Podium Finish for Acura at Sebring

March 22, 2021

Driving their Acura ARX-05 prototype, the Meyer Shank Racing trio of Dane Cameron, Filipe Albuquerque and Juan Pablo Montoya finished third in this weekend's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring sport car race.

SEBRING, Fla., March 21, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In a typically fraught and hard-fought Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, it was the Meyer Shank Racing trio of Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla and Juan Pablo Montoya leading the way for Acura at Sebring International Raceway, finishing third in their AutoNation/SiriusXM Acura ARX-05.

Today’s race was marked by multiple incidents and a trio of heavy crashes, but all without serious driver injury. When the green flag waved for the final restart with just under 30 minutes remaining, Cameron powered his Acura past the similar ARX-05 of Wayne Taylor Racing to claim third place and the first podium result for Meyer Shank Racing since the team returned to prototype competition after back-to-back GTD championships for Acura in 2019-20.

Earlier in the day, Wayne Taylor Racing appeared to be in contention for a second consecutive 2021 victory, but the season-opening Rolex 24 race winners Sebring hopes were dashed – four hours into the 12-hour contest – by contact with a GTD car, resulting in damage and a loss of coolant in the right-side intercooler of the ARX-05. The driver lineup of Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor and Alexander Rossi persevered despite the resulting loss of power, and their fourth place finish keeps them in the thick of the DPi championship battle.

Acura NSX GT3 Evo
In the production-based GTD division, the Magnus with Archangel’s NSX GT3 Evo driven by Andy Lally, John Potter and Spencer Pumpelly had a steady run through the first seven hours, then picked up pace as the circuit cooled in the later afternoon and into the night, beginning a long battle with the Porsche of Team Hardpoint-EBM for a possible podium result. In the final minutes, while fighting for third place, Katherine Legge in the Porsche made contact with Lally’s Acura, sending the NSX briefly off track and resulting in a fourth-place finish. Legge would finish fifth after being penalized for the contact.

Acura Rolex 24 Results

3^rd overall – #60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
Drivers Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla, Juan Pablo Montoya
4^th overall – #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
Drivers Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, Alexander Rossi
4^th GTD – Magnus with Archangel Acura NSX GT3 Evo
Drivers Andy Lally, John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly

DPi Manufacturers’ Championship (unofficial, after 2 of 10 rounds)

Cadillac 740
Acura 712
Mazda 682

Acura Rolex 24 Fast Facts

Acura Motorsports and its performance arm, Honda Performance Development, have recorded a total of eight victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring, including three class wins for Acura, four LMP2 class wins under the HPD umbrella, and an overall win in 2016.
Tonight’s third-place result was the second consecutive podium finish for Acura at Sebring. Acura and drivers Taylor and Helio Castroneves secured the 2021 IMSA DPi championship here last November when, due to schedule changes as a result of the COVID pandemic, the Twelve Hours of Sebring served as the season finale.
Acura first entered IMSA competition in 1991, shortly after the company’s founding in 1986, and the 1991 Daytona race was the first major event for the company. Comptech Racing and drivers Parker Johnstone, Steve Cameron [uncle of current Acura racer Dane Cameron] and Bob Lesnett, driving a Spice Acura SE90P, claimed the victory that year in a class that compares to today’s LMP2 division.

Quotes
Dane Cameron (#60 Meyer Shank Racing ARX-05) finished 3^rd with co-drivers Olivier Pla and Juan Pablo Montoya: “There always seems to be a final lap ‘shootout’ under the lights at Sebring, and tonight was no exception. I had a good final restart and made up a position. But we were just a little bit off on the balance all race, and in the end didn’t have quite enough [for the victory]. We were kind of hanging on, so I think we got the most out of what we had in terms of pace, and the team did a really good job all day, really good strategy and quick pit stops throughout so, we made some good strides and it’s nice to get a podium here for Acura and Meyer Shank Racing in their return to prototypes.”

