Mar, 16
2022
Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, Home and Garden, Real Estate

ViewTech’s Video Borescopes Utilized for Inspecting Balconies and Elevated Structures

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In response to the 2015 deck collapse in Berkeley which caused six fatalities, California legislation signed into law SB 721 and SB 326 requiring periodic inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEE) that structurally rely on wood or wood-based materials, says ViewTech Borescopes.

California Senate Bill 721 relates to apartment complexes with more than three units, while senate bill 326 pertains to condominiums or multi-family housing controlled by residential homeowners' associations (HOAs).

Any entry, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and other entry structure that are elevated more than six feet above ground level must be checked for cracks, rotting, insect damage, rusted fasteners or connectors, and mold or mildew exposure.

There are many methods, techniques, and types of equipment that can be utilized during these necessary evaluations of EEE, including visual inspection, infrared thermography, destructive testing, and video borescopes. With initial safety investigations needing to be completed by January 1, 2025, ViewTech Borescopes has a multitude of clients that own VJ-3 Far Focus video borescopes specifically for these inspections.

When completing inspections, licensed structural engineers, architects, contractors, or certified building inspectors drill a series of holes through materials and use a ViewTech VJ-3 video borescope to take photos and videos to assist with necessary reports, including photographs of any damage found. ViewTech Borescopes no-cost, no-demo program is available to trial by professionals completing SB 721 or SB 326 inspections.

About ViewTech Borescopes

ViewTech Borescopes, founded as RF System Lab in 2008, is North America's #1 seller of video borescopes. Their first product, the VJ borescope, set a new standard for portability, ergonomics and ease-of-use, with its industry-first mechanical, joystick-controlled articulation.

For more information on VJ-3 Video Borescope: https://www.viewtech.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/qi8Yx7NVVcE

Related link: https://www.ViewTech.com

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Mar, 10
2022
Elections and Politics, Free News Articles, Government

Lincoln County Voters Triumph as Board of Elections Scraps Plans to Close 7 Polling Locations

LINCOLNTON, Ga. -- After several attempts by the Lincoln County Board of Elections to reduce the number of polling places in Lincoln County Georgia, the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda and other voting rights groups were elated that the voice of the voters was heard and their efforts to stop the board from closing seven locations to create one was successful.

Rev. Denise Freeman, a local civil and human rights activist who led the efforts to collect signatures from voters on two separate petitions said, "Ï would love to be able to celebrate the hard work of Lincoln County voters to stop the board from consolidating seven polling locations into one but I can't. There's still work to do to make sure that every eligible voter in Lincoln County is able to cast a ballot that counts in the upcoming Midterm Elections."

The Lincoln County Board of Elections voted 3-0 against closing polling places on Wednesday.

Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda said, "The voters made sure their voices were heard. They knocked on doors and collected the required signatures for the petition to stop the plan to reduce the polling places to one. Needless to say, the board pivoted and announced an alternative plan to reduce the locations to three, nullifying the petition."

Talking to a group of about 300 women attending the Black Women's Roundtable National Summit in Washington, DC Butler continues, "They were playing games with the peoples' right to vote. But, in less than a week we were able to assist the Lincoln County voters in collecting signatures to stop the second plan, and we were ready to go a third time but the board decided to keep seven polling locations. This is indicative of power voters have by being engaged in the process. The people spoke and elected officials had to listen."

The petition presented with the requisite names in December reads, "We, the undersigned Lincoln County registered voters do hereby object to a proposal by the Lincoln County Board of Elections to close our current polling locations and to create a single polling location for all Lincoln County voters."

The petition drive was coordinated by the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda, Common Cause Georgia, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, Black Voters Matter, Southern Poverty Law Center and Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials. Local activists and community members helping to coordinate are: Rev. Denise Freeman, civil/human rights activist, Bishop Willie Jackson, Christ Centered Outreach Ministry, and Rev. Christopher Johnson, Augusta Interfaith Coalition.

