Federal Medical Marijuana Program Marks 30th Anniversary
May 6, 2008
(Washington, D.C.) A little-known federal government program that supplies medical marijuana to a handful of patients will mark its 30th anniversary on May 10.
The federal medical marijuana program — referred to as a Compassionate Investigational New Drug (IND) program — resulted from a lawsuit filed by glaucoma patient Robert Randall, who successfully showed that his use of marijuana was a medical necessity.
The program slowly grew for over a dozen years. In the wake of a flood of new applications from patients battling AIDS — who found that marijuana boosted their appetites and relieved the nausea often caused by anti-HIV drugs — the George H.W. Bush administration closed it to new applicants in March 1992, but continued supplying federal marijuana to those already receiving it. Four of those patients survive today.
“Most Americans would be shocked to know that the federal government supplies medical marijuana to patients while claiming that marijuana is a harmful drug with no medical value,” said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. “If federal officials believe their own statements, they’re knowingly poisoning four innocent people, but in fact they know better. The four remaining patients in the federal program have benefited from their medical marijuana use, groups like the American College of Physicians and the American Public Health Association have said that marijuana is a safe and effective medicine and, as a result, we must change the federal laws that prohibit medical marijuana.”
Officially, the Compassionate IND is a research program. Participants were required to sign a consent document calling the program a “study.” Yet the federal government has never studied the patients in the “study.” In fact, the only study ever published of these patients was privately financed and conducted.
“May 10 marks the 30th anniversary of federal hypocrisy and dishonesty about medical marijuana,” Kampia said. “When future historians see how much effort our government made to avoid learning that marijuana is a safe and effective medicine, they’ll shake their heads in disbelief.”
With more than 23,000 members and 180,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.
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CONTACT:
Bruce Mirken,
MPP director of communications
415-668-6403 or 202-215-4205
Old Westbury Gardens Announces The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse
May 6, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens opens this spring in Old Westbury, NY. The Showhouse opens with a gala preview party on Friday, May 2nd, and runs for 6 weeks through Sunday, June 15. Proceeds benefit Old Westbury Gardens.
The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens is a showcase for America’s premiere design talent. Approximately 20 top interior designers and decorative artists will transform Orchard Hill into a decorating masterpiece in the gracious traditional manner of the house itself.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former country estate of John S. (Jay) Phipps. Westbury House, a magnificent, Charles II-style mansion, is surrounded by 200 acres of tree-lined walks, lakes, statuary, grand allées, and indescribably beautiful gardens. Jay’s daughter, Peggie Phipps Boegner, who grew up in Westbury House and was the founder of Old Westbury Gardens, lived in the Orchard Hill home from 1930 until her passing in 2006.
Mrs. Thomas M. Bancroft, Jr. is the Showhouse Chairman. Mario Buatta is the Honorary Showhouse Chairman and Mrs. Howard Phipps is the Honorary Preview Party Chairman. The Showhouse is sponsored by No. 9 Thompson, Electrolux and Daniel Gale. The Showhouse is produced by Hampton Designer Showhouse Foundation, Inc.
The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens opens with a gala preview party on Friday, May 2 and runs for 6 weeks. The Showhouse is open seven days a week, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Last admission is at 4:00 PM). Children under six, infants, strollers and pets are not allowed in the Showhouse. Admission to the Showhouse is $30 and includes the Showhouse Journal as well as admission to Old Westbury Gardens on that day.
For more information, please call 516-333-0908 or 212-980-1711.
About Orchard Hill
The name Hicks is very much entwined with the history of Nassau County. Valentine Hicks, the man for whom Hicksville, NY was named, was the second president of the Long Island Railroad. From 1812 to 1850 he lived in a house that is now home to the Maine Maid Inn. Another family member, Isaac Hicks, founded Hicks Nursery in 1853.
Built in 1859 by John D. Hicks and his wife Caroline Haviland, Orchard Hill is the former home of John S. Phipps’ daughter, Peggie Phipps Boegner, who grew up in Westbury House. Originally constructed in the Italianate style, the house featured an arcaded porch, round-headed windows, and a bay window on its front façade. In 1900, a wing was added to the house that now includes the living room and master bedroom suite. In the early 20th century, Mr. John S. Phipps purchased the Hicks’ house, moving it to its present location and re-named it Orchard Hill. Upon her marriage, Peggie Phipps Boegner moved into the house which became her home until her death in 2006. Mrs. Peggie Phipps Boegner was the founder of Old Westbury Gardens. Orchard Hill, now part of Old Westbury Gardens, will be used to promote environmental activities for its visitors.
