Ibn Sina Foundation and CVS Health Launch COVID-19 Testing

June 9, 2020

HOUSTON, June 9, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Ibn Sina Foundation today announced it has launched rapid COVID-19 testing, together with CVS Health, at its Ibn Sina Wilcrest Community Clinic location. Licensed health care providers from MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic of CVS Health, and CVS Pharmacy colleagues will staff the testing operation.

“The Ibn Sina Foundation has been serving the uninsured community for nearly two decades, providing preventive and primary medical, dental, diagnostic and specialty care services through seven community clinics across Greater Houston and Port Arthur areas,” said Mr. Nasruddin Rupani, Chairman of the Ibn Sina Foundation. “Today we are pleased to work with CVS Health, in these trying times, to provide free COVID-19 testing services to meet the needs of our patients and community members.”

Testing at Ibn Sina Wilcrest Community Clinic, located at 11226 S. Wilcrest Drive in Houston, will be open to the public by appointment at no cost. Patients will need to pre-register in advance by calling 281-495-7462 to schedule a same-day time slot for testing. A personal vehicle is not required for testing and results will be provided on-the-spot. To be eligible for testing, patients will need to meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to age guidelines.

“Working with partners like Ibn Sina Foundation is an important part of our comprehensive strategy to increase access to COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Garth Graham, Vice President, Community Health and Impact, CVS Health. “This joint effort allows us to tap into the network of a trusted organization with strong community ties to further expand testing in areas of greatest need.”

The CVS Health Foundation, a charitable entity associated with CVS Health, has a longstanding relationship with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, providing more than $9 million over the last six years to help clinics nationwide, like the Ibn Sina Foundation, to increase access to care for underserved populations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities, with persons of color contracting and dying from the virus at alarmingly high rates across the United States. I have consistently stressed the importance of targeted testing and contact tracing in our nation’s most vulnerable communities to stop this phenomena and ultimately aid in the defeat of coronavirus,” Congressman Al Green (TX-09) stated. “This is why I applaud CVS Health and Ibn Sina Foundation in my congressional district for providing free coronavirus testing to some of our nation’s most diverse communities. This community clinic will eliminate one barrier to ending the pandemic that far too many people face: access. By locating the clinic in a vulnerable community, we make testing more accessible physically to those who need it most. By offering no-cost coronavirus testing, we make it more accessible financially for uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented individuals.”

Ibn Sina Foundation was established in 2001 by a group of business and healthcare professionals. The Foundation’s mission is to ensure the health of the community by providing integrated, preventive and primary care in a clinical setting through the dissemination and application of health-related knowledge, thereby enhancing the quality of life of people.

In addition to offering testing together with several community partners across the country, CVS Health is offering drive-thru testing at 1,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. More than half of these CVS Pharmacy test sites serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. Since first offering COVID-19 testing at a pilot site in mid-March, the company has performed nearly 200,000 tests nationwide. Beginning in June, CVS Health has a goal of processing up to 1.5 million tests per month subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity.

About CVS Health
CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company in the world. We’re evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that’s in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings – from HealthHUB^® locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions – are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we’re transforming health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contact:
Monica Prinzing, CVS Health
[email protected]
(831) 241-8294

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487051/CVS_HealthLogo.jpg

SOURCE CVS Health

Mercy Clinic and CVS Health Launch COVID-19 Testing

June 9, 2020

0

CVS Health (PRNewsFoto/CVS Health) (PRNewsFoto/CVS Health)

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 9, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mercy Clinic today announced it has launched rapid COVID-19 testing, together with CVS Health at its South Fort Worth clinic. Licensed health care providers from MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic of CVS Health, and CVS Pharmacy colleagues will staff the testing operation.

“The heart of the mission of Mercy Clinic is to provide compassionate medical care to those in need,” said Peggy Leitch, Executive Director, Mercy Clinic. “This partnership with CVS Health allows our organization to make a significant contribution during a time when our community is facing great need.”

