CADIZ INC. ANNOUNCES $40 MILLION REGISTERED DIRECT OFFERING BACKED BY LARGEST SHAREHOLDERS

January 31, 2023

Heerema IGS and Odey Asset Management lead investment in Cadiz to accelerate development of clean, affordable water supply, reduce Company debt

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cadiz Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI, CDZIP) (“Cadiz,” the “Company”) today announced that it has priced a registered direct offering (“Offering”) of 10.5 million shares of common stock for total gross proceeds of $40.32 million. The Offering was led by the Company’s largest equity shareholders, Heerema International Group Services SA (“Heerema IGS”) and Odey Asset Management, with Heerema IGS maintaining beneficial ownership of approximately 35% of the Company’s common stock. Long-standing shareholders and several new investors also subscribed for shares priced in the Offering.

“We believe this financing puts Cadiz on the strongest footing possible to begin construction, operation and delivery of clean water solutions for the people of California,” said Susan Kennedy, Executive Chair of Cadiz. “This funding enables us to accelerate capital expenditures, reduce our debt and run on all cylinders over the next two years.”

The Company intends to use the net cash proceeds from this Offering to, fund capital expenditures expected to accelerate development of the Company’s water supply and storage project, repay $15 million in principal of its existing $50 million credit facility with its lender B. Riley Commercial Capital, LLC (“B. Riley Commercial”), provide working capital and support the development of additional water resources to meet increased demand on an accelerated timetable.

B. Riley Securities (“BRS”) acted as exclusive placement agent in the Offering. The shares made available in the Offering were priced at $3.84 per share, yesterday’s market closing price. The Offering is expected to close with net proceeds of approximately $38.5 million to the Company on or about February 2, 2023 subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Cadiz Real Estate LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”), expect to enter into an amendment to the existing credit agreement with B. Riley Commercial (“the Amendment”) that will reduce the principal amount outstanding to $35 million and establish other provisions as described in a filing made today on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Per the Amendment, subject to the satisfaction of specified conditions described in the Form 8-K, the maturity of the Company’s remaining debt outstanding will be extended to June 30, 2026.

The Offering was made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (File No. 333-257159) that was previously filed with the SEC and declared effective by the SEC on June 25, 2021. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement that forms a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus relating to the Offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus may also be obtained, when available, by contacting B. Riley Securities, Attention: Prospectus Department, 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1300, Arlington, Virginia 22209; Telephone: (703) 312-9580, or by emailing [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein. There shall not be any offer, solicitation of an offer to buy, or sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Cadiz Inc.

Founded in 1983, Cadiz Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI) is a California water solutions company dedicated to providing access to clean, reliable and affordable water for people through a variety of innovative water supply, storage, conveyance and treatment projects. For more information, please visit www.cadizinc.com.

About Heerema IGS

The Heerema companies deliver solutions and create sustainable value on projects within the offshore energy industry. Heerema manages the entire supply chain of marine project execution, offering solutions that include design and front-end engineering, planning, logistics, project management, and the execution of sustainable projects worldwide. Heerema owns and operates three of the world’s five heavy lift sea vessels, which are equipped with zero-emissions technologies. Heerema is on a mission to make the impossible possible offshore as the leading renewable energy marine contractor. Since 2020, Heerema has been recognized as Carbon Neutral. To learn more about Heerema, please visit: https://www.heerema.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “anticipates,” “expect,” “may ,” “plan” or “will”. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections, predictions, expectations, or beliefs about future events or results and are not statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the terms and conditions and timing of the Offering, the entry into the Amendment, the extension of the maturity of the remaining debt, and the intended use of proceeds. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that the Offering cannot be successfully completed, that the Amendment is not successfully completed on the anticipated terms, or at all, our ability to maximize value from our land and water resources and our ability to obtain new financings as needed to meet our ongoing working capital needs. These and other risks are identified in our filings with the SEC, including without limitation our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in other filings subsequently made by the Company with the Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Cadiz Inc.

