During an Altaviva™ Implant, the Patient Talked About Lunch. That Was the Point.

Medtronic — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

When Sarah Tapani sat in on one of the first Altaviva™ implants, the patient wasn’t focused on the procedure. She was chatting about what she wanted for lunch.

After injecting a local anesthetic, the physician slid an Altaviva™ device — a Medtronic device smaller than a standard stick of gum that treats the symptoms of urinary urge incontinence (the involuntary loss of urine associated with urgency) — into a small incision near the patient’s ankle and closed it with a couple of stitches. The conversation never paused.

Tapani, a senior director and core team lead in the Medtronic tibial portfolio and a driving force behind the engineering that brought the Altaviva™ device to life, took it all in and one thought kept coming to mind: if the patient is planning lunch mid-procedure, we’re doing something right.

The goal of keeping it easy for patients and physicians was so important to the Altaviva™ device team that it became part of the project’s mantra: “hard for us, easy for them.”

The Altaviva™ device was recently named a 2026 Edison Award winner in the Health, Medical and Biotech category. The award honors the most consequential innovations across the globe.

A strategic bet

It’s been known for a long time that stimulating the tibial nerve in the ankle is a way to treat bladder symptoms, according to Medtronic engineers close to this work.

But the team still faced a new, significant challenge. Could they take a therapy that usually requires weekly clinic visits to a small, implantable battery that quietly blended into a patient’s life?

As Medtronic teams approached the challenge, there were three non-negotiables, Tapani said: the device had to be safe, it had to be simple, and it had to get to patients fast.

Those early results mattered. A Medtronic-sponsored clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of Altaviva™ therapy showed implantable tibial neuromodulation delivered relief following 12 months of therapy for people living with urge urinary incontinence¹, evidence that the team’s “hard for us, easy for them” approach could translate into lasting patient benefit.

To get Altaviva™ therapy off the ground, the team didn’t have the luxury of working step by step. Engineering, clinical and regulatory strategy, and commercialization all moved in parallel.

“While the pivotal study was getting results, the engineers were squeezing a lot of innovation into that little device,” Tapani said.

The system evolved significantly inside and out, with features like new chipsets, lead elimination, and MRI-compatible design.

One way the teams stuck to their goal of ease-of-use was to resist the urge to add unnecessary features just because they could. Senior Principal Systems Engineer and technical lead on the program Kunal Paralikar called it avoiding “cognitive burden,” or not making patients and clinicians think harder than they need to.

This required attention to detail and thoughtful design touches.

For example, the team incorporated intelligence so the device’s system and the patient’s Altaviva My Therapy application — which is like a phone app, but on a handheld programmer provided by Medtronic — could be synced to update the device’s internal time when the clocks changed for daylight savings’ time — a seemingly simple task that was anything but.

“It was all in an effort to come to an additional therapy option for patients,” he said.

For Tapani, what stands out most isn’t a single technical breakthrough, but the way the team showed up for the people they were building for.

“Patients and clinicians always came first for us,” she said.

That mindset carried the Altaviva™ system from idea to approval to launch — and ultimately, into the lives of patients.

For the team, that’s the measure of success: when years of hard work come together in a therapy designed to fit into patients’ lives.

Learn more about Medtronic.

In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant site, lower leg pain, infection, and/or technical or device problems. Results vary. Talk to your doctor to see if the Altaviva™ system is right for you.

Important Safety Information
Medtronic Altaviva™ tibial neuromodulation system treats urge urinary incontinence (leakage). It should be used after you have tried other treatments such as medications and behavioral therapy, and they have not worked or you could not tolerate them.

This therapy is not for everyone. The Altaviva™ system is contraindicated (not allowed) for patients who are poor surgical candidates including patients with open wounds, sores, or damaged skin near the treatment area; current or recent history of poor blood circulation in the legs or open sores on the legs from circulation problems; physical changes or previous surgeries where the Altaviva™ device is placed. You must be able to operate or receive assistance in operating the system to be a candidate.

This therapy is not intended for patients who: are not good candidates for surgery or have conditions that make it hard to heal from wounds (such as uncontrolled diabetes, swelling in the lower leg, or nerve problems in the leg); have metal implanted within 5 cm of where the Altaviva™ device would be placed; have a current or unresolved blockage in the urinary tract caused by things like an enlarged prostate, cancer, or urethral narrowing; are allergic to any materials in the Altaviva™ device. The Altaviva™ system may affect or be affected by other implanted medical devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators. Talk to your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other implanted devices. You cannot have diathermy (deep heat treatment using shortwave or microwave electromagnetic energy) if you have an Altaviva™ device. Do not place the charger or ankle band on broken or unhealed skin. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pregnancy; patients under the age of 18; patients with progressive, systemic neurologic disease; patients with history of urinary retention, or bilateral stimulation.

In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant site or lower leg pain, infection, wound complications, nerve injury, movement of the implant, undesirable change in bowel or bladder function, uncomfortable or unintended stimulation sensations, unexpected shocking sensation, loss of therapeutic effect, discomfort when recharging, or technical or device problems.

This therapy is not for everyone. This treatment is prescribed by your doctor. Please talk to your doctor to decide whether this therapy is right for you. Your doctor should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you. Although many patients may benefit from the use of this treatment, results may vary.

For complete safety information about this treatment, please visit the Medtronic website at www.medtronic.com.

References

Lee U, Xavier K, Carey J, et al. Implantable tibial neuromodulation therapy improves symptoms of urge urinary incontinence from the TITAN 2 pivotal study. J Urol. 0(0). doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000004958

Understanding Autism Today—and How Care Is Evolving

CVS Health — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Key points

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more commonly referenced only as autism is a lifelong condition and exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of symptoms and impacts.
Cases are being identified more often today mostly because we’ve gotten better at recognizing, understanding and diagnosing it. And the industry has expanded the conditions that fall on the spectrum.
There’s no single right way to support someone with autism. Care works best when therapies and supports are connected, not treated as one‑offs.
Finding and navigating autism care can still be hard, which creates real opportunities to make the experience clearer, more coordinated, and higher quality over time. For parents and caregivers, it often starts with a feeling. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth paying attention and starting a conversation.

Autism is about people, not definitions

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often described in clinical language, but at its core, autism is about people—how they communicate, learn, and experience the world. Those who are diagnosed to be on the spectrum have a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, “But autism exists on a spectrum and the level of those challenges varies greatly by individual,” said Dr. Taft Parsons III, Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “What this means clinically, and how we care for patients is that the strengths and support needs can look very different from one person to the next and can change over time.” While autism is often identified in childhood, it also affects adolescents and adults, and many people seek understanding later in life as awareness grows. “As a very practical example, as many millennials and Gen X parents learned more about ASD while raising children, they often look inwards into past, or current symptoms they’ve experienced,” Parsons III said.

Why does it feel like autism is everywhere right now?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national surveillance data released in 2025 estimate that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism by age 8. That number can feel surprising, or even alarming. From a clinical perspective, though, it reflects progress—better screening, broader diagnostic criteria, reduced stigma and greater awareness across healthcare, schools, and families.

“What the data really show is that we’re getting better at recognizing autism,” says Parsons III. “And recognition—at any age—gives people language for their experience and a path toward support.”

There isn’t one right answer

Once diagnosed, the next question is often what care should look like. There is no single autism treatment. Historically, the most common evidence based autism care includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech language therapy, occupational therapy, educational supports, and medical care, depending on a person’s goals and stage of life ABA is one important, well studied option—especially when it’s part of a broader, coordinated approach rather than the only focus. “What’s happened over time is that ABA has become synonymous with ASD treatment, and while it can be very effective, and especially in combination with other treatments, it’s also not the only treatment, nor is it right for every patient,” Parsons III said.

CVS Health research examining real-world autism care patterns shows that behavioral health services play a significant role in how people access care. “Our focus now is to pair access with clear quality standards, coordinate across providers, and measure and improve outcomes over time,” Parsons III said. (CVS Health neurodevelopmental cohort analysis, 2025).

