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Creating Buzz PR Announces ‘Be Your Own Publicist‘ Class For Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

Creating Buzz PR

Creating Buzz PR, one of California and Arizona’s most creative and respected public relations firms, will offer publicity classes for small business owners that typically could not afford the prices of a respected PR firm. Ellie Lowney, founder of Creating Buzz PR, has catapulted companies such as Superstition Meadery and Personality Hotels from small start ups to thriving mid size business’s through her creative campaigns. Called ‘Catapult Your Brand With Publicity’, this class will teach entrepreneurs all they need to know to get coverage in respected media outlets such as USA Today, Entrepreneur.com, CNN, Forbes, Local and real (unpaid) TV coverage, local and real print and digital News outlets, INC.com, and much more. “I want to help even the playing field for small business owners” states Ellie. “They are the backbone of America and so many have great ideas and intentions but fail in the first year or two, which is sad.” According to statistics published in 2019 by the Small Business Administration (SBA), about twenty percent of business startups fail in the first year. About half succumb to business failure within five years. By year ten, only about 33% survive. “I know one of the main reasons entrepreneurs fail is because they don’t put enough time, energy, and money into promoting the business”, states Ellie. “I have seen it with friends and potential clients. There is often an attitude of “if I build it - they will come,” so they put tons of money into interior design, or a quality product, and website, but then don’t have enough money left for marketing.” Quality PR firms, including Creating Buzz PR, charge $150.00 to $500.00 and up - per hour, with a minimum of $3000.00 per month, and many small business owners can not afford that. “To hire a good PR pro is expensive because it is time consuming to do it right and requires a talented person who can wear many hats including research to create the right campaign and brand, writing great stories, pitching the media (sales), being a sleuth to find those perfect journalists, etc”. “It is not for the faint of heart. Companies should know it is like hiring your content creation team, sales team, business coach, idea person, project manager, connector, and more in one or two people.” Being a small business owner herself and having many friends that are entrepreneurs, Ellie saw the need for classes for startups, that have more time than money, to put into promotion. “Entrepreneurs should always be thinking of promoting and how they can gain credibility and interest from their target market before they even start the business” states Ellie. The first three classes of the six week course will cover how to write a compelling story and make it newsworthy, finding the right journalists and media outlets, writing press releases, media alerts, and pitches, and - most importantly - how to pitch the media. The second half of the course will cover newswires, such as News Direct and Cision, plus social media, business building events, media stunts, and more. The classes will be interactive through Zoom and will be kept to a small group, so all attendees can ask questions and get personalized help. Additionally there are specific class’s for health and aesthetic practice publicity and hospitality and restaurant publicity. “I so believe in publicity in respected media outlets and what it can do for a brand,” states Ellie. I have seen it happen with my clients, where they see their sales triple, then skyrocket, in a few short months from great press, or see their business launched from just one event.” About Creating Buzz PR and Ellie Lowney Ellie is a writer and senior communications specialist with twenty years experience in PR and marketing. Ellie has led campaigns for companies and brands such as The Fairmont Hotel, Core Institute, Superstition Meadery, WorldWildlife Fund, Pacific Autism Centers, Personality Hotels, Biogenesis Nutraceuticals, and many more. She started in PR in San Francisco and started Creating Buzz PR in 2017. Creating Buzz PR, 4232 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ., 85018 www.creatingbuzzpr.com https://creatingbuzzpr.com/catapult-your-brand-2/ About Creating Buzz PR and Ellie Lowney Ellie is a writer and senior communications specialist with twenty years experience in PR and marketing. Ellie has led campaigns for companies and brands such as The Fairmont Hotel, Core Institute, Superstition Meadery, WorldWildlife Fund, Pacific Autism Centers, Personality Hotels, Biogenesis Nutraceuticals, and many more. She started in PR in San Francisco and started Creating Buzz PR in 2017. Creating Buzz PR, 4232 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ., 85018 https://www.creatingbuzzpr.com https://creatingbuzzpr.com/catapult-your-brand-2/ Contact Details Creating Buzz PR Ellie +1 415-948-5275 Elizabeth@CreatingBuzzPR.com Company Website https://www.creatingbuzzpr.com

October 07, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Altais To Acquire Los Angeles-Based Family Care Specialists