ABOUT THE PEOPLE'S AGENDA

Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization performing year-round voter registration, education and mobilization in Black communities throughout Georgia. Led by board chair, Rev. J. A. Milner, and Butler, the organization has headquarters in Atlanta and offices in Athens, Albany, Macon, Augusta, LaGrange and Savannah.

For more information visit http://thepeoplesagenda.org, email coalition@bellsouth.net or call the People's Agenda at (404) 653-1199.

Related link: https://www.thepeoplesagenda.org/

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Mar, 03
2022
Free News Articles, General Editorial, Government

A Ballot Initiative in Nevada Aimed at Closing the Great American Divide

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- What if we could resolve America's bitter division with one simple fix, without anybody having to change their mind on the issues, or switch parties? Ready for pigs to sprout wings? The folks at Common Sense for Uniting America (CSUA) believe that the division in America is a direct result of our voting method, and they just filed a ballot initiative in Carson City to prove it.

"WHO Americans vote for is far less important than HOW they vote," said Founder of CSUA and retired Naval Commander and gaming systems specialist Ted Getschman. "When it comes to solving the gridlock in America, we've been looking in the wrong direction. You can't blame the American people, or even the politicians. It's not Mitch McConnell or Nancy Pelosi or even dark money. It's just collateral damage. It's the unintended byproduct of an antiquated voting system."

Commander Getschman calls his new voting system MaxVoting, and it works a lot like the star rating system for products on Amazon. "When Americans go to the ballot box, we ask them who do you want to win? Red or blue? Right or left? That's the wrong question," Getschman says. "And it leaves almost half the country frustrated and suspicious of the results."

In MaxVoting, voters are asked to express their opinion in a star rating that reflects on how much each candidate agrees with their stand on the issues. The candidate with the most stars at the end wins the election, because they will have agreed with most people the most. MaxVoting measures voter opinion on all of the candidates, rather than just voting once in a choice of two.

Common Sense for Uniting America believes that MaxVoting would make political division obsolete, because it's a system that doesn't begin by dividing the electorate. And candidates are not incentivized to enflame their bases, because majority opinion, the winning position, lies most often in the center.

"Replacing majority rule with majority opinion rule would incentivize candidates to move to the center, in order to align with America's steadying heartbeat, rather than today's volatile extremes," Getschman said. "It would change everything practically overnight."

Common Sense for Uniting America filed a ballot initiative on March 1 to institute MaxVoting in Nevada. It is a part of a larger state-by-state effort to update America's voting process to reflect the demands of the 21st century. They need 150,000 Nevada voters to register on CommonSenseforUnitingAmerica.org to get the initiative on the ballot.

"We could heal political division in America, and nobody would have to change their minds about anything," Getschman added. "In most states, we wouldn't even have to reprint the ballot forms."

Common Sense for Uniting America

https://www.commonsenseforunitingamerica.org/

https://commonsenseforunitingamerica.substack.com

Related link: https://www.commonsenseforunitingamerica.org/

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Mar, 03
2022
Free News Articles, General Editorial, Legal and Law, NonProfit and Charities

California Ferret Owners Submit Ballot Initiative to Attorney General for Legal Opinion, But Attorney General Ignores Civil Code on Domestic Animals

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Non-profit Legalize Ferrets (legalizeferrets.org) announced today that we are disappointed that California Attorney General ignores Civil Code in Domestic Ferret Ballot Initiative.

LegalizeFerrets.org, a ferret legalization grassroots organization, has repeatedly asked the California Attorney General for a legal opinion.

Since the civil code says domestic animals are legal:

CIVIL CODE - CIV

DIVISION 2. PROPERTY [654 - 1422]

There may be ownership of all inanimate things which are capable of appropriation or of manual delivery; of all domestic animals; of all obligations; of such products of labor or skill as the composition of an author, the good will of a business, trade marks and signs, and of rights created or granted by statute.

Every credible source, and even the name states - domestic ferrets are domestic animals Therefore we wanted to know if the state of California officially recognized the domestic ferret as domestic would that mean they're legal? But we never received a reply from the AG.

