Tag: COVID-19

MicroElectronicDesign Launches tinyLiDAR SafeDistance as ‘Masks Alone Cannot Stop the Pandemic’ (Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General)*

[ad_1]

tinyLiDAR SafeDistance is a New High-Tech Personal Tool that uses LiDAR to Maintain Proper Physical Distancing and Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 28, 2020

TORONTO, July 28, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
MicroElectronicDesign has created a new social distancing device called SafeDistance. This key fob size device quickly provides visual indication of the measured distance by the color of its LED. Like a traffic light, the device shows Green for 2m (6.6feet) or greater, Red for under 1m (3.3feet), and Yellow in between. Based on micropower Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, it’s more accurate and lower cost than radio-based solutions such as Bluetooth and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB). The device is currently in the fundraising stage at Indiegogo with a short, fixed funding campaign. Visit https://igg.me/at/safedistance or www.safedist.me for more information.

“It was heartbreaking to see families who were left devastated by the COVID-19 virus,” explains Dinesh Bhatia, Principal Design Engineer at MicroElectronicDesign. “With cases surging around the world we were obsessed and determined to create a personal device that would be affordable, easy to use and effective at improving physical distancing. The result is tinyLiDAR SafeDistance.”

As Dr Tedros said: “Masks alone cannot stop the pandemic. Countries must continue to find, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact. Mask or no mask, there are proven things all of us can do to protect ourselves and others – keep your distance …”*

“It’s just common sense,” continues Dinesh. “Staying more than 2m or 6.5feet away will dramatically reduce your chances of getting COVID. You can see this in the recent experimental results from Dr Davis.”

Dr Richard Davis, who is the clinical microbiology lab director at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, tweeted a series of photos that showcased two demonstrations aimed at understanding how effective face masks are at blocking respiratory droplets from an individual’s mouth, while also illustrating the importance of social distancing.

“I set open bacteria culture plates 2, 4 and 6 feet away and coughed (hard) for ~15s. I repeated this without a mask,” Davis wrote.

The pictures showed that standing two feet apart with no mask practically covered the Petri dish with bacteria. Davis’ respiratory droplets also managed to land on the dish at four feet away but were reduced to scarce amounts at six feet.

“Having proof like this makes you wonder why people don’t take physical distancing seriously,” adds Dinesh. “Even if the correct markers are not in place, tinyLiDAR SafeDistance will enable you to maintain the proper safe physical distance by the mere press of a button. Our goal is to make this generally available as a standard tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We’re ready for production now and are looking for backers to join us in improving the state of physical distancing around the world.”

Reference:
*https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19—6-april-2020

Media Contact:
Sabeena Taharally
Phone: 408-598-1657
Email: info@microelectronicdesign.com
https://www.safedist.me

Source: MicroElectronicDesign, Inc.

[ad_2]

Source link

July 28, 2020
Church of Scientology: Service to South Africa in the First 100 Days of the Coronavirus Pandemic
[ad_1]

The work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of South Africa since the country went under lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 16, 2020
GAUTENG, South Africa, July 16, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
South Africa released an overview of the work of Scientology Volunteer Ministers since March 23 when the country went under lockdown.

With winter approaching in the Southern Hemisphere, the Church of Scientology looked at the possible ramifications of the coronavirus on the country and mobilized hundreds of volunteers to tackle the pandemic and encourage others in their work against this common enemy.

“Since day one, our priority has always been to assist essential services,” says Gaetane Asselin, President of the Church of Scientology in South Africa. “Our target was those who keep the country going, those who are the most vulnerable and those hardest hit by the pandemic.”

The best way to convey what they have accomplished over the past three months is in the numbers, according to Asselin, beginning with their work to clean and sanitize key facilities and vehicles:
- Over 10,000 buildings, including many government buildings and hundreds of homeless shelters, orphanages, and homes for the elderly
- Nearly 300,000 taxis, ambulances, metro police cars, and fire trucks
- Tens of thousands of buses, sanitized at night, so millions of commuters can travel to work safely each day.
The Church of Scientology saw to the printing of 1 million copies of three educational prevention booklets and had them translated into Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho. Volunteer Ministers from the church have distributed more than 600,000 copies of these booklets so far to help everyone understand and implement simple prevention principles to keep them safe and well.

“Hundreds of volunteers worked 15-hour days, seven days a week for the last 100 days to get this done,” says Asselin. “The work is tough, but we are thrilled to be able to assist this way. We know how much this is needed and that’s what keeps us going. Our team has contributed some 250,000 volunteer hours, all funded by the Church, to safeguard essential services and those most vulnerable in the country.”

One community leader in Ekurhuleni said, “Your dedication, motivation and perseverance leaves me speechless.”

A horse trainer burst into tears when the volunteers arranged to sanitize her facility for free. “Nobody does this kind of thing these days,” she said. “This is exceptional.”

A court manager from Koster Magistrate Court thanked the volunteers for their “tireless effort in a time when we most needed help.”

“We have all been trained on the Volunteer Ministers technology developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard,” says Asselin. “It is this technology that helps us keep going in these difficult times. It gives us the certainty that no matter the challenges, something can be done about it.”

For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

CONTACT:
mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
(323) 960-3500

Source: Church of Scientology International
[ad_2]

Source link
July 16, 2020
Neighbors Welcome the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and Join the Campaign to Help Bogotá Stay Well

[ad_1]

The Scientology Stay Well campaign assumes even greater importance in Colombia with the increase in new COVID-19 cases in the country.

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 15, 2020

BOGOTÁ, Colombia, July 15, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Teams of Scientology Volunteer Ministers dressed in bright yellow jackets and protective gear picked up copies of educational booklets on prevention at the Church of Scientology Bogotá and saturated their neighborhood with information anyone can use to help themselves and others stay well.

With the message ”an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure,” volunteers brought thousands of copies of educational booklets to businesses and residences. These materials describe the basic principles of prevention in a way anyone can understand and put to use at home or at work.

The National Health Institute of Colombia reported a record number of 5,336 newly confirmed COVID-19 infections and 187 deaths on July 10, making the use of prevention even more urgent now than it was before.

Volunteer Ministers loaded up with boxes of three educational booklets: How to Keep Yourself & Others Well, How to Protect Yourself & Others with a Mask & Gloves and How to Prevent the Spread of Illness with Isolation.

