Anniversary Of the Eradication Of Polio In The Americas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    09.24.24

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced a resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of the eradication of polio in the Americas, in which the World Health Organization (WHO) certified the region as being “polio-free” on September 29, 1994.  Nearly 60,000 children in the United States were reported to have polio in 1952, with more than 20,000 cases of paralysis.  The polio vaccine was discovered at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania by Jonas Salk and his research team between 1952 and 1953.  The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

    “Polio is a cruel disease, one that has historically caused considerable pain here in the United States, and abroad,” Durbin said. “But thanks to the effort of groups like Chicago’s Rotary International, today, polio remains endemic in only two countries worldwide: Afghanistan and Pakistan.  The complete worldwide eradication of polio is imminently achievable.  I’m pleased to introduce this resolution with my colleague, Senator Wicker, recognizing the important achievements we have made and urging a sustained commitment to finally eradicate this disease once and for all.”

    “We are closer than ever to eliminating polio – thanks in part to consistent U.S. investments over the last 30 years. I will continue working to build on this momentum and strengthen eradication-initiatives, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan,”Wicker said.

    “The Shot@Life campaign thanks Senators Durbin and Wicker for introducing this bipartisan Resolution and for their longstanding leadership in the fight to end polio,” said Cara Ciullo, Senior Director for Shot@Life.  “The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a critical leader in the global effort to ensure children everywhere have access to polio vaccinations.  U.S. government support for these activities protects vulnerable children and strengthens global health security, keeping Americans safe at home and abroad.”

    “Rotary is delighted to see this resolution highlighting progress toward ending polio,” said Michael McGovern, Chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “While we celebrate the fact that the Americas have been polio free for more than a generation, we can’t become complacent. Polio anywhere is a risk everywhere. A polio free world is Rotary’s top priority and we are grateful for continued US leadership toward that shared goal.”

    In the resolution, the Senators highlight Rotary International, an international association founded in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, and now headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, which has made eradicating polio globally one of its top priorities.  Rotary International has been a key contributor to reducing outbreaks of polio worldwide, including contributing more than $2.7 billion in the global fight against polio.  Since 1988 the number of cases of polio around the world has been reduced by 99 percent, as a result of the efforts and support from Rotary International, WHO, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Foundation, the United States, and other national governments.

     Text of the resolution can be found here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Ensuring First Nations children in Victoria are school ready

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government is expanding the Connected Beginnings program, helping more First Nations children thrive in the crucial early years.

    Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly today announced more than $2 million for Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Bairnsdale.

    The program connects First Nations children aged zero to five with a range of early childhood education, health and family support services – helping children meet the learning and development milestones necessary to achieve a positive transition to school.

    The new site will support around 100 local First Nations Children. The Bairnsdale site joins 46 other locations across the country supporting more than 23,000 First Nations children. 

    The community-led program is a key contributor to the early childhood Closing the Gap targets, driving an increase in preschool enrolments and improvements to developmental outcomes.

    The Government partners with SNAICC National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to deliver the program.

    The new Bairnsdale site is part of an $81.8 million Government investment to expand to 50 sites across Australia. Once all 50 sites are established, the program has the potential to support up to 20 per cent of all First Nations children aged zero to five.

    Other Connected Beginnings sites in Victoria include Ballarat, Mildura, Shepparton and Whittlesea.

    Once all Victorian sites are up and running the program will support around 1,700 First Nations children across the state.

    Learn more about the Connected Beginnings program at: education.gov.au/early-childhood/community-child-care-fund/connected-beginnings.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:

    “All children, no matter their background or where they live, should be able to access the transformational benefits of quality early childhood education and care.

    “Connected Beginnings is delivering significant positive results for First Nations children right across the country, helping to Close the Gap by improving developmental outcomes.

    “The Connected Beginnings program is empowering communities to design and deliver the program in a way which supports their individual needs and aspirations.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Ged Kearney:

    “Labor is committed to closing the health gap that leads to a significantly lower life expectancy for First Nations people.

    “Connected Beginnings is all about centring the voices of First Nations Australian and a community-led approach.

    “From child care, to pre-school, to primary school, Connected Beginnings is setting First Nations kids up for best start in life.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone:

    “The Connected Beginnings program is making a big difference for families across Australia and its expansion in Bairnsdale is a terrific outcome.

    “The first five years of a child’s life are the most important and this program will provide foundational support to First Nations children in the Gippsland community.

    “Kids thrive when they have the best support available, and Federal Labor’s more than $2 million commitment will help children develop the skills needed to make a successful transition to school.”

    Quotes attributable to SNAICC Chief Executive Catherine Liddle:

    “Through Connected Beginnings, more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Bairnsdale will benefit from culturally integrated services, including maternal and child health, early childhood education, and family support.

    “With Connected Beginnings, communities are empowered to customise and implement the program to meet their specific needs and aspirations, driving authentic progress. 

    “This initiative means around 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the region will receive access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate services, laying a solid foundation for their learning journey.”

    Quotes attributable from GEGAC CEO Kenton Winsley:

    “We have long known that the strength of GEGAC’s Early Years services is that the families are immediately connected to the wide range of other services that GEGAC provides. Everything from maternal and child health services to medical and dental, counselling services, and cultural education events; here on site are the full range of supports our families need to raise healthy, deadly kids.

    “Connected Beginnings is going to enable us to take that holistic, connected approach to the next level, by engaging with new partners, and further involving the community, so we are all working together in the best interests of these children.

    “Our community is where we draw our strength from. We know that when we involve community members and empower them to be advisors and advocates, we get better outcomes for our people.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to WHO data on adolescent social media use and gaming

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Data published by the World Health Organisation looks at adolescent social media use and gaming.

    Prof Ben Carter, Professor of Medical Statistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, said:

    “The authors provide a useful snapshot of the evidence and whilst again the study includes cross sectional data- it is large and has collected very pertinent data throughout Europe. 

    “However, they offer an unvalidated tool for problematic social media use. Whilst better than merely ‘screentime’, it isn’t entirely based on the DSM-V criteria for defining a behavioural addiction. Again, this is a useful starting point for measuring potential harm.

    “Their findings suggest approximately 1 in 10 are at risk of problematic use and are consistent with other studies (Carter et al, 2024) which state problematic smartphone usage slightly higher, but when focusing on social media alone offer utility in understanding the problem. 

    “Including Social media and gaming together is not a convincing argument as they are not the only forms of harm adolescents are at risk from- but the findings showing the difference between genders are well established. However, this is a very new and emerging field. 