18th Street Arts Center Launches Innovative Statewide Arts Project to Advance the Well-being of California Communities

January 31, 2023

Organization will hire artists in select communities to stage year-long projects pulling neighbors together to shape the future, address challenges and opportunities, and inform public policy.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — 18th Street Arts Center (18SAC) has been awarded $3.3 million by the California Arts Council as one of 14 administering agencies for its California Creative Corps (CCC) program. The 35 year-old Santa Monica organization is one of only three agencies chosen to conduct CCC projects statewide.

The project design leverages the organization’s decades-long experience in activating place-based arts and cultural strategies as exemplified in its Culture Mapping 90404 project, which documented the rich history and culture assets of the 90404 ZIP code in Santa Monica.

With 90404, 18SAC commissioned artists to create work informed by the culture map; resulting in performances, exhibitions, murals and public art, a film, walking tours and a local artisan collective. The iconic neighborhood project demonstrates how applying place-based arts practices drive community cohesion and inform public policy.

“Our experience in empowering artists to do creative civic engagement work in the communities in which they live is that they have a unique ability to create trust among neighbors—a sense of belonging where people become oriented toward the common good. It’s hard for government agencies to achieve the same results,” said Jan Williamson, 18th Street Arts Center Executive Director.

18th Street Arts Center California Creative Corps Project is now calling for applications from California artists and culture bearers interested in developing meaningful arts and culture projects in communities located within Quartile 1 ZIP codes of the California Healthy Places Index (HPI).

Forty artists from across the state will be selected for further project refinement and will receive professional coaching to compose their full project concept and budget, along with a $1,000 stipend. Eighteen projects will be selected for support and funding.

Each of the final eighteen artists will receive a year-long salary of $65,000, medical and dental insurance, the option to join 18th Street Art Center’s SIMPLE IRA plan with employer match and production costs for their community art project from July 2023 – July 2024.

In addition to fostering community well-being, the selected artists will generate knowledge and media assets to contribute to a statewide California Culture Map. The culture map generated by 18th Street Arts Center California Creative Corps will provide the context to inform public policy and accelerate solutions to community needs. 18th Street Arts Center believes culture mapping is essential infrastructure for successful collaboration between arts and culture producers and community leaders seeking to foster well-being.

Artists interested in further details and applying should visit: 18thstreet.org/californiacreativecorps.

About 18th Street Arts Center

18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica, CA has been fueling the impact of artists on society since 1988. Conceived as a radical think tank in the shape of an artist community, we are a globally recognized catalyst for deploying artistic imagination to meet society’s needs. We curate projects where artists and the public directly engage in creating experiences and partnerships that foster positive social change. 18thstreet.org

About California Creative Corps

California Creative Corps is a pilot program funded by the California Arts Council as an engagement campaign designed to increase public awareness about issues of public health, water and energy conservation, civic engagement, social justice, and more. https://arts.ca.gov

SOURCE 18th Street Arts Center

Mazda Debuts First-Ever 2024 Mazda CX-90

January 31, 2023

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. (PRNewsFoto/Mazda North American Operations)

Three-row SUV Rides on All-New Performance-Oriented Platform, Offers New Electrified Powertrains

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations today introduced the first-ever 2024 Mazda CX-90. Built on Mazda’s all-new large platform, the three-row crossover represents the company’s new flagship vehicle with wider, longer, and more aggressive proportions that perfectly blend its high-performance appearance with world-class refinement. Mazda CX-90 is available with all-new electrified powertrains, including an inline 6 turbo and a plug-in hybrid, that offer drivers enhanced performance and efficiency.

“At Mazda, our focus is to deliver an ownership experience that enriches the lives of our customers. With each new vehicle launch, we challenge ourselves to progress through our human-centric approach of design and engineering,” said Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. “CX-90 offers powerful and responsive performance, alluring design, and intuitive technology. We’re very proud of our team’s work on CX-90, which we know is a breakthrough vehicle in its segment.”

As with all Mazda vehicles, CX-90 is designed with the driver in mind. With seating for up to eight passengers, CX-90 can accommodate families and friends in all three rows. Cabin space, cargo capacity, safety features, and many amenities are optimized for their needs.

