Month: May 2026

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – Ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, Direct Relief is strengthening healthcare preparedness across hurricane-prone regions through pre-positioned emergency medical supplies, resilient power infrastructure investments, and regional emergency response partnerships designed to help healthcare providers maintain continuity of care during disasters. 

The announcement comes ahead of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual hurricane season outlook and the official June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season, as healthcare providers across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean prepare for potential disruptions caused by severe weather, prolonged outages, and supply chain interruptions. 

Ahead of hurricane season, Direct Relief is pre-positioning emergency medical supplies stockpiles with more than 70 healthcare providers across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. 

The emergency stockpiles, known as Hurricane Preparedness Packs, contain medicines and medical supplies commonly needed following disasters, including treatments for diabetes, hypertension, asthma, infections, allergic reactions, and wound care. Each domestic stockpile is designed to support approximately 500 patients for 30 days, while larger international stockpiles can support approximately 3,000 patients over the same period. 

This year, Direct Relief distributed 72 domestic stockpiles across coastal states from Virginia to Texas, as well as Puerto Rico and Hawaii. The organization used FEMA natural hazards risk data to identify areas with heightened vulnerability and expand preparedness coverage into additional coastal communities.

“The most dangerous impacts of a hurricane often begin after the storm passes,” said Craig Redmond, Chief Operating Officer at Direct Relief. “When clinics lose power, supply chains are disrupted, and patients can no longer access medicines or care, communities can face a secondary health crisis that lasts for weeks or months. Preparedness means strengthening healthcare systems before disasters strike so providers can continue caring for patients throughout the emergency.”

Direct Relief also maintains regional emergency medical stockpiles across the Caribbean through partnerships with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), including supplies staged in Panama and Barbados to support rapid deployment following hurricanes and other emergencies.

That regional preparedness strategy was activated during Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica in October 2025, when pre-positioned Direct Relief emergency medical supplies staged through PAHO were deployed into affected communities following widespread infrastructure damage.

“Direct Relief’s emergency medical stockpiles have consistently proven to be a timely and effective resource for emergency response operations,” said Dr. Leonardo Hernández, Head of the Emergency Operations Unit at PAHO.

In addition to pre-positioning emergency medical supplies, Direct Relief continues investing in healthcare resilience infrastructure designed to help providers remain operational during prolonged outages and supply chain disruptions. The organization’s most recent investment includes more than $5 million to support resilient power at nine healthcare centers across the state of Florida.

Direct Relief has invested a total of $14.7 million in 39 resilient power projects supporting healthcare providers across the Southeast, Florida, and Puerto Rico. The projects include solar-plus-battery microgrids and backup power systems that help health centers maintain refrigeration for medications, operate essential medical equipment, and continue patient care during prolonged outages.

Across the Caribbean, Direct Relief has partnered with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) on resilience projects supporting medical oxygen infrastructure, pharmaceutical refrigeration, backup power systems, and mobile medical units.

Direct Relief accepts no government funding, allowing the organization to sustain long-term preparedness and recovery efforts independently of public-sector funding cycles.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – Ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, Direct Relief is strengthening healthcare preparedness across hurricane-prone regions through pre-positioned emergency medical supplies, resilient power infrastructure investments, and regional emergency response partnerships designed to help healthcare providers maintain continuity of care during disasters. 

The announcement comes ahead of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual hurricane season outlook and the official June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season, as healthcare providers across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean prepare for potential disruptions caused by severe weather, prolonged outages, and supply chain interruptions. 

Ahead of hurricane season, Direct Relief is pre-positioning emergency medical supplies stockpiles with more than 70 healthcare providers across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. 

The emergency stockpiles, known as Hurricane Preparedness Packs, contain medicines and medical supplies commonly needed following disasters, including treatments for diabetes, hypertension, asthma, infections, allergic reactions, and wound care. Each domestic stockpile is designed to support approximately 500 patients for 30 days, while larger international stockpiles can support approximately 3,000 patients over the same period. 

This year, Direct Relief distributed 72 domestic stockpiles across coastal states from Virginia to Texas, as well as Puerto Rico and Hawaii. The organization used FEMA natural hazards risk data to identify areas with heightened vulnerability and expand preparedness coverage into additional coastal communities.

“The most dangerous impacts of a hurricane often begin after the storm passes,” said Craig Redmond, Chief Operating Officer at Direct Relief. “When clinics lose power, supply chains are disrupted, and patients can no longer access medicines or care, communities can face a secondary health crisis that lasts for weeks or months. Preparedness means strengthening healthcare systems before disasters strike so providers can continue caring for patients throughout the emergency.”

Direct Relief also maintains regional emergency medical stockpiles across the Caribbean through partnerships with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), including supplies staged in Panama and Barbados to support rapid deployment following hurricanes and other emergencies.

