Hire Autism homepage

Thanks to the efforts of many people and organizations including OAR in the last five years, businesses are now more open to hiring autistic employees. We expect that Hire Autism and the capabilities of our new website will help open even more doors for our job seekers.

ARLINGTON, Va. (PRWEB)
March 31, 2022

The Organization for Autism Research is excited to announce the launch of a new, expanded Hire Autism website. Hire Autism is a free program to help autistic job seekers find meaningful employment opportunities and connect with autism-friendly employers.

The new site features more jobs board search filters, a searchable resource library, an events calendar, a user accessibility widget, profile and job board navigation tutorials, personalized job alerts, and improved employer-candidate search capabilities.

Since Hire Autism’s national debut in January 2020, the program has attracted job seekers and employers from across the country. The new site will allow the program to better meet the needs of those within its growing network and move the program closer to realizing its vision of becoming the autism employment hub.

“Thanks to the efforts of many people and organizations including OAR in the last five years, businesses are now more open to hiring autistic employees,” said Michael Maloney, OAR executive director. “We expect that Hire Autism and the capabilities of our new website will help open even more doors for our job seekers.”

Job seekers can request free one-on-one virtual assistance with resume and cover letter writing as well as interview preparation through Hire Autism’s volunteer mentoring program, composed of human resources professionals, business executives, therapists, and others. Employers, once their account has been approved, can post an unlimited number of jobs for free and connect directly with job seekers. OAR also offers employers free virtual training when they join Hire Autism.

Community groups, schools, and other organizations can request presentations from Hire Autism staff through the new site. Site visitors can also view upcoming autism or disability-related employment events through the events calendar and even submit their own events for consideration.

Hire Autism welcomes everyone to visit the updated website at http://www.hireautism.org.

Questions and inquiries can be sent to Amanda Rioux at arioux@researchautism.org.

About OAR: The Organization for Autism Research(OAR) is a national non-profit organization formed and led by relatives of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and autistic individuals find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions.

About Hire Autism: Hire Autism, OAR’s free employment program, is dedicated to improving employment opportunities for autistic individuals and helping businesses create more inclusive workplaces. The program serves job seekers and employers nationwide.

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“We are grateful for and humbled by Ms. Scott’s investment in Pressley Ridge’s mission,” said Susanne Cole, President and CEO. “This gift will enhance our ability to serve the increasing complex needs of youth and families in our communities.”

PITTSBURGH (PRWEB)
March 30, 2022

Pressley Ridge, a nationally recognized leader in providing a wide array of mental health, treatment foster care and specialized education services for youth and families, announced it has received a $10 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This is the single largest donation the organization has received in its 190-year history.

“We are grateful for and humbled by Ms. Scott’s investment in Pressley Ridge’s mission,” said Susanne Cole, President and CEO. “This gift will enhance our ability to serve the increasing complex needs of youth and families in our communities. It will also accelerate our work as it relates to racial equity and bolster our commitment to leadership development in this field to advance clinical outcomes and best practices.”

Recognized for developing the nation’s first treatment foster care curriculum in the early 1980s, Pressley Ridge has continued to evolve and expand its services. Each year, thousands of children and families are strengthened through community-based mental health services, foster care, adoption, specialized education, and supportive services for transition-age youth.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in increased mental health issues that have challenged society in ways that could not be imagined. This grant will allow Pressley Ridge to increase organizational capacity and address these critical mental and behavioral health needs in communities they serve throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

The announcement of this transformative gift comes just after Pressley Ridge completed its new three year strategic plan that includes a primary focus on racial equity. The plan tackles workforce development, ensuring effective and efficient clinical interventions and exploring program expansion and collaborations where there may be gaps in services within communities.

“Pressley Ridge has a long history of producing positive outcomes for kids and families who have experienced a variety of challenges in their lives,” said Tisha Germany, Pressley Ridge Board Chair. “This gift validates the tremendous work of the staff and leadership and presents an opportunity to have a greater impact on diverse communities throughout the region and beyond.”

For more information on the impact of Pressley Ridge in your community, please visit http://www.pressleyridge.org.