“When we entered one store, the manager told me he was one of the first cases of COVID-19 in Colombia,” said a Volunteer Minister (VM) named Juan. “He felt grateful, because having lived through it, he knows there is nothing more important than prevention. Managers of other stores were just as excited to know they are now part of a network of prevention help.”

“Neighbors and business owners were so happy to be able to promote prevention to others,” said a VM named Jorge. “Having this information created a sense of security and stability because they knew what to do and could share this with others,” said Nicolas, another Bogotá VM.

As for being able to help others with this information, the volunteers described it as “an amazing experience,” “phenomenal” and “unforgettable,” because they saw the impact of what they were doing. “At one store the manager said he wanted 10,000 booklets so he could place copies in every branch of his supermarket chain,” said Juan. “With tears in his eyes, he told us that he was putting the displays in the most prominent locations in each of the stores.”

The booklets come in custom-designed boxes that fold into counter displays and invite people to “please take one.” On the back of the booklets, a QR code connects to the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center on the Scientology website, where these and other prevention materials are available in 21 languages—all free of charge.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

CONTACT:
mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
(323) 960-3500

Source: Church of Scientology International

[ad_2]

Source link

July 15, 2020
The East Orlando Preds Cancel 2020 Fall Football and Cheer Season

[ad_1]

Nation’s Largest AAU Youth Football and Cheer Club Cancels Fall Season Due to COVID-19 Concerns

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 14, 2020

ORLANDO, Fla., July 14, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
The East Orlando Preds, the nation’s largest AAU Youth Football and Cheer Club, has always been committed to the health, safety, and the positive development of its athletes and families. For that reason, the Preds have made the very difficult decision to not participate in the 2020 Fall football and cheer season due to the negative effects of COVID-19 in its community and the country.

Since being established in 2013, the East Orlando Preds football and cheer programs have had tremendous success. The Preds football program has captured five FYFCL Super Bowl championships, including back-to-back 14U undefeated championship seasons (2018, 2019), and have played in a total of 10 FYFCL Super Bowls. In 2019, the Preds 14U football team finished 17-0, AAU National Football Champions, and were featured Super Bowl Sunday on Fox News’ Fox & Friends telecast on its South Beach Super Bowl set. Today, more than 15 Preds student-athletes are playing or entering their first year of collegiate athletics, while another 10 high school players have current collegiate sports scholarship offers.

On the cheer mat, the Preds Cheer Program has dominated youth cheer in the Central Florida region with over 50 first-place finishes, and over 100 second- and third-place finishes over the past six seasons, including being named Grand, Spirit or Arena champion over 25 times. In the past two years, the Preds cheer squads have won three UYFL National Cheer Championships at the 14U and 12U levels.

While the Preds love to compete and are committed to excellence on and off the football field and cheer mat, they have always done so with health and safety at the forefront.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 is having a devastating and disproportional impact on multi-generational and lower-income households,” says East Orlando Preds President Shawn Seipler. “Cases of diabetes, asthma, obesity, heart disease, and hypertension exist at higher rates in these at-risk communities. Individuals with these underlying conditions have the greatest health risk to COVID-19. With so little information about the long-term impacts of the virus and the number of cases and infection rates rising among younger individuals who can carry the virus, we do not feel it is prudent to have youth football and cheer this fall. We can wait until early 2021, after proven treatments and a potential vaccine are available, to do our part to stop the spread and to keep our families safe.”

Shawn Seipler, President of the East Orlando Preds and Head Coach of the 14U football team, is also the founder and CEO of Clean the World, a global impact, social enterprise that distributes soap and provides WASH education to at-risk populations across the U.S. and worldwide. Clean the World has been a leading organization distributing soap and hygiene kits globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six members of the East Orlando Preds Board of Directors are Clean the World team members, including the reigning Arena Bowl Champion Head Coach Rob Keefe, who serves as the Preds football commissioner.

“When you see what the NFL, college football and other professional sports leagues are doing around the country right now in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 with tremendous resources at their disposal, it just did not feel right for us to proceed this year, knowing we do not have the same resources and medical experts in place to protect our families,” said Head Coach Rob Keefe. “We encourage all youth football and sports organizations to take a hard look at what they are accomplishing right now by attempting to have fall sports. It may be time for us to concentrate on delivering safe classroom education while finding healthy alternatives to mental and physical engagement for our youth that incorporates the necessary precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The East Orlando Preds, now the proud feeder program to Colonial High School, will be back and will proceed with the 2021 season when things are safe to do so.

About the East Orlando Preds:

The East Orlando Preds is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the largest A.A.U Sports Youth Football and Cheer Club in the country. With athletes ranging in age from 5–15 years old, the Preds are designed to introduce, cultivate, and enhance players’ skill and passion for football and cheerleading. The Preds are committed to winning and excellence through positive coaching, encouragement, and youth development. We strive to ensure the success and growth of our young men and women in every facet of their lives, including in the sports arena, and to create leaders, role models, and positive contributors in our communities.

Media Contact:
Shawn Seipler
407-509-4110
info@EastOrlandoPreds.org

Source: East Orlando Preds

[ad_2]

Source link

July 14, 2020
Luna Global Networks Supports Private-Sector Campaign Against COVID-19 Fraudulent Goods

[ad_1]

Luna Global Networks joins coalition of private-sector partners in the launch of a new initiative to spotlight resources available to help combat the trade in fraudulent goods.

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 13, 2020

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Luna Global Networks today joined Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) in launching a new two-month advertising campaign designed to raise awareness of the trade of fraudulent personal protective equipment and resources available to combat the trade of these goods.

“We are proud to be partnering with PMI and other private industry brand protection leaders and long-time partners in fighting illicit trade,” said David M. Luna, President & CEO, Luna Global Networks.

To date, there have been nearly 1,000 COVID-19-related seizures of prohibited test kits and medicine, counterfeit masks, and other medical equipment in the U.S., which has accounted for $17.9 million in disrupted transactions and recovered funds.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, global illicit trade was already booming from an array of trafficking and smuggling crimes. In fact, today’s global illicit markets generate trillions of U.S. dollars every year for transnational criminal organizations, complicit corrupt facilitators, and other threat networks. These profitable criminal activities include the trafficking of narcotics, opioids, arms, and people, fake medicines, counterfeit and pirated goods, illegal tobacco and alcohol products, endangered wildlife, pillaged oil, diamonds, gold, natural resources and precious minerals, and other contraband or commodities. They are sold on our main streets, social media, online marketplaces, and the dark web every hour of every day.

