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Omega Healthcare Announces Senior Leadership Changes to Usher in the Next Phase of its Growth Journey

Omega Healthcare

Omega Healthcare Management Services (“Omega”), a leading provider of technology-enabled business process services across the healthcare ecosystem, announced today that co-founder and current Chief Executive Officer Gopi Natarajan has decided to retire after 18 years of leading the firm. Co-founder and President Anurag Mehta has been appointed as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 01, 2021. Gopi co-founded Omega Healthcare in 2003 with Anurag Mehta and has been instrumental in building the company to be the leader in the tech-enabled healthcare solutions industry. He has had a tremendous impact on Omega, mentored the firm’s senior leadership over the years, and helped drive innovations in the healthcare industry. “As a platform, Omega is extremely well positioned in the healthcare services market to continue to be a leader. With Anurag and Sumithra at the helm, the company is poised to scale greater heights supported by the able senior leadership talent. I wish them the very best in their new roles,” Gopi commented. He will continue to be closely associated with Omega as a key advisor to the Company in several capacities. “I have had the privilege of working with Gopi for over 20 years now. Not only has he been an invaluable leader for Omega, but he has also been an incredible business partner and friend. I am delighted that he will stay connected as an advisor to the company. I would also like to congratulate Sumithra on her new role. Her invaluable experience will help Omega strengthen its market-leading position,” said Anurag. With more than 20 years of experience within the healthcare industry, Anurag will be instrumental in driving the Company’s next phase of expansion. As a co-founder of Omega, Anurag has a deep understanding of the business and is well poised to spearhead the organization into its next phase of growth with his strong leadership and extensive healthcare industry relationships. Omega also announced today that a current member of the Board of Directors, Sumithra Gomatam, has been appointed as the Executive Chair of the Omega board. Sumithra brings over 30 years of experience in the information technology and business process services industry. She most recently held several senior roles at Cognizant, a publicly-listed global professional services company, where she spent over 24 years. At Cognizant, she was President of Digital Operations, which she scaled to nearly $2 Billion in revenues and transformed it to be technology-driven with Intelligent Process Automation and Platforms and a significant focus on Healthcare and Big Tech clients. Prior to that, she was at Tata Consultancy Services, a publicly-listed global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization. “It has been a pleasure to work with the Omega team for the last year. I look forward to continue to work closely with the Omega leadership to accelerate growth in the business, provide customer excellence, and drive deeper technology into our processes,” Sumithra noted. She will strengthen the leadership and work closely with Anurag and the senior management team to drive strategy and scale the organization. About Omega Healthcare Management Services Founded in 2003, Omega helps payers, providers, and pharmaceutical companies eliminate administrative burdens, accelerate cash flow, and reduce health management costs while enhancing patient care. The company streamlines medical billing, coding, and collections processes and provides virtual nursing services, including triage, care continuation, clinical documentation improvement, and re-admittance avoidance. Combining the largest medical coding staff in the world with proprietary technology, analytics, and automation capabilities, Omega provides the most comprehensive outsourced solutions in the industry and is ranked among the top revenue cycle management business process services by industry analysts. Omega, backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Everstone Group, has about 19,000 employees across India, the Philippines, and the United States. For more information, visit www.OmegaHMS.com Contact Details Omega Healthcare Management Services Kristy Gierosky Kristy.Gierosky@omegahms.com

November 01, 2021 10:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Greenland’s Prime Minister to Keynote ZESTAs COP26 Burns Supper