According to the California Attorney General's website:

* As the chief law officer of the state, the California Attorney General provides legal opinions upon request to designated state and local public officials and government agencies on issues arising in the course of their duties. The formal legal opinions of the Attorney General have been accorded "great respect" and "great weight" by the courts.

Supporters of LegalizeFerrets.org have asked their representatives to make this request without success. So, we filed a ballot initiative in hopes that the title and summary would answer this question.

It was a treacherous journey. The AG's office ignored all our questions. We dealt with the Legislative Analyst's office and the Secretary of State's office - all successful; those people were friendly and helpful. But we could not get an answer on how to submit the ballot initiative from the AG until a Democratic Party activist with the state of Alaska gave us a contact phone number at the Secretary of State's office. Anabel Renteria finally emailed us with the suggestion:

You can submit your initiative anytime, in person, at the following address:

Department of Justice
1300 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

Five weeks later the title and summary were posted on their website:

California law identifies ferrets as wild animals that are restricted because "such animals are undesirable and a menace to native wildlife, the agricultural interests of the state, or to the public health or safety." Current law and regulations make it illegal to own ferrets as pets without a state permit.

No mention of the conflict between California's civil code which allows ownership of all domestic animals and other, namely Fish and Game Code which says:

* FISH AND GAME CODE 2116: Put ferrets in a group of wild animals. Says they are "not normally domesticated in this state as determined by the commission."

* FISH AND GAME CODE 2118: It is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into this state, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit as provided in this chapter and the regulations pertaining thereto, any wild animal of the following species: (ferrets are included in this list).

* (CCR), title 14, section 671: (a) It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. (You know ferrets are included in this list)

* (CCR), title 14, section 671: (b) The commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state.

Why are these codes relevant but the civil code allowing ownership of all domestic animals isn't even mentioned?

Why won't the AG's office even communicate with us? We have a very valid and sincere question.

Facts are stubborn things. No one states that the domestic ferret is a wild animal. No one believes they are "wild," "undesirable," or a "menace." They are legal in 48 states without any negative consequences.

Learn more at: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

Related link: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

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Sep, 22
2021
Free News Articles, General Editorial, Government, Hospitals and Nursing

ACNM Reaffirms Opposition to Legislative Threats to Abortion Care

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is committed to people having unfettered access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services, including abortion care, that are readily available, affordable, and guided by objective evidence-based information. Given this position, ACNM is dismayed by the failure of the United States Supreme Court to block the implementation of Texas Senate Bill 8, legislation that allows for the ban of abortions (which would include cases of rape or incest) as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

This decision sets in motion a dangerous precedent of upending the protections afforded under Roe v. Wade by allowing the most restrictive abortion law to go into effect in the second largest state in the country.

ACNM opposes legislative threats to abortion care. ACNM President, Cathy Collins-Fulea states, "ACNM continues to stand by our position that as midwives, we trust our patients as the experts of their own well-being and support each person's right to self-determination, access to comprehensive health information, and active participation in all aspects of an individualized plan of care."

The ACNM Code of Ethics mandates that midwives engage in the process of non-coercive, evidence-based informed consent and shared decision-making. Therefore, we object to any legislation and/or regulation that interferes with the patient-provider relationship.

"ACNM is committed to individual patient autonomy across the spectrum of reproductive health, including abortion. This commitment includes advocating to keep abortion access unconditionally safe and legal for all people midwives serve, but especially for vulnerable populations with limited resources and unequal access to quality healthcare," stated ACNM CEO Katrina Holland.

American College of Nurse-Midwives actively stands together with our other colleagues in sexual and reproductive health care and social justice advocates as we voice our strong objection to the erosion of bodily autonomy and access to essential health care services, including abortion care.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care.

Learn more at https://www.midwife.org/.

Related link: https://www.midwife.org/

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Jul, 23
2021
Business, Free News Articles, Government

Individual with Down Syndrome Testifies for Phasing Out Subminimum Wages for Individuals with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the leading organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC), the premier resource for information, advocacy and networking in Massachusetts, applaud the testimony of John Anton at Wednesday's Education & Labor Committee joint subcommittee hearing titled "Phasing Out Subminimum Wages: Supporting the Transition to Competitive Integrated Employment for Workers with Disabilities."