From the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, as the virus spread worldwide, numerous market and supply chain disruptions created new opportunities for criminals in vulnerable sectors. As police and security resources were re-directed, prosecuting the battle against illicit trade was attenuated. Bad actors and threat networks have further accelerated illicit trade in recent months and continue to exploit vulnerabilities in global supply chains to expand illicit economies and criminalized markets in areas such as the life science and healthcare sectors, excisable products, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), frauds, cybercrime and other profitable illicit enterprises.

“In fact, COVID-19 has mutated criminality to a higher level of danger as corrupt regimes and criminals enrich themselves through an illicit trade pandemic that puts the health and safety of all citizens and communities at risk, such as fake medicines and counterfeited medical equipment and supplies,” said Luna.

About Luna Global Networks & Convergence Strategies LLC

David M. Luna is also a former U.S. diplomat and national security official. He is the current Chair of the Business at OECD Anti-Illicit Trade Experts Group (AITEG); Chair, Anti-Illicit Trade (AIT) Committee of the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB); co-Director, Anti-Illicit Trade Institute, Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC), Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU.

Luna Global Networks is an international security consultancy well-positioned to help clients tackle the most pressing illicit trade and governance challenges and related security threats globally

Media Contact:

David M. Luna, Luna Global Networks

Info@LunaGlobalNetworks.com

Source: Luna Global Networks

[ad_2]

Source link

July 13, 2020
Scientology Volunteer Ministers in the California State Capital Promote Prevention to Help Flatten the Coronavirus Curve

[ad_1]

With new COVID-19 cases on the rise, Sacramento Volunteer Ministers are working to get the numbers down.

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 9, 2020

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 9, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
“Prevention is important,” say the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology Sacramento. “By implementing a few simple measures we can get the state back to normal.”

These measures are covered in a series of booklets Scientologists have been handing out to businesses and residences around town: How to Keep Yourself & Others Well, How to Protect Yourself & Others with a Mask & Gloves and How to Prevent the Spread of Illness with Isolation.

“Every place we went, people would pick up the booklets and start reading them right away,” said a Volunteer Minister named Nic. “One household we went to, the guy we spoke to had two friends who had the virus. He was super happy to know how to avoid getting it himself.”

“A neighbor of mine was surprised to find out the booklets were free,” said a Volunteer Minister named Florie. “She asked for more so she could share them with friends and we were happy to give her as many as she needed.”

When the Volunteer Ministers showed the booklets to the deacon of a local church he asked for and received copies to distribute to those served by the church food bank. These underserved families are among the most at-risk for infection.

Each of the booklets comes in a custom-designed box that folds into counter displays and invites people to “please take one.” On the back of the booklets, a QR code connects to the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center on the Scientology website, which makes these and other prevention materials available in 21 languages—all free of charge. This includes brief videos illustrating the key information, making it easy to understand what a virus is, how it spreads, and the actions anyone can take to protect themselves and their families.

Distribution of the educational booklets began in May in communities around Scientology Churches and Missions across the globe. The Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center made this possible by printing and shipping out 5 million copies of Stay Well booklets.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the largest and most visible international independent relief forces. A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

CONTACT:
mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
(323) 960-3500

Source: Church of Scientology International

[ad_2]

Source link

July 9, 2020
Nye County Raises Over $1.8 Million in First-Ever Online Tax Sale

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Jul 6, 2020

TONOPAH, Nev., July 6, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
The Nye County, Nevada, Treasurer’s Office hosted the county’s first-ever online tax-defaulted property sale auction with website Bid4Assets.com from May 31 to June 3. Of the 567 properties that were offered at auction, 366 sold and 53 properties were withdrawn from the sale at the request of the Treasurer’s office. The online nature of Bid4Assets’ platform eliminated all COVID-19 concerns surrounding the tax sale, allowing auction participants to bid using cell phones, laptops and computers from the safety of their home.

“Our tax sale with Bid4Assets was the most successful auction Nye County has had,” said John Prudhont, Nye County Treasurer. “The savings to Nye County taxpayers, resulting from utilizing Bid4Assets.com’s online platform, were substantial. For past live auctions, we needed to close our offices to the public, pay for travel, lodging and meals for Treasurer Department staff traveling from out of town. Additional savings resulted from not requiring two Sheriff Deputies to provide security as well as assistance from county administration and technology staff. With Bid4Assets.com, we didn’t need to incur those additional costs and Nye County taxpayers also benefited from the nationwide reach and participation of bidders where, in the past, few bidders participated from other states.”

In total, 342 bidders from 21 states, including California, New York, Texas and Florida, participated in Nye County’s tax sale. Winning bids ranged from $784 to $140,000. The sale generated $1,803,522.20 in proceeds for the county.

“We’re very encouraged to see such a strong rate of participation for Nye County’s first online tax sale considering the current climate of COVID-19,” said Jesse Loomis, Bid4Assets’ CEO. “Bid4Assets’ services were intended to help counties attract a larger bidder pool and streamline the auction process but, since the outbreak, a larger focus has been placed on keeping the tax sale process operating without creating a public health risk. Many counties are seeing an increased need for public services while at the same time facing a decrease in revenues. Our current focus is helping counties raise much-needed revenues.”

Bid4Assets was founded in 1999 and conducted the first online tax sale in 2000. Over the last 20 years, it has conducted hundreds of tax sales around the country and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in proceeds for counties.

About Bid4Assets

Bid4Assets (http://www.bid4assets.com) is an online auction site based in Silver Spring, Maryland. The privately held company auctions distressed real estate for the federal government, county tax-collectors, financial institutions and real estate funds. Bid4Assets is the leading provider of online tax sales in Nevada. Since its inception in 1999, the company has sold more than 125,000 properties nationwide and grossed over a billion dollars in auction sales.

Media Contact:
Jon Amar
jon@onwordstrategic.com
925-270-6511

Source: Bid4Assets, Inc.

[ad_2]

Source link

July 6, 2020
St. Louis Volunteer Ministers Promote Prevention to Bring New Cases of COVID-19 Under Control

[ad_1]

Within a week of Missouri reopening for business, coronavirus cases rose by nearly 11 percent. “If we want to reboot our economy, we need to practice prevention,” say the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology St. Louis.

