Benjamin Castro’s New Book Las Dos Caras De Una Moneda, A Stirring Opus Of Reflections On The Unexpectedness Of Life That Define Its Poignant Reality

July 29, 2020

NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Las dos caras de una moneda was created by Benjamin Castro. Benjamin is an author who hails from Honduras, Central America.

Castro said this about his book: “Las dos caras de una moneda is the inspiration for solid thoughts based on faith in a reality that tries to absorb the last drops of force seeking to offer a second chance for change, helping to meditate before taking the next step that could be the last. An option to emerge from the shipwreck due to the unexpected circumstances of life that sometimes seem to give no respite in the face of the constant threat of turbulent waters that drag everything in its path.”

Published by Page Publishing, Benjamin Castro’s new book Las dos caras de una moneda will fill the readers with insights on the true essence of living and partaking in the chances life presents to those searching for answers and understand their purpose.

Consumers who wish to discern life’s underlying meaning and live within its grace can purchase Las dos caras de una moneda in any bookstore, or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1219890/Benjam_n_Castro.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Hefzi-Ba Palomino’s New Book Psicología Bíblica Y Crecimiento Espiritual, Is A Perspicacious Tome That Inspires Growth In Spirituality And A Deeper Understanding Of God

July 29, 2020

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RANCHO CUCAMONGA, California, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ –The book Psicología Bíblica y Crecimiento Espiritual was created by Hefzi-Ba Palomino. Palomino is an author who studied psychology. She is also a passionate follower of God.

The author said this about her book: “The main purpose of this work is to make the reader develop a personal, intimate and first-hand relationship with God the Father, with the Son and with the Holy Spirit, because on this relationship the new spiritual life of the new creature born of His will depend. Spirit and its spiritual growth.

On the relationship with God, especially the Holy Spirit, our spiritual maturity will depend and only on Him; the readings, the sermons, the very word of the Bible, do not make sense, but we accept them, we appropriate them, we believe them and we adopt them so that they have a place in our hearts and minds and move us to actions that produce fruits that they are according to the will of God.

To achieve this purpose, the work covers essential, scientific and Biblical themes, from Genesis to Revelation; how God created us, how humanity fell spiritually; how to reverse the consequences of the fall; of general psychology and psychology of man created by God; who is our enemy, spiritual warfare, identity, who we are, who is the Father, who is the Son and who is the Holy Spirit; the sacrifice on the cross of Christ, the meaning of the new covenant and of the cross of Christ; how to renew our mind in Christ; how to know ourselves and finally how to discover and fulfill the purpose with which God created us.”

Published by Page Publishing, Hefzi-Ba Palomino’s new book Psicología Bíblica y Crecimiento Espiritual allows the reinforcement of the readers’ faith in the lord that leads to a more profound discerning of his purpose in their lives.

Consumers who wish to attain fulfillment in God can purchase Psicología Bíblica y Crecimiento Espiritual in any bookstore, or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1219888/Hefzi.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Hispanic Physicians Advocate for Support for Latinos with Lung and Heart Disease as COVID-19 ravages our communities

July 28, 2020

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WASHINGTON, July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) is convening a virtual Congressional Briefing, “HHS Response to COVID-19: Efforts or Latinos with Heart and Lung Diseases” with presentations from Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, VADM Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, U.S. Surgeon General, and Gladys Velarde, MD, FCC. They will present their priorities for the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) to assist hotspots in the U.S. with healthcare services and workforce to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Latinos are now 60 million, the largest ethnic group, and have severe underlying diseases with few physicians and hospitals that make them more susceptible to acquiring the virus, and dying from it.

NHMA is working with Aetna Foundation, an affiliate of CVS Health to also announce their “Stop Vaping Campaign” to decrease lung disease in youth to teach them that they can lessen COVID-19 impact too.

“We need the Federal support for more providers, services and education about COVID-19 pandemic in our communities,” stated Dr. Elena Rios, President & CEO, NHMA. “This past week cases spiked in one of the poorest areas of the nation, Rio Grande Valley,Texas, that lacks adequate health care services for the area’s 1 million population.”

In addition, it is expected that the Senate and Congress will negotiate for a new COVID-19 bill in the coming weeks to bring needed relief to our communities with more healthcare supplies and support for schools, small businesses and individuals.