About Pressley Ridge

Pressley Ridge provides individuals and families with hope and support through life’s challenges. Our work intersects that of other social service agencies, social workers, school districts and local and state government entities. We pride ourselves on partnering with families and meeting them where they are, when they need it the most. Each year, thousands of children and families are strengthened through community-based mental health services, foster care, adoption, specialized education, and supportive services for transition-age youth. Our more than 70 programs all share a common goal of establishing stable, healthy families and life-long connections that result in a successful, happy life. Pressley Ridge was founded in 1832 and remains headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A legacy of successful outcomes has allowed the organization to expand services to communities in Central Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

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56 percent of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment, and, even with severe depression, 76 percent of youth are left with no or insufficient treatment.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
March 25, 2022

Ahead of mental health awareness month, Mediaplanet announces the launch of this March’s edition of “Access to Mental Healthcare.” This campaign will advocate for decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health, as well as showcase options during this time of virtual healthcare post-pandemic.

Mental health issues have dramatically increased in the past year, coinciding with diminished traditional support once offered by friends, neighbors, families, and even treatment centers, leaving sufferers more isolated than ever. Those who developed COVID-19 had a two times greater risk for developing a mood or anxiety disorder for the very first time. 56 percent of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment, and, even with severe depression, 76 percent of youth are left with no or insufficient treatment. There has never been a more important time than now to shine a light on mental health issues and give support to the millions of people suffering.

Long-time mental health advocate Tracie Jade sets the tone of the print publication. Through an exclusive interview, she confesses she has struggled with anxiety and depression. “During the past two years, I’ve gotten my certification as a guided meditation teacher, joined a minimalism movement, and am starting guitar lessons, all from home. The regular schedule and routine have helped me to stay grounded, present, and grateful for the time, as opposed to having too much space in my head for repetitive, negative thoughts.” She notes the increase in suicide rates, especially in young adults, and explains why it was so important during this time to start her Facebook Watch show ,“Peace of Mind” with Taraji P. Henson.

The print component of “Access to Mental Healthcare” is distributed within USA TODAY with a circulation of approximately 150,000 copies. The digital component is distributed nationally, through a vast social media strategy, and across a network of top news sites and partner outlets. To explore the digital version of the campaign, click here.

This campaign was made possible with the support of the Mental Health America, Psych Hub, American Psychiatric Association, The Society for Human Resource Management, The Children’s Hospital Association, The Jed Foundation, Cerebral, and Sheppard Pratt.

About Mediaplanet

Mediaplanet specializes in the creation of content marketing campaigns covering a variety of industries. We tell meaningful stories that educate our audience and position our clients as solution providers. Our unique ability to pair the right leaders with the right readers, through the right platforms, has made Mediaplanet a global content marketing powerhouse. Our award-winning stories have won the hearts of countless readers while serving as a valuable platform for brands and their missions. Just call us storytellers with a purpose. Please visit http://www.mediaplanet.com for more on who we are and what we do.

Press Contact:

Charlotte Avery

charlotte.avery@mediaplanet.com

(646) 619-3119

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Planning a vacation makes you happy.

Planning a vacation makes you happy.

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB)
March 24, 2022

The 30A Company (http://www.30A.com), a beach media and lifestyle brand, commissioned a research study to examine the relationships between the beach, travel, and happiness. Conducted by The University of Alabama’s Public Opinion Lab (https://publicopinionlab.ua.edu), the study revealed, among other things, that people are significantly happier when actively anticipating or planning their next vacation.

The study surveyed 1,040 random U.S. adults between the ages of 25 and 55 to determine people’s level of happiness and how it is influenced by beaches and travel. People over the age of 55 were excluded from the study, to limit the possible impact of retirement on one’s happiness.

Overall, the research identified six key findings:

1. Planning a vacation makes you happy. “People who are planning a vacation are significantly happier than those who aren’t,” said Dr. Jameson Hayes, Associate Professor and Director of the Public Opinion Lab. “Reflecting back on your last vacation doesn’t necessarily make you happier, but looking forward to your next trip certainly does.”

2. It doesn’t matter where you go. Beaches are the preferred vacation destination among 34.2% of respondents, with mountain vacations second at just under 20%. But the data shows that one’s happiness increases regardless of the type of destination. “Anticipating any upcoming vacation appears to significantly boost happiness, regardless of whether it’s to the beach, the mountains, or a big city,” said researcher Jay Waters of the University’s College of Communications and Information Sciences.

