Author: sHq_LoGiNz

NEW RESEARCH FROM END WELL REVEALS TELEVISION SPARKS END-OF-LIFE CONVERSATIONS: VIEWERS SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LIKELY TO DISCUSS MORTALITY AFTER WATCHING AUTHENTIC STORYLINES

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90% of Americans say end-of-life conversations are important, yet only 27% have had them – television storytelling emerges as a breakthrough solution to bridge the gap.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Television storylines featuring authentic end-of-life experiences significantly increase viewers’ willingness to initiate conversations about mortality, according to new research released today from End Well. The comprehensive study, conducted in partnership with USC’s Norman Lear Center Media Impact Project, reveals that viewers exposed to realistic portrayals of death and dying were dramatically more likely to take concrete actions – from drafting advance directives to discussing care preferences with loved ones.


End Well

Television storylines featuring authentic end-of-life experiences increase conversations about mortality.

“We knew that while 90% of Americans say talking about end-of-life care is important, only 27% have actually had these conversations,” said Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder and board president of End Well. “Research also shows that ongoing dialogue – not just documentation – leads to care that truly reflects someone’s values. Our new research demonstrates that thoughtfully crafted television content can make a huge difference in people’s willingness to talk about their wishes and begin planning for the end of life.”

Key Research Findings: Viewers who watched end-of-life storylines from A Million Little Things and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning were significantly more likely to:

  • Initiate conversations about end-of-life topics.
  • Seek additional information about care options and advance planning.
  • Share locations of important legal and financial documents.
  • Draft or update advance directives and legal documents.
  • Help aging parents with decluttering and legacy planning.
  • Discuss specific care preferences and medical decisions.

“When people see death and dying portrayed with honesty, humor, and compassion, it gives them permission to begin the conversations that matter most,” said Tracy Wheeler, executive director of End Well. “Television isn’t just entertainment – it’s a rehearsal space for real life.”

The research identified three key elements that make end-of-life storytelling effective:

  • Real Life Reflected: Authentic portrayals showing supportive communities helped viewers envision how to offer or receive care with compassion and dignity.
  • Humor Included: Strategic use of humor made difficult topics more accessible and relatable.
  • Grounded in Expertise: Collaboration with medical and psychological professionals ensured both accuracy and authentic emotional responses during life’s most vulnerable moments.

“Before grief leveled my world, I was funny. Laughing is my favorite,” said J.J. Duncan, producer of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. “If we could bring levity to this dark topic that was so very taboo in people’s minds, then we could help others with handrails as they walked their own paths of grief.”

As the legal and ethical landscape around end-of-life care continues to evolve, the findings suggest that entertainment industry partnerships could significantly advance public health goals around advance care planning and mortality literacy.

About the Research

The study examined viewer responses to end-of-life storylines from two popular shows: A Million Little Things‘ series finale featuring Gary’s terminal diagnosis and desire to die with dignity, and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning‘s episode about Shana preparing for death after a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Participants were randomly assigned to view either the end-of-life storylines or control clips from the same shows without mortality themes.

“Storytelling has the power to transform how we die,” said Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder and board president of End Well. “Through honest, nuanced portrayals of end-of-life experiences, popular culture can help build the emotional and practical literacy we need to care for ourselves and each other in our final chapters.”

The full report, “Changing the Channel on Death: How Television Can Lead the End-of-Life Revolution,” authored by Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, Tracy Wheeler, and End Well, is available at https://endwellproject.org/research/.

About End Well

End Well is a nonprofit on a mission to transform how people think about, talk about, and plan for the end of life. Founded by Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, End Well believes everyone deserves an experience aligned with their values—and that a meaningful ending is the ultimate measure of a well-lived life. Learn more at https://endwellproject.org/.

The research was made possible through funding from The David and Lura Lovell Foundation, the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the Y.C. Ho/Helen and Michael Chiang Foundation, and the George Family Foundation.

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SOURCE End Well

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Verizon and ForgiveCo Announce Additional $5 Million in Debt Relief for North Carolinians Recovering From Hurricane Helene

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Verizon

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., October 7, 2025 /3BL/ – One year after Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Verizon announced it is erasing an additional $5 million in consumer debt for thousands of North Carolinians still rebuilding their lives. This second round of relief, which Verizon is implementing through a partnership with ForgiveCo, brings the company’s total debt relief for the region to $15 million.