Turning care into connection

Across ages, but especially for young children, one of the biggest challenges in autism care is navigation. Families and individuals may struggle to understand where to start or how services fit together.

“People with autism—and the people who support them—shouldn’t have to piece this together on their own,” Dr. Parsons III said. “We’re focused on ensuring people get the evidence-based care they need, but at the same time, we know that it also requires communication between specialties, and care that includes environmental factors like geography or transportation.”

For parents and caregivers, concerns often begin quietly. “Trust that instinct,” says Parsons III. The American Academy of Pediatrics CDC encourages raising concerns early; not every conversation leads to a diagnosis, but early discussions help ensure support is available when it’s most helpful. Bringing those concerns to a pediatrician or local health care provider is a good place to start.

Autism care as an ongoing opportunity—to simplify navigation, raise quality, and support people with autism and their families across every stage of life.

“No matter the patient, and no matter where they sit on the spectrum, we’re here to help patients get and stay on a path that allows them to live happy, healthy and functional lives, being a partner along the way,” said Parsons III.

A Paw-sitively Powerful Partner in Care: How One Furry Teammate Is Transforming Maynard Children’s Hospital

Aflac Incorporated — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

At first glance, James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, looks like any other bustling pediatric center. But look a little closer — down near knee level — and you might spot an unexpected team member trotting confidently beside a Child Life Specialist: a golden retriever-Labrador-doodle mix named Samus Aran, or “Sam” for short.

Sam isn’t just any hospital visitor. She’s the hospital’s first full‑time facility dog, a milestone for Maynard Children’s Hospital and one that has captured the hearts of patients, families and staff alike.

Sam is one of many specially trained facility dogs in hospitals across the country that are becoming an important part of pediatric cancer care, offering comfort, motivation and emotional support to young patients facing some of the toughest treatments of their lives.

Since joining the team in 2023 — after years of planning, advocacy, and training — Sam has worked alongside Child Life Specialists to help children manage their hospital experiences through play, relaxation and companionship. Her presence has brought many smiles to patients undergoing treatment, including those in pediatric oncology units, and she’s quickly become a cherished member of the team.

A hero’s origin story

The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation was one of the first supporters of the Maynard Canine Crew through the Aflac Child Life Grant program, which has assisted with veterinary care, grooming and other canine necessities since Sam’s arrival in 2023.

“Facility dogs like Sam bring a level of comfort and connection that can change a child’s entire hospital experience,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager, Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “Supporting Child Life services is central to Aflac’s mission, because every child deserves to feel safe, supported and cared for during their medical journey, and Sam delivers that like he’s, well, a best friend.”

Sam’s name may ring a bell, as she’s named after a character in a popular video game. But while her namesake battles alien threats, this Sam uses her superpowers for something closer to home: comfort, connection and emotional support.

Born on April 9, 2022, Sam was raised and trained through Canine Assistants, a program known for its bond‑based approach — meaning Sam doesn’t follow strict commands but instead reads emotional cues and adapts to what each child needs. Her training included exposure to hospital environments and some field training in Atlanta, preparing her to navigate common hospital fixtures like walkers and wheelchairs.

A day in the life of a four‑legged healer

Now, as a full‑time member of the Maynard Canine Crew, Sam works 40 hours a week, making her a reliable presence during some of the hardest moments a child or family may experience. But don’t let the professional vest fool you — Sam is also a goofy girl with a love of apples, peanut butter cookies and all sorts of toys.

While Sam delivers cuddles in abundance, she’s specially trained to help children cope with anxiety, medical procedures and long hospital stays. Her therapeutic toolkit includes:

Modeling how to lie still for imaging or other procedures
Snuggling with children during stressful moments
Reducing fear with her friendly, nonjudgmental presence
Helping motivate children to walk, play or complete physical goals
Demonstrating tasks like taking medicine from a syringe (yes, she practices this!)

“A lot of times it’s easier for kids to trust a dog than a person they don’t know,” said Ashton Ayers, Child Life Specialist and Sam’s handler. “Sam analyzes what someone needs and helps make the hospital feel more normal and less scary by helping prepare patients for treatments and procedures, and showing lots of love in the process.”

A hospital hallway becomes a little more like home

Research shows that interactions with therapy animals can reduce stress, ease anxiety and promote emotional well-being for children in hospital settings.¹ Spend even a few minutes watching Sam work, and it’s easy to see how her presence transforms the hospital environment — children who haven’t smiled all day break into laughter when she trots in with a toy in her mouth.

And it’s not just the children benefiting from her talents — Sam has become a grounding force for the hospital staff as well. The work of caring for critically ill children can be emotionally heavy, and the presence of a gentle, canine coworker can bring a sense of comfort.

Programs like Maynard Canine Crew demonstrate how animal-assisted interventions can transform a clinical environment into one that feels safer, more hopeful and, sometimes, a little more like home.

Learn more and support the mission

Want to learn more about how Aflac supports children and families facing childhood cancer and blood disorders, including initiatives like this one? Visit: AflacChildhoodCancer.org.

¹ Kelker HP, Siddiqui HK, Beck AM, Kline JA (March 14, 2025). Therapy Dogs for Anxiety in Children in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2831511

Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.

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Guiding Stars: Global Goodness, Star-Earning Simplicity

Guiding Stars Licensing Company LLC — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Did you know that you can explore global flavors using Guiding Stars as a guide to balanced, nutrient-rich ingredients and recipes? At first it might be intimidating to recreate your favorite flavors in your own kitchen. It helps to start by making small changes to traditional meals. Then explore supermarket aisles with shopping tips to create unique dishes and recipes, right at home.

Start With the Basics

The right ingredients bring international flavor to your kitchen. Start with flavorful fresh produce and a well-stocked spice rack and pantry. These herbs, vegetables, spices, and grains bring different flavors to your dish, with little effort:

Daikon Radish
Thai Basil
Cilantro
Chili Peppers
Jicama
Rice Noodles
Jasmine and Basmati Rice
Sushi Nori
Dried spices (like Garam Masala, Curry, Coriander, Cardamom, Ground Ginger, Chipotle Chili, Smoked Paprika, Chinese Five Spice)

Explore Your Store

In recent years, globally inspired foods have expanded beyond one international aisle. Today you can find products throughout the store that help you pass on takeout but still bring all the flavor into your kitchen. And many of them are nutritious too! Add these Guiding Stars-earning, convenient products to your shopping cart:

Get Cooking

It’s easier than you think to make some of your favorite dishes! Go around the world with Guiding Stars-earning recipes you can make right at home:

Indian Mango Dal
View recipe

Curried Vegetable Lo Mein
View recipe

Thai Carrot Salad
View recipe

Spring Rolls
View recipe

Greek Village Salad
View recipe

Hearty Chicken Posole
View recipe

Moroccan Lentil Stew
View recipe

Pan Bagnat
View recipe

Grilled Brazilian Beef with Chimichurri
View recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Salad
View recipe

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana' Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Jamaican Chicken Stew

CVS Pharmacy® Celebrates Opening of First Pharmacy-Only Location in Chicago

CVS Health — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Small, dedicated neighborhood pharmacies to open in select communities to help increase access to convenient pharmacy care

Openings are part of ongoing commitment to serve communities and meet consumers where they are

WOONSOCKET, R.I., April 15, 2026 /3BL/ - CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) unveiled the first of nearly 20 pharmacy-only, apothecary-style CVS Pharmacy® locations it plans to open this year to increase access to pharmacy care. The new pharmacy, located at 2628 West Pershing Road in Chicago’s West End, will help bridge gaps in care and make it easier for community members to access medications, immunizations and other health care services provided by pharmacists.

Pharmacy-only locations will open in areas across the country, increasing access to vital pharmacy care, creating a simple and convenient way for community members to seek pharmacist support. Each site will feature a full-service pharmacy with a customized selection of over-the-counter products available for purchase. With footprints averaging around 3,000 square feet, the pharmacy-only sites will help ensure patients have access to prescription medications and the trusted advice and counsel of their neighborhood CVS pharmacist.