Testing at Mercy Clinic, located at 775 West Bowie Street in Fort Worth, will be open to the public by appointment at no cost. Patients will need to pre-register in advance by calling 817-840-3501 to schedule a same-day time slot for testing. A personal vehicle is not required and results will be provided on-the-spot. To be eligible for testing, patients will need to meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to age guidelines.

“Working with partners like Mercy Clinic is an important part of our comprehensive strategy to increase access to COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Garth Graham, Vice President, Community Health and Impact, CVS Health. “This joint effort allows us to tap into the network of a trusted organization with strong community ties to further expand testing in areas of greatest need.”

The CVS Health Foundation, a charitable entity associated with CVS Health, has a longstanding relationship with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, providing more than $9 million over the last six years to help clinics nationwide, like Mercy Clinic, to increase access to care for underserved populations.

“Ramping up efficient testing operations and making them available in vulnerable communities is key to protecting the health of my constituents and ensuring a safe reopening of our economy,” said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33). “I applaud the efforts of Mercy Clinic and CVS Health who are stepping up by establishing these drive-thru testing sites that will help us mitigate the further spread of COVID-19 and save the lives of our fellow Texans.”

Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth is a community based medical and dental clinic, caring for uninsured individuals in the Fort Worth area since 2011. This service is staffed by volunteer medical providers, dentists, and a large group of health care professionals and community volunteers. All services are provided free of charge and funded by the donations of individuals and foundations.

In addition to offering testing together with several community partners across the country, CVS Health is offering drive-thru testing at 1,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. More than half of these CVS Pharmacy test sites serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. Since first offering COVID-19 testing at a pilot site in mid-March, the company has performed nearly 200,000 tests nationwide. Beginning in June, CVS Health has a goal of processing up to 1.5 million tests per month subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity.

About CVS Health
CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company in the world. We’re evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that’s in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings – from HealthHUB® locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions – are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we’re transforming health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contact:
Monica Prinzing, CVS Health
[email protected]
(831) 241-8294

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487051/CVS_HealthLogo.jpg

SOURCE CVS Health

St. Vincent de Paul Clinic and CVS Health Launch COVID-19 Testing

June 9, 2020

0

PHOENIX, June 9, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) today announced it has launched rapid COVID-19 testing, together with CVS Health, at the nonprofit’s Virginia G. Piper Medical & Dental Clinic for the uninsured. Licensed health care providers from MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic of CVS Health, and CVS Pharmacy colleagues will staff the testing operation.

“We’re extremely grateful to CVS Health for helping bring COVID-19 testing to the uninsured patients we serve at St. Vincent de Paul,” said Dr. Maurice Lee, SVdP’s chief medical officer. “Not only are we increasing access for people who might otherwise go without medical diagnosis, but we’re also gaining a better understanding of the spread happening within vulnerable populations and in our community as a whole.”

Testing at St. Vincent de Paul’s clinic, located at 420 W. Watkins Road in Phoenix, will be free and open to the public by appointment only. Patients will need to pre-register in advance by calling 602-850-6940 to schedule a same-day time slot for testing. A personal vehicle is not required for testing and results will be provided on-the-spot. To be eligible for testing, patients will need to meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to age guidelines.

“Working with partners like St. Vincent de Paul is an important part of our comprehensive strategy to increase access to COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Garth Graham, Vice President, Community Health and Impact, CVS Health. “This joint effort allows us to tap into the network of a trusted organization with strong community ties to further expand testing in areas of greatest need.”

The CVS Health Foundation, a charitable entity associated with CVS Health, has a longstanding relationship with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, providing more than $9 million over the last six years to help clinics nationwide, like SVdP’s Virginia G. Piper Medical & Dental Clinic, to increase access to care for underserved populations.

“I am proud to have worked with CVS Health and St. Vincent de Paul Clinic on bringing a new, free COVID-19 testing location to my district,” said Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-7). “The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected low-income, uninsured, and working-class families and minority communities throughout Arizona. I thank CVS Health and St. Vincent de Paul Clinic on collaborating with me to choose a location that will help ensure that everyone, especially underserved populations, has access to this life-saving service.”