POWERFUL, RESPONSIVE PERFORMANCE
CX-90 is built on an all-new large platform that features a front-engine, rear-wheel-bias longitudinal layout to elevate Mazda’s signature driving performance. CX-90 is equipped with Kinematic Posture Control, which first debuted on the MX-5 Miata, a software feature that suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and allows all occupants to maintain a natural posture. Focus was put toward optimizing rigidity across the entire vehicle body, while meticulously designing the seats and suspension to provide better balance, control, and confidence in a range of driving situations. With these thoughtful developments, along with standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, drivers can enjoy the full potential of the available high-output powertrains.

CX-90 is available with an all-new e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo engine, which has the highest horsepower and torque from a mass production gasoline engine developed by Mazda, with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended premium fuel. This engine also is equipped with M-Hybrid Boost (a mild-hybrid system) to provide efficiency without compromising on its remarkable performance. The electric motor is placed between the engine and transmission, creating a smooth acceleration from a standstill, and allowing the motor to directly power CX-90 at low speed. This engaging powertrain provides the CX-90 with an upscale feeling, a smooth-driving experience, engaging sound, and efficiency.

The new e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain, tuned specifically for the North American market, exhibits responsiveness and acceleration that aligns to driver expectations. An impressive 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, when using the recommended premium fuel, provide customers with the best of both worlds in terms of performance and efficiency. The PHEV is designed to operate purely on the electric motor in a variety of driving scenarios. To provide owners with flexibility and peace of mind, Mazda’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with a tuned intake to improve torque, has been adapted to work alongside the electric motor and 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery. This is helpful for longer drives like road trips, or when the driver requires maximum acceleration, such as merging onto the freeway.

All CX-90 powertrains are paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the electrified longitudinal powertrains and large platform vehicles. The multi-speed automatic gearbox, without a torque converter, achieves smooth and direct acceleration while improving drivetrain efficiency.

DIGNIFIED DESIGN
CX-90 features thoughtful proportions that perfectly blend its high-performance appearance with world-class refinement, while providing a well-crafted interior with increased cabin space for families and ample cargo space to accommodate needs for any lifestyle.

The large platform allows for a wider body and fenders and longer wheelbase, accentuating CX-90’s strong stance and further emphasizes its sense of performance. The body is designed to be sleek with crafted curves that give the CX-90 ever-changing expressions created by the reflections of lights and shadows. Available chrome garnishes on the lower bumpers emphasizes its width and timeless styling, while new, available 21-inch diamond-cut wheels featuring a black metallic finish complement CX-90’s powerful presence.

Also being introduced with CX-90 is Mazda’s latest Takuminuri color, Artisan Red. This available paint option has been developed specifically to suit the CX-90 and provides a sophisticated, yet deeply saturated color to the vehicle’s blend of performance and refinement.

CX-90’s dignified design continues into the cabin with an interior that gives an expansive impression from the dashboard through the positioning of the vents and chrome trim extending to the doors for a modern, linear appearance. Inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, a luxurious and comfortable feel is experienced in all three rows. From the front seats to the available captain’s chairs, and into the third row, there are multiple materials, such as Nappa leather, wood, and tone-on-tone fabrics that all come together harmoniously.

One example is the distinctive fabric on the dash connected using hanging stitches, which is specifically inspired by hand-bookbinding and an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as Kumihimo. This method deliberately uses negative space to create a unique design for CX-90 that echoes to its Japanese lineage.

INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY
Complementing the refined interior, the CX-90 includes many new, advanced technologies and amenities that elevate the driving experience, while also providing premium comfort and convenience for all occupants. This includes available third-row USB-C charging ports, air conditioning vents, and upgraded interior lighting, among many more features.

As with all Mazda vehicles, CX-90 seeks to maintain the same top safety recognition as Mazda’s other products with many standard i-Activsense safety features, such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, and other new features that will help enhance the confident experience for all occupants.