    “The authors draw distinctions to the long periods of time spent gaming and the risk of harm is at odds with the incredibly helpful quote from the boy highlighting that the time spent isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The boy clearly shows insight highlighting the need to understand the underlying use (e.g. when and what) rather than just the time. This is consistent with the literature 

    “I welcome these finding and thank the authors for the valid contribution to the evidence base.”

    ‘A focus on adolescent social media use and gaming in Europe, central Asia and Canada’ by the World Health Organisation was published at 00:01 UK time on Wednesday 25th September.

    Declared interests

    Prof Ben Carter: No declarations.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manchin Announces $45.7 Million For West Virginia Opioid Prevention Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

    September 24, 2024

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $45,774,615 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) State Opioid Response grant program for the West Virginia Department of Human Services. This program supports substance use disorder education and prevention efforts statewide.

    “With the highest rate of overdose death out of every state in the country, we must have an all-hands-on-deck approach to combatting the drug epidemic in West Virginia. This more than $45 million investment will strengthen substance use disorder prevention efforts and support individuals and families who continue to struggle with addiction,” said Senator Manchin. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have also worked to ensure West Virginia gets its fair share of federal support, by ensuring a 15 percent set aside in opioid funding for states with the highest rate of drug overdose. I am proud to secure this essential funding and I will continue to fight for resources to prevent overdoses and save lives, families and communities across the Mountain State.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone’s HEARTS Act to Address Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young People Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Federal bill inspired by New Jersey student-athlete tragedies heads to the Senate, aiming to safeguard young lives across the nation

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that his Cardiomyopathy Health, Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act has overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Pallone authored the HEARTS Act in response to the rising number of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incidents among young people, particularly student-athletes, ensuring schools are better equipped to handle life-threatening cardiac emergencies with vital resources and training.

     

    “I introduced the HEARTS Act because too many young people are tragically dying from sudden cardiac arrest,” Pallone said. “In New Jersey, we’ve seen devastating losses like that of Edison’s Kittim Sherrod, who collapsed and died at just 17 during track practice from an undiagnosed heart condition. The HEARTS Act ensures that schools have the AEDs, training, and resources needed to act swiftly during a cardiac emergency. No child should lose their life because schools weren’t prepared—we owe it to our students and their families to act now.”

     

    The bill was inspired by local tragedies like that of Kittim Sherrod, a standout football star at Edison High School, who passed away in 2009 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an often undiagnosed condition. The HEARTS Act aims to prevent future tragedies by ensuring that schools across the country are equipped with life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs), Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs), and CPR training for both staff and students.

     

    With strong bipartisan backing, the HEARTS Act was expanded to include provisions from the Access to AEDs Act, ensuring that AEDs are available in schools and childcare centers and that students, staff, and sports volunteers receive critical CPR and AED training. A federal grant program will be established to support these efforts, making sure schools can access the funding they need to implement these life-saving measures.

     

    In his remarks on the House floor, Pallone emphasized the need for immediate action, saying, “The HEARTS Act will raise awareness about the causes of sudden cardiac arrest and ensure schools are more prepared to deal with cardiac emergencies so we can save lives. This legislation has the support of the American Heart Association and the Smart Heart Coalition, among others. We cannot afford to delay—this is about saving young lives.”

      

    The HEARTS Act mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patient advocacy groups, and health professional organizations to develop and distribute educational materials on cardiomyopathy to schools, parents, and teachers. This educational push is critical, as cardiomyopathy, the condition that took Sherrod’s life, is often silent until a fatal cardiac event. According to the CDC, approximately 2,000 young people under the age of 25 die from sudden cardiac arrest each year—a sobering figure that highlights the urgent need for this legislation.

     

    Support for the HEARTS Act has been widespread, with organizations such as the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation, and the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation applauding Pallone’s leadership in raising awareness and helping schools prepare for cardiac emergencies.

     

    “Having a cardiac emergency response plan in place and people nearby who know what to do can be the difference between life and death for the more than 350,000 people who experience a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. The HEARTS Act will help improve the safety of our schools and playing fields and we urge the Senate to quickly follow the House to make this policy the law of the land,” Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association.

     

    “The John Taylor Babbitt Foundation is thrilled to see this critical piece of legislation pass out of the House of Representatives. Creating heart safe communities for our children continues to be a priority for our organization and this law would provide access to resources in helping to achieve that goal,“ JoAnne Babbitt, Vice President, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and co-founder of the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation.

     

    “The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation wholeheartedly supports the HEARTS Act of 2024 (H.R 6829) and commends Rep. Frank Pallone for stewarding this lifesaving legislation. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a public health crisis. It strikes 356,000 people a year in the U.S., including 23,000 youth. Enacting this legislation will undoubtedly help improve the current survival rate of ~10 percent—not only in schools, but also in communities,” Mary. M. Newman, MS President, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

     

    “We are thrilled the HEARTS bill has passed the house and thankful to Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-06) for championing legislation for kids with cardiomyopathy.” said Kathy Swenson, executive director of the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation. “This disease is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest, and this legislation has the potential to save the lives of many children.”

     

    “The HEARTS Act will take precautions to save lives, which were not in place 15 years ago when my grandson Kittim Sherrod succumbed to this silent disease Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Many youths’ lives were lost due to the lack of knowledge as well as the lack of the proper equipment available to assist in saving lives. I am so thankful that Frank Pallone continued in the quest to take action to make a difference in the future of our children’s heart health. Thank you, Congressman Frank Pallone, Kittim did not die in vain,” Razeenah Walker, President of The Kittim N. Sherrod Foundation.

     

    The bill now moves to the Senate, where its passage is crucial to ensuring that schools across the nation can implement these life-saving measures.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Helps Secure Nearly $2.5 Million For Community Policing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Long Branch, NJ –– Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced he has helped secure nearly $2.5 million in federal funding for Highland Park, Neptune, Perth Amboy, Sayreville and Old Bridge police departments. This funding was made possible through the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Hiring Program (CHP), Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program (LEMHWA), and Technology and Equipment Program (TEP). These funds will be used to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts by hiring officers, improving access to mental health and wellness services for officers, and acquiring effective equipment and technologies.

    “We rely heavily on our local law enforcement officers to build relationships with the communities they serve, and to work together to prevent crime and promote public safety,” said Congressman Pallone. “I’m grateful to our law enforcement officers who work hard to help make New Jersey a safe place to live. I’ll continue advocating for federal funding to ensure our municipalities have the resources they need to promote public safety.”

