SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " community " 6,228 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
How this South Jersey healthcare clinic is empowering the LGBTQ+ community
Berkeley Wellness Center to close as California shifts mental health funding
The arts-focused community space for people with mental health challenges is one of seven wellness centers in Alameda County that will close.
Agencies train together to keep the community safer
Emergency services in Marshfield came together for a joint training so they're ready to respond when patients and communities need them most.
Music & Morsels festival will bring DJs, food and live entertainment to North Broad Street
The free event on June 26 will feature 25 DJs, food trucks, dance performances, games and community activities between Spring Garden and Poplar streets.
Mental Health First Aid training offered July 10
The WVU community is invited to attend a Mental Health First Aid training hosted by WELLWVU and the West Virginia Collegiate Initiative to Advance Healthy Campus Communities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 10 on Zoom.
Prosper Kpotufe: Pursuing computer science while building community
Prosper Kpotufe keeps going. The doctoral student is an Orr Fellow and software engineer at The MJ Companies, with experience at Johnson & Johnson, PPG, Fastenal Company, American Chemical Society and…
Partnerships drive better community health, leaders say
Participants in NACo's Public Health Leadership Academy focused on building trust between public health professionals and elected leaders.
Community health screenings address obstacles to medical care
A local nonprofit has begun offering free clinics to screen vulnerable populations for potentially life-threatening conditions in Coastal Georgia.
Shreveport Chamber honors six minority business leaders
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce honored six local leaders and businesses for their contributions to the community.
Mind, Body, Soul: Self-Care Is Health care Community Health Day
Ethan Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church invites residents throughout the Miami Valley and surrounding communities to attend its “Mind, Body, Soul: Self-Care Is Healthcare: Community Health Day” on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Ethan Temple SDA Church, 4000 Shiloh Springs Road, Clayton, Ohio 45315.The free community event is designed to promote holistic wellness by addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health while connecting individuals and families with valuable healthcare and community resources.The day opens with Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m., featuring guest speaker Alberta Scruggs, a licensed registered dietitian and nutritionist, who will share practical guidance on nutrition, self-care, and healthy living. Following the service, attendees will enjoy refreshments and a light lunch before taking part in the afternoon's health screenings, community resource fair, and wellness-focused activities.From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., attendees will have access to free health screenings provided through a partnership with Premier Health, along with information and resources from local health and human service organizations.A Community Health Fair from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. will feature representatives from several organizations such as Black Women’s Health Initiative, CareSource, and many more.Recognizing the growing importance of emotional wellness, the event will also feature a Mental Health Panel Discussion from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. led by respected professionals in behavioral health and counseling. The panel will provide an opportunity for open conversation, education, and community engagement around mental health awareness, treatment, and support.In addition to health services and educational opportunities, attendees will receive complimentary lunch bags while supplies last, and school supplies will be distributed to students and families while supplies last.The Community Health Day is open to the public and free of charge. No registration is required.
Pacifica business owners turn negative rating into a positive initiative
After WalletHub ranked Pacifica as the worst small city nationwide to start a business, community members and entrepreneurs are turning this into something positive.
Community wellbeing programme launches in Truro for residents
Sessions will focus on areas including physical health, emotional wellbeing and stress management.
Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center hosts community day ahead of opening
Novant Health hosted a community day at Scotts Hill Medical Center ahead of its opening, giving neighbors their first look at New Hanover County’s first newly built hospital in decades.
Forty Fort business hits the mark: The Hatchet Factory earns $10,000 award
Denise Ogurkis’ ax-throwing gathering spot earns recognition from Citizens as one of the bank’s 20 recipients, from nine states, of its 2026 Small Business Community Champion Award.
Forty Fort business hits the mark: The Hatchet Factory earns $10,000 award
Denise Ogurkis’ ax-throwing gathering spot earns recognition from Citizens as one of the bank’s 20 recipients, from nine states, of its 2026 Small Business Community Champion Award.