CX-90 also features larger displays, accompanied by physical buttons that complement the interior styling. New Mazda technologies, such as an available See-Through View monitor, are meant to assist in a variety of parking situations through the 12.3″ center display. These thoughtful conveniences provide the driver a seamless experience with the technology and comfort CX-90 offers, while helping the driver feel in control of the vehicle.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy Partners with DKSC Soccer Club to Offer Discounted Recovery Services to Over 2,000 Area Soccer Players

January 31, 2023

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy is excited to announce a new partnership with DKSC, one of DFW’s fastest growing premier soccer clubs. As part of this partnership, all DKSC’s soccer players will receive significant discounts that will cover most of their recovery expenses at the facility.

“We are thrilled to partner with DKSC to offer their players discounted access to our cutting-edge recovery modalities,” said Dr. Ismael Gonzalez, of Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy. “We believe it is our duty to make these recovery modalities as accessible to young athletes as possible. These services will help the players recover faster and reduce their risk of injury on the field.”

The partnership will provide DKSC’s more than 2,000 players with access to state-of-the-art recovery technologies that are designed to help athletes recover from injuries, prevent future injuries, and improve overall performance.

“We are ecstatic to partner with Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy to continue to make a difference in our players soccer experience,” said Juan Martinez, President & Executive Director of DKSC. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our goal to ‘Build A Different Type Of Player’ both on the field and off and is a testament to our commitment to innovation and improving player wellbeing.”

Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy is dedicated to helping athletes achieve their full potential by providing value-based access to innovative recovery technologies. The partnership with DKSC is just one example of the company’s commitment to helping athletes reach their goals.

For more information about Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy, visit their website at www.recoverwithpurpose.com. To learn more about DKSC and their soccer programs, visit their website at www.dksclub.com.

About:

Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy

Located in Plano, TX along the Dallas North Tollway, Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy has redefined the standard of sports medicine and physical therapy. PMST is known as the premier comprehensive care facility for professional athletes and weekend warriors alike. Embodying a value-based multidisciplinary approach, our 15,000sqft facility encompasses everything needed to recover and perform at the highest level. Our services include physical therapy, primary care, sports chiropractic, strength and performance training, cryotherapy, massage therapy, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, pain management and much more.

DKSC

DKSC is a not-for-profit club that aims to provide young athletes with the opportunity to learn and improve their soccer skills at a low cost, regardless of their economic circumstances. The club is run by passionate individuals who focus on teaching the love of the game, player-centered and collaborative coaching methods, and building resilient and good-character players. The club emphasizes the importance of teaching life skills through soccer and is focused on “making a difference” in the lives of its players. The club’s culture is one of a family, and members are encouraged to express their pride in being a part of the club.

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SOURCE Performance Medicine and Sports Therapy

Habitat for Humanity International announces a $1 million plus donation from the Alvarez & Marsal Foundation to support long-term disaster recovery efforts

January 31, 2023

Donation will fund repair and new construction projects in communities in South Florida and Puerto Rico

ATLANTA, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Habitat for Humanity International announced today that it has received a $1 million plus donation from the Alvarez & Marsal Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M). The donation will help address long-term housing-related needs of low-income households affected by natural disasters in South Florida and Puerto Rico.

Over the next two years, the donation will fund 20 home repair projects, two new home construction projects, serving approximately 88 people in Englewood, Fla., San Juan and Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Tony Alvarez II, co-founder of Alvarez & Marsal, said, “We are delighted to join forces with Habitat for Humanity International and further the organization’s initiatives in San Juan and Ponce, Puerto Rico and the town of Englewood in South Florida. A&M shares Habitat’s commitment to supporting communities affected by disaster and offering help to those who live within them and hope in their darkest moments. We are honored to support Habitat’s efforts to ensure the residents of San Juan, Ponce and Englewood can rebuild their homes and their lives.”

Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico continues to respond to destruction caused by Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, both of which caused deadly flooding and widespread devastation, and left millions of people in vulnerable situations. Within the municipalities of San Juan and Ponce, a large number of homes sustained significant damage from Hurricanes Maria and Fiona.

At least 40 percent of households within San Juan live below the poverty line, and 51 percent of households in Ponce. Many homes are self-built and not able to withstand the impact of a natural disaster. Habitat Puerto Rico will use the funding from the Alvarez & Marsal Foundation to help hurricane-affected families in San Juan and Ponce secure long-lasting, permanent housing and continue its hurricane response and recovery efforts.

