“This grant funding will allow us to see kids and help catch up on immunizations that were missed during the pandemic,” says James Crounse, MD, MPH, assistant chief medical officer for quality care at SAC Health. “Our approach is strategic in that it is rooted in data, which will allow us to identify and efficiently reach out to patients who have yet to receive their immunizations.”
Recipients of the award span 11 U.S. states and are a mix of urban and rural initiatives that will work to create greater health equity among the country’s most vulnerable communities. “These awardees already provide essential health services for their communities, and these funds, generously provided by The Pfizer Foundation, will enable even more innovative work to take place,” said Thomas Tighe, CEO and president of Direct Relief. “The dedication and commitment of these health providers, who work tirelessly, often with minimal recognition, is inspiring to all of us.”
SAC Health is the largest specialty-based and teaching health center (THC) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the nation. SAC Health provides comprehensive services to underserved areas and populations including Medi-Cal and Medicare patients. SAC Health is recognized as a Level-3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and has over 100 community partnerships that enable the health to provide whole-person care to all its patients. SAC Health provides care in ten locations in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including services in family medicine; pediatrics and pediatric specialties; obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine and medical specialties; family dentistry; behavioral health; surgical specialties and more. More information on how to become a patient at SAC Health is available online at sachealth.org.
About Direct Relief
A humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical resources throughout the U.S. and world to communities in need—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. For more information, visit https://www.DirectRelief.org
“So many of us wear masks to project our image of a leader or protect us from being vulnerable. At this year’s ACWConnect LIVE! event, we hope to give channel women some tools to help them reveal their own leadership style,” said Cassie Jeppson, ACW President and Director of North America Channel Programs at Lenovo. “When we embrace our strengths and shore up our weaknesses, we become authentic leaders.”
The ACW event will also feature our signature networking reception and engaging programming, such as:
Welcoming remarks from ACW President Cassie Jeppson
ACW LEAD and ACT Award winners’ presentation
Raffle prizes
Swag bags
More
The ACWConnect Live! networking event is open to all genders attending the Channel Futures MSP Summit & Channel Futures Leadership Summit. Admission is free to all ACW members, and advance tickets are $40 for non-members. Additional tickets may be available at the door for $50. Click here to register. Become an ACW member and attend for free; sign up at https://allianceofchannelwomen.org/join.
Tickets are limited to the space available. Advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration closes at 5 p.m. EDT on October 27. Additional tickets may be available at the door on a “first come, first served” basis.
Women’s Leadership Summit ACW also will co-host the Channel Futures Women’s Leadership Summit, a half-day event from noon to 6 p.m. on October 30 during the Channel Futures MSP Summit & Channel Futures Leadership Summit.
This special conference is designed to equip women with the tools to increase their leadership impact and professionals of all genders with the insights to support and uplift their female colleagues.
“The Women’s Leadership Summit gives channel women an opportunity to focus on ways to tap into our individual strengths as leaders and advance in our careers in the channel,” said Jasmina Muller, ACW Vice President and Chief Ecosystem Officer at PartnerTap. “At the same time, it also lets us come together to find and grow friendships and business relationships that help us to build channel opportunities for all.”
Get $200 off the Summit Pass, including the Women’s Leadership Summit, using the code ACW when you register with this link.
About the Alliance of Channel Women Founded in 2010, the Alliance of Channel Women is a not-for-profit organization for women in the indirect sales channel of the telecom and IT industry. The Alliance of Channel Women brings us together to empower and advance women’s careers and leadership roles in the technology channel through education, community, advocacy and opportunities for personal growth. To learn more and to become a member, please visit http://www.allianceofchannelwomen.org.
Other members of the Sustainability Council include Servicon Facility Solutions Vice President Chris McKee, Executive Operations Director Matt Levit, Regional Manager-Healthcare and Life Sciences Brenda Sanz McCabe, Healthcare Relations Director Kayce Laggenbauer, Strategic Accounts Director Neil Bernstein, ESG Manager Anna Rabinovitch, and ESG Director Maritza Aguilar.