“Pharmacists are among the most accessible and most trusted health care providers,” said Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. “We know how important it is for patients to be able to speak one-on-one with their pharmacist, have their questions answered and seek medication advice when needed. Our new, pharmacy-only locations allow our pharmacy teams to continue to build relationships with patients – their friends and neighbors – and provide on the ground pharmacy care in communities that need us.”

Multiple pharmacy formats to meet community health needs

The pharmacy-only locations are just one component of the company’s work to reinvent pharmacy. By taking a customized approach focused on the diverse needs of the communities they serve, CVS Pharmacy has worked to strategically realign its retail footprint over the last few years. The new pharmacy-only sites, opening in select communities, will help the company better support its patients in those communities, ensuring its footprint is the right size and scale, and addressing shifts in the pharmacy industry.

These smaller dedicated neighborhood pharmacies join several other formats already in place across the country. They include CVS Pharmacy’s traditional full-service front store and pharmacy locations, store-in-store pharmacies, such as those inside Target and Schnucks grocery stores, CVS Pharmacy stores that feature a MinuteClinic retail medical clinic, and side-by-side CVS Pharmacy and Oak Street Health care centers, primarily located in neighborhoods with high Medicaid populations.

The company opened its first pharmacy-only location in Birmingham, AL late last year. In addition to the new site in Chicago, pharmacy-only locations are planned for several other communities in 2026, including Houston, TX, Roxbury, MA, Detroit, MI, and Brooklyn, NY. The company also plans to open more than 40 new CVS Pharmacy locations, including traditional stores and pharmacies in Target.

Importance of one-on-one interactions with pharmacists

The 2025 CVS Health® Rx Report highlighted that 80% of patients prefer face-to-face pharmacy care, and nearly half (48%) would switch pharmacies if limited to digital-only options. The overwhelming majority of pharmacy professionals (97%) also say in-person interactions remain vital.

Added Shankman, “We believe health care is best delivered locally, in the community by trusted, caring and tech-enabled colleagues and our customers and patients want to shop and engage in the way that’s most convenient for their busy lives. Whether in-person, online, or a combination of the two, our community pharmacies are delivering best-in-class service through consistent, connected, personalized experiences – meeting consumers where, when and how they need us.”

Whether a patient prefers the convenience of same-day or 1- to 2-day prescription delivery or prefers to visit their local pharmacy in-person, CVS Pharmacy is ensuring patients have multiple care options to choose from, depending on their individual needs.

###

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
Amy.Thibault@CVSHealth.com

Newsweek: Medtronic Built a Care Platform for Ghana. Now, It’s Working in New Jersey

Medtronic — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:15:00 -0400

Alexis Kayser, Healthcare Editor at Newsweek, recently connected with Geoff Martha, CEO of Medtronic, and Dennis Pullin, CEO of Virtua Health, to learn how they transformed a tactic used in Kenya, Ghana and India into a community health program that’s driving clinical results in New Jersey.

Read the full piece on Newsweek.

The Lifesaving Power of Stem Cell Donation Starts With Awareness

CVS Health — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Key points

Expanding stem cell donor awareness, in addition to diversifying the registry, is a critical public health priority that determines whether patients receive life-saving treatments.
Max, a 15 year-old waiting for a match, represents the thousands of patients who need someone from outside their family to be their lifeline.
Becoming a stem cell donor is simple, accessible, and safe.

Every three to four minutes in the United States, someone hears words that change their life forever: you have a blood cancer. As a physician, I have delivered diagnoses like this and felt the weight of what those words mean for patients and families. Today, as Aetna’s Chief Medical Officer, I want to share why this moment calls for action.

More than 75 diseases, including leukemia and sickle cell disease, can be cured or effectively treated with a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant. But the science only works if a matching donor can be found.

A real family in need

Recently, I learned of a family whose story stayed with me. Their 15-year-old son, Max has a very rare blood disorder which if not treated by a stem cell transplant in the next couple of months will develop into MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes) or AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia), which are forms of blood cancer. Max’s Colombian heritage makes finding an ideal donor match particularly challenging.

Like so many families, they are waiting. Hoping. Praying that someone they have never met will step forward in time. And they are not alone. Thousands of patients in the U.S. are searching right now for a blood stem cell donor and, without greater donor diversity, for many of these patients a perfect match may never be found.

Ethnicity and diversity matter when matching

Donor matching is closely tied to genetic background and patients of African, Afro Caribbean, Hispanic, Asian, mixed heritage, or Indigenous descent face significantly lower odds of finding a perfect match. While many hope a match will be identified within their family, seven out of ten patients do not have a fully matched donor among their relatives. For these individuals, the national and global donor registries are their only lifeline. The challenge becomes even more profound for patients from underrepresented communities.

Across global donor registries, white patients have an 80% chance of a perfect match. For Latino and Hispanic patients, it’s less than 50% and for Black patients, less than 30%. This is one of the most urgent and persistent health disparities in modern medicine. As clinicians and scientists, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer care. But no breakthrough drug or technology can overcome the absence of donors. When no match is found, families are left with heartbreak that could have been prevented. The greatest barrier is not science. It’s awareness.

How donation works

Registering to become a blood stem cell donor is simple. It only takes a few minutes and usually starts with a painless cheek swab. If you are ever identified as a match, the donation process is most often similar to giving blood. Serious complications are rare, and donors are supported every step of the way. Yet myths, fear, and lack of information continue to hold people back, especially in communities where donors are needed most. I invite you to learn the facts by visiting common myths and facts about blood stem cell and bone marrow donation.

You could be someone’s miracle

You could be the reason a parent gets more time with their child. The reason a young adult gets to plan a future. A few minutes of your time could mean a lifetime for someone else.

Let’s turn hope into action and save lives together. To join the donor registry, visit my.nmdp.org/CVSAETNA or for more information, visit NMDP (formerly Be the Match) or DKMS.

NMDP. https://www.nmdp.org, 2026

How CVS Health Supports Better Heart Health

CVS Health — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Key points

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.—yet it can often be prevented.
CVS Health is helping people stay heart healthy with convenient preventive screenings, lifestyle support and primary care.
We’re also making it simpler for people with heart disease to stay on track with their care plans.

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

Every 34 seconds, someone in the U.S. loses their life to heart disease. But with the right care, it can be prevented and managed.

In a recent article, we shared why it’s critical to prioritize heart health as part of overall care. To prevent heart disease from progressing or even occurring in the first place, people need regular access to care providers, screenings and ongoing management. Unfortunately, for many Americans, that isn’t the reality.

CVS Health is making preventive heart health care, early risk detection and ongoing condition management more accessible.

Primary care and screenings to support heart health

Regular screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are important for catching issues early. People who are at risk of heart failure, including older adults and those with multiple chronic conditions, may also need monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms and changes in heart structure and function.

However, with a growing shortage of primary care providers in the U.S., more than one-third of Americans don’t have consistent access for these important health screenings. Primary care providers are often patients’ main source of ongoing preventive care, screenings and referrals to specialists, including cardiologists. That’s why CVS Health is focused on making it easier for people to access services that can help them prioritize prevention.

Personalized weight loss and lifestyle support

Excess weight can put strain on the heart and cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes—all of which increase the risk of heart disease. In the U.S., 71% of adults have an unhealthy weight, and about 42% have obesity. Losing weight is often challenging, but coaching and nutritional guidance can help people set realistic goals, develop and stick to a plan.

Smoking is another risk factor that contributes to one in four deaths from heart disease. Similar to losing weight, quitting smoking alone can be difficult—less than one in ten people who try to quit on their own are successful.

Routine screenings and heart-healthy lifestyle choices are key to preventing heart problems. If you have heart disease, you likely need regular check-ups and prescription medications. It can be challenging to stay on track. That’s why people need convenient access to clinicians they can trust, which is what we’re focused on at CVS Health.

—Sree Chaguturu, MD, President of Health Care Delivery at CVS Health

How CVS Health Care Delivery helps people stay on track

From prevention and lifestyle support to care coordination, the three businesses in CVS Health Care Delivery are helping people with their heart health every step of the way.

