The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.
CHC’s rural vaccination equity program will cultivate sustainable community partnerships that provide training and scientifically based health education; increase health literacy and awareness of health risks and health protection practices; plus, help make prevention services and vaccines more accessible. The initiative will work across health systems, nonprofit and university partners including HBCUs, and community-based organizations as part of a broader health ecosystem.
“Unfortunately, we see inequitable access to preventive services among rural areas of the US,” said Mary-Ann Etiebet, AVP, Health Equity at Merck. “We are proud to be working with CHC to implement a community-based strategy to address social and structural barriers to care, combat mis- and disinformation through education, and build trust among these underserved communities.”
The initiative runs from August 2023 through November 2024.
CHC is committed to implementing inclusive strategies that are equity-centered, community-informed, and community-led. CHC’s approaches are based on evidence and centered on equity to address the social drivers of health, incorporating community perspectives and the lived experiences, needs and concerns of affected communities. Learn more about CHC’s health equity work.
ABOUT CHC: CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES CHC: Creating Healthier Communities exists so that every person in every community has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. We build partnerships to address health inequities by fostering trusted community engagement, fundraising, and offering programs and services to help support communities where everyone can thrive. We focus on awareness and access, education and advocacy, and philanthropy. Together with partners, we’ve been creating healthier communities for nearly 70 years. Join us at chcimpact.org or @chcimpact.
After more than 25 years in the staffing industry, Heaton’s unwavering dedication to leadership, empowerment, and company-wide professional development has positively impacted the staffing industry and established PrideStaff as one of the largest staffing firms in the country (ranked #106 on SIA’s 2023 list). Proving herself an indispensable asset at PrideStaff as an executive VP since 2008, she swiftly rose through the ranks and was named Co-CEO in 2020. Heaton has consistently generated impressive results for the organization while building an industry-leading experience that has helped PrideStaff earn ClearlyRated’s coveted Best of Staffing Awards from 2010 through 2023.
By championing gender equality, professional growth, and opportunities for women across the entire organization, Heaton has helped build a sustainable culture that led PrideStaff to secure a place on ClearlyRated’s 2023 inaugural list of Best Staffing Firms for Women and SIA’s Staffing 100 North America Award for the second year in a row.
A visionary leader, Heaton has also been instrumental in the development of PrideStaff’s most successful strategic initiatives, including the following:
PrideStaff’s digital Client Portal, a platform designed to streamline collaboration & encourage quicker feedback, ultimately leading to faster placements, and providing a more engaging client experience.
The PrideStaff Companies Pulse, a new internal communications and social media advocacy platform that allows the entire system to share best practices, drive growth, and leverage recruiting strategies.
PrideStaff’s mobile app, PrideStaff Edge®, which increases candidate engagement by providing an innovative way for candidates to interact with the PrideStaff brand.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized on the ‘Global Power 150’ list for the ninth consecutive year,” said Heaton. “In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount, PrideStaff takes immense pride in the presence of numerous women leaders throughout our franchise network. We celebrate the unique contributions of every individual and live Our Mission to ‘Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.’
“I’m proud to be part of this remarkable community of female executives and forward-thinkers, guiding our industry through these transformative times,” Heaton continued. “As our nation continues its journey towards a more equitable workplace, PrideStaff stands resolute in its commitment to help our clients reach their business goals while creating meaningful career pathways for all our field associates and internal team members.”
About PrideStaff PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began staffing franchising in 1995. They operate over 85 offices in North America to serve more than 5,000 clients and are headquartered in Fresno, CA. With 40 plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide, commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing 10-Year Diamond Awards five years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.
For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, visit our website.
“Nearly two-thirds of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum are victims of childhood bullying,” Ball said. “Many children and their families are experiencing what I faced. However, I believe that inside every child who is a victim of a bully, there is a powerful and tenacious will to survive and overcome.”
With color-filled illustrations and a story that may resonate with many readers, Ball aims to serve his experience as a discussion between parents, teachers, and children, hoping to advocate for a world where every child feels valued and supported.
“I want my book to symbolize the steps towards a future where the actions of today’s children are guided by love, empathy, and a deep-rooted understanding that treating others with kindness is of paramount importance,” Ball said.
“A Dream Come True: Based on a Real-Life Story” By Alex Ball ISBN: 9781665738453 (softcover); 9781665738477 (hardcover); 9781665738460 (electronic) Available at Author Website, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author Alex Ball currently attends the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and has an interest in fashion journalism. As an individual on the autism spectrum, he experienced bullying as a child. He has written this book in support of those who may experience similar challenges. To learn more, please visit https://www.authoralexball.com/.
General Inquiries: LAVIDGE – Phoenix Taylor Moralez [email protected]
“Not only are the inaugural Fellows outstanding students,” shared Gillian Leek, CEO, NEXT for AUTISM, “but their commitment to working with autistic adults, now and beyond graduation is a great indication of the next generation of professionals entering the field.”
The scholarship recipients represent top institutions across the country, including George Mason University (VA), State University of New York at Buffalo (NY), Great Basin College (NV), University of California at Berkeley (CA), Morehead State University (KY), and Lansing Community College (MI).
There are more autistic adults who need services than there are qualified DSPs to support them. In fact, more than 482,000 adults with autism and intellectual disabilities are waitlisted for services that they need and deserve. As the need for DSPs and neurodivergent professionals continues to increase, it’s anticipated that there will be seven million vacant DSP job openings by 2029. Now is the time to help pave the way for a positive future—for work as a DSP and to ensure meaningful support and mentorship for an autistic adult.
The 2024 NEXT for AUTISM Fellows Scholarship cycle will open in February 2024.
ABOUT NEXT FOR AUTISM
NEXT for AUTISM is the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives.‥
In 2023, the organization’s 20th anniversary, NEXT remains steadfast in its quest to change the paradigm for how individuals with autism thrive throughout their adult lives. This is done by leveraging a broad range of autistic and neurotypical stakeholders and partnering with national organizations, regional agencies, and local entities to enhance services and maximize resources.‥ Learn more at NEXTforAUTISM.org
Media Contact
Holly Wainwright, NEXT for AUTISM, 1 203-667-4734, [email protected], NEXTforAUTISM.org
As a result of the finalized rule, certain office-based specialists will again be cut by another 6 – 7% in 2024 alone. These year-over-year cuts are being implemented without regard to patient outcomes, actual PFS provider resource needs, or any other rationale policy.
Physician payments under the MPFS = RVUs (relative value units) * conversion factor. H.R. 3674 addresses ongoing RVU cuts due to the clinical labor policy and other policies which have been the main source of office-based specialty cuts in recent years.
Dr. Mark Garcia, USPA board member and CMO for American Vascular Associates, said, “It’s utterly shocking that CMS continues to go down this road of implementing Medicare cuts year over year because it is adding up to be a disaster for seniors. Specialized care provided in community settings is a vital component of our country’s healthcare system. In its absence, we would see a spike in healthcare costs and a decline in the standard of care provided. The dramatic year-to-year swings are causing chaos across our healthcare system. We need Congress to right this wrong by passing H.R. 3674 by the end of the year.”
Higher education institutions are embracing mass timber construction for its biophilic properties, sustainable impact, and speed of construction. Swinerton, a pioneer in mass timber construction since 2015, has been advancing the adoption of this construction method, partnering with private and public clients. The firm has delivered nearly $1 billion in mass timber buildings to date, and Humboldt and Butte counties are no exception.
Cal Poly Humboldt selected Swinerton and its design partners for two design-build projects that will enhance the educational and research landscape of the university. The $100 million Engineering & Technology Building is designed by AC Martin to be a three-story, 72,000-square-foot mass timber structure highlighted by a glass curtainwall façade, metal panels, and exposed concrete. Students and faculty will have access to modern classrooms, teaching laboratories, maker spaces, student collaboration areas, and faculty offices. Construction is anticipated to commence in Spring 2024 and conclude in 2026. In collaboration with SmithGroup, Swinerton is embarking on Cal Poly Humboldt’s innovative Energy Research & Sustainability Center (ER+SC), a $28 million, two-story, 20,000-square-foot mass timber building. It’s designed to support the School of Engineering’s new degree programs and will also house various academic programs related to clean energy. The ER+SC will be the hub for campus-community partnerships, sustainability resources, and innovation. Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer 2024 and end by Fall 2025. At Chico State, Swinerton is working with Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture to design and construct a new Facilities Management and Services building. The $15 million mass timber structure will encompass 24,000 square feet across two floors. During a recent discussion at Swinerton’s Timber Talks series, the project team highlighted the advantages of building with mass timber in a higher education setting, emphasizing the substantial time savings through the prefabrication process, which minimizes onsite disruptions, a critical factor around learning environments.
“As we embark on these transformative projects, we are thrilled at the prospect of contributing to the creation of a harmonious balance between private industry, public institutions, diverse communities, and the stunning natural environment that will take us into a prosperous future for everyone in this region steadfast in our mission to create sustainable and inspiring educational spaces,” continues Beyer.
Within the region’s communities, Swinerton is an advocate and supporter of the construction management program at Chico State through sponsored educational information sessions and providing internships, including several that have worked on campus projects transforming the educational landscape at their university.
Additionally, the firm conducts trade partner outreach events to learn about upcoming projects for bidding opportunities and to build relationships with small and diverse trade partners and suppliers. Swinerton ensures a 20% contract spend with small, minority, women, LGBTQ, veteran, and disabled veteran business enterprises in its projects. In 2022, the firm exceeded its spending goal. Swinerton’s reaffirmed dedication to the far northern counties of California is not just about building structures but about creating sustainable spaces and communities.
About Swinerton Swinerton provides commercial construction, construction management, design-build, and self-perform services throughout the United States. Founded in 1888, Swinerton is 100% employee-owned and is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market it serves—proudly leading with ownership, integrity, passion, and excellence. Swinerton is headquartered in Concord, CA, with regional offices in Spokane and Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI; Denver, CO; Dallas and Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte and Raleigh, NC; and New York, NY. For more information, please visit swinerton.com.‥
“For me, these awards were born only out of love. I’ve met incredible women in my life, and celebrating their successes and the impact of their transcendence is something we need to recognize. They are making a better world with their actions,” said Gomez.
The conference began with a great welcome from the architect, Mónica Abedrop, a tireless woman who promotes culture. The event welcomed four inspirational speakers: Jacqueline Ruiz—entrepreneur, author, and founder of Fig Factor Media—from Puerto Vallarta and Chicago, Illinois; Perla Ernest—entrepreneur and mind coach—from Paris, France; Edith Lopez—author, leadership coach, and founder of ESSERE Group—of McAllen, Texas, and Virginia Terceros—entrepreneur, author, and director of VLASPAND SERVICE FLATS—of Antwerp, Belgium.
This year, more than 150 women were nominated in six categories: Woman of Generosity, Woman Mother Earth, Woman Culture, Visionary Woman, Young Dreamer, and Diamond Woman. There were 40 semi-finalists and then 17 finalists. The award winners, who work in areas such as psychology, coaching, art and entertainment, architecture, education, and environmental stewardship are the following:
WOMAN CULTURE – First Place: Viviana Romo Gonzalez Second Place: Natasha Moraga Molina Third Place: Ada Colorida
MOTHER EARTH WOMAN – First place: Yuridia Curiel Vizcarra Second place: Astrid Frisch Third place: Karla de la Peña Valdés
YOUNG DREAMER – First place: Susana Argüelles Second place: María Clara Ospina Third Place: Tashara Smith Santana
WOMAN GENEROSITY – First place: Afi Oubraibra de Haan Second Place: Alex Acevedo Third place: Daniela de la Vega and Esperanza Gabriela Welcomme
VISIONARY WOMAN – First Place: Lucy Lara Second place: Laura Sánchez Cázares Third place: Marilú Serrano
DIAMOND WOMAN – María de Jesús López Delgado
The nominees and selection jury members came from countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, the United States, England, Ireland, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, Netherlands, and, of course, Mexico. The Puerto Vallarta Government Office of Tourism and Economic Development greatly supported these awards.
To close with a flourish, the talented Mati Covarrubias, a creative singer-songwriter who creates music to promote the awakening of consciousness, gave an inspiring concert.
The day was a celebration of women who emit love, kindness, and who are authentic in their life mission. This recognition is one of the most sublime since to inspire is to love, and when you love selflessly, you can make a difference.
“We are happy about this great event as we are inspiring Vallarta lives for the world,” Gomez said. Because, to me, to inspire is to love.”
About Premios Inspirando Vidas: The Premios Inspirando Vidas were designed as a platform to recognize women who consciously inspire others by demonstrating their love for humanity through their actions. These are women who emit love, kindness and who are authentic to their life mission. This recognition is one of the most sublime since to inspire is to love, and when you love selflessly, you can make a difference.
About Fig Factor Media: Fig Factor Media Publishing is an international publishing company with a “beeping” heart. Fig Factor Media is dedicated to celebrating authors through quality books, marketing and public relations, event production, and creative product development. Fig Factor Media has helped many authors achieve and support their dream of impacting their communities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. For more information, visit http://www.figfactormedia.com.
The BUBS Naturals name pays homage to the late Glen “BUB” Doherty, a Navy SEAL and national hero who sacrificed his life while saving American lives in the 2012 Benghazi attack in Libya. Sean founded BUBS Naturals in 2017 to preserve Glen’s legacy. Now, as a mission-focused organization in Glen’s honor, BUBS Naturals always donates 10% of all profits to charities that support veterans, with 100% of proceeds donated on Veterans Day.
Last year, BUBS Naturals wrote a check for more than $19,000 to the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation from Veterans Day proceeds. To date, the industry-leading, clean label supplement company has donated nearly a quarter of a million dollars to the veteran community, funding more than 100 college degrees through Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation scholarships.
“We’re honored to be entrusted as the recipient of these donations year after year,” said Kate (Doherty) Quigley, president of the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation. “These funds have greatly contributed to the more than $875,000 in veteran scholarships we have awarded to date. We are grateful to BUBS Naturals and its generous donations, and look forward to supporting more veterans and their families.”
BUBS Naturals offers a variety of clean-label, Whole30-approved supplements, including pasture-raised collagen peptides, organic specialty coffees, electrolytes derived from nature and vegan-friendly MCT oil powder. BUBS’ legacy has brought together thousands of professional athletes, including this year’s World Series champs the Texas Rangers, fitness performers, extreme sports enthusiasts and Navy SEALs who rely on its clean, NSF Certified Sport goods.
For more information on the BUBS Naturals mission, products, or how you can give back to our heroes, visit bubsnaturals.com. To learn more about the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation and how BUBS Naturals donation supports its scholars, visit glendohertyfoundation.org.
About BUBS Naturals
BUBS Naturals is an innovator in health and wellness supporting veterans’ transition back to civilian life through every purchase of all-natural supplements. BUBS was founded in 2017 in honor of Glen ‘BUB’ Doherty, a Navy SEAL and national hero tragically killed in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012. The BUBS ethos pays tribute to the passionate and adventure-seeking life Glen lived. 10 percent of all profits are donated directly to The Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation, and other veteran causes, with 100% of proceeds donated on Veterans Day. Since inception, BUBS’ mission has always been to equip veterans – and consumers – with the fuel, resources and community to help you live a fuller life. BUBS’ collection of clean-label, Whole30-approved products are derived from sustainably sourced ingredients and include pasture-raised collagen peptides, organic specialty coffees, electrolytes derived from nature, and vegan-friendly MCT oil powder. BUBS’ legacy has brought thousands of professional athletes, fitness performers, extreme sports enthusiasts and Navy SEALs together who rely on BUBS’ clean, NSF Certified Sport goods. To date, the BUBS family has donated nearly a quarter of a million dollars to veteran communities, funding 100+ college degrees that help ease the transition from military work to civilian life. For more information on BUBS Naturals, or how you can give back to our heroes, visit bubsnaturals.com and follow along @bubsnaturals.
Tricia A. Asaro, co-chair of the Health Care & FDA Practice of global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP, was named to City & State’s “The Power of Diversity: Women 100” list.
ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Tricia A. Asaro, co-chair of the Health Care & FDA Practice of global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP, was named to City & State’s “The Power of Diversity: Women 100” list. Asaro has been recognized on this list since 2021. According to the publication, this list recognizes “prominent women wielding power across New York state.”
Asaro, who also was recognized on City & State’s 2022 “Above and Beyond” list, is based in Albany and focuses her practice in the areas of health care and government law and policy. She has broad experience representing health plans in business negotiations, regulatory compliance matters, particularly approval of changes in control of health care entities, and corporate governance issues. Asaro’s practice has garnered several recognitions including being ranked in Chambers USA Guide, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers in America, among others. Asaro also serves the community in her role as Director of the Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood advisory council and is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association Health Law Section Managed Care Interest Group leadership.
About Greenberg Traurig’s Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. Through its Social, Racial, and Economic Justice Action Plan, the firm has committed $5 million over five years to help combat systemic racism and support impoverished communities. In addition, the firm’s efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification Plus, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/general/our-firm/diversity Twitter: @GT_Drives.
About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 47 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com.
Using events, new books by experts in the field, photography, and narratives to put human faces on circumcision victims, the campaign brings to life personal stories. It includes people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.
“People from across the country have volunteered to be part of the Skin in the Game campaign and talk about how routine newborn circumcision has adversely affected their lives,” says Georganne Chapin, co-founder and executive director of Intact America. “Mothers talked about their sons’ circumcision complications, including bleeding, infection, and sometimes further surgical repair. Men explained that sex is painful because too much skin was permanently removed from their bodies at an age when children cannot consent.”
Survey Highlights
In September 2023, Intact America conducted a nationwide survey regarding male child genital cutting (aka circumcision). The results showed that people know surprisingly little about this surgery, which is performed on 1.4 million baby boys each year. Other findings include:
39% of those surveyed said that they don’t know what happens during circumcision. 91% know only some of what happens during the procedure.
46% said they were not aware that newborn circumcision can result in complications.
31% of those surveyed said they would be open to reconsidering their decision to circumcise a future son.
Participants believed that one-third of all boys are being circumcised for religious reasons, when the actual rate of ritual circumcisions is less than one percent.
55% of respondents said they did not research circumcision because they had already decided to circumcise their sons.
The Intact America survey was fielded by the Qualtrics Research Team using their panel. The survey controlled for sex, age, race, and level of education.
Two Memoirs About Circumcision Debut in February 2024
Chapin will reveal her own circumcision story, describing the dangers and myths of circumcision and the role that medical professionals play in pushing the surgery when her memoir, “This Penis Business,” is published in February 2024 by Lucid House Publishing. The book will be released together with “Please Don’t Cut the Baby!,” a memoir written by Marilyn Milos, RN, one of the country’s earliest intactivists (or anti-circumcision activists), and currently a member of Intact America’s board of directors.
“Intact America’s mission is to change the way America thinks about circumcision,” Chapin said. “Circumcision has been so prevalent in American culture that it cuts through all of us. In my experience, as people learn more about circumcision, the more likely they are to oppose it.”
About Intact America
Intact America is the largest national advocacy group working to end involuntary child genital cutting in America and to ensure healthy sexual futures for all people. It does this by challenging social and sexual norms and empowering supporters and volunteers through advocacy and education. To learn more about the issues in the current conversation about newborn male circumcision, visit IntactAmerica.org and CircumcisionDebate.org, and follow Intact America on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