Sustainable Goals The council’s goal is to significantly expand Servicon’s sustainability efforts and assist Servicon clients in seeking ways to increase their sustainability efforts to reduce their carbon footprints.‥
Servicon is considered one of the pioneers of green cleaning. The company is Cleaning Industry Management Standard for Green Buildings (CIMS-GB) With Honors certified, and its corporate headquarters is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certified.‥
“As a company, we are already very environmentally friendly, but there’s more we can do,” says Mahdesian. “The council provides a planned and pragmatic pathway to achieve tangible results within our company and clients’ companies. The initiative is a huge lift, and it’s not going all come together today, tomorrow, or even in the next 12 months. But we know we can make a difference; the council is our pathway there. Sustainability is keeping with Servicon’s purpose to elevate the industry and provide healthy environments for people to thrive. It’s also the right thing to do.”‥
Taking Action Initiatives Servicon is targeting through the council include upgrading the Servicon fleet of vehicles to 100% electric by 2030. The company’s plans to help clients be more sustainable include helping them:
Install and maintain more sustainable equipment, including green energy technologies, HVAC systems, and charging stations
The council will also help clients understand and, where applicable, take advantage of U.S. government tax credits, rebates, and direct research and development (R&D) money available through recently enacted government programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act—the most significant investment in green technology in world history. The act includes incentives for companies looking to adopt new sustainability programs, technologies, energy sources, and products, such as solar and wind power, electric batteries, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and carbon capture. The timing is also good given the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden, providing roughly $280 billion in new funding to boost U.S. R&D and manufacturing of semiconductors.
The council has already contacted Servicon’s accounting firm to assemble a list of the available tax credits, rebates, and economic incentives.
To learn more about Servicon’s Sustainability Council and how Servicon can help your company advance your sustainability and other ESG goals, visit‥servicon.com‥or‥contact us.‥
About Servicon, California’s Leading EVS and Commercial Cleaning Services Provider‥ Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Servicon is a leading hospital EVS and commercial services cleaning company specializing in‥aerospace,‥hospital EVS,‥life sciences, and‥facility maintenance‥of complex facilities. At Servicon, we live by our purpose to elevate the industry and provide healthy environments for people to thrive. As a privately held, women-owned and operated company, we work and live by our vision of creating a better working future. To learn more about Servicon, visit‥servicon.com‥or‥contact us.‥
Reade Whitney, former D.C. United Head Athletic Trainer, is now responding to D.C. United’s public and immediate termination of his employment on July 21, 2023, for supposedly making a “discriminatory hand gesture” in a staff photo and engaging in “acts” of “racism, homophobia, misogyny, or discrimination of any kind.” Whitney flatly denies those accusations. Whitney says he was only “photobombing” the staff photo with the Circle Game hand gesture.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Reade Whitney, former D.C. United Head Athletic Trainer, is now responding to D.C. United’s public and immediate termination of his employment on July 21, 2023, for supposedly making a “discriminatory hand gesture” in a staff photo and engaging in “acts” of “racism, homophobia, misogyny, or discrimination of any kind.” Whitney flatly denies those accusations. Whitney says he was only “photobombing” the staff photo with the Circle Game hand gesture.
Plug In America, the Electric Vehicle Association, EVHybridNoire, the Sierra Club and Drive Electric USA are presenting this year’s National Drive Electric Week. The groups recruit organizers to host local events that are listed on DriveElectricWeek.org. Then, people can easily find the nearest event to them and sign up to volunteer or attend.
“NDEW is a great chance for drivers to talk to EV owners in their communities about the true EV driving experience,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America, an EV nonprofit advocacy group. “We want to give everyone accurate, practical information so they can make informed decisions about what is best for them. There are a number of great deals and incentives available, not to mention an increase in the variety of models for sale. So there’s a lot to discover at NDEW events, even for current EV owners.”
NDEW events pepper the map of the United States, blanketing the East Coast from Florida to Maine, covering the Midwest, dipping into the southern states, stretching across the Southwest and up the Pacific Coast into the Northwest. Not to be left out, Hawaii and Alaska have multiple events scheduled, too. National Drive Electric Week is a strong showing of the dedication EV drivers and advocates have for educating the public about how everyone can benefit from EVs.