MinuteClinic®

For patients enrolled in MinuteClinic primary care, available in select markets, heart health is a key part of our focus on prevention and chronic condition management. We also offer preventive screenings and condition monitoring services for patients with or without primary care providers.
The MinuteClinic Weight-Loss Program, available at our clinics and through video visits, gives patients tools to help them along their weight-loss journeys. Providers can prescribe weight-loss medications for patients who meet eligibility criteria. Within the first four months, 85% of patients who completed at least three visits lost some weight.
MinuteClinic providers are also available in-person and virtually to help people quit tobacco and other nicotine-containing products through coaching, education and prescribing as appropriate.

Oak Street Health®

At Oak Street Health, we deliver primary care tailored to older adults, emphasizing preventive heart health through personalized care plans, medication management, and in some cases, on-site services to manage conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Our Oak Street Health providers are trained to give dietary education to patients who have diabetes and chronic heart failure.
Most Oak Street Health locations offer exercise classes and wellness activities that are hosted in our community rooms. Patients also have access to virtual nutrition insights through our partnership with RubiconMD.

Signify Health®

During In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs), experienced clinicians assess plan members’ health risks and make recommendations to support their overall well-being – including lifestyle choices they can make to achieve better heart health.
Plan members at risk for arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) may be eligible for continuous electrocardiogram (cECG) monitoring through an adhesive patch that measures electrical cardiac activity for 14 days. Results are shared with the member and their primary care provider for follow up support.
Continuous monitoring has been shown to be more effective at detecting abnormal heart rhythms and more comfortable to wear than conventional Holter monitors. In 2025, ~80% of cECGs completed by Signify Health clinicians indicated presence of abnormal heart rhythms.

With over 1,000 primary care and walk-in clinics, virtual care options and over three-million In-Home Health Evaluations completed each year, MinuteClinic, Oak Street Health and Signify Health are equipping patients and members for better heart health.

CVS Health is also a proud national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, raising awareness about the risk of heart disease among women.

The "Seal of Approval": How to Find Trustworthy Treatment Centers for Law Enforcement Officers

Motorola Solutions — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 11:40:00 -0400

At the 2026 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Officer Safety and Wellness Symposium, the Motorola Solutions Foundation and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) addressed a critical gap in officer support: the need for specialized care tailored to the unique needs of first responders.

The session, “Seal of Approval: Culturally Competent Residential Treatment Centers for Law Enforcement,” moved beyond general wellness discussions to give agencies a reliable method for identifying facilities they can trust. Because officers often experience traumatic events on the job, it’s crucial that departments have verified, vetted resources ready. The goal of the "Seal of Approval" is to provide a list of facilities that offer clinical care while also fundamentally understanding the unique psychological and operational demands of a career in policing.

A rigorous vetting process

To establish a "Seal of Approval," PERF conducted an exhaustive review of six residential treatment centers previously vetted by the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). This was a deep dive, involving more than 60 interviews with facility executives, medical providers and officers who had personally completed the programs.

A multidisciplinary panel

The session brought together experts to examine the recovery process from every angle, including:

Clinical leaders: A police psychologist and a treatment facility founder specializing in first responder care.
Operational experts: A retired law enforcement executive managing a treatment center.
Research personnel: A PERF moderator who visited each vetted facility to see first-hand what culturally competent care for first responders looks like.

These speakers offered insights on the entire treatment lifecycle, covering everything from initial intake and confidentiality protocols to specific treatment modalities and long-term aftercare.

A legacy of collaboration

This session is the latest result of a 20-year partnership between the Motorola Solutions Foundation and PERF, and reflects the work published in PERF’s latest Critical Issues in Policing Series. For more than two decades, the Foundation has supported PERF’s commitment to researching and developing solutions to the most pressing challenges in modern policing.

"Our partnership with the Motorola Solutions Foundation has stood by us as we tackle the toughest issues in policing," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of PERF. "With this ‘Seal of Approval,’ we are doing more than just discussing wellness – we’re ensuring that when an officer reaches out for help, the hand reaching back belongs to someone who truly understands the unique sacrifices of this profession.”

Steps for agency leaders

Supporting your team requires a proactive approach to mental health. Agency leaders looking to strengthen their wellness culture can take these three actions:

Educate staff on what "culturally competent" care means so they properly evaluate treatment options.
Formalize a relationship with at least one vetted residential center before a member of your team needs it.
Distribute the "Seal of Approval" report throughout your agency to show that specialized, high-quality support is accessible.

Read PERF’s full report, Call for Help Treatment Centers for Police Officers here.

What It’s Like To Grow Up With a Trach

Medtronic — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 13:15:00 -0400

Grace's story is a powerful look at life with a tracheostomy (trach) and the strength of a family navigating a diagnosis. Grace's mom shares what it's really like raising a child with a trach — from the early days of uncertainty to helping her daughter grow up confident and unapologetically herself. This story goes beyond the medical devices. It's about identity, resilience, motherhood, and redefining what life with a tracheostomy can look like.

If you're a parent, caregiver, clinician, or simply want to better understand, this episode offers insight and inspiration.

What it's like being a mom to a child with a trach
Living with a trach as a young person
Confidence and identity beyond diagnosis
Patient-centered healthcare innovation

See her story here.

Expanded Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiatives Tip Off During 2026 NCAA Final Four Weekend

LG Electronics USA — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

News Summary

LG Electronics USA partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to enhance mental wellness resources at the host schools of the 2026 NCAA Final Four men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments – Indiana University, Indianapolis (IU Indy) and Arizona State University.
LG hosted a discussion with IU Indy student-athletes on the importance of mental health resources featuring local WNBA player and NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball champion Lexie Hull.
As a Proud Partner of the NCAA, LG has championed student athlete mental health and wellness initiatives since 2022, providing more than $2.5 million in support.

INDIANAPOLIS, April 6, 2026 /3BL/ – Official NCAA® Corporate Partner LG Electronics USA is expanding its efforts to support student well-being by partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide funding and resources to the host schools of the 2026 NCAA Final Four® college basketball tournaments. Since 2022, LG has dedicated more than $2.5 million to elevate and improve mental health initiatives for student-athletes.

This year, LG is awarding the 2026 host schools for the men’s and women’s NCAA Final Four tournaments – Indiana University, Indianapolis (IU Indy) and Arizona State University, respectively – $10,000 each to strengthen their local “NAMI on Campus” clubs and expand access to critical mental health resources for student-athletes. LG’s support will enable each host school to work with student organizations like NAMI On Campus to enhance programming, boost students’ awareness of available mental health resources and offer peer support to students in need.

On-Campus Event Engages Student-Athletes in Meaningful Mental Health Dialogue

President and CEO of LG Electronics North America Don Kwack presented the check to IU Indianapolis during the NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend at a special on-campus event where IU Indy student-athletes met with local WNBA player and NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball champion Lexie Hull where she shared her advice on navigating the pressures of being a student-athlete.

“Mental health and well-being are vital, particularly for teenagers and young adults,” said Kwack. “Through our continued partnership with NAMI, LG is able to provide meaningful, on-campus support for students’ mental wellness.”

Hull said, “It was a pleasure to participate in this event and share with these student-athletes my journey through college athletics and how I managed my mental well-being along the way. I’m grateful to LG for their continued support of such an important initiative.”

Final Four Spotlights Awareness and Programs for Student Mental Wellness

“My experience as a college athlete taught me the importance of camaraderie and support, both from your teammates and the broader community around you,” said NAMI CEO Dan Gillison Jr. “With LG’s continued partnership and lasting commitment to student mental wellness, we’re working to expand our NAMI On Campus clubs and mental health resources in tournament host cities to help students connect with and support one another. The Final Four is an annual opportunity to shed light on the value of mental health resources for student athletes.”

“IU Indianapolis is committed to providing our student-athletes with the mental health resources they need to thrive and compete at the highest level, both in competition and in the classroom,” said Luke Bosso, Director of Athletics at IU Indianapolis. “With LG’s support, we’re better equipped than ever to support mental wellness for all our student-athletes.”

