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

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

MIAMI BEACH, FL, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE: GFL) (TSX: GFL) (“GFL” or the “Company”) today announced that it will release its 2026 first quarter financial results after the market closes on Wednesday April 29, 2026 and will host an investor conference call related to this release on Thursday April 30, 2026 at 8:30 am Eastern Time.

A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed by logging onto the Company’s Investors page at investors.gflenv.com or by clicking here or listeners may access the call toll-free by dialing 1-833-950-0062 in Canada or 1-833-470-1428 in the United States (access code: 627968) approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

The Company encourages participants who will be dialing in to pre-register for the conference call using the following link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login/LE9zwo3jkZr3ni9X4o4KwiGrPb70n6aKQZm. Callers who pre-register will be given a conference access code and PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator on the day of the call.

About GFL

GFL is the fourth largest diversified environmental services company in North America, providing comprehensive solid waste management services from its platform of facilities throughout Canada and 18 U.S. states. GFL has a workforce of more than 15,000 employees across its organization.

For more information:
Patrick Dovigi
+1 905-326-0101
pdovigi@gflenv.com 

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SOURCE GFL Environmental Inc.

While tech giants push AI literacy, some of the country’s lowest-performing states are already using AI to solve the literacy crisis — and seeing real results

SAN FRANCISCO, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On National AI Literacy Day, Amira Learning (Amira), the learning agent combining the Science of Reading and AI to deliver proven student reading growth, is calling on leaders across technology and education to reconsider the rush to AI literacy and focus first on the literacy crisis already in front of them. With less than a third of U.S. 4th graders reading at grade level, the push to teach students how to use AI risks widening the very gaps it promises to close.

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI are urging schools to teach AI literacy but for millions of kids who still can’t read at grade level, AI literacy is a luxury. The tech industry has repeatedly pushed society to adapt — from learning to use computers and navigate the internet to mastering social media, mobile devices, and virtual reality. This time, the rush risks missing a more fundamental challenge: students need reading literacy before AI literacy can matter.

“AI literacy is a great idea — for students who can already read. For the millions who can’t, it’s just another way the gap widens,” said Amy Scholz, COO of Amira Learning. “The question we should be asking isn’t how do we teach kids about AI — it’s how do we use AI to make sure every student, regardless of background, gets the foundation they need to be strong, confident readers.”

Some of the country’s lowest-performing states in reading scores aren’t waiting. Louisiana and Oklahoma have deployed Amira statewide, and districts across all 50 states are using the award-winning learning agent to help more students reach reading proficiency. Rather than widening gaps by concentrating AI tools in already well-resourced schools, Amira’s proven approach uses AI to extend the reach of trained educators and deliver 1:1 reading practice with microinterventions and real-time feedback at scale. Students reading with Amira for just 30 minutes per week gain an average of nine extra weeks of growth during a standard 36-week school year — progress that independent studies show time and again.

“The most powerful thing AI can do right now is solve the foundational literacy crisis, not add another skill on top of it,” said Scholz.

Amira is calling on superintendents, chief academic officers, and state education leaders to make a critical distinction: not all AI is created equal. The real opportunity isn’t teaching students about AI — it’s deploying agentic AI that is purpose-built, scientifically grounded, data privacy and designed to extend the reach of educators to every student in every classroom nationwide.

About Amira Learning
As the leader in agentic learning, Amira Learning champions every student to becoming a proficient reader. It makes this promise a reality with Amira, the first Learning Agent for Reading Growth,.TM Developed from 30 years of neuroscience research out of Carnegie Mellon University, and expertise in the Science of Reading and AI, Amira is every district’s catalyst, creating coherence across assessment instruction and tutoring, and executing the district’s unique literacy vision from strategy to high-fidelity implementation in every classroom. Independent studies show time and again that Amira is proven to work; students reading with Amira at dosage experience measurable gains. Amira serves 5 million K-8 students worldwide and growing every day. Visit www.amiralearning.com to learn more.

Media Contact
Felice Cat-Tuong Luu
amira@thekeypr.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nation-marks-ai-literacy-day-amira-learning-calls-for-focus-on-the-reading-crisis-first-302726815.html

SOURCE Amira Learning

GRAZ, Austria, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 18, 2026, GAC has reached a major milestone in its European expansion with the Start of Production and roll-off of its AION UT at Magna’s facility in Austria.