Mr. Anton, who works as MDSC's legislative specialist, has been a vocal advocate on issues concerning the rights of individuals with Down syndrome. His testimony is an important part of efforts by the community to support the passage of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (H.R. 2373) which was introduced by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).

At the hearing, Mr. Anton spoke about the vast difference between his work at MDSC and his experience working in a sheltered workshop. While working for subminimum wages, he was bored and asked his boss for more work. He was told no and quit his job on the spot. He went on to work for the Massachusetts State House and intern in Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers' office prior to his role at MDSC.

"It is all about respect and dignity as a citizen for me and not being stigmatized by labels, which belong on jars not people!" said Mr. Anton.

"We are thrilled that John had an opportunity to lend his powerful voice in this important forum," said MDSC Executive Director Maureen Gallagher. "Being paid an unfair wage is, unfortunately, a topic that John knows all too well. But not only has he survived, he has become a leading spokesperson in the movement to ensure that all people with Down syndrome and other disabilities have equal access to employment and other opportunities." Gallagher added that MDSC is also working on programmatic solutions to the disability employment crisis. "Through our Your Next Star employment initiative, MDSC is outreaching directly to employers to open their eyes to the abilities of employees with Down syndrome and help them diversify their workforces," she said.

Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 allows employers to pay people with disabilities less than the minimum wage (subminimum wage). People with disabilities who are employed under the 14(c) certificates are trained to perform mundane tasks for as little as $0.02 an hour, according to a 2018 report from the National Council on Disability.

"Despite being referred to as training programs, these environments do very little to build capacity or transfer into skills necessary to help people transition into other employment options," said Matteo Lieb, Employment Policy and Program Manager at NDSS. "This practice reinforces the misconception that individuals with disabilities are less productive and creates an artificial barrier to future employment opportunities."

As support builds for wage equity for people with disabilities around the country, NDSS, in partnership with the MDSC and other grassroots advocates, will continue to support phasing out subminimum wage at the federal and state levels.

"Equitable employment is a key legislative priority for NDSS," said President & CEO Kandi Pickard. "We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to work in an inclusive, competitive role where they can acquire meaningful skills and are paid a fair wage. Phasing out 14(c) will help pave the way for equality in the workplace for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities."

About NDSS

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events and programs such as the National Advocacy & Policy Center, which seeks to create systemic change through engaged advocacy; the National Buddy Walk® Program, which honors and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome in local communities across the world, and other initiatives that provide support, informational resources and community engagement opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them. Visit http://www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.

About MDSC

MDSC has been working with NDSS for over a decade to promote policies that improve the lives of all people with Down syndrome. MDSC has sent a delegation to NDSS's Buddy Walk on Washington annually to meet with legislators and share the importance of our disability policy priorities. MDSC also offers a broad array of programs to serve people with Down syndrome and their families throughout Massachusetts, including: A Buddy Walk® Program that gives individuals, schools, community groups, and local businesses an opportunity to get involved in fundraising campaigns; Self-Advocate Programs like Advocates in Motion and our Self-Advocate Advisory Council, which provide opportunities for teens and adults with Down syndrome while making empowerment a central component; Parents First Call Program, a volunteer, state-wide group of trained parent mentors available 24/7 to listen, share, answer questions, and provide valuable information; and other programs like our Diversity Outreach & Support Program and our affiliate programs Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S.) and the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection that serve the entire Down syndrome community.

To learn more, visit https://mdsc.org/ and https://www.yournextstar.org/ for more information.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/ZCGgJKhim3I

RELATED LINKS:

https://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/phasing-out-subminimum-wages-supporting-the-transition-to-competitive-integrated-employment-for-workers-with-disabilities

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2373

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joshua Komyerov
Director of Communications, MDSC
jkomyerov @ mdsc.org
781-221-0024 ext 202

Related link: https://mdsc.org/

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Apr, 05
2021
Business, Free News Articles, Government

Virginia Passes Two Bills Increasing Access to Midwifery Care

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- It's been a busy and productive legislative season for the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The organization is anticipating several wins across the country, but right now is thrilled that two bills in the Commonwealth of Virginia were signed by Governor Ralph Northam this month. It was through careful planning, tireless advocacy and coordinated teamwork that the Virginia ACNM Affiliate was able to make Virginia the eighth state in the country to recognize Certified Midwives (CMs) and the 28th state to allow Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) to practice to the full extent of their education and clinical training and be regulated without physician control.

Virginia joins Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island in recognizing the CM credential, increasing access to midwifery care, and potentially improving outcomes for women, babies, and all who need high-quality, individualized sexual and reproductive care.

"With maternal health care deserts throughout the Commonwealth, we need to address care in underserved areas with initiatives that remove barriers to practice unrelated to health and safety. Greater access to maternal healthcare is essential in reducing disparities in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, and stark racial and class inequities in maternal healthcare access," says Virginia Affiliate President Katie Page, CNM, FACNM.

Page, along with the affiliate legislative committee chair, Nichole Wardlaw, CNM, FACNM, led a fantastic team, including Karen Kelly, CM; Mary Ellen Bouchard, CNM, MS, FACNM; and their lobbyist, Julianne Condrey, at breakneck speed through a very short session of the Virginia General Assembly.

The CM credential was developed in 1994 to expand access to midwifery through multiple educational pathways. The first CM was licensed in 1997. The CM pathway includes a graduate degree in midwifery from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and board certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). CMs differ from CNMs only in that they are not also licensed as nurses. CMs and CNMs meet the same core competencies, sit for the same board exam, and have identical scopes of practice, including prescriptive privileges.

"We are thrilled to see Virginia supporting expanded access to midwifery care," says ACNM President Cathy Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM. "Ensuring midwives are represented at every table is key to mainstreaming midwifery in the United States. We look forward to continuing our work to improve care and reduce inequities in maternal healthcare.

The ACNM Department of Government Affairs and Advocacy has been working hard with dedicated, savvy volunteer affiliate leaders to make full practice authority a reality in all US states and territories. ACNM's vision of midwifery for every community is our guide in all policy making efforts. As Nichole Wardlaw stated about the successful Virginia efforts, "We can't keep doing things the same way and expect different outcomes." Bravo to the Virginia ACNM Affiliate for these two incredible wins for midwives and the people they serve.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care.

Learn more at https://www.midwife.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
ACNM Membership & Communications
240.485.1813; membership@acnm.org

Related link: https://www.midwife.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Mar, 03
2021
Free News Articles

Governor Abbot’s Disaster Declaration Recognizes Dire Relief Support but the Texas Department Licensing and Regulation’s (TDLR) Responsive Mold Regulation Changes Wrongly Backs Emergency Licensed Mold Remediation Efforts, a Threat to Public Health and Safety

AUSTIN, Texas -- In response to the announcement issued by Governor Abbot on February 12, 2021, in regard to the severe winter weather that caused statewide damage, the Texas Mold Assessors and Remediators Association (TMARA), the leading professional organization dedicated to protecting consumers throughout Texas, issued the following statement:

Statement by Mike Marshall, President, TMARA:

"At TMARA, we continue to fight for the regulation of our mold industry to protect consumer health, safety and financial well-being. While we understand the need for Governor Abbot's call to action and the support of our fellow mold professionals, the mold regulations should not change to grant emergency licensed contractors the ability to perform mold remediation without an independent mold assessment, mold remediation protocols in place and standard reporting requirements as outlined in the Texas Mold Regulations.

Repairs are just getting started, and property owners need to be aware that they do not want just anyone addressing a potential mold issue. They must seek someone who is qualified, licensed and working inside the mold regulations set forth by the State of Texas. By using an emergency licensed mold remediation contractor, property owners may not be able to obtain a protocol that outlines the steps on properly removing mold from a property, nor will property owners be able to receive a signed Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (CMDR) without the requirement of having their entire property inspected and cleared, not merely the mold-impacted areas. The CMDR provides property owners and potential future buyers with a level of assurance that a mold issue has been eliminated and the underlying cause has been remedied. As outlined on the Consumer Mold Information Sheet (CMIS), a TDLR publication, 'Receiving a certificate documenting that the underlying cause of the mold was remediated is an advantage for a homeowner. It prevents an insurer from making an underwriting decision on the residential property based on previous mold damage or previous claims for mold damage. If you sell your property, the law requires that you provide the buyer a copy of all certificates you have received for that property within the preceding five years.' https://www.tdi.texas.gov/orders/co-03-1223.html

Unfortunately, we have seen these types of scenarios before. Someone uses an unqualified professional, and a few months down the road, a state-licensed mold assessor or remediator comes back to find a 'remediated' property worse off than it was from the initial damage. In fact, many of us are still addressing these same types of issues from Hurricane Harvey.

For property owners or professionals who want advice on the right way to move forward, consumers must:
* Contact a qualified water mitigation company and/or start drying out their home or building.
* If mold is suspected, contact a state-licensed mold assessment company or consultant to perform an initial mold assessment, obtain a protocol for mold remediation, hire a state-licensed mold remediation contractor to perform the remediation, have a Post Remediation Mold Assessment done and receive a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation.
* To confirm the license status of a potential company or contractor, we recommend visiting https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/licensesearch/.

TMARA supports granting emergency licenses because given our state of emergency, mold professionals are in high demand. We do not support waving the other regulations that ensure consumer safety. We call on Governor Abbot to mandate that TDLR requires all emergency personnel to prove they meet our state qualifications and to require these emergency licensees to follow the same mold regulations that are required of the state licensees that support the millions of Texans that are affected by this disaster. Time and time again, we fight this battle, many state officials agree, and yet here we are once again risking the health and safety of the people of the great state of Texas."

More About TMARA:

Located in Austin, the Texas Mold Assessors and Remediators Association is the leading trade association in Texas with member companies making up the largest portion of the mold inspection and remediation marketplace in the state. TMARA was formed during the 86th Texas Legislation period when bills were proposed in both the Texas state Senate and House of Representatives to deregulate the mold industry. Our voices were heard, and those bills were not adopted, but our work is far from over. Members who gathered during that period saw not only a threat to industry standard but a need to fight irreversible change that would endanger public health and the livelihood of hundreds of licensed professionals. With a mission to continue to cultivate responsible mold inspections and remediations, TMARA offers an unparalleled commitment to a professional culture of credibility by maintaining regulation and high ethical practices. For more information, visit https://tmara.org.

Related link: https://tmara.org/

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Feb, 26
2021
Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Hospitals and Nursing

Senate Reintroduces Legislation to Federally Invest in Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Program

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- Yesterday, the Senate reintroduced the Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness (MOMMA) Act, critical legislation that seeks to reduce the disparate maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates, especially among Black and Brown birthing people and infants. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) strongly supports the MOMMA Act.

Spearheaded by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the MOMMA Act would, among other initiatives, establish grant opportunities for entities with proven approaches to improving our nation's mortality rate by offering better maternal and postpartum health care.

Specifically, the MOMMA Act would invest federal funding in the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) program, a national partnership of organizations, including ACNM, with goals improving the culture of care to eliminate preventable maternal mortality and severe morbidity across the care continuum.

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) strongly supports the MOMMA Act and applauds Senators Durbin and Duckworth for their leadership and commitment to improving the culture of health for pregnant and postpartum people.

"All pregnant and birthing people and babies should be served by a maternity care system that delivers safe, equitable, ethical, and patient-centered care, the hallmarks of midwifery," stated ACNM President, Cathy Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM. "Midwives stand ready to work with policymakers and stakeholders to implement evidence-based solutions, including reducing primary cesarean sections and increasing access to midwives and midwifery-led care models, to help improve maternal health outcomes for all people and communities."

Every year across the United States, of the 4,000,000 people who give birth, about 700 suffer fatal complications during pregnancy, while giving birth, or during the postpartum period, and 70,000 suffer near-fatal, partum-related complications. These statistics disproportionately impact Black and Brown pregnant and birthing people. Through the implementation of a comprehensive set of policies to improve data collection, dissemination of information on effective interventions, and expansion of access to health care and social services for postpartum people, the MOMMA Act is another piece of critical legislation that if realized, can help address escalating rates of maternal mortality and morbidity disproportionately impacting these communities.

Contact Amy Kohl (akohl@acnm.org) ACNM Director, Advocacy & Government Affairs, for more information on the Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness (MOMMA) Act.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care.

Learn more at https://www.midwife.org/.

CONTACT INFO:
ACNM Membership & Communications
240.485.1813; membership@acnm.org

Related link: https://www.midwife.org/

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Jan, 05
2021
Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Government, NonProfit and Charities

Federal Bill to Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths is Now Law

ROSELAND, N.J. -- The SUDC Foundation applauds final passage of Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act. This legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) to combat sudden, unexpected infant and child deaths. The legislation was introduced in honor of Scarlett Pauley, who was lost to SUDC in January 2017 when she was just 16 months old.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children over the age of one year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation and autopsy. Most often, SUDC occurs in otherwise healthy children during sleep. Approximately 400 children are lost to SUDC in the United States every year.

"Scarlett's Sunshine is named after a little girl who was lost to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood," said Senator Casey. "We must do more to understand why certain infants and young children have died unexpectedly, and to learn what is causing these deaths. I introduced the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act to help increase our understanding of the causes of unexplained infant and child deaths and to help us develop new tools to prevent and reduce such deaths in the future. I am pleased that Congress has passed the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act and it is now law."

"It's wonderful news that the Scarlett Sunshine Act is now law. I thank the incredible advocates and other lawmakers who made this all possible. I send my love to every family who had to experience this heartache and painful losses. This bill was written for Scarlett Lillian Pauley and other children who were lost to SUID/SUDC and works to prevent these tragedies. I am ready to continue building upon this legislation to save lives," Congresswoman Moore said.

"Scarlett's Sunshine Act will finally provide the support our country needs to ensure that infant and child deaths are comprehensively investigated, and that data is not only analyzed to help the individual family with the most accurate diagnosis but also help future research efforts," said Laura Gould Crandall, President and Co-Founder of the SUDC Foundation. "When your child dies, you are thrown into a public investigation system and you have no control over the tests being done on your child or the tests that are not being pursued. You often find out later, when it is too late. I am relieved to know that this new law will better support our country's response to these tragedies for the families directly affected, and to support the better health of all children."

"On January 8th, 2017, our lives were shattered when our beautiful, healthy, thriving daughter, Scarlett Lillian Pauley, went to sleep and never woke up. And we do not know why," said Stephanie Zarecky and Ryan Pauley. "Losing a child is the single greatest pain we could ever imagine and living without answers magnifies the tragedy exponentially. We try every day to spread Scarlett's Sunshine, allowing her memory to shine on and bring light to SUDC, the medical mystery that took her from us.

"We are so thankful her name will be able to live on in law and hope that one day no more families know the tragedy we have suffered. We are also so grateful to Senator Casey and Congresswoman Moore for their leadership on Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act in honor of Scarlett and all of the children who are dearly loved and deeply missed."

Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act strengthens existing efforts to understand SUID and SUDC better, facilitate data collection and analysis, improve preventative efforts, and support children and families.

The SUDC Foundation is proud to have advocated for this legislation. In November of 2019, SUDC Foundation board members and Ambassadors headed to Washington D.C. to educate their congressional representatives on SUDC and the importance of the legislation. Scarlett's mother, Stephanie, testified in front of Congress last year on the third anniversary of Scarlett's death.

To learn more and support Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, please visit: https://sudc.org/advocacy/scarletts-sunshine-act

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families. Learn more: https://sudc.org.

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