Morgan Marketing & Communications

Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte Bourup Egede, will be delivering the keynote address at ZESTAs COP26 Burns Supper on Monday, November 1 st hosted by SHIFT clean energy. The supper will conclude the first day of Ship ZERO hosted by ZESTAs (Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association) in Glasgow as part of the COP26 activities. It is expected that the Prime Minister will be announcing a major Greenland government initiative relating to fossil fuel use. "With the Arctic warming at a rate three times faster than the rest of the world, we are in Greenland experiencing the drastic changes first-hand “stated the Prime Minister. “The science is alarming and our collective actions must be accelerated. That is why the Government of Greenland has announced an immediate halt to all new oil and gas explorations and are putting all efforts into developing our green energy sources. We believe that Greenland can become an important partner for zero-emission shipping. We have huge untapped hydropower resources that exceed our domestic demand multiple times, which can generate cheap renewable electricity for e-fuels, and we have an infrastructure well suited for being early adapters." “Ship ZERO 0 – Charging to True Zero” is a three-day workshop including robust technical presentations from zero-emissions solutions providers, as well as finance, insurance, classification sectors and regulators. Speakers’ panels, audience Q&A, and brainstorming sessions will follow each session to facilitate collaborative solution building, as well as giving stakeholders an opportunity to examine how solutions will fit with their individual business cases. The event takes place well before COP26 transport day, which will give the team of researchers and stakeholders time to summarize the outcomes to be taken in consideration by regulators beforehand. “We are honored that Prime Minister Egede will be making such a pivotal keynote address as part of our event”, stated Madadh MacLaine, Secretary-General of ZESTAs. “His leadership will resonate around the globe as we address a zero emission future.” Highlights of the ShipZERO conference include a keynote by Peter Thomson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations as well as the UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean on A healthy planet requires a healthy ocean, a healthy ocean requires clean shipping; Why Zero Emissions Needs Better Battery Safety Standards, delivered by Brent Perry, ZESTAs Board Chair and CEO of SHIFT; and How Financiers, Insurers and Cargo owners can enable innovation and accelerate the transition to true zero emissions from Michael Parker, Chairman of Global Shipping, Citibank and Chairman of the Poseidon Principles Association. Registration is still open, and media are welcome. Go to https://zestas.org/ship-zero/ The Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association promotes the rapid and large-scale uptake of Zero Emissions Ship Technology (ZEST). Zero emissions means zero GHG emissions at the point of use on the vessel with minimal upstream impacts. By combining zero emission technologies, it is possible to achieve zero emissions at the shipboard level faster. With today’s technologies, the shipping industry can achieve fully zero emissions now, particularly on smaller return to base vessels, as well as drastically reduce emissions on larger, ocean-going vessels with more complicated operational profiles. Contact Details Morgan Marketing & Communications Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com Company Website https://morganmarketcomm.com/

October 29, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SHOPPERS MISTAKENLY BELIEVE KOSHER IS BETTER FOR HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH

Jewish Initiative For Animals

More than 40% of all food products found in U.S. supermarket aisles have kosher certification. According to the results of two national surveys released by Farm Forward, 40% of adults agreed that a kosher label guarantees an animal “was treated humanely during its life.” Three out of four Americans purchase kosher out of concern for food safety, thinking there is a higher health standard. The new survey results highlight many misbeliefs consumers have about what a kosher label means. “Virtually all kosher and non-kosher meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs come from animals raised on factory farms, yet the perception of kosher as better persists in kosher shoppers’ minds,” said Melissa Hoffman, Director of Jewish Initiative for Animals (JIFA). “This phenomenon is called kosher humanewashing.” Key Findings Consumer Expectation of Kosher Certification Kosher certifications wield significant humanewashing and healthwashing power among adults. A high percentage of Americans trust kosher to mean that a product is of superior quality, despite the fact that all animal products in grocery stores come from the same factories as conventional. Previous survey work demonstrates 79% of Americans are committed to broad anti-cruelty principles such as ensuring outdoor access. However, kosher-certified animal products often fall short of consumer expectations, including guaranteeing animals have regular access to outdoor pasture. Proof The new data confirms what JIFA has inferred from previous research that shows people think kosher food is inherently better, whether that’s from a perspective of food safety, health, or overall quality. Consumers extend this belief to the way farmed animals are bred and raised. The two identical online surveys, conducted by Survey USA August 4-9, asked people about their purchasing behaviors and understanding of kosher labels on animal products. The general population survey size was 1,500 adults, while the Jewish-specific survey had 500 Jewish adult respondents. Get Involved More than 200 Jewish leaders are responding to this issue by urging communities to adopt better food practices. Join the effort by sharing the leaders’ pledge on JIFA’s website jewishinitiativeforanimals.com/kosher. About JIFA The Jewish Initiative for Animals (JIFA) supports innovative programs to turn the Jewish value of compassion for animals into action while building ethical and sustainable Jewish American communities in the process. JIFA is an initiative of Farm Forward. Contact Details Susan Peters +1 708-759-7175 susan@effectpartners.com