    Grant awards are as follows:

    2024 Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP) Awards

    • Highland Park – $375,000 to hire 3 officers
    • Neptune – $375,000 to hire 3 officers
    • Perth Amboy – $250,000 to hire 2 officers

    2024 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program Awards

    • Sayreville – $162,050 to support its Psychological Wellness Program

    2024 COPS Office Technology and Equipment Program (TEP) Awards

    • Old Bridge – $1.3 million

    “This generous grant from the Department of Justice will help strengthen our police department and enhance public safety in Highland Park. We are committed to ensuring a safer community for all, and this funding allows us to continue that important work. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Congressman Pallone for his support and to the Department of Justice for this critical investment in our future,” said Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster.

    “Strong communities are safe communities, and that is what we strive for every day in Neptune Township,” Mayor Tassie York said. “We are grateful for the tireless support of Rep. Frank Pallone and his efforts to secure this funding which will play a critical role as we push forward on building an even better Neptune Police Department,” said Neptune Township Mayor Tassie D. York

    “Our priority is to ensure our students feel safe and supported at school. In response to growing safety concerns across the country, the city and school district in Perth Amboy have teamed up to take proactive steps, maintaining a secure and focused learning environment for our students. With the support of Congressman Pallone and the COPS Hiring Program, we are bringing in specially trained School Resource Officers (SROs) to work directly with our schools. This strong partnership highlights our shared commitment to safety, giving students, teachers, and families the confidence that we’re doing everything to protect and support our community.”said Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba.

    “I am pleased the Borough will be receiving $162,050 from the federal Department of Justice through the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program,” said Sayreville Mayor Kennedy O’Brien. “I want to extend my appreciation to Congressman Pallone for his efforts, as this grant will allow the Sayreville Police Department to enhance mental health and wellness resources for our officers, ensuring they are well-supported in serving and protecting our community.”

    “I would like to thank the Department of Justice for considering our application and awarding this grant to Old Bridge Township which will assist our Police Department in upgrading its technology equipment, emergency operations center, and much more,” said Old Bridge Mayor Debbie Walker.

    Additionally, New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety received $4 million to investigate illicit activities relating to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, or prescription opioids, as well as $1 million to investigate precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine traffickers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA, Honduras and Japan join forces to strengthen Cancer Care Access through Rays of Hope

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Left to right: Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Honduras, Eduardo Enrique Reina García, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, and Director-General/Assistant Minister for the Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Bureau of Japan, Yasushi Noguchi. (Fredrik Dahl/IAEA)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Government of Honduras and the Government of Japan have joined forces to expand radiotherapy services and improve cancer care in the Republic of Honduras under the IAEA’s flagship Rays of Hope initiative.

    This tripartite cooperation was formalized during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly which is taking place this week in New York, with the signature of a Letter of Intent by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Honduras, Eduardo Enrique Reina García.

    Under this tripartite cooperation, Japan will consider, when and where appropriate, offering contributions, including facilities, equipment and infrastructure, to expand radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy facilities in Honduras as well as capacity-building, while the IAEA will explore resources and offer technical expertise and guidance to expand radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services in the country. Honduras, as the recipient, will work towards increasing access to life-saving cancer diagnosis and treatment, helping to address the growing burden of cancer in the region.

    This Letter of Intent follows the IAEA Director General Grossi’s visit to Japan in March this year, in which he commended the Diplomatic Initiative toward Latin America and the Caribbean launched by Foreign Minister Kamikawa in February 2024, which underscores Japan’s unwavering support in the region. It builds on the long-standing cooperation between the IAEA and the Government of Japan to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to support development around the world. This cooperation has seen a deeper commitment with Japan’s support for the IAEA initiative “Rays of Hope – Cancer Care for All”, launched by Director General Grossi in February 2022.

    Under the Letter of Intent, the following areas of cooperation are included: enhancing facilities, equipment and infrastructure to expand radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy facilities, as well as support in capacity-building through the engagement of multidisciplinary teams of professionals involved in the practices of radiology radiotherapy and nuclear medicine, as appropriate.

    “Today’s signing of the Letter of Intent will further help to bring life-saving cancer care to those who need it the most. From the beginning, Japan has been a very strong and generous supporter of Rays of Hope, helping to reduce global imbalances in the access to such care,” Director General Grossi said.

    The Rays of Hope initiative is helping low- and middle-income countries establish and expand access to radiation-based medical services, including diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy. Through this initiative, the IAEA, together with its donors and partners, are working to address inequities in cancer treatment and improve survival rates through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. So far, 86 countries have reached out to the Agency for support under Rays of Hope and concrete actions have been initiated in more than 30 Member States.

    In Honduras, the most common cancers require radiotherapy, but many patients have limited or no access to these services in public healthcare institutions. The high cancer mortality rate has prompted President Xiomara Castro to make the availability of specialised radiation therapy equipment and the training of experts a top priority.

    Honduras is one of the first eight countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region to receive assistance through the Rays of Hope initiative. Honduras will soon receive mammography equipment and a linear accelerator to deliver life-saving radiotherapy treatment.

    This tripartite cooperation is expected to greatly improve the availability and quality of radiation therapy in Honduras and represents the strong commitment of the parties to help save lives and address the disproportionate burden of cancer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New undergraduate course for optometrists

    Source: Scottish Government

    UK-leading course to support delivery of wider range of services.

    A new Master’s undergraduate degree has been launched to increase the skills, knowledge and experience that optometry students will have when they graduate.

    The course at Glasgow Caledonian University, which has just accepted its first cohort of students, is the first in the UK to offer an integrated optometry with independent prescribing qualification.

    Among other things, graduates will be able to prescribe medications for eye conditions previously referred to the GP or hospital ophthalmologists. This will support more patients to be managed in the community closer to home without further referral, helping to get patients treated quicker and ease pressures on NHS waiting lists.

    Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey and Public Health Minister Jenni Minto met the new cohort of students and representatives from the university at its Vision Centre facilities.

    Mr Dey said:

    “It’s exciting to see Scotland is ahead of the game when it comes to upskilling our optometry workforce and this new course will ensure they will have the right skills, knowledge and experience to meet future challenges.

    “Graduates of this groundbreaking course will play an important role in establishing a wider range of community-based ophthalmic care. Patients will be able to be treated closer to home, helping to reduce the pressures on GPs and hospital waiting lists.

    “I’m delighted that we’re able to support Glasgow Caledonian University’s new course. The Scottish Government continues to invest over £1 billion in university teaching and research.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of deaths could be avoided with new vaccine Older people should take a new vaccine to protect them against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) according to new research from the University of Aberdeen and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Older person being vaccinatedOlder people should take a new vaccine to protect them against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) according to new research from the University of Aberdeen and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.