LG Podcast Seres and Life’s Good Coaches Award Support Student Mental Health

As a Proud Partner of the NCAA, LG has championed student athlete mental health and wellness initiatives since 2022, providing more than $2.5 million in support.

LG’s dedication to student-athlete mental wellness is exemplified by its LG Life’s Good Coaches award, which recognizes NCAA coaches who promote mental health awareness and cultivate supportive environments for their student-athletes. Annual award recipients are nominated by their student-athletes. Prior recipients include Samantha Erger, Southern Methodist University; Luke Strand, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Yasmin Farooq, University of Washington; and David Lynn, Oklahoma Christian University.

In addition to celebrating each coach, LG provides cash and product donations to their respective universities to support mental health initiatives on campus. Nominations for the 2026 LG Life’s Good Coaches award will open later this month. For more information, visit www.lg.com/ncaa.

Further demonstrating LG’s long-standing commitment to student mental health is its Transparent Conversations podcast series. Since 2022, this podcast has provided a platform for authentic discussions about student-athlete mental health challenges. To learn more about LG's partnership with the NCAA or listen to the Transparent Conversation podcast, visit www.lg.com/us/transparent-conversations.

# # #

About LG Electronics USA

Official NCAA Corporate Partner LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com.

About the National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

About NAMI On Campus

NAMI On Campus clubs work to end the stigma that makes it hard for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. Clubs hold creative meetings, innovative awareness events, and offer signature NAMI programs through partnerships with NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates across the nation.

Media Contacts:

LG Electronics North America

John I. Taylor
john.taylor@lge.com
+1 202 719 3490

LG Electronics USA
Chris De Maria
christopher.demaria@lge.com
+1 908 548 4515

Bristol Myers Squibb Evolves and Expands Standing in the Gaap To Advance More Equitable Care in Multiple Myeloma As Program Marks Ten Years

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 06:59:00 -0400

Originally published by Bristol Myers Squibb

PRINCETON, N.J., April 1, 2026 /3BL/—Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY, “BMS”), a global leader in oncology, announced the evolution of Standing in the Gaap, a long-running program designed to help address persistent gaps in care for people living with multiple myeloma (MM) in medically underserved communities. Building on a decade of sustained commitment, BMS is reinforcing its focus on equitable access to multiple myeloma education, resources, and community-driven solutions by expanding the program to reach more patients and care partners.

As a central element of the Standing in the Gaap evolution, BMS is launching one of the largest multiple myeloma surveys ever conducted in the United States. The survey is designed to help illuminate the factors behind gaps in care, capturing perspectives that are often described anecdotally but not consistently measured across the multiple myeloma care continuum. The survey will engage more than 1,000 people living with multiple myeloma, along with their caregivers and healthcare providers, including communities that experience persistent barriers to care. The survey was developed with input from leading patient advocacy organizations, including the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), HealthTree Foundation (HTF), Blood Cancer United (BCU), and Black Health Matters (BHM), to help ensure the approach reflects real‑world experience and community priorities. By centering voices from across the multiple myeloma community, this listening-led approach aims to surface daily real‑world challenges, reflect how care is experienced today, and highlight where additional support is needed most.

“Even the most advanced treatments can fall short if patients aren’t represented in research, can’t access care or struggle to navigate the healthcare system,” said Andrew Whitehead, Vice President and Head of Population Health at Bristol Myers Squibb. “For people living with multiple myeloma, where you live, your access to information and who you trust can shape your experience as much as treatment itself. Standing in the Gaap was created to confront those realities and has helped drive meaningful progress over the past decade. The evolution of this program reflects our commitment to listen more closely and to include more voices, translating insight into strategic activations and community engagement that help strengthen how we support people experiencing gaps in multiple myeloma care and improve how we show up not only for patients, but for their care partners and the clinicians who serve them.”

Bristol Myers Squibb created Standing in the Gaap in 2016 to help address challenges faced by African Americans with multiple myeloma. Over the past decade, the program has focused on strengthening and broadening understanding of multiple myeloma care pathways and supporting community engagement. Since its inception, the program has reached more than 5,000 attendees through over 50 educational programs and has built a highly engaged digital community of nearly 60,000 people. Today, BMS is evolving Standing in the Gaap to advance more equitable care by responding to the needs of a broader range of populations across the multiple myeloma ecosystem, reinforcing culturally responsive, community‑informed approaches to care.

“Too often, we talk about multiple myeloma without fully hearing from patients and care partners themselves,” said Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP, FASCO, Chief Medical Officer of the International Myeloma Foundation. “Efforts like this, developed alongside advocacy organizations and informed directly by people impacted, create an opportunity to translate lived experience into meaningful action. By listening at scale, we can better identify where support is falling short and where focused engagement can make a real difference for communities affected by multiple myeloma.”

Bristol Myers Squibb will share learnings from the Standing in the Gaap survey with key stakeholders and use them to inform future programming, partnerships and engagement efforts in multiple myeloma.

About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

# # #

corporate financial-news

Bristol Myers Squibb

Media Inquiries:
media@bms.com

Investors:
investor.relations@bms.com

Finding Courage in a Feathered Friend

Aflac Incorporated — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When 5-year-old Arlo Northey arrived at the hospital for the first time after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, his world suddenly felt unfamiliar. There were new faces, new machines and new words like port placement, chemotherapy, treatment plan. It was a lot for anyone to take in, let alone a child trying to understand why life had changed so quickly.

But on that overwhelming day, Arlo was handed something unexpected: a small, soft feathered companion with a gentle heartbeat and a peaceful expression. It was My Special Aflac Duck®, a robotic comfort companion designed for children facing cancer and sickle cell disease.

What happened next, Arlo’s mother said, was nothing short of remarkable.

A tool for understanding and a friend for the journey

Before his port was placed, nurses introduced Arlo to his duck’s medical play accessories — items that mirror the tools used during treatment. With them, Arlo could practice what would soon happen to him. He learned where the duck’s port was, tried out the small toy stethoscope, placed the mock chemotherapy lines and acted out the process step by step.

For a child suddenly thrust into medical complexity, it offered something priceless: understanding.

“It made everything less scary,” his mother Aubrey Northey said. “He could practice on the duck what the doctors were going to do to him. It helped him open up about what he was nervous about, and it made things easier to understand.”

The duck quickly became part of the family’s new routine. Arlo brought it to appointments. He slept with it. When he felt nervous walking into a room full of medical staff, he held it tight.

“He brings it whenever he’s unsure or overwhelmed,” Aubrey says. “It’s become his comfort through every new appointment.”

A source of comfort for the whole family

What surprised Aubrey most was how much the duck helped Arlo’s older brothers, too. Siblings often become silent witnesses to childhood illness — worried, confused and unsure how to express the emotions swirling inside them.

But as the Northey family learned, My Special Aflac Duck wasn’t just designed for patients. It also helps families start the difficult conversations that cancer forces into the room.

Arlo’s brothers used the duck to ask questions, mimic procedures and show their own feelings using the duck’s feeling cards. Those small plastic discs — happy, sad, mad, scared, brave — serve as prompts for children to communicate emotions they don’t yet know how to articulate.

“It helped his brothers understand what was happening and talk about how they were feeling, too,” Aubrey said. “Something about seeing Arlo practice on the duck made it easier for them to ask questions and be part of what he was going through.”

For the Northeys, a simple stuffed animal has become a meaningful partner in navigating a frightening new chapter. It’s a bridge between a child’s imagination and the realities of cancer care — a way to help turn fear into something that can be named, explored and managed.

My Special Aflac Duck was the focus of a three-year study where patients reported a reduction in distress, nausea, pain and procedural anxiety compared to those who had not yet received a duck. This study, involving 160 children and families at 8 different hospitals, also revealed that parents and caregivers reported a reduction in stress and anxiety, showing how My Special Aflac Duck helps children's support system.

A mission to comfort families when they need it most

Since launching in 2018, My Special Aflac Duck has been delivered free of charge to more than 43,000 children diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease across the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland. The duck was designed after 18 months of research with child life specialists, families and clinicians. Its goal: help children prepare for treatment, express emotions and find a sense of control during an experience where so much feels out of their hands.