October 29, 2021 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Patients Paying Less for Generic Medicines Year-over-Year: The Safe & Effective Solution for Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Prices

YourUpdateTV

FDA-approved generic and biosimilar medicines are central to America’s health care, filling nine out of ten prescriptions dispensed in the United States. Recently, Dan Leonard, President and CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), partnered with YourUpdate TV on a nationwide media tour to discuss why reliable, affordable, high-quality prescription medication is more important than ever. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Lw7uhywvWAY Polling shows drug prices and the cost of health care is the number one concerns for most Americans. These nearly 4 billion generic and biosimilar prescriptions are central to containing costs for patients because unlike other sectors of U.S. health care, their prices are falling year after year. Throughout the pandemic, safe, effective and affordable generic medicines have been readily available to all of America’s patients, whether they are maintaining a chronic health condition or fighting COVID in the hospital. A resilient global supply chain with a strong U.S. presence made sure generic prescriptions were filled even as other consumer goods faced shortages. The Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the trade association of generic and biosimilar manufacturers, just released its 2021 Savings Report detailing the economic benefit of generic and biosimilar drugs to America’s patients. Here are five important highlights: U.S. health care system saved $338 billion in 2020 through the use of generic and biosimilar drugs. Generics fill 90% of prescriptions but account for only 18% of prescription spending 93% of generic prescriptions have a copay under $20.Average generic copay is $6 (versus $63 for brand name drugs) Biosimilar medicines, new competitors to expensive biologic drugs, have cut the growth rate of spending on cancer drugs in half To learn more about 2021 U.S. Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Savings Report, visit: accessiblemeds.org About Dan Leonard: President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the nation’s trade association for the makers of generic and biosimilar medicines, which fill 9 out of 10 prescriptions in the United States. Appointed to the position by the AAM Board in summer 2020, Dan is responsible for ensuring the association fulfills its mission to improve the lives of patients and consumers by providing timely access to safe, effective and affordable medicines. Prior to joining AAM, Dan served as president and chief executive officer of the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), which sponsors and conducts research on a number of critical health policy issues. NPC plays a leadership role in the evolving areas of value assessment, value-based contracting and the importance of maintaining a robust innovation ecosystem. Before his tenure at NPC, Dan served as executive vice president of advocacy for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the trade association representing companies providing health insurance coverage in the United States. Dan has significant experience in politics and government, including time spent with presidential campaigns, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and as a chief of staff on Capitol Hill. Early in his career, Dan worked as a television broadcast journalist and held on-air and management positions at affiliates across the nation. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, where he currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Dan received a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University. He lives in Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife, Susan. They have two children and enjoy sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. 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. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 28, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Novus Cannabis MedPlan Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