Ricky Taylor (#10 Konica Minolta Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05) finished fourth with co-drivers Filipe Albuquerque and Alexander Rossi: “It was really looking like a good day until the damage we had [following contact with a GTD car]. I think the whole Konica Minolta Wayne Taylor Racing team did a really nice job preparing the car with the end of the race in mind. Man, the car was handling so well at the end, it’s just a shame with the damage we sustained, we were fighting without a full-powered Acura after [the contact]. The bright side is we took away some decent [championship] points [for finishing fourth], and a lot of our main rivals were behind us. On that note, we can go back to Mid-Ohio, for Acura’s home-town race and try and go four-for-four for Acura.” [Acura teams and drivers have won the last three Acura Sports Car Challenge events at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.]

John Potter (#44 Magnus with Archangel Acura NSX GT3 Evo) finished 4^th in GTD with co-drivers Andy Lally and Spencer Pumpelly: “You know, we’re feeling great! We came here knowing that this track hasn’t always been favorable for the Acura NSX GT3, so we’re really excited to show the consistency this car has, to bring home a fourth-place finish, and survive all the carnage that claimed a lot of our competitors today. We were expecting just a ‘points-paying’ finish, but we got some really good championship points, so we’re really happy.”

David Salters (President, Honda Performance Development) on today’s race at Sebring: “I guess it’s a good thing to be disappointed with third- and fourth-place results. But the competition at this level is so tight, that you have to have a perfect day to win. It was an exciting race at the end for the fans, and we’re pleased to see Acura take another podium in DPi here, and contest for a podium in GTD. It was a tricky race, in constantly changing conditions that presented a variety of challenges for our teams. Our teams and drivers gave it their all, as always, and even though we had some problems with contact in both classes, delivered the best possible results on the day.”

Next
After starting the 2021 season with a pair of endurance contests in Florida, the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship now takes an eight-week break before resuming with the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio, May 14-16 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Acura Motorsports Social media content and video links from this weekend’s Twelve Hours of Sebring are available on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd), Twitter (www.twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD). Additional features and long-form videos can be found on the Honda Racing/HPD YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV).

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SOURCE Acura Motorsports

(Español) #PrepararsePrevenirProtegerse: la CPSC conmemora la Semana Nacional de Prevención de Envenenamientos del 21 al 27 de marzo de 2021

March 22, 2021

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http://www.saferproducts.gov. Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov. (PRNewsfoto/U.S. Consumer Product Safety Co)

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

New Smokey Bear PSAs Urge Responsibility as People Spend More Time Outside

March 22, 2021

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ahead of spring outdoor recreation season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council today announced a new public service advertisement (PSA) from Smokey Bear’s Wildfire Prevention campaign encouraging Americans to explore nature responsibly by taking steps to prevent wildfires.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8867151-ad-council-smokey-bear-wildfire-prevention-psa/

“Smokey Bear continues his mission in this campaign to remind people to act responsibly where we live, work and play to prevent unwanted human caused wildfires,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “We are proud to partner with the Ad Council and the National Association of State Foresters on this critical campaign.”

Created pro bono by FCB, the new Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention PSA reiterates Smokey Bear’s iconic message that “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.” Actress Isabella Gomez is lending her voice to Smokey through the use of animated emoji technology, joining previous stars such as Stephen Colbert, Al Roker, Jeff Foxworthy and Betty White. Isabella’s spot reminds listeners that dumping hot barbeque coals or ashes on the ground can start wildfires – an especially relevant tip as Americans look to fire up their grills ahead of summer.

In addition to the video creative, the campaign has also created outdoor work featuring Smokey’s animated emoji across a variety of US regions – including the Southeast and the West.

“This platform is ever evolving. And at a time when people are more eager than ever to take to the outdoors, it’s important to lend the bear’s voice to prominent talent that will help it resonate,” said FCB New York’s Co-Chief Creative Officer Gabriel Schmitt. “It’s our job to make sure everyone hears it.”

“Time outdoors has never felt more valuable than it does right now,” said Michelle Hillman, Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer. “We know people can’t wait to get outside as weather warms up, and this new work harnesses our previously successful animated emoji technology to remind Americans to explore the outdoors safely.”

This new creative is an extension of the USDA Forest Service, National Association of State Foresters and Ad Council’s ongoing partnership to address wildfire prevention and protecting our nation’s public lands. It is the first of several Wildfire Prevention initiatives to launch this year; and will be followed up with a Be Outdoor Safe push before Memorial Day and the release of a full suite of new creative assets. To learn more about what you can do to prevent wildfires, visit www.SmokeyBear.com.