    In new research published in Age & Ageing today, a team of scientists led by Professor Roy Soiza, Consultant Geriatrician and Honorary Chair at the University reviewed the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines against RSV in older and frailer individuals. They found the vaccines to be 86 percent effective in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections in the first year after vaccination. 

    If uptake of the vaccine reaches 70 percent, evidence suggests that up to 2,800 deaths could be prevented in the UK every year.  Additionally, with at least 70 percent uptake, around 36,000 GP consultations, 4,600 hospitalisations and 1,000 ICU admissions could be avoided.   

    However, the authors warn of a culture of ‘vaccine fatigue’ as well as ‘vaccine hesitancy’ which could impact on the numbers of older people accepting the vaccine.  

    The review paper comes in response to the UK launch of a new vaccination programme against RSV for 75 to 79-year-olds. Known to cause serious lung infections in very young infants, there is growing evidence that RSV can also cause serious chest infections in the elderly population contributing to an estimated 8000 deaths and 175,000 GP interventions every year in the UK.  

    Professor Roy Soiza who led the research at the University of Aberdeen explains: “The NHS is badly stretched, so efforts to reduce the healthcare burden from avoidable communicable diseases such as RSV infection are highly desirable. Although some sections of social media are often dominated by anti-vaccine messages, it is important that reliable public health messages cut through the noise. 

    “Our review found that the vaccines are safe and effective and we are calling on healthcare professionals and carers to encourage those invited to receive the vaccine to take up the opportunity.   

    “There is evidence of effectiveness in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections of around 86 percent in the first year after vaccination.  

    “Trials have been conducted in people aged over 60 years of age, including those with underlying medical conditions, but the number of volunteers aged 80 or over was too small to be certain of the extent of benefit. Nevertheless, we saw in the covid pandemic that the effectiveness of vaccines in trials of younger and healthier people was replicated in those who were much frailer and older.   

    “We therefore urge those with an interest in the care of older people to encourage those eligible and invited to have the new vaccine to take it.” 

    Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at Public Health Scotland, said: “The recent launch of Scotland’s new RSV vaccination programme marks another significant step forward to protect the health of the population.    

    “RSV can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as older adults. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in those aged 75 years and over being hospitalised for RSV. That’s why we’re asking all those who are eligible for the RSV vaccine to take up the offer to protect themselves against the more serious complications of an RSV infection.” 

    Antonia Ho, Professor of Infectious Diseases at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, who collaborated on the research said: “The availability of the first effective RSV vaccines in the UK is really exciting. Along with existing influenza and covid-19 vaccines, they will allow us to protect vulnerable groups from serious lung infections, and reduce the enormous pressures faced by the NHS in the winter months. 

    “The vaccination catch-up campaign for 76 to 79 years is due to end on 30 September 2024 and I would urge those who are eligible to attend their vaccination appointment.”

    Our review found that the vaccines are safe and effective and we are calling on healthcare professionals and carers to encourage those invited to receive the vaccine to take up the opportunity.” Professor Roy Soiza

    To find out how you can help support medical research at the University of Aberdeen please contact giving@abdn.ac.uk. If you would prefer to make a gift of your time, please contact alumni@abdn.ac.uk to find out more about our alumni volunteering opportunities.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    “As a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, protecting and supporting students when they are in the care of their schools is among my top priorities, and, with 25% of all first-time allergic reactions happening to children while at school, it’s clear we must do more to keep students safe,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “As we embark on a new school year, I’m proud to introduce this bill with Representatives Sherrill and Matsui to give schools the tools they need to prevent and treat allergic reactions so every child is safe eating in their school’s cafeteria.”

    “Children and teenagers with food allergies should be safe when eating school lunch. That’s why I am proud to co-lead legislation to ensure school food personnel have the education and training necessary to prevent, identify, and respond to food-related allergic reactions. Many New Jerseyans are impacted by food allergies, and this legislation would make much needed investments to ensure all of our kids are happy, healthy, and safe at school,” said Rep. Sherrill.

    “Better food allergy education and training empowers everyone,” said FARE CEO Sung Poblete, PhD, RN. “This legislation can help improve every child’s journey, whether an infant whose family embraces early introduction and food allergy prevention they learned about through WIC, or a food-allergic kid whose school cafeteria workers become more careful at lunchtime. Our community is grateful for the leadership of Reps. Mark DeSaulnier and Mikie Sherrill, as well as their staffs, for introducing the House version of the Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act.”

    “The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act will improve the lives of individuals and children living with food allergies,” said Paul Williams, MD, FAAAAI, President of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “With 6 million children among the 33 million Americans with food allergies in the United States, training and educating food personnel in schools on food allergies will help prevent adverse reactions, including life threatening anaphylaxis. Education and outreach on food allergies in nutritional support programs will help address healthcare disparities. The AAAAI applauds the leadership of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and urges Congress to move this forward.”

    “It’s more important than ever that children with food allergies be protected while they are in school,” said allergist Gailen Marshall, MD, PhD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “This bill is not just about preventing serious food allergy reactions by training food personnel about allergens. It also will help them to recognize when a child is having a serious reaction, and to respond immediately and appropriately. Because 25% of serious reactions occur in children who have not been previously diagnosed with a food allergy, school food personnel need better preparation. Passage of this bill will assist millions of children across the country who are vulnerable to food allergic reactions.”

    “On behalf of the 4 million children in the United States with food allergies, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) thanks Rep. DeSaulnier for introducing the Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act. This legislation focuses on protecting children in school environments. Specifically, the bill requires training for school food personnel to prevent, identify, and respond to food-related allergic reactions. School food personnel must understand how to protect children with food allergies. Children spend seven hours or more each day in school and more than 15 percent of school-aged children with food allergies experienced a reaction in school. The training required by this bill can help prevent these reactions and save lives,” said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.


    This legislation is supported by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE); American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI); American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI); Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA); and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

    Congressman DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Adams, Van Hollen Introduce Student Debt Relief Bill for Parent Borrowers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-N.C.), and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced the Parent PLUS Parity Act, bicameral legislation to ease the burden of student loan debt for parent borrowers who helped their children pay for their higher education.  

    Nationwide, approximately 3.9 million borrowers have outstanding Parent PLUS loan balances totaling $112 billion. While these loans allow parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow money to pay costs not already covered by the student’s financial aid package, current law excludes borrowers from the Parent PLUS and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs from most income-based repayment plans. Among other provisions, the Parent PLUS Parity Act makes parent borrowers eligible for repayment plans created by the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden-Harris Administration. This legislation comes after Senator Van Hollen led several of his colleagues in urging the Biden-Harris Administration – in 2022 and earlier this year – to provide financial relief to parent borrowers, while welcoming its efforts thus far to address the student debt crisis. 