That regional preparedness strategy was activated during Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica in October 2025, when pre-positioned Direct Relief emergency medical supplies staged through PAHO were deployed into affected communities following widespread infrastructure damage.

“Direct Relief’s emergency medical stockpiles have consistently proven to be a timely and effective resource for emergency response operations,” said Dr. Leonardo Hernández, Head of the Emergency Operations Unit at PAHO.

In addition to pre-positioning emergency medical supplies, Direct Relief continues investing in healthcare resilience infrastructure designed to help providers remain operational during prolonged outages and supply chain disruptions. The organization’s most recent investment includes more than $5 million to support resilient power at nine healthcare centers across the state of Florida.

Direct Relief has invested a total of $14.7 million in 39 resilient power projects supporting healthcare providers across the Southeast, Florida, and Puerto Rico. The projects include solar-plus-battery microgrids and backup power systems that help health centers maintain refrigeration for medications, operate essential medical equipment, and continue patient care during prolonged outages.

Across the Caribbean, Direct Relief has partnered with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) on resilience projects supporting medical oxygen infrastructure, pharmaceutical refrigeration, backup power systems, and mobile medical units.

Direct Relief accepts no government funding, allowing the organization to sustain long-term preparedness and recovery efforts independently of public-sector funding cycles.

NEWARK, N.J., May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – The PSEG Foundation continues its legacy of building thriving communities by inviting New Jersey and Long Island based nonprofits to apply for its 2026 Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP). This year, the program will award $1.2 million to organizations that help families and communities access critical services and resources. Applications for the program will be open from June 1 through June 30, 2026, with grants ranging from $500 to $15,000.

The Neighborhood Partners Program reflects the PSEG Foundation’s ongoing work to care for the communities served by PSEG. This year, funding will prioritize organizations whose programs help families through food assistance, workforce development, support for housing and wraparound support services. Since the program’s inception in 2014, more than $9.8 million in funding has impacted over 825 organizations across New Jersey and Long Island, including $8.9 million invested in New Jersey.

This program has strengthened critical community programs. More than $600,000 has been directed to initiatives addressing food insecurity; over $3.7 million to health and human service organizations; and nearly $2.4 million to programs supporting students through STEAM education, out of school time learning and youth development. In addition, more than $1.2 million has been invested in environmental conservation and stewardship and environmental education.

“At PSEG, caring for our communities means elevating organizations that help people access essential services and navigate everyday challenges,” said Calvin Ledford Jr., President, PSEG Foundation and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at PSEG. “Through the Neighborhood Partners Program, we’re proud to partner with nonprofits that create meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve. At a time when many families need support, we are grateful to the organizations that continue to provide care and stability to those in need every day.”

Nonprofits will be selected based upon demonstrated program effectiveness and their ability to advance affordability, community wellbeing, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

“For more than a decade, the Neighborhood Partners Program has partnered with nonprofit organizations across New Jersey and Long Island to strengthen care for the communities we serve every day,” said Maria Spina, Senior Manager, PSEG Foundation & Corporate Social Responsibility. “Through consistent support and capacity-building investments, we help trusted local organizations address critical needs from easing the financial burden caused by rising costs of living to expanding access to vital community resources. We see firsthand the meaningful impact these local organizations make in their communities, and we are proud to provide funding to  programs that promote community well-being, economic resilience and long-term opportunity.”

“We are most grateful for our partnership with the PSEG Foundation, as well as the PSEG Payment Assistance teams we work closely with, since we serve as the state’s Home Energy Assistance Hotline. NJ 211 connects New Jersey residents with the help they need, including utility assistance and many other health and human service essentials. Our service aligns extremely well with the PSEG Foundation Neighborhood Partner Program’s commitment to economic empowerment,” said Melissa Acree, Chief Executive Officer of NJ 211. “NJ 211 can connect people to multiple safety net programs that provide relief, but many people are unaware that they can turn to us for help. Thanks to a generous grant from the PSEG Foundation, we were able to increase awareness of NJ 211 by participating in multiple community events and distributing over 5,000 pieces of educational material. The grant also makes rides available to those needing in-person help with their utility assistance applications but have no option for transportation.”

“Through our mission at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), we are committed to ensuring that families across our community have reliable access to nutritious meals and the supportive services they need to build stability and thrive. Support from PSEG and the PSEG Foundation, through the Neighborhood Partners Program, has strengthened critical initiatives like TASK’s community kitchen, food truck and community meal site program,” saidAmy R. Flynn, Chief Executive Officer of TASK. “Together, we are overcoming the barriers that contribute to food insecurity, ensuring that everyone in our community who needs a meal has access to one. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our communities, and TASK is grateful to PSEG and the Foundation for investing in the long-term wellbeing of our neighbors in need.”

Organizations interested in applying for the Neighborhood Partners Program can visit the PSEG Foundation website. Grant recipients will be announced on a rolling basis.