Novus Acquisition & Development Corp

Novus Acquisition and Development, Corp. (OTC Markets: NDEV ), through its wholly-owned subsidiary WCIG Insurance Services, Inc., is a hybrid health insurance entity and, the nation’s first health carrier offering cannabis in health plans to recreational and medicinal users, today reported its third-quarter financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and update on the progression of its business model. Employer-Sponsored Health Plans As Novus comes out from under the COVID crisis we’re experiencing a breakthrough development in our effort to penetrate “ Insurance Group Sales ” in the small to midsize businesses (SMB) market. As SMB’s desire to compete and expand, it is essential to attract and retain their talent pool with competitive health benefits, but affordability remains an issue as healthcare costs rise faster than inflation. According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, more than half (57%), of SMB workers did not have employer-sponsored health benefits. The top perks employees seek are employer-sponsored, dental, vision, and Health Savings Account (HSA). Novus cannabis benefits packages fit into this niche, with the desirability of cannabis and the affordability of premiums with additional benefits. SMB’s continue to contact us, and their views on employee legal cannabis use have become more relaxed. And rightly so, when precedence was set in the New Jersey Supreme Court ruling, where employees who legally use cannabis as permitted by the state’s Compassionate Use of Cannabis of Medical Marijuana Act[i] cannot be fired. The authenticity of cannabis benefits in employee health plans gives Novus the ability to capture more value from selling individual policies to the economics of selling to the multitudes. Expansion Of Partnerships Partnerships continue to increase with agreements with Health Carriers, Third-party Administrators, Pharmacy Benefits Managers, Professional Employment Organizations, and Brokers in Group Sales. These partnerships encompass adding cannabis benefits as a rider and/or as a supplement bundle to consumer health plans. They see how Novus benefit packages are an enticement to acquire new clients and up-sell existing ones. The unique characteristics of our business model is based on the acceptance of cannabis being a benefits package to health plans. According to Forbes “by 2025, 5.4 million Americans, or 2.4% of U.S. adults, will be registered patients in medical cannabis states.” However, that 2.4% will considerably increase as the price of cannabis proliferates with added state/federal taxation to recreational products, alluring rec users to seek health plans that include cannabis. The success of our business model is making cannabis affordable to our patient /members by reducing the cost of the plant by 30%-35% combined with a 15%-17% abatement in taxes at the point of sale. Illicit Cananbis Market Recently California authorities eradicated 509,453 plants from 135 sites in the past 13-weeks with an undisclosed report of how much the operation cost the state government. We continue to advise cannabis verticals and state officials on using Novus insurance plans to cost-effectively combat illicit cannabis which will top $4 billion by 2025 as reported by New Frontier Data. These entities will quickly understand that by utilizing Novus insurance plans how compliantly we will corral med and rec users towards legal brands, we are confident that it is clearly discernable that this methodology is far superior to expensive law enforcement measures. Provider Network Our Provider network covers over 20,000 zip codes. The expansion of our Provider network is a continuous effort to develop underserved markets despite the slow down due to COVID. The procurement of reliable cannabis verticals as a Provider is the most arduous and nonlinear undertaking in our business model and it will be the same for any new competition. Having a head start as far back as 2016, we believe, we will leave very little resources to potential rivals in this department. Financial Highlights Financial milestones within the third quarter of 2021: No Dilution: No common stock was issued Three Month Revenue Increase: $6,656 or 9.8% to $67,955 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $61,299 for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Six Month Revenue Increase $11,477 or 8.8% to $132,686 for the six months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $121,209 the six months ended September 30, 2020. Profit Margin: Demonstrated a 36% profit margin pricing structure in its business model for the three months ended September 30, 2021 Net Income Increase: $4,202 or 17% to $24,888 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $20,686 three months ended September 30, 2020 Shareholder Equity Increase: $1,481,889 on September 30, 2021, from $1,465,967on September 30, 2020 Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase: Moderately from $157,888 on September 30, 2020, to $158,195 three months ended September 30, 2021. Due to the cost of integrating Novus and PRAM back-office data to support their newly acquired clientele. Cash Flow: Increased 16% to $48,968 for the six months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $41,270 the six months ended September 30, 2020. Conclusion Frank Labrozzi, CEO states, “We are fervent as we make cannabis health insurance mainstream. The acceptance of cannabis in employer-sponsored health plans combined with the inclusion of our benefits into health carriers plans makes the first-mover advantage of our infrastructure a successful perspective towards the value of our insurance model.” Research Novus: Financial Filings: Click Here Quote: Click Here Website: Click Here Investor's Page: Click Here About Novus Novus Acquisition & Development Corp. ( NDEV ), through its subsidiary WCIG Insurance, provides health insurance and related insurance solutions within the wellness and medical marijuana industries in states where legal programs exist. Novus has developed its infrastructure within many lines of the insurance business such as health, property & casualty, life, accident, and fixed annuities. Novus’ medical cannabis benefits package will work as outside developers and will not cultivate, handle, transport grow, extract, dispense, put up for sale, put on the market, vend, deliver, supply, circulate, or trade cannabis or any substances that violate the United States law or the Controlled Substances Act, nor does it intend to do so in the future and will continue to follow state and federal laws. The statements made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. All information provided on these press releases, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Once a push notification is completed the transaction is solely between the state-licensed dispensary and the registered patient. The state laws are in conflict with the federal Controlled Substances Act. The current administration has effectively stated that it is not an efficient use of resources to direct federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state-designated laws, allowing the use and distribution of medical marijuana. However, there is no guarantee that the current administration, nor any future administration, will not change this policy and decide to enforce the federal laws strongly. Any such change in the federal government's enforcement of current federal laws could cause significant financial changes to Novus Medical Group. While we do not intend to harvest, distribute, or sell cannabis or cannabis-related products, we may be harmed by a change in enforcement by federal or state governments. Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflect management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of these factors include: general global economic conditions; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; increasing competition; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of services; changes in the economy; changes in laws and regulations, includes codes and standards, intellectual property rights, and tax matters; or other matters not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. Novus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contact Details Novus Acquisition & Development Corp. Frank Labrozzi +1 855-228-7355 info@getnovusnow.com Company Website https://getnovusnow.com/

