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Press Release: Protect Yourself and Your Community from COVID and Flu
Rowan County Public Health Encourages Residents to Protect Yourself and Your Community from Flu and COVID-19FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESalisbury, NC- Rowan County Public Health is encouraging simple st
Less sleep = less health; Led Zeppelin in the OR; dangers of people-pleasing; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
Prevention interviewed Beth Malow, MD, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics in the Vanderbilt Sleep Division, for a story about two randomized trials published in Annals of Internal Medicinethat found decreasing sleep by just 1.5 hours each night was linked with increases in body weight, waist circumference, and sedentary time in adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk. Yahoo Healthalso picked up the story. WTVF News Channel 5 reporter Nikki Hauser interviewed Ashish Shah, MD, Professor and Chair of Cardiac Surgery, for a new video podcast series called “Why Nashville” where she interviews interesting people doing interesting work about why they came to Nashville and how it is going. Among the revelations: his go-to OR music includes Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Everyday Health interviewed Aaron Brinen, PsyD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, for a story about the TikTok trend that encourages women to speak up about their concerns or they’ll develop an autoimmune disease. Overall, people suggest that suppressing feelings of anger, minimizing your own needs, or people-pleasing raises your risk. Telemundo Nashville broadcast a story on cyclosporiasis that quotes both William Schaffner, MD, professor of Preventive Medicine, and Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and system Pediatrician-in-Chief for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Schaffner also spoke to WKRN News 2 about measles and The Cutabout shingles and long distance running. WREG (Memphis) and others picked up the measles story as well. CNN reporter Deidre McPhillips interviewed John Trahanas, MD, Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery, and Director of Thoracic Aortic Surgery, for a story about aortic dissection in last week’s death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. The Nashville Post published a story by freelance reporter Leah Hunter on robotic surgery, including a patient story and numerous quotes from Sekhar Padmanabhan, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology.
Seeing women govern encourages support for women in politics – with no apparent backlash among men
After the main Namibian party started alternating candidates between men and women, female representation in the National Assembly nearly doubled.
Obama encourages people to not give in to despair in current political climate
Former President Barack Obama speaks at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, imploring Americans not to give in to cynicism and despair in the current divisive political climate.
NYC Health + Hospitals Encourages New Yorkers to Receive Their Annual Flu and Covid-19 Vaccinations during Respiratory Virus Season
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that the 2026–2027 updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for patients at its hospitals and
Health experts keep Summerfest attendees healthy
On top of staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen, Aurora Health Care encourages wearing comfortable shoes and clothing.
Health-focused message boosts interest in litter cleanup
Framing litter cleanup as a health benefit encourages more people to participate in environmental efforts.
Barack Obama encourages Stephen Colbert to run for president ahead of 'Late Show' final episode: 'The bar has changed'
Barack Obama appeared amid Stephen Colbert's final stretch of guests on 'The Late Show' before the program ends its three-decade run on May 21. The former president encouraged Colbert's tepid political ambitions.
Mental Health Resources
As Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC honor Mental Health Awareness Month, the Club encourages all fans, staff, and players to remember that they are never alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Together with our partner Intermountain Health, here’s how we're working to support mental
SGMC Health Encourages Early Detection During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SGMC Health is encouraging women across South Georgia to prioritize their breast health through annual mammograms, educational resources, survivor stories, and community events focused on awareness and early detection.
Black Business Association Launches Microgrant Program
Source: Black Business Association of Amherst Area The Black Business Association of Amherst Area (BBAAA) encourages current and aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for support with startup costs and operating expenses. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The grant application form and guidelines can be found on the BBAAA website: Eligible Expenses Grant awards
Science|Business summer reads of 2026
As most people in the European research and innovation policy bubble are going on a well-deserved summer break, we have come up with a list of our favourite books, podcasts and essays from the past year that ask deeper questions about science, technology and politics.BooksPasteur’s Quadrant: Basic Science and Technological Innovation, by Donald StokesIf you haven’t read Pasteur’s Quadrant yet, now is the time. In the EU and elsewhere, we’re living through a period of dwindling faith that curiosity-driven research automatically leads to economic growth and technological progress. Pasteur’s Quadrant, published in 1997 by the Princeton academic Donald Stokes, is the most influential critique of the standard “linear model” of R&D: the idea that new discoveries made in ivory-tower labs get neatly passed on for commercialisation by start-ups. In reality, Stokes argues, practical applications often inspire more theorical lines of inquiry. Of course, we have long known that things are more complex than the linear model, but even today, it’s still often assumed in Brussels discourse. The book is a useful corrective, and is being used now to argue for new types of scientific institutions. David MatthewsThe Weaponization of Expertise: How Elites Fuel Populism, by Jacob Hale Russel and Dennis PattersonAre society’s problems solvable by technical expertise alone? “If only the benighted would listen,” say Jacob Hale Russel and Dennis Patterson, two professors at Rutgers Law School who got frustrated with how scientists and politicians handled public health communication during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the book, they argue that clichéd mantras about scientific evidence and expertise perpetrated by academics, journalists and politicians have harmed public trust in the very institutions they were trying to defend. Paradoxically, slogans such as “we believe in science,” “follow the science” and “defer to the experts” can fuel mistrust in science, experts and democratic institutions. The authors criticise “condescension” and “technocratic paternalism” in the public discourse and make the case for a more nuanced approach to scientific and expert policy advice that rests on humility, doubt, scepticism and open dialogue. “Most complex social questions in fact revolve around values, not the recitation of unambiguous facts,” they say. Florin ZubascuBreakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future, by Dan WangIn this book, Dan Wang compares the structural differences between the US and Chinese industrial policies, but raises a very timely question for innovation policy wonks: how can advanced manufacturing know-how contribute to technology-intensive economic growth? Wang says technology