Even before the devastation brought by the 2022 hurricanes, lower-income communities in South Florida were already experiencing a housing crisis. In Englewood, many families who were reeling from the destruction of Hurricane Ian experienced additional damage to their homes a month later from Hurricane Nicole.

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity has been working in the Englewood community since 1987 and has helped more than 529 families achieve homeownership. With this funding, Charlotte County Habitat will have the capacity to repair and rebuild homes in the Englewood community.

“We are thankful to the Alvarez & Marsal Foundation for their commitment to families in Puerto Rico and South Florida who continue to face housing challenges,” said Adrienne Goolsby, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president, United States and Canada. “When disaster strikes, it often leaves families in the most vulnerable and most unimaginable situations. The funding from the Alvarez & Marsal Foundation will bolster our efforts in long-term disaster response and recovery and enable us to better address disaster-related housing and shelter needs. We are proud to partner with the Alvarez & Marsal Foundation and look forward to creating solutions that will ensure homes and communities are built back stronger than before.”

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in south Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

About Alvarez and Marsal

Companies, investors and government entities around the world turn to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) for leadership, action and results. Privately held since its founding in 1983, A&M is a leading global professional services firm that provides advisory, business performance improvement and turnaround management services. When conventional approaches are not enough to create transformation and drive change, clients seek our deep expertise and ability to deliver practical solutions to their unique problems.

With over 7,000 people across five continents, we deliver tangible results for corporates, boards, private equity firms, law firms and government agencies facing complex challenges. Our senior leaders, and their teams, leverage A&M’s restructuring heritage to help companies act decisively, catapult growth and accelerate results. We are experienced operators, world-class consultants, former regulators and industry authorities with a shared commitment to telling clients what’s really needed for turning change into a strategic business asset, managing risk and unlocking value at every stage of growth.

To learn more, visit: AlvarezandMarsal.com. Follow A&M on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

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SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International

Prescryptive Health Announces New Language Capabilities to Increase Patient Accessibility

January 31, 2023

The company’s prescription shopping and management experience, myPrescryptive, is now available in Spanish, making it easier for more patients to understand and manage their healthcare.

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Prescryptive Health, a healthcare technology company on a mission to rewrite the script for the U.S. pharmaceutical market, today announced new Spanish language access on their mobile-first patient solution, myPrescryptive. Built on blockchain, myPrescryptive gives healthcare consumers ownership of their prescription, delivering pricing options and financial assistance information, pharmacy services like testing and vaccinations, and pharmacy benefit plan information to patients while at their doctor’s office, all from their mobile phone.

According to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report, nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home. “Language barriers can lead to miscommunication between a patient and their healthcare team, affecting quality of care, patient safety, and positive outcomes,” said Scott Lee, Prescryptive Health’s Principal Product Manager. “By providing language options in our mobile solutions, our goal is to help make healthcare work for everyone.”

The enhancement is part of Prescryptive’s multi-language strategy to provide broader access to their mobile healthcare solutions, including services at local pharmacies, helping improve health outcomes for millions of people. The company is targeting to support more languages spoken in the U.S. by the end of the year, with Vietnamese and Chinese scheduled next.

The enhancement applies to all features in myPrescryptive and offers more patients the opportunity to search for their medications, find the best price, and choose a preferred pharmacy in the language they’re most familiar with. Language capabilities include auto-detection of language preference, ability to store language preference to a user’s profile, and the option to change language preference.

About Prescryptive Health
Prescryptive Health is a healthcare technology company delivering solutions that empower consumers. Prescryptive’s secure, mobile-first products connect consumers, pharmacists, and employers, ultimately providing people with the information they need to make informed decisions and take control of their health. To learn more about Prescryptive Health, visit www.prescryptive.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

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SOURCE Prescryptive Health

Blue Shield of California Launches Virtual Blue Benefit Plan Incorporating Primary, Mental Health, and Specialty Care

January 30, 2023

The nonprofit health plan teams up with Accolade and TeleMed2U to connect members to virtual and in-person care through a new, virtual-first plan.