October 28, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Cyvatar Named Finalist in Computing Security Excellence Awards 2021

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today announced that it has been chosen as a finalist in Computing’s Security Excellence Awards 2021 for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Security Solution Award. Computing celebrates the achievements of the IT industry's leading security companies, solutions, products, and personalities that keep every other part of the industry operating. Award categories include product- and project-related recognition, organizational achievements, and accolades for outstanding individual success. Computing selected Cyvatar for its cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) platform, designed with SMEs in mind. SMEs are increasingly at the mercy of ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and other cyber threats, but unlike larger orgs, most SMEs don’t have the budget or expertise to invest in comprehensive in-house security programs. Moreover, they struggle to show value from the security tools they do buy. Cyvatar CSaaS democratizes cybersecurity, making the best protection accessible and affordable for any SME regardless of budget, even if they have no cybersecurity expertise in-house. Customers can select the membership and pricing that meet their desired business outcomes in seconds; a freemium model ensures they can achieve tangible results fast with no out-of-pocket costs--an industry first. And they can cancel anytime--another industry first. “We don’t throw technology over the wall and expect our customers to figure it out themselves the way many product companies do,” said Corey White, Cyvatar co-founder and chief executive. “We deliver all three pillars of cybersecurity—the teams, technology solutions, and best practices—to SMEs that would not otherwise be able to implement them. Our subscription model ensures they don’t end up buying solutions they can’t use or don’t need, and our platform lets them see at a glance what’s going on in their environment to give them the best cyber prevention available.” Cyvatar offers its proprietary ICARM™ (install, configure, assess, remediate, maintain) methodology to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions, allowing SMEs to achieve security compliance and cyber-attack prevention faster and more effectively. ICARM ensures SMEs won’t get crushed under the weight of too many products, and guaranteed outcomes mean they get maximum value from their technology spend. Choose the Cyvatar membership with the best outcomes for your business today. About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to effortless cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert practitioners, market-leading technologies, and proven best practices to guarantee business results. Our approach is rooted in a proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack prevention, all bundled into a fixed monthly subscription that members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California, with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at cyvatar.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar Dan Chmielewski +1 949-231-2963 dchm@madisonalexanderpr.com Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

October 28, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

PRESS RELEASE | SullivanCotter Welcomes Cathy Loose to Lead Employee Workforce Practice