#New40k – Points, apps, and updates incoming
See what’s coming for the new edition of Warhammer 40,000.
Athletic director: Eagles sports program drawing students, money to Northwest Arkansas Community College
BENTONVILLE -- Northwest Arkansas Community College is pursuing lofty enrollment growth goals, and athletics are playing a key part in recruiting students, according to the college's athletic director.
McHenry High social science educator honored at Teacher of the Year awards
A McHenry Community High School social science teacher was among those recently honored during the 2026 Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards in Normal.
Residents can get a look at new Talent Health Center in late June
Rogue Community Health helps lead effort; onsite weekly food pantry operates through ACCESS Rogue Community Health is offering the public a chance to tour its new clinic in Talent. The […]
The 50 greatest actors in movie history, according to fans
To determine American audiences' 50 favorite actors who are men, Stacker analyzed data from YouGov, current as of June 2024. See who came out on top!
Lakeland Community College names new dean of health professions
Lakeland Community College has named Julie Senita as its new dean of health professions following an extensive nationwide search. Senita, who spent the past academic year leading Lakeland’s nursing program, brings more than two decades o…
Music, community shine at record-breaking Summer Porch Jam in Suwanee
It's spring for several days yet, but Friday evening was summer through and through at Suwanee's annual Summer Porch Jam.
Sports complex makes big impact on community four years later
Spooky Nook sports complex in Hamilton is the largest in North America.
Sports complex makes big impact on community four years later
Spooky Nook sports complex in Hamilton is the largest in North America.
Sports complex makes big impact on community four years later
Spooky Nook sports complex in Hamilton is the largest in North America.
These Portland trail guides build community through science, education and whimsy
“Drag Me Outside,” where field biology meets fabulousness.
50 of the oldest actors who are still working in Hollywood
Stacker manually curated a list of 50 of the oldest actors who are still working in the entertainment industry.
Scientists find a whale graveyard in the Indian Ocean that’s millions of years old
Scientists have documented a whale graveyard in the Indian Ocean with some carcasses dating back 5.3 million years, and it's supporting a thriving community of marine life.
Politics: Dubuquers share priorities with federal delegation on annual trip to Washington
Dubuque community leaders made their annual “D.C. Fly-in” pilgrimage to Washington last week, where they met with congressional representatives from Iowa and several federal agencies.
Chairman Anthony Rodriguez Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Oversight, Accountability, and Long-Term Success of Miami-Dade Mental Health Center
Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez announced legislation that will be considered by the Miami-Dade County Commission on June 16 to establish enhanced oversight, transparency, and accountability measures for the new Miami-Dade County Mental Health Center. While emphasizing his support for expanding mental health services, Chairman Rodriguez said the County must ensure that this significant
WHUR’s Joe Clair Brings Men Together for Honest Conversation About Mental Health
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Saturday, June 13, 2026) — Dozens of men filled the event space at Macy’s Downtown Metro Center Saturday for Well-Dressed Well-Being: A Men’s Mental Health Check-In, an afternoon of powerful storytelling, healing, and honest conversations designed to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Hosted by WHUR 96.3 afternoon personality, comedian, and community advocate Joe Clair, […]
In Boston, Haiti’s World Cup return is more than soccer amid US political threats to community
Haiti’s group match against Scotland marked its second-ever appearance in the sport’s biggest tournament more than a half-century after its first in 1974
Sunday Preview – Hedonites head into battle along with a new General’s Handbook
Next week’s pre-orders include Hedonites of Slaanesh, Skaven, and a new edition of False Gods.
New barber shop opens up in Berks County
They cut the ribbon at Da Gallery and welcomed the community in to see the place.
Odem Area Lions Club hosted a free Star Spangled Health Fair
Joan McKaughan, President of the Lion's Hall said the residents of the rural community don't have enough information on services in their area.
