Author: sHq_LoGiNz
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an effort to aid local communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires, The Cigna Group and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson joined forces on a Bright Futures Carnival that provided Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena kids with a fun-filled day of activities, food and gifts – along with a special visit from the basketball legend himself.
The local Pasadena, Calif. community, as well as other areas, experienced devastating losses due to the fires. In all, 75 families from the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena lost their homes, along with five local schools, including Odyssey Charter School, where Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena had a Clubhouse and afterschool program. The carnival aimed to provide a day of much-needed relief for kids and their families whose lives have been uprooted by the disaster.
“In the aftermath of the fires, many local children remain without access to vital resources and are facing increased mental health challenges such as anxiety, fear and grief,” said David M. Cordani, chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group. “The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena is a pillar of support in this community, and we are honored that our long-term partner, Mr. Johnson, brought some much-needed joy and spread his special gift of positivity and inspiration to the kids and staff.”
“I’m so happy that we were able to provide a much-needed day of fun to local Altadena and Pasadena children, as well as others in surrounding communities. It’s so important for us to come together and support these families whose lives have been changed forever,” Mr. Johnson said. “I was fortunate to spend the day with so many of these special families, provide some encouragement and much-needed items – and most importantly – show that we’re here for them. Thank you to the Pasadena Boys & Girls Club for serving these communities at a time they need it most.”
Volunteers from The Cigna Group joined Mr. Cordani and Mr. Johnson to host the carnival at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Slavik Clubhouse. Highlights of the event included:
- Food Truck Lunch: Kids enjoyed a delicious lunch from local food trucks.
- Outdoor Activities: The carnival kicked off with outdoor games and activities, providing a fun and engaging environment for the children.
- Carnival Stations: Kids rotated through various stations, including pop-a-shot, carnival games, and snack stations.
- Gifts: Each family received Ralph’s gift cards, along with LA Lakers and Dodgers items, and mental health packs from The Cigna Group.
“We are grateful for the support from The Cigna Group and Mr. Johnson,” said Lisa Cavelier, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. “They are showing up for us when our community needs them the most.”
In January, The Cigna Group Foundation donated $150,000 to support local wildfire relief efforts and this week, The Cigna Group donated an additional $25,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. Since 2024, The Cigna Group Foundation has donated $250,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support youth mental health programming.
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 186 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society’s greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues’ support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.
Media Contact
Jocelyn Parker
(313) 510-4173
Jocelyn.Parker@CignaHealthcare.com
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SOURCE The Cigna Group
Merck for Mothers’ grant of half a million dollars will help expand the reach of Baby2Baby’s initiative to combat the maternal health crisis across the country
LOS ANGELES, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Baby2Baby, the national nonprofit that has distributed over half a billion essential items to children in need across the U.S. over the last 14 years, announced the expansion of its initiative to combat the maternal health crisis. This year with a $500,000 grant from Merck for Mothers, Baby2Baby will deliver an additional 3,000 Maternal Health & Newborn Supply Kits to mothers and their babies across the country, immediately after giving birth.
U.S. maternal mortality rates have more than doubled in the last 20 years, with mental health cited as the leading cause of maternal mortality – disproportionately impacting Black mothers. The goal of the program is to address the mental health struggles of new mothers who cannot afford essential items for their babies. Baby2Baby’s Maternal Health & Newborn Supply Kits contain items that are vital for the health and wellbeing of both mother and newborn including diapers, hygiene products, breastfeeding supplies, postpartum care and educational resources.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from Merck for Mothers which will allow Baby2Baby to distribute thousands of Maternal Health & Newborn Supply Kits to new moms and their babies immediately after birth,” said Baby2Baby Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof. “When we provide these critical items to mothers, it helps alleviate the stress of struggling to meet their baby’s most basic needs during an already vulnerable time.”
“Through Merck for Mothers, we are committed to helping improve maternal health outcomes in the U.S. and around the world,” said Cristal Downing, chief communications & public affairs officer, Merck. “We are driven by our purpose to save and improve lives and are proud to support Baby2Baby’s efforts to help more mothers in need access essential resources to keep themselves and their babies healthy in the earliest days of life.”