“Fall is one of my favorite times of year because NDEW is a special campaign that harnesses the passion of EV drivers into a week-long event to show the country how beloved EVs are by their owners,” Levin said. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Once you go electric, you won’t go back. The convenience, the cost savings, the fun of driving EVs—it’s waiting to be discovered.”
National sponsors supporting National Drive Electric Week include platinum sponsors Nissan and Wells Fargo, and bronze sponsor Edison International.
Plug In America is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information to consumers and dealerships about EVs through various programs, including National Drive Electric Week, Drive Electric Earth Day, PlugStar.com, and other public outreach events. With Plug In America’s coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, policy experts and technical advisors, their expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience in driving and living with plug-in vehicles. The organization’s motto is: “We drive electric. You can too.” Learn more at PlugInAmerica.org.
Camo has spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which means his muscles are tight on one side of his body. Communication-wise, he uses signs, limited vocalizations, and a new augmentative and alternative communication device. He’s a happy kid with a joyful chuckle who “squeals with excitement when he knows it’s time to move his body and use his gait trainer, which he calls GT. He also loves to get in the pool and swim, and everything music-related — especially drumming — is his favorite.”
Given their love of movement and the importance of assistive technology in their lives, it’s no surprise that STEPtember’s taken off with Camo’s Crew. Christiane and Nick shared that they launched their effective personal fundraising campaign by reaching out to everyone they knew via social media. “To be honest,” Christiane said, “people I haven’t spoken with in more than 20 years were donating left and right. And the people closest to us have wanted to help for years but were at a loss as to how they could. This was a tangible way they could support us and they all jumped in wholeheartedly.”
Camo’s Crew is one of more than 2,000 teams supporting CPARF’s mission this month, and each one has their own goals and motivation for participating. The Fletcher family’s highest hope is that “new technologies will increase independence, alleviate chronic pain, and improve quality of life for people living with cerebral palsy.”
Christiane, Nick, and Camo are doing their part to turn their hopes into reality. To join them and do the same, visit http://www.steptember.us before Saturday, September 30.
CPARF’S MISSION
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds US-based research to change what’s possible for people with cerebral palsy, implements proven science, empowers people through education, and advances technology benefiting all disabled people worldwide. To learn more, visit http://www.cparf.org or contact [email protected].
MacDonald I. J. Mopho releases’ International Human Rights Law Enforcement: The Incongruous Voices That Prevail
LONDON, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — MacDonald I. J. Mopho returns to the publishing scene with “International Human Rights Law Enforcement: The Incongruous Voices That Prevail” (published by Trafford Publishing). This book delves into religious freedom and broader human rights issues, exposing the paradoxical stance of states like North Korea, Russia, Iran, and the United States, raising questions about their commitment to international peace and security. It reveals the discordant voices of states that argue for human rights protection and enforcement but act in gross violations of them as well as threatening international peace and security.
In this book, Mopho embarks on an illuminating journey through the intricacies of human rights, tracing their roots back to the fusion of Roman law and Christianity. This comprehensive work explores the historical emergence of individual freedoms, only to reveal the disheartening paradox of states violating the very rights they have pledged to safeguard. Mopho delves into the infringement of the right to freedom of religion and belief, presenting compelling cases that underscore his arguments. He advocates for respect for the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, taking into account the vast global following of religions like Christianity.
Mopho also navigates through the legal foundations of human rights and addresses the challenges posed by state protection and enforcement of individual religious freedom. He offers a critical examination of religious nationalism and its impact on individual rights, emphasizing the need for harmonious coexistence. He concludes with a poignant discussion on the incongruous voices obstructing human rights protection and enforcement, offering valuable suggestions for a more just and peaceful world.
“We are living in extreme times where those who think they are strong are simply trampling on others whether as individuals dealing with their fellow human beings in society or as states dealing with other states in the international community. I present the argument that such human rights violations can only lead to a chaotic world that would move from the threat of international peace and security to violent conflicts and outright wars. I have cited evidence to support my argument. I have pointed what has happened hundreds of years that preceded wars that cost millions of lives and argued that governments of various states are making the same mistakes,” Mopho points out.