SBA moves to revise 8(a) rules while preserving tribal, ANC eligibility
Details By Brian Edwards Native Contracting June 13, 2026 The U.S. Small Business Administration has proposed changes to its 8(a) Business Development Program that would eliminate race-based presumptions of social disadvantage for individually owned businesses while leaving eligibility standards unchanged for tribally owned enterprises, Alaska Native corporations and other Native entity-owned participants. In both the title and summary of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register, SBA emphasized that the changes only apply to individually owned firms and “do not impact entity-owned firms,” including tribes, Alaska Native corporation, Native Hawaiian organizations and community development corporations. The proposed rule, announced June 11, would require all individual applicants seeking admission to the 8(a) program to submit evidence demonstrating social disadvantage. Membership in a racial or ethnic group alone would no longer establish eligibility, according to the SBA. For Indian Country, the agency said eligibility standards for businesses owned by federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations and community development corporations would remain unchanged. The proposal comes after the Department of Defense reaffirmed that participation by tribes and Alaska Native corporations in the 8(a) program is based on their political status under federal law rather than diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In a May 28 letter to Alaska's Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey wrote that participation by federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native corporations in federal programs is “grounded in their political status as Native Americans, not DEI initiatives.” The SBA proposal follows a 2023 federal court ruling that found unconstitutional the program's rebuttable presumption that members of certain racial and ethnic groups were socially disadvantaged. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the proposed rule would establish a single standard for individually owned applicants by requiring evidence of social disadvantage. The 8(a) Business Development Program provides participating firms with business development assistance and access to federal set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities. The program remains a major source of federal contracting revenue for tribal enterprises and Alaska Native corporations. Native-owned firms received $16.1 billion of the program's approximately $26 billion in federal contract awards during fiscal 2024, according to data previously reported by Tribal Business News. The proposal also arrives amid ongoing concerns from Native contractors about SBA administration of the program. In May, the Native American Contractors Association and 53 Native-owned businesses urged SBA to address delays in processing 8(a) applications, saying some reviews had stretched beyond regulatory deadlines and appeared to have stalled since August 2025. The proposed rule is open for public comment through July 13. The Federal Register notice does not reference tribal consultation or indicate whether SBA determined consultation was unnecessary because tribal eligibility standards are unchanged. The SBA has not announced when the proposed rule would take effect. The agency is expected to accept public comments before issuing a final rule.About The AuthorAuthor: Brian EdwardsBrian Edwards is associate publisher and associate editor of Tribal Business News and Native News Online. He is a longtime publisher, editor, business reporter and serial entrepreneur. Subscribe Today!Other Articles by this authorDefense Department reaffirms tribal, ANC eligibility in SBA 8(a) programTribal heritage projects eligible for up to $100K in federal funding through NPS programIHS launches tribal long-term care construction initiative with three projectsIḷisaġvik College acquires site for long-planned Utqiaġvik campus This article is available to paid digital subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
After Twenty Years, the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery Is Finally Within Reach
For more than two years, I have sponsored and championed one of the most important public health efforts of my time in office: opening the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery at 2200 NW 7th Avenue, a place that will treat people living with serious mental illness instead of warehousing them in our jail.
After Twenty Years, the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery Is Finally Within Reach
For more than two years, I have sponsored and championed one of the most important public health efforts of my time in office: opening the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery at 2200 NW 7th Avenue, a place that will treat people living with serious mental illness instead of warehousing them in our jail.
Hundreds help kick off first ever Utica Unity Weekend
Face painting, cotton candy ring toss and more greeted children at Carnival Day the Utica Recreation Center on Saturday — and that was just one of the three days dedicated to Utica Unity Weekend, hosted by the city Youth Bureau and several community organizations.
Send Crimson Desert your "fun and incredible videos", and you could win an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea
Crimson Desert, the open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss, has a new challenge for Greymanes – a community challenge video event.
Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center hosts community day ahead of opening
Families and their pets attended the event outside the facility. Attendees met staff, learned about services and took guided tours inside.