St. Vincent de Paul Virginia G. Piper Medical & Dental Clinic treats and heals the uninsured and low-income people of Arizona for free, increasing access to quality health care for a population with few affordable options. Offering almost 16,000 patient visits a year and access to specialty care, the clinic runs on a team of more than 160 volunteer physicians, dentists and other medical professionals. Additionally, it houses the Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation Center for Family Wellness, which empowers patients to practice preventative care and offers them wellness education on diabetes management, healthy eating and exercise.

In addition to offering testing together with several community partners across the country, CVS Health is offering drive-thru testing at 1,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. More than half of these CVS Pharmacy test sites serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. Since first offering COVID-19 testing at a pilot site in mid-March, the company has performed nearly 200,000 tests nationwide. Beginning in June, CVS Health has a goal of processing up to 1.5 million tests per month subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity.

Media Contact:
Monica Prinzing, CVS Health
[email protected]
(831) 241-8294

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487051/CVS_HealthLogo.jpg

SOURCE CVS Health

Wayne County Community College District and CVS Health Launch COVID-19 Testing

June 9, 2020

0

DETROIT, June 9, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) today announced it has launched rapid COVID-19 testing, together with CVS Health, at its downtown campus site. Licensed health care providers from MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic of CVS Health, and CVS Pharmacy colleagues will staff the testing operation.

“We are pleased to partner with CVS Health to offer critical testing services at our Downtown Campus,” said WCCCD Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery. “We know that working together, we can help our communities stay safe and healthy, and continue lowering the curve.”

Testing at the WCCCD Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus, located at 1001 W. Fort Street in Detroit, will be open to the public by appointment at no cost. The site is providing rapid result COVID-19 tests in rooms 123 – 125 of the lower level of the campus. The testing site is open 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Patients will need to pre-register in advance by calling the CLASS agency at 313-412-2160 to make an appointment. The Detroit-based CLASS agency is providing scheduling for the testing and has previously partnered with other health care organizations and WCCCD to provide testing at other District campuses during recent weekend days.

A personal vehicle is not required for testing and results will be provided on-the-spot. To be eligible for testing, patients will need to meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to age guidelines.

“Working with partners like Wayne County Community College District is an important part of our comprehensive strategy to increase access to COVID-19 testing,” said David Casey, Chief Diversity Officer, CVS Health. “This joint effort allows us to tap into the network of a trusted organization with strong community ties to further expand testing in areas of greatest need.”

“I want to thank CVS Health for choosing Wayne County Community College’s downtown campus as one of its rapid COVID-19 testing sites,” said Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI-14). “COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color, and as one of the first hotspots in the country, Detroit was not an exception. As a result of increased testing, social distancing, and following Governor Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, Michigan’s total confirmed cases and deaths have decreased over the last month. CVS’ decision to provide more testing infrastructure will increase the city’s capacity to test more residents, which will assist public health officials as they determine the best course of action to safely reopen our community.”

“Testing is still one of the most important tools that we have to combat the further spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that southeast Michigan case numbers continue to decline,” Ivery said. “We encourage anyone who suspects that they have the virus to make an appointment to be tested.”

In addition to offering testing together with several community partners across the country, CVS Health is offering drive-thru testing at 1,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. More than half of these CVS Pharmacy test sites serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. Since first offering COVID-19 testing at a pilot site in mid-March, the company has performed nearly 200,000 tests nationwide. Beginning in June, CVS Health has a goal of processing up to 1.5 million tests per month subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity.

About WCCCD: WCCCD, the largest urban community college in Michigan, is a multi-campus district with six campus locations, including the Mary Ellen Stempfle University Center, the Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center, the Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education (MIPSE), and the Curtis L. Ivery Health and Wellness Education Center. The District serves nearly 70,000 students annually across 36 cities and townships, and more than 500 square miles. WCCCD is committed to the continued development of new programs, workforce transformation, hosting community-based training sessions, and improving student facilities and services. www.wcccd.edu.