    “This legislation is about fairness for families, so that more parents can help their children through college without worrying about how to make ends meet at their current salary level. If we can amend the law to allow income-based repayments then we should, especially for payees who are disabled or retired. It’s unconscionable that disabled and retired individuals on limited incomes are having their incomes garnished to cover student loan debt. This is a way for us to do better by the American people. I thank Mr. Van Hollen for introducing the companion bill in the Senate and working with me to get this bill passed,” said Rep. Adams.  

    “Millions of parents who struggled to help their kids pay for college are now trapped in unsustainable debt – and it’s not just hurting them, it’s holding back our entire economy. While the Biden-Harris Administration has taken important steps to expand income-based repayment options so students can pay off their loans, parent borrowers have been excluded from these programs, offering them little to no recourse. Our legislation will help those families chart a path to clear their debt and regain their financial footing,” said Senator Van Hollen.  

    “Parents taking out loans to help their kids pay for higher education deserve the same loan forgiveness and relief options as other borrowers,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA). “More and more low-income families, especially Black and Latino parents, rely on the Parent PLUS program every year but have limited loan repayment options. By expanding parents’ access to the same repayment benefits their kids would receive, we can help close the racial wealth gap and expand debt relief for underserved families.” 

    In addition to Senator Van Hollen, the legislation is co-led by Senator Padilla and cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT). 

    In addition to Representative Adams, the bill is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and Maxine Waters (D-CA). 

    The Parent PLUS Parity Act is endorsed by NAACP, National Education Association, Student Borrower Protection Center, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), Student Debt Crisis Center, Project on Predatory Student Lending, Education Trust, Justice in Aging, and the Century Foundation Higher Education Team. 

    Established in 1980, Parent PLUS loans were initially intended to assist higher-asset families, but as tuition has skyrocketed and the purchasing power of the Pell Grant has fallen, families with limited resources, particularly families of color, have increasingly turned to Parent PLUS loans to make up the shortfall. The consequences of this have been enormous, trapping thousands of low-income American families under a crushing financial burden. Between 1996 and 2018, the number of Parent PLUS recipients under the federal poverty line rose by an astonishing 350 percent. In 2020, the average Parent PLUS loan debt held was $37,970, a 40 percent increase since 2000. In 2015, 40,000 disabled or retired Parent PLUS borrowers had their Social Security benefits garnished after defaulting on their loans. What’s more, Black parents are struggling disproportionately; the share of Black Parent PLUS borrowers with incomes below $30,000 nearly tripled from 2008 to 2018. In 2018, 44 percent of Black Parent PLUS borrowers had an annual income below $30,000 compared to only 10 percent of White Parent PLUS borrowers. 

    Currently, Parent PLUS borrowers are excluded from most income-based repayment plans, including the SAVE Plan, the PAYE Repayment Plan, and the IBR Plan. Parent PLUS borrowers are also not eligible to discharge their loans in cases where their child becomes disabled and face additional barriers to obtaining Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). 

    In his letters to Secretary Cardona, Senator Van Hollen has urged the Education Department to use the extent of its authorities to provide relief for Parent PLUS borrowers. As a result of these efforts, the Department included Parent PLUS borrowers in its new hardship discharge program in the proposed student loan relief regulations announced in April 2024. The Parent PLUS Parity Act makes necessary statutory changes to ensure Parent PLUS borrowers can pursue additional avenues for debt relief and to protect these borrowers against Republican attacks on the Department of Education’s student debt relief programs. 

    This legislation will help families tackle intergenerational debt, ensure equal access to programs available to other borrowers, and provide urgently-needed assistance to millions of forgotten Parent PLUS borrowers by: 

    • Expanding the income-driven repayment plan options for Parent PLUS and all FFEL borrowers to all income-driven repayment plans and any forthcoming plans issued by the Department of Education, including the new SAVE program, PAYE, and IBR.  

    • Directing the Secretary of Education to create a new hardship category program that will permit Parent PLUS borrowers to apply for loan discharge if they meet certain requirements based on income, borrower age, and other factors. 

    The full text of the bill is available here.  

    “If we fail to address intergenerational debt experienced by families with Parent PLUS loans, we will fall short of fixing our broken student loan system,” said Senator Booker. The Parent PLUS Parity Act will bring parents much needed relief by expanding access to income-based repayment plans. No one should have to choose between supporting their child’s future and their family’s financial security.” 

    “As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, making sure that Virginia students have the freedom to make the decisions that are right for them is one of my top priorities. That includes looking for commonsense solutions to make higher education opportunities more affordable,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to give Parent PLUS borrowers—many of whom are families of color—some breathing room by boosting access to existing income-based repayment plans and application-based relief programs. Supporting our students is critical to the health of our economy, and I will keep looking for opportunities to do so.” 

    “This bill to provide parity for Parent PLUS loan borrowers is a matter of fairness and equity. Doing so will give millions of working families important financial relief, help tackle intergenerational debt and ensure that everyone has access to all income-driven repayment plans,” said Senator Smith. “Passing this legislation would mean millions of parents would no longer be burdened by student loan debt.” 

    “Parent PLUS loans are an example of how our federal student loan program has failed families. Instead of helping families pay for their child’s education, Parent PLUS loans have left many with crippling repayment obligations and reduced debt relief options. These loans have been especially brutal to people of color and marginalized communities, causing them to default on their loans. It’s not sustainable,” said Senator Welch. “This bill is an important step in reforming our federal student loan program.” 

    “Black parents have long understood that higher education opens doors of opportunity for their children. However, the Parent PLUS loan program has often trapped lower-income families in debt, with repayment guidelines designed for wealthier households. The significant number of affected parents highlights a policy failure: skyrocketing education costs combined with a loan program that doesn’t work for low-income families. Senator Van Hollen’s and Representative Adams’s bill seeks to reform Parent PLUS by aligning repayment options with those available for other student loans. This would allow parents to receive relief when their child qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge. The bill also introduces new relief for parents facing financial hardship. These changes would help address a significant injustice: penalizing low-income parents for supporting their child’s pursuit of the American Dream,” said Wisdom Cole, Senior National Advocacy Director, NAACP. 