Tony Perkins joins Joe Clair for men's mental health event
News4’s Tony Perkins will join WHUR’s Joe Clair for an important conversation on mental wellness, healing and community.
Maryland Science Center marks 50th anniversary; Harbor plaza groundbreaking
WBFF Fox45 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Baltimore and nearby towns and communities in Maryland, including Annapolis, Crofton, Glen Burnie, Linthicum, Pasadena, Severn, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Essex, Parkville, Owings Mills, Towson, White Marsh, Woodlawn, Hampstead, Sykesville, Taneytown, Westminster, Elkton, Perryville, Pt. Deposit, Rising Sun, Aberdeen, Abingdon, Bel Air, Edgewood, Fallston, Havre De Grace, Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, and Ocean City.
Miami-Dade Must Act Now on the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery
On June 16, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners is expected to take a vote that has been years in the making—whether to finally open the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery or allow it to continue sitting empty. The seven-story facility is fully constructed, renovated, certified, and ready to serve the community. It
Kirby Center celebrating 40 years of entertainment, education, community impact
WILKES-BARRE — Joell Yarmel, executive director of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, said this week that 40 years ago, a group of dreamers believed that live performance could transform a community.
Wake Forest business owners say 'Friday Night on White' concert series impacts bottom line
The monthly concert is held during the spring and summer and has become a staple in the community over the past decade.
Wake Forest business owners say 'Friday Night on White' concert series impacts bottom line
The monthly concert is held during the spring and summer and has become a staple in the community over the past decade.
Big Show: Community celebrates reading with fun entertainment
SALISBURY — It was a big show with an even bigger finish. As part of the Rowan Public Library’s Big Show Series, Mark Lippard took the stage at the main […]
Slow ICE reporting on infectious illnesses threatens El Paso outbreak response, health authority says
El Paso’s top public health official warned that delays in ICE reporting of infectious illnesses at detention facilities are hampering outbreak response efforts and endanger the broader community.
Wake Forest businesses close early, push back on popular community event
VDH asks for community's help to stop spread of measles in Buckingham area
The Virginia Department of Health's Southside District is asking for the community's help in stopping the spread of measles.
Sinai Temple Gala, Black-Jewish Entertainment Alliance, 'Jewish Tomorrow' Podcast
Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community.
Pride Local Business Spotlight
Inclusion, acceptance, and kindness should be part of our daily lives—regardless of age, gender, race, or identity. That’s why each June, Utah Soccer proudly celebrates Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQ+ community and the countless contributions its members make to our culture and communities. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on
Whitmer reestablishes statewide task force to help curb gun violence in Michigan
The 23-member task force will consist of state officials, community partners, medical experts, and members of law enforcement.
Longtime business, community leader Howard Shotwell dies at 83
George Howard Shotwell, 86, local business and civic leader, died on the morning of June 6 at his home. The longtime Hurst resident served his
Queer City Sports provides a welcoming space for Baltimore's LGBTQ+ community
Queer City Sports offers Baltimore's LGBTQ+ community a space to play sports, have fun and meet people.
Fleetwood Community Carnival offers rides, entertainment, games for all ages
Fleetwood Community Carnival will provide rides, entertainment, and games for people of all ages at Fleetwood Community Park July 14 to 18.
Austin Public Health releases consultant’s ‘Community Violence Intervention Strategy’ report
Austin Public Health released a consulting firm’s “Community Violence Intervention Strategy” report in a Monday memo, which it said was a first step in making a “comprehensi…
'The Only Way to Keep Bungie Alive Is to Support Marathon,' Ex-Destiny Community Manager Says
As Destiny 2 fans mourn the game's final update, Bungie's former community manager has blasted players fixated on comparing its player count with fledgling extraction shooter Marathon — and said that the company's current issues began long before its arrival, as well as Sony's acquisition.
