Category Archives: Health: Mental Health

Mental Health Press Releases, bring us the latest cutting edge research, and therapies to help Mental Health in our modern society.

Meridian Senior Living Communities Support the Alzheimer’s Association’s® The Longest Day® to Raise Funds and Awareness


Smoothie stand sign, table, and staff serving smoothies

Claremont Place Senior Living’s Drive-Thru Smoothie Fundraiser

We understand the challenges of Alzheimer’s that individuals, families and companies face, so we are dedicated to support the Alzheimer’s Association in their efforts to fund research for a cure.

Meridian Senior Living (Meridian) is honored to have supported the Alzheimer’s Association® event: The Longest Day® on Saturday June 20th to raise awareness and funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Participating Meridian communities raised collectively about $10,000 towards their local chapters.

Each year on the summer solstice, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts The Longest Day, a team event that supports its mission to fight Alzheimer’s. This day with the most light symbolizes that people across the globe fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. More than twenty-five Meridian communities across the nation formed teams to participate in this event by engaging in activities that they enjoy and honor someone living with the disease.

On The Longest Day, Meridian communities wore purple in support of the Alzheimer’s Association in conjunction with conducting fundraising activities, in a safe fashion. Each community used their creativity in building carts or tables, wearing costumes and conducting fundraising events selling goods or services such as: singing telegrams, blueberry muffins, lemonade, smoothies, and other delicious baked treats.

“Our Meridian Senior Living communities are proud to support The Longest Day and the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association diligently provides valuable support services to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, while also supporting crucial research,” says Sue Johnston, VP Program Development. “We understand the challenges of Alzheimer’s that individuals, families and companies face, so we are dedicated to support the Alzheimer’s Association in their efforts to fund research for a cure.”

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Meridian Senior Living works every day to improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and to become a resource for their families and caregivers. With Meridian’s MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME™ program, memory care communities, and the compassionate individuals who make up the teams there, strive to enrich lives and infuse purpose into each and every day.

For more information about Meridian Senior Living, visit: meridiansenior.com and for more information on the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day, visit https://msl.life/LDay and #TheLongestDay.

About Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About Meridian Senior Living:

Meridian Senior Living, a privately held company based in Bethesda, Maryland, owns and operates seniors housing communities across the country and provides operational consulting to 24 communities in China. With more than 80 communities in 21 states and more in development, Meridian is one of the largest seniors housing operators in the U.S. The company prides itself on providing the highest quality care, exceptional lifestyle programming and a distinctive dining experience for its residents. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

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Author Melissa Toni’s new book “Somewhere in the Middle” is a deeply personal and inspiring memoir of her life, her diagnosis, and her courageous path toward wellness


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Melissa Toni, a nature lover and optimist, has published her new book “Somewhere in the Middle: A Memoir about Healing”: a stirring autobiography charting her own unique course with determination, positivity, and an abiding faith in a bright future.

The author shares, “Overeating, overdrinking, isolating, and confused—at twenty-six years old, this was my condition. Bipolar II was my label. Doctors and loneliness were my friends. I thought I was hopeless. I thought I was forever fated to be a victim in search of a hero, but with the help of an amazing counselor and a strange series of events, I woke up and realized the hero was in me. This is a memoir about healing—a memoir about perseverance, strength, and love.

We all have the power to continue on. We all have the power to heal.”

Published by Page Publishing, Melissa Toni’s engrossing book is a compelling memoir of her long and challenging journey toward health and healing.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “Somewhere in the Middle: A Memoir about Healing” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create – not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Dr. Thomas Hughes, a child and teen psychiatrist, to launch new website and Pasadena practice


Dr. Thomas Hughes, a licensed psychiatrist specializing in teens and young adults, is thrilled to announce the opening of his new practice located in Pasadena, CA. Dr. Hughes also recently unveiled his stunning new website at http://www.thecubepsych.com. This state-of-the-art website highlights his unique approach to treating mental health disorders in teens and young adults. It also provides actionable tips and comprehensive resources that families can use to learn more about common mental health concerns.

Finding trusted resources for helping a loved one with mental health concerns can be challenging. Dr. Hughes created his website to provide a beacon of hope for his young patients and their parents. He understands that parents are highly invested in the success of their children, so establishing a family-centered approach can provide the unparalleled support needed to give a child enduring success. Furthermore, having easily accessible information online removes many of the barriers to seeking psychiatric care. Parents and potential patients can explore their options from their own homes, reaching out to schedule an appointment after they are comfortable with Dr. Hughes’s treatment approach and philosophy.