ST. LOUIS, July 2, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
New cases of COVID-19 in St. Louis have spiked since the city began relaxing restrictions. St. Louis Public Radio reports they have increased 80 percent. “Now is not the time to relax,” says a Scientologist taking part in a campaign to bring prevention materials to the people of St. Louis. “Just by applying the simple principles outlined in the How to Keep Yourself & Others Well booklet we can change this. What you do can affect so many people.”

Volunteer Ministers from the Church of Scientology St. Louis handed out copies of “Stay Well” booklets to shops, businesses and residences. “The owner of one salon was super appreciative,” said a volunteer. She wanted to make sure she had copies of the booklets for all her clients.”

“By handling these out, I’m doing the right thing,” said a laundromat manager.

At one apartment complex, a woman expressed concern about neighbors. “They aren’t even doing the bare minimum that they need to do,” she said. She realized she could make a change by handing out the booklets door-to-door.

“We’ve never experienced something like this in our lifetime,” said one Volunteer Minister. “We can turn this around but that takes all of us as a community. Things like wearing a mask and social distancing can prevent the spread of the virus. Mayor Krewson announced yesterday that starting July 3, everyone has to wear a mask. If you don’t understand why, it can feel like someone is imposing something on you. That’s why I feel these booklets are so important.”

Each booklet has a QR code on the back that goes to the How to Stay Well Prevention Center on the Scientology website, which makes these and other prevention materials available, free of charge. The booklets can be read on the website or downloaded. More than a dozen brief videos illustrate the key information, making it easy to understand what a virus is and how it spreads.

Distribution of these booklets began in May in communities around Scientology Churches and Missions across the globe. The Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center made this possible by printing and shipping 5 million copies of Stay Well booklets.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the largest and most visible international independent relief forces. The Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

CONTACT:
mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
(323) 960-3500

Source: Church of Scientology International

[ad_2]

Source link

July 2, 2020
Nashville Scientologists Say Prevention is the Way to Contain the Coronavirus Breakout

[ad_1]

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 30, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
On Friday, Tennessee announced 1,410 people tested positive for COVID-19, making it the state’s largest jump in new cases since the pandemic began. Volunteer Ministers from the Church of Scientology Nashville encourage sound prevention practices to bring this under control.

“We’re stepping up to take this pandemic down,” said a Volunteer Minister who took part in an initiative of the Nashville Church of Scientology to bring educational materials on prevention to the community. “When you follow the common-sense practices covered in the How to Keep Yourself and Others Well booklet, they work. It’s as simple as that.”

Part of an international campaign to help communities everywhere contain the pandemic, Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Nashville have provided “Stay Well” booklets to shops, restaurants and businesses to make simple information on prevention available to customers and clientele.

The Tennessee Department of Health announced on Friday that 1,410 people tested positive for COVID-19 that day – the state’s largest jump in new cases since the pandemic began. And on Sunday, Nashville’s Metro Health Department issued an order requiring masks or face coverings to be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces. “Wearing a mask reduces the chance of contracting COVID-19,” said Dr. Alex Jahangir, chairman of Metro Nashville Board of Health. “Masks save lives.”

Based on the principle that an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure, the Volunteer Ministers dressed in their signature yellow jackets and caps and additional protective gear and loaded up with sets of three booklets: How to Keep Yourself & Others Well, How to Protect Yourself & Others with a Mask & Gloves and How to Prevent the Spread of Illness with Isolation.

Each booklet has a QR code on the back that goes to the How to Stay Well Prevention Center on the Scientology website, which makes these and other prevention materials available, free of charge.

“We have found that when people understand why they are doing things like wearing masks, they are more willing to do so,” says Julie Brinker, Director of Community Relations of the Church of Scientology Nashville.

Distribution of these booklets began in May in communities around Scientology churches and missions across the globe. The Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center made this possible by printing and shipping out five million copies of Stay Well booklets.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the largest and most visible international independent relief forces. The Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

For more information on the campaign, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

Contact:
Media Relations
Church of Scientology International
mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
(323) 960-3500

Source: Church of Scientology International

[ad_2]

Source link

June 30, 2020
Captive Tigers, Wet Markets and Factory Farms: New Podcast Talks to the Experts Helping Animals Around the World

[ad_1]

World-leading creatives, activists and conservationists are talking to the Species Unite podcast about how they dedicate their lives and expertise to help animals, thrive on plant-based diets and are changing the narrative around how we treat other species across the planet

Press Release
–

updated: Jun 30, 2020

NEW YORK, June 30, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
“Species Unite,” a podcast that offers a glimpse into some of the best minds in animal advocacy, is the much-needed beacon of hope everyone can use during these troubling times.

Each episode sees host Elizabeth Novogratz speak with the people who dedicate their lives and expertise to helping animals. Leading photographers, philosophers, scientists, writers, undercover investigators, lawyers, animal experts, and activists are among those telling stories of their victories and their ongoing battles.

Whilst the issues they address are often startling and horrific, they importantly offer an inspiring look at how one person can help change the world for animals.

The podcast has just dropped series four – and the lineup shows just how animal issues are more relevant and urgent than ever. One episode looks at what’s really going on for animals in China right now. With the coronavirus pandemic putting the country’s wildlife trade and wet markets under global scrutiny, Species Unite chats with Pei Su, the founder of one of China’s leading animal organizations, ACTAsia, to reveal insights from an Asian perspective – a perspective that’s often overshadowed during discussions on animals in China.

Other episodes instead offer a perfect distraction if listeners want some relief from coronavirus talk. Leading fashion designer Joshua Katcher, who has appeared in Vogue and GQ and counts the likes of Joaquin Phoenix among those who wear his designs, discusses his work in making fashion ethical and free from animal exploitation.

Fascinated (and horrified) by Tiger King? The Species Unite podcast has been talking to the experts about America’s tiger problem, too, and explores the animal issues that the Netflix hit often glosses over. Stories range from leading specialist Tim Harrison, who has spent over 40 years fighting to get exotic animals out of people’s homes and into sanctuaries, to journalist Sharon Guynup, who spent two years investigating America’s captive tigers for a groundbreaking National Geographic exposé.

Find the full list of Species Unite podcasts here – and also listen to the episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play.

Source: Species Unite

[ad_2]

Source link

June 30, 2020
Exceptional Minds Graduates Class of 2020

[ad_1]

“From COVID-19 to Protest 2020, we have faced challenges the likes of which most of us have never seen before.”