Participatory Research to Build Narrative Power: Results From Survey Research to Support Community Organizing for Health Justice and Equity
Building narrative power, a foundational strategy used in community organizing, involves dismantling dominant narratives that uphold inequity and constructing counternarratives that advance health equity and racial justice by reshaping how people make sense of the world.
How Social Gaming Platforms Are Expanding Across the US Digital Entertainment Market
Contributor content. Social gaming is reshaping U.S. entertainment, blending mobile access, community features and real-time interaction into everyday digital experiences.
Las Vegas ranks No. 2 in world in startup community activity
Las Vegas ranked No. 23 in the U.S., climbing four spots from last year, and ranked No. 67 globally, rising 17 spots, in StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026.
Awardee's early awareness shaped her sustained commitment to improving community health
By Felicia Fuller Dr. Tiffany Powell-Wiley&rsquo.
Austin’s young professionals community is red hot for heart health
AUSTIN, June 12, 2026 —Cardiovascular disease and stroke can affect anybody, of any age – and the young professionals community in Austin is turning up the heat to make sure everyone is prepared to save a life. The American Heart Association’s Young...
City Council Business Meeting on June 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public, and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increase valuable discussions, and decrease division.
Lake Geneva business leaders establish city's first-ever Pride celebration despite some online opposition
Lake Geneva is the latest community with its own LGBTQ+ Pride celebration. The weekend event has family-friendly activities like chalk drawing, a vendor fair, and a community worship celebration.
Simple ways to support Black owned businesses daily
Juneteenth is a great time to start, but supporting Black owned businesses year round strengthens your community.
Washtenaw Business Lens: When homelessness and mental health challenges collide with local businesses
Ann Arbor businesses are feeling the impact of people suffering homelessness and mental health challenges. For this month's "Washtenaw Business Lens," WEMU's Caroline MacGregor and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations, Andy LaBarre discussed these economic impacts with the Executive Director of Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, Trish Cortes.
#New40k – Download the new Event Companions today
Event rules and terrain layouts for the new edition of Warhammer 40,000.
Protecting health after earthquakes: learning from a community-centred approach in Türkiye
In the hours and days after an earthquake, communities face devastating loss, displacement and profound disruption of daily life. In the weeks and months that follow, new health risks can quickly emerge that compound the immediate impacts. These continue to evolve over time.
Fable Is Leaning Hard Into Its Life Sim Identity
Fable is shaping up to be the next addition in the Life Sim genre, if slightly unconventional. Take a look at all the new Life Sim aspects!
A Nebraska immigration raid shut businesses down a year ago. The fallout is ongoing, officials say.
Local businesses have taken a hit as families and workers grapple with the effects of the raid last June on the Glenn Valley Foods meatpacking plant, community members said.
Rural health care shifts in Audrain County four years after hospital closed
MU Health Care highlights the success of its Mexico urgent care clinic, but a community members questions whether the services it offers are enough.
A plan to improve community health across Utah
If you're a community member, a partner organization or a health care provider who wants to be part of this work, we want to hear...
RPG Maker is deleting 14 years of community content and fans have days to save them
RPG Maker’s official forums are closing in December, and 14 years of tutorials and guides will be permanently deleted with no archive or backup.
HOMETOWN ENTERTAINMENT: Community theatre in Roanoke to stage ‘Romeo and Juliet’
Bear Theatre presents Romeo and Juliet at Community High School
Community Health in Action: Manor College at the Byrd Cancer Expo
The All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo is designed to provide free access to essential health services, educational resources and community support. Manor College Dental Hygiene students delivered an oral health initiative at the annual Byrd Cancer Foundation Wellness and Cancer Expo on April 18. The entire Dental Hygiene cohort participated to provide over 30 Read more >
Controversial Battle Ground business owners buy community’s only newspaper
Brothers Camden and Mac Spiller announced Wednesday they have purchased the Battle Ground Reflector.
9 local businesses to support before Pride Month ends
With Pride Month in full swing, there are many ways to support businesses owned by and catering to the LGBTQ community.
