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The Economist Group and The Nippon Foundation launch a new initiative to promote ocean health

Media Outreach

TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach - 3 March 2021 - Back to Blue, a new initiative from The Economist Group and The Nippon Foundation, launches today at the 8th annual World Ocean Summit. With an initial focus on ocean pollution, the three-year collaboration is a response to the escalating challenges posed by plastic pollution and, less visibly, pollution from nutrients and chemical contaminants that are damaging ocean life and ecosystems, and in turn human health. The programme, now under development, has been supported by findings from a Back to Blue global survey* which place plastic pollution (59.6% of respondents) and chemical pollution (39.1%) as the top two concerns, followed by climate change (31.1%). The opportunity to embark on original research, stimulate fresh dialogue and explore new solutions to the vexing problems posed by pollution in the ocean is motivating both organizations. The Economist Group, through its World Ocean Initiative and World Ocean Summit, has been fostering a global conversation on the greatest challenges facing the seas. The Nippon Foundation--with its diverse programmes building and nurturing ocean networks, research and professionals--has a global reputation for championing ocean science and health. The Back to Blue initiative brings together two organisations that share a common understanding of the need for evidence-based approaches and solutions to the pressing issues faced by the ocean, offering a powerful platform from which to accelerate momentum for improving ocean health. During remarks at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations, Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation, warned that "we are much aware of the land-based problems that occur around us[...]; however, when it comes to understanding the multifaceted problems of the ocean that covers 70% of the earth surface, I believe that our understanding is still very poor. This is already a threat to human security for every individual on this planet." Echoing these sentiments, Lord Deighton, chairman of The Economist Group, said: "We [at The Economist Group] have also developed our own passion for the ocean. We held our first World Ocean Summit in 2012, after we had argued in the newspaper that the seas were in trouble, and that human activities were having a profound impact on ocean health. A decade or so later we are more committed than ever to our vision of an ocean in robust health and with a vital economy. The ocean is too big to fail." Speaking on the Back to Blue initiative at the launch event, Charles Goddard, editorial director at The Economist Group, noted that "defining and heading towards a pollution-free ocean is an enormous challenge, as we are already seeing in the many extraordinary efforts to address plastic pollution. We hope Back to Blue can contribute vital new knowledge and perspectives on contaminants in the ocean, and to the global architecture of engagement needed to address them. The urgency is very real." * In January 2021, The Economist Group, in cooperation with The Nippon Foundation, undertook two related surveys--one of industry and public-sector executives, the other of the general public (global citizens)--to better understand their views and priorities around key ocean issues. The survey was conducted to provide a reference point for the Back to Blue initiative among the global audience we expect to be engaging, as well as to seek feedback on the direction and relevance of the initiative, and to help us gauge progress towards our goals. Survey details: Survey 1. industry and public sector Sample size: 1000 Geography: 20% each from North America,, Europe and Asia-Pacific, 40% Rest of the World Employment status: Full or part-time employees Type of organisation respondents work for: 70% for profit organisations (a range including minimum 50 each from finance, food (including fisheries) and beverage, travel (including shipping) and tourism, energy 30% public sector, non-profit organisations or academia Survey 2. General Public/ world citizens Sample size: 3000 Geography: 20% each from North America,, Europe and Asia-Pacific, 40% Rest of the World Age: 50% Millennials (1981-96) and Generation Z (1997-) / 50% Generation X (1965-80) and Baby Boomers (1946-64) Gender: At least 40% male/female Back to Blue Website: backtoblueinitiative.com MOU signing ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPUar232EkA&t=3s About The Economist Group The Economist Group is built on high-quality, independent analysis which runs through all of its businesses. Based in London and serving a global readership and client base, the group publishes print and digital products, produces global events, and offers a range of subscriptions and other services for clients and readers. Its flagship businesses include The Economist newspaper, and research and analysis division The Economist Intelligence Unit. About The Nippon Foundation Established in 1962, The Nippon Foundation is Japan's largest philanthropic foundation, providing support to public-service activities in a variety of fields across national borders. In ocean affairs, the Foundation aims to cultivate human resources who will chart a course for the ocean's future and to pass on the ocean's riches to future generations. Other primary areas of activity include support for children, persons with disabilities, disaster relief, and international cooperation, with the ultimate goal of achieving a society where all people support one another. Contact Details head of marketing, Content solutions, Asia Alice Tong +65 6428 2659 alicetong@economist.com