Press Release
–

updated: Jun 10, 2020

LOS ANGELES, June 10, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Meet the 2020 graduates of Exceptional Minds. This is no ordinary class and these are not ordinary times, as everyone knows.

The Exceptional Minds Class of 2020 are young adults with autism, who, against all odds, graduated Friday from the Exceptional Minds school and will go on to careers in visual effects, animation, motion graphics, and other digital arts fields.

The graduation was a Zoom event attended by parents and friends, among them notable guest speaker Rob Paulsen, a self-described “blue-collar worker in the dream factory”, best known as the voice of Yakko in Animaniacs and Pinky from Pinky and the Brain. “People will look at Exceptional Minds as pioneers and they will be inspired by it and that inspiration will help them find their own gifts,” he said.

When COVID-19 hit, Exceptional Minds shut down its school and sent its students home. Overnight, its entire training model – the place where students met, the way instructors taught and socialized and interacted with this special population, the very lifeblood of what Exceptional Minds does and how it does it, right down to funding – was gone.

And no one was entirely sure if they could replicate it in a remote, virtual environment for a population that was already isolated and challenged in so many other ways.

Remote learning carried Exceptional Minds 2020 graduates through the last critical months of their three-year training, something no one had ever tried with the autism population before.

“From COVID-19 to Protest 2020, we have faced challenges the likes of which most of us have never seen before. But as we are learning, challenges test us in unexpected ways and you all have demonstrated incredible flexibility and resilience in this new remote learning space that will serve you so well as you continue on an amazing journey that has just begun,” said Exceptional Minds Executive Director David Siegel to the class of 12 during Friday’s Zoom graduation.

Exceptional Minds opened its doors in 2011 as a training school for individuals with autism and, in 2014, added a professional studio to bring in contract work for graduates of its three-year program.

Source: Exceptional Minds

[ad_2]

Source link

June 10, 2020
GigSmart Launches Unemployment Resource Center to Assist Americans Affected by Coronavirus

[ad_1]

GigSmart’s state-based online resource center provides guidance to those who need financial benefits or health benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press Release
–

updated: May 26, 2020

DENVER, May 26, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
GigSmart, the smart staffing solution connecting businesses with available workers, launched a Coronavirus Unemployment Resource Center to make it easier for Americans who have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) to find important state-specific information regarding unemployment insurance, financial aid, and healthcare benefits.

The Coronavirus Unemployment Resource Center instantly connects interested individuals to a myriad of available resources, specific to the state in which they reside. Each state-based information page provides detailed instructions on COVID-19 relief from how to file for unemployment benefits to accessing mortgage or rent assistance, information about the Coronavirus Stimulus Package, the CARES Act, and more.

“With a record 20.5 million Americans impacted by job loss in April, we want to help those who need financial assistance easily access all available resources and information offered by their state,” said Rich Oakes, President of GigSmart. Oakes continued, “In addition to connecting Americans to this important information, we want to help them get back to work. They can use our Get Gigs app to quickly and easily see open hourly gigs, part-time jobs, and full-time jobs now hiring in their immediate proximity.”

Launched in December of 2018, GigSmart’s Get Gigs app connects over 170,000 users to local work opportunities via skills matching. As individual states transition out of stay-at-home orders, GigSmart is experiencing increased demand for workers in warehousing, landscaping, construction, food delivery, grocery, and general labor. With the Get Gigs app, anyone looking for work can be notified in real-time as open positions are offered in their area.

Available in all 50 states, the number of users leveraging GigSmart’s two-sided staffing platform is growing significantly month-over-month. Businesses can leverage the Get Workers app to source temporary labor across 3,000+ skills, and individuals can use the Get Gigs mobile app to access local, on-demand, and scheduled Gigs or part-time and full-time jobs available across nearly every industry. To access the newly launched Coronavirus Unemployment Resource Center, to create a free Get Gigs account to instantly find open work opportunities in your area, or to learn more about GigSmart, please visit www.gigsmart.com.

About GigSmart

GigSmart is a software development company focused on providing modern solutions to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy. GigSmart’s hiring platform provides on-demand staffing solutions to connect businesses looking for labor with available workers. Launched in December of 2018, GigSmart’s Get Gigs and Get Workers apps have already surpassed 300,000 installs. GigSmart’s alternative staffing solutions serve all 50 states in industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, retail, customer service, and professional services. GigSmart is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with 35 full-time employees.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rich Oakes
roakes@gigsmart.com
720.892.6371

Source: GigSmart

[ad_2]

Source link

May 26, 2020
Super Soccer Stars Announces Up to 5,000 Free Online Classes to Front-Line Medical Workers and Affected Families Nationwide Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: May 13, 2020

NEW YORK, May 13, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Effective today, Soccer Stars has launched Soccer Stars for All, making available up to 5,000 open spots in its online classes free to front-line medical workers, families negatively impacted by school closures and families who can benefit from financial assistance.

“We recognize that families around the world are facing financial and workplace hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic and we want to help,” said Adam Geisler, Chief Executive Officer of Super Soccer Stars. “So we are thrilled to announce that we have launched our Soccer Stars for All initiative, which will make online classes more accessible to families whose caregivers are front line workers or are otherwise struggling to keep their children happy, healthy, active and engaged.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting “social distancing” efforts that have closed schools and recreation programs across the United States, Soccer Stars has stepped up their offerings of athletic coaching and activities for children by developing a digital curriculum, which keeps children’s bodies and minds active while at the same time incorporating socialization with coaches, classmates and teammates to encourage safe, social interaction.

“During the past two months when students remained home without being provided the physical education portion of their school’s mandate, Soccer Stars has actively invested in online video, live streaming coaching sessions and other digital activities in order to continue serving families, as we have done for the last 20 years,” said Geisler. “Like most small businesses, we have had to make many difficult decisions, but moving soccer classes online has allowed us to keep our coaches engaged and employed, and more than anything, they continue to make kids smile every day.”

The Soccer Stars for All initiative is providing up to 5,000 spots in virtual classes for children ages 1-12 and is taking place between May 20, 2020 and June 28, 2020. Enrollment in current virtual classes with available capacity will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to one class per week per child throughout the duration of the program.

Families of front-line medical workers and those who are experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic who would like to apply for these classes can fill out the application online at https://bit.ly/3bhDBGW.