has three components: the tools, the blueprints and patents, and the process knowledge. The third component represents the “proficiency gained from practical experience, which isn’t easily communicated and requires years of implementation.” According to Wang, rather than seeing tools and blueprints as the ultimate ends of technological progress, policymakers should see them as milestones in the training of better scientists and manufacturers. Over the past decades, China has amassed “process knowledge” because capital flowed to complex fabrication facilities, while investors in the West have parked their money in capital-light businesses such as digital platforms or chip companies that focus on design. As it turns out, thanks to its oversized focus on manufacturing, China has gained remarkable advantages in the global technology race. Florin ZubascuBaltic: The Future of Europe, by Oliver MoodyWhat can Europe learn from the nine countries surrounding the Baltic Sea? Alongside the familiar stories about Estonia's digital transformation, the book examines how the region has used technology, resilience, education, governance and long-term thinking to respond to geopolitical, economic and security challenges. Innovation policy wonks might find fresh perspectives on how innovation can strengthen defence, societal resilience and Europe's capacity to adapt in an uncertain world. Whether or not you agree with all of Oliver Moody's conclusions, the book is a useful guide to a region that is increasingly shaping European debates on security, competitiveness and technology. Goda NaujokaityteThe Invention of Nature, by Andrea Wulf This book chronicles the wild and adventurous life of natural science pioneer Alexander von Humboldt who at some point in the 19th century seems to have been just about the most famous person in the world. Through scientific expeditions to the Andes Mountains and to the depths of Siberia, von Humboldt contributed a host of discoveries and concepts. During his life he met and formed relationships with historical figures as different as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Simon Bolivar, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles Darwin. He is also claimed to be the person in the world with most things named after him, a list that includes an ocean current, a penguin and a region of the Moon. Still venerated in Germany, with numerous scientific institutions named after him, von Humboldt has slipped out of public consciousness in most of the rest of the world. For anyone not familiar with him, this book does a good job of describing his fascinating life. Ole EllekrogCareless People, by Sarah Wynn-WilliamsYou may have heard this referred to as the book Meta doesn’t want you to read. The 2025 memoir from Sarah Wynn-Williams, former director of global public policy at Meta, then just called Facebook, includes explosive claims about everything from a toxic workplace culture to how the company worked with advertisers to target vulnerable teens, and the lengths it was prepared to go to in order to break into China. It’s a fascinating insight into how and why the tech company gradually shifted its approach to policy, whether in the US, Europe or Asia. Meta has denied the allegations in the book, and last year won an emergency ruling to prevent Wynn-Williams from promoting it. In response, the author is now suing her former employer. If that doesn’t make you want to read it. Martin GreenacrePodcastsThe Europeans: Europe’s anti-ElonThis podcast is a great choice for a light-hearted dose of European policy and culture news. Most of it has little to do with research, innovation and technology, but this particular podcast features an interview with Mastadon’s founder Eugen Rochko. He talks about his experience running an open-source, federated, European-made social media platform, and leaving it all behind. The conversation, which starts 14 minutes in, gently encourages us to reflect on what kind of technology we, as Europeans, want to make. Goda NaujokaityteSolarpunk and how we escape dystopiaNew technologies are very often taken from science fiction. Alberto Santos-Dumont, inventor the airship, was inspired as a child by the adventure stories of Jules Verne. OpenAI’s attempt to build a personal assistant with the voice of Scarlett Johansson was lifted from the 2013 film Her, completely ignoring the movie’s cautionary message. So if we want better tech, we need to imagine it first. Unfortunately, the state of current sci-fi is relentlessly dystopian, giving inventors precious few ideas or hope. However, a new genre, Solarpunk, which envisages a technologically advanced but ecologically harmonious future, is now taking off. The actual tech the genre imagines, such as permaculture, renewable energy or community repair workshops, while nice, isn’t all that inspiring or ambitious. But it’s a first step towards rescuing sci-fi from its pessimistic Blade Runner rut. David MatthewsEveryday AbundanceLaunched in June, Everyday Abundance is a podcast that tells the stories of the inventions we now take so for granted that we barely given them a second thought. For example, the washing machine, which liberated women from a lifetime “bent over washtubs and washboards.” Or modern dentistry, which ended the reality that “tooth pain was simply part of human life.” Historians of technology, Virginia Postrel and Charles C Mann are very much on the optimistic end of the spectrum when it comes to the capacity of invention to improve human life. Here, they set out their case: if it wasn’t for progress, you might be hunched over a washtub with toothache rather than reading these words. David Matthews‘We will not know what we lost’: Conservation fallout a year after USAID shutdownSince his return to the White House, Donald Trump has been on a mission to undermine science. He slashed jobs at federal agencies, terminated grants in some research areas, took unprecedented control over university affairs and, within hours of his inauguration, suspended the US Agency for International Development. While its initial focus was to administer health and food aid around the world, it had since expanded to conservation projects. The result? Some of these projects were stopped abruptly. In this Mongabay podcast, environmental reporter Michelle Nijhuis tells the story of the EcoGuard conservation programme in Liberia, whose local patrols had helped protect rainforests, monitor endangered wildlife and track illegal threats. From one day to the next, these were left without salaries. Luckily, she notes, the initiative was able to get emergency funding from international NGOs, but its future remains “incredibly uncertain.” Juliette PortalaEssaysThe Mars Delusion, by Henry WismayerWhy is humankind so fixated on establishing a colony on Mars? asks London-based writer Henry Wismayer. From space evangelists promoting Martian settlement as an insurance policy, to billionaire Jeff Bezos, who said humans should settle on Mars “because it’s cool,” the mission is not running short of advocates. However, in this essay, Wismayer reminds us that some critics expect any future Mars pioneer to end up “irradiated, sick, mad and dead.” Scientists have already looked into the possible effects of prolonged exposure to Martian gravity, and it’s not pretty: muscle shrinking, bones weakening, changes to the central nervous system and other biological modifications to make us all reconsider the journey. “Some researchers have forecast that the future settler, after generations of evolutionary conditioning, will look less like an Übermensch and more like ET,” Wismayer writes. Juliette Portala
Trumbull Health Dept Encourages Families to Add Immunizations to Their Back-to-School Checklist
August is a busy month as families prepare for the start of a new school year. Parents are gathering school supplies, updating wardrobes, and organizing everything students need for a successful year.