AION UT represents a central element of GAC’s localization strategy in Europe, bringing together European design from Milan, assembly in Austria, and the company’s global electric vehicle technology.

Designed by GAC’s European design team in Milan, AION UT is specifically tailored to European customer expectations in design, usability, driving experience, and intelligent electric mobility. With SOP and roll-off in Austria, AION UT connects local market understanding with a scalable industrial setup in Europe.

Collaboration with Magna

The localized and customized collaboration with Magna allows GAC to leverage established automotive manufacturing expertise and proven operational standards. This enables GAC to ensure high levels of quality, efficiency, and process reliability, and improve supply chain responsiveness and alignment with European market requirements.

As part of GAC’s broader international strategy, AION UT serves as a strategic entry model for Europe, underlining the company’s focus on intelligent electric mobility and long-term market development. AION UT is GAC’s second model in the AION lineup, following the electric SUV AION V, which launched in Europe in 2025.

AION UT

AION UT is an electric hatchback with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, offering interior space comparable to a mid-size sedan. With a range of up to 430 km (WLTP) and fast charging from 30–80% in just 24 minutes (DC charging), AION UT is designed for confident everyday use across Europe.

About GAC

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Guangzhou, GAC Group has been listed in the Fortune Global 500 for 13 consecutive years. With comprehensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and brands including GAC, AION and HYPTEC, GAC Group is dedicated to intelligent, high-quality, and sustainable mobility.

For further information, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en-eu/ 

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SOURCE GAC

SAN DIEGO, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Taipei Cycle Show officially kicked off this March, serving as a premier global hub for cycling. Taiwan is signaling a bold new era for the industry. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC) unveiled a suite of R&D achievements, showcasing smart cycling and highlighting Taiwan’s progress.

This year, with the Department of Industrial Technology (DOIT), MOEA, highlighted Taiwan’s strategic integration of its bicycle manufacturing with advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT). A key feature of the CHC showcase is the Cycling Common Protocol Alliance (CCPA), which is working on a common communication protocol. They aim to enhance system interoperability and strengthen collaboration across the bicycle and ICT industries. 

CHC introduces the E-bike Common Protocol Domestic Chip Prototype. It has integrated Taiwan-made chips with the CCPA (CAN Bus) protocol, enabling seamless system integration across E-bike components, including the Cycle computer (HMI), Motor Controller, Power Conversion, and Battery Management System (BMS), charger, and wireless shifters.

Beyond connectivity, the MOEA and CHC are promoting rider safety and comfort through artificial intelligence. The new AI E-Bike introduces two key features: Vision Sensing and Dynamic Damping. Leveraging AI-driven detection, the bike can identify its surroundings in real time to detect potential dangers, while coordinated intelligent assistance is achieved through the CCPA common protocol.

In addition to technological intelligence, decarbonization is a global and industrial priority. The Taiwan cycling industry has established the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS), prioritizing sustainable manufacturing and low-carbon materials to meet the rigorous demands of the international market. CHC not only plays a role as secretariat at BAS, but is also supported by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) of the MOEA, aiming to drive the industry’s green transition. This initiative focuses on enhancing human rights, providing structured educational approaches, and hosting the ESG Global Initiative Forum to align with international sustainability standards.

To drive global transformation, Taiwan’s MOEA and CHC are advancing a smarter and greener cycling industry through the CCPA and Net Zero Carbon Emission Promotion Program. This comprehensive roadmap includes innovation and carbon footprint assessment. By emphasizing process efficiency, design optimization, material reduction, and greenhouse gas inventory, Taiwan is steadily moving toward a sustainable future, ensuring that it maintains its global role in both high-tech innovation and environmental stewardship.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-taipei-cycle-show-moea-and-chc-spearhead-dual-transition-toward-smart-connectivity-and-net-zero-sustainability-302726897.html

SOURCE Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center

SAN DIEGO, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Taipei Cycle Show officially kicked off this March, serving as a premier global hub for cycling. Taiwan is signaling a bold new era for the industry. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC) unveiled a suite of R&D achievements, showcasing smart cycling and highlighting Taiwan’s progress.