New York-based Super Soccer Stars was founded in 2000 and is the largest corporately run youth soccer program in the country. Super Soccer Stars’ goal is to use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children improve their soccer skills while at the same time building self-confidence, enhancing gross motor skills, honing socialization skills, and developing physical literacy. Dynamic local and international coaches work with small groups of boys and girls to develop these skills and teamwork in a fun, non-competitive, educational environment. Super Soccer Stars operates in 25+ major markets reaching over 110,000 children each year. Additional information is available at http://www.soccerstars.com.

Source: Super Soccer Stars

[ad_2]

Source link

May 13, 2020
Can’t Travel? Bring Vendors in Virtually With Engineer-in-a-Box

[ad_1]

Dispel and Grantek Launch Engineer-in-a-Box to Provide Remote Access for Operators, Vendors & OEMs

Press Release
–

updated: May 13, 2020

NEW YORK, May 13, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Helping operators, vendors, and OEMs respond to access limitations during COVID-19, manufacturing solutions partner Grantek announces Engineer-in-a-Box, a remote access device powered by Dispel’s Moving Target Defense technology.

COVID-19 disrupted the age-old practice of sending engineering teams on-site to maintain industrial control systems. Now, remote access tools are being deployed to keep projects and systems running.

Unfortunately, the market lacks a remote access solution that deploys quickly but securely enough for both OT’s and IT’s needs. Often, operations personnel find convenient workarounds, sacrificing security.

Grantek specializes in maintaining, supporting, and integrating industrial control systems. They built Engineer-in-a-Box, a plug-and-play device that provides secure remote access to OT/ICS.

“Operations staff are often stuck between a rock and hard place when it comes to remote access. They are constantly pressured to maintain uptime, but when something happens, the only way they can get help remotely is through a request process which takes too long for them. We also saw an increase in remote access solutions being marketed but none of which leveraged technology with sufficient security for this purpose. That’s why we created Engineer-in-a-Box,” said Jacob Chapman, Director of Industrial IT & Cybersecurity at Grantek.

Designed for those with unpredictable remote access needs, Engineer-in-a-Box lets vendors configure equipment remotely, safely, and on short notice. To use, simply connect Engineer-in-a-Box to an Ethernet port anywhere on an OT network. To disconnect, just turn it off.

Grantek partnered with technology company Dispel to engineer the underlying networks.

“Grantek is one of the most well-respected systems integrators out there, and they are good people,” said Ian Schmertzler, President of Dispel. “It’s our job to supply them with technology that will let them get in, solve the problem, and get out.”

Despite the user experience being similar to cellular gateways, Engineer-in-a-Box is secured by Moving Target Defense networks and disposable virtual computers. Remote access only exists when needed—saving time, money, and eliminating attack vectors against the OT network.

To contact Grantek for your demo, visit https://grantek.com/locations
To learn more about the technology, visit https://dispel.io

About Dispel
Dispel is the leading provider of Moving Target Defense Networks, designed and built in the USA. Founded in 2015, the cybersecurity company has offices in Austin, New York, Washington, Boston, and Denver. Dispel’s technology deploys custom networks to OT/ICS, protecting infrastructure globally. Learn more at https://dispel.io

About Grantek
Grantek is a system integrator and solution provider with a specialization in Manufacturing IT solutions, Manufacturing Automation solutions, Industrial Safety solutions, Industrial IT & Cybersecurity, and Manufacturing Consulting services. Since 1980, Grantek has been enabling higher return on investment to their clients by creating better processes and solutions for them, including packaging solutions, control systems design, MES implementation, electrical design, and more. Learn more at https://grantek.com/

Press Contacts
Dispel – Ben Burke
press@dispel.io

Grantek – Geoff Farrer
info@grantek.com

Source: Dispel

[ad_2]

Source link

May 13, 2020
Partnering to Provide Hunger Relief: Los Defensores and the Jaime and Blanca Jarrín Foundation to Donate $60,000 to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: May 6, 2020

LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Los Defensores, an L.A.-based legal services company, has partnered with the Jaime and Blanca Jarrín Foundation, founded by the Spanish voice of the Dodgers and Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, to donate up to $60,000 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (L.A. Food Bank).

The coronavirus outbreak is severely impacting low-income communities. As quarantine has resulted in school closures and income loss, many families are left unsure as to where their next meal will come from.

Prior to COVID-19, the L.A. Food Bank was reporting that one in five people in L.A. County struggled with food insecurity. Now the need for hunger relief is at an all-time high. The L.A. Food Bank is seeing a 73 percent increase in distribution while experiencing disruptions in food donations from regular industry donors such as grocery stores.

Despite the obstacles, the L.A. Food Bank has served over 11.9 million meals since March. Faced with unplanned expenses, they are looking to the community for help. That’s why Los Defensores and the Jarrín Foundation have donated $30,000 for immediate relief and additionally will match every dollar donated up to $30,000.

“As many struggle with the effects of the current pandemic, we wanted to do our own small part to lend support to those who are most impacted. We are grateful for our partners at the Jarrín Foundation and for the opportunity to support the efforts of the Los Angeles Food Bank to make sure nobody goes hungry during these especially difficult times,” says Ben Henderson, CEO of Walker Advertising, parent company of Los Defensores.

Angelenos can help too.

Los Defensores and The Jarrín Foundation are asking those with the means to donate to do so by visiting the Jarrín Foundation’s donation page.

For every dollar donated, the L.A. Food Bank can provide four meals. While the initial $30,000 donation means more than 100,000 meals, there is more that can be done.

Every dollar donated through the Jarrín Foundation will be matched, up to a $30,000, so that the L.A. Food Bank can feed even more families.

Jaime Jarrín, Founder of the Jaime and Blanca Jarrín Foundation, says, “With the coronavirus putting so many families at risk, out of work, no one should go hungry, and we want to do our part in supporting the vital work of the Los Angeles Food Bank.”

About Los Defensores

Los Defensores has been the leading and most trusted consumer brand in the Spanish-language legal marketplace for more than 35 years. As a pioneer in joint legal advertising, Los Defensores has helped millions access high-quality legal representation since 1984 with no upfront costs. In partnership with experienced attorneys, Los Defensores provides free legal assistance to community members in need of counsel in various areas of law. For more information, visit www.LosDefensores.com.

Source: Los Defensores

[ad_2]

Source link

May 6, 2020
Patriot Mobile Awards $20,000 Matching Contribution for Fight Against COVID-19

[ad_1]

Patriot Mobile supporters and Mercury One supporters leveraged the matching funds to raise $88,900 in COVID fight.