About CVS Health: CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company in the world. We’re evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that’s in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings – from HealthHUB® locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions – are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we’re transforming health at www.cvshealth.com.

About CLASS: The CLASS Agency is a non-profit, 501© 3-tax exempt and CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) Accredited organization. The agency’s administrative offices are located at 17405 Lahser Street in Detroit, Michigan (in the Artist Village northwest community). The agency is licensed by the State of Michigan-LARA (Licensing and Regulatory Affair) to provide Prevention, Intervention, and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment. The agency has a full-3 year accreditation by CARF to provide prevention educational strategies to both adults and children; additionally the agency is accredited to provide outpatient SUD treatment for adults, teens, and children.

Media Contact
Charlie Rice-Minoso, CVS Health
(773) 610-7100; [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487051/CVS_HealthLogo.jpg

SOURCE CVS Health

StarKist® Donates $150,000 To Feed The Children To Help Fight Hunger

June 9, 2020

0

PITTSBURGH, June 9, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — StarKist Co., a food company that provides trusted, healthy, shelf-stable seafood and chicken in the United States, is continuing its partnership with Feed the Children by donating more than $150,000 in financial support, disaster response and product donations this year. Feed the Children is a nonprofit dedicated to relieving hunger in the Unites States and around the world.

Throughout the past 11 years, StarKist has contributed nearly 500,000 pounds of tuna and chicken product to help food-insecure children and families across the U.S., and more than $600,000 to support Feed the Children’s disaster and emergency response efforts.

“We’re grateful for our partnership with Feed the Children during this unprecedented time,” said Andrew Choe, StarKist President and CEO. “No child should go hungry in this country, but we know the need is great. We’ve all seen the effect COVID-19 has had on communities, and together we hope to help those in need, especially during this pandemic.”

The 2020 partnership will officially kick-off on June 9 with food and hygiene boxes, including StarKist’s nutritious and protein-packed products as well as additional bags of much-needed items such as laundry detergent, vitamin water, protein bars and other assorted ready-to-eat snacks delivered to Light of Life Rescue Mission. The distributed product, estimated to weigh several thousand pounds, will provide hope and resources for approximately 1,600 individuals. Established in 1952, Light of Life Rescue Mission is a Christian nonprofit organization providing life changing recovery programs and food and shelter for Pittsburgh’s poor and homeless. 

“We believe that no child should go to bed hungry, especially during this unsettling time around COVID-19,” said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. “This crisis has put a strain on our resources and the resources of our partners. However, through our partnership with StarKist, we can support America’s most vulnerable during this crippling pandemic.”

New StarKist Commercial
The Feed the Children and StarKist partnership will be hitting the small screen, starting on June 19. A new StarKist television commercial will feature Charlie® the Tuna thanking workers and volunteers for keeping us safe and fed during these challenging times. The spot will air on national cable channels and proudly highlights StarKist’s commitment to Feed the Children. To view the commercial, visit https://youtu.be/Gyuwmxhc5xM.

StarKist Has Heart for Those Impacted by COVID-19
In addition to the work that is being done with Feed the Children, StarKist has made financial and product donations to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Kids Meal Network (via United Methodist Church Union in Pittsburgh), as well as relief efforts in Ecuador.

Visit www.starkist.com and follow @StarKistCharlie to learn more about the company’s commitment to giving back, its products and to explore StarKist developed recipes.

About StarKist Co.
StarKist Co. provides trusted, healthy, food products in the United States. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce StarKist single-serve pouch products, which include Tuna Creations®, Salmon Creations® and Chicken Creations®. As America’s favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist’s charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd.

About Feed the Children:
At Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow, while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in 10 countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships. Visit feedthechildren.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Michelle Faist
412-323-7457
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1177859/StarKist_Tuna_Feed_The_Children.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/950296/StarKist_Co_Logo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/950345/Feed_the_Children_Logo.jpg

SOURCE StarKist Co.