Science Museum of Virginia's 'Survival of the Slowest' shows being slow can be survival advantage
Featuring live animals including a two-toed sloth, a lesser hedgehog tenrec and snakes, the exhibition encourages guests to take their time to discover how biology concepts apply in the real world and how animal survival is all about trade-offs.
Todd Blanche says Americans should be 'happy' Trump is deeply involved in DOJ
The acting attorney general said in an interview with NBC News that he's not concerned when Trump "encourages or directs or expects the Department of Justice to do its job."
Health Officer issues mask order in specified health care facilities, encourages residents to get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19
To protect against the elevated risk of respiratory virus-related illnesses, such as COVID and flu, during the fall and winter, Sonoma County’s Health Officer Dr. Mia Shim issued a health order requiring health care personnel and others to mask in patient care areas of specified health care facilities. The health order, designed to protect the most vulnerable people in our community, will be in effect from Nov. 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
Community encouraged to support East William Street businesses during construction
As construction continues on the East William Street Project, Carson City Public Works encourages the community to visit businesses located along the corridor more now than ever. Restaurants, shops, and […]
STEM space in Upper Marlboro encourages kids to enter science careers
At Melwood Elementary School, teachers are making STEM lessons fun for students. News4’s Molette Green is in the community.
We Need to Start Holding the Republican Party Accountable for Xenophobic Violence
It’s abundantly clear that the GOP encourages the kind of anger that causes young people to loot the family gun locker and shoot up a mosque.
Climate Forward Business Program Encourages Sustainable Thinking
Sustainability can look different for every business, but every business has the opportunity to be sustainable. That’s the premise behind the Climate Change Coalition of Door County’s (CCCDC) Climate Forward […]
PlayStation encourages Blu-ray adoption by deleting purchased movies from customer accounts
PlayStation encourages Blu-ray adoption by deleting purchased movies from customer accounts
Open Science and Equity: Does openness alone lead to fairness?
Open Science improves sharing and reuse of knowledge, increases transparency, and encourages public participation in the research process. While this approach has gained widespread support from researchers and policymakers, the new report, “Equity in Open Science: Case studies of Open Science infrastructures and Open Peer Review”, shows that openness alone does not automatically lead to […]
Of course ACA premiums are rising
The government encourages higher prices through policy.
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(ANALYSIS) Political shamelessness threatens democracy by weakening leaders’ respect for ethical principles and the rule of law. Drawing on Plato’s Laws, this article explores reverence as a virtue that encourages humility, self-restraint and recognition of human limitations, arguing that responsibl
PAHO issues health recommendations for travelers and attendees of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
“With Health, We All Win” campaign encourages simple steps to stay safe and enjoy the eventWashington, D.C., June 8, 2026 (PAHO) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued new public health recommendations for travelers and people attending mass gatherings during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Governor Ivey Encourages Alabama Small Businesses to Pitch Big for America 250 -
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday is encouraging eligible Alabama small businesses and entrepreneurs to submit a pitch for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) national “Freedom 250” Patriot Pitch Competition, a nationwide contest celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by … Continued
"We Walk Detroit" encourages health, promotes the city
The program in Detroit meets on Sunday mornings to go on walks along the city, promoting health and wellbeing.
ChatGPT for Teens keeps teens talking, even during mental health crises
ChatGPT’s teen safeguards are meant to protect vulnerable users, but new testing found the chatbot continues encouraging engagement during crises and potentially encourages unhealthy relationships with the AI itself.
Community event highlights local artists, entertainment in Lima
A new community event, 419 Day, will bring live entertainment, vendors and artists to downtown Lima this Sunday. Organizers hope the event encourages residents to support local talent while enjoying
Boston Encourages Residents to Apply for Health Insurance during Open Enrollment Season
Friday, October 23, 2026 – Open Enrollment season begins today, October 23, 2026 and runs through January 23, 2027, and Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston, and Boston Public Health Commission strongly encourage residents to take advantage of the numerous coverage options available in Massachusetts and apply for health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector Marketplace. For those who need help navigating
They Don’t Sell Whimsy On Amazon: The Politics Behind The Threads
Writer Anna DeBord encourages a closer look into the politics behind clothing.
Politics of the Past, Politics of the Future
M. Gessen encourages the audience to embrace their freedom in a UCSB Arts & Lectures series talk.
Docktober invites folks to join citizen scientists in peeking under docks
In the month of October, naturalist Luan Roberts organizes events and encourages everyone to look at the wildlife living under their local docks and report what they see. She's on a mission to get more people involved in the emerging citizen science known as “dock fouling.”
Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Grapple with Harsh Times
Report shows small business owners in NYS less optimistic about the economy. Taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now, they say By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11067 align=alignright width=300] Ashley Ranslow is director for New York state at The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).[/caption] Owners of mom-and-pop businesses in New York state have been less optimistic lately than their peers in other parts of the country, a recent report indicates. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), based on a survey of 11,000 of its members in the Empire State, reported that taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now. “Indeed, while taxes are a major problem in New York and the United States overall, New York small businesses notably are struggling more with the state’s onerous, multi-level tax burden,” Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s director for New York state, said in the July report. Compared with surveys of business owners in other states, far fewer New York respondents rated their businesses as in excellent or good health. The report also said labor costs here are about 25% higher than the national average and are the “single most important problem” facing businesses. One respondent to the New York-specific survey complained that too much red tape, taxes and laws that restrict high-yielding companies have stifled their operation’s growth. Others said high disability and workers’ compensation insurance costs, alarming increases in utility rates and excessive building regulations are discouraging. Statewide, New York has a gross domestic product of $2.53 trillion (third in the nation, followed by Texas, $2.90 trillion; and California, $4.25 trillion), a per capita income of $90,500 (sixth) and an unemployment rate of 4.6% (34th). There are 2.4 million small businesses that employ 3.9 million people. [caption id=attachment_11112 align=alignright width=451] Member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gather at one of the several functions the chamber organizes monthly. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed,” says Megan Wilmot, the chamber director[/caption] “New York state boasts one of the largest, wealthiest and most diverse cities in the world — and that’s still only about half the state’s population,” the report said. “In other words, the state is both its iconic city and so much more — geographically, demographically, economically. But New York is not without its challenges, challenges that include notably high taxes and other weaknesses that impact the small business environment,” it said. The report includes an optimism index that compares responses from New York (NFIB) members with those of their peers in other states across several categories. This ranges from plans to increase employment to expectations for higher sales, to plans to increase inventory or expand. The scores for Empire State business owners were lower in most categories, but they did score higher than the national average in noting that they have current employment openings, and that they are hopeful that the economy will improve. “The metrics so far paint a picture of a state with a series of challenges for small businesses, from a slightly below national average Optimism Index to a more seriously below national business health to very substantially below national Employment Index. What is going on with businesses that are creating these differences?” the report stated. In Central New York, the regional labor force comprises nearly 398,000 workers. The median household income here is $71,463, and the gross domestic product for the region last year totaled $61.3 billion, according to the CenterState CEO economic development and research organization. About half of the region’s labor force works for small and mid-sized businesses, although the number of people employed in that sector has decreased by 7% since 2010, according to CenterState’s 2026 economic forecast report. “While record-high employment in large-scale enterprises provides a strong foundation for Central New York,” the report says, “the long-term health of communities depends on a thriving small business sector to serve as a stabilizer.” Area employers identify several barriers to Central New York’s anticipated growth, including lack of specialized or skilled workers, government regulations, unaffordable housing options and long-term construction disruptions. In the city of Syracuse, the number of jobs in retail trade decreased by 1,500 or 4.7% between July 2025 and this past July. By contrast, the number of jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 2.5% or 700 jobs, in the same annual period, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Still, there’s plenty of interest for new businesses across Central New York. U.S. Census figures show that the number of applications for new businesses in all four counties increased significantly in the past 20 years. In Cayuga County, there were 324 applications in 2005 compared to 470 last year. In Madison County, the number increased from 385 to 480; Onondaga County, from 2411 to 4132; and Oswego County, from 553 to 836. Downtown Cazenovia is exemplary of Madison County’s trend: In the past year, the village welcomed a bait shop, a thrift store, a vitamin infusion center, a pizzeria, a Pilates studio and an Italian restaurant. A candy store is scheduled to open on the main drag in the months ahead. Oswego’s list of interesting new businesses in the past year includes a bubble tea shop, a hot dog eatery in Fulton, a specialty grocery store that features New York state products in Mexico, a beauty and esthetics studio in Hannibal and a hardware and farm supply store in Sandy Creek. In Onondaga County, the Liverpool area has also enjoyed a steady stream of new shops and eateries in recent years. That suburban community is unique in that, unlike neighboring communities, most of the restaurants are family-owned and not part of a national chain. [caption id=attachment_11116 align=alignright width=300] Megan Wilmot is the executive director of the Greater Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce.[/caption] Megan Wilmot, executive director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said independent business owners in her community maintain a strong sense of pride in holding their own against national companies. The chamber helps boost morale with red carpet events, ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and five-year anniversary celebrations for participating businesses. “We have built such a strong community,” Wilmot said. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed.” In Syracuse, the downtown retail occupancy rate last year was about 82%, a slight improvement from 2024, according to the Downtown Syracuse Committee’s most recent annual report. Buildings with the largest amount of vacant space included The Galleries, One Park Place, and Equitable Towers, though not all of those spaces are designated for retail use. New businesses that opened in downtown Syracuse last year: Better with Time Clothing, Dakshin Curry & Biriyani, Havana Tattoo Society, Milano Bean Café, Miss Daisy, Pausa Coffee, Sweets for Babe, The Society CNY and Yafah Beauty Studio. The Destiny USA mall’s occupancy rate decreased from 80% in 2023 to 72% by the end of 2024, according to Integra Realty Resources. That leaves more than a quarter of the mall’s retail space vacant. “Looking ahead, the retail market is expected to see minimal rent growth, with vacancy rates likely remaining stable in community and neighborhood centers but continuing to rise in enclosed malls,” Integra’s report said. “New construction activity is low and redevelopment plans for former malls like Shoppingtown and Great Northern are still in the planning stages. The proposed Micron chip plant may spur development, but challenges remain in finding co-developers for large-scale projects.” Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects that small businesses will remain resilient and see their sales and revenues eventually improve. That organization, in a recent national survey, found that 25% of small business owners expect the economy to improve in 2027, while 45% indicated that they plan to increase employment in the next 12 months. And 69% said they believe their small business is in good shape and 70% said they are comfortable with their current cash flow. Thirty-one percent of small businesses reported raising their prices in July and 28% are planning to raise their prices within the next three to four months, the report said. Twelve percent indicated that this is a good time to expand their business. “Small business owners voice optimism for future revenues and hiring,” the report said. “High costs continue to be a wet blanket on reinvestment.” The NFIB reported in July that Main Street, despite gas price hikes, “is OK … for now.” Its small business economics trend report said sales across the country have been strong compared to last year, but continued inflation and higher prices from mom-and-pop establishments are causing some “cracks” to show. “If costs stay this high for much longer, reduced investment will have a tangible economic impact,” the report said. “The status quo is OK, but the outlook? The outlook is uncertain.”