To bring widespread attention to the ongoing recovery needs of the community, Verizon partnered with the University of North Carolina and Hall of Fame Coach Roy Williams to make the announcement during the UNC-Clemson Football game at Kenan Stadium Saturday.

This announcement follows Verizon’s initial commitment in January 2025, where the company cleared $10 million in debt for 6,500 families across Western North Carolina. This new effort underscores Verizon’s sustained promise to stand with the community, providing critical financial relief long after the initial storm response.

“When we first announced our support in January, we made a promise that we would continue to stand with Western North Carolina through its recovery. We are still here, and we are fulfilling that promise,” said Verizon Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. “The path to rebuilding is a marathon, not a sprint. We hope that by lifting this financial burden, we can provide families with the breathing room they need to move forward and continue building a resilient future.”

“Recovery in western North Carolina is a team sport, and I am grateful to Verizon and Coach Williams for their continued commitment,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This relief will help more western North Carolinians get back on their feet after Helene.”

For Coach Williams, a Western North Carolina native who personally called families to announce the initial debt relief, this second wave of support represents a true commitment to his neighbors and friends.

“A year ago, I saw firsthand how Hurricane Helene devastated such a large portion of our state. People lost everything, and the path to recovery felt impossible. Verizon’s initial help was a blessing, but this second round of support demonstrates a level of commitment that is equally commendable. It gives people a new sense of hope and the chance to rebuild their lives and communities,” Williams said. “I’m proud to be a part of this effort, and I want to thank Verizon for showing what it truly means to stand by neighbors in their time of need.”

The debt relief will be implemented by ForgiveCo, which purchases and abolishes applicable debt for those in need. The process is automatic, with recipients selected at random and notified that their debt has been cleared – no strings attached, and no action required

“Verizon’s unwavering commitment to Western North Carolina has been remarkable. By extending their support to $15 million in debt relief, they are proving that true recovery means standing with families long after the storm has passed,” said Craig Antico, CEO of ForgiveCo. “ForgiveCo is honored to help deliver this impact, and we are proud to stand with Verizon for the people of North Carolina.”

Verizon’s commitment to the state extends beyond disaster recovery and includes an ongoing strategic partnership with the University of North Carolina, focused on fostering innovation for students and the community.

About ForgiveCo:

ForgiveCo provides business advisory services to corporations for acquisition, administration, and cancellation of consumer debt, alongside advisory services in branding, goodwill creation, and bulk debt management – “Transforming debt into goodwill™.”; They amplify a brand’s equity by erasing billions of dollars of debt for millions of people, activating community and hope in individuals. To learn more, please visit: forgiveco.com

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Chianti Classico Reinforces Commitment to Environmental Sustainability, Social Well-being, and Cultural Heritage

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Chianti Classico’s new sustainability protocol sets 58 standards. A recent survey
reveals how wineries are meeting them.

FLORENCE, Italy, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In Chianti Classico, sustainability has long been a central focus. A recent survey reinforced this commitment, with 48% of member companies, representing the entire production chain from vineyard to bottle and covering 53% of the region’s production area, reporting active engagement on the topic. The data highlights that sustainability in Chianti Classico is not a passing trend, but a long-standing priority.


Chianti Classico

The denomination currently focuses on three important elements of sustainability: environmental, social, and cultural, reflecting the three cornerstones of the new Chianti Classico Protocol for sustainability, which was presented on May 14th during the Consorzio’s centenary celebrations.

As with producing quality wine, everything begins in the vineyard. Today, two-thirds of Chianti Classico wineries already practice grassing between rows, a key measure to combat soil erosion and soil depletion. Three out of four estates are actively working to preserve the vineyard’s natural ecosystem by reducing the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers, instead favoring natural compost or by-products from the winemaking process. In roughly one out of every three estates, covering 27% of the hectares surveyed, melliferous plants have been introduced to support pollinators. These pollinators are a delicate but vital link in ecological balance: they enable plant reproduction and serve as important biological indicators for environmental health. This commitment extends to organic farming as well, with 61% of estates already certified organic and another 9% currently in conversion.