Hevie, the Mobile Hairstylist, Barber and Spa Wants to Know “Do You Want a Haircut from a Mobile Hairstylist?”

June 8, 2020

0

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia, June 8, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hevie – The Mobile Salon and Spa App is combining professional services and applying them to the Gig and Sharing Economy business model and platform; the same way Uber and Airbnb did. Hevie will offer the associates (Barber, Hairstylist, Beautician, Nail Technician, Eyebrow Technician, Braider or Massage therapist) the opportunity to provide Mobile Haircuts, Spa Services and provide clients the ability to have the service professional come personally to their home or office based on a preset appointment.

Hevie wants to give associates the professional freedom and emancipation from the brick and mortar style business, mobilizing them, and allow them earn a living without the overhead or the exorbitant commissions taken by salons, allowing them to set their own price and hours. After reviewing the associate of choice’s gallery of work and by reading the reviews, a customer can book an appointment right on the Hevie mobile app, whether at home or in the office.

Watch the Hevie Music Video: https://youtu.be/pLfqvsHLE4M

Hevie use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to best pinpoint a search for which professional has mastered their hair, nails and spa needs, down to the texture and contact the professional directly. Haircut trends are like fashion statements and in the urban communities especially among the Black and Brown customers get a haircut twice a month with a shape-up in between.

Hevie associates will be paid the service fee, travel fee and potential tip directly from the app and will have a “Home Office” option. The Hevie app will be in English and Spanish, free to download, have no subscription fee and will take a small transaction fee allowing associates to maximize up to 90% of their gross revenue.

Hevie is brainchild of its CEO Miguel Perez, who was forced to close down his Barbershop and Nail Salon and decided to go mobile to service clients in the Hampton Roads Seven Cities area of Virginia. “Our business quickly found out that it was making more money, many times surpassing the Salon income without the extensive overhead of a storefront.”

For more information, please visit http://www.Hevie.com.

SOURCE Hevie.com

Dixon Dominates in Texas for Honda

June 8, 2020

0

Honda's Scott Dixon dominated Saturday night's NTT IndyCar Series season-opening race, leading 157 of 200 laps to score his 47th career IndyCar win.

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 7, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ A race that started out ominously for Honda ended in triumph, as Scott Dixon dominated tonight’s season-opener, leading 157 of 200 laps around the Texas Motor Speedway oval to score his 47^th career Indy car win.

The first race of the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, delayed three months by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, took place without spectators and with limited crew members on a hot night in Fort Worth, Texas. With social distancing protocols preventing Honda engineers from assisting teams during the engine starting procedure on the grid, an issue with the spec series ECU resulted in Ryan Hunter-Reay, Graham Rahal and Alexander Rossi all going at least one lap down to the leaders in the opening laps.

At the front of the field, pole qualifier Josef Newgarden took the early lead, but it soon became apparent that Dixon and his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Felix Rosenqvist, had two of the quickest cars in the field. Passing Newgarden for the lead on Lap 32, Dixon was rarely headed for the rest of the night, at times opening up leads of five seconds or more on the fast, 1.5-mile TMS oval. The dominating win was the fourth for Dixon at Texas, and the 47th of his career. With the win, he tied A.J. Foyt’s record 18 seasons with at least one IndyCar victory, and extended his own consecutive season win record to 16.

Equally strong throughout the night, Rosenqvist appeared headed for a second-place finish behind his teammate, until a late-race crash while attempting to pass the lapped car of James Hinchcliffe sent Rosenqvist into the wall on Lap 191.

Behind Dixon, Zach Veach rebounded from a disappointing 2019 season with a strong run to fourth place, equaling his career-best previous Indy car finish. Colton Herta steadily worked his way from 14^th on the grid to finish seventh, while his Andretti Autosport teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay recovered from his dramas at the start to claw his way back on to the lead lap and an eighth-place result.