Advancing epidemic and pandemic preparedness through research readiness: SEAR Unity Studies Network Sites chart the way forward in 2026
On 25 March 2026, WHO Regional Office for the South‑East Asia Region (SEARO) convened the first meeting of the SEAR Chapter of the Unity Studies Network Meeting in 2026 to take stock of progress and plan next steps for strengthening epidemic and pandemic preparedness across the Region. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing adaptation of selected, standard Unity Study methodologies, sharing field implementation experiences from 2025, and identifying key priorities to guide collaborative work in 2026.Held virtually, the meeting brought together representatives from six Unity Studies network sites across five countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) as well as participants from all three levels of WHO.The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional efforts in South‑East Asia to strengthen early investigations and studies for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, with a focus on pandemic influenza and other emerging respiratory pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential. In this context, and as part of preparedness for the rapid generation of evidence, the WHO Health Emergencies Programme in SEAR (WHE/SEAR) encourages Unity Studies sites to adapt prioritized, standardized Unity Study protocols to their national contexts. This approach supports the generation of timely and reliable evidence to inform public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.These efforts are supported through a combination of experience sharing, participation in the global Unity Studies network webinars, capacity‑building of the national public health workforce, and regional collaboration that promotes inter‑country, inter‑agency, and inter‑ministerial action. In parallel, sites are encouraged to explore diversified funding sources to help sustain research preparedness over the long term.Discussions highlighted the importance of WHO’s catalytic financial support through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contributions (PIP‑PC). When combined with national and institutional resources, this support enables countries and sites to maintain continuity of activities at a core level and remain prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to future epidemics and pandemics.Regional and Global Updates: Opening the session, Dr Pushpa Ranjan Wijesinghe, Programme Area Manager, Pandemic and Epidemic Management (PEM) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted the progress made in operationalizing the Unity Studies Network across the Region and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of WHO at all three levels, together with country unity studies sites. He emphasized the availability of limited but catalytic funding through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PIP‑PC) workplan at SEARO to sustain network activities in 2026, while encouraging sites to leverage additional funding sources to expand implementation.Representing SEARO, Dr Ashok Basnet, consultant, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness reported that, at the regional level, the Unity Studies Network currently includes six sites across five countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. He noted that in 2025, catalytic funding supported protocol adaptation, training, and pilot implementation. In addition, a regional Unity Studies symposium held during the Global Public Health Summit in Sri Lanka strengthened and advocated collaboration between the Unity Studies site, national decision‑making forum, relevant technical units of the ministry of health, WHO and other partners.The symposium also highlighted the role of early investigations and studies as a key component of a multi‑source surveillance system needed at country level to generate a broad range of evidence. It underscored the critical role of country Unity Studies sites and similar research entities in generating evidence to support public health decision‑making during epidemics and pandemics.Participants of the WHO GISRS Unity Studies Sites Network- SEAR Chapter Meeting 2026 (Photo credit- PEM/WHE/SEARO). SEARO also updated participants on ongoing efforts to develop a regional Unity Studies webpage and to promote participation in global knowledge‑sharing platforms, including webinars and the WHO Community of Practice. Priorities for 2026 include supporting the implementation of Unity protocols, strengthening collaboration and experience sharing across sites, documenting and publishing findings, integrating Unity Studies activities as a component of multi-source national surveillance systems, and building workforce capacity.Dr Nickle Boddington of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO Headquarters, which coordinates the Unity Studies Network globally, provided updates on global Unity Studies activities, noting that the network has expanded to 16 sites worldwide. New and updated protocols, including rapid clinical severity assessment tools and standardized data platforms, are being developed to support implementation. The global Community of Practice has also been launched to facilitate technical exchange, and continued support will be provided to sites for protocol adaptation, ethical approvals, and readiness for early investigation during outbreaks. Updates from Unity Studies sites in SEAR in 2025Unity Studies sites shared progress and experiences in implementing protocols across diverse country contexts. Sites initiated activities in 2025 using catalytic funding from SEARO, complemented by the mobilization of internal national resources. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh, reported the adoption and piloting of investigation protocols on non‑seasonal influenza and emerging respiratory diseases during recent avian influenza outbreaks, demonstrating a multi‑source funding approach involving government, WHO and One Health partners.The Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR), New Delhi, India, highlighted the piloting of household transmission investigation studies, the expansion of the national Unity Studies network, and the contribution of study findings to global evidence through published outputs. The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, shared experiences from large‑scale seroprevalence studies conducted during the COVID‑19 pandemic, recent efforts to strengthen national Unity network sites through training activities, and plans to initiate multi‑centre studies on respiratory viruses.Similarly, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, highlighted its experience in developing integrated surveillance and