    “For too long, Parents PLUS borrowers have been left out of critical efforts to alleviate the crushing burden of student loan debt. As a result, Parent PLUS borrowers have been left struggling with unaffordable monthly payments that can force them to delay retirement, push them into poverty and even subject them to Social Security benefit offset and other catastrophic consequences if they fall behind. We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Representative Alma Adams for introducing the Parent PLUS Parity Act which will ensure that Parent PLUS borrowers have access to the full suite of affordable repayment options that all other federal borrowers do. The Act also importantly establishes critical pathways to relief to support Parent PLUS borrowers should they experience financial hardship,” said Aissa Canchola Bañez, Policy Director, Student Borrower Protection Center. 

    “The burden of Parent PLUS debt disproportionately falls on low-income parents and parents of color. The Parent PLUS program currently has limited pathways to enable families to successfully manage their debt, which results in financial harm that can ripple through generations. This bill provides important borrower protections for parents, including affordable income-based repayment options and a fair path to relief for loans taken out to pay for schools that engage in misconduct. We thank Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Adams for their leadership on this issue and their commitment to ensuring that families with Parent PLUS loans can benefit from the same borrower protections as other student loans,” said Ashley Harrington, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, Project on Predatory Student Lending. 

    “At the Student Debt Crisis Center, we are proud to endorse the Parent PLUS Parity Act which will expand access to Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and IDR forgiveness to all borrowers, including parents with parent PLUS loans. This bill will help millions of parents who took out student loans to support their children in college and who now find themselves struggling to meet their monthly payments. This is one step towards a more fair and just student loan system, and brings us one step closer to achieving our goal of ending the student debt crisis,” said Natalia Abrams, President & Founder, Student Debt Crisis Center. 

    “EdTrust has repeatedly detailed how the student loan debt burden impedes the economic stability and well-being of Black borrowers,” said Education Trust’s Senior Vice President, Wil Del Pilar. “Policy solutions like increasing repayment options for Parent PLUS are a crucial step toward ensuring that parents, especially under-represented parents and parents from low-income backgrounds, are not burdened with unmanageable debt while investing in their children’s future. This bill adopts several of our recommendations on how to address this issue, and we are pleased to support it.” 

    “Parent PLUS borrowers face the same financial challenges as other borrowers do, yet they have fewer protections from spiraling debts. The Parent PLUS Parity Act would enable parent-borrowers to access many of the Biden-Harris Administration’s improvements to student loan repayment and enjoy retirement unburdened by excessive student loan bills,” said Peter Granville, Fellow, Century Foundation Higher Education Team. 

    ### 

    Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wagner, Bost Call on Department of Veterans Affairs to Advance St. Louis-Area Expansion and Modernization

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), and Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough calling on him to advance the Department of Veterans Affairs St. Louis bed tower replacement and clinical expansion project.

    Congresswoman Ann Wagner: “Missouri veterans have served our nation with honor, and they deserve world-class treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The VA has held up the John Cochran construction project for too long, a shameful failure that has blocked our veterans from vital modernized medical facilities.  I am calling on the VA to take immediate action, request funds for this project, and treat our veterans with the respect they have earned.”

    Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost:“For far too long, St. Louis and Metro East Illinois veterans served by the John A. Cochran VA Hospital have been waiting for improved medical facilities. The VA has recognized for well over a decade that the hospital’s bed tower needs to be replaced and its clinical services need to be modernized. This project must be funded as a top priority – and it needs to happen now. As chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue working with Rep. Wagner and my colleagues in Missouri to see that the Biden administration gets this project over the finish line. Our veterans deserve it.”

    Letter excerpt: “St. Louis-area veterans, including those in Missouri as well as Southern Illinois, have been waiting too long for modernized medical facilities and it is past time to jumpstart this project.  As you know, VA originally requested this construction project in 2010 and Congress authorized its design and planning. VA subsequently restructured the project, has acquired the necessary land and completed some site preparation. However, construction has not begun because the Department’s budget request has not adequately prioritized this modernization project for two years in a row….Your Strategic Capital Investment Planning process continues to rank the (St. Louis John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital) construction project as the highest priority, but the linkage to VA’s budget requests has broken down. This is unfortunate and has delayed the completion of new facilities that St. Louis-area veterans deserve. We respectfully request that you work with the relevant committees to rectify this situation and pull the project over the finish line.”

    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Adams, Grassley, Merkley, Booker, and Hinson Shine Light on Stillbirth Prevention

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC. – Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01) teamed up with U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day.

    Earlier this year, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act (H.Res.1474) —led by Hinson and Adams in the House and Merkley in the Senate — was signed into law by President Biden to help save the lives of mothers and babies across America. With at least 25 percent of stillbirths being potentially preventable, this resolution stresses the need for continued stillbirth prevention activities in the United States.

    “I was proud to co-lead the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act and see it pass into law this year, which will increase awareness for families on how to prevent this painful, yet common experience,” said Rep. Adams. “Today we recommit to ending stillbirth and to giving more families a chance to be whole. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to doing my part on behalf of all of America’s families.”

    “A single family affected by stillbirth is one too many. Yet this tragedy impacts thousands across America, upending the lives of individuals and families from all walks of life,” said Senator Merkley. “Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we must do more to reduce the alarming rate of stillbirth, which disproportionately impacts Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native women. This National Stillbirth Prevention Day we recommit to doing everything we can to end this public health crisis, so no one again ever has to experience the trauma of stillbirth.”

    “Thousands of families grapple with the unimaginable pain of stillbirths, and, devastatingly, Black women and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by these tragedies,” said Senator Booker. “By designating September 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention Day, we will help raise awareness, promote research and develop solutions so all mothers and babies, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the care and support they deserve.”

    “Iowa has made strides towards reducing stillbirths in our state. This bipartisan resolution recognizes researchers like we have in Iowa, as well as care providers and advocates. It also reaffirms our goal to improve maternal care resources, particularly in rural areas,” said Senator Grassley. “No mom should know the heartbreak of a stillbirth. I’m glad to be partnering on a number of federal legislative efforts to help target contributing factors and save babies’ lives.”

    “Over 21,000 babies are stillborn in the U.S. each year. This rate is unacceptably high, and we must do more to ensure more women experience healthy pregnancies and have healthy babies. I am proud to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to recognize September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention so we can help save more moms and babies,” said Rep. Hinson.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 175 U.S. births tragically result in stillbirth—accounting for nearly 21,000 stillbirths a year—more stillbirths annually than the number of babies who pass away during their first year of life. In the last two decades, the stillbirth rate in the United States declined by a negligible 0.4 percent. In a report published by the World Health Organization comparing progress in improving stillbirth rates, the United States ranked 183 out of 195 countries.