Dr. Hughes loves working exclusively with patients between the vibrant and promising age range of 13-26, equipping them with the tools they need to build a foundation of lasting success. He believes that addressing mental health concerns early on can stop problematic behaviors from derailing life and compounding into more severe conditions later on. Dr. Hughes treats a variety of mental disorders and concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, stress, depression, internet gaming dependency, PTSD, and oppositional defiant disorder. As a licensed psychiatrist, he can also prescribe medications when needed, though he can often address these issues through cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications.

“I love working with kids and their families. Preventative medicine and helping young people start their life on the right path is what medicine should be about.”

-Dr. Thomas Hughes

About Dr. Thomas Hughes

Dr. Hughes began his journey at Virginia Commonwealth University after being inspired by his mentors and professors. The benefits he received as a mentee at an early age drive his decision to work with teens and young adults. Dr. Hughes believes in instilling the hope and strategies that adolescents need to succeed and thrive for the rest of their lives.

New Office

The new website’s launch coincides with the opening of Dr. Hughes’s new location at 236 West Mountain Street, Suite 109, in East Pasadena, CA. It is easily accessible for patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area, with convenient parking options available. Dr. Hughes looks forward to welcoming patients to his new office location and website as he helps teens and young adults to create a successful future.

Media Contact:

Aesthetic Brand Marketing – Timothy Box

E-mail: Timothy@aestheticbm.com

Website: http://www.aestheticbrandmarketing.com

Dr. Thomas Hughes

Location: 236 West Mountain Street, Suite 109, East Pasadena, CA

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PunkinFutz And New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) Launch Inaugural Entrepreneurial Partnership


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“Adapting to a new set of circumstances is the superpower of an occupational therapy practitioner,” says NYSOTA president Flo Hannes, MS, OTR, FAOTA. “Working with PunkinFutz, a company that shares that vision and commitment is a true win-win for all of us.”

PunkinFutz, the award winning company that makes sensory play products and accessories and the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) announced today the launch of their Entrepreneurial Partnership. The partnership will leverage the respective strengths of NYSOTA and PunkinFutz, building new joint ventures to extend the value of occupational therapy, creative play and adaptive employment. The partnership will also help to provide education and resources for NYSOTA’S newly-formed New York State Occupational Therapy Entrepreneurial Collective (NYSOTEC).

NYSOTEC will support NYSOTA members in leveraging their occupational therapy expertise and creative know-how through entrepreneurship to meet the challenges of our new normal. “Adapting to a new set of circumstances is the superpower of an occupational therapy practitioner,” says NYSOTA president Flo Hannes, MS, OTR, FAOTA. “Learning to adapt is exactly what we all need right now, as everyone, in all aspects of life, adapts to our new normal. Working with PunkinFutz, a company that shares that vision and commitment and has been a longstanding supporter of NYSOTA, is a true win-win for all of us.”

“Since its inception, PunkinFutz has partnered with occupational therapy practitioners in helping children and adults with adaptive needs realize their full potential. Our partnership with NYSOTA is truly an extension of our joint efforts and commitment to the profession,” says company founder and CEO Lisa Radcliffe.

Launch of Seminar Series

As part of their partnership, NYSOTA and PunkinFutz are collaborating on a series of seminars to help occupational therapy practitioners leverage their skills in new ways to open new career paths. “Every occupational therapy practitioner I have ever met has an innovative new product idea, but often doesn’t know how to bring it to market. That’s where we can help,” says Radcliffe. She will be leading classes related to business development, from product design and branding through sales and marketing strategies. “And, if you don’t want to strike out on your own, the seminars provide a terrific opportunity to see where occupational therapy training can be leveraged for non-traditional career opportunities,” she adds.

Affiliate Programs, Research and Field Placement on the Horizon

In addition to the training seminars, PunkinFutz and NYSOTA are collaborating on an Affiliates Program, original research and much-needed field placement opportunities. In all cases, occupational therapy practitioners are being encouraged and supported in thinking outside the box to find new ways to apply their training and talents.

“These initiatives set a new standard for our members, create unique and exciting new opportunities for growth and professional development, and champion our very proactive approach to addressing the new landscape ahead,” says Hannes.

PunkinFutz continues to help parents navigate the unique challenges they face with work and children at home and in light of the international COVID-19 pandemic with its weekly Wednesdays at Noon FACEBOOK discussion on timely topics, recommendations and best practices. It also offers Friday Recess at Four, end of week sessions designed for parent and child together. Each Monday, its ever-popular weekly Survival Guide online newsletter is packed with New York City-based community resources, events, tips, video expert comments and support all in one place. To access the most recent information please visit https://punkinfutz.com/.

About PunkinFutz:

Launched in 2016, PunkinFutz uses universal design to create sensory play products for children with a broad range of physical, sensory, developmental and emotional needs. PunkinFutz products promote individual expression, creativity and imagination. All PunkinFutz original products are manufactured in the USA in supportive and adaptive workplaces using the highest quality materials and responsible sourcing. The company employs a fully diverse and adaptive workforce. PunkinFutz has won eleven awards for its innovative products and is a member of the Toy Industry Association (TIA). Founder Lisa Radcliffe is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). All PunkinFutz products meet ASTM F963 standards.

About NYSOTA:

The New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) is the only professional organization for occupational therapy in New York State. NYSOTA was formed as a membership organization in 1959 with the following mission: to promote the profession of occupational therapy, advance the standards of education and training in this field, promote research, and advocate for practitioners, educators, and students in New York State. NYSOTA works to achieve its mission through advocacy efforts, professional development, networking opportunities, and a wealth of resources and information designed to enhance members’ knowledge and support their practice.

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New Thriveworks Counseling Office Open in Attleboro, MA


Thriveworks Counseling opens its newest office in Attleboro, MA and offers clients next-day appointments for a variety of mental health services including depression therapy and couples therapy.

Thriveworks Counseling stands out from other counseling practices by offering an improved client experience. In addition to setting individuals up with exceptional mental health professionals, Thriveworks offers excellent customer service and other benefits.

Certain barriers can prevent people from pursuing or scheduling counseling. These barriers include appointment times that just aren’t convenient for most working people. Thriveworks offers several solutions to this problem, including evening and weekend sessions as well as online counseling.

“People struggle to find counselors who have availability during times that most working people are available, like evenings and weekends. Thriveworks addresses this problem and not only offers premium session times, but online counseling opportunities too,” says Chief Compliance Officer at Thriveworks Heidi Faust.

Thriveworks Counseling works toward an important mission: to help people live happy, successful lives. They set out to accomplish this mission by providing premium mental health services, including but not limited to depression therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, marriage counseling, and life coaching.

To schedule a counseling session or find out more about Thriveworks Counseling in Attleboro, call (508) 205-0195 or visit https://thriveworks.com/attleboro-counseling/

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Regency Palms Long Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care Delivers Exceptional Care to its Residents During the COVID-19 Outbreak


Table with umbrella on roof deck with beach view

Regency Palms Long Beach Sky-Lounge

Our amazing staff works with incredible focus as we pride ourselves in providing exceptional care, attention to detail, and a fun atmosphere to our residents and families.

Regency Palms Long Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care, a Meridian Senior Living community, delivers exceptional care to their residents by not only implementing strict infection control measures, but also delivering enhanced programs that support social engagement during the COVID-19 outbreak. From the onset of the pandemic in March, Regency Palms Long Beach’s leadership team planned specific steps to ensure their residents, staff members, and resident families were both safe and active.

Guided by the CDC, local, and state health departments, Regency Palms Long Beach diligently enforces stringent infection control policies to screen all staff and residents daily for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Meridian Senior Living is vigilant in procuring the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, gloves, gowns, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizers for Regency Palms Long Beach. The community continues to take other measures which include prohibiting non-essential visitors, ceasing group activities, conducting in-room dining, and requiring staff to wear masks at all times.

“Our team works tirelessly on taking all necessary precautions to help protect the health and safety of our residents and staff members,” says Executive Director Carla Mariano. “Our amazing staff works with incredible focus as we pride ourselves in providing exceptional care, attention to detail, and a fun atmosphere to our residents and families.”

By implementing these strict Infection Control Protocols and adhering to guidance from local health authorities, Regency Palms Long Beach has created the safest environment possible that supports their resident’s medical, mental, physical, nutritional, and psychosocial needs. Their dedicated staff are trained and certified to assist in daily support functions such as bathing, dressing, medication management and especially the ability to immediately respond to crisis situations with onsite urgent care. Residents are served chef-prepared meals and snacks created to address their needs and are kept hydrated; both factors play an important role in building immunity.

The Regency Palms Long Beach team understands the importance of providing support for social interaction among seniors to foster health benefits. According to studies conducted by The National Institute on Aging, there is a correlation between social interaction health and well-being among seniors. Furthermore, these emotional bonds can lead to healthier lifestyles including being active, eating healthy foods, and ceasing poor health habits such as smoking. Regency Palms Long Beach provides a fun and interactive environment that encourages residents to stay active and connect to family and friends, which are essential to their well-being. Within the restrictions required by the current outbreak, the community works meticulously and creatively to ensure that their residents are engaged every day by providing activities such as hallway exercises, gardening, crafts, and creating music. The building offers an ideal layout for social distancing. It offers seven floors of residential apartments with up to sixteen residents per floor with their own separate dining room. Outdoor activities are supported by its Sky-Lounge, a beautiful private rooftop deck, that includes panoramic views of Long Beach, fresh air, and opportunities for soaking up some vitamin-D. Regency Palms Long Beach supports the connections of residents with their families and friends through providing virtual programs including art, music and educational programs. While some of these activities are virtual, the residents are enjoying the convenience and ease to participate.

Regency Palms Long Beach is truly a community of people working together to navigate the current crisis in the safest possible manner for their residents and staff members while creating the best possible environment where their residents can thrive.

Regency Palms Long Beach is open and admitting new residents for move-ins. In these times of isolation, it has been particularly difficult for older adults who may not have options to go out to obtain necessary items or socialize as society reopens. To learn more about Regency Palms Long Beach, please call 405-691-6555, visit the community website: regencypalmslongbeach.com, or visit the community Facebook page: @regencypalmslongbeach.

About Meridian Senior Living:

Meridian Senior Living, a privately held company based in Bethesda, Maryland, owns and operates seniors housing communities across the country and provides operational consulting to 24 communities in China. With more than 70 communities in 21 states and more in development, Meridian is one of the largest seniors housing operators in the U.S. The company prides itself on providing the highest quality care, exceptional lifestyle programming and a distinctive dining experience for its residents. For more information on Meridian Senior Living, visit meridiansenior.com.

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Thriveworks Counseling Opens New Office in Stamford, CT—Provides In-Person and Online Counseling


Thriveworks Counseling commits itself to an important mission: helping people live happy, successful lives. They set out to accomplish this mission by setting individuals up with skilled, caring mental health professionals.

Thriveworks Counseling distinguishes itself from other practices by offering premium benefits, including appointments within 24 hours, online counseling options via telephone and video, and innovative technologies such as text support

The Thriveworks team acknowledges the many barriers that might prevent one from seeking out or receiving mental health services, such as inconvenience. Thriveworks offers a solution to his problem by offering convenient sessions in the evenings and on the weekends, in addition to the normal daytime appointments throughout the week.

“People struggle to find providers who have availability that works for them, like evenings and weekends. Thriveworks addresses this problem and not only offers premium session times, but sets clients up with exceptional providers,” says Thriveworks Chief Compliance Officer Heidi Faust.

Thriveworks Counseling sets people up with skilled, caring, and experienced counselors who help their clients address specific challenges and fulfill unique needs. Depression therapy, anxiety therapy, stress management counseling, child therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and life coaching are but a few of many services offered at Thriveworks Counseling.

About Thriveworks:

Thriveworks Counseling is dedicated to providing people with quality mental health services as well as exceptional customer service. When an individual calls to set up a counseling session, they speak to a scheduling specialist who walks them through the quick and easy process. They have flexible scheduling options to choose from, including evening and weekend sessions as well as online counseling opportunities.

Thriveworks Counseling helps individuals begin a relationship with a skilled, caring mental health professional who has the right skills, training, and experience to help them. To schedule a session or find more information about Thriveworks in Stamford, call (203) 635-5693 or visit https://thriveworks.com/stamford-counseling/

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Thriveworks Counseling Opens New Office in Fairfield, CT—Offers In-Person and Online Mental Health Services


Thriveworks Counseling is built on an important mission: to help people live happy, successful lives. The Thriveworks team is excited to offer mental health services at a new location in Fairfield, CT.

This counseling practice stands out from others in that it is committed to offering premium benefits that improve the client experience, including same and next-day appointments, online counseling opportunities, and innovative technologies like the Success Navigator which offers text support.

Certain obstacles might prevent an individual from scheduling or receiving counseling, such as a lack of availability or convenience. Thriveworks offers a solution to both of these problems by offering evening and weekend sessions in addition to daytime appointments throughout the week.

“People struggle to find providers who have availability during times that most working people are available, like evenings and weekends. Thriveworks addresses this problem and not only offers premium session times, but sets clients up with exceptional clinicians,” says Chief Compliance Officer at Thriveworks Heidi Faust.

Thriveworks Counseling sets people up with skilled, caring, and experienced counselors who are able to help their clients address specific challenges. Depression therapy, anxiety therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and life coaching are but a few of the many services offered at Thriveworks Counseling.

About Thriveworks:

Thriveworks Counseling is dedicated to providing people with premium mental health care and also exceptional customer service. When an individual calls to set up a counseling session, they speak to a scheduling specialist who walks them through the quick and easy process.

Thriveworks Counseling pairs individuals with skilled, caring mental health professionals who have a wide range of skills, training, and experience. To schedule a session or find more information about Thriveworks in Fairfield, call (203) 433-3563 or visit https://thriveworks.com/fairfield-counseling/

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Our innovative new online educational tools for parents


FOH Parent Training

Any one who goes through the course will have a much deeper understanding of the traumatic effects of Fear Of Harm on the patient, parents and siblings as well as gain the understanding that this illness has a biological cause as well as an effective treatment.

Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of our innovative new online educational tools for parents. The Fear of Harm Parent Training Course explains in clear and uncomplicated language how to recognize its symptoms, advocate for accurate diagnosis, and manage symptoms at home.

Families who have suffered in isolation for so long are finally getting access to the information they need to help their child, their family, and themselves manage Fear of Harm’s devastating and unrelenting symptoms. JBRF has the only program offering research based information on the causes of and treatments for this new disorder: Thermoregulatory Fear of Harm Mood Disorder.

The Fear of Harm Parent Training Course consists of 5 modules, each containing a series of lessons, that go step-by-step through how to recognize and treat Fear of Harm, how to manage symptoms, manage discipline, and understand the effects of Fear of Harm. This course contains practical suggestions on how to live with Fear of Harm that have come from the front lines: from the researchers uncovering Fear of Harm’s causes and from parents raising children with Fear of Harm.

This program is delivered virtually and is open to any family member, loved one, or care giver interested in learning more about Fear of Harm.

In this 5-module course families experience a deep dive into the symptoms of Fear of Harm, an easy to understand exploration of the biological causes of Fear of Harm, a review of medications used to treat Fear of Harm, practical real life suggestions on how to manage symptoms at home, and focused attention on caregivers and the other family members.

For access to the free introduction, please visit fearofharm.jbrf.org

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iaedp™ Foundation Announces Change to Certification Program, to Begin in 2021


According to Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at iaedp™, “The iaedp Certification Program began in the early 1990’s and has grown exponentially to include leaders and pioneers in the field.

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp™) Foundation, which has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions since 1985, has announced the discontinuation of the group’s Equivalency Route to Certification at the end of year. The other path to Certification offered by iaedp™, the Traditional Route, will become the standard for which Certification as an Eating Disorders Specialist is awarded.

According to Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at iaedp™, “The iaedp Certification Program began in the early 1990’s and has grown exponentially to include leaders and pioneers in the field. Because of our dedication to providing education and promoting effective care for patients, we continually raise the standards in order to accomplish our mission.”

This is one of the many steps taken by the iaedp™ Certification program to achieve industry standards set forth by the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE). These steps were formalized in 2003 and have been accelerated by Beth Harrell, iaedp™ Director of Certification, after being recognized as a Credentialing Specialist through ICE in 2017. Steps achieved include: 1) psychometric evaluation of certification testing standards including test questions for the Certification Exam; 2) proctoring for the online test; 3) tightening of requirements on Traditional and Equivalency applications; 4) strengthening policies and procedures that support certification, and 5) the closing of the Certification process for leaders in the field, known as the Equivalency Route to Certification.

For additional information about iaedp™ and Certification, visit iaedp.com and go to Certification Overview.

About the iaedp™ Foundation: Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions. MemberSHARE.iaedp.com is an iaedp™ business journal and online member resource to learn about noteworthy member achievements, continuing education webinars and U.S. and international chapter activity and events; for more information, visit MemberSHARE.

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