Category Archives: Health

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Health

TruBlue Total House Care’s New President Brings Senior Care Background & New Perspectives to Growing Franchise

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Sean Fitzgerald

There are many companies providing in-home care services, but the caregivers can’t take care of the house or make the senior safety modifications if needed. – Sean Fitzgerald


CINCINNATI (PRWEB)

When Sean Fitzgerald was in business leadership for a national in-home care franchise, he realized something was missing… franchisees were able to help provide the physical care services needed to keep older adults in their homes, but it was hard to find a company to care for the houses themselves. Now Fitzgerald is pleased to be in a position to help provide those property maintenance and repair services as the President of TruBlue Total House Care.

TruBlue is a national franchise that provides a helping hand around the house – inside and out. TruBlue’s services include tackling to-do list chores, handyman services, house cleaning, maintenance, yard work, senior home modifications and seasonal projects, all handled by a dedicated House Care Manager. TruBlue, which launched in 2011, strives to provide affordable, worry-free living for seniors and hassle-free living for busy families by providing convenient, full-service, trustworthy house care services.

“TruBlue is an exciting franchise opportunity because, with my experiences in senior in-home care and my own personal experience, I know that the other half of the aging-in-place equation is the home itself. There are many companies providing in-home care services, but the caregivers can’t take care of the house or make the senior safety modifications if needed,” Fitzgerald said. “Nobody else does what TruBlue does on a national scale and our industry niche is wide open for decades as millions of people want to age in place for as long as possible. As such, I’m looking forward to leading this brand into the future and we have a goal of being a national franchise with more than 200 franchisees in the next five years.”

Since Fitzgerald joined the staff, new franchisees are also required to complete the Senior Home Safety Certification program through Age Safe® America. The company also launched a partnership with SimpliSafe™ home security systems to provide additional peace of mind for families trying to help their family members age safely at home.

“Everything we do at TruBlue is about convenience, trust and peace of mind. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or a busy family looking to get rid of your to-do list, TruBlue can help with our wide variety of services and trusted technicians. We want to partner with you to help you care for your home and the homes of your loved ones,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald co-founded his own business in 1993 and since 1995 has worked in franchising and business development. His experience includes roles as National Vice President of Franchise Development for Wireless Zone Verizon Wireless Retailer, Executive Vice President for BrightStar Senior Care, Chief Development Strategist for No Limit Agency, and Chief Development Officer for Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers.

“I’ve always worked for businesses built on growing by delivering quality service. You can’t control the market or the world around you, but you can control the trust, peace of mind and quality you offer. That model, combined with our ability to work seamlessly with referral partners and our low investment costs, positions TruBlue to be the next great senior industry franchise,” Fitzgerald said.

To learn more about TruBlue franchise opportunities visit http://www.trubluefranchise.com.

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UMD Professor Receives $1.2 Million from the National Science Foundation to Study the Movement of Developmental Cells and Train Future Women in Science

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Taneyhill examining a slide in the lab, Credit: Edwin Remsberg

Taneyhill examining a slide in the lab, Credit: Edwin Remsberg

“Cancer cells can undergo the process of becoming migratory or metastasize. One of the goals of my lab is to understand what’s happening in a normal migratory event in a neural crest cell to have more unique tools at our disposal to treat diseases where cells are moving.”


COLLEGE PARK, Md. (PRWEB)

According to Lisa Taneyhill, professor in the Department of Animal & Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland, how cells not only move around the body to perform their various functions, but particularly how they go from being stationary to suddenly mobile (or motile), is an “age old question” in developmental biology. With her latest grant for $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Taneyhill is helping to tackle this question specifically in a cell type that gives rise to parts of our head, heart, gut, nervous system, and even skin pigment – the neural crest cell. Taneyhill will take a novel multidisciplinary approach from the subcellular level to the entire embryo by examining how an essential protein facilitates movement for these important cells. Additionally, the grant supports experiential research opportunities for high school and college students to train underrepresented groups and women in science, especially through a partnership with Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC, an all women’s university. Through this work, Taneyhill will help train the next generation of scientists while contributing to basic research in developmental biology that can be applied to the treatment and understanding of animal and human health conditions, ranging from developmental birth defects to fibrosis and to cancer, all of which involve cell migration.