Altais

Altais Clinical Services (ACS), a division of the healthcare services company Altais, has signed an agreement to acquire Family Care Specialists Medical Corporation (FCS). FCS was founded in 1988 and provides all-age family healthcare to communities in the eastern and northern Los Angeles metropolitan area. It is comprised of a medical group with more than 120 staff, an independent physician association with more than 340 primary care physicians and specialists, and a nationally recognized family-medicine residency program. After completion of the deal, FCS management and brand will remain in place. Altais is a healthcare services company pioneering integrated, scalable technology solutions and business models that are designed to enhance the patient experience, improve health outcomes, reduce cost, and drive professional gratification among physicians. ACS invests directly in physician practices, clinics, and related business models. In 2020, Brown & Toland Physicians, a network of 2,700+ independent physicians in the San Francisco Bay Area, joined the ACS family of companies. ACS also opened two independent primary care clinics serving essential civic employees and educators in the Monterey-Salinas market. FCS was formed by six Latinx physicians who still lead the group. They are all native Angelenos from the East Los Angeles community. Their aims for FCS were to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare and cultivate future generations of physicians for their community. “We founded Family Care Specialists with the goals of giving back to the community, in both healthcare services and medical education,” said Dr. Hector Flores, co-founder and medical director of FCS. “Our residency program continues to be an incubator for independent physicians who are committed to care for families in underserved communities. We believe the new relationship with Altais will provide FCS access to greater resources and technology. Driven by the power of our common cause, we’ll enhance healthcare for the community at large.” "Altais’ mission is to ignite an exceptional healthcare system that cultivates the health and well-being of physicians, patients, and the clinical community,” said Altais CEO Dr. Jeff Bailet. “And one of our primary goals in the pursuit of that mission is to support physician practices in delivering high-quality patient care and better health outcomes at lower costs. Family Care Specialists has done an outstanding job providing comprehensive healthcare to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area and developing future generations of family-medicine physicians through its residency program. Our organizations’ aligned missions make us a perfect fit for bolstering value-based community healthcare to the residents of Los Angeles.” As part of ACS, FCS will continue to provide coordinated care to ensure its physicians spend time doing what they do best – caring for patients. This includes integrating Altais’ sophisticated clinical tools and a technology management platform to enhance clinical and service quality for physicians and their patients. * * * About Altais Altais is a healthcare services company that helps physicians and the clinical community maximize the health and well-being of their patients in an affordable and sustainable way. Altais has two divisions. Altais Clinical Services offers a range of affiliation and employment models for physicians, and high-quality, affordable care for patients. Altais Health offers a broad platform of clinical support tools and technology, along with high-touch support. Ultimately, Altais seeks to enhance the vibrancy of physician practice and strengthen the heart of medicine – physicians connecting with patients and providing personalized, high-quality care. For more information about Altais, please visit www.altais.com. About Family Care Specialists The Family Care Specialists (FCS) Medical Corporation, aka FCS Medical Group, and the FCS IPA collectively serve approximately 30,000 beneficiaries comprised of Medi-Cal, Medicare, Commercial and Covered California coverage and 5% who are uninsured. The FCS Medical Group is dedicated to improving the health status of its patients, their families and the entire community. FCS utilizes culturally and linguistically competent services and deployment of performance standards that reduce or eliminate health disparities. The FCS medical group is also the founding partner of the Adventist Health White Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program. The residency program is nationally recognized for its academic success, placement of more than 70% of graduates in medically underserved areas, and for contributing to diversity in the health professions. More than 65% of its graduates come from groups known to be under-represented in medicine. For more information about Family Care Specialists, please visit www.fcsmg.com. ### Note: In this transaction, Synergy Advisors, LLC, served as exclusive financial advisor to Family Care Specialists Medical Corporation and its principal physicians, and Kaufman Hall served as exclusive financial advisor to Altais and Altais Clinical Services. Editors, please note: Photos and interviews are available by contacting Robin Carr at (415) 971-3991 or Altais@landispr.com. Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-971-3991 Altais@landispr.com Company Website https://altais.com/

October 07, 2021 05:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GRYT Health to Host Third Annual Global Virtual Cancer Conference (GVCC) in November