About Old Westbury Gardens
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens in Nassau County, NY, is the former country estate of John S. (Jay) Phipps and his wife Margarita. Mr. Phipps was the son of Henry Phipps, a partner in the Carnegie Steel Company. Westbury House, a magnificent, Charles II-style mansion, was the family home until 1958 when it became an incorporated-non-profit institution open to the public. The house and gardens were planned by London designer George Abraham Crawley and he was assisted in the construction of Westbury House by American architect Grosvenor Atterbury.
Preserving the charm and beauty of the property in the tradition established by the Phipps family, Old Westbury Gardens features 200 acres of tree-lined walks, lakes, statuary, grand allées, and some of the most beautiful formal gardens in America.
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Photo: Westbury House (Front View) - Old Westbury Gardens
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Mitchell Manning Associates
155 East 55th Street, Suite 205
New York, NY 10022
“K-9 Down” Event Teaches Crucial Life-Saving Techniques for Dogs in Dangerous Jobs
May 6, 2008
(New York, N.Y.) Professionals working to protect and serve face serious injury and possibly losing their lives on a daily basis. The same is true for their working canine counterparts. Dogs are not your typical agents, officers or emergency personnel and, in turn, need specialized veterinary medical care in an emergency. To make sure their human partners know what to do when man’s best friend is injured, NYC Veterinary Specialists in Manhattan will hold “K-9 Down”, a very visual and hands on event teaching life-saving techniques for dogs working in potentially harmful careers.
From fire prevention & control teams, various task forces, search & rescue teams, law enforcement agencies, HAZMAT squads, US Border Patrol agents, to working with the US Department of Justice and even the FBI, dogs are an essential part of the everyday work done to protect and serve human beings.
“We treat our dogs the same way we would treat out task force members. They are members of our family. ‘K-9 Down’ is an invaluable asset and an incredible teaching tool for our medical specialists. If any of our dogs are injured, ‘K-9 Down’ insures they can receive the same level of care,” says Lieutenant Ernie Capote, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue & Florida Task Force 1.
At the sessions, taking place on May 17th and 18th, board-certified veterinary specialists will teach professional canine working dog handlers from across the country how to treat gunshot wounds, eye injuries, perform CPR, apply bandages, take vital signs and do other things that are essential in helping an injured animal survive. According to Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist Vanessa Kuonen, “’K-9 down’ is very special because it gives handlers the basic tools they need to stabilize canine injuries until they can be seen by a veterinarian. I’ll be giving important tips to participants about canine eye trauma. After all, without their eyes, working canines can’t work!”
The fully-booked program is helpful for fire rescue workers who may pull their canine counterparts from a burning building or come across an animal with some other type of health emergency. “We’re thrilled about the overwhelming response from professional working dog handlers across the country. It’s an honor to be able to open our doors and offer such an incredible program, a program we hope will save the lives of those working to save ours, both human and canine,” says Gail Moore, K-9 Down Program Administrator, NYC Veterinary Specialists.
“K-9 Down” is made possible by the Frankie’s Friends Charitable Pet Foundation at NYC Veterinary Specialists. This Foundation raises funds to support research, education and indigent care for the pets and people of our community. Visit www.nyc-vs.com/giving/ for more information.
About NYC Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center
Opened in the fall, 2006, NYC Veterinary Specialists was founded with the concept of providing a superior level of patient and client care through close cooperation with the family practitioner. In addition to referral appointments, the hospital is open 24 hours a day for case transfers by the family practitioner and after-hours emergencies. NYC Veterinary Specialists serves as an extension of the general practice. Their specialized services include Behavior, Cardiology, Critical Care, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Oncology/Radiation, Ophthalmology, Radiology and Surgery.
NYC Veterinary Specialists is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is located in Manhattan at 410 W. 55th St. between 9th and 10th Avenues, across the street from the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. For further information, please visit www.nyc-vs.com
(Photo Courtesy of K.C. Bailey Photographic)
New York Benefit to Celebrate Recent Medical Marijuana Successes
May 5, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) On Wednesday, May 14, 2008 the Marijuana Policy Project (www.MPP.org) will host a spring soiree, a night of comedy and music to benefit MPP’s efforts to protect seriously ill New Yorkers from arrest and jail if they use medical marijuana with their doctor’s recommendation. Patient advocate Joel Peacock will be honored and Sony/BMG recording artist Nicole Atkins & The Sea and other special guests will perform.