NHMA is partnering with Amgen and Pfizer Inc on the briefing to bring more healthcare policy-development about Latinos with lung disease and heart disease patients for HHS programs that target COVID-19 mitigation, testing, and the enrollment of people in clinical trials that are moving closer to developing a vaccine.

The Congressional Briefing will occur July 29^th, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT
To join the Zoom webinar go to: https://bit.ly/NHMACongressionalBriefing

The event will also be on NHMA Facebook Live.

About NHMA

Established in Washington, DC, NHMA represents over 50,000 Hispanic physicians with the mission to improve the health of Hispanics and other underserved. For more information go to www.NHMAmd.org

SOURCE National Hispanic Medical Association

Cleveland Clinic’s Weston Hospital Maintains #1 Ranking In Miami-Fort Lauderdale Metro Area By U.S. News & World Report For Third Straight Year

July 28, 2020

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WESTON, Florida, July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Weston Hospital has tied for the top spot as the No. 1 hospital in the Miami–Fort Lauderdale metro area for 2020-2021, according to the newly released annual ranking of Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. It is the third consecutive year Weston Hospital has earned the top ranking in the Miami–Fort Lauderdale metro area. The annual survey ranks 67 hospitals in the local metropolitan area of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties as well as throughout the state of Florida.

Overall, Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital tied for the No. 5 ranking in Florida. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital tied for No. 19, and Cleveland Clinic Martin Health tied for No. 28 in the state. A complete list of newly ranked hospitals is available online at www.usnews.com/hospitals.

“We continue to focus on quality care and excellent outcomes, and it is an honor to be acknowledged for the work that we do on behalf of our patients,” said Joseph Iannotti, M.D., Ph.D., Interim CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic Florida and Chief Academic and Innovation Officer. “This recognition belongs to our caregivers who are committed to putting our patients first.”

The Gastroenterology and GI Surgery Program at Weston continues to be recognized nationally, as it was ranked 29th in the United States. It is the only gastroenterology and GI surgery program in South Florida to be ranked nationally and one of only four in the state.

In addition to the local and state-wide rankings, four of Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital specialties ranked “high performing” for 2020-21. High performing specialties include Geriatrics, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, and Pulmonology and Lung Surgery.

Cleveland Clinic’s Weston hospital also rated “high performing” in seven common conditions and procedures evaluated by U.S. News & World Report which include Aortic Valve Surgery, Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement, and Lung Cancer Surgery.

Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Treasure Coast hospitals have also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for high-quality care. Cleveland Clinic’s Indian River Hospital and Martin Health hospitals ranked high performing in Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Hip Replacement.

Indian River Hospital tied for the No. 19^th ranked hospital in Florida, an improvement from 27^th in the state last year. Martin Health tied for the No. 28^th ranked hospital in Florida.

U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age. Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, the adequacy of nurse staffing levels and other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties.

About the Cleveland Clinic Florida Region
The Cleveland Clinic Florida region is a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. The Florida region now includes Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, with five hospitals and numerous outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The Florida region is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information about Cleveland Clinic Florida, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contacts:

Arlene Allen-Mitchell (954) 270-9666 / [email protected]
Natalie Alatriste (305) 801-8775 / [email protected]

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SOURCE Cleveland Clinic Florida

If You Owned or Leased a GM Vehicle that was Subject to Certain 2014 Recalls, You May Have Rights and Choices in a Proposed Settlement

July 28, 2020

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SEATTLE, July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — JND Legal Administration — A proposed class settlement of economic loss claims by persons who owned or leased certain GM vehicles that were recalled in 2014 has been submitted for approval to the federal district court. The recalls involved the ignition system, key rotation, electronic power steering and/or side airbag wiring. Plaintiffs claim that consumers overpaid when they bought or leased these vehicles. General Motors LLC (“New GM”), the Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust (“the GUC Trust”), and the Motors Liquidation Company Avoidance Action Trust (“the AAT”) deny these allegations. Plaintiffs, the GUC Trust, New GM and the AAT have agreed to a settlement to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation.

The proposed settlement class includes all persons (individuals, businesses and organizations) who, at any time on or before GM’s announcement of the 2014 recalls, owned, purchased, or leased a vehicle subject to any of the recalls in the United States, or its territories and/or possessions. Daily rental fleet businesses, governmental entities and certain other persons are not included in the class. Go to www.GMIgnitionSwitchEconomicSettlement.com, or call 1-877-545-0241, to see if your GM vehicle is covered by the settlement.