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California today unveiled its Virtual Blue health benefits plan offering members easy-to-access, comprehensive care through a team of “virtual-first” primary, behavioral, and specialist healthcare professionals.

In addition to virtual care, members can access Blue Shield of California’s statewide preferred provider organization (PPO) network for in-person care, plus national BlueCard and global GeoBlue coverage when care is needed outside of California. The plan, effective April 1, 2023, is now available to be selected by Blue Shield’s employer customers as a benefits offering for employees.

A dedicated care team, right at members’ fingertips
Key features of Virtual Blue include $0 out-of-pocket cost (no copay, nor deductible charges) for the following virtual care services:

Primary care, including pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine
Specialty care that includes 20 specialties
Integrated mental health care for members ages 4 and older, including access to psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), and marriage and family therapists (MFT)
24/7 urgent care

The benefit plan offers simple online booking for virtual appointments. Copays and deductibles will apply when using an in-person provider or a virtual provider outside of Virtual Blue’s platform.

“This is health care the way it should be – integrated and accessible care that puts the member and their health at the center,” said Tim Lieb, senior vice president at Blue Shield of California. “The access to behavioral health services is especially important as our members cope and overcome the impact of the pandemic on their own lives. As a mission-driven nonprofit health plan, Blue Shield is committed to creating a healthcare system worthy of our family and friends that’s sustainably affordable, and Virtual Blue is the latest example of that.”

Accessible, integrated care experience that emphasizes doctor-patient relationships to support whole-person care
In Accolade’s Advanced Primary Care model, physicians work with a team of certified health coaches, care coordinators, and nurses who help members pursue health and wellness goals, manage chronic conditions and coordinate specialty and in-person care.

Virtual Blue members can choose an Accolade primary care physician based on criteria such as gender, race, years of experience, and language. All virtual care, including mental health and specialty care, is available on a single platform. Accolade’s virtual primary care physicians have achieved a 90% patient satisfaction score. They are 62% female and nearly 40% Black, Indigenous, or people of color. All physicians are board certified in a primary care specialty, and members can choose physicians with experience in providing support to LGBTQIA+ individuals.

“We believe that health care should be available to everyone and that primary care and mental health services are critical to making health care work for people,” said Rajeev Singh, Accolade CEO. “We are excited to collaborate with Blue Shield of California on this virtual-first plan designed to make care available in new and innovative ways. Together, we aim to deliver better access, improved health outcomes, and personalized experiences for members.”

Virtual Blue also offers 20 types of virtual specialists through California-based TeleMed2U.

Members preferring in-person provider visits can still access Blue Shield’s Tandem PPO Network of nearly 40,000 physicians across California. While virtual care accessed through the Virtual Blue platform comes at no out-of-pocket cost to the member, copay and deductible costs will apply for in-person care and virtual care outside of the platform.

To learn more about Virtual Blue, go to https://www.blueshieldca.com/virtualblue. Commercial groups interested in offering Virtual Blue for employees can visit the product web page: https://group.blueshieldca.com/coverage-solutions/virtual-blue/.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax-paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 4.7 million members, 7,800 employees, and $22.9 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed $120 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

About Accolade
Accolade (Nasdaq: ACCD) provides millions of people and their families with an exceptional healthcare experience that is personal, data driven, and value-based to help every person live their healthiest life. Accolade solutions combine virtual primary care, mental health support, and expert medical opinion services with intelligent technology and best-in-class care navigation. Accolade’s Personalized Healthcare approach puts humanity back in healthcare by building relationships that connect people and their families to the right care at the right time to improve outcomes, lower costs and deliver consumer satisfaction. Accolade consistently receives consumer satisfaction ratings of over 90%. For more information, visit accolade.com.

About TeleMed2U
TeleMed2U is revolutionizing the way patients access specialty care, providing real-time access to over 275+ specialist care providers across 20 Specialties. TeleMed2U’s clinical team of experts, with decades of experience, are passionate about combining technology and quality care to offer the best experience for the patients. With end-to-end patient care, TeleMed2U ensures high continuity of care for recurring patients by providing access to a single, sustained, patient care team. TeleMed2U has developed a transformational multispecialty patient care platform that serves businesses, PCPs, payor networks, health systems, and employer groups, making an array of specialties including behavioral health, endocrinology, infectious diseases and many more readily available to the patient. TeleMed2U is dedicated to providing quality and affordable care, visit telemed2u.com to learn more.