The PSEG’s Foundations Mission, Vision and Pillars

The work of the PSEG Foundation extends far beyond the Neighborhood Partners Program, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen resilience and improve quality of life in the communities PSEG serves. Over the past 25 years, the PSEG Foundation has awarded about $138 million to nonprofit and community organizations.

Guided by its vision to be a trusted partner that makes communities better places to live and work, the Foundation invests in nonprofit organizations that deliver measurable impact across New Jersey and Long Island. Its mission is centered on strengthening community resilience through initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, community well-being, disaster recovery, education and economic mobility. The Foundation manages this work with a focus on operational excellence and meaningful community impact.

These efforts are anchored in three core pillars:

• Community Well-Being
• Environmental Sustainability
• Economic Empowerment

Through these pillars, the PSEG Foundation partners with organizations that advance opportunity, support essential services and build long-term community strength. This work includes collaborations with trusted partners such as Sustainable Jersey, Sesame Workshop, the Stevens Institute of Technology and Montclair State University, demonstrating its commitment to innovative, community-focused solutions.

For questions about the NPP or other Foundation programs, please contact CorporateCitizenship@pseg.com.

About PSEG Foundation
The PSEG Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3), that is supported and fully funded by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), prioritizes investments in promoting community well-being, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company operating New Jersey’s largest transmission and distribution utility, serving approximately 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers.  PSEG also owns an independent fleet of 3,758 MW of carbon-free, baseload nuclear power generating units in NJ and PA. PSEG aims to power a future where people use energy more efficiently, and it’s safer and delivered more reliably than ever. PSEG is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has been named to the Dow Jones Best in Class North America Index for 18 consecutive years. PSEG’s businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island (https://corporate.pseg.com).

NEWARK, N.J., May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – The PSEG Foundation continues its legacy of building thriving communities by inviting New Jersey and Long Island based nonprofits to apply for its 2026 Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP). This year, the program will award $1.2 million to organizations that help families and communities access critical services and resources. Applications for the program will be open from June 1 through June 30, 2026, with grants ranging from $500 to $15,000.

The Neighborhood Partners Program reflects the PSEG Foundation’s ongoing work to care for the communities served by PSEG. This year, funding will prioritize organizations whose programs help families through food assistance, workforce development, support for housing and wraparound support services. Since the program’s inception in 2014, more than $9.8 million in funding has impacted over 825 organizations across New Jersey and Long Island, including $8.9 million invested in New Jersey.

This program has strengthened critical community programs. More than $600,000 has been directed to initiatives addressing food insecurity; over $3.7 million to health and human service organizations; and nearly $2.4 million to programs supporting students through STEAM education, out of school time learning and youth development. In addition, more than $1.2 million has been invested in environmental conservation and stewardship and environmental education.

“At PSEG, caring for our communities means elevating organizations that help people access essential services and navigate everyday challenges,” said Calvin Ledford Jr., President, PSEG Foundation and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at PSEG. “Through the Neighborhood Partners Program, we’re proud to partner with nonprofits that create meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve. At a time when many families need support, we are grateful to the organizations that continue to provide care and stability to those in need every day.”

Nonprofits will be selected based upon demonstrated program effectiveness and their ability to advance affordability, community wellbeing, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

“For more than a decade, the Neighborhood Partners Program has partnered with nonprofit organizations across New Jersey and Long Island to strengthen care for the communities we serve every day,” said Maria Spina, Senior Manager, PSEG Foundation & Corporate Social Responsibility. “Through consistent support and capacity-building investments, we help trusted local organizations address critical needs from easing the financial burden caused by rising costs of living to expanding access to vital community resources. We see firsthand the meaningful impact these local organizations make in their communities, and we are proud to provide funding to  programs that promote community well-being, economic resilience and long-term opportunity.”

“We are most grateful for our partnership with the PSEG Foundation, as well as the PSEG Payment Assistance teams we work closely with, since we serve as the state’s Home Energy Assistance Hotline. NJ 211 connects New Jersey residents with the help they need, including utility assistance and many other health and human service essentials. Our service aligns extremely well with the PSEG Foundation Neighborhood Partner Program’s commitment to economic empowerment,” said Melissa Acree, Chief Executive Officer of NJ 211. “NJ 211 can connect people to multiple safety net programs that provide relief, but many people are unaware that they can turn to us for help. Thanks to a generous grant from the PSEG Foundation, we were able to increase awareness of NJ 211 by participating in multiple community events and distributing over 5,000 pieces of educational material. The grant also makes rides available to those needing in-person help with their utility assistance applications but have no option for transportation.”