Press Release
–

updated: Apr 29, 2020

IRVING, Texas, April 29, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Patriot Mobile, a U.S.-based Christian conservative cell phone company completed a donation raising campaign to help fight COVID-19. The monies were directed to first responder support, COVID-19 testing, medical health volunteer support, sanitizers, shelter, food distribution/logistics, and general disaster relief.

The donation fundraising campaign was facilitated with the Mercury One and Patriot Mobile digital properties, radio contribution requests and also by phone calls made by employees and volunteers.

To get the contributions moving quickly during this urgent time, Patriot Mobile double matched donations up to $20,000 and then additional contributions were received to total $88,900 for COVID-19. There were no administration fees or third-party costs incurred in the donation totals. 100% of the donations has immediately moved directly to providing COVID-19 relief.

“We were so happy to have a part in coping with this dramatic crisis,” said Jenny Story – vice president of corporate giving and affiliate programs for Patriot Mobile. “Providing the double matching funds as a way to quick start the contributions gave us the immediacy to get action where needed. The generosity of Patriot Mobile members and Mercury One supporters has been inspiring.”

About Mercury One – mercuryone.org

Founded in 2011 by media personality, entrepreneur, and New York Times best-selling author Glenn Beck, Mercury One was created to inspire the world in the same way the United States’ space program shaped America’s national destiny by setting a goal and committing to reaching it knowing that the only limitations to achievement are those we place on ourselves, and by believing in the goodness and power of the individual to overcome any obstacle. The organization stands to restore the human spirit through programs to advance skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for individuals and communities help themselves with honor through faith, courage through hope, and love through charity as well as assisting our nation’s veterans, providing aid to those in crisis, and rebuilding and restoring the lives of Christians and other persecuted religious minorities.

About Patriot Mobile – patriotmobile.com

What makes Patriot Mobile different is our exceptional customer satisfaction. People are attracted to us because we listen to your needs and we share the same values. Members stay with us because, as America’s only Christian Conservative Wireless Service Provider, we are humbled to have achieved the highest customer satisfaction among all wireless companies. And, now, with the broadest coverage of any provider on dependable, nation-wide 4G LTE networks, it’s hard to remember our humble beginnings with just two guys, one dog, and a passion to serve. Of course, all our plans include unlimited talk and data, and we provide high value, commitment-free plans to fit any budget – and you will really enjoy speaking with our exceptional U.S.-based sales and support team. Our commitment is that Patriot Mobile wireless service works perfectly and seamlessly as you go about your lives – and while you’re out and about, we are donating a portion of every dollar earned to support organizations fighting for religious freedom, 1st and 2nd Amendments, Sanctity of Life and the needs of Veterans.

Source: Patriot Mobile

[ad_2]

Source link

April 29, 2020
CFSC Supports Local Communities Impacted by COVID-19 Crisis by Reducing Rates for Cashing Stimulus Checks

[ad_1]

CFSC’s reduced rates on cashing stimulus checks is helping to put more money back in the hands of individuals and their families, keeping cash flowing in the communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press Release
–

updated: Apr 29, 2020

NEW YORK, April 29, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Community Financial Service Centers (CFSC) is reducing their rates to cash stimulus checks in order to help support customers in the communities most impacted by the financial disruptions caused by COVID-19. CFSC provides a wide array of essential financial services to local communities including check cashing, paying phone or utility bills, money orders, and sending money in an effort to do its part to help support residents in local neighborhoods during this challenging time.

“Even though large parts of the economy are on pause right now, individuals still need to buy groceries, pay their bills, and meet personal financial obligations timely,” says Gina M. Palumbo, Director of Marketing at CFSC. “We’re committed to keeping our doors safely open during this critical time to support our local communities with their daily financial needs when and how they need us most.”

In its continued effort to treat customers like family, CFSC is doing its part to ensure the safety of customers who enter any one of their stores throughout the nation. CFSC maintains stringent cleaning standards and observes social distancing measures outlined by the CDC and local authorities, creating a safe, comfortable environment that CFSC has provided to its customers for decades. The majority of CFSC locations have Spanish-speaking tellers to further personalize their customers’ experiences.

For those receiving government checks or debit cards, CFSC offers a convenient and affordable service to cash or unload those payments for customers, even without a bank account. There is no waiting for funds to clear as with an ordinary bank. And to support their customers, CFSC is extending a deep discount to cash Stimulus checks at all of their locations nationwide. For the customer’s protection to verify the payee when cashing a government or payroll check, customers will need a valid government-issued, photo ID, such as a Driver’s License, Passport, Official Foreign Country Photo ID, Official State Photo ID, Student Photo ID, or Work Photo ID, along with proof of the payee of the check, such as social security number, date of birth and/or home address.

Beyond check cashing, CFSC helps customers with electronic bill pay services, particularly now with many city utility and phone service locations being closed or with minimal staff, customers can pay their bills electronically at CFSC locations. Other services include money transfers whether locally or around the world, plus ATM services, money orders, foreign currency exchange, and custom local services such as MetroCard purchases in NY locations and Automobile Registration Services in Chicago locations.

To find a CFSC location, please visit https://www.cfsc.com/locations for more information.

About CFSC

Community Financial Service Centers, is a third-generation, family-owned business. We pride ourselves on being a vital part of our communities, and with 200+/- locations nationwide, we have neighborhood families all over the United States. Our focus is providing financial services tailored to each unique location and their community’s needs so that our customers find the services they need and the relationship they trust.

Contact Information

Gina M. Palumbo
Director of Marketing
gpalumbo@nycfllc.com

Source: Community Financial Service Centers

[ad_2]

Source link

April 29, 2020
Two College Freshmen Launch March Madness Mock-Up Charity Website Designated to Raise Money for Front-Liners

[ad_1]

Bracket of Hope is a charity website founded by two college freshmen designated to fight COVID-19, targeting college basketball fans. Fans can donate on behalf of their favorite team on a mock-up bracket, where the team that raises more money moves to the next round of the tournament.