diagnostic protocols for multiple respiratory pathogens, enhancing readiness for targeted investigations of emerging threats. The University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, reported ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Health and exploration of additional funding sources to initiate studies. Meanwhile, the National Public Health Laboratory, Nepal, provided updates on continued coordination with national stakeholders to initiate implementation, despite delays related to the country context.Across sites, shared experiences underscored the importance of protocol adaptation, multisectoral collaboration, and sustainable funding to operationalize Unity Studies and generate evidence for public health action.Discussions and Way ForwardThe meeting reinforced key priorities for 2026, including strengthening unity studies protocol implementation, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, integrating research as a component of national multi-source surveillance systems, and ensuring that generated evidence informs public health decision‑making. Participants also emphasized the importance of documentation, visibility, and leveraging multiple funding sources, and agreed on the following action points.Unity Studies Sites and WHO Country Offices:Advance adoption and implementation of at least one Unity protocol, continuing activities initiated in 2025 with catalytic funding, supplemented with other sources of funding where feasible.Document site-specific experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned; participate in regional and global knowledge-sharing platforms including WHO webinars and the Community of Practice.Work closely with ministries of health to establish unified national platforms for translating generated evidence into national public health decision-making. WHO Country Offices may facilitate technical support and complementary, synergistic funding opportunities where feasible. WHO Regional OfficeCoordinate with WHO Country Offices to support implementation of core unity studies activities by network sites through catalytic funding and provide technical guidance and virtual engagement opportunities throughout 2026.Facilitate the participation of all Unity Studies sites in the regional meeting on Unity Studies implementation in October 2026, to be held back‑to‑back with the Annual SEAR Regional PIP‑PC Meeting; develop and host a SEAR Unity Studies website; and mobilize support from academic institutions within the SEAR Unity Studies Network to support the development of regional manuscripts that showcase Unity Studies activities to scientific audiences and promote knowledge‑sharing.Explore complementary funding opportunities and partnerships to sustain and expand network activities across the Region.WHO HeadquartersProvide global technical guidance, updated protocols, and toolkits to support the implementation of Unity Studies in SEAR.Facilitate engagement of SEAR sites in global webinars, the Community of Practice, and opportunities to showcase their work.Support joint publications, inclusion of SEAR experiences in global outputs, and identification of additional funding and collaborative opportunities to strengthen Unity Studies activities.
HHSC Observes National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC encourages Texans to learn the warning signs of suicide, have conversations about behavioral health and seek help when needed.
Docktober invites folks to join citizen scientists in peeking under docks
In the month of October, naturalist Luan Roberts organizes events and encourages everyone to look at the wildlife living under their local docks and report what they see. She's on a mission to get more people involved in the emerging citizen science known as “dock fouling.”
Bonnie Bernstein talks new show that encourages girls to join sports and continue playing
The new show "The Champion's Edge with Bonnie Bernstein" just premiered on KOCO 5, and it aims to encourage young girls to join sports and continue playing.
‘Go get checked’: Retired corrections officer encourages people to prioritize their health after surviving stroke
Thomas Eckert suffered a stroke in June 2023.
Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s Community Health Survey Open
Taylorville Memorial Hospital is collecting responses for its triennial Community Health Survey and encourages community members to participate. Those living in Christian County and Nokomis are welcome to complete the questionnaire. It’s available through the end of October and in both paper and online formats. […]
State encourages business owners to use SMB.co tools
Governor Mike Braun is encouraging small business owners in south central Indiana to explore free tools that will help them plan for the future.
Asking Eric: Mandatory mental health days stress this employee out
Letter writer’s company encourages taking an annual day off to hang out with co-workers outside of the office.
Disney encourages employees to use AI for annual reviews, goal setting
Disney's AI push has extended to annual reviews, as the company encouraged employees to use chatbots to help craft their self-assessments.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Public Service & the Midterm Elections
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) discussed the 2026 midterm elections, public service, and the direction of American politics at an event hosted by Georgetown University's Institute of Politics & Public Service. Walz reflected on his unsuccessful 2024 vice presidential campaign, the need for Democrats to deliver policy wins if they hope to win the presidency in 2028, and his contentious relationship with President Trump. He also encourages young people to pursue public service and help shape the country's future.
Jane Castor highlights Land Development Code update, encourages public input
"I want to make sure what we’re building next is something we’re all proud of,” Castor said.
New Roadmap to Strengthen Local Public Health-Elected Official Relationships
The roadmap encourages local leaders to commit to five concrete actions to improve collaboration around public health in their communities.
New ad pushes Dallas City Hall redevelopment and encourages younger residents to join the debate
Mercy Health reminds public to prioritize health during busy fall and winter months
The fall and winter months get busy quickly with holidays, school activities and year end obligations. Mercy Health encourages the public to prioritize health with routine checkups and preventive care.
OSF HealthCare encourages improving your health literacy
Dr. Dennis Cunningham says health literacy is all about getting people engaged in their care and treating them as a partner with their health team.