Making his first oval race start in any series, Indy car rookie Alex Palou was the innocent victim when his Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh Honda was collected by a spinning fellow rookie, Rinus Veekay, on Lap 36. Hinchcliffe’s first race back with Andretti Autosport was hobbled when a wheel nut jammed during his third pit stop, dropping him off the lead lap. Takuma Sato was unable to take the green flag after crashing his Honda in qualifying. With just two hours between qualifying and the race, his Rahal Letterman Lanigan team was unable to repair the damage in time for the early evening race start.

Next
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES resumes Independence Day weekend, on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the GMR Grand Prix on July 4.

Social media content and video links from this weekend’s Honda IndyCar Series action from Texas Motor Speedway are available on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD), Twitter (https://twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd/).

Quotes
Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) Started 2^nd, finished 1^st; 47^th career Indy car victory, ties A.J. Foyt’s record of at least one Indy car in each of 18 seasons: “The car rolled off the trailer really fast. We’ve also been using the Honda simulator in Indy for the last three weeks, and that was a big help in our preparation. It’s not often you get an amazing car like this. It was a fun night for us and a great way to get started back [racing] after a long break. The Honda engine, it was huge, man, the power out there. Our car was just so fast tonight, in any situation. We had to make a couple of bold moves tonight, and we could just go for it. Huge thanks to the team and everyone involved.”

Zach Veach (Andretti Autosport Honda) Started 5^th, finished 4^th, matches his career-best finish: “We had a really, really good night here in the Gainbridge Honda. I wanted to start 2020 off well because 2019 was so rough — and we came out here to Texas and got a top four [finish]. I’m just very happy. This kind of momentum will be great to go into the Indy Grand Prix and hopefully have the season we’ve been needing to have. The guys did an awesome job. My engineer, Mark Bryant, gave me a car that was amazing and my crew – they were awesome. That played a big part in a race with not many on-track passes. I’m just happy and a big thank you to Andretti Autosport.”

Allen Miller (Race Team Principal, Honda Performance Development) on tonight’s 2020 season-opening win: “It’s great to finally be racing again. INDYCAR did an excellent job in developing a way to return to the track, and our HPD race team excelled in adapting to these new procedures. Scott Dixon proved once again why he is a five-time INDYCAR champion, and Felix Rosenqvist matched him move for move until his unfortunate crash. Congratulations to Scott and the entire Ganassi team on a well-deserved win.”

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Genesys 300

Circuit: Texas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval) Fort Worth, Texas
2019 Winner: Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) 186.084 mph average
Weather: Clear, hot, 97 degrees F at 7 p.m. CDT race start

Top-10 Race Results:

Fn.	St.	Driver	Team	Manufacturer	Laps	Notes
1.	2.	Scott Dixon	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda	200	175.201 mph average speed
2.	3.	Simon Pagenaud	Team Penske	Chevrolet	200	+4.4109 seconds
3.	1.	Josef Newgarden	Team Penske	Chevrolet	200
4.	5.	Zach Veach	Andretti Autosport	Honda	200
5.	13.	Ed Carpenter	Ed Carpenter Racing	Chevrolet	200
6.	19.	Conor Daly	Carlin Racing	Chevrolet	200
7.	14.	Colton Herta	Andretti Harding Autosport	Honda	200
8.	4.	Ryan Hunter-Reay	Andretti Autosport	Honda	200
9.	20.	Oliver Askew-R	Arrow McLaren SP	Chevrolet	200
10.	10.	Tony Kanaan	A.J. Foyt Racing	Chevrolet	200

Other Honda Results

14.	11.	Marco Andretti	Andretti Herta Autosport	Honda	199	Running
15.	8.	Alexander Rossi	Andretti Autosport	Honda	199	Running
16.	21.	Jack Harvey	Meyer Shank Racing	Honda	199	Running
17.	7.	Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda	198	Running
18.	15.	James Hinchcliffe	Andretti Autosport	Honda	198	Running
19.	17.	Marcus Ericsson	Chip Ganasssi Racing	Honda	196	Running
20.	9.	Felix Rosenqvist	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda	190	Did not finish – crash
21.	22.	Santino Ferrucci	DCR with Vasser-Sullivan	Honda	156	Did not finish – suspension
22.	16.	Alex Palou-R	DCR with Team Goh	Honda	36	Did not finish – crash
24.	24.	Takuma Sato	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda	0	Did not start – qualifying crash

