NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

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

    Source: Scottish Government

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

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

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

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

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

    Mr Dey said:

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

    Source: University of Aberdeen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Announces over $166 Million for Contra Costa Transportation Authority to Modernize the Region’s Transportation Systems along the I-680 Corridor

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) will receive over $166 million in funding he advocated for to the Department of Transportation (DOT) that will help to improve safety, reduce congestion, and reduce air pollution along the I-680 corridor through Contra Costa County. This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

    “As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”

    “The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his support in securing this monumental award. This federal grant speaks to the Congressman’s long-standing leadership in transportation and vision for our community. Interstate 680 (I-680) is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity. It provides for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation. We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s dedication to improving quality of life and embracing innovation at both the local and national levels,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director, CCTA.

    This funding will go to two projects in Contra Costa County to complete the northbound I-680 express lane gap from SR-24 to SR-242 and convert the existing northbound High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane, construct a braided ramp system between North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving at this location, and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of NB I-680.

    More information about this funding can be found in thelettersCongressman DeSaulnier sent to DOT in support of this grant.

    Congressman DeSaulnier has been a longtime champion of improving transportation in the Bay Area and along the I-680 corridor, including by consistently supporting CCTA in its work to advance projects that innovate our transportation systems, ease congestion, and make our roadways safer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ruppersberger Secures Extension for SNAP Theft Reimbursement in Pending Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (2nd District of Maryland)

    Proposed Continuing Resolution would extend SNAP reimbursement for theft victims through December 20

    (Washington, DC) – Victims of food stamp theft will continue to be reimbursed under pending stop-gap funding legislation thanks to the tireless advocacy of Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, his office announced today. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a Continuing Resolution later this week that will keep the government funded – and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits flowing – through December 20, 2024. Currently, reimbursement for SNAP theft victims would otherwise expire on September 30.

    Congressman Ruppersberger lead a bipartisan effort to extend critical protections to victims of food stamp theft, in which perpetrators use skimming devices to steal SNAP benefits distributed on electronic debit cards (EBT).

    “This vital extension will continue to protect a record level of victims of SNAP benefit theft—including veterans, families, low-income workers, children, the elderly and the disabled— who have lost a critical lifeline through no fault of their own,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “This ensures tax dollars are used for their intended purpose and that American families do not lose their primary source of healthy food. No family should ever have to worry about how to put their next meal on the table.”

    Currently, states are required to replace stolen SNAP benefits under a measure included in the 2023 omnibus funding bill passed by Congress at the end of 2022. The provision applied to benefits stolen from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2024. More than 125,000 households have been reimbursed since October 2022, not counting some of the hardest-hit states who have not reported the full impact.

    While imperfect, the 3-month Continuing Resolution will level-fund the government and avert a needless government shutdown. Congressman Ruppersberger continues to champion his bipartisan standalone legislation, H.R. 205, establishing permanent reimbursement authority and better security features for EBT cards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden & Harris Must Do More To Protect Americans From CCP Auto Threats

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Biden & Harris Must Do More To Protect Americans From CCP Auto Threats

    Today, the Biden administration proposed a new rule which would ban US automakers from selling vehicles with components produced by the Chinese Communist Party. 

    “Today’s rule from the Biden-Harris team fails to do enough to protect Michigan workers and the American people from CCP threats to our auto industry. While the administration has concluded Chinese auto components and software are a national security threat, Biden and Harris must now stop their giveaway of taxpayer dollars to CCP-affiliated companies. They should support my NO GOTION Act, which will stop Chinese companies from collecting billions of dollars from American taxpayers. Finally, while Biden and Harris talk tough on China, their EV rules play into the hands of the CCP, and make our auto industry dependent on supply chains controlled by China. They must end those rules and let American autoworkers innovate,” said John Moolenaar, the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

    Currently, CCP-affiliated companies qualify for green energy production tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Gotion has previously claimed it is “reviewing and assessing” how it can utilize these tax credits. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ### 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BOYLE & VETERANS HERALD $740K FUNDING AWARD FOR VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

    PHILADELPHIA –Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA02) and Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) Executive Director, Joe Brooks, today heralded the Department of Veterans Affairs recent awarding of $740,000 to VMC for tailored suicide prevention programs and services for Veterans and their families. Tuesday morning Congressman Boyle & Executive Director Brooks held a brief news conference at the VMC in Old City to share this great news.

    “This funding will save lives and will ensure that both veterans and their families receive the critical support they need”, said Congressman Boyle. “I have always made it clear that I believe our nation has a sacred obligation to care for our troops upon their return from service. I will continue to hold up my commitment by supporting actions and legislative measures that properly support our nations veterans.”

    “Federal funding is absolutely vital to the success of our suicide prevention efforts through SSG Fox programming. As a nonprofit, VMC is only able to save veteran lives with this crucial support”, said VMC Executive Director Brooks. “We are deeply grateful to the VA and Congressman Brendan Boyle for their continued commitment to this life-saving work.”

    Federal funding is vital to the success of VMC suicide prevention efforts through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox (SSG Fox), a program under the VMC.  As a nonprofit, VMC is equipped to save veteran lives with this crucial support. Over the past year alone, SSG Fox has provided critical services to 219 veterans. 

    Among them:

    • 47 were at high risk, facing a mental health crisis
    • 180 were referred to treatment, navigating barriers of the opioid epidemic 
    • 10 of those veterans presented in crisis with a plan of suicide, all 10 veterans were admitted into treatment, preventing the suicide

    This funding will support the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) which enables the VA to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts. Congress has authorized $174 million to be appropriated to carry out the SSG Fox SPGP, a three-year community-based grant program that provides resources to community organizations serving Veterans across the country. Grants are awarded to organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for eligible individuals at risk of suicide and their families that qualify.