“Through our mission at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), we are committed to ensuring that families across our community have reliable access to nutritious meals and the supportive services they need to build stability and thrive. Support from PSEG and the PSEG Foundation, through the Neighborhood Partners Program, has strengthened critical initiatives like TASK’s community kitchen, food truck and community meal site program,” saidAmy R. Flynn, Chief Executive Officer of TASK. “Together, we are overcoming the barriers that contribute to food insecurity, ensuring that everyone in our community who needs a meal has access to one. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our communities, and TASK is grateful to PSEG and the Foundation for investing in the long-term wellbeing of our neighbors in need.”

Organizations interested in applying for the Neighborhood Partners Program can visit the PSEG Foundation website. Grant recipients will be announced on a rolling basis.

The PSEG’s Foundations Mission, Vision and Pillars

The work of the PSEG Foundation extends far beyond the Neighborhood Partners Program, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen resilience and improve quality of life in the communities PSEG serves. Over the past 25 years, the PSEG Foundation has awarded about $138 million to nonprofit and community organizations.

Guided by its vision to be a trusted partner that makes communities better places to live and work, the Foundation invests in nonprofit organizations that deliver measurable impact across New Jersey and Long Island. Its mission is centered on strengthening community resilience through initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, community well-being, disaster recovery, education and economic mobility. The Foundation manages this work with a focus on operational excellence and meaningful community impact.

These efforts are anchored in three core pillars:

• Community Well-Being
• Environmental Sustainability
• Economic Empowerment

Through these pillars, the PSEG Foundation partners with organizations that advance opportunity, support essential services and build long-term community strength. This work includes collaborations with trusted partners such as Sustainable Jersey, Sesame Workshop, the Stevens Institute of Technology and Montclair State University, demonstrating its commitment to innovative, community-focused solutions.

For questions about the NPP or other Foundation programs, please contact CorporateCitizenship@pseg.com.

About PSEG Foundation
The PSEG Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3), that is supported and fully funded by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), prioritizes investments in promoting community well-being, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company operating New Jersey’s largest transmission and distribution utility, serving approximately 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers.  PSEG also owns an independent fleet of 3,758 MW of carbon-free, baseload nuclear power generating units in NJ and PA. PSEG aims to power a future where people use energy more efficiently, and it’s safer and delivered more reliably than ever. PSEG is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has been named to the Dow Jones Best in Class North America Index for 18 consecutive years. PSEG’s businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island (https://corporate.pseg.com).

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) and WGU today announced a new online pre-pharmacy degree program designed to help address the national need for pharmacists through flexible, affordable education. Developed in collaboration with CVS Health, WGU’s fully online Associate of Science–Health Science (ASHS), Pre-Pharmacy degree program helps CVS Health colleagues complete foundational academic prerequisites at a lower cost than comparable programs. The program supports colleagues pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and is part of CVS Health’s broader investment in building the next generation of pharmacists.

“This collaboration expands access to affordable education for our colleagues while strengthening the future pharmacist workforce,” said Lucille Accetta, Chief Pharmacy Officer and Head of CVS Specialty Operations, CVS Health. “By reducing financial barriers and creating clear pathways to pharmacy careers, we’re helping colleagues advance professionally while supporting the long-term needs of the profession.”

Flexible coursework, maximum savings

CVS Health colleagues enrolled in WGU’s ASHS, Pre-Pharmacy degree program complete foundational science, mathematics, and professional communication curriculum designed to prepare students for admission to PharmD programs. With personalized support from a WGU program mentor, colleagues have the flexibility to progress at their own pace while continuing to work.

Colleagues may apply for support through the CVS Health® Enterprise Tuition Assistance Program, administered by EdAssist by Bright Horizons, which offers up to $3,000 in tuition reimbursement per year throughout the duration of the two-year program. With an exclusive tuition rate of $3,989 per six‑month term, participants can complete the program with an out‑of‑pocket cost of $9,956 when they receive the maximum reimbursement amount. The 26-course program is eligible for transfer credits.

Supporting future pharmacists

The program is especially designed for CVS Health colleagues – including pharmacy technicians – seeking a clearer path to becoming pharmacists.

A CVS Health 2025 Rx Report revealed that 40 percent of pharmacy technicians surveyed are interested in becoming pharmacists, and 77 percent of them say that tuition assistance would increase their likelihood of pursuing a career as a pharmacist.

As the nation’s largest employer of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians — spanning community, mail, specialty, and pharmacy benefits — CVS Health supports the next generation of pharmacists through collaborations, tuition assistance, structured internships, training programs and continuing education opportunities, including, a 50 percent tuition discount toward the CVS | Duquesne University Tuition Advantage Program.

“Pharmacists are the most accessible clinicians in any community,” said Ryan Gates, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean, Michael O. Leavitt School of Health, WGU. “This is particularly true in communities that suffer from severe shortages of health care providers. CVS Health sees this reality every day across thousands of their locations. This collaboration gives CVS employees, who have long aspired to become a pharmacist, a real path forward without having to choose between their career and their education. This partnership with CVS is a shining example of how industry and higher-education can work together to solve some of the most urgent and meaningful workforce shortages facing our country.”