“This research has many translational applications from the standpoint of animal and human disease,” says Taneyhill. “Cancer cells, for example, can undergo the process of becoming migratory or metastasize, and such cancers are much more difficult to treat because they are spreading throughout the body. So one of the goals of my lab is to understand what’s happening in a normal migratory event in a neural crest cell to have more unique tools at our disposal to treat diseases where cells are moving.”

This process of a cell transitioning from stationary to migratory that is so fundamental to developmental biology and diseases like cancer is known as the epithelial-to mesenchymal transition, or EMT for short. Taneyhill has been looking at EMT in neural crest cells for years, knowing that this process isn’t just important for this one cell type.

“Nature likes to keep things relatively simple when developing organisms, so when it has something that works, why reinvent the wheel? You take the same players and pathways and deploy them in a different cell type,” explains Taneyhill. That makes this process a wide-reaching mechanism across development and disease.

Laying the groundwork with her previous work in EMT, this grant aims to examine the functionality of a specific protein that is essential to the EMT process in neural crest cells in many different ways. Cadherin-6B (Cad6B) is a protein that sits on the neural crest cell, half inside and half outside of the cell, acting as “molecular velcro” to help keep the cell stationary. When Cad6B remains intact, the cell doesn’t want to move. However, when enzymes come along and cut Cad6B in half, which has been observed in the embryo by Taneyhill’s lab, the cell not only loses its adhesive properties, but the two remaining pieces of Cad6B take on two different functions altogether that further facilitate the EMT process and mobility of the cell.

“Cells are very clever,” says Taneyhill. “They aren’t just going to cut proteins up without a purpose.” The inner piece goes deeper into the cell, turning on and off genes that are important to EMT, while the outer piece paves the way for the cell to move by breaking down pieces outside the cell that might get in its way. “The two aims of this grant are looking at these two different parts of the Cad6B protein, that once cut up, do very different things, but the goal is the same – to promote EMT and neural crest cell migration,” says Taneyhill.

In order to best examine what molecules the pieces of Cad6B are interacting with to further facilitate EMT and cell migration, Taneyhill is combining her expertise in developmental biology with Peter Nemes, a biochemist and associate professor in the College of Computer, Mathematical, Natural Sciences at UMD, to provide unique insight into this problem.

“This grant brings together animal science and biochemistry to really tackle these challenging questions in the embryo that have applicability to other challenging processes and diseases that would not be possible without our respective expertise,” says Taneyhill.

As part of NSF’s initiative to fund both basic research and emphasize the broader impacts while training the future leaders in science, which Taneyhill mentions is unique in this granting institution, the funding will also help Taneyhill expand her lab’s experiential research opportunities for high school students and college undergraduates with particular emphasis on women and underrepresented groups in science.

“It’s very important to me that anyone, male or female, be given the opportunity to conduct research at the high school or undergraduate level. I have strong feelings about sharing that opportunity because I would not be here today without the research experiences I was given as an undergraduate. The mentoring and training these students receive now at each different career phase can help define their futures,” says Taneyhill.

Through her partnership with Trinity Washington University, an all women’s college in Washington, DC, Taneyhill will specifically be fostering future women in science, which is personally rewarding to her.

“I talk about getting more women into science every chance I get,” says Taneyhill. “A lot of progress has been made, and my lab is actually entirely female right now at all levels, which is rare, but this is an ongoing discussion that has to continue because there are still inequities.”

Through this work, Taneyhill hopes to help address these inequalities while also contributing to basic science in developmental biology that can have an impact across animal and human disease. “Basic science is what drives how we are and how animals form, and there are so many different processes that go into that. But this work, with an emphasis on the broader impacts and translation as well as the basic science, is very exciting for developmental biology and beyond.”

This grant is funded by the National Science Foundation, Award IOS-1947169.

