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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders to Lead HELP Committee Hearing on Outrageous Ozempic and Wegovy Prices with Novo Nordisk CEO

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 – As millions of Americans struggle with diabetes and obesity, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), on Tuesday will lead the committee in a hearing to examine why Novo Nordisk charges the American people the highest prices in the world for its lifesaving drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. Epidemiologists have estimated that more than 40,000 lives per year could be saved if Wegovy and other weight-loss drugs were made affordable and widely available in the United States.
    Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen will join the hearing to provide in-person testimony on a solo panel.
    “I want to thank Mr. Jørgensen for our discussions and for his agreeing to voluntarily testify before the HELP Committee about the outrageously high cost of Ozempic and Wegovy in the United States,” said Sanders. “The American people are sick and tired of paying, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. They deserve to hear from Mr. Jørgensen.”
    Novo Nordisk has made nearly $50 billion in sales from these two products alone. Yet, Novo Nordisk currently charges Americans with Type 2 diabetes $969 a month for Ozempic, while this same exact drug can be purchased for just $155 in Canada, $122 in Denmark, and just $59 in Germany. Incredibly, Novo Nordisk also charges Americans with obesity $1,349 a month for Wegovy, while this same exact product can be purchased for just $186 in Denmark, $140 in Germany, and $92 in the United Kingdom.
    In March of 2024, a study from researchers at Yale University found these drugs could be profitably manufactured for less than $5 a month, or $57 per year. Earlier this week at an expert discussion hosted by Sanders, the chairman announced that some CEOs of major generic pharmaceutical companies are willing to sell Ozempic to Americans for less than $100 per month, at a profit. More than 250 physicians also came together earlier this week to call on Congress to rein in the exorbitant prices of GLP-1s, like Ozempic and Wegovy.
    If half of all adults in the U.S. took these weight loss drugs, it would cost $411 billion per year – $5 billion more than what Americans spent on all prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter in 2022.
    This hearing builds on the HELP Committee’s previous efforts to ensure pharmaceutical companies provide life-saving medicines at affordable prices, including taxpayer funded prescription drugs, COVID vaccines, inhalers, and insulin.
    DetailsWhat: Senate HELP Committee hearing titled, “Why Is Novo Nordisk Charging Americans with Diabetes and Obesity Outrageously High Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?”When: 10:00 a.m. ET, Tuesday, September 24, 2024Where: Room 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building. The discussion will also be livestreamed on the HELP Committee’s website and Sanders’ social media.Who:
    Senate HELP Committee members
    Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chief Social Work Officer 2023/24 annual report

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of The Highland Council have noted an Annual Report by the Chief Social Work Officer, for 2023/24.

    The report provides information on the range of activities carried out during the past year and highlights the achievements, and opportunities and challenges moving forward. Councillors discussed the content of the report and the implications for social work and social care services within Highland Council and NHS Highland.

    Cllr David Fraser, Chair of the Council’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee said: “While recruitment continues to be a challenge for health and social care services, I am pleased that trainee and ‘grow your own’ schemes are now well established within Highland.

    “The geography of the Highlands continues to prove challenging particularly in adult social care and coupled with difficulties of recruitment the Council continues to work closely with NHS Highland to address this. The Council and partners are also responding productively to ‘The Promise’ regarding the delivery of children’s services.

    “I would like to thank all social work and social care staff for their continued focus on providing services in these constantly challenging times.”

    Fiona Duncan, Chief Social Work Officer said: “National policy, legislation, budget restrictions and increasing demand and complexity for social services coupled with a national staffing crisis have proven particularly challenging during 2023/24. In addition to this the ongoing consultation around the National Care Service also brings uncertainty for social work staff.

    “Highland has, however, remained focussed on delivering services and has invested in children’s services by increasing foster care allowances and in the Family First strategy to ensure The Promise is being met.

    “In addition to challenges there have also been significant achievements including, for example:

    • The total number of children in residential care has dropped by 35% since 2019.
    • With Bairns Hoose funding, properties in Wick and Inverness now provide a safe and warm environment for the interviewing of children and young people during child protection processes.
    • A joint Sub-Group of the Adult and Child Protection Committees has been established to take forward work in relation to young adults (16+) at risk of harm.
    • Three Family Group Decision Making Coordinators appointed have supported 33 children and their families to develop family plans or contribute to the child’s plan and are currently supporting 18 children and families.
    • Inspections by the Care Inspectorate of children’s houses recorded positive shifts for Mainstay House from ‘Adequate to Good’ and Oakwood House from ‘Good to Very Good.”

    She added: “While there have been a number of challenges during the past year, social work and social care staff across all services within The Highland Council and NHS Highland have worked tirelessly to maintain service delivery, with the focus on keeping clients and communities safe and supported.”

    The Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report for 2023/24 can be viewed at Appendix A in agenda item 7 of the meeting of The Highland Council

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President  Biden and First Lady Jill  Biden Before Cabinet  Meeting

    Source: The White House

    11:37 A.M. EDT

    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, good morning.  I guess it’s still morning, isn’t it?  Yep.

    Before I begin this Cabinet meeting, I want to discuss very briefly the need for Congress to pass a continuing resolution.  It’s critical.  And we have 10 days for Congress to pass a short-term funding bill that gives them more time to deliver on our national defense, veterans, hardworking families — what we’ve already appropriated.  It’s important we get it done.

    And it’s the only path forward, b- — it’s by working across the aisle.  We got to have faith that our leaders will pull this together.  It’s really important.  It’s a — and — to fund the government. 

    And — and so, this Cabinet meeting comes at a time when we have four months left in the administration.  And we’re going to keep running through the tape because the vice president and I are determined to keep making sure that the democracy delivers what the American people are asking for and what we provided.

    That means continuing to implement the historic laws we’ve passed.  They’ve allowed us to invest in America, rebuild our infrastructure, and implement our historic laws. 

    So, we’re grateful that Jill is here today.  (Laughter.)  I heard that clapping — it wasn’t for me — when we came in.

    And here, across previous administrations, first ladies have attended these meetings and on — for specific reasons.  It’s the first time Jill has joined us.  And it goes to show how important the issue is, what she’s about to speak to, to both of us.

    Today, at the top of our meeting, Jill is going to give an update on the House initiative — White House initiative to fundamentally change the approach and fund — on how we approach and fund women’s health services.

    So, I’d like to turn it over to Jill and — for any comments she has. 

    THE FIRST LADY:  Thanks, Joe.

    THE PRESIDENT:  And it’s all yours, kid.

    THE FIRST LADY:  Thank you.

    You know, sometimes the White House surprises you.  When Joe became president, I knew I wanted to keep shining a light on the issues that I’d worked on for so many years: supporting military and veteran families, ending cancer as we know it with the Biden Cancer Moonshot, lifting up educators, and promoting free community college as a pathway to good-paying careers.

    But then last year, I learned about — more about gaps — huge gaps in our understanding of women’s health.  Our nation is home to the best health research in the world, yet women’s health is understudied and research is underfunded.  And we still know too little about how to affectively prevent, diagnose, and treat a range of health conditions in women, from heart disease to cancers.

    It was one of those moments where you can never see the world the same way again.  And I knew that I had to add this to my portfolio. 

    So, last November, Joe and I launched the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research.  And what has never surprised me about the White House is that when you have a great team, which Joe has in all of you, you can bring about solutions quickly.

    I’m here, my first time at a Cabinet meeting, to thank you for the incredible progress we’ve made on women’s health research, all in less than a year.

    Joe directed federal departments and agencies to prioritize women’s health research and innovation, and you responded.

    In February, ARPA-H, the agency Joe created to pursue breakthrough health research, at lightning speed, launched its first-ever Sprint for Women’s Health.  The $100-million investment will fund innovations that will be life-changing for women.

    Then, a month later, NIH committed another $200 million to fund interdisciplinary women’s health research, for ex- — for example, looking at how menopause affects heart health, brain health, and bone health.

    In May, the Department of Defense and the VA launched a new joint effort to improve research for women in the military and for women veterans.

    On Monday, I’ll be at the Clinton Global Initiative to make a new announcement, and we will share more then.

    In June, the Department of Health and Human Services announced new funding to address the unique mental health and substance use treatment needs of women.

    Your agencies are strengthening standards so that when the government funds research, it includes women from the beginning.  That means making sure women are enrolled in clinical trials and that researchers design studies, analyze data, and report finding[s] in ways that improve women’s health.

    Joe’s executive order directed the most comprehensive set of actions that any president has ever taken to advance women’s health research.  And in his State of the Union Address, he asked Congress for $12 billion to secure the bold and transformative health discoveries we need.

    Our White House initiative has built momentum for health research focused on women, but we have to keep moving forward.  We have to keep wok- — working across government and the private sector to incentive innovative health research for women.

    It’s time to write a new story of health care in this country, one where women get the answers we need, where the United States continues to be home to the most cutting-edge research in the world, and where everyone can lead healthier lives.

    Thank you.  (Applause.)

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Mr. President, is it realistic to get to a ceasefire?

    Q    Mr. President, what do (inaudible)?

    (Cross-talk.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  On the peace process, we’re continuing to try to do what we’ve tried from the beginning to make sure that both the people in Northern Israel as well as Southern Lebanon are able to go back to their homes and go back safely.  And the secretary of State, the secretary of Defense, our whole team is working — the intelligence community — to try to get that done.  And we’re going to keep at it until we get it done.  But we’ve got a way to go.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Is it realistic? 

    (Cross-talk.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  Shh.  Hey.

    Q    Is it realistic to get to a ceasefire deal, or have too many bad things happened that make it difficult?

    THE PRESIDENT:  If I ever said it’s not realistic, we might as well leave.

    A lot of things don’t look realistic until we get them done.  We have to keep at it.

    Thank you.

    11:45 A.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Highlights New Actions to Support Women’s Economic  Security

    Source: The White House

    Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new resources to support women’s economic security and convening stakeholders to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to ensure that women age with the financial security that they deserve.
     
    Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, working age women’s labor force participation is the highest on record, the gender pay gap has narrowed, and the Administration is ensuring that women have access to good jobs and safe workplaces free from discrimination.  Still, women—and women of color in particular—experience workplace inequities throughout their lives, including as a result of discrimination, pay disparities, occupational segregation, and unpaid caregiving responsibilities.  These inequities can add up to millions of dollars lost over the course of a lifetime and contribute to a retirement savings gap between men and women.  While women typically retire with less savings than men, they are also living longer—thereby, experiencing more financial strain as they age.  
     
    The Council of Economic Advisers is releasing a new issue brief on the Economic Security of Older Women highlighting the economic challenges that compound over the course of a woman’s life and underscoring that women are more vulnerable to economic shocks.  The issue brief also highlights Biden-Harris Administration policies that have helped mitigate these challenges and ensure women’s economic security as they age.
     
    Since Day One, President Biden and Vice President Harris have fought to improve women’s economic security and protect and strengthen Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—lifelines for millions of women.  From lowering prescription drug costs for millions of seniors through the historic Inflation Reduction Act to issuing new rules to ensure that the financial advice that Americans get for retirement is in their best interest, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action to support women’s financial security.  The Biden-Harris Administration is also closing gaps in women’s health research, ensuring that women enter retirement more securely, supporting families’ access to care, and protecting women from financial fraud and scams. 
     