CVS Health colleagues can apply for the program, with courses expected to launch in summer 2026.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, 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 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. 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.

About WGU
WGU’s mission is to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity. That mission drives lasting impact for individuals and communities while strengthening the talent economy of tomorrow.

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, the nonprofit was founded on the belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not, and that education is a powerful catalyst for upward mobility and workforce resilience. Purpose-built as a tech-enabled, competency-based university, WGU expands access to affordable, high-quality education through workforce-aligned programs and pathways that deliver value for students, particularly those not well served by traditional higher education.

By continually reimagining how education is designed, delivered, and accessed, WGU connects talent to opportunity and advances economic mobility for individuals and families. This model prepares learners for in-demand roles and supports a workforce equipped to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy. Learn more at wgu.edu.

Media contacts
Shannon Dillon
346-291-7131
Shannon.Dillon@CVSHealth.com

Chris Jones
801-503-6705
Chris.Jones1@wgu.edu

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) and WGU today announced a new online pre-pharmacy degree program designed to help address the national need for pharmacists through flexible, affordable education. Developed in collaboration with CVS Health, WGU’s fully online Associate of Science–Health Science (ASHS), Pre-Pharmacy degree program helps CVS Health colleagues complete foundational academic prerequisites at a lower cost than comparable programs. The program supports colleagues pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and is part of CVS Health’s broader investment in building the next generation of pharmacists.

“This collaboration expands access to affordable education for our colleagues while strengthening the future pharmacist workforce,” said Lucille Accetta, Chief Pharmacy Officer and Head of CVS Specialty Operations, CVS Health. “By reducing financial barriers and creating clear pathways to pharmacy careers, we’re helping colleagues advance professionally while supporting the long-term needs of the profession.”

Flexible coursework, maximum savings

CVS Health colleagues enrolled in WGU’s ASHS, Pre-Pharmacy degree program complete foundational science, mathematics, and professional communication curriculum designed to prepare students for admission to PharmD programs. With personalized support from a WGU program mentor, colleagues have the flexibility to progress at their own pace while continuing to work.

Colleagues may apply for support through the CVS Health® Enterprise Tuition Assistance Program, administered by EdAssist by Bright Horizons, which offers up to $3,000 in tuition reimbursement per year throughout the duration of the two-year program. With an exclusive tuition rate of $3,989 per six‑month term, participants can complete the program with an out‑of‑pocket cost of $9,956 when they receive the maximum reimbursement amount. The 26-course program is eligible for transfer credits.

Supporting future pharmacists

The program is especially designed for CVS Health colleagues – including pharmacy technicians – seeking a clearer path to becoming pharmacists.

A CVS Health 2025 Rx Report revealed that 40 percent of pharmacy technicians surveyed are interested in becoming pharmacists, and 77 percent of them say that tuition assistance would increase their likelihood of pursuing a career as a pharmacist.

As the nation’s largest employer of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians — spanning community, mail, specialty, and pharmacy benefits — CVS Health supports the next generation of pharmacists through collaborations, tuition assistance, structured internships, training programs and continuing education opportunities, including, a 50 percent tuition discount toward the CVS | Duquesne University Tuition Advantage Program.

“Pharmacists are the most accessible clinicians in any community,” said Ryan Gates, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean, Michael O. Leavitt School of Health, WGU. “This is particularly true in communities that suffer from severe shortages of health care providers. CVS Health sees this reality every day across thousands of their locations. This collaboration gives CVS employees, who have long aspired to become a pharmacist, a real path forward without having to choose between their career and their education. This partnership with CVS is a shining example of how industry and higher-education can work together to solve some of the most urgent and meaningful workforce shortages facing our country.”

CVS Health colleagues can apply for the program, with courses expected to launch in summer 2026.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, 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 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. 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.

About WGU
WGU’s mission is to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity. That mission drives lasting impact for individuals and communities while strengthening the talent economy of tomorrow.

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, the nonprofit was founded on the belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not, and that education is a powerful catalyst for upward mobility and workforce resilience. Purpose-built as a tech-enabled, competency-based university, WGU expands access to affordable, high-quality education through workforce-aligned programs and pathways that deliver value for students, particularly those not well served by traditional higher education.

By continually reimagining how education is designed, delivered, and accessed, WGU connects talent to opportunity and advances economic mobility for individuals and families. This model prepares learners for in-demand roles and supports a workforce equipped to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy. Learn more at wgu.edu.