March 03, 2021 06:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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How Genetic Testing Can Impact Health and Wellness

YourUpdateTV

In recent years, direct-to-consumer genetic testing has been used to facilitate the detection of certain health risks, allowing for proactive lifestyle modifications. In some cases, genetic testing can be lifesaving for patients, helping empower them to make informed life choices, with the help of healthcare providers, to improve their health and well-being. Recently, Genetic Trends Expert at 23andMe, Jhulianna Cintron and customer Marc Lovicott, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the benefits of genetic testing on health and wellness. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Nz1ZCfva2aw Marc Lovicott, the Director of Communications and Public Information Officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department, is one such example. Last year, Marc began suffering from debilitating headaches and gastrointestinal distress, but a variety of tests offered no answers. In tandem, Marc decided to purchase a Health + Ancestry kit from 23andMe to learn more about his ancestry and his health. Marc was surprised when he opted into his Genetic Health Risk reports and saw he had one of the variants common in people with celiac disease.* He took the information to his doctor who did follow-up testing to reveal that Marc does in fact have celiac disease. Since the diagnosis, Marc has been able to make positive changes to help him manage living with the disease. Using insights backed by the latest science, 23andMe helps users determine how their DNA can affect their chances of developing certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, celiac disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones and more.* For more information, visit 23andMe.com About 23andMe: 23andMe, Inc. is the leading consumer genetics and research company. Founded in 2006, the mission of the company is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe is the first direct-to-consumer company to receive FDA authorization for genetic health reports, and has millions of customers worldwide, with more than 80 percent of customers consented to participate in research. 23andMe, Inc. is located in Sunnyvale, CA. More information is available at www.23andMe.com. About Marc Lovicott: Marc is the Director of Communications & Public Information Officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department. He purchased a 23andMe kit out of interest for his ancestry, but decided to splurge on the Health + Ancestry kit to learn more about his health. Earlier that year, Marc began suffering from debilitating headaches and gastrointestinal distress. After a battery of tests that offered no answers, Marc looked at his 23andMe results and saw he had one of the variants common in people with celiac disease. He took the information to his doctor, who through a blood test and endoscopy confirmed that Marc does in fact have celiac disease. Since learning his diagnosis, Marc has adopted a gluten free diet, and not only feels higher energy, but his headaches and gastrointestinal issues are gone too. In Marc’s words, “I'm still amazed that I was able to get some answers from the 23andMe kit! About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. *23andMe health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease,but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk report, visit 23andme.com/test-info. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

March 02, 2021 04:20 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Researchers Obtain Crystalline Structure of THCA-A In an “Extraction First”

MCR Labs

Researchers from Brandeis University, MCR Labs and Skell Labs have determined the crystal structure of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) for the first time in a discovery that paves the way for further research on the cannabinoid as well as the more well-known product derived from its decarboxylation, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As the precursor to the primary psychoactive cannabinoid THC, THCA-A has been of interest to researchers for some time. Studies of the pure compound have been limited owing to difficulties in both purification and crystallization. Both issues were solved by using a carefully-designed selective extraction and fractionation process with liquid carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, THCA-A also appears to be difficult to stabilize, which has been a roadblock to further study or clinical research on the cannabinoid. Chemical stability is a major area of study during drug development in the pharmaceutical industry, as different forms of crystalline drugs will affect how the body absorbs that drug. If there are two forms of a solid drug, one may be so insoluble that it has no beneficial effect, while another more soluble form could offer an ideal bio-delivery option. Product storage is likewise a concern when faced with unstable compounds. All chemical compounds, such as cannabinoids, are subject to degradation, whether it occurs naturally over time, or is instigated by heat, light, or an interaction with another compound. This degradation often leads to a loss in potency, negatively affects the product’s efficacy, and introduces potentially unwanted byproducts. Obtaining the pure crystalline form of a compound, such as THCA-A, gives researchers a clear look at the structure of the compound and opens avenues to solve stability issues. During the process, researchers noted that each molecule within the structure had an intramolecular hydrogen bond and that pairs of molecules were connected by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. "The hydrogen bond pattern could be an important key to unlocking alternative approaches to the stability issues that have been observed for THCA-A," said Dr. Bruce Foxman, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Brandeis University. "THCA-A could be a useful form for the storage and production of THC, as the compound decarboxylates relatively cleanly into the product THC with minimal side reactions." Knowledge of the hydrogen bond pattern will also be helpful for further research on polymorphs or co-crystals, which might have different arrangements and thus might affect the compound’s decarboxylation behavior. Skell, J. M., Kahn, M. & Foxman, B. M. Δ9-Tetra­hydro­cannabinolic acid A, the precursor to Δ9-tetra­hydro­cannabinol (THC) Acta Cryst. (2021). C77, 84-89, https://scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?S2053229621000280. About MCR Labs: MCR Labs is the first independent cannabis testing laboratory to be certified by the state of Massachusetts. We are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited providers of analytical cannabis product testing and R&D services committed to assisting licensed marijuana establishments, patients, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Our team of chemists and pharmaceutical scientists are dedicated to advancing public health and safety through leading-edge chemical analysis of cannabis products and offering unparalleled guidance and support for partners, regulators, and the communities we serve. For more information visit http://mcrlabs.com. Contact Details MCR Labs Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 joe@mcrlabs.com Company Website http://mcrlabs.com

March 02, 2021 12:22 PM Eastern Standard Time

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GC INK™ NEUTRALIZES 100 PERCENT OF CORONAVIRUS AND INFLUENZA VIRUSES IN UNDER ONE MINUTE

Graphene Composites

GC Ink™ neutralizes 100 PERCENT of Coronavirus OC43 and Influenza A virus H1N1 in under one minute Deployed in PPE, air filters and cleaning products to neutralize viruses and bacteria Supports the safe reopening of schools and public buildings Independent tests conducted by Brown University, published recently GC is working with several partners to apply GC Ink™ across a broad range of products As the world's eyes remain focused on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, Graphene Composites, a leading, global nano-materials engineering company, has unveiled a new technology - GC Ink™ - that could make our most vulnerable public spaces safer from the transmission of viruses and bacteria, including Coronavirus, by neutralizing them. GC Ink™ has been independently tested by Brown University to show 100 percent effectiveness at neutralizing coronavirus and influenza viruses in under one minute, and the findings have been published on bioRxiv. This fast-acting, extremely effective, and safe formulation of graphene and silver nanoparticles can be applied to masks and other PPE, and in particular, applied to filters in ventilation systems. When used in filters and masks, GC Ink™ is highly effective at trapping and neutralizing airborne coronaviruses and other viruses/bacteria for several weeks. When used in wipes, GC Ink also leaves a thin, highly effective, safe layer of protection against viruses and bacteria that lasts for 24 hours. GC’s technology is highly effective because it has a dual-action mechanism: the negatively-charged surface of graphene oxide traps the positively-charged parts of water droplets and the protein spikes on coronavirus; the silver nanoparticles release ions that oxidize the lipid membrane protecting coronavirus RNA, thereby neutralizing it. “Making the air that we breathe and the surfaces that we touch much safer could be a key enabler in the safe reopening of schools and other public spaces." said Sandy Chen, GC CEO & Co-Founder. "GC Ink™ is a powerful weapon against not only this pandemic, but against a broad range of viruses and bacteria. We are now moving into full commercialization of our GC Ink™ with several manufacturing partners in a wide variety of applications, from masks to filters to consumer goods.” Brown’s top respiratory virologist, Amanda M. Jamieson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, who led the tests, said, “Our results show that this technology is very effective at preventing infection by two important respiratory viruses which clearly has important implications for this pandemic and the next one.” As demand for GC Ink™ rises, Graphene Composites is well positioned to scale production to meet demand across the United States and worldwide, with the State of Rhode Island-funded Nanomaterials Center of Excellence at 401 Tech Bridge serving as a key production facility. Brown is now in the process of testing the virus in a BSL3 facility in partnership with the Rhode Island Dept of Health (RIDOH). Because the tested Coronavirus OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid-19) have similar structures, it is expected that GC Ink™ will prove to be similarly effective against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. GC Ink™ formulations are protected by patents pending. About Graphene Composites: Graphene Composites is a world leader in nanomaterials engineering. We are driven by our ethos – GC for Good – working with our partners to apply our expertise in graphene and other nanomaterials engineering to make truly life-enhancing products. About Brown University: Brown’s Jamieson Lab conducted the tests in their Bio Safety Level 2 (BSL2) labs in Providence, Rhode Island, using a standard plaque assay approach, similar to the ISO international standards for anti-viral testing. Further tests are underway. About Graphene Composites: Graphene Composites is a world leader in nanomaterials engineering. We are driven by our ethos - GC for Good - working with our partners to apply our expertise in graphene and other nanomaterials engineering to make truly life-enhancing products. About Brown University: Brown's Jamieson Lab conducted the tests in their Bio Safety Level 2 (BSL2) labs in Providence, Rhode Island, using a standard plaque assay approach, similar to the ISO international standards for anti-viral testing. Further tests are underway. Contact Details Graphene Composites John R. “J.R.” Pagliarini +1 401-261-5811 jr@graphenecomposites.com Company Website https://graphenecomposites.com/

March 02, 2021 09:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Cloud Conventions 2021 – The Premier Telecom/Cloud Channel Virtual Event Returns Live May 12-14

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions 2021 will open its 2nd annual virtual conference and tradeshow on May 12-14 offering a unique experience for channel professionals in the telecom/cloud, hosted voice, connectivity, IT and managed services and mobility industries. Co-sponsored by media partner, TR Publications and managed by the MCI Group, this premier industry event redefines the attendee and exhibitor experience for a virtual event with industry and business content, discussions opportunities, networking and strategy sessions, along with more ways to connect individually with peers and exhibitors. “Channel Strategies to Navigate the ‘New Normal’ is the focus of Cloud Conventions 2021,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Convey Services, founding partner of the event. “We teamed with the MCI Group as our event management partner and TR Publications and their related media to build on the success of our Cloud Conventions 2020 event expanding offerings and audience. Our experience delivering dozens of virtual tradeshows, conferences, summits, and kick-off meetings for our clients has taught us how to design an virtual expo avoiding the pitfalls of events that fail to create an engaging experience for attendees and deliver sales leads to exhibitors and sponsors." "Cloud Conventions 2021 has the potential to bring together one of the largest audiences of channel partners, MSPs, VARs, IT service providers and carriers for an unparalleled virtual event,” said Doug Green, publisher of TR Publications. “Strategies to deliver cloud solutions, connectivity, mobility and managed services are evolving, along with the business models of channel organizations that provide them to business customers. Cloud Conventions 2021 brings together resources, thought leaders, technology and business solutions to ensure that the channel has the tools to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.” “Managing Cloud Conventions 2021 opens up a vast new market opportunity for the MCI Group,” said James Kelley Director of Business Development, Virtual Events at MCI USA. “Our team has partnered with Convey and their Cloud Conventions virtual event platform to deliver large virtual tradeshows and conferences for the past year. We offer added value to a show like this through marketing and our event management experience and support for exhibitors and sponsors. The MCI Group is committed to growing the Cloud Conventions 2021 event and returning in the spring of 2022 with an even larger live and hybrid industry expo.” In May of last year, the Cloud Conventions 2020 event attracted thousands of attendees over 4 days, with industry sponsors, social engagement and networking, and 78 educational sessions to help channel partners develop pathways to get business back on track and help their customers pivot to a digital work environment in the face of the pandemic. The 2021 virtual event will help channel partners navigate the ‘new normal’ by offering connections to colleagues and providers, powerful educational sessions, along with strategies to stay personally and professionally resilient, agile, and informed. Attendance at Cloud Conventions 2021 is free to qualified industry professionals. Past attendees will receive an invitation to pre-register. New attendees and potential exhibitors can sign up at www.cloudconventions2021.com. The Cloud Conventions 2021 conference and expo is hosted and managed on the industry leading Cloud Conventions virtual event platform, powered by Convey Services. About Telecom Reseller TR Publications reports on UC, UCaaS, CPaaS, mobility, telehealth, SD-WAN, direct routing, collaboration are among the many topics covered. Written for both buyer and seller, IT director and channel leader, TR’s qualified readers include enterprise end users, channel partners, MSPs, CLECs. Content includes news, blogs, podcasts, Educasts, and webinars. TR reaches 25,000 readers daily by eBulletin, 80,000 readers every weekend with their Sunday Report, and 1,900 people daily online. www.telecomreseller.com. About MCI Group MCI is a global engagement and marketing agency. We design human-centric solutions that unleash the power of people to deliver innovation and growth for our clients. Our offering includes live & virtual events, strategic & digital communications, consulting & community solutions. We help brands, companies, associations and not-for-profits solve their challenges, bringing their people together to shape their tomorrow. MCI is an independently owned company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a global presence in 60 offices across 31 countries. www.mci-group.com About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Community™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Convey Services Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

February 26, 2021 02:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Survey Reveals Permanent Changes in Behavior and Expectations Beyond COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Metova Inc.

Metova, a leading provider of custom software solutions for mobile, web, connected home and car, and Internet of Things (IoT) for the private and public sector today announced the results of their latest blind survey of over 1000 people in the United States regarding behavior, trends and expectations beyond the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Notably, “curbside pickup” led the way as the “most helpful thing” during COVID-19, outpacing video calling, online video streaming, telemedicine and mobile food and grocery services. In addition, of those who plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine, 64% will avoid staying in a hotel, casino or resort for the remainder of 2021 if given the option. A notable, positive finding of the survey: “Quality Family Time” leads by nearly 2 to 1 in “positive life events that came out of the pandemic” – outpacing new hobbies, skills, personal fitness and home improvements. For a freely reusable infographic summarizing Metova’s Winter 2021 Post-Vaccine COVID-19 Survey, visit: https://metova.com/infographic-expectations-beyond-covid-19/ “At Metova in our work with telehealth, mobile tech, smart home and connected technologies for the hotel and hospitality industry, it’s essential we understand the quickly evolving sentiment and preferences of our clients' customers,” said Jonathan Sasse, chief strategy officer at Metova. "COVID-19 has accelerated and in many cases truly disrupted consumer preferences and behavior, and it’s essential for industries to understand these changes in order to best serve their customers.” Metova’s Winter 2021 Post-Vaccine COVID-19 Survey: “Curbside Pickup” lead the way as the “most helpful thing” during COVID-19, outpacing video calling, online video streaming, telemedicine and mobile food and grocery services “Quality Family Time” leads the way by nearly 2 to 1 in positive life events that came out of the pandemic, outpacing new hobbies, skills, personal fitness and home improvements 86% of people working from home due to COVID-19 want to continue working from home after getting the vaccine 64% after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, if given the option, will avoid staying in a hotel, casino or resort for the remainder of 2021 1 in 4 say they won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine because they don’t think it is safe Additional Metova technology and culture sentiment surveys include: Telehealth, Contact Tracing and COVID-19, Working From Home Due to COVID-19, Internet of Things, Mobile First, the Connected Car and Smartphones and Healthcare. For a a summary of Metova 2020 survey findings, please visit: https://metova.com/metova-industry-intelligence-survey-findings-of-2020/ ABOUT METOVA Founded in 2006, with a belief that mobile would be even more transformative than the internet, Metova set out to build innovative mobile applications while also creating a great place for people to work. Today, Metova continues to build on its success by retaining world-class talent and helping companies transform their business through technology. After identifying customer needs, informed through industry-trusted surveys and analysis, Metova defines and builds the experiences customers expect, aligned with business goals to streamline workflows and increase revenues – while delighting customers and disrupting industries. Contact Details Metova Anders Steele +1 323-909-2341 anders.steele@metova.com Company Website https://metova.com

February 26, 2021 09:29 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Infographic: Permanent Changes in Behavior and Expectations Beyond COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Metova Inc.

Contact Details Metova Anders Steele +1 323-909-2341 anders.steele@metova.com Company Website https://metova.com/infographic-expectations-beyond-covid-19/

February 26, 2021 09:19 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Shatterproof Releases a Comprehensive Addiction Language Guide to Reduce Use of Stigmatizing Language

Shatterproof

Today, Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States, released the Shatterproof Addiction Language Guide, which is a comprehensive tool aimed to highlight stigmatizing language, replacing it with person-first terminology. Stigmatizing language assigns negative labels, stereotypes, and judgment to certain groups of people. Such language can contribute to negative outcomes such as social isolation, reduced self-esteem, and less likelihood to seek medical help. Eliminating stigmatizing language is a core component of Shatterproof’s National Movement to End Addiction Stigma. “Words matter and they hugely impact how those with substance use disorders are viewed and therefore treated. This can affect many aspects of an individual’s life from how they feel about themselves, how they are treated by healthcare professionals when seeking treatment, and from their family and friends whose negative language can generate discrimination and internalized stigma. It is important that we create a society where those who use drugs or those who are in recovery are viewed as a person rather than their medical condition or through their actions,” said Matthew Stefanko, Director, National Stigma Initiative, Shatterproof. The Addiction Language Guide was compiled after a thorough, in-depth review of the academic literature as well as existing language guides for mental and behavioral health. Common words such as “addict” and less common stigmatizing words such as “relapse” were compiled by Shatterproof staff. The guide gives recommended language and rationale, and it has been thoroughly reviewed by the National Academy of Medicine. The National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic facilitated an independent, blinded, and academically rigorous external peer review of the Addiction Language Guide on a pro-bono basis. The guide helps the public look deeply at the words they are using and examine the terminology they use when describing people who have a substance use disorder. “The words become grenades—strategically spoken at times in order to do the most damage. And when those words came from family and friends, they cut even deeper. These labels erased my humanity,” said Marissa Angerer, Shatterproof Ambassador and person in recovery. To download the Shatterproof Addiction Language Guide please visit, http://shatterproof.org/language. You may learn more about Shatterproof’s National Movement to End Stigma here, https://www.shatterproof.org/our-work/ending-addiction-stigma/plan-to-end-addiction-stigma. About Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. To learn more visit www.Shatterproof.org. Contact Details Shatterproof Holly Jespersen +1 646-334-1024 hjespersen@shatterproof.org Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/

February 26, 2021 08:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Bills Introduced in Senate, House Call for New Markets Tax Credit to Receive Permanent Extension at $5 Billion

New Markets Tax Credit Coalition

Today, Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Tom Reed (R-NY), Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Extension Act of 2021. The legislation permanently extends NMTC at $5 billion in annual credit authority, adjusts that amount for inflation in future years and provides an exception from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for New Markets investments. This legislation builds on recent important Congressional action in support of NMTC. In 2019, Congress increased the amount of credits available to $5 billion, a 44% increase and in the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act, the NMTC was extended through 2025. The credit recently received a five-year extension as part of COVID-relief, but establishing the NMTC as a permanent part of the tax code will provide certainty in delivering resources to low-income and marginalized communities, creating jobs, increasing economic opportunity and improving lives at a time when the economic frailty of our underserved communities has never been more apparent. The projected annual impact of $25 billion in New Markets Tax Credits includes an estimated 690 new manufacturing expansions and industrial projects; 275 mixed-use projects combining housing, commercial, and social services; 255 new or improved health clinics, hospitals, and medical offices; and 775 investments in daycare centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other community facilities. It will also generate an estimated 590,000 jobs. Established in 2000 in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act (P. L. 106-554), the New Markets Tax Credit is a bipartisan effort to stimulate investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities. Since then, the New Markets Tax Credit has financed more than 6,500 projects and created over one million jobs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. “Following devastating impacts from COVID-19, the New Markets Tax Credit is absolutely vital for many of America’s urban neighborhoods and rural communities and will provide billions of dollars for high-impact, community revitalization projects,” said Bob Rapoza, spokesperson for the NMTC Coalition. “Over the years, the credit has been instrumental in financing plant and equipment for small manufacturing businesses and patient flexible capital to other small businesses, hospitals, healthcare centers, homeless shelters and other transformative projects that improve communities, create jobs and economic opportunity. We appreciate the leadership of several Members of Congress in championing this effort for communities across the U.S., including Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Tom Reed (R-NY) and Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roy Blunt (R-MO).” For examples of how the NMTC is making an impact in each state, see the NMTC Coalition's newly released report, NMTC at Work in Communities Across America, featuring updated state statistics sheets on NMTC efficacy and more than 80 Tax Credit success stories. About New Markets Tax Credit Program The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) was enacted in 2000 in an effort to stimulate private investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities that lack access to the patient capital needed to support and grow businesses, create jobs, and sustain healthy local economies. Since its inception, the NMTC has generated more than one million jobs. Today, due to NMTC, more than $105 billion is hard at work in underserved communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.NMTCCoalition.org. Contact Details New Markets Tax Credit Coalition Ayrianne Parks +1 202-393-5225 ayrianne@rapoza.org Company Website http://nmtccoalition.org/

February 25, 2021 09:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

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