If approved, the settlement fund will be $121.1 million. Payment amounts to eligible class members will vary depending on which recall applied to their vehicle, settlement implementation costs, and the number of class members who file claims.

For details about the settlement, including the money that may be available to class members, and your eligibility to file a claim and receive a payment, review the Long Form Notice and the Amended Settlement Agreement available at www.GMIgnitionSwitchEconomicSettlement.com. All claims must be submitted online or by mail before the deadline which will be posted on the website, which will be no earlier than March 18, 2021.

Class members have other options too. The settlement will not include the release of any claims for personal injury, wrongful death or actual physical injury. However, if you want to keep your right to sue New GM, the GUC Trust and other parties about the economic loss claims, you must exclude yourself from the class. If you exclude yourself, you cannot receive benefits provided by the settlement. Your exclusion request must be postmarked by October 19, 2020. IF YOU DO NOT EXCLUDE YOURSELF AND THE SETTLEMENT IS APPROVED, YOU WILL BE BOUND BY THE RELEASE, WAIVER AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE. If you stay in the class, you may object to the settlement – that is, tell the District Court why you don’t like the settlement. Your objection must be filed or postmarked by October 19, 2020. Information about how to exclude yourself or object to the settlement is available on the Settlement Website. The District Court will hold a hearing on December 18, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. eastern to consider whether to approve both the settlement and attorneys’ fees and expenses (up to a maximum of $34.5 million). The attorneys’ fees and expenses will not be deducted from the settlement fund. You may appear at the hearing, either yourself or through an attorney hired by you, but you do not have to. For more information, call 1-877-545-0241 or visit www.GMIgnitionSwitchEconomicSettlement.com.

SOURCE JND Legal Administration

Futuro Health Recruiting 1,000 Spanish Speakers for Tuition-Free English Language Course for Healthcare Industry Jobs

July 28, 2020

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SACRAMENTO, California, July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In an effort to increase the number of bilingual allied healthcare workers in California, Futuro Health is recruiting 1,000 Spanish speakers from across the state for a tuition-free, industry-specific online English course.

There are more than 200 languages spoken in California, and 44% of California households speak a language other than English. Of those, 28% report Spanish as their primary language. Additionally, nearly 7 million Californians report they speak English “less than very well.”

Allied health roles include a wide range of clinical, administrative and support functions, such as medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, care coordinators, health IT specialists, licensed vocational nurses and others. In California alone, there is a demand for an estimated 500,000 new allied healthcare workers between now and 2024.

“There are healthcare employers who would prefer that more bilingual candidates knock on their door,” Futuro Health CEO Van Ton-Quinlivan said. “For the future of care to be equitable, we need the workforce to reflect the communities being served – especially as California grows and greys.”

To help boost the number of allied healthcare workers who speak English well, Futuro Health and its partner Voxy, which provides online task-based English-language learning courses, have teamed up to offer the English for Allied Health course. This course equips students with the English vocabulary they will need to work in allied healthcare roles.

“The pandemic has shed light on health disparities,” explained Executive Vice President, UNITE-LA, Alma Salazar. “Part of the solution is to have those who live locally serve their community. This training is an example of how to open up access for more to consider healthcare roles.”

The course is open to native Spanish speakers who want to improve their English in order to perform better in their current care-related role or to prepare for an allied healthcare program of study. Course topics include introduction to allied healthcare, scheduling and billing, medical history, basic nursing skills and much more.

Both the tuition and the registration fees are waived for 2020. Students will only pay $20 per month for their education and training membership. Students may sign up for the English for Allied Health course at any time and create a profile on the Futuro Health website to register for these fall 2020 start dates: August 10, August 24, September 7, October 5, November 2 and December 7.

“Monolingual Spanish-speaking patients, especially elders, are often hesitant to freely express their concerns during medical visits. Through this program at Futuro Health, we can build and strengthen the English language skills that Latinx healthcare workers need to provide empathy and care for patients navigating the English-speaking healthcare environment,” said Hortencia Armendariz, board member for Futuro Health and leader of the Healthcare Justice Division of SEIU-UHW.

Futuro Health’s goal is to graduate 10,000 new licensed and/or credentialed allied healthcare workers by 2024 to meet the growing need.