Achieving new heights: Walter Reed promotes adaptive sports as good medicine
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Military Advanced Training Center (MATC) uses adaptive sports to promote community reintegration for service members recovering from traumatic injuries.
EVO Entertainment Announces Acquisition of Former Xscape Theatre, plans transformation into 70,000-Square-Foot Cinema Entertainment Destination in Fulshear
EVO Entertainment today announced that is has acquired the former Xscape Theatre property at 26616 FM 1093 and plans to redevelop the site into a nearly 70,000-square-foot entertainment destination serving the growing Katy-Fulshear community. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the venue scheduled to open in Summer 2027.
Roundup: BREC millage / New gas pipeline / Screwworm in pets
Partnership backing: The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership supports renewing BREC’s parks and recreation millage on the June 27 ballot, saying parks and trails are key to quality of life and economic growth. Leaders say the renewal will help maintain a valuable community asset while BREC undergoes a leadership transition. They emphasize the importance of […]
EVO Entertainment to bring 'entertainment destination' to Fulshear
EVO Entertainment has acquired the former Xscape Theatre property in Fulshear with plans to redevelop the site into a nearly 70,000-square-foot
The New Republic of Science
The scientific community functions as a republic—with its own governance of rules and norms, internal politics, and relationships with the states and publics that fund it.
Structural problems underlie behavioral health services delays
A new report highlights the delays for New Yorkers in need of community-based services for behavioral health disorders. Our guest is Jihoon Kim.
Build a Forest-Related Business Fast: Free Sierra Commons Training in Auburn This July
Nevada City, Calif. — As demand grows for skilled forest management businesses across California, a Northern California nonprofit is helping entrepreneurs turn that opportunity into a livelihood. Sierra Commons, in partnership with the Sierra Business Council, will host a Forest Entrepreneurship Bootcamp July 18–19 in the Community Room at BriarPatch Co-op’s Auburn location. The two-day […]
First‑ever Arts in Health Conference at Rowan highlights innovation in healing through the arts
Rowan's George Family Center for Healing Arts hosted the first-ever Arts in Health Conference, bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, students, artists and community leaders from across the state. During the May 27 event, attendees explored a simple but powerful question: how can the arts help us live healthier, more connected lives?
Entertainment this week: Lila Lapanja meet and greet, Homewood Community Gathering and more
Friday, June 12 2026 Music at Ski Beach – 4-7 p.m., Fridays at Ski Beach in Incline Village – IVGID passes required For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/2026-music-at-ski-beach-1745157?sourceTypeId=Hub. Meet & Greet with Olympian Lila Lapanja at...
Ask an Expert: How Can the Science Community Protect Science and Democracy?
Join Science Rising: a movement of truth-tellers, guided by integrity, creativity, and justice, to serve the public.
Professor earns EXPy Award for computer science initiatives
Dr. Bob Allen loves showing his students how they can give back to the community through their computer science knowledge.
Community Days returns with expanded entertainment, parade and biggest fireworks show yet
DuBOIS — For 33 years, DuBois Community Days has brought residents together for a weekend of entertainment, food, family activities and hometown pride.
How Trump’s reliance on ‘acting’ officials holding multiple jobs tests the Constitution
It feels odd that President Donald Trump tapped a housing expert to oversee the American intelligence community.
Founders celebrate 10 years of inspiration at the Homewood Science Center
Homewood Science Center hosted a Founders Day program on May 28, marking 10 years of providing STEM education to the community.
Sacramento businesses prepare for World Cup excitement
Sacramento soccer fans will have no shortage of places to celebrate the World Cup, as local businesses and nonprofits team up to host watch parties, free clinics and community activities tied to the tournament.
Blount County business development focuses on small businesses, community growth
Tennessee being a business-friendly state has led to investment from Memphis to Chattanooga, Knoxville and the Tri-Cities.