SullivanCotter

SullivanCotter, the nation’s leading independent consulting firm in the assessment and development of total rewards programs, workforce solutions, and technology and data products for the health care industry and not-for-profit sector, is pleased to announce the addition of Cathy Loose as a Managing Principal and Practice Leader of the Employee Workforce Practice. For over 25 years, Cathy has advised employers in health care, higher education and global markets on all areas of broad-based, workforce compensation. She has also served as compensation consultant to companies in the biotech, pharma, hi-tech and life science industries. Having lived and consulted in various regions around the world, including Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and North America, Cathy brings innovation to traditional total rewards and workforce planning initiatives, as well as to priorities driving diversity, equity and inclusion. “While we tend to think of health care as a U.S.-based industry, the world’s influence and international collaboration is increasing even in health care, challenging us to help our clients think differently about how they appeal to and reward today’s workforce,” said Ted Chien, President and Chief Executive Officer, SullivanCotter. “Cathy’s global experience brings a fresh perspective to our work and helps our clients remain agile during times of change like we have been seeing this past decade, and more specifically this past 18-24 months.” Cathy advises executive teams in developing enterprise-wide rewards philosophies, career architecture and compensation frameworks to align employee pay and incentives with their organization’s mission and key strategies. In addition, she helps redesign workforce rewards to drive and enable enterprise growth, organization realignments, business consolidations and merger and acquisition transactions. Before joining SullivanCotter, Cathy held leadership positions around the world at several large global consulting firms. She led a variety of practices including global mobility, broad-based compensation, total rewards and human capital solutions. She is a frequent speaker at national conferences on global, broad-based compensation and talent mobility, and she holds the designation of SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SCP). Cathy is fluent in English, French and Vietnamese and proficient in Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. About SullivanCotter SullivanCotter partners with health care and other not-for-profit organizations to understand what drives performance and improve outcomes through the development and implementation of integrated workforce strategies. Using our time-tested methodologies and industry-leading research and information, we provide data-driven insights, expertise, data and technology products to help organizations align business strategy and performance objectives – enabling our clients to deliver on their mission, vision and values. Contact Details Becky Lorentz +1 314-414-3719 beckylorentz@sullivancotter.com Company Website https://sullivancotter.com

October 27, 2021 10:23 AM Central Daylight Time

Shatterproof and The Hartford Release Largest and Most Expansive Addiction Stigma Survey Ever Fielded

Shatterproof

Today, Shatterproof and its collaborator The Hartford published the largest, most expansive survey ever fielded on addiction stigma of nearly 8,000 U.S. residents. The findings are striking. More than three-quarters of the American public believe that a substance use disorder (SUD) is not a chronic medical illness and over half of respondents hold the belief that SUDs are caused by bad character or lack of moral strength, according to the national research. The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index, a first-of-its-kind measurement tool, was designed to assess attitudes about substance use and people who use substances. It used more than 50 validated stigma measures to gauge perceptions of those with a SUD, including the degree to which they have internalized this exclusion. The Index is designed to track progress regularly and hold our nation accountable for continual improvement. The lack of understanding about addiction by the general public creates a desire for social distance. According to the survey, nearly half (45%) of the public is unwilling to live next to or be close friends with someone with a SUD. Similarly, 45.8% of respondents don't want a person in recovery marrying into their family – highlighting how these beliefs entrench deep feelings of exclusion and shame for individuals with a SUD throughout their lives, regardless of their recovery status. “What’s at stake is real. For millions of people across the country, fighting pervasive stigma is a matter of survival,” said Gary Mendell, CEO of Shatterproof. “We must change the way our institutions operate, the way we view our friends and neighbors, and how those with a SUD view themselves. We must end discrimination, strengthen the road to recovery, and offer hope of a bright future. And measuring our progress is essential.” Dr. Melissa Anderson, MD, PharmD, a Shatterproof Ambassador from Kentucky and a person in long-term recovery, has experienced stigma in both the health care and workplace settings. Following a severe dog bite incident, she found herself as a patient in the hospital system where she’d previously been employed as both a pharmacist and a resident physician. “Former co-workers greeted me with jeers, joking that the ‘doctor-turned-junkie’ was back. During my 8-hour ER stay, I did not receive the standard of care for my injuries - neither antibiotics nor analgesics were administered, after I requested non-opioid agents, despite standard facility protocols and the easily-observed severity of my injuries,” said Dr. Anderson. “It was made abundantly clear from both their actions and language team that this health care team felt the disease of addiction, even one in recovery, made me an individual less deserving of compassion and care. That was July 2015 and I have not been a formal recipient of health care since.” Nearly half (44%) of health care professionals surveyed endorsed the harmful belief that medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is substituting one drug for another. This is compared to the about 41% of the public that expressed the same belief. Moreover, one in four health care professionals do not agree that more providers should offer MOUD to increase accessibility. “The work to end addiction stigma is far from over, and we are proud to partner with Shatterproof on establishing this important research that will drive future public policies and workplace practices,” said Christopher J. Swift, chairman and CEO of The Hartford, a leading workers’ compensation and disability insurer and founding partner of Shatterproof. “We believe efforts involving all levels of government, the business community, and neighborhood organizations are necessary to end the ongoing addiction crisis, create open and inclusive cultures, and break down stigma that impedes human achievement.” Nearly a million people have been lost to addiction in the last two decades and in 2020 alone, more than 93,000 Americans died of an overdose, representing the most overdoses ever recorded. More than 20 million American adults suffer from the disease of addiction per year. Addiction is a treatable disease, but due to stigma most people do not seek the help they need and equally tragically, internalize feelings of shame and lose hope that they can recover and lead healthy, full lives. Creation of the Index was supported by Ipsos alongside Dr. Brea Perry and Dr. Anne Krendl from Indiana University. ### 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 A Jespersen +1 646-334-1024 hjespersen@shatterproof.org Frontwood Strategies Nell Callahan +1 202-262-0721 Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/