GRYT Health

GRYT (“grit”) Health, a digital oncology company that empowers people to be in charge of their own health, is hosting the third annual Global Virtual Cancer Conference (GVCC) from November 11–13, 2021. GVCC is the original digital cancer conference created by and for survivors and caregivers. GVCC21 will address topics critical to improving cancer-related outcomes and experiences, focusing on empowering those impacted by cancer through connection, education, and advocacy. “As an oncology researcher and a two-time cancer survivor, GVCC makes my mind and my heart proud,” said Dave Craig, co-founder and chief executive officer of GRYT Health. “Our mission is to improve quality of life and increase survival for people facing cancer through the relentless focus on patient experience. We’re proud to partner with healthcare organizations who are working towards this same goal by elevating the patient voice and collectively bringing the GVCC experience to patients and caregivers wherever they are.” Conference highlights include: Sessions ranging on issues important to those experiencing cancer, including becoming an advocate, patient/provider communication, navigating clinical trials, metastatic cancer, dealing with long-term side effects, integrative healthcare, health equity and diversity, relationships and cancer, and a live “Finding Power Through Your Voice” Event where community members get a chance to share their stories live during the conference More than 50 participating organizations who will share resources to navigate treatment and survivorship, as well as information on cancer research projects actively recruiting Ample time for connection with peers and fun, including a guided relaxation meditation, an art therapy class, yoga, and a live comedic magician In its first two years, GVCC has brought together more than 5,000 individuals from nearly 50 countries, close to 200 speakers, and more than 100 non-profit patient advocacy organizations to participate in courageous conversations on the quest for cures. “Now in its third year, GVCC21 continues its legacy of helping those affected by cancer find their voice and find a community,” said Cathy Trzaskawka, executive director, patient advocacy at Bristol Myers Squibb. “We’re proud to partner with GRYT Health on this important program as part of our continued commitment to patients worldwide, helping to connect and support the cancer community.” GVCC21 is hosted on GRYT Health’s proprietary virtual technology platform that encourages interaction. The system leverages Zoom meeting functionality for presentations, performances and breakouts. Registration for GVCC21 is free and available to all at https://globalvirtualcancerconference.com/. The Founding Partner for GVCC21 is Bristol Myers Squibb. Sponsors of the event include Amgen, EMD Serono, Takeda, Deep Lens, Syneos Health, Seagen and CURE Media Group. Partners include 2for2Boobs, A Ballsy Sense of Tumor, Abridge, Ancora.ai, Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, ASCP Patient Champions, b Present Foundation, Bag It, Breast Advocate, Brilliantly, Cactus Cancer Society, CancerCare, Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation, Cervivor, Colon Cancer Coalition, DeipC Foundation, Dear Jack Foundation, Elephants &Tea, Epic Experience, Escape, European Cancer Patient Coalition, Family Reach, First Descents, Global Colon Cancer Association, Health Central, Lung Cancer Initiative, Imerman Angels, IWMF, Keep A Breast, LUNGevity, MDS Foundation, Next Step, PAN Foundation, Patient Power, Hope for Stomach Cancer, Stupid Cancer, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Patient Story, The White Ribbon Project, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, World Bladder Cancer, Young Adult Survivors United, and Young Survival Coalition. GRYT Health is a digital oncology company that empowers people to be in charge of their own health through education, engagement and support. We offer a community free from judgment that focuses on humanity and the value each person brings. Our mission is to improve quality of life and increase survival for people facing cancer through the relentless focus on patient experience. We put patients first and work with healthcare organizations that do the same. We use the patient voice to enhance drug development and access; and together, we are helping to move healthcare forward. Visit www.grythealth.com to learn more. Contact Details Nick Gardner +1 917-828-7119 Nick.Gardner@evokegroup.com Company Website https://www.grythealth.com

October 06, 2021 09:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

American Kidney Fund Provided More Than $150,000 to Kidney Patients Impacted by Hurricane Ida

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) today announced that it provided more than $150,000 in emergency grants to more than 750 low-income dialysis and kidney transplant patients affected by Hurricane Ida. Generous donations from the public and corporate supporters, including Horizon Therapeutics plc and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., made possible the immediate activation of AKF’s assistance, the only rapid-response program of its kind serving kidney patients impacted by natural disasters. The most common way patients used AKF assistance was to pay for lost or spoiled food that they need for the very strict renal diet, followed by temporary housing, transportation to and from dialysis, home repairs and to replace clothing and personal essentials lost due to the disaster or the need to evacuate with short notice. “Disaster relief grants from the American Kidney Fund help kidney patients to cope with the devastating aftermath of a storm like Hurricane Ida,” said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. “We are thankful to Horizon, Otsuka and our many other supporters for allowing us to provide this emergency assistance, so vulnerable kidney failure patients could focus on staying as healthy as possible after this storm, particularly as we are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic.” AKF covered 100% of the cost of emergency grant processing and check distribution to ensure that the maximum number of patients could receive desperately needed support. AKF’s Disaster Relief Program has been there for kidney patients during every major natural disaster in the past two decades. Charity Navigator listed AKF as one of the highly rated nonprofits providing Hurricane Ida relief. AKF is one of only three nonprofits in the nation to have received the top 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator for 19 consecutive years—every year the organization has been rating nonprofits—giving donors the confidence that their contributions were used to maximum efficiency. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Stefanie Tuck 202-470-1797 +1 978-390-1394 11921 Rockville Pike Suite 300 Rockville, MD 20852 AKF@jpa.com Company Website https://www.kidneyfund.org/