Press Release
–

updated: Apr 22, 2020

LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Two college freshmen from the George Washington University have launched a platform where college basketball fans can donate on behalf of their team to the front-liners fighting COVID-19. The website is called “Bracket of Hope”, where in the light of the NCAA tournament’s cancellation this year, fans can instead go and donate on behalf of their team on a mock-up bracket, and the team that raises more money moves to the next round. In each match-up, 20% of the money raised by the winner of the round will go back to the school’s scholarship fund, and 10% of the money raised by the team that fell short will also go to their scholarship fund. The rest of the money will go to each respective team’s COVID-19 related charity of choice. The way teams are seeded is predominantly based on how they performed this year, with the exception of a few lower seeds consisting of teams with huge fan-bases but have not met the tournament’s required credentials.

Farid Adibi, a co-founder of Bracket of Hope, talks about the purpose behind the project: “In light of the pandemic, we wanted to unite this nation in a fun way all the while fighting COVID-19. We figured that March Madness has always brought people of different walks of life together, and people still want to show their school spirit even though the tournament was canceled. We hope that fans donate money on behalf of their team and show their true colors even in the darkest of situations.”

Despite limited resources, these two freshmen still managed to bring up the website in a short amount of time in order to receive donations as soon as possible. They are excited about this project and can’t wait for the website to take off.

For more information, please visit: bracketofhope.com

Source: Bracket of Hope

[ad_2]

Source link

April 22, 2020
Flow Waterjet Repurposes Operations to Produce High-Grade Face Shields to Help Mitigate Spread of COVID-19

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Apr 17, 2020

KENT, Wash., April 17, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
Flow International Corporation, the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems, has repurposed its operations to produce face shields for medical workers, first responders and workers in essential businesses to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The company is ramping production rapidly to where it will be producing more than 50,000 units per week by the end of this month. Flow does not expect to make a profit from this effort.

Flow’s face shields are constructed robustly for multiple use and cleaning primarily of high-grade Polyethylene Terephthalate modified with Glycol (PETG), a material commonly used in the manufacture of FDA-approved face shields, along with hypoallergenic foam padding that rests against the user’s forehead and an elastic band for “one size fits all” simplicity and comfort.

“The advanced technology of Flow’s waterjet systems allows us to cut any material to the most precise specifications, quickly and efficiently,” said the company’s Senior Technology Fellow and holder of over 100 U.S. and worldwide waterjet patents, Dr. Mohamed Hashish. “The unprecedented need for face shields was an easy transition for us because of our passionate associates, global access to the highest-quality materials, our on-site precision cutting and assembly, and shipping from our headquarters facilities here in Kent and from our operations center in Baxter Springs, Kansas.”

Flow has already delivered face shields locally to dozens of medical facilities and first responders and is receiving new orders daily from around the country. Flow’s face shields are available online for direct purchase and for third parties who wish to donate funds for production and drop shipment of face shields to recipients of their choice at www.flowwaterjet.com and www.flowforthefrontline.com. In addition, the company is making its technical specifications and detailed cutting and assembly instructions available to waterjet operators everywhere via download from the same website.

“Our priority is to be part of the solution during this extraordinarily difficult time,” said Brian Sherick, Flow’s Vice President of Global Sales. “That’s why we decided to make all documentation needed for any waterjet operator to produce the highest-quality face shields available, as efficiently as possible, so they can get to the people who need them the most.”

“We are in full production mode and will be making over 50,000 shields per week before the end of April,” said Sherick, “and with a customer base operating over 7,500 systems in North American alone, our ability to scale up quickly to meet demand through our broad network is significant.”

Orders can also be placed via the aforementioned websites, and as follows:

Dora Cortes
253-246-3205
programs@flowcorp.com

About Flow International

Flow International Corporation, a SHAPE Technologies Group company, is a leading ultrahigh-pressure waterjet system solutions provider. As the world leader in waterjet technology, the company is committed to delivering high-performance, innovative systems and world-class customer experience for a broad array of applications that serve a diverse customer base. For more information, visit www.FlowWaterjet.com.

Media Contact:
Steve Rosenblum
Senior Director, Global Marketing and Communications
Flow International
206-673-1101
srosenblum@flowcorp.com

Source: Flow International Corporation

[ad_2]

Source link

April 17, 2020
RespectAbility Invites People With Disabilities to Share COVID-19 Experiences and Organize Online
[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Apr 15, 2020
LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2020 (Newswire.com)
–
As the CDC reports that approximately 90% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have underlying conditions, the nonprofit disability organization RespectAbility is inviting people with disabilities to share experiences and organize online.

Said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, president of RespectAbility, “People with disabilities are disproportionally impacted by both the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. People with disabilities urgently need to be there for each other and to organize so leaders understand our lives and future are at stake.”

RespectAbility is inviting people with disabilities from across America to join in a series of Zoom gatherings. The purpose of the gatherings is for individuals to share experiences, brainstorm ideas, prioritize issues and bring solutions forward to decision-makers and service providers. RespectAbility’s virtual events include separate sessions for people who are blind, use wheelchairs, are young adults with disabilities, have developmental disabilities, and for women with a variety of disabilities. Participants may choose one or more sessions to attend. Additional sessions will be added later.

People with disabilities who are at extreme risk from the virus have several other unique challenges. For example, people with disabilities who are living on their own have limited access to food. It’s vital for the government to urgently move so that people with disabilities who depend on SNAP benefits or the families of children with disabilities who use WIC can use them for online grocery deliveries and for delivery from local restaurants, avoiding risks of getting sick. Additionally, it’s vital to include people with significant disabilities in access to Meals on Wheels. A version of this is now helping the cities of Los Angeles and NYC to provide food delivery for people with disabilities, but most of the country has no such options. Said Mizrahi, “People with disabilities should not be forced to choose between food and risking their lives from COVID-19.”

Other key issues for people with disabilities include:
- The lives of people with disabilities in group and nursing homes are at risk from other residents and caregivers who may bring the virus into their facilities. They urgently need access to masks and other key protective materials.
- More online medical and mental health services are needed.
- Accessible and appropriate online education is necessary for students with disabilities.
- Immigrants with disabilities and their families must not be excluded from solutions to the current crisis.
- An inclusive employment-first focus needs to be front and center in all employment programs for when the crisis lifts.
All of the online zoom gatherings are free and open to people with disabilities. Captioning is provided for all gatherings, and RespectAbility welcomes other accommodation requests. More information and registration can be found online: https://www.respectability.org/2020/04/covid-19-gatherings.

Media Contact:
Lauren Appelbaum
Email: LaurenA@RespectAbility.org

Source: RespectAbility
[ad_2]

Source link
April 15, 2020