Media contacts
Shannon Dillon
346-291-7131
Shannon.Dillon@CVSHealth.com

Chris Jones
801-503-6705
Chris.Jones1@wgu.edu

Patrick O’Connell, CFA| Director—Responsible Investing Portfolio Solutions and Research
John Huang, CFA| Director of Responsible Investments, Data and Technology—Responsibility
Kathleen Dumes, CFA| Senior Investment Strategist

New research connects intensifying natural perils to their future implications for asset classes.

When it comes to measuring our vulnerability to nature’s extremes, investors often lean on past data and simply assume that risks will rise. But new groundbreaking research has removed considerable guesswork, particularly among four key natural hazards facing the world this century.

Global Experts Unite to Predict Natural Hazard Threat Levels

New projections from Columbia Climate School build on its pioneering Natural Hazards Index (NHI), launched in 2016 to assess risk-level exposure from floods, drought and a dozen other extreme events nationwide. In 2023, we partnered with the university on a version 2.0 release, which includes an interactive map of natural hazard exposures for thousands of individual US communities.

2025’s upgrade broadens Columbia’s and AB’s collaboration among leading academic and public institutions, including NASA. Applying the latest weather science, climate research and sophisticated modeling, NHI 3.0 can now project the relative location, trajectory and magnitude of the four natural hazards it tracks at midcentury and end-of-century.

The NHI 3.0 not only tells us the ways a particular hazard has evolved, but also how it’s likely to evolve in the future. Wildfires, for example, have increased in frequency and intensity. New data not only predicts fires to worsen where they’re already commonplace, such as Southern California and Washington State, but also in areas where incidences are currently rare, like Minnesota and South Dakota (Display).

Newly forecasted tornado patterns are alarming too, with more outbursts likely stretching beyond the Midwest “alley” and much further east.

The NHI also anticipates where hazards will intersect. Sometimes, a disaster ebbs because of an equally disruptive event. The index shows that Louisiana, for instance, will likely suffer fewer wildfires but ties that to expected more frequent hurricanes, which lead to more flooding.

Tying Natural Hazard Vulnerabilities to Investable Assets

Columbia Climate School’s new data provide essential inputs for planning disaster responses and anticipating hazards’ long-range effects on people, the environment and economies. We believe it also can help investors see better around corners—which is particularly useful as climate change grows more unpredictable and hyperphysical.

With this in mind, we are incorporating key components of NHI 3.0 into our proprietary Physical Hazard Investment Risk (PHIR) tool, which overlays a financial element for each NHI hazard across more than 3,100 US counties. The expanded research now helps PHIR factor future local risk exposures to wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and rising sea levels in the US—considered the top four natural threats through 2050.

As an investment tool, the PHIR can assess hazard-risk exposure across municipal bonds and residential mortgage-backed securities. After all, homes, schools, hospitals, power plants and airports are all location specific, which means issuers and lenders are exposed to distinctly local trends in climate change.

Active equity investing can also benefit from the PHIR’s expanded data. Companies of all stripes can be just as exposed to local hazards—if not now, then in the coming decades. A company’s degree of risk could be exponential, since many operate in multiple locations that face elevated risk.

Wildfire projections offer a prime example of how a single company can reveal several risk profiles. A large utility with facilities in Minnesota and South Dakota may be situated in low-risk areas currently. But the wildfire outlook changes dramatically by midcentury. This region shows an increase in wildfire exposure of 88% (Display), a material factor that we believe the company—and those in similar situations—should address. In this case, we engaged the company’s leadership about applying lessons learned from its properties in wildfire-prone Colorado to their Midwest operations.

The Local Threats Are Clear, but Not Always Observed 

Not all risk scenarios will be as easily navigated. Add the rising threat of higher sea levels, tornadoes and hurricanes, and the future strain on businesses and industries is dire yet actionable. Investors don’t always take notice, however. Our expanded PHIR data set helps identify potentially mispriced investment opportunities where hazard exposure isn’t yet fully factored into market valuations.

Tomorrow’s hazards won’t look like yesterday’s, but they can inform today’s decisions. Locally mapping future natural hazard intensity and addressing its implications will be important steps to dealing with disasters as the century plays out. We think the new predictive analysis will likely save lives and livelihoods. But this forward-looking lens can also help investors understand what natural hazard exposure means for physical assets, while motivating companies and bond issuers to offset such risks on their bottom lines.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

Patrick O’Connell, CFA| Director—Responsible Investing Portfolio Solutions and Research
John Huang, CFA| Director of Responsible Investments, Data and Technology—Responsibility
Kathleen Dumes, CFA| Senior Investment Strategist

New research connects intensifying natural perils to their future implications for asset classes.

When it comes to measuring our vulnerability to nature’s extremes, investors often lean on past data and simply assume that risks will rise. But new groundbreaking research has removed considerable guesswork, particularly among four key natural hazards facing the world this century.