October 06, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ADDING MULTIMEDIA: FINE HYGIENIC HOLDING ENTERS THE METAVERSE WITH LAUNCH OF FINE ICONIC PACK NFT

Fine Hygienic Holding

Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), the leading wellness group and manufacturer of reusable protective masks and hygienic paper products, has created its first ever NFT (Non-Fungible Token) collectible, an animated digital art piece has gone live for open auction on OpenSea, the marketplace for rare digital items and crypto collectibles, from September 26 until October 14. The Fine Iconic Pack collectible, which will be available to the highest bidder, will include a 17-second digital animated file of the iconic brand plus a physical gold-plated Fine Facial Tissue holder as unlockable content. The digital animated file showcases the transformation of the iconic Fine branding, a much-loved logo familiar to households across the region for over 60 years. FHH CEO James Michael Lafferty said: “Fine Hygienic Holding is a brand of the future, we are not afraid to embrace change as customers will already know through our move into reusable Fine Guard face masks, and other products including hand sanitizers and wipes which incorporate innovative technology. “The launch of the NFT underlines our credentials as a brand of the future. We are confident that there are many potential buyers out there in the region who would be interested in a digital collectible that evokes a sense of nostalgia and heritage, while also showcasing the progress and growth of the business and the virtual world.” The sole owner of the NFT will be granted a royalty-free license to use, copy and display the NFT for personal, non-commercial use, as well as the right to resale the NFT as a digital file. For more information on FHH's NFT auction, visit: https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/44489654802199576746768233299675622972679876205981352264859019804128938295297/ About Fine Hygienic Holding: Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and the MENA’s leading manufacturer of hygienic products, serves consumers in more than 80 countries around the world. Originally established as a paper manufacturer, FHH has transformed into a wellness company dedicated to enhancing global health and wellbeing. With its commitment to becoming “the shining star of the Arab FMCG business world,” the Group focuses on wellness, sustainability, state-of-the-art production processes, pioneering CSR programs, and award-winning products. The company offers a diverse array of products including sterilized facial tissues, napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, as well as away-from-home products to accommodate all types of private and public institutions, in addition to innovative personal protective equipment (PPE), long lasting germ protection solutions and natural nutritional supplements. Contact Details Salma Khalifa +971 55 554 1994 salma.k@actionprgroup.com Company Website https://www.finehh.com/

October 06, 2021 07:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

FINE HYGIENIC HOLDING BECOMES FIRST MIDDLE EAST-BASED FMCG COMPANY TO ENTER THE METAVERSE WITH LAUNCH OF FINE ICONIC PACK NFT

Fine Hygienic Holding

Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), the leading wellness group and manufacturer of reusable protective masks and hygienic paper products, has become the first Middle East-based FMCG company to create its own NFT (Non-Fungible Token) collectible. The Fine Iconic Pack collectible, an animated digital art piece, has gone live for open auction on OpenSea, the marketplace for rare digital items and crypto collectibles, for a limited time only, from September 26 until October 14. The collectible, which will be available to the highest bidder, will include a 17-second digital animated file of the iconic brand plus a physical gold-plated Fine Facial Tissue holder as unlockable content. The digital animated file showcases the transformation of the iconic Fine branding, a much-loved logo familiar to households across the region for over 60 years. FHH CEO James Michael Lafferty said: “Fine Hygienic Holding is a brand of the future, we are not afraid to embrace change as customers will already know through our move into reusable Fine Guard face masks, and other products including hand sanitizers and wipes which incorporate innovative technology. “The launch of the NFT underlines our credentials as a brand of the future. We are confident that there are many potential buyers out there in the region who would be interested in a digital collectible that evokes a sense of nostalgia and heritage, while also showcasing the progress and growth of the business and the virtual world.” The sole owner of the NFT will be granted a royalty-free license to use, copy and display the NFT for personal, non-commercial use, as well as the right to resale the NFT as a digital file. For more information on FHH’s NFT auction, visit: https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/44489654802199576746768233299675622972679876205981352264859019804128938295297/ About Fine Hygienic Holding:Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and the MENA’s leading manufacturer of hygienic products, serves consumers in more than 80 countries around the world. Originally established as a paper manufacturer, FHH has transformed into a wellness company dedicated to enhancing global health and wellbeing. With its commitment to becoming “the shining star of the Arab FMCG business world,” the Group focuses on wellness, sustainability, state-of-the-art production processes, pioneering CSR programs, and award-winning products. The company offers a diverse array of products including sterilized facial tissues, napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, as well as away-from-home products to accommodate all types of private and public institutions, in addition to innovative personal protective equipment (PPE), long lasting germ protection solutions and natural nutritional supplements. Contact Details Action PR Salma Khalifa +971 55 554 1994 salma.k@actionprgroup.com Company Website https://www.finehh.com/

October 06, 2021 02:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

National Poll Shows Public Trust in Big Tech is Falling Fast

Public Affairs Council

A new Public Affairs Council/Morning Consult poll finds the pharmaceutical industry has remained the least-trusted sector in American business — despite supplying life-saving COVID-19 vaccines for hundreds of millions of people. It has now ranked last of nine sectors for five straight years. But the sector with the sharpest drop in trust over the past five years is the technology industry, which has seen its trust ranking slip from first place to sixth place. The annual Public Affairs Pulse survey of 2,199 adults, conducted Sept. 2-6, 2021, explores the intersection of business, government and society. In addition to the trust deficit, this year’s poll examines racism in America, reliable sources of political news, the most highly valued democratic principles, and who should take the lead on vaccine mandates. Business sector trust rankings Technology, considered the most trustworthy sector in the U.S. as recently as 2017, has dropped to sixth place out of nine industries rated. Thirty-two percent (32%) now consider the tech sector to be less trustworthy than other industries. Forty-six percent (46%) of the public say pharmaceutical companies are less trustworthy than other major companies. Only 13% believe they are more trustworthy. The pharmaceutical sector is also considered the most under-regulated industry, with 40% saying it has too little regulation. The health insurance industry is the next lowest-ranking sector, with 41% calling it less trustworthy than other industries. It is right behind pharmaceuticals on the list of the most under-regulated sectors. The public has the most trust in the Food & Beverage sector with just 14% saying it is less trustworthy than other industries and 21% saying it is more trustworthy. “These low-trust rankings remind me of the old saying, ‘No good deed goes unpunished,’” said Public Affairs Council President Doug Pinkham. “Despite the efforts of the pharmaceutical and health insurance industries to protect the public from the pandemic, and though their scores did improve over last year, deep-rooted distrust is slow to change.” Are Democrats becoming more pro-business? While 51% of Democrats trust political information they receive from major companies, only 44% of Republicans trust political information from Corporate America. When it comes to promoting COVID-19 vaccinations, 78% of Democrats support corporate efforts but only 42% of Republicans support such efforts. While 65% of Democrats approve when the business community speaks out against racism, only 28% of Republicans favor those actions. Racism is getting worse, and companies aren’t making a major impact Despite growing support for Black Lives Matter and changes in corporate diversity practices, 40% of Americans believe the U.S. is becoming more racist. Only 13% think it is becoming less racist. Seventy-one percent (71%) of Americans consider racism a somewhat or very serious problem. Only 8% believe racism is not at all serious. While Democrats are more likely to be pessimistic about racism, more than twice as many Republicans (33%) believe racism is getting worse than believe it is getting better (15%). Just 22% of the public say major companies are playing a positive role in reducing racism (down from 28% last year), and 18% say they are playing a negative role (up from 14%). Strong majority of Americans support free and fair elections When asked about the value of actions to promote democratic rights, Americans give the highest ratings to support of free and fair elections (74%) and freedom of speech (72%). Just 59% believe protecting freedom of the press is very important to the country. The strongest support for freedom of the press comes from Americans aged 65 and older. Among 18-34-year-olds, however, only 50% consider protecting freedom of the press to be very important. Just 26% of Americans say Congress is doing a good or excellent job of supporting democracy compared to 41% who say the same about President Biden. People trust “friends and family” for political news For 73% of the public, friends and family are the most trusted source of political news. The next most trusted sources are trade and professional associations (44%) and businesses (43%). Only 41% trust the news media for political information, and more than half of Americans (52%) have “not too much” or no trust in political information coming from the news media. While 66% of Democrats trust the news media, only 26% of Independents and 23% of Republicans do so. Other notable findings A slim majority of Americans say vaccines should be mandated at the federal (36%) or state level (16%). More than one in three people (36%) oppose mandates at either level. Significantly more Republicans (57%) than Democrats (15%) or Independents (42%) oppose mandatory vaccinations. When it comes to financing political campaigns, 71% find self-funded campaigns acceptable, 68% approve of contributions from individual citizens and 53% approve of PAC contributions. Further down the list of choices are super PACs (39%) and using federal tax dollars (34%). Visit our website to view the full Public Affairs Pulse survey results: pac.org/pulse About the Public Affairs Council Both nonpartisan and nonpolitical, the Public Affairs Council is the leading global association for public affairs professionals. The Council’s mission is to advance the field of public affairs and to provide its 700 member companies, nonprofits and universities with the executive education and expertise they need while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Learn more at pac.org. Contact Details Curley Company for the Public Affairs Council Lydia Niles +1 773-677-5327 lydia@curleycompany.com Company Website https://pac.org/

October 05, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

American Kidney Fund Endorses New Race-Free Approach to Diagnose Kidney Disease

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) today issues the following statement in response to A Unifying Approach for GFR Estimation: Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Disease: “AKF is firmly committed to reducing inequities in all phases of a patient’s kidney disease journey. Consistent with this commitment, we commend the NKF/ASN Task Force for undergoing a very thoughtful, transparent and data-driven process, and for gathering input from the kidney community—including AKF’s Medical Advisory Committee—to develop a recommendation for GFR estimation that eliminates race, ultimately a step towards eradicating the ‘othering’ of people of color in medicine. “Currently, Black Americans are four times more likely than white Americans to have kidney failure, yet are less likely to receive kidney transplants. We are hopeful the proposed change in GFR estimation will lead to earlier diagnoses of kidney disease for Black Americans particularly, and improve opportunities to slow down the progression to kidney failure. “Operationalizing the Task Force’s recommendations quickly, and adding the use of confirmatory testing, like cystatin C and other markers that are yet to be identified, must be top priorities. In addition, there is still a need to follow the research and continuously evolve GFR estimation and kidney function measurement as one step towards elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in kidney disease. “Keeping patients at the forefront of discussions about the change in GFR estimation is paramount. A crucial next step will be to develop comprehensive transition and education materials for patients about the new GFR equation and its impact on chronic kidney disease (CKD) care. AKF stands ready to work with patients and stakeholders to integrate the GFR estimation-related changes into current programs as we partner to achieve health equity across the CKD continuum. AKF will continue to build education and awareness programs to incorporate changes that are aligned with our mission of fighting kidney disease on all fronts and helping people live healthier lives.” ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Stefanie Tuck 202-470-1797 +1 978-390-1394 11921 Rockville Pike Suite 300 Rockville, MD 20852 AKF@jpa.com Company Website https://www.kidneyfund.org/

October 05, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Independence Blue Cross and US Digestive Health Sign New Five-Year Agreement

US Digestive Health

Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and US Digestive Health today announced a new five-year agreement which went into effect January 1, 2021. The agreement demonstrates the commitment of Independence and US Digestive Health to work together to ensure that Independence members and US Digestive Health patients are receiving gastroenterology care in the most appropriate, high-quality, and cost-effective settings. “We are pleased with this new long-term agreement which will give our members access to US Digestive Health to help prevent, treat and cure digestive disorders,” said Richard L. Snyder, M.D., Executive Vice President of Facilitated Health Networks, and Chief Medical Officer at Independence. “The new agreement will allow us to collaborate on innovative programs that are focused on high-quality, cost-effective care.” “By entering into a five-year partnership, US Digestive Health and Independence Blue Cross will ensure access to world-class gastroenterology care for members across the region,” said Jerry Tillinger, Chief Executive Officer of US Digestive Health. “With 96 GI physicians across the Commonwealth, this agreement will allow us to continue bringing affordable, cutting-edge gastroenterology services to all of our Pennsylvania communities.” About US Digestive Health US Digestive Health oversees a network of 140 gastroenterology providers and has 26 locations, 13 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 700 total employees in Pennsylvania. They are at the forefront of the rapidly advancing science of digestive health, bringing new insight into the care, treatment, and prevention of digestive health disorders. Contact Details Noah Ramagano nramagano@usdhealth.com Company Website https://usdigestivehealth.com

October 05, 2021 07:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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