Health

“Beyond Coronavirus, The Road Ahead for Diverse Media”

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB)

The Multicultural Media Correspondents Association (MMCA) kicked off its “Beyond Coronavirus, The Road Ahead for Diverse Media” bi-weekly discussion series on Tuesday, May 12 with Rep. Val Demings (D-Fl) and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA). Other featured guests included, Rick Wade with the U.S. Chamber, Juan Senor with Innovation Media Consulting and Unsung Hero awardee, Tracie Powell with Borealis Philanthropy. Steve Clemons, Editor-at-Large at The Hill, moderated the discussion.

“America is defined by the institutions and individuals who tell our stories. Sadly, multicultural and diverse media faces new and unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic. As we chart a course out of this crisis, we all have a role to play to support the many talented people and media organizations who are critical to building a better future. I’m glad to join the MMCA and our distinguished panel for this important conversation,” said Rep. Demings.

The kickoff discussion highlighted both the critical role of, and the existential threat to, diverse and local media during the coronavirus crisis. The panelists also explored fixes that can be immediately adopted by the government, the business community, the philanthropic community and the general public. As a follow-up, MMCA announced the release of its Confidence and Diversity in Media survey to ascertain the level of support for government and philanthropic efforts to save diverse and local media. The survey results will be shared with federal, philanthropic and business leaders with a goal of shaping and driving further relief efforts.

“Many AAPI news outlets are struggling to survive the coronavirus pandemic due to the significant loss in advertising revenue. That is why I joined with the chairs of the Black Caucus and Hispanic Caucus in urging Congressional leadership to include relief for local and ethnic media in any future Covid-19 relief legislation,” said Rep. Judy Chu.

MMCA is a nonpartisan/nonprofit organization leading a call to action to ensure the survival of multicultural and local media. MMCA has become a trusted convener and facilitator of thought leadership, resource and information sharing and strategic engagement between multicultural media stakeholders, industry decision makers, policymakers and corporate leaders committed to developing consensus-based solutions to foster greater diversity in media content and ownership.

PRESS CONTACT: david@dmorganpartners.com Phone – (202) 306-3075

http://www.mmcadc.org; @mmcadc. Learn more on our work here.

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Immediate, Cost-Effective Answer to COVID-19 Containment

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There is no better time than right now for decision-makers to pivot to quicker, more efficient and more cost-effective ways to solve widespread problems like COVID-19 containment.


WILMINGTON, Del. (PRWEB)

Technology and humanitarian company Voice 4 Impact is pleased to announce the immediate availability of an automated contact tracing technology solution that strengthens traditional, costly manual efforts, while delivering unprecedented value and benefits at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

The Intelligent Data Ecosystem® (I.D.ECO) is a Responsive Crisis Prevention and Management Tool that automates person-to-person contact in real time, giving authorities insight into pandemic movement and control over virus spread—all while helping to support public health and safety. Designed and developed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a combination of mass marketing and social media technologies, I.D.ECO helps authorities contain the spread of COVID-19 by proactively identifying at-risk individuals who may have been exposed, and notifying them so they can take appropriate steps to self-quarantine or get tested—all while protecting personal privacy.

Benefits of I.D.ECO Automated Contact Tracing

  • Up to 96% less costly than manual efforts1

  • Offers 6X more coverage as compared to manual efforts2

  • Rapid deployment with full operational capability within 72 hours

  • 24/7, real-time monitoring and messaging, with zero delay from insight to action

  • Automatic outbound communications to alert citizens of potential exposure and help shift behavior for positive outcomes

  • Reaches all cell phones, not just smart phones

  • Does not require Bluetooth or app opt-in

  • Preserves and protects individual privacy adhering to Business Associate Agreement, a legal HIPPA compliance agreement, and is approved by Department of Homeland Security

The right technology applied to the monumental task of contact tracing makes end-to-end workflow easier, faster and more efficient, and yields immediate results, when and where it matters, instead of weeks later, when infectious containment from each positively diagnosed individual becomes more and more elusive. In addition, the work effort and associated financial investment results in millions of dollars in savings along with exponentially fewer manual errors associated with human labor.