Global Experts Unite to Predict Natural Hazard Threat Levels

New projections from Columbia Climate School build on its pioneering Natural Hazards Index (NHI), launched in 2016 to assess risk-level exposure from floods, drought and a dozen other extreme events nationwide. In 2023, we partnered with the university on a version 2.0 release, which includes an interactive map of natural hazard exposures for thousands of individual US communities.

2025’s upgrade broadens Columbia’s and AB’s collaboration among leading academic and public institutions, including NASA. Applying the latest weather science, climate research and sophisticated modeling, NHI 3.0 can now project the relative location, trajectory and magnitude of the four natural hazards it tracks at midcentury and end-of-century.

The NHI 3.0 not only tells us the ways a particular hazard has evolved, but also how it’s likely to evolve in the future. Wildfires, for example, have increased in frequency and intensity. New data not only predicts fires to worsen where they’re already commonplace, such as Southern California and Washington State, but also in areas where incidences are currently rare, like Minnesota and South Dakota (Display).

Newly forecasted tornado patterns are alarming too, with more outbursts likely stretching beyond the Midwest “alley” and much further east.

The NHI also anticipates where hazards will intersect. Sometimes, a disaster ebbs because of an equally disruptive event. The index shows that Louisiana, for instance, will likely suffer fewer wildfires but ties that to expected more frequent hurricanes, which lead to more flooding.

Tying Natural Hazard Vulnerabilities to Investable Assets

Columbia Climate School’s new data provide essential inputs for planning disaster responses and anticipating hazards’ long-range effects on people, the environment and economies. We believe it also can help investors see better around corners—which is particularly useful as climate change grows more unpredictable and hyperphysical.

With this in mind, we are incorporating key components of NHI 3.0 into our proprietary Physical Hazard Investment Risk (PHIR) tool, which overlays a financial element for each NHI hazard across more than 3,100 US counties. The expanded research now helps PHIR factor future local risk exposures to wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and rising sea levels in the US—considered the top four natural threats through 2050.

As an investment tool, the PHIR can assess hazard-risk exposure across municipal bonds and residential mortgage-backed securities. After all, homes, schools, hospitals, power plants and airports are all location specific, which means issuers and lenders are exposed to distinctly local trends in climate change.

Active equity investing can also benefit from the PHIR’s expanded data. Companies of all stripes can be just as exposed to local hazards—if not now, then in the coming decades. A company’s degree of risk could be exponential, since many operate in multiple locations that face elevated risk.

Wildfire projections offer a prime example of how a single company can reveal several risk profiles. A large utility with facilities in Minnesota and South Dakota may be situated in low-risk areas currently. But the wildfire outlook changes dramatically by midcentury. This region shows an increase in wildfire exposure of 88% (Display), a material factor that we believe the company—and those in similar situations—should address. In this case, we engaged the company’s leadership about applying lessons learned from its properties in wildfire-prone Colorado to their Midwest operations.

The Local Threats Are Clear, but Not Always Observed 

Not all risk scenarios will be as easily navigated. Add the rising threat of higher sea levels, tornadoes and hurricanes, and the future strain on businesses and industries is dire yet actionable. Investors don’t always take notice, however. Our expanded PHIR data set helps identify potentially mispriced investment opportunities where hazard exposure isn’t yet fully factored into market valuations.

Tomorrow’s hazards won’t look like yesterday’s, but they can inform today’s decisions. Locally mapping future natural hazard intensity and addressing its implications will be important steps to dealing with disasters as the century plays out. We think the new predictive analysis will likely save lives and livelihoods. But this forward-looking lens can also help investors understand what natural hazard exposure means for physical assets, while motivating companies and bond issuers to offset such risks on their bottom lines.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – The Trust for the Americas and the Organization of American States (OAS) presented Mastercard with the 2025 Corporate Citizen of the Americas (CCA) Award during a ceremony and luncheon in the Miranda Room at OAS Headquarters. The CCA Award recognizes companies that have made a real difference in improving the lives of underserved communities and promoting economic growth throughout the Western Hemisphere for over 15 years.

The award is in recognition of Mastercard Strive, a philanthropic program from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and Mastercard’s leadership in digital and financial inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunity across the region. Mastercard Strive helps small businesses thrive in today’s digital economy, giving entrepreneurs practical tools, access to capital, and trusted connection; so they can strengthen their operations, reach more customers, and drive inclusive economic growth in communities throughout the Americas.

The award was presented by Dr. Michael Bogachek, Executive Director of the OAS, on behalf of H.E. Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the OAS, and accepted by Mr. Jon Huntsman Jr., Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard. “For the OAS, it is an honor to present this award together with The Trust for the Americas to an organization whose work inspires what we do across our Member States. This award reminds us of the importance of having partners that not only connect sectors but also implement, turning collaboration into real results for people,” Bogachek said.