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1177466/JGS_2020.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/83597/honda_performance_development__inc__honda_racing_logo.jpg

SOURCE Honda Racing/HPD

Robert Johnson, Founder Of Black Entertainment Television And The RLJ Companies Applauds Former Vice President Biden’s Movement Towards His Reparations Proposal

June 8, 2020

0

The RLJ Companies logo. (PRNewsFoto/The RLJ Companies)

BETHESDA, Md., June 8, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Appearing on The Shade Room, former Vice President Biden said, “Here’s what I think we need. The bottom line is: Until there is genuine economic justice – access to wealth – it’s not going to fundamentally change police practices.”

Mr. Johnson stated, “I am pleased that the former Vice President has come to recognize that he owes full support to the Black community and is now demonstrating his support by clearly stating that access to wealth for Black Americans and Hispanic Americans is a critical component of equal opportunity and equal justice.” Mr. Johnson, who has recently called for $14 trillion in reparations for 40 million African Americans, further declared, “I hope that the American people will recognize and acknowledge that the time for full Black American reparations is now. Not just to atone for past sins, but to cause this nation to live up to what was once called American exceptionalism.”

Former VP Biden’s comments can be viewed on The Shade Room. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBJfwwmhFqA/?igshid=fs8n8gbnfn6w

About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust (REIT); private equity; 401k financial services; automobile dealerships; content streaming; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson founded Black Entertainment Television (BET).
For more information visit: www.rljcompanies.com

Media inquiries: Michelle Curtis 301.280.7701 or [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/326233/the_rlj_companies_logo.jpg

SOURCE The RLJ Companies

New Report Shows Charter Schools and their Students are Most Impacted by Digital Divide, Urges Lawmakers to Act

June 8, 2020

0

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools released a new policy brief, “Charter School and Student Access to Devices and the Internet,” an analysis of schools and communities facing the greatest barriers in accessing remote learning opportunities. The report also calls for $243 million in annual resources necessary to bridge the gap in digital access. When schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, nearly every K-12 student in America was thrust immediately into distance learning, positioning many low-income families without access to devices and high-speed internet connections at a disadvantage. Without relief aid from Congress, the digital divide has strong potential to exacerbate achievement and attainment gaps based on income and race.

Key Findings from the Briefing Include:

Approximately 9 million students in the U.S. lack access to the internet or devices.
More than 1 in 5 charter school students and roughly 1 in 8 district school students are in a school located in a low‑access connectivity tract, suggesting that charter school students are 60% more likely to be in a school located in a low‑access census tract.
The estimated cost to close the digital divide gap in charter schools is $243 million.
In 31 of the 44 states with charter schools, 20% or more of charter school students lack connectivity.
The top 50 cities for low connectivity account for more than 50% of all the charter school students facing connectivity challenges.

“The spring semester came and went for millions of U.S. students without access to the internet or a digital device. We cannot afford for our most vulnerable students to remain ill equipped this fall. Failing to close the digital divide will relegate low-income families to a modern dark age, left without the digital resources available to the more affluent,” said Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “Substantially more help for K-12 students must be a part of the next phase of federal relief from Congress. Students and families are counting on policymakers to shrink the digital divide before students suffer the consequences of another lost school year.”

Using the most recent American Community Survey data, the National Alliance estimates charter schools need $243 million to address unmet device and connectivity needs. Given that a higher percentage of charter school students experience low access to connectivity, and that incidence is magnified in specific states and cities, lawmakers must appropriate funds accordingly to bridge the gap. Federal, state and local governments as well as philanthropists will also need to target funds to the schools and students with the greatest needs, especially charter schools, which are disproportionately located in low-access census tracts.