3. The more you travel, the happier you are – but only up to a point. Respondents who traveled for pleasure 15-21 days per year reported the highest levels of happiness. Those traveling less than 2 weeks per year or more than 3 weeks per year, reported being less happy. “It appears that happiness does have its limits as it relates to travel,” said Waters.

4. Vacation souvenirs increase happiness. People who surround themselves with 2-3 physical reminders of their favorite vacation destination reported higher levels of happiness when compared to those who don’t. “Surrounding yourself with mementos from past vacations such as apparel, photos, art, bumper stickers, and even phone ringtones can increase happiness levels,” said Dr. Hayes.

5. Travelers use technology to stay connected with their favorite destinations. Every week, 50% of respondents viewed social media posts that reminded them of their favorite destination. Following a destination on social media, adding it to their weather app, and having a related wallpaper on their phone or computer were the most commonly used reminders.

6. Post-pandemic travel is expected to increase. Pre-pandemic, 58% of respondents said they normally spent less than five days per year on vacation. Medium Travelers (6 to 14 vacation nights per year) comprised 29%, while Heavy Travelers (15 days or more) made up 13% of respondents. Light Travelers reported that they plan to travel significantly more as the pandemic wanes, with the group of Medium Travelers expected to increase by 15 percent.

Ultimately, researchers found that action is an essential key to unlocking happiness. “We found that anticipation trumps nostalgia,” said Waters. “So if you want to be instantly happier, book a trip.”

To learn more about 30A’s inaugural Beach Happy research study, visit http://www.30A.com/beach-happy-study. For additional resources visit https://publicopinionlab.ua.edu/beach-happy-study-2022/

Inspired by small town life along Florida’s Gulf Coast, 30A® shares BEACH HAPPY® stories and eco-conscious products with millions of fans worldwide. 30A has 1.5 million social media followers, has raised $2.8 million for coastal charities, and has given away 3 million of its world-famous blue 30A stickers. Available in 380 stores nationwide, 30A apparel is made from recycled plastic bottles, preventing 6 million water bottles from going into our landfills and oceans so far. To learn more, visit http://www.30A.com.

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Pop Culture Hero Coalition teamed up with the YMCA of the USA to utilize its Heroic Journey Curriculum.

“The Y was very impressed with the science and depth of The Heroic Journey Curriculum,” said YMCA of Northern Colorado CEO Dr. Chris Coker, who championed The Heroic Journey with Y USA. “So we wanted to partner with them to test it in various Ys across the country for a nationwide roll out.”

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)
March 24, 2022

Pop Culture Hero Coalition, the first 501c3 non-profit to use evidence-based psychology in combination with stories from TV, film, and comics to teach mental health and social emotional learning skills for kids and teens, has teamed up with the YMCA of the USA to utilize its Heroic Journey Curriculum. Created by pop-culture-fluent psychologists and veteran educators under the direction of award-winning author and Coalition Founding Partner Carrie Goldman (Harper Collins’ Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher & Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear), the Heroic Journey Curriculum has been used in over 160 YMCA locations across the U.S.

“The Y was very impressed with the science and depth of The Heroic Journey Curriculum,” said YMCA of Northern Colorado CEO Dr. Chris Coker, who championed The Heroic Journey with Y USA. “So we wanted to partner with them to test it in various Ys across the country for a nationwide roll out.”

“The Heroic Journey teaches kids the core social emotional learning skills that they need to function well in our world,” said Goldman, who writes on child development for The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and Psychology Today. “Through the power of treasured stories, kids learn to identify, understand and manage their emotions – especially the uncomfortable feelings that explode during times of stress, such as envy, anger, fear, and sadness – and kids gain the ability to form and sustain healthy relationships. We focus on building empathy, practicing respectful conflict resolution, and asking for help during times of struggles. Our goal is for kids to complete the Heroic Journey and be better positioned to thrive in our society.”

“The Heroic Journey not only gives children the language and resources to identify and express the complex emotions that they feel every day,” adds Julia Shipman, who supervises School Age Programs at seventeen Y sites, “but it gives educators and parents a toolkit on approaching these daunting subjects with their children to make positive change.” In agreement is Lakeland Hills Kids Club After School Program and Y Summer Camp Director Shannon Bujoreanu: “The kids love the Curriculum — love, love, love it,” she added. “And our kids need this more than ever. It has been a godsend.”