This year, with the Department of Industrial Technology (DOIT), MOEA, highlighted Taiwan’s strategic integration of its bicycle manufacturing with advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT). A key feature of the CHC showcase is the Cycling Common Protocol Alliance (CCPA), which is working on a common communication protocol. They aim to enhance system interoperability and strengthen collaboration across the bicycle and ICT industries. 

CHC introduces the E-bike Common Protocol Domestic Chip Prototype. It has integrated Taiwan-made chips with the CCPA (CAN Bus) protocol, enabling seamless system integration across E-bike components, including the Cycle computer (HMI), Motor Controller, Power Conversion, and Battery Management System (BMS), charger, and wireless shifters.

Beyond connectivity, the MOEA and CHC are promoting rider safety and comfort through artificial intelligence. The new AI E-Bike introduces two key features: Vision Sensing and Dynamic Damping. Leveraging AI-driven detection, the bike can identify its surroundings in real time to detect potential dangers, while coordinated intelligent assistance is achieved through the CCPA common protocol.

In addition to technological intelligence, decarbonization is a global and industrial priority. The Taiwan cycling industry has established the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS), prioritizing sustainable manufacturing and low-carbon materials to meet the rigorous demands of the international market. CHC not only plays a role as secretariat at BAS, but is also supported by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) of the MOEA, aiming to drive the industry’s green transition. This initiative focuses on enhancing human rights, providing structured educational approaches, and hosting the ESG Global Initiative Forum to align with international sustainability standards.

To drive global transformation, Taiwan’s MOEA and CHC are advancing a smarter and greener cycling industry through the CCPA and Net Zero Carbon Emission Promotion Program. This comprehensive roadmap includes innovation and carbon footprint assessment. By emphasizing process efficiency, design optimization, material reduction, and greenhouse gas inventory, Taiwan is steadily moving toward a sustainable future, ensuring that it maintains its global role in both high-tech innovation and environmental stewardship.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-taipei-cycle-show-moea-and-chc-spearhead-dual-transition-toward-smart-connectivity-and-net-zero-sustainability-302726897.html

SOURCE Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center

SAN DIEGO, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Taipei Cycle Show officially kicked off this March, serving as a premier global hub for cycling. Taiwan is signaling a bold new era for the industry. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC) unveiled a suite of R&D achievements, showcasing smart cycling and highlighting Taiwan’s progress.

This year, with the Department of Industrial Technology (DOIT), MOEA, highlighted Taiwan’s strategic integration of its bicycle manufacturing with advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT). A key feature of the CHC showcase is the Cycling Common Protocol Alliance (CCPA), which is working on a common communication protocol. They aim to enhance system interoperability and strengthen collaboration across the bicycle and ICT industries. 

CHC introduces the E-bike Common Protocol Domestic Chip Prototype. It has integrated Taiwan-made chips with the CCPA (CAN Bus) protocol, enabling seamless system integration across E-bike components, including the Cycle computer (HMI), Motor Controller, Power Conversion, and Battery Management System (BMS), charger, and wireless shifters.

Beyond connectivity, the MOEA and CHC are promoting rider safety and comfort through artificial intelligence. The new AI E-Bike introduces two key features: Vision Sensing and Dynamic Damping. Leveraging AI-driven detection, the bike can identify its surroundings in real time to detect potential dangers, while coordinated intelligent assistance is achieved through the CCPA common protocol.

In addition to technological intelligence, decarbonization is a global and industrial priority. The Taiwan cycling industry has established the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS), prioritizing sustainable manufacturing and low-carbon materials to meet the rigorous demands of the international market. CHC not only plays a role as secretariat at BAS, but is also supported by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) of the MOEA, aiming to drive the industry’s green transition. This initiative focuses on enhancing human rights, providing structured educational approaches, and hosting the ESG Global Initiative Forum to align with international sustainability standards.

To drive global transformation, Taiwan’s MOEA and CHC are advancing a smarter and greener cycling industry through the CCPA and Net Zero Carbon Emission Promotion Program. This comprehensive roadmap includes innovation and carbon footprint assessment. By emphasizing process efficiency, design optimization, material reduction, and greenhouse gas inventory, Taiwan is steadily moving toward a sustainable future, ensuring that it maintains its global role in both high-tech innovation and environmental stewardship.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-taipei-cycle-show-moea-and-chc-spearhead-dual-transition-toward-smart-connectivity-and-net-zero-sustainability-302726897.html

SOURCE Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center