For media inquiries please contact Shaelyn Macedonio at [email protected]. For more information please visit https://www.publiccharters.org/.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Blue Harbor Fish Co.® Celebrates World Oceans Day with Certified Sustainable Seafood

June 8, 2020

0

PITTSBURGH, June 8, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, on World Oceans Day, Blue Harbor Fish Co.® is celebrating the important role that sustainable seafood plays in ensuring a healthy ocean and planet. Blue Harbor Fish Co.®, which has been a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable seafood since 2016, provides American consumers with sustainable, wild caught albacore tuna and pink salmon packed with simple ingredients.

On this day, 140 countries come together to celebrate the role of the ocean in our everyday life, and to inspire action to protect and sustainably use marine resources.

“The choices we make have a ripple effect – like choosing sustainable seafood for a healthy ocean,” said Brian Perkins, Regional Director of the Americas for the Marine Stewardship Council. “We’re proud of Blue Harbor Fish Co.® for its ongoing dedication to providing American consumers with MSC certified sustainable seafood so they know they’re getting seafood that’s good for them and good for the ocean.”

The MSC, a global nonprofit recognized as the world’s leading certification and ecolabeling program for sustainable, wild-caught seafood, launched a new global campaign titled, ‘Little Blue Label, Big Blue Future’ to celebrate World Oceans Day and to encourage more consumers to switch to seafood certified to its rigorous ‘blue fish’ standard.

As a member of the MSC initiative, Blue Harbor Fish Co.® meets strict guidelines in which all of its products are traceable back to an MSC certified sustainable source. All the parties in the Blue Harbor Fish Co.® supply chain, from the catch to the retailer, meet standards set by MSC to make sure Blue Harbor Fish Co.® contains only sustainable seafood. This prevents possible seafood mislabeling or fraud and ensures that consumers are getting the product that is listed on packaging.

Oceans contain up to 80 percent of life on earth¹, with seafood providing an important source of protein to more than 3 billion people across the world². MSC certified seafood represents roughly 15% of global marine catch, demonstrating that certification is helping to grow and maintain the number of sustainable fish populations. In the US, more than 2,500 seafood products worldwide carry the MSC blue fish label.

The MSC standard was established in 1997 and is the only wild caught seafood standard and ecolabeling program to meet United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) guidelines, as well as meet Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) benchmarking criteria. The standards used to evaluate fisheries have been developed in deliberation with scientists, industry, and conservation groups, and reflect the most up-to-date fisheries science and management practices.

For more about Blue Harbor Fish Co.® partnership with the MSC: http://blueharborfishco.com/our-certifications

About Blue Harbor Fish Co.®
Blue Harbor Fish Co.® brand is committed to offering the highest-quality, sustainably-caught fish and protecting our oceans. Blue Harbor Fish Co.® provides wild-caught Albacore tuna sourced from the South Pacific and wild-caught Alaskan pink salmon. All of Blue Harbor Fish Co.’s® fisheries are proudly Marine Stewardship Council certified since 2016. Blue Harbor Fish Co.®: Catch Something Good®

Notes to editors: Monday, 8 June 2020 is World Oceans Day, observed in 140 countries to drive collaboration to safeguard our oceans. To support this effort, the MSC has launched a new global campaign: ‘Big blue future, little blue label’. Follow along at #BigBlueFuture on social media and MSC.org/BigBlueFuture.

¹ An estimated 50-80% of all animal life on earth is found under the ocean surface. More detail can be found in PNAS 115 (25) 6506.
² According to the United nation Food and Agriculture Organization, fish provide about 3.2 billion people with almost 20 percent of their average per capita intake of animal protein – (UNFAO 2018) SOFIA Report, p70

Media Contact: Emma Janeczko /[email protected]/ 207-200-2920

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1177293/Blue_Harbor_Fish.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1177292/Blue_Harbor_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Harbor Fish Co.