MPP is leading the fight to gain medical marijuana access for seriously ill New Yorkers who have the approval of their physicians. All funds raised will be used to pass a bill to make New York the 13th medical marijuana state in the country. An entertaining, energizing, and provocative evening is guaranteed. Your support will be part of the tipping point that brings about this momentous change!
The Host Committee for the event and those attending include: Joshua Baer, John Perry Barlow, Paul Bennett, Lewis Black, State Senator Joseph Bruno ‘s Director of Public Affairs in New York City Lisa Black, Richard Brookhiser, Tucker Carlson, Jason Flom, Savion Glover, Leslie Lansman, David C. Leven, Peter Lewis, Kurt Loder, Fred Newton, Medeski Martin and Wood, Michelle Phillips, ABC’s John Stossel, Ben Taylor, Montel Williams and Robert W. Wilson.
Last year - - for the first time ever - - the New York Assembly passed MPP’s medical marijuana bill - by a 95-52 vote, sending the bill over to the Senate. This was the result of a four-year lobbying effort that we commenced in 2003.
During that time, our lobbyist in Albany built an impressive coalition of institutional support, including the state physicians association, state nurses association, state public health association, and the city councils of Albany, Buffalo, and New York.
Before his resignation, Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) expressed his openness to signing medical marijuana legislation, and the new Gov. Paterson seems likely to be a supporter as well, so all eyes are now focused on the Republican-controlled Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is supportive of allowing medical marijuana, but has not brought the issue to a vote.
With the Republicans facing a tough election this November, when they could very well lose control of the Senate, we’re hoping they’ll pay attention to the public opinion polling that indicates 76% of New York voters -and even 55% of Conservative Party voters in the state –support legal protection for medical marijuana patients.
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The MPP benefit will take place at the Highline Ballroom, 431 W 16th Street between 9th and 10th Aves. (212) 414-5994. Tickets for $250 in advance- $300 at the door (most of your contribution is tax-deductible) are available at (202) 462-5747 Ext. 104 or www.mpp.org/highline
For NYC Event - Gail Parenteau/ Parenteau Guidance 212-532-3934, gail@parenteauguidance.com
For MPP – Bruce Mirken/ Director of Communications 415-668-6403, bruce@mpp.org
A Night of Music & Comedy to Help Push Campaign to Victory
May 14th – Highline Ballroom
Spring Soiree to Benefit Effort to Protect Seriously Ill New York Patients Who Use Medical Marijuana
Long Island Couple Awarded $10,000 at Welcome Back Awards in Washington, D.C.
May 2, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) Eli Lilly and Company is proud to honor six inspiring winners at the 10th annual Welcome Back Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 3. For the past decade, the Welcome Back Awards has recognized individuals for their outstanding commitments to mental health, donating nearly half a million dollars to not-for-profit organizations on behalf of program honorees.
“These honorees are breaking new ground in the field of depression; from providing mental health guidance for victims of Hurricane Katrina to bringing postpartum depression education to life, these winners tackle mental health issues from the ground up,” said Rakesh Jain, M.D., Welcome Back Award committee member and director of psychiatric drug research at R/D Clinical Research Center in Lake Jackson, Texas. “Each of the winners is a pioneer, bringing depression awareness to their individual communities and the country at large.”
This year, in celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary, a special “Person of the Decade” award was created to honor a previous winner whose work continues to positively impact the depression community.
“I was on the verge of giving up when I received a life-changing call, informing me I won a Welcome Back Award,” said Rory White, founding manager of the Skid Row Lamp Art Project in Los Angeles and a 2004 honoree, who was selected this year by an independent committee of experts as the Welcome Back Award Person of the Decade. “Bringing validation to programs like mine, the Welcome Back Awards has helped create a legacy that will work to banish the stigma of mental illness for years to come,” White said.