“Because of our commitment to fully serve our diverse client base, we have a great need for good vocational English programming, and we’re delighted to find Futuro Health already partnered with the same provider we would have chosen,” said Blake Konczal, executive director of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board. “In many instances, industry-driven vocational training is de facto inaccessible to many clients because such offerings are not coordinated with appropriate Vocational English as a Second Language Program classes.”

About

Futuro Health improves the health and wealth of communities by growing the largest network of credentialed allied health workers in the nation starting in California. We believe investing in education and skills training and retraining results in better-paying jobs for workers, better service for patients and better workers for employers to hire. Kaiser Permanente and Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) partnered to establish Futuro Health in January 2020 with a $130 million commitment.

Contact: Celina Shands | 858-735-2883
[email protected]

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SOURCE Futuro Health

Royal Caribbean Group names Dr. Calvin Johnson Global Head, Public Health and Chief Medical Officer

July 28, 2020

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MIAMI, July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Royal Caribbean Group has named Dr. Calvin Johnson as Global Head, Public Health and Chief Medical Officer. In this new role, Johnson will lead the Group’s global health and wellness policy, manage its public health and clinical practice, and determine the strategic plans and operations of its global healthcare organization. Johnson will also collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel to ensure the company establishes and implements its protocols and recommendations.

“Calvin’s extensive experience in public health and clinical care will help us raise the bar on protecting the health of our guests, crew and the communities we serve,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Calvin will also work closely with the newly announced Healthy Sail Panel to ensure we establish and implement leading health protocols and procedures.”

Dr. Johnson has a strong background in protecting public health through service delivery innovation, policy development and analysis, and leadership training and development. He has successfully led significant response efforts during active infectious disease outbreaks and was responsible for ensuring all aspects of patient care while overseeing a clinical operation with 1,300 caregivers and more than 300,000 individuals.

“Royal Caribbean Group is committed to going beyond requirements to truly innovative solutions,” said Johnson. “I am excited to join the industry leader, who is clearly establishing the way forward in managing public health initiatives and protecting health and safety. The Healthy Sail Panel is doing critical work to help us develop enhanced standards, and achieve readiness for the return to service, and I am looking forward to being involved in that work.”

“Calvin will add critical expertise in our mission to elevate the quality of care,” said Jennifer Love, Royal Caribbean Group Senior Vice President, Safety, Security, Environment, Medical & Public Health. “His appointment is testament to our commitment to transforming healthcare for those we serve.”

Dr. Johnson, most recently Principal at Altre Strategic Solutions Group, is the former Chief Medical Officer for Corizon Health, then the largest provider of correctional health care in the United States, and for Temple University Health System. He served as Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2003-2008 and was Medical Director for the New York City Department of Health from 1998-1999. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a BS in Chemistry from Morehouse College.

About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is the new operating business name for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner of four global cruise vacation brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea. and Azamara. Royal Caribbean Group is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and HapagLloyd Cruises. Together, our brands operate 63 ships with an additional 16 on order as of July 10, 2020. Learn more at www.rclcorporate.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

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SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group

(Español) Actualización sobre el coronavirus (COVID-19): La FDA reitera advertencia sobre desinfectantes de manos a base de alcohol peligrosos que contienen metanol y toma medidas adicionales para abordar productos relacionados

July 27, 2020

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

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Bugs Bunny Stamps Now Available Nationwide

July 27, 2020

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WASHINGTON, July 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The U.S. Postal Service issued the Bugs Bunny commemorative Forever stamps today, the character’s 80th birthday. The Bugs Bunny stamps were dedicated in a virtual ceremony and are now being sold at Post Office locations nationwide and online at usps.com/bugsbunny80.

“It’s a special privilege to celebrate the 80th anniversary of one of the most popular and iconic characters in history,” said dedicating official Kristin Seaver, chief information officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service. “Bugs is both timeless and timely, a quick-change artist who can get out of a jam, win any battle, through his wits and clever disguises. He simply summons up whatever talent, costume or personality is needed to escape every perilous situation.”

Seaver was joined for the ceremony by Pete Browngardt, executive producer of “Looney Tunes Cartoons,” and Alex Kirwan, supervising producer of “Looney Tunes Cartoons.” The virtual stamp event can be viewed on the Postal Service’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

The stamp artwork was developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, featuring work from Warner Bros. Animation artists. The stamps show iconic moments of Bugs Bunny’s career. The Warner Bros. Animation artists also created the sketches on the back of the stamp pane. Greg Breeding was the designer, and William J. Gicker served as art director for the Postal Service.