“Smokey’s image is recognized by eight out of ten¹ Americans, and his work to prevent wildfires is far from over. Smokey Bear needs your help,” said Joe Fox, NASF president and Arkansas state forester. “This summer in particular, given all the limitations the pandemic has put on our emergency responders, please do your part to help ensure our nation’s most treasured landscapes—and the people and wildlife who call them home—are safe from wildfire.”

PSAs will run nationwide in time and space donated by the media, per the Ad Council’s model.

For tips on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit SmokeyBear.com and follow Smokey Bear on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology and marketing to address many of the nation’s most important causes. The Ad Council has created many of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels.

The Ad Council’s innovative social good campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org, follow the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook and Twitter and view the creative on YouTube.

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service
The Forest Service is the agency responsible for overseeing the use of Smokey Bear in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council. The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands for the American Public. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

National Association of State Foresters
On behalf of the nation’s 59 state and territorial foresters, NASF influences forest policy and leads efforts to optimize the social, economic, and environmental benefits of forests and trees. State foresters, and the forestry agencies they lead, are committed to the continued delivery of Smokey Bear’s message of personal responsibility and fire safety. Learn more at www.stateforesters.org.

¹ Ad Council online tracking survey of U.S. outdoor recreationists, age 18+ , conducted by Ipsos; Data collected from January-February 2021, n=615

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SOURCE The Ad Council

Madlib and KAYTRANADA Take Lexus IS Wax Edition for the Ultimate Spin

March 22, 2021

Lexus and Pitchfork brought together legendary DJ and producer MC Madlib and chart-topping artist and producer KAYTRANADA for the first time to create a brand-new double-single on vinyl and debut it in the Lexus IS Wax Edition, giving a whole new meaning to “taking it for a spin.”

PLANO, Texas, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Lexus IS Wax Edition hits all the right notes. The custom concept vehicle, a modified 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan, has a fully functional turntable built into the dashboard capable of playing vinyl records while the car is in motion without missing a beat – even on a bumpy road. To celebrate this innovation, Lexus and Pitchfork brought together legendary DJ and producer MC Madlib and chart-topping artist and producer KAYTRANADA for the first time to create a brand-new double-single on vinyl and debut it in the Lexus IS Wax Edition, giving a whole new meaning to “taking it for a spin.”

This impressive fusion of music and cars was captured in a two-episode documentary series, “Driven by Sound,” created in partnership with Pitchfork. Episode One offers a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process of Madlib and KAYTRANADA. Episode Two documents the creation of the in-dash turntable and reveals the Lexus IS Wax Edition. It features music from the highly anticipated release of the artists’ joint double-single. Vinyl Me, Please (VMP), a monthly record subscription club that curates and creates vinyl packages, will distribute the exclusive 7″ vinyl to select members as part of their subscription.

“When I make music, I usually do it in headphones, so I hear everything clear,” said Madlib. “And I take it to the car, test it out. Every time. That’s the big test. To have the turntable in a Lexus? That’s beyond.”

“When Lexus said they wanted to build this car, I didn’t think it was possible,” added KAYTRANADA. “It was amazing to see and hear vinyl playing while cruising in a car.”

With vinyl listening once again on the rise and the Lexus IS attracting drivers with a passion for authenticity and amazing experiences, creating an in-car turntable that works flawlessly with the vehicle in motion was a challenge worth pursuing. To bring the concept car to life, Lexus commissioned SCPS, a world-renowned creative technology and custom fabrication studio based in Los Angeles. For over a decade, SCPS has been behind the marketing innovations of consumer brands and Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

The record player, created with a 3D printer and modified with carbon fiber and machined aluminum, fits snuggly into the vehicle’s glovebox and is large enough to play a full-size 12-inch record. Once the needle hits the grooves, a rotating motor helps stabilize the turntable to avoid skipping while the vehicle is in motion. The enhanced suspension system of the Lexus IS and fine-tuned handling provide a smooth and stable ride, which are critical for the needle of a record player. The Lexus IS Wax Edition offers an ideal environment for appreciating the warmth and depth that vinyl records give to recorded music. The modified vehicle, designed to celebrate the launch of the 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan, will not be for sale but will be on display at future Lexus events.