Some features that make the duck unique include:

Medical play accessories, such as a port, thermometer, and a stethoscope, allowing children to rehearse procedures or mirror what clinicians do
Feeling cards that help kids express feelings they may not have words for yet
A heartbeat and breathing simulation, providing calming sensory feedback during stressful moments
Soft, comforting design, making it easy to cuddle during rest and procedures
An augmented reality app offering activities for distraction and imaginative play

Child Life teams often describe the duck as a coping tool, a therapeutic aid and, for many kids, a comforting friend. For children like Arlo, it becomes something even more profound: a steady source of courage in a path they never asked to walk.

To learn more about My Special Aflac Duck and to order one for a patient in need, visit MySpecialAflacDuck.com.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600161 EXP 3/27

Home Dialysis in Rural America: A Story of Indigenous Health & Access

DaVita — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:05:00 -0400

Home dialysis is transforming kidney care in the remote landscapes of the American Southwest. In this documentary, we explore how DaVita care teams are helping to address geographic barriers by serving patients living on the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation through life-sustaining dialysis treatment right from their own homes.

In this video:

Hear powerful stories from patients like Lisa and Nobert, who share how home dialysis (including peritoneal dialysis) has given them their freedom back. Learn how treating at home can offer eligible patients more flexibility and potentially improve quality of life on dialysis, even in areas with limited infrastructure.
See how culturally informed care and strong provider-patient relationships are bridging the gap in rural healthcare access. This story highlights the delivery of compassionate, high-quality end-stage kidney disease support to underserved communities.

This is a new blueprint for Indigenous health: delivering personalized care by meeting patients exactly where they are.

*Service provider and modality selection are choices made exclusively between the patient and nephrologist. DaVita defers to the nephrologist to prescribe treatment type, frequency, medications, and access placement on a patient-by-patient basis.

Learn more about kidney care and home dialysis options.
Explore more DaVita stories and perspectives on kidney care.

A New Era in Schizophrenia Care: National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Bristol Myers Squibb Collaborate to Advance Evidence-Based Care Models

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:59:00 -0400

Originally published by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

The collaboration’s first initiative is a white paper demonstrating the value of peer support programs to improve engagement, retention and clinical outcomes.
Two pilot programs are underway: One expands peer support; the second applies predictive analytics to enhance continuity of care for people with schizophrenia.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 25, 2026 /3BL/ - The National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) (NYSE: BMY) today announced a new collaboration to bridge critical gaps in schizophrenia care. The joint initiative is launching with the publication of a white paper addressing the value of peer support workers as a critical component in delivering better outcomes for people living with schizophrenia.

The National Council and BMS are collaborating to advance evidence-based approaches, strengthen care team integration and expand access to recovery-oriented services in community-based settings. The white paper, which features insights from Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), is the collaboration’s first step toward these goals.

“Gaps in care coordination, access and ongoing support remain significant and deeply felt across communities,” National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “This collaboration with BMS will further advance meaningful solutions, accelerate wide‑scale innovation and demonstrate the value of effective collaboration between industry and community partners in effecting change.”

“Despite decades of progress in clinical innovation, many people living with schizophrenia still encounter substantial barriers to achieving stability, connection and a fulfilling life,” BMS Vice President and Head of Population Health Andrew Whitehead said. “We recognize the important work already happening within community-based schizophrenia care to address these challenges. Our commitment to the schizophrenia community, alongside the National Council, builds on that foundation and will strengthen these efforts so more individuals can access the comprehensive, person-centered support they deserve.”

The white paper, Advancing Person‑Centered Care: Peer Support in Schizophrenia Care in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, explores the positive impact peer support services have had on schizophrenia care in the U.S. These individuals, who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges, can build trust, promote hope and help individuals engage with treatment and community resources. One in five adults experiences mental illness each year, yet fewer than half receive the care they need. Peer support workers are essential to bridging this gap.

Drawing on peer-reviewed research and insights from community behavioral health leaders who have successfully implemented programs, the paper reviews the peer support landscape, analyzes current implementation, identifies challenges and offers practical recommendations.

It highlights case studies from CCBHCs showing that clearly defining the peer support worker’s role, embedding peers early in care, providing structured supervision and investing in training and career pathways can significantly improve service utilization.

The paper also delivers recommendations for health care leaders and policymakers to expand program funding, streamline referral pathways and strengthen reimbursement policy to provide sustainable, scalable peer support services nationwide.

“People living with schizophrenia benefit most from a person-centered, empathic and connected care ecosystem — one that values lived experience, trust and hope,” said Nicole Tierney, certified peer recovery specialist and certified recovery support practitioner at CPC Integrated Health in Eatontown, New Jersey. “This groundbreaking new white paper not only provides clear evidence that peer support programs achieve that, it also details the steps CCBHCs and other clinics can take to integrate peer support and enhance the experiences of people living with schizophrenia.”

The collaboration has also launched the design of two pilot programs. The first puts the white paper’s recommendations into action to expand and strengthen peer support services. The second investigates opportunities to use predictive analytics models to enhance continuity of care for people living with schizophrenia. Both pilots are expected to share initial updates in early 2027.

Peer support and predictive analytics will also be focal points at NatCon, the annual conference for National Council members, partners and people throughout the behavioral health field. A breakout session, “Trust, Connection, and Continuity: The Opportunity of Peer Support in Care for People with SMI [Serious Mental Illness],” is scheduled for Monday, April 27. Check out the sessions in our peer support track for more details.

About Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) connect people with immediate crisis care as well as therapy, treatment, primary care and social services. CCBHCs are designed to ensure that anyone can quickly access mental health and substance care whenever and however they need it, regardless of their ability to pay.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid program, we have trained more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

Media Contact

Sophia Majlessi
Media@TheNationalCouncil.org
202-621-1631

Testing the Future of Healthcare Wearables

Keysight Technologies — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0400

^{Marie Hattar, SVP at Keysight Technologies (Image courtesy of Healtchcare IT Today)}

Originally published by Healtchcare IT Today
The following is a guest article by Marie Hattar, SVP at Keysight Technologies

Wearable devices are transforming healthcare through continuous monitoring, early detection, and personalized management of chronic diseases. These innovations are reinventing how health concerns are tracked and treated, with the goal of improving diagnostics, outcomes, and accessibility. However, they also introduce new technical challenges to overcome.

Factors like increasing health consciousness, aging populations, and advances in sensor technology and connectivity are helping fuel wearables’ popularity. Innovations such as sensor patches that continuously track ECG (electrocardiogram), respiratory rate, and other vital signs, to Oura rings and continuous glucose monitors are also contributing to this transformation. These devices combine sensors to monitor vital signs, utilizing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other IoT connectivity for seamless data transmission. With their ubiquitous nature, the healthcare wearables sector is set to grow from $103.4 billion in 2025 to $324.73 billion by 3032. In the US, research found that 45% of adults now own a wearable.

Continue reading here.

CVS Health Foundation Invests $2.24 Million To Expand Community-Based Care Through Health Impact Ohio

CVS Health — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

COLUMBUS, OH, March 26, 2026 /3BL/ — The CVS Health Foundation recently announced the launch of its Health Zone in Columbus with a $2.24 million investment in Health Impact Ohio to help improve access to health care, reduce emergency care utilization and support residents with chronic and behavioral health conditions.

“Families across the south and east sides of Columbus continue to face significant and interconnected challenges,” said Jenny McColloch, President of the CVS Health Foundation. “Through Health Impact Ohio, we’re investing in a proven, community‑driven model that brings together health care providers, social service organizations and trusted nonprofits to reach people earlier, reduce avoidable emergency care and improve health outcomes over time.”

What is a Health Zone

By bringing together local health care providers and trusted community organizations, CVS Health Foundation’s Health Zones make it easier for residents to get connected to primary care, nutritious food, chronic‑condition support and other essential services – all in one coordinated effort. The goal is to meet people where they are, address the real‑life challenges that affect their health and help individuals get the care, resources and stability they need to live healthier lives.