“There is no better time than right now for decision-makers to pivot to quicker, more efficient and more cost-effective ways to solve widespread problems like COVID-19 containment. Borne from our mission to offer technology solutions that save lives and enhance the well-being of society, I.D.ECO is an ideal solution to pandemic containment. It will speed reopening of the economy and allow citizens to return to school, work and a heightened sense of normal,” said Jennifer Peters, company founder and CEO of Voice 4 Impact.

About Voice 4 Impact

Voice 4 Impact, Inc. is a Responsive Crisis Prevention and Management company leveraging Artificial Intelligence to predict and mitigate risk. As a woman-owned registered Public Benefit-Corp, our mission is to save lives. We are a socially conscious group of talented problem-solvers, scientists, first responders, communicators and technology masters from around the world committed to driving benefit on a global scale. We are proud to partner with leading academic institutions and subject matter experts to deliver cost-effective technology solutions that yield measurable outcomes.

GET ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE NOW!

Contact: Jennifer Peters, Founder and CEO

jennifer (at) voice4impact (dot) com · 484.410.0111

1. Based on a projected cost of $63M annually for traditional manual contact tracing efforts in the city of Philadelphia vs. $2.5M annually for I.D.ECO, assuming no additional contagion waves.

2. According to Pew Research Centers, 96% of U.S. citizens own a cell phone; I.D.ECO can reach 60-80% of cell phone users, equaling 57-77% of any given U.S. population (e.g., city, state, municipality, etc.).

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Industry: Healthcare

Mon Health System Joins AHN Clinically Integrated Network, Group Purchasing Organization

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Mon Health Medical Center, Morgantown, WV

“We are so pleased to collaborate with AHN services and programs to enhance our offerings to our patients,” said David Goldberg, president and CEO, Mon Health System.


PITTSBURGH (PRWEB)

Officials with Mon Health System today announced that the Morgantown-based healthcare organization is joining the clinically integrated network (CIN) and the group purchasing organization run by Allegheny Health Network (AHN). Mon Health System will also collaborate with AHN’s Cardiovascular Institute to establish a heart failure program at Mon Health Medical Center.

Known as Physician Partners of Western PA, AHN’s CIN is a physician-led regional partnership of independent and AHN-employed physicians that coordinates care for nearly a quarter-million patients across various medical specialties and care sites. The CIN’s goal is to promote the delivery of high-quality, high-value health care through evidence-based clinical models, value-based payer contracting and shared accountability that creates better patient outcomes and experiences.

Other benefits to Mon Health System of being part of Physician Partners include access to advanced clinical and claims-based analytics and predictive modeling (through integrated electronic medical records and claims data) and the opportunity to participate in Alternative Payment Models (APMs).

Mon Health System is also joining AHN’s group-purchasing organization (GPO), which will enable the health system to secure better pricing and consistent sourcing for medical supplies. AHN’s GPO currently leverages the consolidated purchasing power of more than 90 hospital members to negotiate lower costs for medical-surgical supplies, implantable devices, and other items.

“We are so pleased to collaborate with AHN services and programs to enhance our offerings to our patients. Many of our physicians have a longstanding relationship with peer physicians at Allegheny General Hospital and other AHN facilities, including the burn center at West Penn Hospital. We are honored to call AHN a partner in providing higher level services to our patients. We are excited to collaborate in the CIN and GPO to improve outcomes and reduce costs for our patients,” said David Goldberg, President and CEO of Mon Health System.

Additionally, starting in June, AHN cardiologist and heart failure specialist Christopher Link, MD, will join the Mon Health Medical Center medical staff and begin a heart failure clinic at Mon Health Medical Center, bringing the advanced expertise of AHN’s nationally recognized Cardiovascular Institute closer to home for the residents of Morgantown and neighboring communities. Dr. Link joined AHN in 2019 from Maine Medical Partners. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and completed his residency and cardiology fellowships at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

“Allegheny Health Network is always excited to collaborate with outstanding providers like Mon Health System who share our commitment to the highest standards of clinical excellence and value-based care,” said Cynthia Hundorfean, President and CEO, AHN. “We look forward to working with the leadership of Mon Health System to help support their mission of service to the people of north central West Virginia.”

About Mon Health System: Mon Health System is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient centers and hospitals in North Central West Virginia that works together to make health care more accessible and affordable to the communities it serves. It includes four hospitals – its flagship, Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown; Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood; Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston; affiliate, Grafton City Hospital in Grafton; Mon Health Equipment & Supplies in Morgantown, Fairmont, and Weston; and The Village at Heritage Point. Mon Health System is also part of many Joint Ventures such as Healthworks, Acuity Hospital of Morgantown, Monongalia EMS, Amedisys Hospice, Care Partners, Encompass and the Mon Health Center for Outpatient Surgery to preserve choice, improve access and ensure the highest quality of care. For more information, visit monhealth.com.

About AHN: Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated health care delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The network is composed of 12 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and multiple group purchasing organizations. AHN provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,500 physicians on its medical staff, and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Established in 2013, AHN’s member hospitals share legacies of charitable care that date back more than 160 years.

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Mexican Caribbean Launches Clean & Safe Check Certification Program

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News Image


CANCÚN, Mexico (PRWEB)

The Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, announced the tourism industry will start reopening June 8. In preparation for the planned reopening for tourism activity in Quintana Roo, the Secretary of Tourism and state health officials together with the support of specialists in the sector have launched the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification, which aims to maintain the highest sanitary measures for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 and generate confidence among guests, partners and the community.

The certification program, launched May 18, is available to travel agencies, food & beverage establishments, car rental companies, water and activity parks, golf courses, hotels and resorts, spas, transportation companies, tour operators, among other tourism and hospitality companies. Tourism service providers who wish to earn the complimentary certificate must apply online at the Secretary of Tourism’s website and declare compliance with criteria related to the implementation of health security measures. Once registered, applicants will access and complete a form in accordance with certificate guidelines only available to companies registered on the portal.

“In the first days since launch, over 3,000 companies have applied for the certificate, illustrating the dedication our destinations have to keeping the Mexican Caribbean safe and welcoming,” said Dario Flota Ocampo, director of Quintana Roo Tourism Board.

Applications will be evaluated by a technical committee comprised of tourism and health authorities; the committee will also conduct random inspections of establishments to verify each certificate holder is meeting criteria. Once companies meet the criteria, they will be accredited with the certificate in digital format and online via the official websites of the Secretary of Tourism and Quintana Roo Tourism Board. The certificate will be valid through December 31, 2020.

In addition to general spaces, criteria will be evaluated by the following service areas according to each company:


  • Service and operation areas

  • Management

  • Reception

  • Housekeeping

  • Laundry

  • Food & Beverage (restaurants, bars, nightlife)

  • Meetings & Conventions

  • Special areas and services (kids’ areas, gym, spa, etc.)

  • Pool and jacuzzi(s)

  • Rest areas

  • Maintenance

  • Training & awareness

  • Equipment

  • Healthcare

  • Staff transport

  • Guidelines for suppliers

  • Guidelines for partners and transport providers (taxis)

Certificate holders, and the state of Quintana Roo, will gain multiple benefits from the program, including the guaranteed implementation of good practices in the field of health safety; the correct definition of hygiene processes and procedures; increased customer trust and loyalty; health discipline in staff; assured job security. The state aims to reduce health risks; increase the arrival of tourists and visitors through greater confidence in the destination; competitiveness in the Mexican Caribbean and internationally.

Multiple hotels and tour providers have also launched internal safety programs, including AM Resorts, Palladium Hotel Group, UNICO S.A.F.E. plan, Riu Hotels Preverisk program, Palace Resorts ‘Purely Palace’ program, Xcaret Xafety program, among many others. Hotels, resorts and tour operators’ new advanced health and hygiene programs include enhanced safety measures and protocols across all points of contact including common areas, restaurants, kitchens and bars, guest rooms, activities, fitness centers, spas, transportation and all behind-the-scenes operations to ensure guests’ safety and peace of mind.

ASUR airports are fulfilling standards in collaboration with the Communications and Transportation Ministry, Federal Agency for Civil Aviation, international health authorities and in partnership with the state government and municipal authorities. Specific actions include sanitation and deep cleaning of all areas, protective screens on counters, permanent monitoring of social-distance measures, permanent temperature checks for all passengers, and risk-factor identification questionnaires for travelers. For a full list of airport measures, click here.

For additional information on the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification guidelines and protocol, please visit https://qroo.gob.mx/cppsit

About Quintana Roo

Part of the stunning Mexican Caribbean, the state of Quintana Roo is one of Mexico’s top tourism producers including destinations both world-renowned and off-the-beaten-path. From Cancun, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen to Isla Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Tulum, Maya Ka’an and Grand Costa Maya, Quintana Roo is known for its idyllic landscape, diverse activities, unique cuisine and the incomparable beauty of its Mayan ruins. The destinations that make up Quintana Roo have options for all kinds of travelers, from ultimate luxury in five-star resorts to close encounters with nature including swimming with whale sharks and cenote diving and international music, sporting, and gastronomic events.

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute-led Research Team Shrinks Breast Cancer Tumors in Mice with Targeted Therapy

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“I think this method has major implications for targeted cancer treatment in general.”-Wole Soboyejo, Provost at WPI


WORCESTER, Mass. (PRWEB)

A team of researchers led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Provost Wole Soboyejo has identified targeted drugs that reduced the sizes of hard-to-treat breast cancer tumors in mice without inducing the toxic side effects that are typically associated with conventional chemotherapy.

The researchers said in an article published in Scientific Reports that a molecular recognition unit attached to drugs specifically targeted “triple-negative” breast cancer tumors, which typically do not respond to targeted therapies. The targeted drugs eliminated or reduced the sizes of breast cancer tumors in laboratory experiments that were performed on mice. No toxic side effects were observed in the experiments.

“When injected into the bloodstream, only a small fraction of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs reaches tumors,” Soboyejo said. “It usually takes relatively high concentrations of conventional cancer drugs to have therapeutic effects on tumors. Hence, such concentrations are often toxic to other cells. In our case, the targeting drugs were more effective at shrinking and eliminating triple-negative breast tumors in mice. They also eliminated tumors without inducing toxicity.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Chemotherapy kills fast-growing tumor cells by flooding a patient’s body with potent drugs, but the treatment often produces toxic side effects. Targeted therapy aims to reduce side effects by delivering chemotherapeutic drugs directly to breast cancer tumor cells. The drugs seek out and bind to specific cellular structures known as receptors.

Three common receptors that are over-expressed on the surfaces of breast cancer tumor cells are HER2, a growth factor, as well as estrogen and progesterone hormones. Most breast cancer treatments target HER2 receptors. However, between 10% and 17% of all breast cancers lack HER2, estrogen, and progesterone receptors. These “triple-negative” breast cancers are more prevalent in younger women, African American women, and African women.

Soboyejo, inspired by a relative’s battle with breast cancer, previously studied luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) as a targeting mechanism to deliver magnetic nanoparticles to breast tumors. The targeted magnetic nanoparticles were found to improve the imaging of breast tumors in nude mice, a type of laboratory mouse. LHRH is a naturally occurring hormone in mammals. It is essential for reproduction.

More recently, Soboyejo began studying LHRH as a targeting mechanism for chemotherapeutic drugs. His work has been funded by WPI and the Pan African Materials Institute at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, Nigeria, which is funded by the World Bank.

In this study, the researchers attached the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel to LHRH. They also attached prodigiosin, a natural substance with anti-cancer properties, to LHRH. Both combination molecules were tested against triple-negative breast cancer cells and tissues.

Soboyejo’s team hopes to continue work on LHRH-targeted nanoparticles and therapeutic drugs, and to position them for human clinical trials on breast cancer patients. The group is also working to identify other targeted drugs and nanoparticles for the detection and treatment of other tumors.

“The fact that we could target triple-negative breast cancer in mice models is important. However, I think this method has major implications for targeted cancer treatment in general,” Soboyejo said.

Co-authors on the article are, from WPI, John Obayemi, assistant research professor of mechanical engineering; Ali Salifu, assistant research professor of mechanical engineering; Vanessa Uzonwanne, doctoral student in materials science and engineering; and Jean King, dean of arts and sciences. Co-authors from the University of Massachusetts Medical School are Ogooluwa Ojelabi, postdoctoral researcher; Laurelle Payne, research technician; and Constance Moore, associate professor. Other co-authors are Stanley Eluu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria; and Sandra Jusu, Clare Nwazojie, and Maria Onyekanne, PhD students at AUST.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI, the global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPI’s pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world. WPI offers more than 50 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 14 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. http://www.wpi.edu

Contact:

Andy Baron

Associate Director of Public Relations

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, Massachusetts

(978) 235-3407 (cell)

ajbaron@wpi.edu

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SRX Awarded Top 10 Most Innovative Company

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SRX continues to innovate by responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic with the development of a mobile app, Bridge


VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. (PRWEB)

SRX’s solution solves for the complexity involved in analyzing and integrating all the data that goes into pharmacy bills for long-term care (LTC) and skilled nursing facilities. The technology integrates drug databases, facility formularies, pharmacy contracts, and regulatory and compliance considerations into its web-based application which provides detailed insight. The solution identifies areas for improving efficiencies, lowering costs and analyzing trends, and helping facilities receive the maximum eligible rebates.

The company, founded in 2017, has experienced tremendous growth over the last three years, with many of the largest operators in the country having implemented its technology and services. Backed by a talented team of diverse industry experts, including pharmacists, account managers, and IT developers, SRX is able to offer their clients a superior product in the LTC and skilled nursing spheres. “The level of insight our technology offers, combined with the customer support and consulting we provide really puts us in a class of our own in this space” states Scott Taylor, CEO.

In addition to its core technology, SRX continues to innovate by responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic with the development of a mobile app, Bridge, that utilizes SMS text to pre-screen visitors at facilities, allow a channel of communication between residents and family members, and provide updates on critical COVID-19-related data. SRX has also leveraged a strategic partnership to create the Vaccine Direct program, which provides operators flu vaccines at wholesale pricing.

The broad capabilities and industry expertise of its team allows SRX to be agile in responding to key industry challenges. Taylor continues, “Our focus is always on innovating tech-forward solutions for the industry. Based on the relationships we have with facilities and operators, we have our ear to the ground in terms of identifying opportunities early on. And our incredibly talented software development team gives us the flexibility to quickly respond to market opportunities ahead of the competition.”

SRX is a health technology company that helps long-term care and skilled nursing facilities to realize the lowest net cost on their pharmacy spend. For more information visit srx-tech.com

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eHealth, Inc. Taps Vision Critical to Uncover Insights that Strengthen the Member Experience

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eHealth logo

We are partnering with Vision Critical to engage current and prospective members in new channels, more frequently, and in more meaningful ways.


TORONTO and SANTA CLARA, Calif. (PRWEB)

Vision Critical, a continuous customer insights solution provider, today announced that eHealth, Inc., owner of a leading private online health insurance marketplace in the U.S., has selected its Sparq digital insights platform and Touchpoint cloud-based app to uncover customer insights that unlock real-time feedback to build a better member experience, deliver better services, and achieve better business outcomes.

“We selected Touchpoint to support our customer channel acquisition strategy,” said Pollyanna Ma, eHealth’s vice president of product marketing.” We are partnering with Vision Critical to engage current and prospective members in new channels, more frequently, and in more meaningful ways.”

Vision Critical’s Sparq platform helps companies get the richest insights into their customers’ behaviors and attitudes on a regular – and immediate – basis. Sparq helps proactively drive informed actions and better business outcomes based on customer insights, as well as build customer trust and lifetime value by showing customers how their feedback is being applied.

The insights platform also gives brands the power to connect live and virtual experiences with digital customer feedback to inform critical business decisions. Integrating with technologies such as Zoom, brands are able to form an even deeper personal connection with their customers.

Touchpoint is Vision Critical’s new cloud-based application that enables brands to create quick and engaging interactions with broader customer bases while also extending the already deep functionality within the Sparq platform to collect actionable customer insights. The app allows companies to connect with their customers and prospective customers where they spend time already, whether web, eCommerce, social media, or messaging platforms, providing powerful engagement with individuals to collect broad feedback and then recruit them into an insight community through Sparq.

“We look forward to our partnership with eHealth and innovating the customer experience,” said Ross Wainwright, CEO of Vision Critical. “Our collaboration exemplifies the respect they have for their members and their focus to offer exceptional health insurance purchasing experiences. This partnership will only accelerate that journey by uncovering invaluable insights that create long-standing outcomes for their entire member and customer bases.”

eHealth is also implementing Jumpstart, Vision Critical’s new streamlined onboarding program which provides a fully remote launch experience for customers. The program focuses on empowering new users to launch their services and insight communities in just 5 days. The eHealth community will start with 5000 members and partners, with its biggest current member base among Medicare users.

About Vision Critical

Vision Critical is a continuous customer insights solution provider that enables organizations to drive better business outcomes while ensuring world-class customer journeys. By combining deep insight with broad feedback, Vision Critical empowers some of the most powerful brands in the world to improve customer experience. Over 750 leading brands including BuzzFeed, LinkedIn, and GoDaddy are building better products and fostering customer loyalty with Vision Critical. To learn more about Vision Critical, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, or visit us at http://www.visioncritical.com.

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AspenRidge Recovery Launches Telehealth Addiction Treatment Program in New York and New Jersey

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We’re eager to bring the highest level of care via telehealth to communities throughout New York and New Jersey.”


DENVER (PRWEB)

AspenRidge Recovery, a rehab and treatment center specializing in mental health, complex trauma, and addiction, today launched AspenRidge REACH, a 100-percent-online Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults in New York and New Jersey. The organization’s new program safely bypasses stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines to bring recovery and treatment directly into homes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue of getting access to substance abuse treatment, and experts believe it may worsen the opioid epidemic. Each year, tens of thousands of residents of both states suffer from mental health and substance use disorders. Still, they do not seek treatment due to lack of availability, privacy concerns, anxiety, or career and family commitments. AspenRidge REACH program aims to eliminate barriers and provide access to quality mental health and recovery treatment in a safe, virtual setting.

“Addiction and recovery during a pandemic is especially challenging,” said Ethan Castro, CEO of AspenRidge Recovery. “REACH makes high-quality treatment available to millions in the two hardest hit states. More than 6,500 people died in 2017 from overdose deaths in New York and New Jersey, and those suffering from substance use and mental health disorders deserve quality, effective care despite the current challenges. We’re eager to bring the highest level of care via telehealth to communities throughout New York and New Jersey.”

Anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access can use the 12-week telehealth IOP program from the safety of home through private, HIPAA-compliant video therapy. Dually trained, licensed therapists lead all group and individual sessions, and 80% of AspenRidge Alumni report they maintained sobriety one year or more after starting treatment, 65% higher than the industry average.

AspenRidge REACH is enrolling new clients with groups forming immediately. AspenRidge Recovery accepts most major insurance policies and offers affordable options for those without health insurance.

About AspenRidge Recovery

AspenRidge Recovery is a Joint Commission-accredited, dual-diagnosis treatment center specializing in treating co-occurring substance use disorders, mental health disorders and complex trauma for adults. AspenRidge provides each individual with a personalized, unique treatment plan that addresses their specific needs using a combination of holistic and evidence-based mental health, trauma, and addiction treatment modalities. AspenRidge Recovery has physical locations in Lakewood and Fort Collins, Colorado.

For more information, visit https://www.aspenridgerecoverycenters.com.

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