“Like audiophiles who go ‘all in’ to create the purest listening experiences, we went ‘all in’ to design the new 2021 Lexus IS as the purest expression of a sports sedan,” said Vinay Shahani, vice president of Lexus marketing. “The Lexus IS Wax Edition exemplifies the ultimate union of our respective passions, bringing together vinyl and cars in a fresh new way.”

Featuring the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, the new 2021 Lexus IS boasts one of the best sound-listening spaces for music lovers. Its 17 speakers and new amplifier offer 1,800 watts of power for a 7.1 surround sound listening experience.

For more information on the new IS, visit https://www.lexus.com/models/IS.

About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its guests. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 243 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

www.facebook.com/lexus
www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/lexusvehicles
www.instagram.com/lexususa
https://www.pinterest.com/lexususa

Note to Editors: Lexus product information and images are available online via our news media website http://LexusNewsroom.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kat Kirsch	Jesse Zand
973-800-8038	310-883-5602
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SOURCE Lexus

Hamilton Reserve Bank, Formerly Nevis International Bank & Trust, Completes Rebranding as A Leading Bank in the Hometown of Alexander Hamilton

March 22, 2021

NEW YORK and ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HAMILTON RESERVE BANK (www.hrbank.com), formerly Nevis International Bank & Trust, announces the completion of the Bank’s rebranding as the leading hometown bank of Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father of America. Hamilton Reserve Bank combines powerful modern banking services with the legacy of Alexander Hamilton.

Hamilton Reserve Bank is the largest global bank in the region with worldwide offices and customers. The Bank’s rebranding reflects its global presence, “fortress” balance sheet, and rapidly expanding customer base from more than 150 countries. The Bank’s operations, compliance, control, and SWIFT code NIBTKNNE remain the same.

Hamilton Reserve Bank offers white glove banking solutions in 10 different currencies to a worldwide clientele of large institutions, individuals, businesses, and ultra-high-net-worth family offices seeking reliable, holistic, and efficient international banking and investment solutions. Certified annually by Grant Thornton, the Bank’s auditor, Hamilton Reserve Bank maintains a pristine regulatory history and is committed to a best practices approach in all aspects of its business.

About HAMILTON RESERVE BANK

HAMILTON RESERVE BANK (www.hrbank.com) is a fully regulated global bank (SWIFT: NIBTKNNE) with a deep British heritage. Powered by advanced modern banking technology, the Bank offers personal banking, business banking, and investment solutions in 10 different currencies across 150+ countries, serving a large, rapidly expanding worldwide clientele. The Bank has a “fortress” balance sheet, zero customer loan exposure, pristine compliance history, an exceptional CET1 capital ratio, strong customer privacy protection, speedy client onboarding, and 24/7 mobile banking. The Bank’s independent asset management affiliate is regulated by the U.S. SEC, which advises the Morningstar 5-Star rated, New York Stock Exchange listed Volshares Large Cap ETF (NYSE stock symbol: VSL), a top 1% performer three years in a row. Hamilton Reserve Bank engages in four areas: Banking, Trust & Escrow, Capital Markets, and Asset Management. Headquartered on a large bank compound at the Hamilton Reserve Bank Plaza in St. Kitts & Nevis, Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace and a thriving British Commonwealth nation, Hamilton Reserve Bank is the largest global bank in the region, maintaining worldwide offices and global customer support.

Contact:

HAMILTON RESERVE BANK
Hamilton Reserve Bank Plaza
Jessups Estate, Nevis
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Telephone: +1 (869) 469-8889
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hrbank.com

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SOURCE Hamilton Reserve Bank

Majority Of Cancer Patients With COVID-19 Have Similar Immune Response To People Without Cancer

March 22, 2021

BRONX, N.Y., March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Most people with cancer who are infected by the novel coronavirus produce antibodies at a rate comparable to the rest of the population—but their ability to do so depends on their type of cancer and the treatments they’ve received, according to a new study by researchers at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The findings, published online today in Nature Cancer, may lead to better care for cancer patients, who face a heightened risk of dying from COVID-19, and suggests that cancer patients should respond well to COVID-19 vaccines.