    “For the third year in a row, and under Senator Merkley’s leadership, we pause to recognize the crisis of stillbirth in this country and celebrate progress on stillbirth prevention efforts. When Congress recognizes this important day, when buildings and bridges are lit up across the country, and moms and dads make their voices heard through OpEds and sharing their personal stories of loss — progress happens and lives are saved. We mourn the tens of thousands of babies who should be with their families right now and accelerate progress so no other family has to endure the tragedy of stillbirth,” said Emily Price, Healthy Birth Day Inc. CEO.

    In the Senate, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). In the House, the resolution is cosponsored by Congressman Wiley Nickel (D-NC-13). Healthy Birth Day Inc., Charles Martin Corvi Fund, Birth and Breastfeeding in Color Inc, American College of Nurse-Midwives, Aaliyah in Action, Yale University Reproductive and Placental Research Unit, Yale University, The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation, Nitamising Gimashkikinaan Our First Medicine Indigenous Perinatal and Lactation Support Circle, Division of Indian Work, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, 1st Breath, 2 Degrees, Dieudonne Foundation, Jace’s Journey, Start Healing Together, In the Arms Of Jesus Grief Support, Healing Our Hearts Foundation, Matties Memory, Society for Reproductive Investigation, March of Dimes, Measure the Placenta, Nurturing Babyhood N’ Beyond LLC, PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, March for Moms, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, Gifts from Liam, Mera’s Mission, and Kansas Birth Justice Society also endorsed the resolution.

    The full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

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    Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Hosts White House Cabinet Officials at HBCU Braintrust

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    Secretary Miguel Cardona (Education), Secretary Xavier Becerra (Health & Human Services) and Administrator Michael Regan (EPA) to join ALC event

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) hosted three members of the White House Cabinet yesterday for her annual “HBCU Braintrust,” a panel event and conversation within the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.  

    U.S. Secretary of Education (USED) Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan each joined Rep. Adams on Thursday for separate conversations about how to support and sustain the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

    “I was honored to welcome Secretary Becerra, Secretary Cardona, and Administrator Regan to discuss how the federal government is helping build a better future for HBCUs, their students and graduates,” said Rep. Adams. “The Biden-Harris administration has helped deliver $17 billion to our schools and I look forward to making more progress in the years ahead to even out the playing field.” 

    “I want to applaud Chair Adams for her visionary leadership and collaboration, which has been absolutely instrumental to this administration’s efforts to Raise the Bar for Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Our nation’s HBCUs have long punched above their weight and driven Black excellence in fields from law to medicine, arts to engineering.  I am very proud that the Biden-Harris Administration has invested over $16 billion in HBCU schools and students – a historic investment – and in close partnership with leaders like Chair Adams, we will continue to fight tooth and nail for HBCUs to get the support and resources they deserve.” 

    “Congresswoman Alma Adams has been a champion for HBCUs in Congress for her entire career,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA is proud to be delivering on the Biden-Harris administration’s charge to uplift HBCUs, and along with my fellow HBCU-alum Vice President Harris, this work is deeply personal and significant. Through historic investments secured by President Biden, we are ensuring HBCUs have the resources to foster innovation and cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.” 

    “HBCUs graduate more Black health professionals than any other institutions of higher education”, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, “That is why at HHS, instead of waiting for folks to find us, we go out and find students and let them know what their future could look like when they join the healthcare workforce and how we can support them financially to give back to their community.” 

    The HBCU Braintrust on Thursday was a 90-minute session featuring three separate fireside chats with the three Cabinet officials. The conversations centered around the HBCU Braintrust’s theme: MORE for ‘24 and Striving for ‘25: What We Must do for and with HBCUs to Build on Our Progress.  

    Rep. Adams hosted three events over three days, beginning with her kick-off event on Wednesday, as part of the larger Annual Legislative Conference. 

    Today she hosted the Second Annual Bipartisan HBCU Luncheon, with a keynote address from Dallas Mavericks’ CEO and published author Cynt Marshall. The event continued with a panel discussion titled, When Women Lead, featuring three HBCU presidents:  

    The panel was moderated by Dr. Lisa Herring, President of the PROPEL Center. Dr. Harold L. Martin (North Carolina A&T State University), Dr. Charlotte P. Morris (Tuskegee University) and Dr. Larry Robinson (Florida A&M University) were also recognized at the luncheon for their contributions to their respective universities and the larger HBCU community. 

    ### 

    Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. For more information contact the Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams: (202)225-1510. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Reproductive coercion is a form of gender-based violence. It’s likely more common than we realise

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Desireé LaGrappe, PhD Candidate & Coordinator, Reducing Gender-based Violence Network | NHMRC and Fulbright grantee, La Trobe University

    Peopleimages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    From contraception access to safe abortion, there is growing awareness about reproductive health and rights.

    Around the world, reproductive rights and justice are issues of political debate and on the electoral ballot. But for some, the greatest threat to their reproductive autonomy is being wielded by those closest to them.

    Last week, preliminary findings were presented from the Australian Study of Health and Relationships on the prevalence of reproductive coercion and abuse nationally. This form of gender-based violence is where someone seeks to control another person’s reproductive choices using physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence or threats. The study included 4,540 participants aged 16–69 years.

    Early analysis showed one in 20 reported experiencing controlling behaviours over contraception, pregnancy and abortion.

    So what makes these controlling behaviours different from other forms of abuse? And how can we find out more?

    What is it?

    Reproductive coercion and abuse is mostly perpetrated against women, girls and LGBTQIA+ people, usually by a partner, parent or in-law.

    Someone might do this by trying to coerce or force the other person to become pregnant or have an abortion. This can look like:

    • relentlessly pressuring the person to have a baby when they don’t want to

    • refusing to let them use birth control, or withholding or destroying it

    • harassing or stalking them to find out if they had an abortion.

    The recent rapid review for government on approaches to prevent gender-based violence does not mention the words “reproductive coercion and abuse”. But it has been clearly identified in several domestic and family violence-related deaths in Australia.

    These controlling behaviours intersect with domestic, family and sexual violence. However, reproductive coercion is unique, because it weaponises someone’s reproductive capacity in order to control them.

    Partners can be coerced into going through with a pregnancy against their wishes.
    Tapao/Shutterstock

    What we don’t know

    The Australian Study of Health and Relationships is only undertaken every ten years and the latest survey is the first to estimate how common controlling another person’s reproductive rights might be on a national scale. The results of the survey provide essential data for sexual and reproductive health policies and programs across Australia.

    However, there are no data for comparison yet to look for trends over time.