    The VMC was founded in 1980 by local Vietnam Veterans, who built a memorial along the Philadelphia waterfront and discovered a sense of community unparalleled.  VMC programs now serve more than 6,500 Veterans and families annually throughout the tri-state area. Their mission is to “serve those who served” this great nation and to provide services, programs, opportunity and advancement to Veterans of the U.S. military and their families.  
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ### 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on the passing of the Honourable Francis Fox

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of the Honourable Francis Fox:

    “It is with sadness that I learned today of the passing of the Honourable Francis Fox, former senator and Member of Parliament for Blainville—Deux-Montagnes.

    “Francis dedicated his career to serving Canadians. A lawyer by profession, he was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1972. Over the next 12 years, he tirelessly advocated for his constituents, his community, and for Canadians across the country.

    “When my father was Prime Minister, Francis served as Solicitor General of Canada, Minister of Communications, and Secretary of State for Canada. His contributions included introducing the landmark Access to Information Act and overseeing the creation of Telefilm Canada, which continues to promote and foster Canadian talent in film and media.

    “In recognition of his leadership, he was appointed to the Senate in 2005, where he worked on behalf of Canadians until his retirement.

    “Francis left an indelible mark on Canadian politics. Today, we remember him and the legacy he leaves behind. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my condolences to his family and friends.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Riding into a new home

    Source: South Australia Police

    South Australia Police Mounted Operations Unit has moved to its new home at Gepps Cross.

    The mounted police officers and stable hands have spent the past few days relocating from Thebarton Barracks to this state-of-the-art facility.

    Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said the wellbeing of the 32 police horses has been key in all design decisions.

    “Our highly trained police horses assist in crime reduction, deterrence and are a key part of our policing response to protest activity,” Commissioner Stevens said.

    “The large undercover arena will give our Mounted Operations Unit the space to train for these incidents year-round.

    “The 32 ventilated stables can house the entire mounted cadre, while the onsite paddocks mean the horses can be moved depending on their needs.”

    The stables also include cross tie areas, offices, uniform and equipment storage, a vet station, wash facilities, round yards, carparking and elements of history from the Thebarton Barracks stables.

    “The facilities have been designed to ensure operational flow and efficiencies to streamline work of the Mounted Operations Officers who have equipment and storage nearby which creates efficiencies,” Commissioner Stevens said.

    Furthermore, the site has environmentally friendly additions, with 350,000 litres of rainwater storage, 200kw of solar panels and has been revegetated with endemic species of around 14,000 plants.

    The Gepps Cross site will also house the Dog Operations Unit and staff offices, who will move in early next year.

    Minister for Police Dan Cregan said providing both Units new and improved facilities would support community safety.

    “These Units are critical to SA Police’s operational capabilities and we are delivering the resources needed to set them up for the long-term,” Minister Cregan said.

    “A modern, fit-for-purpose home for the police greys and dogs will support the work of officers for decades to come.”

    Mounted Operations has been a part of South Australia Police history since it was formed in 1838 with a small contingent of mounted troopers. The police greys have been an integral part of SA Police since World War 1 and is the only Australian police service that specifically uses greys.

    MIL OSI News –

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

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

    Peopleimages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

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

    What is it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What we don’t know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Where to from here? And where to get help

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Reintroduces Bill to Permanently Conserve Privately Owned Working Forestlands

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA08) reintroduced the “Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act” (H.R.9602) with Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA02), Ann M. Kuster (D-NH02), Jim Costa (D-CA21), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR01).

    “As Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, I know that our national conservation goals cannot be achieved through public land ownership alone. The federal and state governments can and must do a better job of working with private landowners who want to choose conservation, as my family did for our cattle ranch in 1998. My bill would unlock billions in federal funding to help states conserve working forestlands to support jobs and sustainable forest management that reduces wildfire risk,” said Congressman Garamendi. 

    “Forests provide crucial habitat for wildlife, protect clean watersheds, and absorb climate-warming carbon from the atmosphere. They are also an important part of Northwest Oregon’s rural economy. The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act will result in the conservation of more private forestlands, creating a better future for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. 

    “The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act is vital for mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving our forests. This legislation will enable us to better engage private landowners and reduce wildfire risks, supporting both our rural economy and sustainable forest management,” said Congressman Costa.

    The “Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act” (H.R.9602) would allow States to choose to designate accredited, nonprofit land trusts to hold conservation easements purchased with federal grant funds under the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. Current law requires that only the federal or state governments hold conservation easements purchased under the Forest Legacy Program. 

    Allowing States participating in the federal Forest Legacy Program the flexibility to partner with accredited, nonprofit land trusts will help to conserve more land permanently by working with private landowners who want to choose conservation but do not want to sell the federal or state governments an easement on their property. Conserving working forestlands also supports the rural economy, and sustainable forest management practices that reduce wildfire risk will support local jobs. 

    Garamendi’s bill also supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s “America the Beautiful” National Conservation Goal to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of the lands and waters in the United States by 2030 and Governor Newsom’s similar conservation goal for the State of California. 

    To date, the “Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act” (H.R.9602) is supported by: 

    • National Endorsements: Partnership of Rangeland Trusts, American Farmland Trust, Pacific Crest Trail Association 
    • California Endorsements: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), California Rangeland Trust, Pacific Forest Trust, Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council, Bear Yuba Land Trust, Feather River Land Trust, American River Conservancy, Placer Land Trust, Lassen Land and Trails Trust, Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Sierra County Land Trust, Shasta Land Trust, Hardy Conservation 
    • New England Endorsements: New England Forestry Foundation, Monadnock Conservancy, Society for the Protection of NH Forests, Squam Lakes Conservation Organization, Kestrel Land Trust, Forest Society of Maine, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Northeast Wilderness Trust 
    • Oregon Endorsements: Northwest Rangeland Trust; Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT); Greenbelt Land Trust; McKenzie Land Trust; North Coast Land Conservancy; Oregon Agricultural Trust

    Past Cosponsors: 

    • 114th Congress: Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) 
      • Now-Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) 
    • 113th Congress: Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Ann M. Kuster (D-NH), Jared Huffman (D-CA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Steve Womack (R-AR), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA) 
      • Now-Senators Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY), Todd Young (R-IN) 

    Garamendi previously served on the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Natural Resources (2011-2012) and the Committee on Agricultural (2012-2014), which oversee both the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest System. Garamendi served as the first Deputy Secretary of the Interior from 1995 to 1998 during the Clinton Administration. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Leading Effort to Increase Access to Rural Housing

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

    WASHINGTON – Amidst budget negotiations, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) is calling on Congressional Budget leaders to increase funding and address application processing delays for a key federal program to build more affordable housing in the San Joaquin Valley and rural America.