Why this support matters for the community

Families on the south and east sides of Columbus continue to face significant health and social challenges that make it harder to stay healthy and manage long‑term conditions.

Chronic conditions are a significant factor, with one‑third of adults in Columbus living with obesity and 12% managing diabetes.
According to the March of Dimes Prematurity Profile, 10.4% of babies born in the United States in 2024 were delivered preterm – roughly one in every ten births.
Housing costs place a heavy burden on families, with nearly half of households spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

How the model works

The CVS Health Foundation investment expands Health Impact Ohio’s care coordination model, which uses Community Health Workers (CHWs) to help residents connect to health care, social services and other support services. The goal is to reach people earlier, reduce avoidable emergency room visits and improve long‑term health for families on the south and east sides of Columbus.

Health Impact Ohio leads the Central Ohio Pathways HUB (the Pathways HUB) – a network of more than a dozen community organizations that work together to guide residents through a simple, step‑by‑step “Pathways” process. Through this approach, CHWs build trusted relationships and help people get the support they need, including stable housing, healthy food, prenatal care, behavioral health services and ongoing medical care.

The CVS Health Foundation’s investment will strengthen the Pathways HUB by supporting more CHWs, improving training and data systems, and helping partner agencies coordinate care more effectively. It will also expand maternal‑health and behavioral‑health services and make the model more sustainable over time.

"This investment accelerates our mission-driven work to ensure every resident in Columbus has access to coordinated, high-quality care and the resources they need to thrive,” said Heidi Welch, HIO Chief of Strategic Engagement and Operations. “By strengthening the Pathways HUB and expanding community health worker support, we can reach families earlier, close critical gaps in care, and create lasting improvements in health and stability. We are grateful for the CVS Health Foundation’s partnership and shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities across Central Ohio."

Expected impact

Through this investment, Health Impact Columbus aims to:

Increase the number of local individuals served through CHW‑led care coordination
Reduce emergency department visits
Maintain the Pathway HUB’s high standard of support for pregnant clients
Connect community members with vital behavioral health support services

CVS Health’s commitment to Ohio

The Health Impact Ohio investment builds on CVS Health’s long‑standing commitment to Ohio communities. Today, CVS Health operates hundreds of locations across the state and employs more than 11,000 colleagues, serving communities in urban, suburban and rural areas.

In fiscal year 2024, CVS Health’s operations generated an estimated $39.5 billion in economic impact in Ohio, supporting more than 85,000 jobs statewide through direct employment, supply chain activity, and related economic effects. The company also supported approximately $2.8 billion in state and local taxes, helping fund essential public services and infrastructure. In 2024, the company also delivered more than $940,000 in community support, complemented by colleagues dedicating over 4,000 volunteer hours.

CVS Health also continues to invest in Ohio’s future workforce by expanding job training and career development opportunities. In Columbus, CVS Health recently opened a Workforce Innovation and Talent Center located at Rosewind Estates, an affordable housing community developed with a more than $13 million CVS Health investment in collaboration with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. By co-locating workforce training, career development, and stable housing, the investment directly addresses key social drivers of health, including economic opportunity, housing stability, and access to essential services. Rosewind residents and the broader Columbus community benefit from quality, affordable homes and convenient access to resources that support financial security, workforce participation and improved physical and mental well-being—enabling individuals to live closer to where they work and reduce barriers to healthy living. This investment builds on CVS Health’s long-standing commitment to community health in Ohio, where the company has invested nearly $80 million in affordable housing initiatives statewide, helping to create, preserve and renovate nearly 1,900 housing units that support healthier, more resilient communities.

The company also offers free health screenings to individuals nationwide through its Project Health initiative. Last year, CVS Health hosted 22 Project Health events, which saw over 500 participants and provided 2,258 screenings in Ohio.

Together, these investments reflect CVS Health’s integrated approach to improving health outcomes, strengthening economic mobility and building healthier, more resilient communities across Ohio.

###

About CVS Health Foundation

The CVS Health Foundation has a proud history of supporting local communities across various regions throughout the United States. The Foundation is dedicated to uniting communities to address health challenges in collaboration with a wide range of nonprofit grantees. The Foundation collaborates on programs that enhance health outcomes, with focus areas including mental well-being, healthy aging, maternal health, health impacts from extreme weather and chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also helps lay the groundwork for a healthier future by assisting organizations that address food security and promote educational opportunities. Additionally, the CVS Health Foundation supports CVS Health colleagues by backing the causes that are most meaningful to them through its Matching Gifts, Volunteer Challenge Grants and Children of Colleague Scholarship programs.

About Health Impact Ohio

Health Impact Ohio is a nonprofit statewide health improvement collaborative headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. They work on various projects that improve access to quality health services for all people in every community. HIO manages and supports community-based care coordination initiatives. As the managing organization of the Central Ohio Pathways HUB, Health Impact Ohio provides oversight, operational support, and performance monitoring to ensure effective and accountable service delivery.

About the Central Ohio Pathways HUB

The Central Ohio Pathways HUB is a regional care coordination network that connects individuals to health and social services using the evidence-based Pathways Community HUB model. The HUB promotes coordination, accountability, and measurable results through collaboration with local partner agencies.

Media Contact

Courtney Tavener
401-712-3698
Courtney.Tavener@CVSHealth.com

Guiding Stars: Cereal Sense

Guiding Stars Licensing Company LLC — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Allison Stowell

The cereal aisle can feel overwhelming—especially when every box claims to be the right choice. Call-outs like “whole grain,” “fortified,” “heart healthy,” or “high protein” add to the confusion. When you’re short on time, you may not be able to review the nutrition facts panel. And with such an expansive section, where would you start? Lean on Guiding Stars to cut through this confusion and simplify your choices.

The Guiding Stars program is designed to help you easily find foods that are higher in the nutrients you’re seeking. It also helps you reduce your intake of added sugar, sodium, and additives you may be trying to limit. Choose Guiding Stars-earning options to narrow down an overwhelming cereal section to the nutrient-dense products that truly are the right choice for you.

Fiber

Many people choose cereal to meet their daily fiber needs. It’s well known that fiber can improve blood sugar control, lower cholesterol, and manage hunger to help with weight loss. Grains rich in soluble fiber, like oat bran, oatmeal, and barley, are especially helpful for lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. The Guiding Stars algorithm gives points to products that are higher in fiber (and an extra point if a product offers whole grain). If you’re seeking more fiber, Guiding Stars-earning cereals are a great place to start.

Vitamins and Minerals

The nutrition facts panel must include micronutrient information for calcium, vitamin D, iron, and potassium. However, it’s common for cereal manufacturers to fortify products and include far more vitamin and mineral content information on their package. The Guiding Stars ratings are based on the same nutrient information available to consumers on the food label. While capped, a product receives more points (and possibly earns a Guiding Star) when it offers more vitamins and minerals. Choose Guiding Stars-earning options to help you meet your daily vitamin and mineral goals.

Added Sugar

Added sugar sneaks its way into many foods, and cereal is certainly no exception. Attractive front-of-package call-outs for whole grains, fiber, and protein may make an option seem like a nutritious choice. However, it’s also very common for these products to be high in added sugar, which increases risk for a variety of health conditions. Guiding Stars recognizes that limiting daily added sugar intake is essential for overall health. So, any food with over 40% of its calories from added sugar won’t earn a star rating (even if it has positive nutrients). Go for Guiding Stars-earning cereals to ensure you are working toward consuming less added sugar.

Additives to Limit

The Guiding Stars algorithm reflects current research and nutrition recommendations. This includes a new approach to food additives like artificial colors and flavors, synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners, chemical preservatives, and sugar alcohols. With this update, any product with an additive will lose a point. And if there is more than one additive, it’s automatically ineligible for a Guiding Star. Some cereals have long and confusing ingredient lists. Lean on Guiding Stars to help you avoid the options that include additives you may be seeking to limit.