“We conducted the study out of our concern that cancer patients who develop COVID-19 may not benefit from the same degree of antibody protection as people without cancer, given that many are immuno-compromised,” said Astha Thakkar, M.B.B.S., a Montefiore hematologic oncology fellow and first author of the paper. “Our findings provide assurance that most people with cancer are able to mount an antibody response to the coronavirus that is similar to the general population. People with a history of cancer are likely as protected from reinfection as those without a history of disease and are likely to respond well to vaccines, according to our study.”

The retrospective study involved 261 cancer patients, 77% of whom were diagnosed with solid malignancies and 23% with hematologic (blood) malignancies. Their overall rate of seroconversion (production of antibodies in response to infection) was 92%. However, when patients with solid and blood malignancies were compared, patients with blood cancers had a seroconversion rate of only 81.7%—significantly lower than the 94.5% seroconversion rate for patients with solid tumors.

“The treatments commonly given to patients with blood cancers—anti-CD20 antibody therapy, stem-cell transplants, and steroids—are known to suppress the immune system, which may explain the lower rate of antibodies developed in these patients and their increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease,” said senior author Balazs Halmos, M.D., M.S., director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program at Montefiore, professor of medicine at Einstein, and a member of the Albert Einstein Cancer Center (AECC).

“We need to pay special attention to patients with blood cancers and think through proactive strategies to ensure this patient population is appropriately cared for,” said Sanjay Goel, M.B.B.S., a medical oncologist at Montefiore, professor of medicine at Einstein, a member of AECC, and a coauthor on the paper. “This study also raises the need for additional research on COVID-19 vaccines and current treatments for people with blood cancer.”

In a paper published last year in Cancer Discovery, Dr. Halmos and colleagues found that COVID-19 patients with blood cancers had significantly higher mortality rates compared with patients who had solid tumors. Mortality was more closely related to age and co-morbidities than active cancer therapy.

The study participants were cared for at Montefiore between March 1, 2020 and September 15, 2020 and tested positive for COVID-19 through PCR tests to detect coronavirus or prior COVID-19 exposure through antibody testing, or both. The patients had an average age of 64 and were almost evenly split between men and women. Fifty-six percent of patients (147/261) had symptomatic coronavirus infection, while 44% (114/261) had an asymptomatic infection.

More than 40% of patients were African American; 30% were Hispanic, nearly 15% were Caucasian, 3% were Asian, and 6% belong to other ethnic groups.

The paper is titled “Patterns of seroconversion for SARS-COV2-IgG in Patients with Malignant Disease and association with anti-cancer therapy.”

Additional Montefiore-Einstein authors are: Kith Pradhan, Ph.D., Shawn Jindal, M.D., Zhu Cui, M.D., M.P.H., Bradley Rockwell, M.D., Akash Pradip Shah, M.S., Stuart Packer, M.D., R. Alejandro Sica, M.D., Joseph A Sparano, M.D., D. Yitzhak Goldstein, M.D., and Amit Verma, M.B.B.S.

This study was supported in part by the Albert Einstein Cancer Center (P30 CA013330 and NCORP grant 2UG1CA189859-06) and by the Jane A. and Myles P. Dempsey fund and the Pelka family fund. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2020-21 academic year, Einstein is home to 721 M.D. students, 178 Ph.D. students, 109 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,900 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2020, Einstein received more than $197 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu, read our blog, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and view us on YouTube.

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SOURCE Montefiore Health System; Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Doctors Hospital Takes Action to Preserve Fair Competition After the Cayman Government Grants a Series of Financial Concessions

March 20, 2021

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Doctors Hospital (“DH”) in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, announced they are seeking a judicial review of the vast unilateral concessions made by the government to Health City and Aster Cayman MedCity. According to DH, these concessions unfairly distort competition between healthcare providers on the Cayman Islands, and could ultimately compromise the quality of healthcare available.

DH challenges the fairness of the ongoing grant of financial concessions to Narayana Hrudayalaya Private Limited (“NHP”) by the Government of the Cayman Islands (“CIG”) for the current Health City development. Also, granting vast financial concessions to DM Healthcare (“DM”) for the Aster Cayman MedCity development, and the proposed financial concessions to NHP for the proposed development at Camana Bay is concerning.