Although White’s work with the Skid Row Lamp Art Project is the most rewarding endeavor of his life, securing funding and recognition for this high-level art program serving Skid Row homeless individuals with depression and other mental illnesses, had seemed an insurmountable task. Fortunately, that phone call was the sign he needed to persevere. Now, four years later, White continues providing opportunities for the homeless and mentally ill on Los Angeles’ Skid Row to achieve successes in their own lives. His Welcome Back Award became the first in a long line of prestigious awards granted to the art project. In addition, paintings from the art project are being used in the filming of the major motion picture, “The Soloist,” which dramatizes the life of a Julliard-trained cellist who became homeless in Skid Row because of his mental illness. The Skid Row Lamp Art Project will also be the focus of a feature length documentary, “Ashes and Roses.”
Lilly established the Welcome Back Awards in 1998 to fight the stigma associated with depression and to promote the understanding that depression is treatable. Each year, an independent panel of national mental health leaders recognizes five individuals for their outstanding achievements, and Lilly awards donations ranging between $10,000 and $15,000 to the not-for-profit organization of each winner’s choice.
The 2008 Welcome Back Awards honorees are:
Community Service: Jean and Doug Richards, Jamesport, N.Y. (Pictured Above)
Jean and Doug Richards treated patients as nurse and doctor respectively for more than 40 years, but after losing their eldest daughter to schizophrenia in 1987, they determined that patients living with mental illnesses — and their families — often need more than the help of a medical professional. This inspired them to facilitate a weekly support group called Relatives of the Mentally Ill, or ROMI, to help other families in their community who were in need of support. The group provides education and understanding to members in and around their Long Island community. Weekly meetings feel like family dinner table discussions, offering an informal and comfortable setting for members to share stories and realize they are not alone, no matter how isolated they may feel. Although the couple have since retired and are now both close to 80 years old, they continue their mission above and beyond their weekly meetings by writing encouraging letters, sending care packages and cooking and delivering meals. For families feeling isolated, scared and sometimes hopeless when faced with the mental illness of a loved one, these examples of personal kindness are a salve for healing hearts and minds.
Lifetime Achievement: Mary Jo Codey, West Orange, N.J.
Mary Jo Codey’s personal experiences with postpartum depression during both her pregnancies opened her eyes to the impact that limited knowledge and understanding of postpartum depression had in her community and throughout her state. As the first lady of New Jersey, Codey seized the opportunity presented by her husband’s 14 months as governor from 2004 to 2006 to bring attention to the condition through public appearances and interviews. She courageously detailed her experiences with an illness that many find difficult to understand. In addition, Codey played a key role in developing, and served as spokesperson for, a widely successful statewide postpartum depression education campaign, “Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak Up When You’re Down.” She also inspired New Jersey’s groundbreaking Postpartum Depression Screening and Education law. On the national level, Codey has lobbied on Capitol Hill in support of legislation designed to support research and education relating to postpartum depression and psychosis and provide support services for sufferers.
Psychiatry: Margaret Spinelli, M.D., New York, N.Y.
Margaret Spinelli has been passionate about solving the problems of those around her since she was young. An inherent desire to help others led her to a career in nursing. While working with impoverished women at a Brooklyn clinic, Spinelli became interested in learning more about the mental health of expectant mothers. Now considered a leading expert in the field of perinatal psychiatry, Spinelli has been touring the world, lecturing and teaching on the subject for the past 20 years. Her groundbreaking work has focused on researching and evaluating women who have committed infanticide due to postpartum mental disorders, and she has performed a significant amount of pro bono work for women with psychiatric illnesses. Spinelli continues to find her work not only rewarding, but also therapeutic as she recognizes that for every mother she treats, there is a child (or children) who benefits.
Primary Care: JoAn Hopkins, B.S.N., Loveland, Colo.
For more than 30 years, JoAn Hopkins has treated depression in the wake of disasters, helping victims and their families to cope with both the physical and mental traumas they’ve incurred. Having served onsite as a Red Cross relief volunteer for dozens of disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the Pentagon on 9/11, Hopkins has brought her mental health service skills to people all across the nation. While Hopkins ensures that the basic needs of victims are met —such as food, water and shelter— she also understands the unseen needs that can often make the difference between a survivor’s spiral into a major depression or one day feeling strong enough to reach out for the mental health lifeline that stigma and shame and other pressing needs often overrule. Fortunately, Hopkins’ approachability and compassion give disaster survivors and relief workers a welcoming introduction to mental healthcare provision—keeping the door open for them to walk through and acknowledge and accept help when they are ready to receive it. When Hopkins is not on the front lines of disaster relief, she provides mental health services to the chronically mentally ill in Colorado through her work as a nurse at the Larimer Center for Mental Health.