CONTACT:	Ashleigh Norris
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Archipelago named ‘Tourism Company of 2022’ at the 18th Excelencias Awards Ceremony at FITUR 2023

January 30, 2023

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Archipelago International, Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned and independent hotel management group, was today presented with the prestigious Caribbean News Digital: Tourism Company of 2022 award at the 18^th Edition of the Excelencias Awards, which were hosted at the FITUR International Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain.

The Excelencias Awards were created 18 years ago by the Excelencias Group, a Spanish Company specializing in communications in Ibero-America. The awards promote excellence in different fields related to tourism, gastronomy and culture in Ibero-America and have become a benchmark in these sectors.

The Tourism Company of 2022 Award recognizes the expansion of Archipelago’s ASTON Hotels brand into the Caribbean in recent years and its contribution to the growth of the tourism sector in that region.

Receiving the award on behalf of Archipelago, its Managing Director, Gerard Byrne stated “I am honored to receive this award on behalf of our Group. It recognizes the hard work and dedication of our Americas and Indonesian corporate teams, who, under extraordinary circumstances over the last two years, have opened and are operating hotels in the region which deliver our ethos of world-renowned Asian service standards, operational excellence and unique F&B experiences. This award inspires us to continue to both invest in our regional growth strategy and promote the Caribbean and Latin America to our global network of customers and partners”.

About Archipelago:

Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group, operating more than 200 hotels, with a further 150 hotels under development across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. A trusted hotel company with a long track record and more than 40,000 rooms operating or under development in over 70 destinations with award winning brands including ASTON, Collection by ASTON, Alana, Huxley, Kamuela, Harper, Quest, Neo, fave, Nordic and Powered by Archipelago.

Media Enquiries:
Sari Kusumaningrum
Director of Corporate Communications & PR
Archipelago International
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1987874/Excelencias_Awards_2022_Photo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1765607/ARCHIPELAGO_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Archipelago International

(Español) La FDA propone una evaluación de riesgos individual para las donaciones de sangre, mientras continúa salvaguardando el suministro de sangre de los Estados Unidos

January 27, 2023

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) logo

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Neuroscientist McBain appointed director of intramural research at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

January 27, 2023

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Christopher McBain, Ph.D., has been appointed scientific director and director of the Division of Intramural Research at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. McBain has been acting scientific director of the NICHD Division of Intramural Research since June 2021. In that capacity, he directed and managed the activities and operations of the division, overseeing a budget of $200 million and more than 1,000 staff members who carry out its basic and clinical research mission. He established a new position within the division, associate scientific director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to oversee hiring practices and determine the most effective strategies to reach a broad spectrum of candidates.

“Dr. McBain is an internationally renowned research scientist and an accomplished leader,” said Diana W. Bianchi, M.D., NICHD Director. “He has contributed to our understanding of synaptic transmission, developed and led highly competitive and innovative programs, fostered numerous interdisciplinary collaborations, trained several scientists, and implemented novel scientific infrastructure.”

Dr. McBain earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and master’s and doctoral degrees from Wolfson College at Cambridge University in England. He joined NICHD in 1993 as an investigator in the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, conducting electrophysiological analysis of excitability and synaptic circuitry. He was appointed chief of the newly established Laboratory of Cellular and Synaptic Neurobiology in 2001 and then chief of the Program in Developmental Neurobiology in 2007.

Dr. McBain’s efforts will play a major role in planning research to meet a key objective of the NICHD Strategic plan: to better understand the early neurodevelopmental trajectories associated with health and disease. He plays a significant role in the local neuroscience community, performing reviewing duties for many granting agencies in the United States and abroad. He is also a frequent reviewer and has served as an editor for major neuroscience journals.

About the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): NICHD leads research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all. For more information, visit https://www.nichd.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit https://www.nih.gov.

SOURCE Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Institutes of Health (NIH)

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