WHO urges targeted action to strengthen emergency workforce capacities for shared health risks across the Asia-Pacific region
At a time when the world is more interconnected than ever, the World Health Organization (WHO) is disseminating a comprehensive regional analysis of shared health risks across Asia and the Pacific, urging Member States to invest in enhancing workforce capacities regionwide to mitigate these risks and ensure health systems are better prepared to anticipate, tackle and withstand a range of crises and shocks. Over 100 delegates from 49 countries and areas in the Asia-Pacific region reviewed results from the regional risk analysis during the WHO-led Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) Stakeholders Meeting in Malaysia. Synthesizing insights from 21 strategic risk assessments and more than 800 multisectoral experts, the regional analysis highlighted an urgent imperative: countries must proactively invest in emergency workforce preparedness to navigate a landscape where climate hazards, disease outbreaks and geophysical events increasingly overlap. These complex converging crises create devastating, compounding impacts on health systems and communities – reiterating the need for investing in a fit-for-purpose regional health workforce and multisectoral action.Key findings: an evolving risk landscape More than half of the participating countries ranked flooding, cyclones, dengue and pandemic-potential respiratory pathogens as being of high or very high risk, while antimicrobial resistance, landslides and gastroenteritis remain widespread concerns as well. “Given that 51% – over half – of these assessed hazards are deeply interconnected, isolated health interventions are no longer sufficient,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Extreme weather events like cyclones and floods directly trigger subsequent disease outbreaks, while environmental degradation – driven by sea-level rise, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion – fuels health risks across the Pacific. Mitigating these cascading risks requires unified, cross-sectoral action linking environmental, agricultural and public health policies to build true regional resilience.” Priority recommendations for action To address critical vulnerabilities, WHO calls on Member States in the Asia-Pacific region to urgently prioritize the following strategic actions: Bridge workforce capacity gaps. Embed and standardize emergency preparedness within academia to promote regional workforce interoperability. Foster multisectoral coordination. Address ad-hoc taskforce responses and fragmented surge support through formalized contingency plans and standard operating procedures that are frequently updated and tested. Secure sustainable financing for emergencies. Overcome systemic barriers to access dedicated funding for both immediate anticipatory actions and long-term emergency preparedness initiatives. Enable emergency-ready primary health care. Embed emergency management into public health workforce readiness planning. Ensure that emergency planning is inclusive. Establish clear pathways for inclusive emergency planning that actively involves communities most at risk and other vulnerable groups. Optimize communication. Update risk communication and community engagement strategies, aligning them with seasonal risk calendars. Elevating workforce readiness to meet regional health risks While the gaps identified are significant, the Asia-Pacific region possesses solid foundational pillars, including dedicated clinicians, laboratory staff, rapid response teams, emergency medical teams and extensive community networks. However, to adequately address the compounding nature of modern crises, the various components of the emergency workforce must collaborate cohesively. True resilience depends entirely on transforming this currently fragmented workforce into a highly trained, interconnected and rapidly deployable asset. To achieve this, WHO is actively advancing regional workforce capacities through the Global Health Emergency Corps initiative. This initiative – supported by the Gates Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy – seeks to build a seamless network of emergency workforce across borders and sectors, ensuring that when a crisis strikes, a standardized, well-coordinated and trained workforce is immediately ready to respond. “Scaling up emergency workforce readiness is no longer optional,” said Dr Gina Samaan, Regional Emergency Director for WHO in the Western Pacific. “It is the definitive factor that will determine how effectively the Asia-Pacific region safeguards health and protects lives in an increasingly unpredictable future.” ____________________For more information, or to arrange media interviews, contact: Ara Johannes, WHO Western Pacific Health Emergencies Division: johannesa@who.int WHO Western Pacific Communications: wprocom@who.int
Car show Saturday in Lynchburg to raise funds for Valor Farm, veterans’ mental health
The National Center of Healthy Veterans at Valor Farm is hosting a car show sponsored by Lynchburg community partners.