Ohio Government’s New Policies Threaten Access to Transgender Health Care, Health Risks Ensue

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently introduced proposed regulations that could potentially restrict access to gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, drawing concerns from advocates and healthcare providers. The proposed rules, released by the Ohio Department of Health and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, are said to involve significant hurdles and requirements for individuals seeking gender-affirming care from independent clinics and general practitioners. Under these proposed regulations, patients under 21 would …

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Corporate Ageism: Examining the Impact of Mandatory Retirement Age Policies on US Board Members and CEOs

New York, NY – Former US Vice President Al Gore, 75, is resigning from Apple’s board due to the company’s age-based restrictions for its directors, sparking a discussion about ageism in Corporate America. The question of whether age should be a disqualifier for corporate leaders over 65 arises. Even with the top 10 oldest CEOs of companies on the Russell 3000, ranging in age from 84 to 91 in 2022, they are all still on …

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Pro-Life Healthcare Workers Rally for Pro-Family Policies Amid Growing Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since the monumental Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, pro-life advocates have had to regroup and redirect their efforts to combat abortion on other fronts. This shift in approach was evident as thousands gathered on the National Mall for the March for Life, seeking to expand their cause beyond legal battles and into policies aimed at supporting mothers and families. In the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision, the …

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Air Force Improves Mental Healthcare Policies, Reducing Access Barriers

Washington, D.C. – The United States Air Force has recently updated its mental healthcare policies, aiming to reduce barriers for service members seeking mental health support. These policy changes come as part of the Air Force’s continued effort to prioritize the well-being of its personnel and provide timely and accessible mental healthcare services. One significant update involves reducing the stigma surrounding mental health by making it easier for service members to seek help without fear …

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Historic United Methodist Vote Reverses Anti-LGBTQ Policies at General Conference

Charlotte, North Carolina – United Methodist delegates in a historic move on Tuesday voted to reverse several anti-LGBTQ policies without debate. The delegates decided to eliminate mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and to lift bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and funding gay-friendly ministries. During the legislative General Conference, the delegates voted 667-54 to remove the barriers surrounding the United Methodist Church’s long-standing restrictions on LGBTQ-affirming policies related to ordination, marriage, and funding. …

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Policies on COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Home Healthcare Agencies Do Not Guarantee Lower Disease Burden, Study Finds

New York City, NY – A recent research letter published in JAMA Network Open highlights the findings of a study conducted by a team of researchers from Columbia University concerning the impact of COVID-19 policies on nursing homes (NHs) and home healthcare agencies (HHAs) across the United States. The research team examined 38 COVID-19 policies implemented by state and territory governments between March 2020 and July 2022, with a focus on NH- and HHA-specific measures. …

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Transgender Health Care: Unveiling the Evolution and Policies Impacting Community Well-being

Columbia, MD – Transgender Day of Visibility is observed on March 31 globally, shedding light on the experiences and struggles faced by transgender individuals. In the United States, more than 1.6 million youth and adults identify as transgender, highlighting the significance of this day for raising awareness and understanding. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the history and challenges of the transgender community. It also provides a platform to delve into the …

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Social Development Dialogue Highlights Integration and Inclusive Policies in Latin America and Caribbean

Santiago, Chile – Social development authorities from various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, along with international officials, gathered at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to discuss inclusive social development policies and social protection systems in the region. The high-level event emphasized the importance of dialogue and regional integration in advancing these policies and systems on March 21, 2024. The discussions at the Dialogue on Inclusive …

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Oral Health Policies for Children with Special Healthcare Needs Evaluated Amid COVID-19: A Systematic Review

London, England – A recent systematic review delved into the impact of oral health policies on children with special healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies in ensuring equitable access to dental care for this vulnerable group in the midst of the global health crisis. Researchers conducted a thorough search across various databases, including LILIACS, PubMed, Scopus, COCHRANE, and grey literature, using a combination of subject …

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Border Policies Misrepresented by Republican Senator in State of the Union Response

Montgomery, Alabama – Republican Senator Katie Britt’s recent response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address stirred controversy as she utilized a harrowing account of a sex trafficking victim to criticize the administration’s border policies. Despite fact-checkers highlighting inaccuracies in her comparison, Britt stood by her statements in a Fox News interview, insisting that she did not mislead voters. During her televised response to the president’s speech, Britt recounted the story of a …

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