Carle Health encourages moderation during holiday season
With the holiday season approaching, enjoying your favorite treats may be challenging, but practicing moderation and portion control can help manage those cravings.
City of Laurel Encourages Local Businesses to Participate in 2026 Small Business Credit Survey
(LAUREL, MD) The City of Laurel’s Department of Economic & Community Development is encouraging local business owners and key financial decision makers to participate in the Federal Reserve&
Planet Fitness summer program encourages teens to prioritize physical, mental health
Local Planet Fitness Clubs are opening their doors to teenagers throughout the summer.
Man City charges: Erling Haaland encourages club's fans to stay positive after guilty verdict
Man City were found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules by an independent commission; City have lodged their appeal against the verdict
Aspirus Health encourages people to donate amid World Blood Donor Day
According to America’s Blood Centers, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
Physicians Committee Applauds New Guidance on Animal Use From the National Cancer Institute
In August, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published new guidance on grant applications for studies involving animal experiments. This guidance requires researchers to justify their use of animals in the publicly available abstract section of applications and encourages them to use human-based methods.
EEPS course blends science, art to imagine upcoming NASA mission
The class encourages students to find creative ways to communicate scientific ideas.
A Lifelong Journey of Health, Perseverance, and Purpose: Shadia’s Story
Every year, Family Health and Fitness Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in September. It’s a day that encourages families to come together and build lifelong healthy habits. Ahead of Family Health and Fitness Day, I met with Special Olympics Bolivia athlete and Health Messenger Shadia Dueri to hear about her health journey, the lessons she has learned through Special Olympics Health programming, and how she’s using those experiences to support her community and fellow athletes today.
Back-to-school vaccines can help Central Oregon families stay healthy this fall
With the school year underway, Deschutes County Public Health encourages parents and caregivers to check their child’s vaccination record and make sure they are up to date on needed vaccines.Vac
Time of Use Rate for Small and Medium Businesses Now Available
We’re excited to announce that our Time of Use (TOU) rate option for customers with services on Small and Medium Business rates is now available! Just like the residential TOU rate, this optional rate encourages shifting electricity use away from peak hours, giving your business more ways to manage costs and support a cleaner, more […]
Press Release: Back to School Beat the Bugs
Beat the Back-to-School Bugs: Rowan County Public Health Encourages Families to Stay Healthy This School YearFor Immediate ReleaseSalisbury, NC - As the new school year begins, Rowan County
Essentia Health encourages parents to schedule well-child/teen visits during slow summer months
As families settle into summer routines, Essentia Health is encouraging parents to take advantage of the season’s added flexibility by scheduling well-child/teen visits before school, sports and activities pick back up.
UFC Veteran Encourages Gable Steveson to Leave Jon Jones
UFC veteran Matt Brown has encouraged heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson to leave Jon Jones and find someone else to coach him. Steveson was shockingly defeated by Sean Sharaf on the UFC 331 main card this past Saturday in the biggest upset in UFC history, based on the odds. Following the bout, Steveson left the cage […] The post UFC Veteran Encourages Gable Steveson to Leave Jon Jones appeared first on HEAVY.
Ivey encourages Alabama small businesses to compete in national America 250 pitch contest
Gov. Kay Ivey encourages Alabama small businesses to join the America 250 pitch contest for a chance to win $1 million.
Cook County Public Health encourages vaccinations as respiratory illness season approaches
As temperatures drop and residents spend more time indoors, Cook County Public Health and Human Services is reminding residents to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. Respiratory illnesses become more common during the colder months as people gather indoors, increasing opportunities for viruses to spread. “From a public health perspective, this is a good time to...
Office Visit: Mental health matters every day
Todd Hoffman of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma encourages readers to prioritize mental health and reduce the stigma around seeking support.
IVHD Encourages Residents to Take Small Steps Toward ‘Healthy Aging’ This September
Written by Sergio Uriarte. Last Updated September 27, 2026 in Healthcare. (El Centro, Calif.) — In recognition of Healthy Aging Month, the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) is encouraging Imperial Valley
Will you power down your PS5 for a week in protest of Sony's all-digital future? A new petition encourages you to pull the plug on PlayStation
Players will not accept the all-digital future posited by PlayStation as a new petition aims to show the company strength in consumer unity.
Baptist Health Corbin encourages community to get flu shots, offers appointment-free vaccinations
Baptist Health is reminding people of the importance of an annual flu shot and of opportunities to get vaccinated.
Avera encourages direct conversations during suicide prevention campaign
Avera highlights vital warning signs and urges direct conversations through its annual ‘Ask the Question’ campaign during National Suicide Prevention Month.
Exclusive: Trump admin presses hospitals on healthier food
The "Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge" encourages hospitals to reduce highly processed foods
Prince William County Zoning Process for Home-Based Businesses Encourages Entrepreneurial Community
Apply for your Home Employment Certificate Approval today. Learn about home-based business zoning regulations and get your application approved fast.
Orkin Invites Students to Imagine Life in 2151 Through National Virtual Insect Science Fair
As Orkin marks 125 years of helping people better understand and manage pests, the company is launching the Orkin Insect 2151 Science Fair. The national virtual competition challenges students ages 14-18 to explore entomology and imagine how insect-inspired ideas could help solve real-world challenges over the next 125 years. Born out of Orkin's 125th anniversary and vision for the future, the competition encourages students to explore how insect science can inspire tomorrow's innovations in way
State encourages residents to stay updated on flu, COVID vaccines as virus activity increases
Hawaiʻi Department of Health encourages residents to take common-sense precautions against influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses as respiratory virus activity increases throughout the state.