Surprising Stars

Sometimes it’s surprising when a cereal earns Guiding Stars. It’s helpful to remember that Guiding Stars is a nutrition guidance program that provides you with the most nutritious option among many. That said, you may find a Guiding Stars-earning cereal that doesn’t work well for you personally. Or maybe it does, but just not every day. For these options, remember that there are many ways to enjoy cereal. Maybe have it as part of a parfait, with protein-rich, nonfat Greek yogurt. You can also add it to a trail mix, or even as an ice cream sundae topping.

About Guiding Stars

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Expanding Rural Healthcare Access With Technology

Leidos — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:05:00 -0400

Access to healthcare remains uneven across the United States, with rural communities facing growing gaps in care. At HIMSS 2026, Melanie Krause, Leidos QTC’s senior vice president of enabling operations and leader of its rural health campaign, shared how technology and new delivery models can help close that gap.

How can we expand access to rural healthcare in the U.S., and why is it important?

Gaps in access to care are widening at the same time that our healthcare needs are becoming more complex. About 43 million Americans live in rural areas without enough primary care providers, including 3.2 million of our nation’s veterans. A recent Commonwealth Fund study showed that 200 rural counties don’t have a provider at all. The outcomes are concerning — fragmented access, poorer health outcomes, and increased costs. The challenge isn’t just providing access to a single appointment, such as an urgent care visit. It’s about delivering scalable, repeatable care delivery models that ensure high-quality care reaches where patients where they are.

How does Leidos QTC Health Services help address this challenge?

At Leidos QTC Health Services, we manage services that connect care to patients where and when they need it. In practice, this includes mobile clinics and traveling providers who bring care directly to patients. We also use AI-enabled tools to streamline screening and reduce unnecessary appointments, along with telehealth solutions that connect rural patients with specialists. By integrating electronic health records and care coordination, we help ensure that care and information follow the patient wherever they go next.

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that people have access to the care and services they need, regardless of geography. While AI plays an important role in enhancing our clinicians, it does not replace them. Instead, these tools help bridge fragmented systems and enable a smaller workforce to care for more patients, more efficiently.

Can you summarize what success looks like when it comes to addressing rural health care delivery?

Success means bringing care to patients where they need it, when they need it — so a person’s zip code no longer determines whether, or how quickly, they receive care.

LEARN ABOUT OUR RURAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Triple Pundit: Camden Healthcare Workers Confront the Barriers Holding Back Their Neighbors’ Health

Medtronic — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:45:00 -0400

Originally published on TriplePundit.

Amy Brown February 27, 2026

It’s not often that landing in the hospital is a stroke of good luck. For Charmaine, who faced multiple health issues and the recent loss of two sons, it was a godsend. It was there that the Camden, New Jersey, resident learned she qualified for a community-based healthcare system called the Healthy Neighbor program.

The hospital contacted the Healthy Neighbor team, and soon, Charmaine was sitting in her home with community health worker Fanny Ochoa instead. As they chatted, Ochoa determined that Charmaine needed help to manage her type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). That also meant finding an affordable housing solution, and taking care of her mental and emotional health amidst overwhelming grief after the loss of her sons.

Ochoa told Charmaine that she would support her over the next year to improve all aspects of her health and well-being. Now, they were a team.

“She was just everything that I needed at the time,” Charmaine told TriplePundit. “My sugar is under control, and my COPD is not an issue. And I live in a beautiful new apartment, thanks to the program.”

Healthcare beyond the doctor’s office

The Healthy Neighbor program, led by healthcare provider Virtua Health and supported by global medical technology company Medtronic and Medtronic LABS, recognizes that health goes beyond medicine and visits to the doctor. A person’s wellbeing is just as much shaped by where they live, their opportunities and their challenges.

The aim is to build the kind of trust that tackles both the clinical and social determinants of health by pairing community health workers directly with patients over a long period of time. The program targets adults with type 2 diabetes or hypertension, providing up to one year of monthly home visits to identify and address barriers to their health.

Charmaine’s story reflects a larger crisis in Camden. In the city of 70,000, residents live up to 16 years less than people just 6 miles away. Many of the significant, long-standing health disparities are driven by poverty and environmental factors. By bringing technology and trust directly to people’s homes, the program addresses root causes of poor health, and it’s working.

Ochoa was able to support Charmaine in a more sustainable way by considering every aspect of her life as a part of her treatment. To help manage her diabetes, Ochoa provided Charmaine with a tiny wearable sensor that provides real-time, continuous glucose monitoring. She also encouraged her to apply to live at Oliver Station, an affordable housing solution with on-site primary care in Camden developed by the Michaels Organization and Virtua Health.

“I am so grateful to [Ochoa] and the program. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here,” Charmaine said. “She’s been with me every step of the way. My new home is beautiful. I just thank God for this program because they have helped me so much.”

La Shawn Dutton-Spruill, a community health worker with Healthy Neighbor, can recount similar success stories. Dutton-Spruill met her patient Denise while she was living in a condemned building with uncontrolled hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Denise was missing doctor’s appointments, skipping medications and falling through the cracks of the system.

In the initial assessment, she checked Denise’s basic health vitals but also discussed other aspects of her situation, including housing and access to healthy food. Together, they came up with goals. Every two weeks, Dutton-Spruill checked in.

Healthy food access is very important for people with a food-impacted chronic condition like diabetes, Dutton-Spruill said. If patients are struggling to access it, Healthy Neighbor connects them with Virtua Health’s Eat Well program, which delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved areas. They can purchase items with “food bucks” provided by the program, their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or a debit card.

Today, Denise is living in safe housing, manages her prescriptions, and is stabilizing her hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

“She’s just a totally different person. The program turned her all the way around,” Dutton-Spruill said. “She was suffering from depression, and now, she’s going out on the weekends. She’s very happy, meeting the program’s expectations and living her life to the fullest.”

Denise and Charmaine are part of the 74 percent of patients with uncontrolled hypertension who saw a meaningful improvement in blood pressure control after participating in Healthy Neighbor. Just under 70 percent of type 2 diabetic patients in the program saw a drop in blood sugar levels, too.

A model others can copy

Healthy Neighbor can’t solve such a complex set of problems entirely on its own, so it partners with local organizations like nonprofits, food banks and other clinical organizations.

“If a patient is currently experiencing homelessness, before we can even talk about reducing their blood sugar levels or hypertension, we need to figure out how to get them to a better and more reliable housing situation,” said Daniel Master, director of community health and impact at Virtua Health. “Our team has done a great job of connecting numerous patients to housing options within the city, and then, we see measurable clinical improvements that follow from there.”

Learning about the wide range of support locally available to them can be life-changing for the people the program serves, Master said. “These are patients who traditionally have not had as much access to or understanding of the larger health systems as patients from other communities.”

The goal is a long-term solution to people’s ongoing health that they can uphold themselves after the year-long program ends. “We bring all of those resources to patients so that their care can be sustainable,” Master said. “We know that our intervention is up to 12 months, and a lot is going to happen after that year.”

The program is expanding locally thanks to a grant from the city of Camden to grow the community health worker team and reach more patients. And Virtua Health and Medtronic LABS released a toolkit to help hospitals nationwide to replicate the model. Meanwhile, plans to expand the program beyond Camden are also in the works.

“Our hypothesis for why we are so successful is because we are addressing the social and clinical factors of health in one model and leveraging the resources of a large health system,” Master said. “We want to open source it because we know what we’re doing is unique.”

One thing standing in the way of that growth is the lack of a reliable reimbursement mechanism to fund the services of community health workers in the same way that nutrition and education services are funded by insurers, Master said.

Limited awareness that a model like this is an option is another. “Community health workers have been deployed in many health systems and in many environments. But not, we believe, in the way that we’re deploying them,” Master said. “In terms of sustainability that is the key.”

Housing, financial challenges and health food access will continue to be a perennial issue for communities, Master said. “There’s still a lot more that could be done by having healthcare work with the government and social service sector. We believe we are paving the way for what that could look like,” he added. “We know that this is an intervention that works.”

Editor’s Note: Program participants are referred to by their first name to protect patient privacy. This story was updated on March 3, 2026.