    As part of the ongoing efforts to support women’s economic security, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing the following new actions:
     
    Supporting Employment Training and Housing for Seniors. The Department of Labor (DOL)—through the Senior Community Service Employment Program—is awarding more than $200 million in new grants to support training and employment for older adults.  Through these grants, participants—the majority of whom are women—are connected to jobs, gaining critical workplace skills and a pathway to financial stability.  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing nearly $3 million in funding for the Elder Justice Innovation Grants.  Because traditional emergency housing options often cannot meet the needs of older adults, older women experiencing abuse are often forced to return to unsafe environments; these funds will support emergency and transitional housing tailored to the needs of older women.
     
    Providing New Resources to Help Support Women’s Retirement Security.  HHS is announcing a new guide to services and resources—including tools for retirement planning and financial literacy—to assist women in planning for a healthy financial future in older age.  DOL is publishing resources to assist women navigating challenging retirement scenarios, including a new effort to educate attorneys and advocates on qualified domestic relations orders, a critical step in dividing a couple’s retirement assets in the event of a divorce.  The Department of Treasury is publishing a new issue brief on the unique challenges that many women face in retirement, and how the Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the SECURE 2.0 Act—including the Saver’s Match, emergency savings provisions, and expanded coverage for part-time workers—will help mitigate the gender retirement savings gap.  And the Social Security Administration is releasing a new resource for women and their families about how they can better access Social Security benefits and services.  

    Protecting Women’s Earnings and Savings.  The Consumer Protection Financial Bureau (CFPB) is announcing new efforts to help older women—who are more vulnerable to certain financial frauds and scams—protect their hard-earned savings.  Today, the CFPB spotlighted the legal challenges faced by surviving spouses—often women—who may be pursued for their spouse’s medical debt.  Some states have enacted laws making clear that surviving spouses are not responsible for their deceased partners’ debts, and others limit the circumstances in which a surviving spouse is responsible; however, the CFPB has found that debt collectors may try to capitalize on a surviving spouse’s vulnerabilities by attempting to collect their deceased spouse’s unpaid medical bills without real consideration of whether the surviving spouse actually owes the debt.  This follows the CFPB’s proposed rule earlier this year, announced by Vice President Harris, which proposed to remove medical bills from most credit reports, increase privacy protections, help to increase credit scores and loan approvals, and prevent debt collectors from using the credit reporting system to coerce people to pay.  The CFPB will also release a report on the barriers that older Americans face in banking that financial institutions must work to address, including loss of a spouse, cognitive challenges, and changes in health.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is releasing a new resource highlighting enforcement activities and public education efforts to combat sex and age discrimination.
     
    Today’s announcements build on the Biden-Harris Administration’s actions to help ensure women age with financial security, including—
     
    Lowering Health Care Costs for Women
     
    The President and Vice President believe that health care is a right, not a privilege, and have expanded health care to millions more Americans while lowering health care costs.  The Administration continues to build on, strengthen, and protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act and has signed historic new laws to lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums.  The President’s prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act, is directly benefiting women with Medicare, including nearly 30 million women enrolled in Medicare Part D.  These actions are especially important for women, who typically face higher health care costs than men and who are more likely than men to take less medication than was prescribed because of cost—with even greater disparities for women of color.  To help address these challenges, the Biden-Harris Administration is:

    • Lowering the Cost of Insulin.  The Administration is delivering on the President’s promise to lower health care costs by capping seniors’ insulin costs at $35 for a month’s supply.  As a result, all 3.4 million Medicare Part D enrollees who filled an insulin prescription in 2023 had their insulin costs capped at $35 per month, saving some seniors hundreds of dollars for a month’s supply and lowering costs for about 733,000 women enrolled in Part D and B.
    • Capping Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs. Under the President’s leadership, HHS is implementing a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for prescriptions drugs costs for Medicare Part D enrollees.  In 2025, when the cap goes into effect, nearly 19 million seniors and other beneficiaries are projected to save $400 per year on prescription drugs. 
    • Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs. For the first-time ever, the Administration announced new, lower prices for the first ten drugs selected for Medicare drug price negotiations, including for drugs that women disproportionately use.  For example, one of the first 10 drugs is Enbrel—an arthritis treatment; women comprise 72 percent of the enrollees who use Enbrel; a woman with Medicare who takes Enbrel and pays $1,777 today for a 30-day supply would pay only $589 to fill her prescription when the negotiated prices take effect—a 67% decrease in out-of-pocket costs.
    • Lowering the Cost of Health Insurance. Millions of women are saving an average of $800 on health insurance premiums thanks to the Administration’s expansion of the Premium Tax Credit.  This expansion has helped drive health insurance coverage to a record high, while the Affordable Care Act continues to ensure that insurance companies cannot charge women more just because of their gender.

    Supporting Women’s Financial Security

    The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that women are supported throughout their working lives—by ensuring access to high-quality jobs, robustly enforcing workplace antidiscrimination laws, and closing gender wage gaps—and as they enter retirement.  The Administration is working to ensure women’s financial security as they age by:

    • Safeguarding Social Security Equity and Efficiency.  Social Security is the bedrock of financial security for American seniors and for millions of Americans with disabilities.  President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security.  SSA also administers the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income and resources; older women are more likely than older men to rely on SSI, making up 64% of SSI recipients aged 65 or older.  To simplify and increase access for individuals, SSA announced the first phase of an online, streamlined SSI application; published three final rules simplifying how non-monetary support from friends and family is counted; and initiated efforts to expedite decisions for people with severe disabilities.  SSA has also deployed a targeted outreach strategy to ensure that beneficiaries are aware of the benefits SSA pays to widowed and divorced spouses and dependents of eligible workers—a population disproportionately comprised of older women.  To help ensure that all beneficiaries receive the benefits that they are entitled to, SSA is also translating more materials into more languages, improving access to interpretation services, and developed a Limited English Proficiency Toolkit.  The Biden-Harris Administration is fighting to ensure that SSA has the funding they need to continue administering these crucial programs.
    • Protecting Women’s Retirement Savings.  Earlier this year, DOL issued a final rule to close loopholes and ensure that the financial advice that Americans get for retirement is in their best interest.  DOL’s rule will protect the millions of Americans, including millions of women, who are diligently saving for retirement when they rely on advice from trusted professionals on how to invest their savings.  The rule will require trusted investment advice providers to give prudent, loyal, and honest advice, and prevent them from providing recommendations that favor the investment advice providers’ interests—financial or otherwise—at retirement savers’ expense.  These new safeguards will save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per impacted middle-class saver.  The Administration is also implementing the SECURE 2.0 Act, which allows survivors of domestic abuse to elect to receive penalty-free distributions from an employer-sponsored retirement plan. 
    • Providing Housing Security for Vulnerable Women. The Department of Housing and Urban Development continues to support housing for older Americans, including through the Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors program, which allows seniors to withdraw a portion of their home equity for additional income, and the 202 program, which offers direct loans and capital for the provision of secure and supportive housing facilities for older persons.  These programs—which predominantly support older women— allow senior homeowners to age in place and help expand the supply of affordable housing by providing low-income older Americans with options that allow them to live independently but in an environment that provides support for daily necessities. 

    Supporting Families’ Access to Care

    The Biden-Harris Administration—through implementation of the President’s Care Executive Order—is working to ensure that older women have the support they need as they age as well as to care for the ones they love.  Even as older adults require care, they are also often the ones who provide it.  One in four older women provide some form of unpaid caregiving, and, without training and support, their health, well-being, quality of life, and financial future can suffer.  The Administration is supporting families’ access to care by:

    • Ensuring Safety and Quality Care in Long-Term Care Facilities. Adequate staffing is proven to be one of the measures most strongly associated with safety and good care outcomes.  To ensure safety and quality care, earlier this year, Vice President Harris announced that HHS finalized a rule to require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses and nurse aides.  This means a facility with 100 residents would need at least two or three registered nurses and at least ten or eleven nurse aides as well as two additional nurse staff (which could be registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, or nurse aides) per shift to meet the minimum staffing standards.  Many facilities would need to staff at a higher level based on their residents’ needs.  It will also require facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide skilled nursing care, which will further improve nursing home safety.   And HHS released a new “know-your-rights” resource for women to ensure that women can access safe and culturally competent health care free from discrimination and with protections to their privacy. 
    • Supporting Family Caregivers. Through the American Rescue Plan, the Administration provided $145 million to help the National Family Caregiver Support Program deliver counseling, training, and short-term relief to family caregivers and other informal care providers.  HHS issued a report documenting actions taken by the Biden-Harris Administration to implement the first-ever National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers; these actions have created new initiatives that directly support family caregivers, strengthened existing programs, and improved coordination across the federal government to improve the lives of family caregivers.  HHS has also taken steps to support family caregivers’ access to training and beneficiary information during the hospital discharge planning process, published the Guiding and Improving Dementia Experience Model to support people living with dementia and their caregivers, and announced new funding opportunities to develop new approaches to support family caregivers.  HHS also published a guide to help older women find programs and services—such as respite care, support groups and individual counseling—to help them maintain their own health and well-being while being a caregiver for others.  And the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a program to provide mental health counseling services to family caregivers caring for our nation’s heroes.  
    • Investing in Care Infrastructure and Supporting Caregivers and Care Workers. The Administration is committed to raising the wages and quality of care worker jobs, and to investing in care infrastructure. In March 2024, SBA announced new funding opportunities to support small businesses in the child care sector as well as the creation of a child care business development guide, which will provide resources for child care businesses on starting and running a business throughout the business life cycle.  In addition, SBA is launching a lender campaign to highlight the resources SBA has available to support small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses, including child care businesses, and will discuss additional reforms to support the growth of child care capacity across the country.  The Administration is also taking steps to ensure Service members and military spouses—the vast majority of whom are women—have the support they need to care for themselves and their families while serving our country, including by strengthening hiring and retention of military spouses across the federal government, and expanding access to child care and other employment resources.  And the Department of Labor has published sample employment agreements so domestic home care, child care, and long-term care workers and their employers can help ensure all parties better understand their rights and responsibilities.

    Protecting Women from Financial Fraud and Scams

    The Biden-Harris Administration is working to protect the savings that older Americans have worked their entire lives to build. Each year, Americans over 60-years-old lose billions of dollars to scams.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other regulatory agencies are taking action to crack down on frauds and scams that too often target older Americans by—

    • Protecting Older Women from Financial Fraud. FTC is pursuing actions against scammers who target or disproportionately impact older adults in their schemes, including those who conduct prize, sweepstakes, and lottery scams; tech support scams; and family and friend impersonation.  Last year, FTC’s past enforcement efforts resulted in relief of more than $285 million to consumers.
    • Equipping Older Women with Tools and Resources to Protect Against Scams.  FTC chairs the Scams Against Older Adults Advisory Group focused on expanding consumer education and outreach efforts; improving industry training on scam prevention; identifying innovative or high-tech methods to detect and stop scams; it has produced a report on what research shows are effective tactics in scam-prevention messaging.  And the CFPB has released resources to assist older adults—who are disproportionately women—navigate later-in-life challenges, such as resources to navigate critical financial moments after losing a spouse; tools to avoid financial exploitation; and information to help safeguard finances. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB at #UNGA79: Strengthening the multilateral system, reinforcing investment in global health and climate finance

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • President Nadia Calviño leads EIB delegation to 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
    • The EIB will announce new initiatives on financing global health, and climate.
    • Multilateral Development Banks present latest climate finance effort of $125 billion.

    At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Nadia Calviño will join partners and global leaders to present new solutions and innovative financing approaches to tackle global challenges.

    The EIB initiatives include support for women’s health with the Gates Foundation, the launch of new investment plans to strengthen primary healthcare alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO). EIB President Calviño will be accompanied by Vice-Presidents Ambroise Fayolle and Thomas Östros. She will be meeting heads of United Nations agencies, Multilateral Development Banks and leading private sector figures to explore ways of deepening collaboration. 