RADIATION BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ENCOURAGES INDUSTRY-WIDE FEEDBACK ON PROPOSED MEDICARE PAYMENT CHANGES
Radiation Business Solutions (RBS) urges radiation oncology providers and industry leaders nationwide to join ongoing advocacy efforts concerning the CMS proposed CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
HHSC Encourages Preventive Care During Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC is encouraging preventive care and screenings for women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Rural Passport Program supports small businesses in Western Iowa
The Rural Passport Program encourages visitors to explore Western Iowa’s small businesses by collecting stamps for prizes while supporting local shops and restaurants.
Memorial honors North Kingstown officer as family encourages mental health conversations
A new memorial honors a North Kingstown police officer who died by suicide months after joining the department.
CARTI encourages women to prioritize breast health
As part of its annual breast health campaign, CARTI Cancer Center shared critical information regarding the importance of early detection and debunked common misconceptions about breast cancer risk…
HHS recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month, encourages small steps to support well-being | Health and Human Services North Dakota
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is highlighting the importance of mental health, while encouraging individuals to take small, manageable steps to support their overall well-being.Gov. Kelly Armstrong has issued a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month across North Dakota.This year, HHS is promoting a “Healthy Habit Exchange” approach and encouraging North Dakotans to make simple, everyday changes that can positively impact mental health.
‘Politics will care about you’: Osborn’s message to young voters
Nebraska’s independent candidate for U.S. Senate Dan Osborn encourages young voters to get involved with politics as election day approaches.
New FAA Video Addresses Pilot Mental Health Concerns
In a new Pilot Minute video, FAA Air Surgeon Susan Northrup addresses common misconceptions about pilot mental health. Emphasizing education and early intervention, she explains how many pilots fly safely with treated conditions and encourages aviators to seek help early in their careers.
Engineering Exploration encourages families to have fun with science
Tracy Earth Project teamed up with Quest Science Center of Livermore to bring “Engineering Exploration,” a hands-on science and engineering exhibit, to the Tracy Community Center on Friday.
Kuehn Law Encourages Investors of WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. to Contact Law Firm
/PRNewswire/ -- Kuehn Law, PLLC, a shareholder litigation law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of WEBTOON Entertainment Inc....
State sues Snapchat over alleged addictive features and adult content for kids
Pennsylvania is suing Snapchat parent Snap Inc. over allegations that the app encourages compulsive use among minors and misrepresents its safety and age-appropriate content
Health District Encourages Precautions Against Impacts of Wildfire Smoke - Georgia Coastal Health District
The Coastal Health District is encouraging residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke impacts air quality across the Coastal Health District. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people have a higher risk of health problems associated with wildfire smoke.
Mental Health Resources
As Utah Royals FC and Real Salt Lake honor Mental Health Awareness Month, the Club encourages all fans, staff, and players to remember that they are never alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Together with our partner Intermountain Health, here’s how we're working to support mental
Codie Sanchez explains her 'kind of intense' approach to meetings
The founder of Contrarian Thinking and author of the new book "Own or Be Owned" encourages people to leave a meeting at any time.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR) Investigation: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Encourages Shareholders to Contact the Firm to Learn More About the Investigation
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 30, 2026 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating claims on behalf of investors in Caesars Entertainment, Inc. ("Caesars" or "the Company") (NASDAQ:CZR) for potential breaches of fiduciary duty on the part of its directors and management.
World Breastfeeding Week Encourages Support for Parents
World Breastfeeding Week takes place August 1–7, 2026. This year’s theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." The campaign goal is to build long-term support systems so that all families can breastfeed if they want to. Per the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, lactation education (to learn things like positioning and latching), support when giving birth, and help with breastfeeding issues can increase the rate of babies that are only breastfed by almost 50%.
Statewide high school computer science course encourages discussions…
One might think a curriculum designed to teach high school freshmen and sophomores computer science would avoid discussions of diversity, race, equity and…
Strengthening Families Month in the Fox Valley encourages health and safety for children
Officials issued a proclamation Friday declaring April as "Strengthening Families Month" in the Fox Valley.
Billings woman and cancer survivor encourages screening, shares hope ahead of Celebrate for Life event
When Jo McGullam visited her doctor because of symptoms she thought were related to menopause, colorectal cancer was not something she expected to find. Her doctor encouraged her to complete a stool test. When the result came back positive, McGullam followed through with a colonoscopy. After the procedure, her doctor delivered unexpecte...
Hopkins Political Union encourages dialogue across differences
With support from the Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund, which is currently accepting applications, groups like the Hopkins Political Union are promoting meaningful conversations on campus
Robotics competition program encourages enrollment as science comprehension drops
As enrollment drops amid sinking science comprehension, FIRST adds that it still aims to inspire students by showcasing future opportunities that science can provide.
Monthly Benefits Spotlight: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Whether you are seeking help with stress management, counseling services or wellness programs, the Benefits Strategy team encourages you to take an active step toward your well-being by exploring the various resources available as part of your total rewards package.
7 things to subtract from your real estate business
Instead of adding, Jimmy Burgess encourages you to think about what you should take away as a real estate business growth strategy.
Simply Sunflower business encourages public to experience "Field Day"
Pure Nebraska
Penn State Altoona encourages college community to advocate for mental health
As a new academic year begins, Penn State Altoona encourages students, faculty and staff to become recognized as mental health advocates through Suspenders4Hope.