In 2023, Baby2Baby was selected to pilot a program alongside the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to combat the maternal health crisis. After a successful pilot in three states with the highest maternal mortality and child poverty rates – Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico – the program is now expanding to fifteen states including California, New York, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia – in addition to the three pilot states. The expanded program is expected to reach 18,000 mothers in 2025 alone.
About Baby2Baby:
Baby2Baby is a non-profit organization that provides children in need with diapers, formula, clothing, and the basic necessities that every child deserves, serving more than one million children across all 50 states. Led by Co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, the organization has distributed over 500 million items over the past 14 years to children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals and school districts as well as children who have lost everything in the wake of disaster. The organization’s success has been propelled forward by its industry-leading model that is redefining what it means to operate a non-profit with a seamless integration of impact, innovation, and influence, which earned them recognition as the #1 non-profit on Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies List and praise from TIME Magazine as one of 2023’s most influential companies. To learn more about Baby2Baby please visit www.baby2baby.org.
About Merck for Mothers:
Merck for Mothers is Merck’s $650 million global initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life. Applying Merck’s business and scientific resources, the initiative collaborates with partners to improve the health and well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. For more information, visit www.merckformothers.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
baby2baby@ssmandl.com
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SOURCE Baby2Baby
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Narinder Mittal, President India, who oversees the company’s commercial, manufacturing, sourcing, and R&D operations in the country. With a focus on sustainability, we discuss CNH India’s strategic vision, upcoming initiatives, and innovative solutions for Crop Residue Management (CRM) – a critical factor in reducing environmental impact and improving soil health. We also explore how the agricultural sector can contribute to India’s ambitious ethanol blending goals, aligning with the government’s push for cleaner energy alternatives.
- Your position as President India, CNH, gives you responsibility for commercial outcomes for the Agriculture segment in India. How important is sustainability in your strategic plans?
At CNH India, sustainability is a core principle for us from manufacturing, sourcing to our entire business operations. We are also committed to promote environmental sustainability in the region by implementing advanced crop residue management technologies, promoting bioenergy production, and tackling stubble burning. We focus on baling crop residue for use in biofuels and power generation, in alignment with government initiatives, further supporting cleaner energy solutions and a circular economy. CNH enhances these efforts by actively engaging with farmers, encouraging sustainable practices, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure a balance between environmental responsibility and economic benefits.
- What CNH India initiatives are expected in 2025 for sustainability improvements?
At CNH India, we expect to expand our sustainability initiatives with a stronger focus on crop residue management that promotes renewable energy. Building on successful models like Kallar Majri in Punjab, we will likely scale up efforts to collect and bale crop residue across more states, helping to reduce burning and improve air quality. We will continue promoting this sustainable environment solution that entails converting crop residue into bales that are used to produce biogas, biofuels, and renewable energy, while supporting government initiatives like SATAT to establish bioenergy plants.
We are also looking forward to intensifying our “Sustainable Environment Solution” (SES) initiative, offering training to farmers on sustainable residue management methods and highlighting the economic benefits of selling residue for power generation. Collaborations with governments, NGOs, and agricultural organizations will be crucial in raising awareness and scaling these practices.
Furthermore, we will focus on advancing sustainability innovations, such as biochar production and precision agriculture technologies, to enhance soil health and optimize residue management. We will continue advocating for stronger crop residue management policies and work with governments to implement subsidies and incentives for sustainable practices. Through these initiatives, we aim to make significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to a circular economy in the agricultural sector.
- What is Crop Residue Management (CRM) and how can it be leveraged to increase sustainability in the Agriculture sector?