    President Calviño said: “We are proud to contribute to the UN Summit of the Future to create and scale up solutions for today’s challenges, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive and connected multilateralism. That’s what we are here to do – with a focus on high-impact investments outside the EU – we are announcing new projects and initiatives alongside our partners to deliver primary health care, women’s health, as well as stepping up finance for  climate action and resilience.” 

    Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) today announced that their global climate finance reached a record high of $125 billion in 2023. Mobilised global private finance nearly doubled to $101 billion compared to 2022. The combined total climate finance from the MDBs, including the European Investment Bank, is more than double the amount provided in 2019, when MDBs announced their ambition to increase climate finance volumes over time at the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit.

    Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, responsible for Climate Action and Just Transition at the EIB, said: “The combined efforts from the world’s Multilateral Development Banks to deliver $125 billion in direct investments last year for climate action sends the strong message that the MDBs are working as a system to deliver and that the global community can count on MDBs, including the EIB, to accelerate global climate action. As the largest multilateral lender for climate action projects, the EIB will continue to support high impact operations such as breakthrough technologies, climate adaptation and a just transition for the most vulnerable to climate change. To make the green transition a success, we must make sure that climate action works for everybody.”

    On 23rd September, Multilateral Banks will also come together in New York on the margins of the United Nations for a high-level roundtable on the new Health Impact Investment Platform for primary healthcare financing co-hosted by the EIB and the World Health Organisation. The roundtable will spotlight country-level action to boost community based health and vaccination. The event will be livestreamed on EIB and WHO channels.

    Vice-President Thomas Östros, responsible for Health financing and Energy said: “Our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic showed that we can achieve more when we work together. It also highlighted the need for greater collaboration to address current global health challenges and to prepare for potential future emergencies. In the coming days, we will announce new initiatives that I believe will significantly enhance the health of communities worldwide”.                                                        

    EIB at UNGA

    The EIB delegation will be participating in a number of events on the margins  of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA). President Calviño and Vice-President Fayolle will take part in a Project Syndicate event on Climate Finance on Sunday 22nd September which also includes Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados,  Gabriel Boric, President of Chile, Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund and Mukhtar Babayev, President-Designate of COP29 and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan.

    A fireside chat on 23rd September 11.00 EDT between President Calviño and WHO Director-General Dr.Tedros Ghebreyesus will be livestreamed on UN and EIB channels, as part of the SDG Media Zone events.

    Media interviews

    For interview requests with members of the EIB delegation please get in touch with the .

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance.  EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions, and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The scourge of fentanyl and the increase in drug use – E-001422/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025[1] and its Action Plan[2] identify the EU drug policy priorities, including the reduction of the use of illicit drugs[3].

    The Council Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA[4] lays down minimum rules and penalties to combat drug trafficking. To effectively address synthetic drug threats, the 2023 EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime[5] foresees forging alliances as an explicit action.

    Accordingly, on 7 July 2023 the EU joined the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, which deals with manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, detecting threats and patterns, and public health aspects.

    The EU4Health Programme[6] may support Member States’ actions to reduce damage to health due to illicit drug use and addiction.

    The Commission is working closely with Member States to ensure that fentanyl and other opioid medications are subject to strict regulatory controls.

    This includes the enforcement of rigorous prescription guidelines and monitoring systems to prevent overprescribing and to identify potential abuse[7].

    Furthermore, the Commission, in collaboration with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is developing and promoting guidelines for healthcare professionals on the safe prescription and management of medications with high potential for misuse[8].

    Since 2 July 2024, the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA[9]) has reinforced health and security threat assessment capabilities and promotes evidence-based interventions to raise awareness on the adverse effects of drugs[10].

    To address the increasing availability of drugs to young people on social media platforms, the Commission developed a Knowledge Package on Combating Drug Sales Online[11].

    • [1]  EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025, OJ C 102I, 24.3.2021.
    • [2]  EU Drugs Action Plan 2021-2025, OJ C 272, 8.7.2021.
    • [3] Priority area 5.2 of the EU Drugs Strategy, Action 28 of the EU Drugs Action Plan.
    • [4] Council Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA of 25 October 2004 laying down minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of illicit drug trafficking.
    • [5] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, COM/2023/641 final.
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2021/522 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health (‘EU4Health Programme’) for the period 2021-2027, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 282/2014, OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1.
    • [7] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/opioids-drugs-heroin/,
    • [8] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/psusa/psusa-00001370-202304, https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/psusa/psusa-00001370-202204
    • [9] Formerly European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
    • [10] Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2023 on the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006, OJ L 166, 30.6.2023, p. 16.
    • [11] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-union-Internet-forum-euif_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views with Dr Péter Takács, Hungarian Council Presidency – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    On 23 September, ENVI Members will hold an exchange of views with the Secretary of State for Health, Dr Péter Takács. The debates are expected to focus on the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency.

    In July, Hungary began its presidency of the EU Council, which will run until 31 December 2024. Concerning health policy (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council), Hungary plans to focus on health policy elements where reforms are needed. In particular, the Hungarian Presidency intends to make progress on the EU pharmaceutical package, with the aim of establishing competitive, sustainable and patient-centered pharmaceutical legislation. It also plans to tackle cardiovascular diseases and address organ transplantation.

    The hearing will start with a presentation by the Secretary of State, followed by rounds of questions raised by the Members.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 20/09/2024 We provide flood victims with access to medical care

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, took part in the morning crisis team in Wrocław. She presented the current situation regarding access to medical care for patients from flood areas. The Minister of Exterior Design, Cezary Tomczyk, prepared an update on the functioning of the temporary hospital in Nysa. Two crisis management representatives were appointed in Głuchołazy and Lewin Brzeski. Full access to medical services

    Patients from flood-affected areas can seek medical advice from any primary care physician. Additionally, each sanitary-epidemiological station provides free disinfectants.

    We have introduced a regulation by the president of the National Health Fund that family doctors do not only accept their own patients, they accept everyone and we will reimburse such visits

    – She informed the Minister of Health during the crisis team in Wrocław. The Ministry of Health has launched a 24/7 NFZ hotline, where you can get information about points of medical service implementation.

    Consultants provide ongoing information on where you can receive primary health care services, where you can receive hospital services, where pharmacies are open, and where you can get your prescription filled.

    – Izabela Leszczyna said. We also provide psychological care, thanks to two dedicated helplines. Children and young people can get support at 116 111. The number 116 123 is reserved for adults.

    There will be a mobile point with psychological help. For now, we have feedback that people need to clean up the area first and that the eventual reconstruction of their homes is important to them. I think that when the adrenaline subsides, this psychological help will probably be more necessary

    – the head of the Ministry of Health noted. The Minister of Health presented the information of the Chief Sanitary Inspector in the context of the epidemiological threat. She also reminded that flooded food is not fit for use.

    We have 89 waterworks flooded – in Lower Silesia 55, but in 36 the water is drinkable after boiling, so in 19 it is not. We deliver water there in tankers and in screw-top bottles. In Opole 31 waterworks are flooded, of which in 19 the water is drinkable after boiling and in Silesia 3, of which in 1 the water is drinkable after boiling

    – said Izabela Leszczyna. Patients who require dialysis therapy are provided with medical transport. On the other hand, people from flooded health resorts are informed about the postponed stay.

    Military Health Support

    In Nysa, the district hospital was flooded up to the first floor. An estimated 101 patients were evacuated. The military set up a temporary hospital, which will also provide pediatric care from today.

    I talked to General Sokołowski to get 100 soldiers to the hospital in Nysa within the next 6 hours to restore the hospital’s operational capacity as soon as possible.

    – emphasized Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk. In the smallest towns that suffered from flooding, 10 mobile medical clinics will be created. The army has also launched a clinic that accepts patients 24 hours a day.

    Efficient crisis management

    Two representatives of the Ministry of Interior and Administration have been appointed to coordinate the rescue operation. In Głuchołazy, senior brigadier Arkadiusz Kuśmierski, and in Lewin Brzeski, brigadier Dariusz Kulawinek.

    We believe that there is a need to strengthen the position and to coordinate even better, as General Kamieniecki does in Lądek Zdrój and Stronie Śląskie. We are ready to provide any support.

    – Tomasz Siemoniak handed over the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration.

    These proxies are there to help. Crisis management in extreme situations, such as the situation at the moment in Lewin Brzeski and still in Głuchołazy, requires such support

    – Prime Minister conveyed. The point is to ensure proper crisis management and efficient removal of flood effects. The Minister announced another amendment to the regulation on the state of natural disaster.

    Support for farmers

    The head of government announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working on solutions that will help farmers affected by the flood.

    I want to reassure concerned farmers who have also suffered very serious losses – this is particularly true for small farms, so we are also preparing assistance there.

    – said Donald Tusk in Wrocław. El prime minister appealed to the services and local government officials for full further concentration and mobilization.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Canada pledges CAD 250,000 to support food, animal and plant health standards

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Canada pledges CAD 250,000 to support food, animal and plant health standards

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed her appreciation for Canada’s generosity. “I thank Canada for its longstanding commitment to the STDF. Canada’s contribution will allow the STDF to advance agricultural innovation, facilitate safe trade, and promote global food security. This support is necessary for fostering inclusive trade and enabling developing countries to actively participate in the global marketplace,” she said.
    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said: “Canada has a role to play when it comes to supporting efforts to improve food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable economic growth around the world. This investment will create opportunities for developing countries to enhance their trading relationships and competitiveness, while supporting a safe and secure global food system.”
    The donation underscores Canada’s long-standing commitment to the STDF’s mission, bringing its total contributions to CHF 7.4 million since 2001.
    Canada has contributed over CHF 15 million to WTO trust funds over the past 22 years.
    The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership that promotes safe and inclusive trade. It was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the WTO, which houses and manages the partnership.
    In support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the STDF responds to evolving needs, drives inclusive trade and contributes to sustainable economic growth, food security and poverty reduction.
    Developing economies and least developed countries are encouraged to apply to the STDF for SPS project and project preparation grants. Information on how to apply is available here.
    To date, the STDF has funded over 250 projects benefiting LDCs and other developing economies.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NHCP opens new medical and dental clinic in Camp Del Mar

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton officially opened the new and improved 21 Area Branch Health Clinic aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s Camp Del Mar on Sept. 19, 2024.

    The new state-of-the-art facility stocked with up-to-date equipment was constructed through a collaborative effort by Soltek Pacific, HKS-WSP Joint Venture, Holitna, the Defense Health Agency, and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest.

    “Replacing a clinic built in 1966, this new clinic embodies the Navy’s and the Defense Health Agency’s dedication to delivering the highest standard of care, using the latest technology and clinical advancements to serve our troops,” said Navy Capt. Jenny Burkett, NHCP director.

    The 21 ABHC provides medical and dental care to the active-duty service members serving aboard Camp Del Mar.

    “This state-of-the-art facility was designed to ensure the readiness of the 5,000 Warfighters across the various tenant commands,” said Navy Capt. Nathan Wonder, NHCP director of branch clinics and master of ceremonies for the event.

    “I would like to recognize and thank the leaders and dedicated teams who made this project possible: our service members, medical and dental professionals, and all the men and women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the Marines and Sailors receive the best care possible,” added Burkett. “Specifically, Branch Clinic staff, Medical and Dental Battalion staff, and staff from the MEF, Division and Marine Logistics Group, who work here in the clinic. At the heart of all we do is the commitment to take care of our people. Every Marine and sailor who walks through these doors can be assured they are receiving world class care.”

    Joining Burkett for the ceremonial ribbon cutting were Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), and Brig. Gen. Nick Brown, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West / Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

    “As we cut this ribbon, and witness the opening of this incredible facility, we are reminded of the powerful role medical and dental care plays in the readiness and resilience of our force. This clinic is both an investment in care and an investment in the future of the Navy/Marine Corps team,” Burkett concluded.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Managing Director Appoints Yan Liu as General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: IMF – News in English

    September 20, 2024

    Washington, DC: Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced today her intention to appoint Ms. Yan Liu as General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department. Ms. Liu will succeed Ms. Rhoda Weeks-Brown and is expected to formally take up her appointment on October 7, 2024.

    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Yan Liu as General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department,” Ms. Georgieva said. “I have informed the Executive Board of my intention to proceed with this appointment.”

    Ms. Liu joined the Fund in 1999 as Counsel and has risen through the ranks to Deputy General Counsel—the current role in which she leads key strategic initiatives to ensure that the Legal Department continues to fulfill its mandate and contribute to the Fund’s policy work and operations. Ms. Liu works to identify and manage actual and potential risks in key areas such as lending, central banking and payment systems, capital flows, non-performing loan resolution, public financial management, and capacity development.

    Additionally, as a well-recognized expert in sovereign debt, Ms. Liu has played a key role in shaping the Fund’s policies in this area and supporting the Common Framework and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable. She has also provided advice on the Fund’s role in facilitating orderly restructurings in countries such as Argentina, Greece, Ukraine, and Zambia. Furthermore, she was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Fund’s digital money strategy.

    “Yan brings to her new role over 25 years of legal expertise and deep understanding of the Fund policy and operations,” said Ms. Georgieva. “She is a thought leader and a trusted advisor who is also well known for her dedication to mentoring and supporting staff in their career journeys. The hallmark of Yan’s work is her collaborative and constructive approach in service to the institution.”

    Ms. Liu, a Chinese national, received her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois, and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. She is widely published on various aspects of the law, and policy perspectives on such areas as private debt, sovereign debt restructuring, and good governance. Prior to joining the Fund, she practiced corporate and securities law in the United States.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: 1 202 623-7100 Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/Nevs/Articles/2024/09/20/pr24335-imf-md-appointments-yan-liu-gen-sunsel-director-legal-dept

    MIL OSI

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director Rosie Hidalgo Delivers Remarks at the National Institute of Justice 2024 National Research Conference

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

    Good morning! I want to thank the National Institute for Justice (NIJ) for hosting this panel discussion today commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and for inviting me to participate. I also want to extend my deep gratitude to each of you here for your hard work and dedication; and for coming together to see how we can continue to learn from one another.

    I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and to collaborate with so many dedicated individuals and organizations committed to furthering our nation’s vision for ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and other related forms of gender-based violence.

    OVW is tasked with overseeing the implementation of key parts of VAWA, landmark bipartisan legislation first enacted by Congress in 1994. The hallmark of VAWA is a coordinated community response (known as a CCR), which seeks to bring together agencies and community partners across many disciplines to address the needs of survivors. From victim advocates to law enforcement officers and investigators, to healthcare personnel to educational institutions, community-based organizations and judges and courtroom officials, how each person responds often determines how, of if, survivors are able to access safety, justice and healing. Since survivors’ lives do not exist in silos, it is therefore critical that no individual or entity works in a silo because it takes all of us to prevent and effectively address gender-based violence.

    Each subsequent reauthorization of VAWA has provided an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to identify what works well and how we can continue to scale up, as well as identify gaps and barriers that need to be addressed, ensuring that these efforts are rooted in the voices and lived realities of survivors. Research and evaluation play an important role in identifying the gaps and barriers, as well as the promising practices.

    The most recent VAWA reauthorization in 2022 is the most expansive yet, establishing numerous new grant programs and initiatives in order to enhance the ways in which we can support communities to prevent and address gender-based violence.

    Additionally, VAWA funding increased by more than 30% in just the last three years, allowing OVW to distribute a record amount of grant funding. In Fiscal Year 2024, Congress increased VAWA funding to $713 million, which is the highest amount that has ever been appropriated.

    The development of the original VAWA legislation was rooted in the lived experiences of survivors, and their courage and leadership to tell their stories to educate policy makers, as well as advocates who helped raise awareness about these critical issues. These leaders pushed for federal legislation, called for investments in research, advocated for funding to improve services and training and co-created much of the work that informs policy and legislation today.

    Just last week, we met with stakeholders and Technical Assistance (TA) providers at the VAWA 30th anniversary TA event to reflect on promising practices and discuss available data and research and how they continue to shape the evolution of policies and practices.

    Congress has appropriated some VAWA funding each year to support research on gender-based violence at NIJ. Additionally, OVW has had statutory authority since the beginning to use some of its program funds to study emerging issues and evaluate VAWA-funded approaches, including demonstration programs. In 2016, however, OVW launched the Research and Evaluation Initiative with support from NIJ and as a complement to NIJ’s longstanding portfolio of research on gender-based violence. Every year since then, OVW has issued a call for proposals that invites applicants to study a broad range of topics using a wide range of methods. We intentionally keep these grant opportunities very open, seeking to foster practitioner-research partnerships, since practitioners who work closest with survivors know about emerging innovations ripe for evaluation before we do and can partner with researchers to develop research proposals.

    To that end, at OVW, our Research and Evaluation Initiative supports collaboration between researchers and practitioners to study VAWA-funded approaches. We’ve funded studies looking at everything from victim notification protocols for cases in which a sexual assault kit is tested after having been shelved for years, to the evaluation of a therapeutic horticulture program at a domestic violence shelter. We’ve also funded a training program for faith leaders to help them support congregants who disclose domestic violence. We fund projects that employ community-based participatory research, quasi-experimental designs, randomized controlled trials and more. In fact, several of our Research and Evaluation grantees are presenting their work here at this conference!

    Since 2016, the Research and Evaluation Initiative has awarded over 50 grants, totaling more than $21 million, to study ways to improve responses to gender-based violence in victim services, law enforcement, prosecution and the courts. In fact, last year OVW awarded $3.1 million in new research grants. Among these projects is an evaluation of a flexible financial assistance program for domestic violence survivors. This study aims to show how cash assistance can help survivors for whom financial barriers impede their path to safety and recovery, recognizing that survivors often know best what they need. Another study will examine the occupational and economic needs and experiences of domestic violence victim advocates and will use its findings to adapt and pilot an innovative economic empowerment program. Preliminary research on economic empowerment programs has shown positive impacts, including improved financial management and related behaviors.

    We see our evidence-building activities not as a way of limiting the ways people work in their communities to support survivors and hold harm-doers accountable, but rather, to expand that work and better understand how, and why, under what circumstances and for whom certain strategies are helpful.

    We’re especially interested in supporting research that can help us learn from strategies created by and for survivors from historically marginalized and underserved communities. We know that gender-based violence places a disproportionately heavy toll on marginalized communities, often at the intersection with other issues that create additional barriers to seeking effective services and access to justice. It is also from these communities that especially novel and promising ways for reducing risk factors and facilitating protective factors for gender-based violence are emerging.

    As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of VAWA this month, it is an opportunity for all of us to collectively reflect on the substantial progress that has been made — but also how much further we have to go. There have been significant paradigm shifts in society’s perceptions of gender-based violence and our responses to it, but many survivors still encounter significant challenges navigating complex systems and accessing critical resources and support.

    Addressing these gaps and barriers requires consistent, long-term coordination, which is why just last year the White House launched the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the collaboration of more than 15 federal agencies. The Plan advances a whole-of-government approach to preventing and ending gender-based violence — which we refer to as a “federal coordinated community response” — and it acts as a blueprint that builds on the lessons learned and achievements made through the efforts of survivors, advocates and others in the field.

    The GBV National Plan encourages all federal agencies to strengthen their role in supporting efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence. It also calls for strengthening research efforts to better understand the needs and implement solutions. At OVW, we’re working with our colleagues across government to widen the aperture of the various tools we all use to measure social problems and evaluate ways of mitigating them.

    The GBV National Plan focuses on seven pillars, starting with prevention as Pillar 1. While Pillar 7 of the GBV National Plan focuses on Research and Data, there are clear research implications embedded throughout the other six pillars, as well as opportunities to work across and beyond systems to advance our understanding of what strategies make a real difference for preventing gender-based violence and ameliorating its impacts on people, families and communities.

    We have seen how research has had an impact on the evolution of VAWA, including helping support advocacy for the inclusion of special Tribal criminal jurisdiction to address the high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault perpetrated by non-Indian abusers in Indian country; helping provide evidence to strengthen protections at the intersection of domestic violence and firearms; and helping shine a light on the importance of addressing the disproportionate impact of GBV on historically marginalized and underserved populations, to name a few.

    One way that our work has been bolstered by another agency’s research is longitudinal research on the Domestic Violence Housing First model in Washington State that was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. Among other promising discoveries from this work, we learned that flexible financial assistance contributes greatly to survivors’ safety and stability. These findings informed OVW’s request for appropriations specifically to stand up a flexible financial assistance program, for which Congress provided appropriations last year.

    Likewise, when we surveyed research on restorative justice to inform our program planning and later relied on it to support our appropriations requests, we looked to research that was funded by the National Science Foundation on a restorative justice-based abusive partner intervention program.

    And speaking of collaboration, I want to extend a special thanks to my colleagues from the NIJ and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). NIJ helped us establish our Research and Evaluation Initiative back in 2015 and 2016, and we work closely with NIJ and OVC to ensure we’re doing meaningful work in the spaces where science and ending gender-based violence overlap.

    I invite all of you to reach out to OVW as we strive to learn more about the protective factors and promising practices that need to be scaled up; the challenges and barriers that victims face; and how can we improve our partnership and strengthen a coordinated community response to more effectively address these issues. We’re also interested in learning more about other research and data efforts focus on helping prevent violence; support survivors to access safety, justice and healing; and equip communities with the tools they need to eliminate gender-based violence.

    As we move forward, we must continue to amplify the voices and leadership of survivors — work you all do every day — to advance a whole-of-society approach that continues to lift these issues out of the shadows, support survivors and hold offenders accountable. It is only together that we can build a world that affirms the dignity, rights and humanity of every individual, a world where gender-based violence is not tolerated, and a world where healing and justice are accessible to all. Thank you.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Murray, Rosen, Baldwin Lead Introduction of Resolution Affirming Access to Emergency Health Care, Including Abortion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    September 20, 2024
    Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Patty Murray, D-Wash., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., today introduced a resolution that would protect the right to emergency health care, including abortion care, for all patients, regardless of where they live. 
     
    The Every Woman Has the Right to Emergency Health Care resolution comes as new reporting from ProPublica shows Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting in preventable deaths. 
     
    “As Donald Trump brags about overturning Roe, women are dying because they’re not receiving the health care they need. Doctors are fearing jail time for doing their jobs,” Wyden said. “The fight to restore reproductive health care protections and the right of women everywhere to make choices about their own bodies is the fight of a lifetime – we can’t let Donald Trump and Republicans roll back the clock.”
    “I introduced this resolution alongside my colleagues to simply reaffirm the basic principle that when you go to the ER, doctors should be allowed to treat you, and when you need emergency care—including abortion care—no politician should stop you from getting it,” Murray said. “Yet here in America, in the 21st century, pregnant women die—not because doctors don’t know how to save them, but because doctors don’t know if Republicans will let them. Democrats will keep pressing to fully restore reproductive freedoms for every woman in America and we will continue to put a white-hot spotlight on the devastating, deadly fallout of Donald Trump’s abortion bans.”
    “Since Roe v. Wade was overturned more than two years ago, extreme abortion bans across our nation are restricting women’s ability to get life-saving care,” Rosen said. “All women, regardless of where they live, should be able to access the emergency medical care they need, which is why I’m helping introduce this resolution. I’ll continue standing up for women’s freedom to make decisions over their own bodies and working to restore Roe.”
    “Under our state’s 1849 criminal abortion ban, Wisconsinites learned firsthand what it meant to not have the right to access lifesaving abortion care. For 15 months, we heard stories about women with unviable pregnancies or suffering miscarriages who were denied care until they were on the brink of death all because Republicans overturned Roe v. Wade. These are not exaggerations, they are real stories about what it means when we strip Americans of their freedom to control their own bodies,” Baldwin said. “I’m in this fight until every woman has the freedom to decide what is best for her health, family, and future, without interference from judges and politicians – and that most certainly means when her life depends on it.”
    Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade more than two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have passed, banned, or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even be charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite federal requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms following the Dobbs decision.
    In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court dismissed the case and sent it back to the lower courts, effectively punting on making a decision on the case itself. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. A total of 121 Congressional Republicans, including 26 Senators, filed an amicus brief arguing incorrectly that federal law does not require hospitals to provide abortion care as emergency stabilizing care in order to save a patient’s life. 
    In addition to Senators Wyden, Murray, D-Wash., Rosen, D-Nev., and Baldwin, D-Wis., the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Ben Cardin, D-Md., Tom Carper, D-Del., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Chris Coons, D-Del., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., George Helmy, D-N.J., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Angus King, I-Maine, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Mark Warner, D-Va., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
    The resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Reproductive Freedom For All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, All* Above All, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, National Council of Jewish Women, and National Partnership for Women and Families.
    Last week, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, and Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., introduced the House companion to today’s Senate resolution. 
    The text of the resolution is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Park Man Pleads Guilty To Filing Thousands Of Fraudulent COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement Claims In The Names Of Homeless, Incarcerated And Deceased Individuals, Agrees To Forfeit Over $5.6 Million And Properties

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Willie F. Murray, Jr. (55, West Park) today pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Murray faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and a consecutive two years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft offense. Murray has also agreed to forfeit $5,671,611.74 in U.S. currency, $1,578,925.56 from a bank account, and seven real properties located in Punta Gorda, Fort Lauderdale, Belle Glade, Hollywood, and South Bay, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    According to the plea agreement, Murray was the registered agent and manager of Lab Tess, LLC, a Florida company that purportedly provided its customers with COVID-19 testing services. In fact, Lab Tess provided no such services. Murray used Lab Tess to submit fraudulent claims for reimbursement to the Health Resources and Services Administration for COVID-19 testing services supposedly provided to uninsured individuals. To complete the scheme, Murray used personal identifying information of individuals incarcerated by the Florida Department of Corrections, individuals falsely reported as having been tested at homeless shelters and electrical substations, and deceased individuals. Murray submitted more than 126,000 fraudulent claims and received reimbursement in the approximate amount of $5,671,611.74, which he used, in part, to purchase real properties in South Florida.

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Pizzo and Suzanne Nebesky.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: 48 hours at the US-Mexico border story Sep 19, 2024

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    By Dr. Belen Ramirez, project coordinator with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Arizona

    It’s early morning in Arizona, just before daybreak, and I am driving on an unpaved road along the border wall between the United States and Mexico. It is raining and I can hear thunder in the distance.  

    Driving just ahead of me are volunteers from Samaritans, who for decades have provided water, food, and other essential items to migrants who cross the border into southern Arizona. We’re on our way to the End of the Wall, a volunteer-run makeshift camp located near a gap in the wall that runs along the southern United States border with Mexico.  

    This remote part of the Sonoran desert, where the 30-foot steel bollard wall ends and a chest-high fence continues to mark the border, is a crossing point for people entering the US from Mexico in hopes of claiming asylum. For the past five weeks as a project coordinator with MSF, I have been supporting Arizona-based volunteer groups like the Samaritans who are providing humanitarian aid to migrants and asylum seekers in Arizona, including in the area where the End of the Wall camp is located. 

    Migrants and asylum seekers from Bangladesh and Nepal wait for US Border Patrol to pick them up along the unpaved road next to the US-Mexico border wall in Sasabe, Arizona. United States 2024 © Maria Elena Romero/MSF

    No typical day

    There is no typical day for those who volunteer at the End of the Wall camp. On some days, volunteers spend just a few minutes with asylum seekers. On other days, they can spend hours with them before US Border Patrol takes them away to their Forward Operation Base in Sasabe, and later to a detention center in Tucson where people can start the legal process for asylum. During this time, volunteers try to make people feel welcome and provide water, food, much-needed psychological first aid, and information about what comes next.

    This morning, we are the first to arrive at the camp. Volunteers get to work and start replenishing storage bins and a cooler with snacks and water bottles, among them 77-year-old Judy Storey, who has been volunteering with Samaritans for seven years. “When it gets really hot, we soak bandanas in ice water and bring them out,” she tells me. “People put it on their heads or around their necks, and it’s been a godsend when it’s in the 90s out here, and they have to wait five hours for Border Patrol.”

    Soon, a group of men and women who have just crossed the border walk in. “Hi, welcome,” we say, “where are you from?” Some respond that they are from Cameroon. “Northwest, Bamenda,” someone explains.  

    Another man says, “We are from Sudan, from Darfur.” He shares that he fled Sudan to neighboring Chad because of the war that started in April 2023. He then traveled for two months, starting in Morocco and then going to Spain, Colombia, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Mexico, and finally to the US. “I am now on the safe side,” he says.

    I notice that the Sudanese man is shaking. He asks where he is. I tell him he is in Arizona. I make sure he is able to drink water properly before a Border Patrol agent directs him to get in the car. I can only imagine what he went through to make it to this point.

    Outside the tent, other volunteers speak with a group of men and women from Mexico. A few minutes later, around 8:00 a.m., Border Patrol agents arrive to pick them up.  

    Asylum seekers from around the world cross at the End of the Wall camp and other gaps at the border wall in this remote region. They are dropped by guides on the Mexico side of the border and told that they can surrender to Border Patrol to apply for asylum protection in the US. But the nearest Border Patrol station is miles away and asylum seekers must walk for hours through extreme terrain and weather conditions or wait to be picked up by Border Patrol agents.

    Volunteers hand the new arrivals water bottles and snacks for the road. We tell them they are safe and try to explain what will happen next.

    I notice that the Sudanese man is shaking. He asks where he is. I tell him he is in Arizona. I make sure he is able to drink water properly before a Border Patrol agent directs him to get in the car. I can only imagine what he went through to make it to this point. 

    From left: Dr. Ramirez speaks with volunteers from Samaritans at the End of the Wall camp; messages written by a volunteer in several languages on one of the tents at the camp. United States 2024 © Maria Elena Romero/MSF

    The End of the Wall

    Volunteers from Samaritans, No More Deaths, and Humane Borders cover morning, midday, and night shifts, seven days a week at End of the Wall camp. They often stay until Border Patrol picks everyone up around 8:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.

    There are three tents that provide shade and some protection from the elements; water bottles and tanks that are periodically replenished with drinking water; snacks and diapers in plastic bins. There is also a solar powered internet service that helps migrants and volunteers stay connected with family and emergency services, and porta potties.

    Despite language barriers, and with occasional help from an asylum seeker who speaks English or an online translation app, volunteers provide some guidance about what to do next, what to expect when Border Patrol arrives, and their right to seek asylum.

    Many of the volunteers speak Spanish fluently and can provide this information to asylum seekers who come from Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. But since last year, people from countries as far as China, Guinea, Nepal, India, Iraq, Mauritania, and Yemen have arrived. Volunteer groups have gotten some ad hoc translations in Bengali and Arabic, but still, information in more languages is needed. 

    Abdul* reads a document in Bengali with information prepared by volunteers from Samaritans, including his current location, when US Border Patrol will to come to pick him up, and his right to file for asylum. As more people that speak languages other than English continue to arrive at the End of the Wall camp, there is a need for these translations, as many migrants do not speak English. United States 2024 © Maria Elena Romero/MSF

    Unaccompanied minors

    Often volunteers see unaccompanied minors arriving at the camp. Just the day before, on a very hot summer day, Abdul*, a 17-year-old boy from Bangladesh, crossed into the US at the End of the Wall camp. He looked tired and said he needed to drink water. He said he was hungry and hot.

    Volunteers from Samaritans invited Abdul to come into a tent for shade, water, apples, and other snacks to eat. Sally Meisenhelder, a 77-year-old volunteer with Samaritans, handed him some documents in Bengali about what to expect in the next few hours and after Border Patrol picks him up. These documents have been translated recently to bridge the language gap and provide some basic information to people arriving from Bangladesh.

    That day, I decided to wait for a few hours with Abdul to make sure he felt safe and was not alone for such a long time, waiting for Border Patrol.  

    The boy, Mateo*, was clutching a small plastic bag attached to the rosary around his neck. Inside was a piece of paper with his mother’s phone number written on it. She was in the US waiting for him.

    Through our language barrier, he explained that he flew from Bangladesh to Qatar, then to Paraguay or Uruguay; he was not sure which one. He then flew to Colombia and made his way north to cross the notoriously dangerous Darién Gap into Panama and continued onward through Central America and Mexico.  

    Most of his belongings were stolen in Mexico, he said, including his phone and passport. The only document he carried with him was a piece of paper—his birth certificate.

    Another day that week, there was a group of 11 unaccompanied minors from Mexico and Guatemala at the End of the Wall camp. The youngest one was five years old. Some of the older children, aged 11 and 12, told us that they found him alone and crying when they reached the camp at dawn. They asked him to sit with them and comforted him.

    Ramirez comforts a 3-year-old boy who was just stung by a bee at the End of the Wall camp. The boy’s mom, who is from Guatemala, is holding him, and shared that she fled to the US after she was extorted by gangs. “They told me that I would have to pay, or they would take my children,” she said. United States 2024 © Maria Elena Romero/MSF

    The boy, Mateo*, was clutching a small plastic bag attached to the rosary around his neck. Inside was a piece of paper with his mother’s phone number written on it. She was in the US waiting for him.

    When I met him, he kept telling me this paper was for the police. He seemed very worried about it.  

    I was able to call Mateo’s mother on video.  

    I am accustomed to stories of hardship and fear, but I have never gotten used to hearing these stories from children who undergo this traumatic journey, especially those who travel alone.

    “Mommy, mommy,” he said, so happy to see her. Mateo’s mom told him to be brave and not to cry. I explained to both of them that Border Patrol would take the boy to a special center for unaccompanied minors, and that I did not know exactly how long it would be before she heard from officials. I wanted to make sure that she knew he was fine.

    I am accustomed to stories of hardship and fear, but I have never gotten used to hearing these stories from children who undergo this traumatic journey, especially those who travel alone.

    It was just one of those days. We provide psychological first aid to people crossing the border to make sure their basic needs are covered. Connecting with family members to let them know that you are safe is one of the most impactful mental health interventions, especially during the critical moments after a traumatic event. 

    The End of the Wall camp is located across from this gap between the border wall and a chest-high fence. The area is used as a crossing point by migrants and asylum seekers entering the US.
    United States 2024 © Maria Elena Romero/MSF

    Day Two at End of the Wall camp

    On another nontypical day, as I drive toward the End of the Wall camp, I encounter a group of 18 men from Nepal and Bangladesh who have walked about three miles west towards Sasabe along the hilly road next to the border wall. They crossed into the US overnight and kept on walking, and now they are tired and had sat down to rest. The shoes of one of the men had no soles, so he had used his shoelaces to secure the insoles to his feet.

    We give them water and snacks and ask them not to walk anymore, as the road is steep and there is little shade. The sun is about to come up for another hot day.

    Further ahead, I come across another group of nine men from India walking along the road. We tell them to stop walking because it’s dangerous, and to wait for Border Patrol.

    There are also more asylum seekers at the End of the Wall camp. There is a family from Chiapas, Mexico, who told us they fled cartel violence, leaving everything they owned behind. They feared their teenage daughter could be recruited into a prostitution ring.  

    I also meet a young mother from Guatemala and her three-year-old child. She said she used to own a corner store in the capital, Guatemala City, and was extorted by local gangs. “They told me that I would have to pay, or they would take my children,” she says.

    A group of volunteers from Samaritans drives out to check on people who left the camp on foot. Sally Meisenhelder is worried about those walking on the hilly road. “I have written messages in multiple languages on the tent telling people not to walk. They can be hit by a car,” she says. “When you come up over the hills [the driver] cannot see who is on the other side until they start to drop down. That is dangerous. Plus, they can’t make it all the way [to Sasabe].”

    Several cars from Border Patrol arrive on schedule around 8:00 a.m. They ask people to line up and inform us that some of the asylum seekers have been picked up on the road. They ask unaccompanied minors, families, and women to get in the cars first.

    We say goodbye and wish them good luck, waving as they are driven away. After cleaning up, we drive for about 40 minutes to the place we are staying. When we arrive, we get a message from volunteers from Samaritans. More asylum seekers had arrived at the End of Wall camp after we left, and they stayed behind to help.  

    * Name changed to protect privacy.

    Our work in Arizona

    Since early 2024, MSF has worked alongside volunteers from Humane Borders, Samaritans, No More Deaths, and other Arizona-based groups helping asylum seekers and migrants crossing the US-Mexico border in the Sonoran desert. Initially, a small team evaluated medical needs in the region, and suggested ways to develop capacity and increase services and collaboration. In August 2024, MSF resumed its support to local groups. MSF will consider additional support based on the needs that might arise from a surge in numbers of people crossing the border.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine Announce Over $3.5 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Behavioral Health Services in Virginia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, (both D-VA) announced $3,517,754 in federal funding to support behavioral health across Virginia. The funding will help expand mental health and substance use disorder services at community health centers, which are often a primary source of care for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid. It was awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Behavioral Health Service Expansion program.
    “Behavioral health care is a critical part of caring for our communities, and we need to do more to expand access to this support,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding will help community health centers across Virginia reach more Virginians and provide them with the behavioral health services they need.”
    The funding is allocated as follows:
    $600,000 for New Horizons Healthcare in Roanoke
    $600,000 for Neighborhood Health in Alexandria
    $600,000 for Rockbridge Area Health Center in Lexington
    $600,000 for Southwest Community Health in Saltville
    $599,996 for Tri-Area Community Health in Laurel Fork
    $517,758 for Daily Planet Inc. in Richmond
    Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to expand and support behavioral health across the Commonwealth. Last year, Warner and Kaine announced nearly $1.4 million in federal funding made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act they helped pass to expand access to mental health care in Virginia. Warner and Kaine also introduced the CONNECT for Health Act, which would expand coverage of telehealth services, including mental health treatment and treatment for substance use disorders. Earlier this year, Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to reauthorize his Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act to help reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals passed out of the Senate HELP Committee. The law has already provided $100 million in funding for mental health care for providers across the country, including $5.6 million in federal funding for Virginia providers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Butler Joins Senate Resolution: “Every Woman Has the Right to Emergency Health Care”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for California – Laphonza Butler

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in introducing a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that every patient has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care, regardless of where they live. The introduction comes as new reporting from ProPublica makes plain that Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting in preventable deaths.

    Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade over two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have passed, banned, or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear that they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms following the Dobbs decision.

    In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court sent the case back to the lower courts, effectively punting on the issue. Senator Butler was one of 258 Congressional Democrats who filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to clarify that hospitals must provide abortion care as emergency stabilizing care in order to save a patient’s life. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. 

    In addition to Senators Butler, Murray, Rosen, Baldwin, and Wyden the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bennet (D-Colo.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Booker (D-N.J.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cardin (D-Md.), Carper (D-Del.), Casey (D-Pa.), Coons (D-Del.), Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Fetterman (D-Pa.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Hassan (D-N.H.), Heinrich (D-N.M.), Helmy (D-N.J.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Kaine (D-Va.), King (I-Maine), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Padilla (D-Calif.), Peters (D-Mich.), Reed (D-R.I.), Sanders (I-Vt.), Schatz (D-Hawaii), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Smith (D-Minn.), Stabenow (D-Mich.), Van Hollen (D-Md.), Warner (D-Va.), Warnock (D-Ga.), Warren (D-Mass.), Welch (D-Vt.), Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

    The resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Reproductive Freedom For All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, All* Above All, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, National Council of Jewish Women, and National Partnership for Women and Families.

    Last week, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio-13) and Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.-11) introduced the House companion to today’s Senate resolution.

    The full text of the resolution can be read HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Collins, King Announce More Than $2,000,000 for Police Departments in Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that six Maine police departments have been awarded a total of $2,075,000 through the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant programs. The various programs overseen by the COPS office support numerous initiatives for local police departments, including improved hiring practices, school violence prevention, community policing development, and mental health wellness for law enforcement officers and their families.

    “Law enforcement officers willingly place themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. It is our responsibility to equip them with the resources they need,” said Senators Collins and King. “This important funding will help improve community policing across the State of Maine, enhance school safety, and provide essential mental health support for law enforcement officers.”

    The COPS grant funding awarded to Maine law enforcement agencies falls into four distinct categories:

    • COPS Hiring Program (CHP): More than $157 million was awarded to 235 agencies nationwide to hire nearly 1,200 entry-level law enforcement officers, aimed at increasing community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.
      • In Maine, the recipients include:
        • Town of Rangeley: $125,000
        • Rumford Police Department: $250,000
        • City of Westbrook: $250,000
    • School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP): Approximately $73 million was awarded to 203 school districts and government entities across the country to enhance security on school grounds, improving safety measures for students and staff.
      • In Maine, the recipients include:
        • Lewiston Public Schools: $500,000
        • Maine School Administrative District 17: $500,000
    • Community Policing Development (CPD): This program provided more than $25.1 million nationwide to support crisis intervention teams, accreditation efforts, and innovative policing strategies, all aimed at improving community relations and law enforcement capabilities.
      • In Maine, the recipient of this funding is:
        • Rumford Police Department (supporting law enforcement agencies seeking accreditation in Oxford County): $250,000
    • Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness (LEMHWA) Program: More than $9 million was awarded nationwide to improve the delivery of mental health and wellness services for law enforcement officers and support staff.
      • In Maine, the recipient of this funding is:
        • Maine Indian Township Tribal Government: $200,000

    These grants are part of a broader national effort by the DOJ’s COPS office to combat opioid and methamphetamine distribution, prepare for active shooter situations, and support technical assistance and hiring programs for law enforcement agencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: September 20th, 2024 Heinrich Delivers Over $5.4 Million to Strengthen Maternal and Newborn Care, Expand Mental Health Care & Substance Use Treatment in Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced three Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grants he secured totaling $5,416,000 to strengthen maternal and newborn care, improving outcomes for mothers and babies in rural New Mexico, and to expand mental health care and substance use disorder treatment in Gallup and Carlsbad. 

    Heinrich secured these three grants in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

    “Every New Mexican should be able to access affordable, high-quality health care, in their home communities,” said Heinrich. “These investments will help ensure that more mothers and their newborns can access the health care they need closer to home, and more folks can access the mental health care and substance use treatment when and where they need it.”

    Heinrich fought for and secured $3,900,000 for the University of New Mexico’s Neonatal Opiate Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Project to improve prenatal, delivery, and post birth care for babies and mothers in rural New Mexico. Currently, there is a crisis in rural maternity care in New Mexico. By supporting rural providers, families can access maternity care closer to home – improving outcomes for families and babies in rural New Mexico.

    Additionally, Heinrich fought for and secured $516,000 for Gallup Community Health to expand its mental health services to include onsite behavioral health and substance use disorder counseling and case management.

    Heinrich also fought for and secured $1,000,000 for Carlsbad Lifehouse to develop a certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Southeastern New Mexico.

    This is the latest example of Heinrich’s longtime work to provide New Mexicans better access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. 

    Heinrich negotiated and passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which included a provision that paved the way for New Mexico to be added to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program. This program provides states with funding to expand access to mental health care and substance use services.  In the FY23 Appropriations Bills, Heinrich also secured a $450,000 Congressionally Directed Spending grant for Family and Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+) in Las Cruces to become the first CCBHC in New Mexico, which was instrumental in helping New Mexico eventually qualify for the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program.  

    Find an extensive list of Heinrich’s actions to improve access to mental health care in New Mexico here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Biden Convenes His Cabinet to Discuss a Range of Administration Priorities

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Biden convenes his Cabinet to discuss a range of Administration priorities. First Lady Jill Biden joins at the top of the meeting to provide an update on the progress of the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research.

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9VqnSNH2c

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Rounds Slam Biden-Harris Administration’s Botched Rollout of FAFSA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced a resolution slamming the Biden-Harris administration’s botched rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 school year. The resolution condemns the problematic rollout, calls for the Department of Education (ED) to identify and fix any issues for this year and asks leaders to testify before congressional committees regarding the rollout.

    FAFSA historically has opened applications on October 1 of the year prior to the start of the academic school year. For the academic year of 2024-2025, the applications opened three months later in December. ED subsequently did not start sending FAFSA data to universities until March. Because of this delay, many students did not receive their financial aid awards until after May 1, 2024, the date that many institutions require students to commit to attending for the fall semester.

    For the academic year of 2025-2026, ED has already announced that the applications will again be delayed until December of this year.

    “Higher education has been a key in many Americans’ path to their American Dream. Unfortunately, the futures of thousands of Americans are being delayed under the Biden-Harris administration as a result of their extreme policies,” said Senator Scott. “The Biden-Harris administration’s student loan giveaway has pushed FAFSA out of focus and added yet another obstacle for lower-income and minority students to reach their dreams. Unlocking access to a better future tends to start with access to education. I am glad to be on the front lines fighting for the interest of American students and families and taking the necessary steps to right the wrongs of this administration for next year.” 

    “Students and parents must be able to make an informed decision about where they’re attending college before the decision deadline,” said Senator Rounds. “A big piece of this decision is considering how much college will cost them and knowing how much aid they’ll get to help. It’s unacceptable that the Department of Education’s botched FAFSA rollout has hurt America’s students and institutions of higher education. My colleagues and I strongly condemn this massive failure and call on the Department of Education to take necessary steps to fix the FAFSA for this next school year.”  

    Senators Scott and Rounds were joined on this resolution by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

    Click HERE for the full resolution.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Murray, Senate Democrats in Introducing Resolution to Recognize Patients’ Rights to Emergency Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    September 20, 2024
    Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say Were This Mother’s Death Was Preventable.
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and 38 of their Democratic colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution to reinforce the standard that every patient has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care, regardless of where they live. The introduction comes as new reporting from ProPublica makes plain that Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting in preventable deaths.
    “When we warned Donald Trump and Senate Republicans that women would die if they succeeded in overturning Roe, they called us fearmongers. Tragically, it’s now painfully obvious that we were right,” Duckworth said. “We cannot wait for more women to die a preventable death because of Republicans’ draconian abortion bans—we must protect reproductive rights and women’s access to emergency medical care nationwide, and Democrats are working tirelessly to do just that.”
    “When a woman arrives at the emergency room, she should not be worried about whether or not she will receive necessary medical treatment.  Her family should not have to worry that their loved one may die because politics interfered with medical decision making.  But because the right-wing supermajority on the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, as Donald Trump promised, that is exactly what is happening,” said Durbin.  “I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this legislation to make clear that we will not give up the fight for women to receive the medical care they need, especially in emergency circumstances where access to care is a matter of life and death.”
    Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade over two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have passed, banned or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear that they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms following the Dobbs decision.
    In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court dismissed the case and sent it back to the lower courts, effectively punting on making a decision on the case itself. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. 121 Congressional Republicans, including 26 Senators, filed an amicus brief arguing that EMTALA does not require hospitals to provide abortion care as emergency stabilizing care in order to save a patient’s life.
    In addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Murray, this resolution is co-led by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and co-sponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Marin Heinrich (D-NV), George Helmy (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
    The resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Reproductive Freedom For All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, All* Above All, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, National Council of Jewish Women and National Partnership for Women and Families.
    Last week, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) introduced the House companion to yesterday’s Senate resolution.
    The full text of the resolution can be found on Senator Murray’s website.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Watson Coleman, Kim Lead Resolution Recognizing National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman

    September 20, 2024

    Today, U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Young Kim (CA-40) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize September as National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month and to increase public awareness on the emotional health and mental wellness challenges that children and teenagers face.

    One in five children in the United States struggle with an emotional, mental, or behavioral disorder, and only 20% of these children receive the specialized care and treatment that they need, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    “America’s children are facing a crisis. Suicide has become the 2nd leading cause of death of young people ages 10-14. This horrifying statistic is even more tragic when you consider that all of these deaths may have been prevented with the right intervention,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “There are many causes of this crisis, from the impact of Covid-19 to social media, to the increased access to firearms, but we have the capacity to create the conditions in which all of our children have a shot at happy fulfilling lives. Children who have access to help can thrive. They’ve shown an ability to bounce back and become strong, happy, and resilient.  All that is required is for us to break through the partisan gridlock and get them the care they need. This resolution is an important step toward that goal and I thank Rep. Kim for her continued partnership on issues of children’s health.”

    “America’s youth are in crisis. We must ensure children receive adequate care and the therapeutic and educational resources they need to achieve their dream,” said Congresswoman Kim. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and investing in parents, the pediatric mental health workforce, and targeted programming improves children’s emotional wellness outcomes and livelihoods across American communities. That’s why I’m leading a bipartisan resolution to recognize September as National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month and expand awareness on the importance of children’s emotional and mental health.”

    “The Children and Families Coalition of Orange County wholeheartedly endorses this resolution and is eager to collaborate in any way possible to ensure its success,” said Valerie Banks, Project Director, Children and Families Coalition of Orange County. “We believe that this initiative will have a profound impact on the well-being of children in our community and beyond.”

    “I could not be more proud to have our organization tied to Children’s Emotional Wellness Month,” said Mara James, Founder and CEO, Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) in Mission Viejo. Our end goal is to care for the mental and emotional needs of children and their families and the reason we created Children’s Emotional Wellness Week which we hope to grow exponentially in future years.”

    “As you know, the first years of life are the most crucial in the development of a young child. At the center of this development is attachment and bonding with the child’s primary caregiver, which provides a secure base for all other development. Social and emotional skills are the foundation for developing and maintaining positive and responsive relationships throughout life; the key to health and wellness,” said Sandy Avzaradel, M.S. Ed., Director, Start Well. “It is imperative that we help our communities understand the importance of building these skills at the earliest age possible. Start Well is in full support of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation and the work they do to ensure children receive the support they need to become resilient adults; Start Well fully endorses September as Children’s Emotional Wellness Month.”

    “Every child deserves the chance to thrive — to be nurtured, protected, cared for and cared about, emotionally and physically, so that they can learn, grow, and develop to their greatest potential…so these little ones can soar, living their dreams. But too many children never get that chance because anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions stand in the way, and that too often go undiagnosed and untreated. It’s never too late to provide the support that children and parents need — but it’s also never too early,” said Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting and founder of the What to Expect Project. “Research shows that the mental health of moms and dads from pregnancy, postpartum and beyond significantly impacts the mental health of the babies they love — and their future. Providing parents and children with mental health support throughout their journey is essential — and that’s why the What to Expect Project and I are proud to support this resolution to raise awareness about the importance of children’s emotional wellness.”

    Read the full resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The 33rd Capacity Building Programme for the Civil Servants of Maldives successfully completed today at NCGG, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    The 33rd Capacity Building Programme for the Civil Servants of Maldives successfully completed today at NCGG, New Delhi

    This was the first programme of the second phase post signing of MoU between NCGG and CSC, Maldives to Train 1,000 Civil Servants over next five years (2024-2029)

    34 civil servants from key departments and ministries participated in the programme

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 8:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) successfully completed the 33rd Capacity Building Programme (CBP) for Civil Servants of Maldives today in New Delhi. The two-week program, was organized from 9th to 20th September 2024, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Notably, this is the first program under the second phase for civil servants of Maldives following the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train 1,000 Maldivian civil servants. The MoU was signed by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the Maldives’ Foreign Minister, Mr. Moosa Zameer, for the period 2024-2029. The current program was attended by 34 civil servants from the Maldives, including Assistant Directors, Senior Administrators, Council Officers, Faculties and Community Health Officers, representing key ministries and departments from Maldives.

    The valedictory session was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India. In his address, he reflected on the achievements of the first phase capacity building programmes (2019-2024), during which over 1,000 Maldivian civil servants visited the NCGG. In his address he highlighted how technology has been used in the country to transform institutions and bring citizens closer to the government. He discussed about use of technology in Direct Benefit Transfers, Health, Education and Secretariat and use of Aadhar to bring about governance. He asked the participants to take the learnings from the programme as most of the challenges are common and apply them to bring about greater transparency and efficiency in government processes.

    During the Valedictory the participants also presented three insightful presentations on Bringing Transparency in Government Procurement in Maldives, Climate Change & its impact on Biodiversity in Maldives and Tourism in Maldives showcasing the learnings gained during the programme.

    Mrs. Fathmath Inaya from Civil Service Commission, Maldives and head of delegation, expressed her gratitude to the Indian government and the NCGG for the opportunity. She stated that all of them learnt and gained extensively from the program.

    Dr. B S Bisht, Associate Professor, NCGG and Course Coordinator of the programme while giving the welcome address and summary of the programme highlighted how the focus of the capacity building programme was to share India’s good governance models and best practices from various development schemes among others. He also shared that the second week of the programme had visits planned to Smart City Project and ITDA and Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), International Solar Alliance, Exposure visit to Indira Prayavaran Bahwan: India’s first Zero Energy Building, PM Sangrahalaya and visit to Taj Mahal to give a first hand view of India’s rich culture and heritage.

    The NCGG has till now trained civil servants from 33 countries including Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, South Africa, Indonesia, Madagascar, Fiji, Mozambique, Cambodia, Madagascar, Fiji, Indonesia, South Africa among others.

    The programme was supervised and coordinated by Dr. B. S. Bisht, Course Coordinator, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Co-Course Coordinator, Shri. Brijesh Bisht, Training Assistant and Ms. Monisha Bahuguna, Young Professional along with the capacity building team of NCGG.

    *****

    AG

    (Release ID: 2057202) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Revolutionizing Nutrition: Industry, Academia, Regulator Deliberate to Leverage the Potential of Ayurveda Aahar

    Source: Government of India

    Revolutionizing Nutrition: Industry, Academia, Regulator Deliberate to Leverage the Potential of Ayurveda Aahar

    Exclusive session dedicated to ‘Ayush Food Innovations for a Sustainable World’ held on day -2 of World Food India 2024

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 7:38PM by PIB Delhi

    On the second day of World Food India 2024, the Ministry of Ayush organized an exclusive session on “Revolutionizing Nutrition: Ayush Food Innovations for a Sustainable World,” at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The session brought industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovative startups together to explore the vast potential of Ayush foods and nutraceuticals from global markets perspective.

    The 90-minute session focused on how Ayurvedic principles and products can be adapted to modern nutritional needs while retaining their ancient therapeutic benefits. All speakers actively engaged in the discussion that covered topics around the theme including, startup growth, international market expansion, and the science behind Ayush-based nutrition.

    Director All India Institute of Ayurveda Prof. Tanuja Nesari mentioned in her opening remarks that “Ayurvedic food is not only healthy but also tastes great. However, many people still think that if it’s Ayurvedic, it won’t be tasty.”There is a need to emphasize that Ayurvedic food can be both nutritious and flavorful, addressing the misconception that health-oriented food might lack taste.

    Dr. Anupam Srivastava, Professor & Head, Department of Ras Shastra & Bhaishjya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) emphasized on Revolutionizing Nutrition: Ayush Food Innovations for a Sustainable World. He highlighted the significance of food security in India and the concept of Ayurveda Ahara. He discussed its benefits, various categories and the regulatory requirements.

    Mr. Viral Tiwari, Co-Founder, Nuskha Kitchen shared insights on ‘Accelerating Growth and Innovation in Ayush Startups, Mr. Ashish Dixit, Head Regulatory Affairs, Dabur, Expanding Global Reach explained the the topic ‘Elevating Ayush Nutrition for International Markets’. Dr. Manish Pande, Director & Head of Project Analysis and Documentation Division (PAD Division), Quality Council of India (QCI) delved deeply on the subject of ‘Ensuring Quality and Compliance’ and Dr. Sonali Mohan, VP – R&D & BD (North), Avesthagen shared here views on ‘Ensuring Holistic Health while Addressing Stigma and Perceptions’.

    The session moderator Dr. Radhe Krishan, Senior Media Advisor, Ministry of Ayush proposed the vote of thanks and lauded the participants of the session for their inputs and anticipated that this will help the stakeholders, especially, startups to gain multifaceted insights into the innovations happening around Ayurveda Aahar.

    The well attended event was tailored for professionals in the Ayush and wellness sectors, including policymakers, business leaders, investors, regulatory officials, and academics. It was an opportunity to explore innovations and expand the global market for Ayush practices.

    The session was aimed to build awareness and drive growth in the Ayush sector. All the Participants gained insights into strategies for market expansion, enhancing quality standards, and leveraging collaboration for international success.

    *****

    SK

    (Release ID: 2057165) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Capito, Colleagues’ Bipartisan Resolution Dedicating September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) applauded the Senate passage of a bipartisan resolution she joined to designate September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children past infancy; each year, more than 14,500 children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer.
    “I’m proud to join my colleagues again in recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Since my Childhood Cancer STAR Act became law and was reauthorized last year, we have secured better outcomes for children fighting this terrible disease and grown our research capabilities, especially with institutions in West Virginia. I will continue to support initiatives that improve our understanding of childhood cancer, provide high-quality care for childhood cancer patients, and create better outcomes for survivors until we enter a world where cancer is a disease of the past,” Senator Capito said.
    Full text of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Vermont State Dental Society, University of Detroit Mercy, and Welch Announce Historic Effort to Advance Dental Care and Education Across State

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 20 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the Vermont State Dental Society (VSDS), University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced their historic effort to establish an innovative, new dental clinic and training program in Vermont. Through a VSDS-University of Detroit Mercy partnership, the initiative will bring UDM students to Vermont to complete their final years of training – strengthening the dental care provider pipeline and expanding access to much-needed care across the state. Vermont currently has no dental school.
    Sanders and Welch are working to secure $4.6 million in federal funding through the FY25 Congressionally Directed Spending process to support this initiative. The funding recently was approved by the Appropriations Committee and next needs to pass the House and the Senate before being signed into law by President Biden.
    “The suffering that the dental care crisis causes Vermonters and people across this country too often goes unseen and unaddressed,” said Sanders. “Far too many, especially in rural areas like Vermont, do not have access to a dentist, which forces them to either travel long distances or go without the care they need. In some Vermont counties, there is a year-long wait list. In others, there are no dentists at all who treat kids with Medicaid. And because we don’t have a dental school in the state, there’s no natural pipeline for dentists to train and eventually work in our communities. It is time for that to change. This historic initiative brings me a lot of hope for the care and education opportunities we can deliver to Vermont. I am proud to partner with the Vermont Dental Society, University of Detroit Mercy, and Senator Welch to make this a reality. Let’s get it done.”
    At a press conference on Friday, VSDS, UDM, Sanders, and Welch celebrated the program receiving its accreditation from the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) – an essential step in establishing the teaching program in Vermont.
    “By partnering with University of Detroit Mercy, we are opening doors to educational opportunities that haven’t existed before in Vermont, and increasing access to oral health care for Vermonters as well,” said Justin Hurlburt DMD, board president of the Vermont State Dental Society. “We are excited to partner with Detroit Mercy on this opportunity to expand the dentistry workforce in the state,” he added.
    “University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry has a long tradition of graduating practice-ready clinicians and it is an honor to help bring the Detroit Mercy DDS program to the Green Mountain State,” said Mert N. Aksu DDS, JD, MHSA, Cert DPH dean of Detroit Mercy Dental. “UDM recognizes the need for dentists in Vermont, and looks forward to providing a program to educate and graduate dentists in the state.”
    “This accreditation is an important step forward in the process to expand access to dentists here in Vermont, so every patient can get the care they need. I look forward to working with Senator Sanders on this important issue, and will continue to advocate for more federal funding to support workforce development in dentistry and health care across our state,” said Welch.
    Left untreated, dental issues can lead to larger health problems. Nearly half of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, which makes them two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. In 2019, there were 1.8 million visits to emergency rooms across the country for preventative dental conditions – a 62% increase from 2014.
    This new initiative will go a long way to increase oral health education opportunities and address the statewide dental provider shortage. Beginning in the fall of 2025, the partnership between VSDS and UDM will include two years of foundational and preclinical education at the UDM School of Dentistry campus in Detroit, Michigan, followed by two years of clinical and didactic education at a new dental clinic based in Chittenden County. Students would choose the Vermont residency option upon enrollment, increasing the likelihood that students will remain in Vermont to practice post-residency.
    University of Detroit Mercy-Vermont will house modern classrooms with on-site clinics to support its clinical education program and serve as a public health, Medicaid clinic to provide dental care to qualifying individuals. These students will not only work and learn in the new facility in Chittenden County, they will also do rotations in underserved areas around the state, including at Federally Qualified Health Centers and private dental practices. Current estimates show each class of students would see about 3,500 patients over a two-year period.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $5.4 Million For Urban Community Forestry

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an additional $5.4 million in grant awards for Urban and Community Forestry Grants funded through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The funding expands on $7.1 million awarded on July 25, increasing expected project outcomes and reach, and bringing the total amount awarded to $12.5 million. The awards support Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State initiative to plant 25 million trees by 2033, recent commitments through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, and other New York State investments to expand tree canopy and cultivate greener, healthier communities.

    “Investing in community green space is a significant step towards revitalizing our cities and towns, and ensuring a sustainable, resilient future for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will help to provide cleaner air and water to every corner of our state, and move us closer to achieving our climate goals.”

    Funded projects represent a collaborative effort between local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and community groups to create more equitable and resilient urban forests in the face of increased storms and extreme heat driven by climate change. Projects are focused in disadvantaged communities and include initiatives to engage with the public in tree planting and stewardship efforts, and increase tree canopy in public open space and along roadways. The efforts align with Governor Hochul’s broader conservation and environmental agenda, including enhancing existing open spaces and land preservation goals, supporting the state’s ambitious climate goals, and advancing environmental justice statewide.

    The grants are administered through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Urban and Community Forestry program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and helps communities create healthy forests while enriching quality of life for residents.

    Funding for this grant is made available through the state allocation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service through the IRA. The USDA Forest Service is allocating this funding to support projects in disadvantaged communities to increase and maintain a healthy urban canopy and equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide. The Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program authorizes funding for a broad range of activities, such as urban wood utilization, urban food forests, extreme heat mitigation and workforce development.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Urban trees are more than just a touch of nature in our cities—they help mitigate extreme heat, improve air quality, and support public health. By enhancing green spaces in areas impacted by climate change and other environmental challenges, we cool streets and homes while improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Trees are an integral part of our urban landscapes and leave a legacy for future generations.”

    New York State is celebrating the 16th annual Climate Week from September 22-29, 2024. The projects included in this announcement support New York’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make communities more resilient, drive action to tackle climate change and advance environmental justice, ensure affordability as part of the clean energy transition, and create new jobs and opportunities for future generations.

    The 17 awarded projects receiving additional funding are listed below by region:

    Capital Region

    Albany County

    • City of Albany Department of General Services: $456,705 additional, for a total of $876,965; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Greene County

    • Village of Athens: $237,335 additional, for a total of $577,968; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Rensselaer County

    • City of Troy: $64,800 additional, for a total of $382,400; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Central New York

    Onondaga County

    • City of Syracuse: $414,858 additional, for a total of $910,141; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Finger Lakes

    Genesee County

    • City of Batavia: $306,218 additional, for a total of $758,950; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

    Monroe County

    • City of Rochester: $399,250 additional, for a total of $598,875; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Mid-Hudson Valley

    Ulster County

    • City of Kingston: $240,824 additional, for a total of $732,375; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Westchester

    • City of New Rochelle: $6,600 additional, for a total of $41,600; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

    New York City

    The Bronx

    • Woodlawn Conservancy Inc.: $727,962 additional, for a total of $1,201,354; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation
    • Natural Areas Conservancy Inc.: $467,510 additional, for a total of $862,168; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

    Brooklyn

    • Big Initiatives Incorporated: $843,709 additional, for a total of $1,251,166; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation – Stewardship of Street Trees
    • The Evergreens Cemetery Preservation Foundation: $415,000 additional, for a total of $915,000; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Manhattan

    • The Green-Wood Cemetery: $100,000 additional, for a total of $598,035; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation
    • Randall’s Island Park Alliance Inc.: $353,520 additional, for a total of $851,262; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    North Country

    Clinton County

    • Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District: $231,325 additional, for a total of $460,947; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

    Jefferson County

    • City of Watertown: $150,000 additional, for a total of $550,000; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Western New York

    Chautauqua County

    • City of Dunkirk: $35,867 additional, for a total of $158,313; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

    Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “New York, get your shovels out and get ready to dig for more new trees because over $5 million, in addition to the over $7 million we announced earlier this summer, is on the way to create more urban forests, from Albany to Kingston and more! I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that cities across New York could have access to the funding they have long needed to breathe new life into our most underserved neighborhoods. More trees mean cleaner, greener, and much cooler communities. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership ensuring that these federal dollars are put to good use building a cooler and greener future for New York.”

    Representative Paul Tonko said, “Thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act, we’re taking action to deliver critical resources directly to communities here in the Capital Region and across New York State. This significant infusion of federal funding will help plant trees, increase canopy cover, and build more resilient urban forests – all while addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice. As we continue to build on the successes of the IRA, I’m thrilled to see the benefits of our historic legislation taking root right here at home.”

    Representative Pat Ryan said, “Tree coverage is an absolute necessity for a thriving city and these historic investments will increase canopy cover, improve climate resilience, and create good-paying jobs along the way. I’m proud that this $240,824 will add to the $528,600 from the landmark Inflation Reduction Act that I delivered for Kingston’s urban forestry program last year. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with officials at every level of government as we make the Hudson Valley a sustainable and vibrant home for generations to come.”

    To further progress New York’s climate goals, Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address established a goal of planting 25 million trees statewide by 2033 — a $47 million effort supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the FY25 Enacted Budget. The goal will invigorate the state’s tree planting efforts through multi-year annual grants to municipalities to plant trees in support of resilient reforestation and urban forests, modernize DEC’s Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery and engage the next generation of environmental stewards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: This Week at Justice – September 20, 2024

    Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)

    #ThisWeekAtJustice

    • Justice Department Awards Over $600M to Hire Law Enforcement Officers, Keep Schools Safe, and Improve Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Services
    • Justice Department Announces Five Cases Tied to Disruptive Technology Strike Force
    • Justice Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secure Over $15M from OceanFirst Bank to Resolve Redlining Claims in New Jersey
    • Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Owner and Operator of the Vessel that Destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge
    • Suspect at Trump International Golf Course Charged with Firearms Offenses

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGRCk_SUVW8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of September 23, 2024

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.

    At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.

    CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of September 23, 2024, include:

    • H.R. 522, Deliver for Veterans Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 618, Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 1657, Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 1726, Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 1735, Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 2468, Mountain View Corridor Completion Act, as amended
    • H.R. 2706, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 2950, Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 3208, DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act 
    • H.R. 3433, Give Kids a Chance Act of 2023 
    • H.R. 3884, Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023
    • H.R. 4094, Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act 
    • H.R. 4259, Think Differently about Education Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 4527, Health DATA Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 4596, Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 5302, Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act 
    • H.R. 5490, Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5509, Electronic Permitting Modernization Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5526, Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5646, Stop Campus Hazing Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 5867, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Live Oaks Boulevard in Casselberry, Florida, as the “Colonel Joseph William Kittinger II Post Office Building” 
    • H.R. 6125, Online Dating Safety Act of 2023, as amended 
    • H.R. 6219, ASCEND Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 6231, Department of Homeland Security Policy Issuance Review act 
    • H.R. 6474, To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas
    • H.R. 6633, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9355 113th Street in Seminole, Florida, as the “Army SSG Ryan Christian Knauss Memorial Post Office Building”
    • H.R. 6656, Stuck on Hold Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 6829, HEARTS Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 6852, Holcombe Rucker Park Landmark Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7073, Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7189, Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 7323, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 7370, Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7422, Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2024, as amended 
    • H.R. 7630, ANCHOR Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7685, IMPACT Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7764, Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 7832, Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act 
    • H.R. 8108, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to determination of residency of certain individuals serving in Armed Forces 
    • H.R. 8419, American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act 
    • H.R. 8674, Milestones for Advanced Nuclear Fuels Act, as amended 
    • H.R. 8958, To reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes, as amended
    • H.R. 9459, PATHS Act 
    • H.R. 9460, DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024 
    • H.R. 9488, SHIELD Act, as amended 
    • S. 133, NAPA Reauthorization Act 
    • S. 134, Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act 
    • S. 150, Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act of 2023 
    • S. 376, A bill to designate the area between the intersections of 16th Street, Northwest and Fuller Street, Northwest and 16th Street, Northwest and Euclid Street, Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, as “Oswaldo Paya Way”
    • S. 612, Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act 
    • S. 656, Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023
    • S. 670, IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act 
    • S. 679, GAO Database Modernization Act of 2024 
    • S. 794, CTPAT Pilot Program Act 
    • S. 1549, CBO Data Access Act 
    • S. 2087, Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 
    • S. 2685, Reuse Excess Property Act
    • S. 3639, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the “Robert Hayden Post Office”
    • S. 3640, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the “Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office”
    • S. 3764, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024 
    • S. 3851, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office”

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