October 27, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

YourUpdateTV

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Recently, 23andMe scientist, Ruth Tennen, and customer, Gina Burris, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the first and only FDA-authorized, direct-to-consumer test that detects select BRCA1/BRCA2 variants*. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/ziqp10R_j_A The genes are called BRCA because the link between these genes and breast cancer was discovered first. The genes themselves do not cause cancer. They actually help prevent it by repairing DNA breaks that can lead to cancer. Sometimes, changes in the BRCA genes occur that prevent them from functioning properly. These changes are called genetic variants or mutations. Variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be passed down through families, increasing the risk of developing certain cancers. Many people with a BRCA variant, both women and men, are unaware of their risk and what they can do about it. While it is true that having certain BRCA variants can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer, most cases of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers aren’t caused by inherited BRCA variants. And not every individual who inherits a BRCA variant will develop cancer. 23andMe offers a genetic test for three variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to its Health + Ancestry Service customers. This genetic test detects three selected variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – BRCA1 185delAG; BRCA1 5382insC; and BRCA2 6174delT – that are among the most studied and best understood. These three variants are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. (They can be found in people of other ethnicities, though this is rare.) If you have one of these three variants, you have an increased risk of developing certain cancers. For more information, visit 23andMe.com/brca *The 23andMe PGS 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, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It 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 treatments. Warnings & Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health RIsk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene. The report describes if a woman is at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and if a man is at increased risk of developing breast cancer or may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The three variants included in this report are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and do not represent the majority of BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the general population. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. About Gina Burris: Gina Marie Burris lives in a small riverside community in western Pennsylvania. She is a children’s book author and blogger. At the age of 46 with no known family history of breast or ovarian cancer Gina discovered (via a 23andMe health report) she carries a BRCA variant. After making this discovery, Gina worked closely with a team of medical professionals and made the decision to take a preventative path. Since November 2020 Gina has undergone a bi-lateral salpingo-oophorectomy and double mastectomy straight to reconstruction. After finding refuge in the stories of survivors, previvors and patients, Gina felt compelled to share her own story, so she turned to the place she feels most comfortable, her keyboard. Gina’s blog www.rivergirlreflections.com follows her journey from early in the process through today. She has found a way to bring truth, grace, and a little humor to a serious situation. Gina aspires to bring awareness to what life with a BRCA variant looks like in today’s world. She has a passion for speaking freely about her experience and strives to be a small part of an educational community which shifts the wording in some common breast cancer awareness conversations. About Ruth Tennen: As a product scientist at 23andMe, Ruth develops new genetic health reports with the goal of helping 23andMe customers access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. Ruth received her bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Princeton University and her Ph.D. in cancer biology from Stanford University. Before joining 23andMe, she served as a science policy fellow at the State Department, helping promote science education and entrepreneurship in Africa, and as a lecturer at Stanford, teaching courses on experimental design, bioethics, and cancer. Ruth loves learning about and talking about science, and throughout her career, she has worked to inspire budding scientists by mentoring and teaching students at local schools, hospitals, and museums. 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. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 26, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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