CIG recently announced NHP will develop a new hospital at Camana Bay. The Premier reportedly stated, “concessions and duty waivers already in place for Health City would apply to the new facility” (Cayman Compass, 19 February 2021).

Concerning Aster Cayman Medcity, the Premier reportedly said DM would “not have to pay duty on medical equipment or supplies for 25 years after the commencement of construction of phase 1,” and an agreement to that effect would be executed that day (Cayman Compass, 21 December 2020).

DH acknowledges CIG’s intention to attract foreign investment to the Cayman Islands and welcomes it. However, DH firmly believes fair competition and a level playing field for all healthcare providers serves the best interests of all, especially the general public. Therefore, DH issued a pre-action letter to CIG on Monday, 8 March 2021, to which CIG has not substantively responded.

“We believe in fair and competitive marketplaces. Eliminating the gap between healthcare providers in Cayman is more important than ever. No market should be subjected to anticompetitive, monopolistic, or dominating behaviour. The power held by these companies affects the Cayman economy, our democracy, and ultimately the health and well-being of our citizens. It is especially unfortunate for the many local-owned businesses who have been contributing to the country for years, shaping our community to what it is today,” says Dr Yaron Rado, Board Chairman and Chief Radiologist, Doctors Hospital.

For further information, please contact:
Virgo Communications
Khalil Goodman
[email protected]
+1 (246) 424-1936

SOURCE Doctors Hospital

California’s Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Network Managed by Blue Shield of California Expands Enrolled Providers, Reach and Capacity

March 19, 2021

Blue Shield of California Logo (PRNewsfoto/Blue Shield of California)

OAKLAND, Calif., March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California, as the state of California’s third-party administrator, today announced the state’s enhanced COVID-19 vaccine provider network continues to expand, with the number of providers enrolled by the network nearly doubling since last week.

More providers are expected to enroll in the state’s network in the coming weeks, enabling the network to meet or exceed California’s goal of having the capacity to deliver 4 million doses a week by the end of April.

The currently enrolled providers represent a wide range of facilities across California that together reach 99 percent of the state’s 16-years and older population based on the state’s guidance of people having vaccine provider access within 10 miles for urban areas and 30 miles for rural areas. The network also has a deep presence in most vulnerable communities with the network reaching 99 percent of the population in areas California has identified as high priorities for vaccine availability to meet equity goals (lowest quartile Healthy Places Index).

“This is a collective effort by providers along with local and state health officials to save lives by making vaccines available to all Californians, especially those living in communities hardest hit by this pandemic,” said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. “Together, we are building a provider network that can quickly get vaccines to every corner of our state and the way to do that is to build capacity that’s only limited by the number of doses we receive from the federal government.”

The state’s enhanced network includes Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community health clinics, local provider systems, pharmacies, and all multi-county entities. The network currently has the capacity to deliver over 3 million doses per week. Combined with the mega sites operated by the federal government, California is expected to greatly exceed its goal of creating statewide capacity to be able to administer 4 million vaccinations a week.

The third-party administrator, under the direction of the state, continues to work closely with counties and their health officials including equity plans that engage community-based organizations to help ensure vaccines reach all parts of their communities.

The latest list of participating vaccine providers can be found at this link.

It is important to note that during the March transition period, the providers already administering the vaccine will continue to receive doses to ensure vaccines are available to as many Californians as possible.

Blue Shield continues to work expeditiously to have as many eligible providers participate in the enhanced network including FQHCs, community clinics, multi-county entities, hospital systems, medical groups, pharmacies and others.

Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan that’s answering the call by the state to support its vaccine distribution efforts to help save lives. The health plan is working closely with each county, their public health leaders, and state officials to build a vaccine network to help meet the state’s goal to ensure all Californians have access to the vaccines equitably, efficiently and as quickly as possible.

The health plan is taking on this effort at cost without making a profit from the state. Blue Shield is not charging the state for its staff time devoted to this effort. It will only bill the state actual expenses to support the network up to the limit of the contract.

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 over 4.5 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $21 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 more than $150 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last four 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.