The Bugs Bunny pane of 20 stamps will be issued as Forever stamps, meaning they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1–ounce price. News of the stamps is being shared on social media using the hashtags #BugsBunnyStamps and #BugsBunny80.

Background

Since his debut in the short-subject cartoon “A Wild Hare” in 1940, generations of audiences have cheered Bugs’ gleeful gusto, quick wit and endless clever resourcefulness. To outwit the opposition, he can conjure dynamite, cherry pies and mallets out of thin air; dance like a seasoned hoofer; play piano; and conduct orchestras. He summons up any talent — and any costume — that will help him thwart his relentless foes.

Born of a team of young animators who produced Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons for Warner Bros., Bugs’ name came from one of those early cartoonists; “Bugs” and “Bugsy” were trendy nicknames at the time, signifying a crazed or wacky disposition. The catchy alliterative sound of “Bugs Bunny” partnered well with the names of cohorts Porky Pig and Daffy Duck.

Bugs’ very first line, “What’s up, Doc?” — unusual slang blurted out with the accent and wise-guy attitude of a street-smart New Yorker — had audiences howling and became the instant catchphrase of the “wascally wabbit,” as he was called by his first foe, the hapless hunter Elmer Fudd.

With global star power, Bugs Bunny has graced screens of all sizes, from television and movies to phones and tablets. Eighty 11-minute episodes of the new “Looney Tunes Cartoons” reintroduce Bugs Bunny along with other marquee Looney Tunes characters in gag-driven shorts that include classic storylines adapted for present-day audiences. The Oscar-winning rabbit has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Please Note: For U.S. Postal Service media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube channel, like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Contact: Mauresa R. Pittman
(O) 202-268-2220
[email protected]
usps.com/news

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SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

NCOA Secures $4.35 Million from Walmart Foundation

July 27, 2020

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ARLINGTON, Va., July 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Over the next two years, the National Council on Aging will connect 1.15 million eligible older adults to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), thanks to a $4.35 million grant from the Walmart Foundation.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 9.8 million older adults experienced food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to adequate, nutritious food. Today, those numbers are quickly rising. SNAP is the nation’s most effective and widest-reaching anti-hunger program. Research by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities shows that participation in SNAP reduces food insecurity overall by 30%, yet the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that only 48% of eligible older adults aged 60+ participate in the program.

During the coronavirus pandemic, older adults have been turning to NCOA for resources related to SNAP, food, and nutrition as they struggle to access and pay for food while being homebound. In the first week of the pandemic, more than 30,000 individuals downloaded a SNAP application on NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp®, a free and confidential screening tool that connects eligible older adults to benefits.

“We’ve heard from older adults and our local partners that accessing and paying for food is a critical need right now,” said Josh Hodges, NCOA Chief Customer Officer. “Food, on average, is the second highest household expenditure for people aged 60+, and too often they have to stretch their food budget in order to make ends meet. That’s where SNAP can help.”

“Now more than ever, older adults need support accessing the resources that help them put nutritious food on the table,” said Eileen Hyde, director of sustainable food systems and food access for Walmart.org. “This new grant builds upon the innovative work on benefits access that NCOA has championed for several years.”

Over the past 7 years, with support from the Walmart Foundation, NCOA has helped 3.6 million older adults access their SNAP applications, resulting in 1.14 million enrollments.

The new grant will support both in-person and online SNAP outreach and enrollment. NCOA will fund 40 community-based organizations that provide trusted, in-person benefits counseling in communities across the country. The grant also will be used to find and connect eligible older adults to their SNAP applications using the virtual tool BenefitsCheckUp, which is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Funding will target vulnerable and difficult-to-reach populations, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx, women, and rural Americans, many of whom have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older adults can find out right now if they’re eligible for SNAP by visiting www.BenefitsCheckUp.org/SNAP.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950, our mission has not changed: Improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. NCOA empowers people with the best solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and we strengthen government programs that we all depend on as we age. Every year, millions of people use our signature programs BenefitsCheckUp®, My Medicare Matters®, and the Aging Mastery Program® to age well. By offering online tools and collaborating with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA is working to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

SOURCE National Council on Aging