When asked what he wants readers to take away from the book, Mopho answered, “until leaders learn to consciously make decisions and take actions that enhance human rights protections and enforcement which invariably will lead to peace and stability, no form of government in itself, whether religious nationalism or secular democracy can prevent human rights violations and guarantee peace and security for the world. The evidence from the almost 80 years of the United Nations Organization’s existence point to this singular fact that leaders of member states must do more to respect human rights.” For more details about the book, please visit https://www.trafford.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/855208-international-human-rights-law-enforcement-the-incongruous-voices-that-prevail
“International Human Rights Law Enforcement: The Incongruous Voices That Prevail” By MacDonald I J Mopho Softcover | 6 x 9in | 338 pages | ISBN 9781698715193 E-Book | 338 pages | ISBN 9781698715209 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author MacDonald I J Mopho, LL.M;, CEDR-Accredited Mediator; Fellow, Civil Mediation Council, has held various Legal Advisory positions across the voluntary and commercial/private sectors in England, in addition to his research interest in international human rights law. He has also held various public appointments such as sitting as an Independent Member and Chair, Standards Committee, London Borough of Newham Council (2005 – 2009), and Lay Panel Member, the Secretary of State for Transport Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Misuse and Driving (2001 – 2008) etc. He is the author of several books.
Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC, author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an “on-demand publishing service,” and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford’s experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 844-688-6899 or visit trafford.com.
The 2023 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Conejo Valley, presented by PennyMac, is a free event and the entire community is invited. At 9 AM we kick off the event with opening remarks from Ventura County District 2 Supervisor, Jeff Gorell, Thousand Oaks City Council Member, Bob Engler, Westlake Mayor, Ray Pearl, and retired Agoura Hills Mayor, Linda Northrop. Then Cancer Survivors and Caregivers will lead us in the first lap.
From 9AM to 9PM the event will feature food, games, and live entertainment from local artists such as Doc Rogers Band, Vinyl Gypsies, Breaking Bored, Three Rivers Band, Electric Vinyl, and more. Registered teams host fundraising booths, games, and activities throughout the day for walkers of all ages to participate. After the sun sets, stick around for the emotional and impactful Luminaria Ceremony at 8 PM and silent lap to honor all those who have been touched by cancer in our community.
Together as a community we will “Rock The Cure” and raise funds to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Individuals and groups can form teams that unite to fight back against cancer. Local businesses can also get involved by forming a team and signing on to be an event sponsor and partner in the fight against cancer. Special thanks to top sponsors PennyMac, Insperity, and Premier America Credit Union.
Register for Relay For Life of Conejo Valley or donate at http://www.RelayForLife.org/ConejoValleyCA. Survivors who register online will receive a link to redeem their special shirt to wear with pride.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, Relay For Life unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action for lifesaving change. Since 1985, Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion to help save lives from cancer.
This year Relay For Life of Conejo Valley aims to raise at least $100,000 to further the American Cancer Society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Dollars raised each year by more than 250,000 Relay participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways, including funding and conducting breakthrough research, providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey. American Cancer Society services available locally include transportation to cancer treatment appointments, lodging facilities when residents may need to travel out of state for cancer treatment, and 24/7 access to live cancer specialists via video chat on cancer.org and by phone at 800-227-2345.
There are many ways to get involved in Relay For Life, including:
Join: Join a Relay community to connect with survivors, caregivers, and others impacted by cancer in your local community. Register as a solo participant, join an existing team, or create a team and invite friends and family to join you. Visit RelayForLife.org/ConejoValleyCA to sign up for Relay and join your community in the fight against cancer.
Donate: Your donation fuels the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Visit RelayForLife.org/ConejoValleyCA or donate to your own team today.
Sponsor: There are many opportunities for local and corporate businesses to get involved with the American Cancer Society through sponsorship and team engagement. Email [email protected] to learn more about how your business can align with the American Cancer Society.