CONTACT:	Erika Conner
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

WDM Chamber to Host National Event for Minority Entrepreneurs

March 19, 2021

WEST DES MONES, Iowa, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is set to host the first annual Black and Brown Business Summit (the Summit) presented by Principal Financial Group® on April 22 and 23. This two-day conference was created by the WDM Chamber’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee) with the goal of elevating ethnic minorities and to bring BIPOC businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training and to provide resources to help businesses grow and prosper.

Programming for the Summit includes breakout sessions led by top experts, Mel Essex Award, inspirational keynote speakers and networking. Breakout sessions are divided into two tracks – New Entrepreneurs and Established Entrepreneurs.

Keynote speakers include George Herrera, current Independent Director of the board of Travel and Leisure Co. and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Brandon Copeland, a starting NFL Linebacker and Financial Wellness Professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

The pitch competition, to be held the first day of the Summit and brought to you by exclusive pitch competition partner Hy-Vee, will serve as a chance for up to 30 businesses to participate in the workshop. At the end of the day, 5 to 6 individuals from the workshop will be selected to present their pitch to a panel of judges to win a chance for $10,000 total cash prizes. Deadline to apply is March 26. View and fill out the application here.

Tickets for the Summit are available for $15. There are a limited number of tickets available for in-person participation hosted at Athene in West Des Moines. The Summit is following all COVID-19 safety guidance and protocols for in-person guests. Masks and social distancing are required.

Learn more about the Summit on the WDM Chamber’s website.

The Black & Brown Business Summit is presented by: Principal Financial Group®
Partner Sponsor: Athene
Exclusive Pitch Competition Partner: Hy-Vee

Learn More About the Summit

SOURCE West Des Moines Chamber

America 250 Foundation To Commence Nationwide Search For President And CEO

March 19, 2021

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After more than two years of dedicated service to make the America 250 Foundation – the non-profit partner of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, fully operational, President and CEO Dr. Tony Rucci, will conclude his role, and a nationwide search to select a new chief executive will commence. The next phase of preparations for America 250, a multiyear initiative to inspire the American spirit leading up to the largest and most inclusive commemoration in our nation’s history in 2026, will aim to increase public awareness and engagement around the Foundation’s plans to create and inspire more than 100,000 programs.

The search for a new America 250 president and CEO will begin immediately utilizing industry best practices to identify a truly diverse candidate pool that reflects the Foundation’s commitment to inclusion and representing all Americans. Additional details about the search process will be announced in the coming weeks.

Chairman DiLella said, “We are focused on securing a chief executive to lead America 250’s efforts during the next six years. Tony has set a very high standard and we will look for an equally dynamic leader to help design breakthrough programs and raise the funds needed to successfully execute what we believe will be the largest commemoration in the history of our country.”

During this transition, Scott Hommel, America 250’s Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of interim president until a new president is hired.

Dr. Tony Rucci’s Contributions
Dr. Rucci has worked with the Commission and Foundation since 2018. Most significantly, he led the Commission’s strategic planning effort followed by assuming the role of President and CEO of America 250 in late 2019 with the understanding he would lead its initial build out. In just over two years, Dr. Rucci developed all facets of America 250 from partnerships and staffing, to budget and branding.

“Tony has been instrumental in developing our strategic vision and plans,” said America 250 Chairman Daniel DiLella, “And he has been equally effective in establishing both board and governance, and the organizational structure of the Foundation. We are extremely fortunate to have had Tony’s experience and organizational insight to guide us, not to mention that he has performed all of these services on a 100% pro bono basis. I look forward to having his ongoing counsel as we advance the work of the Foundation.”

Dr. Rucci said, “My dad, Joseph, came to America as a 14-year-old, Italian immigrant. He earned a Purple Heart in World War II, and then worked in the steel mills in Youngstown, Ohio, his entire life. He loved America and the values we stand for. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would ever have the opportunity to be involved in such a cherished national milestone event. It has been a distinct privilege and honor to give back to a country which has given my family so much. I cannot thank Chairman DiLella enough for having had this opportunity.”

About the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and America 250 Foundation
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit partner, the America 250 Foundation, are tasked with planning and orchestrating the 250^th anniversary of American independence, which will take place on July 4, 2026. The organizations work collaboratively with public and private entities across the country to make America 250 the largest and most inclusive commemoration in our nation’s history leading up to and extending from 2026. For more information visit www.america250.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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SOURCE America 250

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