The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy stated in a December 2021 advisory, Protecting Youth Mental Health, “This is a critical issue that we have to do something about now. Kids increasingly are experiencing bullying, not just in school but online…they’re growing up in a popular culture and a media culture that reminds kids often that they aren’t good-looking enough, thin enough, popular enough, rich enough, and frankly, just not enough.”

The 32-lesson Heroic Journey Curriculum uses fun, relatable stories — including The Avengers, Star Wars, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, and Batman — to teach children and teens to develop lifelong skills. Lesson plans include Resilience, Empathy, Self-Compassion, Multi-Cultural Identity, Social Media: Funny vs. Mean, Ending Implicit Bias, and How to Seek Help, and also include tools for navigating peer pressure and enlisting positive allies in order to have successful lives. It teaches kids how to navigate depression, anxiety, loneliness, fear, shame, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and to make decisions — for themselves and to better the world we live in— based on positive core values.

“With increasing intensity, young people are experiencing a lack of healthy identity, brought on by a culture that worships celebrities, along with a lack of healthy role models and the insecurities brought on by social media,” stated Founding Partner and CEO Chase Masterson, who initially realized the transformative power of pop culture through her 5-year role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The Heroic Journey provides fun, relatable tools for building healthy identity and developing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in positive ways. And we give them tools to avoid risk behaviors, before it’s too late.”

To learn more about Pop Culture Hero Coalition and its Heroic Journey Curriculum, please visit http://www.PopCultureHero.org.

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Pop Culture Hero Coalition is the first 501c3 nonprofit to use evidence-based psychology in combination with iconic stories and characters to teach crucial mental health and social emotional learning skills in ways that children, teens, and adults find relatable. http://www.PopCultureHero.org / @SuperheroIRL

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These new results capture how pets are front-and-center in our lives, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. Pets are so important, especially to our mental health, that more than 1-in-5 pet owners said a doctor or therapist had recommended pet ownership.

ORLANDO, Fla. (PRWEB)
March 22, 2022

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today key findings from its benchmark survey of U.S. pet owners. The survey found that growing importance and knowledge of the human-animal bond drive actions to improve both human and animal wellbeing.

“These new results capture how pets are front-and-center in our lives, a trend accelerated by the pandemic,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. “Pets are so important, especially to our mental health, that more than 1-in-5 pet owners said a doctor or therapist had recommended pet ownership.”

HABRI first fielded its benchmark survey in 2016, providing a window into how attitudes, knowledge and behaviors have changed over the last five years. Important increases were noted in those reporting health benefits related to pet ownership and time spent with pets.

• 
  76% of pet owners report that their personal health has improved as a result of owning a pet, up from 71% in 2016 (+5%)
• 87% of pet owners say that they have experienced mental health improvements from pet ownership, up from 74% in 2016 (+13%)
• 83% of pet owners say they spend most of or a big part or most of the day with their pets, up from 78% in 2016 (+5%)

Connected to these increases, more people are aware of and talking about the human-animal bond with each other and with their medical professionals.

• 97% of pet owners are aware of at least one scientifically-documented health benefit of the human-animal bond
• 64% of pet owners have had a conversation with someone in the past year about the health benefits of pet ownership
• 22%, more than 1-in-5, pet owners have had a pet recommended for their health by a doctor or therapist
• 63% of pet owners have discussed the health benefits of the human-animal bond with their veterinarian (75% of Gen Z/Millennials), up from 56% in 2016 (+7%)

Results strongly indicate that the more pet owners learn about scientific research on the benefits of the human-animal bond, the more likely they are to take better care of their pets. Increased knowledge even has the potential to boost pet ownership.

• 91% of pet owners say they would be more likely to take better care of their pet, up from 89% in 2016 (+2%)
• 91% of pet owners say they would be more likely to maintain their pet’s health, including regular check-ups with their veterinarian, up from 89% in 2016 (+2%)
• 77% of pet owners say they would spend more money on their pet overall, up from 69% in 2016 (+8%)
• 57% of pet owners say they would be more likely to get an additional pet, up from 49% in 2016 (+8%)

Pet owners are also willing to make significant changes to their own lifestyle to enhance the care and attention they provide to their pets. Sixty-one percent of pet owners say they would change housing so they could have a pet, and forty-five percent would change jobs so that they could have increased time with their pet at home. There is also an overwhelming number of pet owners who support a stronger role for pets in society.