During the award reception Mr. Jon Huntsman Jr., said, “Across Latin America and the Caribbean, the scale of opportunity demands collaboration. Through Trust Emprende and Mastercard Strive, we’re proud to work with partners across the public, private, and multilateral sectors to help small businesses build resilience, adopt digital tools, and grow.”

The ceremony also included discussions on new opportunities to expand impact through initiatives such as Trust Emprende, which will work with partners like Mastercard to strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Enrique Segura, CEO of ENSE Group and Founding Chairman of The Trust for the Americas, said “Mastercard’s commitment to digital and financial inclusion across the Americas exemplifies exactly the kind of corporate leadership this award was created to honor. For twenty years, the CCA Award has celebrated companies that put purpose at the center of their business, and Mastercard has proven, through its Mastercard Strive initiative and beyond, that innovation and impact go hand in hand.”

The gathering included Ambassadors to the OAS from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama, and private sector leaders from Citi, BMW, Banco BHD and Mastercard.

The 2025 Corporate Citizen of the Americas Award honors Mastercard’s leadership in advancing economic inclusion and reflects a shared commitment to building opportunity where it is needed most. Together, The Trust for the Americas and Mastercard are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for communities across the Americas.

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Media contact

Jessica Jeng-Mitchell

Jessica.Jeng-Mitchell@mastercard.com

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About The Trust for the Americas:

The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion in the hemisphere by developing key skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As an organization affiliated with the Organization of American States, The Trust forges regional and local partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. Since its founding, it has worked in more than 29 countries across the Americas and has impacted over 6 million people through initiatives that connect training, technology, and real economic opportunities.

About the Organization of American States

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization and the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Western Hemisphere. It brings together the 35 independent states of the Americas, with an additional 70 states and the European Union holding permanent observer status. The OAS works across four core pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development, advancing peace, solidarity, and cooperation among its Member States.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2026 /3BL/ – The Trust for the Americas and the Organization of American States (OAS) presented Mastercard with the 2025 Corporate Citizen of the Americas (CCA) Award during a ceremony and luncheon in the Miranda Room at OAS Headquarters. The CCA Award recognizes companies that have made a real difference in improving the lives of underserved communities and promoting economic growth throughout the Western Hemisphere for over 15 years.

The award is in recognition of Mastercard Strive, a philanthropic program from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and Mastercard’s leadership in digital and financial inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunity across the region. Mastercard Strive helps small businesses thrive in today’s digital economy, giving entrepreneurs practical tools, access to capital, and trusted connection; so they can strengthen their operations, reach more customers, and drive inclusive economic growth in communities throughout the Americas.

The award was presented by Dr. Michael Bogachek, Executive Director of the OAS, on behalf of H.E. Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the OAS, and accepted by Mr. Jon Huntsman Jr., Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard. “For the OAS, it is an honor to present this award together with The Trust for the Americas to an organization whose work inspires what we do across our Member States. This award reminds us of the importance of having partners that not only connect sectors but also implement, turning collaboration into real results for people,” Bogachek said.

During the award reception Mr. Jon Huntsman Jr., said, “Across Latin America and the Caribbean, the scale of opportunity demands collaboration. Through Trust Emprende and Mastercard Strive, we’re proud to work with partners across the public, private, and multilateral sectors to help small businesses build resilience, adopt digital tools, and grow.”

The ceremony also included discussions on new opportunities to expand impact through initiatives such as Trust Emprende, which will work with partners like Mastercard to strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Enrique Segura, CEO of ENSE Group and Founding Chairman of The Trust for the Americas, said “Mastercard’s commitment to digital and financial inclusion across the Americas exemplifies exactly the kind of corporate leadership this award was created to honor. For twenty years, the CCA Award has celebrated companies that put purpose at the center of their business, and Mastercard has proven, through its Mastercard Strive initiative and beyond, that innovation and impact go hand in hand.”

The gathering included Ambassadors to the OAS from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama, and private sector leaders from Citi, BMW, Banco BHD and Mastercard.

The 2025 Corporate Citizen of the Americas Award honors Mastercard’s leadership in advancing economic inclusion and reflects a shared commitment to building opportunity where it is needed most. Together, The Trust for the Americas and Mastercard are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for communities across the Americas.

---

Media contact

Jessica Jeng-Mitchell

Jessica.Jeng-Mitchell@mastercard.com

---

About The Trust for the Americas:

The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion in the hemisphere by developing key skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As an organization affiliated with the Organization of American States, The Trust forges regional and local partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. Since its founding, it has worked in more than 29 countries across the Americas and has impacted over 6 million people through initiatives that connect training, technology, and real economic opportunities.

About the Organization of American States

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization and the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Western Hemisphere. It brings together the 35 independent states of the Americas, with an additional 70 states and the European Union holding permanent observer status. The OAS works across four core pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development, advancing peace, solidarity, and cooperation among its Member States.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.