Destigmatization: Henry Acosta, M.S.W., Mercerville, N.J.
Henry Acosta’s personal struggle with depression while growing up in a tough area of New Jersey, combined with his family’s own history and struggles with the illness, brought him face to face with the disparity of care among Hispanics with mental illness. Acosta has seen the confusion that reigns in the wake of a suicide attempt. He has seen the difficulties in finding appropriate care. He had to translate his own treatment plan into English to help his parents understand his own condition to enable them to help their own son. Simply, Acosta knew that change was necessary for survival. As a result, it became his life mission to break down barriers to care for all minorities. Today, as the executive director of the National Resource Center for Hispanic Mental Health, Acosta is the driving force behind educational programs, public service announcements, media campaigns and legislation to bring appropriate and relevant care to the Hispanic community in his home state and across the country. As a direct result of his programming, statistics in New Jersey show that Hispanics with mental illness are using more public services and less costly emergency and crisis care than before; changes that will, hopefully, be seen nationwide thanks to Acosta’s passion and dedication.
“For the past decade, the Welcome Back Awards has been honoring individuals in the depression community who have challenged the status quo by designing, developing and facilitating programs that bring awareness to the condition and relief to those who suffer from it,” said John Hayes, M.D., vice president of Lilly Research Laboratories and global brand development team leader of neuroscience, Eli Lilly and Company. “It is important for Lilly to recognize these unique voices in the depression community as a way to inspire them to continue their good work and promote recovery. I am honored to present Welcome Back Awards, now in its tenth year, to these admirable individuals.”
Nominations for the 2009 Welcome Back Awards
Nominations for the 2009 WBA may be submitted by anyone wishing to be recognized for his or her outstanding achievements in the depression community or wishing to recognize someone else. For more information, call 800-463-6440 or visit www.welcomebackawards.com.
TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR SEEK HELP, PLEASE CALL MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, 199 N. WELLWOOD AVENUE, STE 2, LINDENHURST, NY. 11757, 631-226-3900, OR CALL JEAN RICHARDS, 631-298-4269
About Lilly
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world’s most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com
16th Annual National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Inductions
May 1, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Inductions will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at The Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack, N.Y., starting at 10:30a.m.
Click here to view map of 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack N.Y.
Among the inductees are basketball coach Bruce Pearl, swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg, football player Ron Mix, gymnast Kerri Strug and four others from the world of sports, an area of Jewish accomplishment often overlooked.
In addition, individual awards will also be presented, including “the Dick Steinberg Good Guy Award” to public relations expert Marty Appel.
For more information, please visit http://www.jewishsports.org/jewishsports/news.shtml or contact Alan Freedman at (631) 462-9800, ext. 119 or via email at afreedman@syjcc.org.
About the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to honoring Jewish sports figures who have distinguished themselves in the field of sports. The objective is to foster Jewish identity through athletics. In a world where stereotype and prejudice have not yet been eradicated, the Hall of Fame reminds us of heros of the courts and playing fields who have emerged from a people not commonly associated with sports. The Jewish Sports Hall of Fame is located at the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center, with plaques honoring those inducted on permanent display.
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National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
74 Hauppauge Road
Commack, NY 11725
(631) 462-9800
www.jewishsports.org
NYIT Announces 2008 Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients
May 1, 2008
(Old Westbury, N.Y.) New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) celebrates its 47th annual commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2008 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Before an audience of more than 10,000, NYIT President Edward Guiliano, will confer associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as professional diplomas and certificates, to more than 4,400 graduates representing all 50 states and 98 countries. The ceremony will take place, rain or shine, at NYIT’s Old Westbury, N.Y., campus.
Media admission is by press pass.
Schedule and Honorary Degree Recipients:
NYIT will award honorary doctorate degrees to: Fitzhugh Mullan, M.D., Murdock Head Professor of Medicine and Health Policy at George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (Doctor of Humane Letters), and Stanford Ovshinsky, Co-Founder, Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. and Founder of Ovshinsky Innovation LLC (Doctor of Science).
The NYIT choir will open the program with a singing of the National Anthem. Student speaker Nigel Chiwaya has been selected to address the Class of 2008.