    The reported one-in-20 prevalence is likely an underestimation. This is because we know people tend to under-report abuse and might not recognise or process what’s happening to them at the time, a typical trauma response.

    And subtle emotional manipulation or pressure can be difficult to capture in broad population surveys.

    Previous studies have conflated reproductive coercion and abuse with sexual violence or have failed to ask about abortion or the different types of relationships where this abuse occurs.

    Any measure should be developed with people with lived experience and designed so communities like First Nations Australians, LGBTQIA+ people, people living with disability, migrants and refugees, and young people are properly represented. Too often they are not included in co-design processes or their experiences are made invisible by data gaps.

    Last month, the report into Missing and murdered First Nations women and children revealed that Closing the Gap data on violence against women and children is out of date and the actual number of Indigenous women and children murdered or disappeared is unknown.

    Last year’s Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability similarly drew attention to the increased prevalence of abuse suffered by women with disability and the lack of proper consultation to involve them in solutions.

    Our La Trobe and University of Melbourne team is developing a new rigorous measure to better capture the complex behaviours missed by other measures. It’s intended to compare reproductive coercion and abuse prevalence across different countries and strengthen how we measure the effect of future interventions.

    Once developed, testing will start in maternal and child health settings. This is because the risk of abuse is heightened around childbirth and nurses and midwives are well positioned to safely identify and support patients.

    Additional steps will be needed to determine what questions are best for health-care workers to ask to identify at-risk patients and respond – without putting them in more danger.

    Coercion is happening within a global context – a fight for reproductive rights.
    Benjamin Clapp/Shutterstock

    Where to from here? And where to get help

    Reproductive coercion and abuse needs to have a larger focus in the current national discussion on gender-based violence and prevention.

    A 2023 Senate inquiry into universal access to reproductive health care called for more research into reproductive coercion and abuse to inform guidelines and training for health-care workers. This will require better measurement of the full extent and patterns of the problem. We hope policy makers appropriately resource these areas critical to ending gender-based violence.

    People experiencing reproductive coercion and abuse can contact 1800 My Options (VIC), Children by Choice (QLD) or 1800 Respect (National) for professional help.

    Desireé LaGrappe is a PhD candidate of La Trobe University and the SPHERE CRE. She is employed casually by La Trobe and receives funding for this research from the NHMRC and previously from the US Dept. of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. She is affiliated with the SPHERE Coalition, Family Planning Australia, the Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International, Sigma, and the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association.

    Angela Taft received funding from NHMRC as a CI on the SPHERE Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) on Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Safer Families CRE. She is affiliated with the SPHERE Coalition and PHAA.

    Kristina Edvardsson receives funding from the NHMRC as an investigator on the SPHERE CRE.

    Laura Tarzia receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and is an investigator on the SPHERE CRE. She is collaborating with the ASHR team on their research into reproductive coercion and abuse. She is affiliated with the Safer Families Centre and the Royal Women’s Hospital.

    Leesa Hooker receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Department of Social Services. She is affiliated with the SPHERE CRE and the Safer Families Centre.

    – ref. Reproductive coercion is a form of gender-based violence. It’s likely more common than we realise – https://theconversation.com/reproductive-coercion-is-a-form-of-gender-based-violence-its-likely-more-common-than-we-realise-239606

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Steward of Democracy: Rep. Jim Costa Honored by the Ukrainian Parliament and President Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was awarded the Honorary Diploma of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, one of the highest distinguished awards by the Ukrainian Parliament. This prestigious accolade recognizes Costa’s unwavering support for Ukraine and his commitment to defending democracy.

    The Honorary Diploma was presented to Congressman Costa during a visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian leaders, and members of the Ukrainian Parliament.

    “I am honored to receive this accolade and will continue to work with Ukraine to help it defend itself and preserve its sovereignty. The United States and Ukraine share a commitment to democracy and security. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and standing with the resilient Ukrainian people,” said Costa.

    BACKGROUND
    Congressman Jim Costa’s visit to Ukraine was marked by productive dialogues on critical issues, including security cooperation, economic development, and humanitarian aid. Costa was joined by Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Don Bacon (NE-02).

    Costa’s meeting with President Zelenskyy highlighted the deepening partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine and underscored the importance of continued support for Ukraine’s democratic aspirations and territorial integrity. President Zelenskyy spoke in detail about the situation on the front and the priority needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Costa responded by indicating the importance of maintaining solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and our European allies to defend democracy.

    Members traveled through Konovaltsia and Kokorudza streets in Lviv, Ukraine, where a Russian missile killed seven people, including three children on September 4, 2024. One of the buildings damaged in the Russian attack was the Lviv Oblast Centre for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation on Konovaltsia Street, a 130-year-old architectural monument.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed to the members that he will present Ukraine’s victory plan to U.S. President Biden, Congress, and both U.S. presidential candidates soon. 

    A folder of photos and videos is available HERE.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – New research targets end-of-life decision making – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    As Aotearoa grapples with a strained healthcare system and an ageing population, a new research project is setting out to improve end-of-life care for older people.

    Led by University of Auckland Associate Professor Julie Harrison, the study aims to help older people, their families and clinicians make informed decisions about interventions like surgery or extended hospital stays.

    “End-of-life decisions are tough, especially in stressful situations,” says Harrison, who specialises in performance measurement within health services, health funding models, and costing systems in healthcare settings.

    “We want to find ways to better support kaumātua and their whānau to make choices that align with their values.”

    The project, funded by the Health Research Council, will be conducted at Waikato Hospital and involve researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato.

    The researchers will examine how kaumātua and their whānau make health decisions, gather insights from the families of those who have died after a hospital visit, and explore clinicians’ views on informed decision making.

    The goal is to create a pathway that supports better decision making, allowing more people to spend their final days at home and reducing unnecessary hospital interventions.

    With an ageing population creating a higher demand for health and social care, the project also aims to identify potential cost savings within the healthcare system, which could be redirected to other vital services.

    Harrison, who works in the Business School’s accounting and finance department, will focus on identifying the cost side considerations.

    “A lot of healthcare costs are incurred at the end of life,” she says, “and decisions around treatment options are challenging for everyone involved.”

    Some of the decisions people face in the final year of their life include what kind of health interventions they want – whether they wish to have all possible treatments and potentially spend more time in the hospital or undergo less treatment and spend their final days at home.

    “These are hard conversations to have, and we’re doing this study to help understand what people actually want, whether they have the information they need, and the costs of the different options for the system and for families.

    “It’s about helping kaumātua and their families to better understand the treatments available and to select the care pathway that best fits what they’re looking for and the way in which they want to spend their final months and days.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –