Government

WE MUST STOP USING PLASTIC BAGS NOW

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Most anyone who decides to enjoy a long walk through an area park, or perhaps walks barefoot on the sand at a nearby beach will undoubtedly find a few plastic bags before too long. This is a growing problem which has to be addressed on a global level.

Why can't shoppers stop using plastic bags? But the problem does not stop if everyone begins using other kinds of bags. Stronger, heavier bags, whether made of fabric or plastic, have a bigger environmental impact than standard supermarket shopping bags.

Single-use bags, both paper and plastic, represent a huge threat to the environment. This threat is not only related to the sheer volume of them ending up in landfill, but also to the resources needed to produce, transport and (occasionally) recycle them, and the emissions resulting from these processes. Single-use plastic bags are also well known for their interference in ecosystems and the part they play in flood events, where they clog pipes and drains.

According to published statistics, about 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year alone. That’s more than 1,200 bags per US resident every year. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags and only 1 to 2% of plastic bags in the USA end up getting recycled. Thousands of marine animals and more than 1 million birds die each year as a result of plastic pollution.

Pathways to Health Care Careers

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On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 11 a.m. Pacific, 2 p.m. Eastern, the Apollo Research Institute will present Pathways to Health Care Careers: From Two-Year to Four-Year Colleges and Beyond.

In this complimentary webinar, higher education leaders join employers and researchers to discuss educational pathways and career options for current and future health care professionals. Audience members may submit questions in real time.

At this webinar you will learn:

Best practices for transitioning from community college to a four-year
degree in a health care-related field

The Lincoln Arts Exchange - TALENT FOR HEALTH CARE

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The Bronx Council on the Arts is proud to be a partnering organization with Lincoln Hospital in the launching of the Lincoln Art Exchange Program, an artist-specific healthcare program at Lincoln Hospital offering a unique option for eligible NYC-based artists who do not have health insurance to exchange their creative services for comprehensive healthcare. See Lincoln Hospital’s press release below.

HHS KUDOS

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A recent decision by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ requiring insurance coverage for a range of women’s preventive health services, including birth control, at no cost is welcomed by millions.

“The new rule is a victory for millions of women who will now have access to contraception and other preventive health services and supplies, without expensive cost-sharing,” said Kathy Lim Ko, APIAHF president and CEO. “We commend HHS for recognizing the essential role these services play in promoting women’s health.”

BUDGET ADDRESS

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Governor Andrew Cuomo's Budget Address

Presented by

Commissioner Ben Lawsky

Department of Financial Services

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Villa Barone Manor

737 Throgs Neck Expressway

Bronx, NY 10465

5:30PM-6:30PM

RSVP to jennifer.rivera@exec.ny.gov

Immigration Legislation Support

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US Representative Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), who is an advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, voted in favor of the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2011 (H.R. 3012), which eases the current burdens on employment-based and family-based visas. Rep. Crowley says there is a need for further bipartisan action to truly address our nation’s broken immigration system.

HOLIDAY IMROVEMENT

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As the holidays approach, foreign factories are kicking into overdrive in
order to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheap goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year should be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there are plenty of goods and services!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in

Health Care Law Goes to Supreme Court

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The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the health care overhaul law.

This country's highest court will consider a challenge to the 2010 health care overhaul law, which is President Obama’s legislative achievement.
This latest development now sets the stage for oral arguments before March and a decision is expected sometime in late June, during the middle of the 2012 presidential campaign.

VA HEALTH BENEFITS

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VHA Health Eligibility Center Health Benefits Website

VHA Health Eligibility Center (HEC) has enhanced its ability to communicate with the Veteran community by launching the new Health Benefits website.

This site replaces the previous Health Eligibility website and is designed for easier navigation and is more interactive to enhance the user’s experience. The new website is an online resource for Veterans, family members and care givers to learn about eligibility, enrollment options and benefits offered by VHA.

UNESCO BUDGET SHORTFALL

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The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said today the agency will temporarily halt some activities owing to the $65 million budget shortfall resulting from the United States’ decision to withhold its dues, and launched a new online tool to enable donors to help offset the loss.

The new fund is one of several measures announced by Director-General Irina Bokova in an address to the 36th session of UNESCO’s General Conference that ended today in Paris.

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