About NYIT’s Honorary Degree Recipients:
Fitzhugh Mullan, M.D., Doctor of Humane Letters
Dr. Mullan is the Murdock Head Professor of Medicine and Health Policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services and a professor of pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine. He is also a member of the medical staff at the Upper Cardozo Community Health Center in Washington, D.C. He served on both the President’s Task Force on Health Care Reform and the Council on Graduate Medical Education. His current research and policy work focuses on U.S. and international health workforce issues. Mullan graduated from Harvard University in 1964 with a degree in history and from the University of Chicago Medical School in 1968. He is the founding president of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and the recipient of the American Cancer Society’s 1988 Courage Award. Dr. Mullan will deliver the keynote address at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) hooding ceremony on May 17th at Lincoln Center.
Stanford Ovshinsky, Doctor of Science
Ovshinsky founded Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) with his late wife Iris Ovshinsky. A pioneer in sustainable energy technology and information, he is the primary inventor of ECD’s technology, including the Ovonic thin-film photovoltaics and the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery that is used in cell phones, computers, and hydrogen storage systems. His research in amorphous semiconductors revolutionized the materials used in solar cells, computers, optical memories, and electric cars, as well as those used in photocopy and fax machines and LCD displays. Ovshinsky Innovation LLC was formed in 2007 to accelerate his work in alternative energy and in the information field. Ovshinsky holds 360 U.S. patents. He serves on various scientific, educational, and civic boards, and has received numerous international accolades, including Time magazine’s “Hero for the Planet” designation; the American Chemical Society’s Heroes of Chemistry 2000 (with his late wife); The Economist’s Innovation Award for Energy and the Environment. Ovshinsky will speak at the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences commencement ceremony, immediately following the main ceremony.
The main commencement ceremony will be webcast live on NYIT’s Web site, www.nyit.edu, beginning at 9:30 (click on the “Commencement Ceremony” link).
About NYIT:
NYIT is the college of choice for more than 14,000 students enrolled in more than 100 specialized courses of study leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in academic areas such as architecture and design; arts and sciences; education and professional services; engineering and computing sciences; health professions, behavioral, and life sciences; management; and osteopathic medicine. As a private, nonprofit, independent institution of higher learning, NYIT embraces an educational philosophy of career-oriented professional education for all qualified students and supports applications-oriented research to benefit the greater global community. Students attend classes at NYIT’s campuses in Manhattan and Long Island, as well as online and in a number of programs throughout the world. To date, more than 69,000 alumni have earned degrees at NYIT. For more information, visit www.nyit.edu.
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U.S. Nursing Shortage Approaches Record Levels
May 1, 2008
(Belleville, Ill) The American Nurses Association is celebrating the heroic and crucial care that nurses provide during this year’s National Nurses Week on May 6 through May 12. The 2008 theme is “Nurses: Making a Difference Every Day.” Organizations, including Allsup, which represents people nationwide for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, are helping to observe this special occasion and to recognize the important role of nurses.
More than 3 million RNs will be employed in 2016, an increase of 20 percent from more than 2.5 million in 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A combination of job growth, nurses retiring and leaving the profession, and fewer new nurses is expected to yield a shortage of more than 1 million RNs by the end of this decade.
But there’s no need to look to the future for a shortage. The American Hospital Association reported in mid-2007 that more than 5,000 community hospitals nationwide already have a need for 116,000 RNs to fill current job openings. More information can be found online.
Nurses work in an expansive variety of positions and workplaces to improve healthcare in the United States. “Today’s nurses make the ultimate sacrifice on a daily basis to provide expert care during times of disaster and crisis,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “We want to honor the men and women who not only chose this challenging and rewarding career, but make a difference in the lives of their patients and in the nursing community.”
Nurses provide a particularly important role for individuals who become disabled through injury, illness or chronic disease. Along with supporting patients through times of trauma and crisis, nurses comfort patients’ families and are an indispensable resource for multidisciplinary medical teams working in hospitals, clinics and other care environments.
During National Nurses Week, the ANA and other organizations recognize the valuable service nurses provide to the community through their courage, heroic acts and commitment to quality care despite the increasing challenges facing healthcare.
Allsup is observing National Nurses Week with free posters available to hospitals, clinics and other community groups by calling Karen Hercules-Doerr at (800) 854-1418, ext. 5770.
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Media contact:
American Nurses Association
Mary McNamara
(301) 628-5198
www.nursingworld.org