To learn more about Relay For Life or find an event in your area, visit RelayForLife.org.
About the American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Here in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), while 79 percent of civilian employees with access to vision care plans choose to participate in them, such plans were available to only 28 percent of civilian workers in March 2022 (compared with access to medical care at 73 percent and dental care at 44 percent).
Further, highlighting health disparities, workers with higher average wages had greater access to vision care plans than those with lower wages (11 percent of those with wages in the lowest paid 25 percent have access, compared to 42 percent of those in the highest 25 percent), and employees of larger work establishments had greater access to vision care plans than employees of smaller ones (18 percent of establishments with 1 to 49 workers make vision care plans available to employees, compared to 42 percent of those with 500 workers or more). Importantly, these rates are likely even lower when factoring in agricultural workers, workers in private households, and the self-employed (including gig workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers) – none of which are included in the BLS data.*
And while vision care insurance covers comprehensive eye exams and some allowance for glasses or contact lenses, medical/health insurance generally covers services related to the health of the eye (cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes-related eye disease, etc.). However, this may not always cover preventive comprehensive eye exams, and generally does not cover routine eye care related to determining eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions including the costs of the glasses or contact lenses themselves. (For more information, Prevent Blindness offers the Health Insurance and Your Eyes resource on its website.)
Good vision and healthy eyes play a role in the workplace and help our workforce maintain their economic well-being. Without adequate access to eye care through public and commercial insurers, employees may not be able to realize their full personal economic independence and productivity which can exacerbate inequities and shortcomings in the national and global economy.
“This World Sight Day, we call upon employers to examine the benefits they offer their employees, insurers to consider expanding their vision and eye health offerings, and federal and state policy makers to prioritize our nation’s eye health and safety in their healthcare policy actions,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “All those working to support themselves and their families, while contributing to America’s economy, deserve access to eye care that can help them enjoy productive and engaging lives and reap the full benefits of their professional work.”
To kick off this year’s World Sight Day activities, Prevent Blindness will be hosting a World Sight Day reception on Sept. 21 at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC. Featured guests include Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, who will speak on the purpose of World Sight Day, and share highlights from the “Eye Health and the World of Work” report, and Vivian Fridas, the National Industries for the Blind public policy specialist and manager of the Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program, who will share her personal journey as an individual with progressive sight loss and a child of immigrants, and the impact that workplace accommodations had on her ability to remain at work and to help others in a similar position. Members of the Congressional Vision Caucus are invited to attend.
A Congressional briefing on eye health and the workplace will also be a highlight of the World Sight Day activities. Prevent Blindness and the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington, greater Washington’s vision health leader and educator, are also planning to host a free vision screening and eye health education event as part of World Sight Day activities later in the year.
Prevent Blindness and its affiliates will also be hosting various free vision screenings and education events across the country, emphasizing workplaces that include smaller businesses and the self-employed. These activities are supported by funding from Horizon Therapeutics and Genentech.
Leading up to World Sight Day, Prevent Blindness will be sharing personal stories on its social media channels from alumni of the Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program. The program, which stands for “Advocacy, Support, Perspective, Empowerment, Communication, and Training,” equips participants with knowledge, skills, and confidence to become advocates for vision and eye health at the individual and interpersonal, community, and societal levels. Participants include patients, care partners, and professionals.
For information on Prevent Blindness and its advocacy efforts, please visit our Eyes on Capitol Hill advocacy website at Advocacy.PreventBlindness.org, or email [email protected].
*The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines “civilian workers” to include private industry and state and local government employees. Excluded are federal and quasi-federal employees, military personnel, agricultural workers, volunteers, unpaid workers, individuals receiving long-term disability compensation, those working overseas, workers in private households, the self-employed, workers who set their own pay (e.g., proprietors, owners, major stockholders, and partners in unincorporated firms), and family members paid token wages.
About Prevent Blindness Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Media Contact
Sarah Hecker, Prevent Blindness, 312.363.6035, [email protected], PreventBlindness.org
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Second United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit is being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, which is the highest-level UN summit in the field of sustainable development. As the leader of the Chinese…