• 92% of pet owners agree that hospitals, schools, etc. should have therapy animal programs
• 92% of pet owners agree that the government should provide service animals to qualifying veterans suffering from PTSD
• 90% of pet owners agree that emergency and temporary housing should accommodate pets
• 84% of pet owners agree that there should be fewer restrictions on pets in rental housing

This nationally-representative survey of 3,596 U.S. adults was commissioned by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and developed in partnership with LRW/Material to gain a deeper understanding of pet owners’ awareness, attitudes and behavior related to the human-animal bond and human-animal bond scientific research. Survey participants included adults 18+ years old who own at least one pet. All significance tests were done at a confidence level of 95% (p ≤ 0.05).

For more information, please visit https://habri.org/pet-owners-survey.

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information about HABRI, visit http://www.habri.org.

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Dr. Melody Vanoy, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) at GHX

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is about far more than race, religion and gender. It’s about creating ideal conditions so all voices that want to be heard, will be heard,” said Dr. Vanoy.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (PRWEB)
March 22, 2022

Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) has welcomed Dr. Melody Vanoy in the role of Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion. In this capacity, Dr. Vanoy will closely collaborate with the executive team and employees to design and scale GHX’s global diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy. She will create DEI initiatives and best practices that will focus on achieving measurable, sustainable results, including improved diversity representation at all levels of the organization and increased employee engagement.

Dr. Vanoy will lead the GHX Diversity & Inclusivity Advisory Council, a group established by employees in 2020 to guide how GHX matures and further cements its approach to incorporating diversity and inclusivity in its cultural practices. The council designed the company’s initial D&I roadmap, hosting cultural awareness celebrations, improving data collection, updating recruiting practices and sponsoring the hiring panel for the VP role. To date, more than 700 of GHX’s 900 global employees have taken part in allyship training and nearly 200 managers have been trained in unconscious bias and inclusive culture trainings. Dr. Vanoy will build on and expand GHX’s DEI programs.

“GHX is dedicated to helping create a future where affordable, quality care is possible, but accomplishing this requires innovation and teamwork,” said Bruce Johnson, CEO, GHX. “We believe fostering a culture that values diversity of thought, experience and background is key to better serving healthcare. Melody’s expertise will be instrumental in strengthening that culture through programs that drive a greater sense of belonging and empowerment for all employees.”

Dr. Vanoy joins GHX from Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic healthcare delivery systems in the U.S. While at Trinity, Dr. Vanoy was instrumental in the re-design of the organization’s DEI strategy, aligning the work to overall business goals. She also implemented targeted local DEI strategies in Maryland, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Florida. Throughout her 24-year career, Dr. Vanoy has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and coach to board members, senior executives and other leaders on how to leverage DEI opportunities to achieve overall business goals and outcomes.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is about far more than race, religion and gender. It’s about creating ideal conditions so all voices that want to be heard, will be heard,” said Dr. Vanoy. “To succeed, it’s important we understand that everyone’s DEI journey is a little different and that those differences are respectfully acknowledged and valued. At GHX, there’s tremendous passion for this work. My goal is to expand existing programs and initiatives to create an atmosphere where employees of all backgrounds and beliefs can come together to achieve GHX’s mission to simplify the business of healthcare. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a business imperative.”

Dr. Vanoy also serves as board member of Mental Health America of Southeast Florida, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health and victory over mental illness and related challenges through education, prevention, advocacy, research and empowerment. She holds a BA in Art History from the University of Michigan, an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix and a PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University.

About GHX

Building on decades of collaboration among providers, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders, Global Healthcare Exchange, LLC (GHX) is leading the charge in helping organizations run the new business of healthcare. By automating key business processes and translating evidence-based analytics and data into meaningful action, GHX is helping the healthcare ecosystem to move faster, operate more intelligently and achieve greater outcomes. With the support of GHX, healthcare organizations have removed billions of dollars of wasteful healthcare spend. For more information on GHX’s suite of cloud-based supply chain solutions, visit http://www.ghx.com and The Healthcare Hub.

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