    The letter, spearheaded by Costa, calls for a return to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 funding level of $1.258 billion for the Section 502 Direct Loan Program in the federal budget. The House Agriculture budget bill includes $950 million for FY25, while the Senate bill allocates $1 billion, falling far short of meeting nationwide demand.

    “Significant delays in processing loan applications are impacting thousands of families nationwide, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, jeopardizing their dreams of achieving homeownership, and impeding their ability to contribute to their local, rural economies,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “These backlogs and processing delays are largely due to chronic underfunding of the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, which has ripple effects throughout rural communities. The resulting uncertainty leaves local contractors and vendors involved in housing construction in limbo and their livelihoods impacted.” the lawmakers continued, “Addressing these operational inefficiencies is essential not only for meeting the housing needs of our constituents but also for supporting sustainable economic growth in rural America.”

    The letter was signed by Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Vicente Gonzalez (CA-34), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Joyce Beatty (OH-03).

    “Unfortunately, this year has brought a crisis to both the families that we serve and the families that depend on our business. The approved funding for USDA Home Loans in California has been depleted, leaving families in limbo, unable to close on their new homes. These families, some of whom have been waiting for over a year and a half, continue to live in substandard conditions while brand-new homes sit completed and ready for occupancy,” said Leonel Alvarado, Century Builders.  

    “The USDA Section 502 loan program has made homeownership possible for rural families across America and in the San Joaquin Valley for many years. No Member of Congress has been a greater champion of this important program than Congressman Jim Costa. In the House, Congressman Costa has led the effort to ensure that Section 502 funds are available for families living in small towns and farming communities in California and across the country. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support,” said Bob Rapoza, National Rural Housing Coalition.

    BACKGROUND
    The Section 502 Direct Loan Program has been instrumental in providing affordable housing, especially for low-income families, farmworkers, and communities like Orosi, Parlier, and Orange Cove, where affordable housing is scarce. However, significant delays in processing loan applications have impacted over 47 families in California’s 21st Congressional District and 354 families in California, amounting to a total of $102 million in loans.

    Delays in processing Section 502 Direct Loan applications are exacerbating existing housing challenges in rural America, where affordable housing options are already limited. These loans enable low- and moderate-income rural residents to acquire affordable housing rates for their use as a residence by purchasing a new or existing dwelling or a new manufactured home. 

    Local contractors, small business owners, and vendors involved in housing construction and renovation projects are also affected, as uncertainty in funding and project timelines impacts their livelihoods.

    Data from the US Census found that the average annual production of new single-family houses in non-metro areas was 221,000 between 1999 and 2008. However, from 2009 to 2017, this average dropped dramatically to 68,000 per year.

    A copy of the full letter is available HERE.

    Learn more about the Section 502 Direct Loan Program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa leading Legislation to Permanently Conserve Privately Owned Working Forestlands

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

    WASHINGTON – Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ann M. Kuster (NH-02), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced H.R.9602 – Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act, which would authorize states to allow certain entities to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements under the forest legacy program.

    “The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act is vital for mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving our forests. This legislation will enable us to better engage private landowners and reduce wildfire risks, supporting both our rural economy and sustainable forest management,” said Congressman Costa.

    “As Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, I know that our national conservation goals cannot be achieved through public land ownership alone. The federal and state governments can and must do a better job of working with private landowners who want to choose conservation, as my family did for our cattle ranch in 1998. My bill would unlock billions in federal funding to help states conserve working forestlands to support jobs and sustainable forest management that reduces wildfire risk,” said Congressman Garamendi. 

    “Forests provide crucial habitat for wildlife, protect clean watersheds, and absorb climate-warming carbon from the atmosphere. They are also an important part of Northwest Oregon’s rural economy. The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act will result in the conservation of more private forestlands, creating a better future for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. 

    BACKGROUND
    The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act would allow States to choose to designate accredited, nonprofit land trusts to hold conservation easements purchased with federal grant funds under the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. Current law requires that only the federal or state governments hold conservation easements purchased under the Forest Legacy Program. 

    Allowing States participating in the federal Forest Legacy Program the flexibility to partner with accredited, nonprofit land trusts will help to conserve more land permanently by working with private landowners who want to choose conservation but do not want to sell the federal or state governments an easement on their property. Conserving working forestlands also supports the rural economy, and sustainable forest management practices that reduce wildfire risk will support local jobs. 

    This legislation supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s “America the Beautiful” National Conservation Goal to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of the lands and waters in the United States by 2030 and Governor Newsom’s similar conservation goal for the State of California. 

    This legislation is endorsed by the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts, American Farmland Trust, Pacific Crest Trail Association, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), California Rangeland Trust, Pacific Forest Trust, Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council, Bear Yuba Land Trust, Feather River Land Trust, American River Conservancy, Placer Land Trust, Lassen Land and Trails Trust, Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Sierra County Land Trust, Shasta Land Trust, Hardy Conservation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise: Democrats’ Radical Agenda is Crushing American Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.) to discuss how the disastrous Biden-Harris agenda has created one crisis after another while making life unaffordable for hardworking American families and how Republicans intend to fix it. Leader Scalise reviewed Harris’ radical positions on defunding the police and decriminalizing illegal border crossings. Additionally, Leader Scalise outlined House Republicans’ plan to end the Christmas Eve omnibus game once and for all and force Senate Democrats to do their job. 

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 

    On Kamala Harris’ record of supporting defund the police movements: 

    “This week is our last week in session before the election, but it is a very busy week, as you can see from the schedule. A lot of different bills being brought to the floor. [Rep.] Scott [Fitzgerald] just talked about one of them that’s so important. We’ve seen crime grow in our communities. We’ve seen these funds like the Minnesota Freedom Fund that are designed to help get criminals out of jail. And of course, Kamala Harris was there front and center, raising millions of dollars for that fund. What did it do? It helped get people out of jail who were out there in the middle of what they called the ‘Summer of Love’, who were attacking police officers, burning down police stations, other violent crimes where she was leading the charge to get them out of jail, the criminals, not protect the police officers. In fact, she’s made public statements over the last few years criticizing the idea of adding more police to communities.

    “And yet when you look at some of the cities that have the worst crime, who initially went down the failed road of defunding the police and then saw the devastation it caused in their communities, they’re trying to hire more police officers now, and they’re struggling to do it because they at least finally recognize they made a mistake. But once you taint that office by showing a community that the leadership of a city doesn’t support the police, police will go elsewhere. Good existing police officers go to other departments. Young people who want a career in law enforcement are not going to go to a place where it’s so volatile that they know that the leadership of that community doesn’t have their back. So they go to other places where they know that the local community will have their back. And so that is the devastation of that kind of attitude of defunding police, demonizing police that people like Kamala Harris have supported over the years.”

    On Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing border crisis:

    “When we leave here to go across the country in October, and as much as we’re going to miss you in this venue, maybe we’ll come back every week, Mike, I don’t know. We’ll do that once a week and see who shows up. More than likely, that won’t happen, but we will see you out on the road if you’re there. But when you go to swing districts where a lot of us will be, you see the same thing playing out in every community, whether it’s a swing state like Pennsylvania, where I just was last week, or whether it’s a community in California where they’ve got swing districts. You’re hearing people express the same frustration with the Biden-Harris administration.

    “The open border is still the top issue they bring up, and they’re furious about it. And yet Kamala continues to do nothing while she’s over there in the White House. She could go walk in the White House today and ask the president to reverse his policies that opened up the border, but she won’t because she wants an open border. She’s wanted that open border all her life. Again, she’s on video talking about how she wants to legalize people who come here illegally. Then when she tries to express, well, maybe I’m now for a secure border, and she’s pressed on it, she says my values haven’t changed.”

    On Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote that caused the inflation crisis:

    “Her values are far-left liberal. They’ve been that way her whole life. She wants to ban fracking. She hasn’t changed her views on that. She wants to have an open border. Her views haven’t changed on that either. You’ve seen her radical views.

    “She cast the tie-breaking vote, as Conference Chair Elise [Stefanik] just talked about, to create the inflation that I hear about in every community I go to. Higher costs at the grocery store, higher costs at the gas station. Those are a direct result of not just the Biden administration’s policies, but Kamala Harris’ vote. I’m not talking about in the Senate where she might have been with 60 other people. I’m talking about Kamala Harris’ vote when it was a 50/50 tie, and it could have gone down with her vote, and we could have had lower inflation with her vote, but instead, she used her vote to raise inflation. Her tie-breaking vote that jacked up the inflation that’s crushing low and middle-income families today. Her tie-breaking vote, Kamala Harris, was the vote that doubled the size of the IRS. Now, some of those new agents that they’ve hired are going after the waiters and waitresses, making them pay higher taxes on tips. Then she claims that she wants to get rid of the tax on tips, yet she’s sicked an army of new IRS agents after those very same waiters and waitresses.”

    On making America strong again:

    “So what she has done has consequences. We’re going to be talking about this contrast because Donald Trump wants lower tax rates. Donald Trump wants to secure our border, and he did it before. Donald Trump wants sound tax policy where lower and middle-income families can actually benefit from the growth that comes with a healthy economy.Unfortunately, we don’t have that today, but we had it when Donald Trump was President of the United States last time. And so when you look at all of those things, and not to mention, of course, he’s always supported our men and women in uniform, and he’ll continue to do that again. He’ll stand up to the bad guys around the world. Right now, America is letting the bad guys around the world run roughshod over our allies and doing harm to America as well with no consequence. All that will change if we get President Trump back in office. That contrast, I think, is going to be sharply shown through the month of October, leading into the election November 5th.”

    On House Republicans ending the Christmas Eve omnibus game and forcing the Senate to do their job:

    “We’re also going to vote tomorrow on the CR. This is always a tough negotiation. The Senate wanted to try to spend more money, and Speaker [Johnson] stood up to the Senate and said, no, we’re not going to do that. They wanted to play this Christmas Eve omni game that they used to play, having an omnibus dropped on Christmas Eve, and nobody’s read the bill, and it just gets voted on, and everybody leaves town. We said no to that last year. Mike Johnson, as speaker, is saying no to that again this year, which is so important to say, we’re going to change the way Washington works. We passed over 70% of the spending bills out of the House. The Senate has passed zero, not a single bill out of the Senate. How do you have a negotiation when one side refuses to do their job? We’re going to continue to at least do our job, and that starts tomorrow on the CR.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investigation following death of baby, Newtown

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Wellington District Police continue to make enquiries after the death of an 8-month-old baby at a Newtown address yesterday.

    A scene examination will take place today, after which a blessing will take place. A post-mortem examination will also be carried out.

    The investigation continues to progress with the co-operation of the family, and Police would like to assure the community there are no wider concerns for safety.

    Further updates will be provided when they are available.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Biggest infrastructure project in western New South Wales taking shape

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Work on the once-in-a-generation New Dubbo Bridge continues to progress with one third of the concrete deck, which will eventually support traffic crossing, now in place.

    The Australian and NSW governments are investing $263.2 million to deliver this region-shaping piece of infrastructure on the Newell Highway in Dubbo.

    The Australian Government has committed $210.6 million towards the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $52.6 million.

    The decking along the 660-metre bridge structure is being built in sections, with each section involving the pouring of about 105 cubic metres of concrete to provide a deck slab of up to 25 centimetres in depth.

    The deck pours will be carried out progressively while the rest of the bridge takes shape, with the final deck pour expected in mid-2025.

    Once the concrete deck is completed, the final step in building the bridge surface will be to add an eight-centimetre thick layer of asphalt.

    Pile driving was recently completed along the entire length of the new structure which crosses the Macquarie River and a section of the floodplain east of the river.

    Construction is also underway for the network of roads that will link the bridge to the Dubbo road network, including road widening work at the intersections of Whylandra and Thompson streets and River and Bourke streets.

    The New Dubbo Bridge project is due to be completed in late 2026, weather permitting.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “It is exciting to see the new bridge rapidly taking shape and I’m proud to see the Australian and NSW governments’ investments delivering for regional communities.

    “New infrastructure like this is critical for the growth of regional communities and it will set Dubbo and western NSW up for the future.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

    “This bridge will provide vital flood resilience and unlock more housing in Dubbo – providing essential infrastructure for an estimated 5,500 homes.

    “The Minns Labor Government is proud to be partnering with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver this project, supporting nearly 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in western NSW.

    “On my recent visit to see the bridge I saw how transformative this bridge will be to Dubbo and I thank the workers who have given so much to this project and I thank the people of Dubbo for their patience.”

    Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

    “Once completed, the New Dubbo Bridge will transform the way western NSW residents, tourists and freight operators travel through Dubbo.

    “The Bridge will reduce travel times in the city centre and improve access across the Macquarie River, particularly during flood events.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor’s spokesperson for the state seat of Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC:

    “The Minns and Albanese governments are delivering transformative regional road infrastructure for Dubbo.

    “It’s been wonderful to see the progress of the new Dubbo Bridge construction.

    “I’m pleased to see more than half of all people working on this project are from my local area, including many local apprentices and aspiring tradies through innovative employment programs.

    “Many Dubbo businesses are benefiting from the economic activity being generated.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Weekly press release from the Council of State of September 18, 2024

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

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    Véronique Athané Ryser, new general director of SIG. © Magali Girardin/ SIG

    On the proposal of the Board of Directors of the Geneva Industrial Services (SIG), the State Council approved the appointment of Ms. Véronique Athané Ryser to the position of General Manager.

    Born in 1976, Ms. Athané Ryser is a mechanical engineer, graduated from INSA and EPFL. Since 2020, she has held the position of Executive Director of Distribution Network Management at SIG. She has demonstrated her skills as a high-level manager, managing a department of 550 employees in a wide variety of fields, successfully completing complex projects while actively participating in the smooth running of the company’s general management.

    The Council of State notes that the recruitment process was conducted efficiently. It takes this opportunity to thank Mr. Alain Zbinden, Acting Managing Director, and Mr. Robert Cramer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, for their unwavering commitment in recent months and wishes Ms. Athané Ryser every success in carrying out her new duties.

    For further media information: Mr Antonio Hodgers, State Councillor, by contacting Mr Jérôme Savary, Deputy Secretary General, DT, T. 022 327 94 18.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CEO Update: Coming together to address gaps in psychosocial supports

    Source: Mental Health Australia

    Our sector is undergoing significant changes including multiple, large-scale reforms in psychosocial supports.  

    Which is why tomorrow we’re establishing a Mental Health Australia Members Psychosocial Network to create a platform for member input to our policy and advocacy positions in this area, and to facilitate collective advocacy on addressing the gap in psychosocial supports outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).  

    As the Analysis of Unmet Need for Psychosocial Supports Outside of the NDIS – Final Report highlighted, 493,600 people in our community need psychosocial supports but don’t have access. 

    It is plain that the mental health sector is eager to work with governments to urgently address this gap. Mental Health Australia and our members support comprehensive, long-term reform, which truly turns the tide on unmet psychosocial need. 

    Additionally, late last year National Cabinet agreed to jointly design and commission Foundational Supports outside the NDIS, which the NDIS Review recommended should include psychosocial supports. The Australian Government’s consultation process on the design of these Foundational Supports has now opened and we would encourage your contributions.  

    There are also significant reforms underway through the NDIS for participants with psychosocial disability. We note the recent changes introduced by the passing of the NDIS Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024. Effective from October 3rd, these changes introduce a new definition of NDIS Supports and mean that NDIS plans will now show a total budget rather than line-by-line supports. 

    We understand the National Disability Insurance Agency is actively considering the design of a NDIS psychosocial early intervention approach recommended in the NDIS Review, alongside other reforms aimed at improving the recovery-oriented approach within the Scheme. Our Members Psychosocial Network will contribute to Mental Health Australia’s input to these changes. 

    The reforms underway are numerous, complex, and intersecting – and come with significant opportunity for us to influence both their design and implementation. It has never been more important for us to come together to collaborate to provide clear, unified advice to governments, focusing on those actions that will most improve the lives of people with lived experience of mental ill-health, and their family, carers and supporters.  

    Thank you to those who have already signed up to the Mental Health Australia Members Psychosocial Network. I look forward to our first meeting tomorrow, and to working collaboratively with members to continue to influence reform in psychosocial supports – as well as many other areas. As our recent advocacy efforts have shown, we’re stronger together. 

    Carolyn Nikoloski 

    CEO, Mental Health Australia 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of the Honourable Francis Fox

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of the Honourable Francis Fox:

    “It is with sadness that I learned today of the death of the Honourable Francis Fox, former senator and Member of Parliament for Blainville—Deux-Montagnes.

    “Francis has dedicated his career to serving Canadians. A lawyer by profession, he was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1972. Over the next 12 years, he has been a tireless advocate for his constituents, his community and Canadians across the country.

    “When my father was Prime Minister, Francis served as Solicitor General of Canada, Minister of Communications and Secretary of State of Canada. Among other contributions, he introduced the historic Access to Information Act and led the creation of Telefilm Canada, which continues to promote and foster Canadian talent in film and media today.

    “His leadership earned him an appointment to the Senate in 2005, where he served Canadians until his retirement.

    “Francis left an indelible mark on Canadian politics. Today, we remember him and the legacy he leaves us. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my condolences to his family and friends.”

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Combating ‘climate burnout’ – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    As the occurrence of weather extremes continues to escalate, the climate change movement now grapples with a new challenge, ‘climate burnout’.

    The troubling trend of despair and fatigue among those who work for environmental and climate change – a phenomenon described as ‘climate burnout’ – could jeopardise vital commitment to the cause.

    New Flinders University research explored the exacerbating and attenuating factors of despair-induced climate burnout to learn how people can overcome despair and maintain motivation to fight climate change.

    “Our research highlights the growing issue of climate burnout, where people involved in the climate justice movement experience sheer exhaustion and disengagement due to feelings of despair about the crisis,” says lead author, Dr Lucy Bird from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.

    “We found that people are more likely to experience burnout when they feel despair and exhaustion about tackling climate change.

    “But importantly, our findings show that when people contemplated pragmatic steps, such as using their car less and reducing waste, as well as acting collectively to encourage organisations to make changes, they felt markedly less disengaged.

    “When people focus on actionable steps and fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, they can combat burnout and continue to make meaningful progress in addressing one of humanity’s most defining challenges,” she says.

    The research involved two studies using over 1,200 participants to examine whether despair about the climate crisis is associated with experiencing burnout.

    It also explored whether thinking about a positive future where the climate crisis has been addressed (utopian thinking) or considering the steps necessary to address climate change (pragmatic thinking) could reduce climate burnout.

    In some instances, the findings show that simply imagining a climate utopia could reduce peoples’ urge to disengage from the climate movement.

    “Given the urgent need to address the climate crisis, it is important to protect people from experiencing despair induced burnout and disengaging from the climate movement,” says Dr Bird.

    “This approach aligns with evolving strategies within the climate advocacy community, focusing on actionable solutions rather than overwhelming sentiments of despair.

    “As communities around the globe strive for impactful climate policies and initiatives, it is imperative that they foster an environment that encourages sustained engagement and mutual support.”

    She says that future research needs to consider different interventions to reduce peoples’ exhaustion and fatigue regarding climate change as this was not always reduced by engaging in pragmatism and utopian thinking.

    Dr Bird sums up her research by referencing street artist Banksy’s mural near London’s Hyde Park in support of Extinction Rebellion protests in 2019, “From this moment despair ends and tactics begin.”

    The article, ‘Thinking about the future: Examining the exacerbating and attenuating factors of despair-induced climate burnout’ by Lucy H. Bird, Emma F. Thomas, Michael Wenzel and Morgana Lizzio-Wilson has been published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology (2024), DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102382

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Top political advisor urges high-quality development of CPPCC work

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s top political advisor Wang Huning on Tuesday called for a thorough study of President Xi Jinping’s recent speech on the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to promote the high-quality development of the CPPCC work.
    Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the Chairpersons Council of the CPPCC National Committee.
    The senior political advisors studied the speech delivered by Xi, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, at a meeting celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of the CPPCC on Sept. 20.
    Xi’s speech has set out clear requirements for promoting wide, multi-tiered and institutionalized consultative democracy, and has made comprehensive arrangements for carrying out effective CPPCC work at present and in the near future, Wang said, urging efforts to study and implement the speech.
    The Chairpersons Council meeting also studied other recent speeches and instructions by Xi, and reviewed and passed documents including revised regulations of the CPPCC National Committee for reporting on social conditions and public sentiment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s deep-sea submersible arrives in HK

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Research vessel Deep Sea No. 1 arrives at Tsim Sha Tsui Ocean Terminal in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s research vessel Deep Sea No. 1, carrying manned submersible Jiaolong, received a warm welcome Tuesday in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the first time they visited the city.
    The vessel is on a home-bound voyage after completing a scientific mission in the Western Pacific Ocean. During their two-day stay in Hong Kong, scientists on board will give lectures to Hong Kong students and hold a number of international seminars to share the results of this scientific expedition.
    Warner Cheuk, deputy chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government, said that the visits ahead of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China fully demonstrated the central government’s care and support for Hong Kong’s marine scientific research development and ecological conservation.
    It is hoped that this event will inspire more young people in Hong Kong to engage in deep-sea research and make planet Earth a better place to live in, he said.
    Wu Changbin, director of China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association, congratulated the successful completion of the Western Pacific international voyage scientific expedition, saying that this voyage not only enhanced China’s scientific understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystems but also contributed important scientific data to global marine scientific research.
    The scientific expedition team of Chinese and foreign scientists set sail on Aug. 10 from Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, and made a total of 18 dives in the Western Pacific. It was the first time that foreign scientists have carried out deep-sea scientific research on Jiaolong. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China works to provide quality elderly care services

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China is on the way to establishing a complete service system that will remarkably improve the lives of hundreds of millions of senior citizens in the country, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
    China will build an elderly-friendly society by improving its social security system, elderly care services and health supports, Minister of Civil Affairs Lu Zhiyuan has said, noting that an elderly care services system with distinctive Chinese features is expected to become well-developed and smoothly functional by 2035.
    There were 297 million people aged 60 or above in China at the end of 2023, accounting for 21.1 percent of the country’s total population. The country is taking a proactive approach to population aging, acknowledging it as a reality China must face squarely on its path to modernization.
    While challenges exist, this demographic shift also presents opportunities, Lu said at a press conference on high-quality development held in Beijing on Monday.
    Elderly care in China has transitioned from a security net providing basic livelihood support to a system of quality services that integrates both medical and health care, Lu said.
    Elderly care services have also diversified from a government-centric model to including both government and market participation, as well as more social stakeholders, the minister said.
    In a nod to the habits and preference for aging at home among most of its senior citizens, the country will develop a services supply structure characterized by coordination and interconnection between homes, communities and institutions, Lu said.
    Among measures to shore up at-home elderly care, the central government has allocated 300 million yuan (42.5 million U.S. dollars) in guiding funds to support the development of catering services for the elderly in 2024, Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Tang Chengpei said at the Monday press conference.
    Elderly individuals facing the challenges of advanced age, disabilities, empty nests or living alone are the focus of this endeavor, Tang said.
    He noted that simultaneously, the country is expanding its catering services network continuously to deliver convenient meal services to the doorsteps of more senior citizens.
    Catering programs have been rolled out in many regions to help elderly people access local meal services, with community canteens being a common form of these services. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fluffy, super snuggly and loves people!

    Source: Waikato District Health Board

    L-R Waikato ED staff enjoying a visit from Amethyst – Kneeling – Tanya Suthers, Amethyst, Back – Rushi Jeyakumar, Lillian Pan, Lynne Kemp, Rhi Buckley and Collene Pacis

    According to registered nurse Lynne Kemp, these are just some of the qualities needed for being a successful therapy dog. Lynne is talking about Amethyst, her 17-month-old Border Collie, who visits Waikato Hospital’s emergency department (ED) once a week.

    Amethyst and Lynne are registered with Canine Friends Pet Therapy, a New Zealand-wide network of owners who bring their dogs to visit people in hospitals and residential care facilities.

    “I started working with Canine Friends about four years ago, with Sapphire, my six-year-old long-haired Weimaraner,” says Lynne. “I love doing things with my dogs, and I loved the idea of being able to bring my dog to work. When I heard the ED was considering a canine therapy programme, I jumped at the chance to be involved.”

    At Waikato Hospital, therapy dogs already visit the Critical Care Unit, Paediatric wards and others, but Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr Lillian Pan could see the positive impact they would have in the ED.

    “The benefits of pet therapy are well established,” says Lillian. “But there are only a handful of studies done in emergency departments.

    “A 2022 Canadian study demonstrated a significant reduction in pain, anxiety and depression after a 10-minute therapy dog visit, and an American study from 2019 noted that patients who interacted with therapy dogs needed less opioid pain medication during their ED stay.

    “We wanted to gauge how people would feel if we brought dogs into our ED. We surveyed a total of 126 staff, patients and whānau and the response was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% in favour.

    “The comments ranged from ‘People would love this, especially the kids’ and ‘When people see dogs in an unusual setting, it makes them focus less on their pain or trauma’, to ‘Just pure unconditional love – what’s not to love?’” says Lillian.

    “It’s often a scary experience coming into the ED, with lots of people and plenty of activity going on,” adds Lynne. “Interacting with a dog is a great distraction, and it seems to have a calming effect on patients and whānau.”

    That initial proposal was put forward over a year ago and, since July, Lynne and Amethyst have been visiting Waikato ED once a week to spend time with paediatric and short-stay patients. A staff volunteer acts as a ‘doggie chaperone’ and pre-screens patients for suitability, while care is taken for infection control and hygiene.

    Just last week, they had a special encounter with a 10-year-old girl.

    “I entered the room and Amethyst went over to her. Her whole face lit up with the biggest smile,” says Lynne.  “Her mum said that was the first time she had seen her smile since their arrival the day before.

    “It was so heartwarming to see, and reinforced the reason for my visits,” she says.

    The visits are not just for patients, either. Both Lynne and Lillian are quick to emphasise how beneficial canine therapy is for the ED’s kaimahi.

    “Amethyst’s visits brighten everyone’s day. It’s good for staff, especially when it’s busy and they have upsetting cases to deal with,” says Lynne.

    So, what makes a paw-fect therapy dog?

    L-R Lyn Kemp and Amethyst spent some time with patient Jan who thought Amethsyt was just lovely

    “My dog Frankie, an eight-year-old Bichon Frise, is ideally suited to being a therapy dog and regularly visits a local nursing home. He’s calm, loves everyone and is happiest when he’s the centre of attention – especially if there are treats involved,” says Lillian.

    “When I first visited a rest home with Sapphire, it didn’t go so well. There was a cat that Sapphire spent all her time trying to find! So being calm and not easily distracted is important,” explains Lynne.

    Lillian agrees: “Dougal, my other dog, is a little scamp and would cause chaos if he ever went on a visit!” she laughs.

    There has been tremendous support from staff to get the project off the ground. The Critical Care Team shared information about their therapy dog mahi, and Lillian had two ED trainees, Rushi Jeyakumar and Julie Taylor, to support the ED programme with her. ED leadership staff Liz Courtney and Simon Ainsworth were instrumental in pushing the project ahead.

    Lillian says the benefits of pet therapy in emergency departments is a topic that needs further exploration within the medical community. “Implementing this programme gives Waikato Hospital ED a unique opportunity to contribute to further research in the area,” she says.

    “I love coming in with Amethyst. Even though we are only there for an hour, seeing the happiness she brings is lovely,” adds Lynne.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China works to provide quality elderly care services: officials

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Sept. 24 — China is on the way to establishing a complete service system that will remarkably improve the lives of hundreds of millions of senior citizens in the country, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

    China will build an elderly-friendly society by improving its social security system, elderly care services and health support, Minister of Civil Affairs Lu Zhiyuan has said, noting that an elderly care services system with distinctive Chinese features is expected to become well-developed and smoothly functional by 2035.

    There were 297 million people aged 60 or above in China at the end of 2023, accounting for 21.1 percent of the country’s total population. The country is taking a proactive approach to population aging, acknowledging it as a reality China must face squarely on its path to modernization.

    While challenges exist, this demographic shift also presents opportunities, Lu said at a press conference on high-quality development held in Beijing on Monday.

    Elderly care in China has transitioned from a security net providing basic livelihood support to a system of quality services that integrates both medical and healthcare, Lu said.

    Elderly care services have also diversified from a government-centric model to including both government and market participation, as well as more social stakeholders, the minister said.

    In a nod to the habits and preference for aging at home among most of its senior citizens, the country will develop a services supply structure characterized by coordination and interconnection between homes, communities and institutions, Lu said.

    Among measures to shore up at-home elderly care, the central government has allocated 300 million yuan (42.5 million U.S. dollars) in guiding funds to support the development of catering services for the elderly in 2024, Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Tang Chengpei said at the Monday press conference.

    Elderly individuals facing the challenges of advanced age, disabilities, empty nests or living alone are the focus of this endeavor, Tang said.

    He noted that simultaneously, the country is expanding its catering services network continuously to deliver convenient meal services to the doorsteps of more senior citizens.

    Catering programs have been rolled out in many regions to help elderly people access local meal services, with community canteens being a common form of these services.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China diversifies rural elderly care with localized solutions

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Sept. 24 — In a village in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a center whose name translates as “happy mutual aid” offers two meals a day to over 20 senior citizens.

    Each day, the elderly villagers of Wenhua Village gather in the center to enjoy their meals and chat. Some also bring vegetables they have grown or help in the kitchen, which largely relies on social donations for its operations.

    Li Huizhi, a retiree who pioneered the institution two years ago, said the place not only helps feed the elderly customers, but also helps them feel less lonely. “Many of the elderly live alone because their children have left home in search of better job opportunities,” Li added.

    With 120 million people in rural areas aged 60 or above, China has been exploring diverse and targeted solutions to care for seniors scattered across vast rural areas. They generally have lower incomes than their urban peers and are less willing to live in commercial institutions for daily care.

    In June this year, the Chinese government issued a national-level guideline specifically on promoting rural elderly care. The document called for joint participation from the government, villages, non-profit organizations, companies and financial institutions to support the cause.

    Data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs shows that China currently has around 16,000 rural elderly care nursing homes that collectively provide over 1.68 million beds. The rural areas are also home to around 145,000 mutual-aid elderly care facilities.

    Lu Jiehua, deputy director of the Peking University Center for Healthy Aging and Development, expects China to find the most suitable models of elderly care in the coming years based on grassroots experiences, which include pooling together villagers for mutual aid and integrating medical and elderly care services.

    Li Yuqing, 54, is a member of the mutual aid team in a village in the mountainous Miyun District, Beijing. She often visits the homes of her more senior neighbors and checks on their state of health.

    “Our team members carry medical kits containing common drugs and tools to test the blood pressure and blood sugar levels of the seniors,” Li said.

    They are part of the local government’s effort to employ public-spirited villagers in their 40s and 50s to help elderly neighbors living alone. Each of the younger villagers is designated 10 neighbors nearby to help with cleaning, shopping and accessing medical services.

    Zhang Hao, an official with the civil affairs bureau of Miyun, said this model of villagers helping their elderly neighbors suits areas like Miyun because the villages are far away from each other and the elderly are not willing to live in commercial nursing homes.

    Apart from mobilizing rural residents, local governments are also pinning hopes on eligible businesses providing door-to-door services to rural seniors.

    Lang Zhizun, who runs an elderly care service company in Beijing, said they provide door-to-door services for rural elderly people four times a month, and the local civil affairs bureau pays for it. “We talk to the seniors first and offer help according to their requests,” he said.

    Experts believe more input is needed from both the government and social organizations to increase elderly care services and facilities in rural areas, and to optimize the whole system.

    In the June document, China set the targets for the further improvement of its rural elderly care service network by 2025. The overall coverage rate of elderly care service centers at the township level will be no less than 60 percent, it noted.

    Lu Zhiyuan, minister of civil affairs, has pledged greater efforts to shore up the weaknesses in rural elderly care and ensure the accessibility of basic elderly care services to all senior individuals.

    Since 2016, China has also piloted and expanded its trials for long-term care insurance that provides recipients with caregiving guarantees and fiscal subsidies. The initiative prioritized the group of disabled or partially disabled elderly people. China also provides assistance to the low-income rural population with special difficulties, including the elderly.

    “I hope more public financial resources can be directed to rural areas to genuinely improve the sense of security and happiness for the elderly there,” said Lu Jiehua.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Releases New Resources to Help Communities Prioritize Inflation Reduction Act Projects, Implement Low-Carbon and Net-Zero Energy Solutions to Promote National Resilience

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Releases New Resources to Help Communities Prioritize Inflation Reduction Act Projects, Implement Low-Carbon and Net-Zero Energy Solutions to Promote National Resilience

    FEMA Releases New Resources to Help Communities Prioritize Inflation Reduction Act Projects, Implement Low-Carbon and Net-Zero Energy Solutions to Promote National Resilience

    WASHINGTON — During Climate Week NYC, FEMA held the Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future Summit with public, private and academic partners to discuss and examine resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions to address the impacts of climate change. 

    During the event, the agency released new resource documents to provide comprehensive guidance on how communities can incorporate low-carbon and net-zero energy practices into FEMA-funded projects. These efforts support the agency’s strategic goal of leading the whole community in climate resilience.

    “Investing in local infrastructure means putting aside money today to secure a brighter, more resilient tomorrow. Yet, many state, local, territorial governments and Tribal Nations lack the resources, time or expertise to identify financing mechanisms to invest in climate resilience,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This new report serves as a critical resource to help communities invest in climate resilience, by identifying examples of how partnerships with the private sector can help break the cycle of response, recovery—rinse and repeat.”

    The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act allows FEMA to provide financial assistance for costs associated with low-carbon construction materials and incentives that encourage low-carbon and net-zero energy projects. Signed by President Joseph R. Biden in 2022, the act marked a historic commitment to build a new clean energy economy and tackle the climate crisis. 

    It is crucial for communities to build infrastructure that is not only resilient but also sustainable. FEMA released three new resources. These include: 1) the Low-Carbon and Net-Zero Energy Overview for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance; 2) the FEMA Fact Sheet on Low-Carbon Materials Projects, and 3) FEMA Fact Sheet on Net-Zero Energy Projects. 

    Resource Highlights

    • Detailed Guidance: The documents offer in-depth information on the use of low-carbon materials like concrete, asphalt, steel and glass as well as the implementation of net-zero energy practices.
    • Eligibility and Reimbursement: Applicants can qualify for and receive reimbursement for costs associated with these sustainable practices.
    • Real-World Examples: A roadmap of practical examples of successful projects that have utilized low-carbon materials or net-zero energy is included.

    FEMA may fund costs associated with low-carbon materials, even when the costs are higher than those for conventional materials, to help cut carbon pollution and build back cleaner and more resilient. These clean, climate-resilient considerations apply to five FEMA grant programs. These programs include the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, HMGP Post Fire, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Public Assistance. 

    For more information, please visit FEMA.gov.

    erika.suzuki

    MIL OSI USA News –