Crop Residue Management (CRM) involves the proper handling and utilization of leftover crop residues, such as straw, stalks, and leaves, after harvest. Rather than being burned, which contributes to air pollution and loss of valuable organic matter, CRM offers sustainable alternatives like incorporating residues into the soil to improve its health, converting them into bioenergy, or using them for animal feed or compost. By reducing stubble burning, CRM helps prevent air pollution, while enhancing soil fertility by adding organic matter, improving water retention, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Additionally, crop residues can be used as feedstock for bioenergy production, such as biogas and biofuels, contributing to cleaner energy solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. CRM also offers economic benefits for farmers by providing an additional revenue stream through the sale of crop residues to industries that convert them into bio-based products or energy. This fosters a circular economy, turning agricultural waste into valuable resources and promoting sustainability across the agricultural sector. Through widespread adoption, CRM can significantly enhance sustainability, improve farm profitability, and help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
- Which CNH products could fulfil the need for more functional CRM processes?
CNH offers a comprehensive portfolio of products that support more functional and sustainable Crop Residue Management (CRM) processes, helping farmers reduce waste, improve soil health, and promote eco-friendly practices.
New Holland tractors provide the essential power and versatility to operate a variety of CRM equipment, including balers, rakes, mulchers, and choppers, enabling efficient collection and handling of crop residues. New Holland combine harvesters are designed for efficient multi-crop harvesting with minimal residue loss, ensuring that more biomass is available for reuse rather than being burned.
To manage residues post-harvest, CNH offers an extensive range of balers – large, small, square, and round – that compress crop residues into manageable bales. These bales can be used for bioenergy production, animal feed, or mulching, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic value for farmers.
Additionally, equipment such as the New Holland Forage Harvester and Crop Chopper efficiently chop residues into smaller pieces for soil incorporation or feed, promoting residue recycling. Tools like Disc Mowers and Rakes further support the cutting and gathering of residues for easy collection.
For sugarcane farmers, the Case IH Sugarcane Harvester offers an effective CRM solution by enabling residue collection and minimizing environmental impact. These machines are pioneers in achieving sustainability with best-in-class fuel efficiency and one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry.
A critical aspect of CRM in India is fodder harvesting. Despite India being the largest dairy market globally, low mechanization in fodder cultivation limits animal yield. CNH addresses this with the widest range of fodder harvesting solutions, providing an end-to-end mechanized approach for maize, fodder, and sugarcane, thereby supporting both the dairy industry and sustainable agriculture.
Our professional-grade multi-crop combine harvester – the first of its kind in India – supports diverse crop harvesting, making mechanical harvesting more viable and sustainable for farmers. Through this integrated product offering, CNH empowers farmers to adopt efficient, sustainable CRM practices while enhancing productivity and reducing environmental impact.
- According to the Press Information Bureau, Government of India,
‘An indicative target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol was initially set for 2030 under the EBP Programme. However, in 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) advanced this target to 2025, reflecting the government’s commitment to accelerating ethanol usage.’ (Press Note Details: Press Information Bureau)
How can industries aid the efforts to reach sustainability goals in India?
One of the primary ways industries can contribute towards sustainable fuel use is by investing in infrastructure and technologies for ethanol production. This includes enhancing the capacity for converting crop residues and other biomass into ethanol. Industries can also support sustainable agriculture by providing advanced machinery such as balers, combine harvesters and fuel-efficient tractors to help farmers efficiently manage crop residues, which can then be used as feedstock for ethanol production. This helps reduce stubble burning, contributing to cleaner air and improved soil health, while also ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for ethanol production.
In addition to technological advancements, industries can play a key role in strengthening the ethanol supply chain. By collaborating with farmers, cooperatives, and bioenergy plants, industries can facilitate the collection, transportation, and processing of biomass for ethanol production. Furthermore, investing in research and innovation to improve the efficiency of ethanol production processes and exploring alternative feedstocks will drive cost reductions and improve scalability.
We recently collaborated with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to test oxygenated diesel (ED5 – 5% ethanol in diesel) in tractors. Currently in the testing phase, this innovative initiative addresses critical environmental challenges by reducing emissions while simultaneously enhancing energy security. By blending ethanol, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, with diesel, the project not only supports India’s agricultural sector but also reduces reliance on imported oil.
Industries can also help increase awareness and provide training to farmers on sustainable residue management practices, ensuring the long-term viability of the biofuel supply. By aligning with government initiatives such as the SATAT scheme and working in partnership with stakeholders, industries can help India meet its ethanol blending target and contribute to national sustainability goals.