Even during the production phase, environmental awareness can be influential. Almost half of the estates use alternative energy sources (45%), are committed to reducing bottle weights (65%), and are reusing materials such as glass and paper (54%).

Wine carries cultural significance, tradition, and history, linking it to its place of origin. As a point of union between nature and human intervention, the landscape is an essential part of the cultural element. The recovery and maintenance of ancient traditions such as dry-stone walls, terracing, and strade bianche (white roads) all represent an active and consistent commitment to protecting the land outside the confines of the vineyard. This is perceived as imperative, evidenced by the fact that 60% of member companies strongly agreed that sustainable wine is closely connected to the protection of biodiversity and the landscape. 

This ties in with the concept of cultural sustainability, the innovative thread running through the Chianti Classico protocol. Chianti Classico’s landscape is a mosaic of wild nature alternating with human intervention. Woodland prevails, covering two-thirds of the region, interspersed by vine and olive cultivation, as well as arable land. Additionally, the imprint of human presence, through buildings, gardens, and roads, reveals 600 years of rural Tuscan life. Maintenance and restoration of all this is carried out by almost all the estates.

Workers’ welfare is a central part of sustainability in Chianti Classico, from promoting gender equality (39% of employees are women) and supporting a local workforce (92% live in the area, 73% in nearby towns) to creating pathways for social inclusion (37%). Additionally, the Consorzio recognizes that regions thrive when communities are socially connected and engaged, so their guidelines look at where people live to support growth in key local industries.

“Sustainability is a new lens through which we can look at our region – declares Carlotta Gori, the director of the Consorzio – Care and attention for the region is already at a high level, but like everyone, we can always do better. I believe that looking at our region with new eyes should be an area of focus for our protocol. Cultural sustainability has set us apart for centuries and is more relevant now than ever. We want to make it more evident to the consumer too, by using a dedicated symbol on the wine labels by certified producers.”

About the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico:

The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico exists to protect, oversee, and valorize the Chianti Classico denomination. Since the Consortium’s founding in 1924, the organization has changed its name and the design of its logo, the Black Rooster, which since 2005 has been the trademark of the whole denomination. As one of the premier institutional organizations in the European Union in the grape-growing and winemaking sector, the consortium represents 96 percent of the DOCG production. The entire production chain is supervised by a public tracking system, which enables consumers all over the world to check the bottle they’ve purchased via the Consortium’s website. The Consortium also conducts research and development in the agronomic and enological fields, in collaboration with prestigious educational and research institutes. For more information, please visit www.chianticlassico.com.

Please note: The Consorzio counts on the professionalism of the press receiving this release and trusts that the term “Chianti Classico” will be neither changed nor abbreviated. Use of the term “Chianti” instead of “Chianti Classico” constitutes a major change in the information communicated here. The two terms represent two completely separate DOCGs with different terrains, histories and organisations. When an alternative to the term “Chianti Classico” is needed, we suggest using “Gallo Nero”, our logo which is synonymous with the DOCG “Chianti Classico”. Thank you for your understanding.

Media Contact

Shelby Sonkin

ssonkin@colangelopr.com

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SOURCE Chianti Classico

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ArtSpace Charter School Selects Discovery Education to Support Math Achievement

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 7, 2025 /3BL/ – North Carolina’s ArtSpace Charter School today announced the selection of DreamBox Math by Discovery Education to support math instruction in grades K-8. This new digital resource will be used by teachers in the school to enhance instruction and accelerate student achievement in math. Discovery Education is the maker of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world.

Located in Swannanoa, North Carolina, ArtSpace Charter School offers a complete education through an integrated curriculum centered around the visual and performing arts and utilizing an experiential approach. The gifted faculty at ArtSpace Charter School believes in a family-centered, cooperative approach to education that encourages family involvement and community service to nurture responsible citizenship.

Following the closure of their school due to Hurricane Helene, ArtSpace sought a digital math solution that would not only support the recovery of lost learning but also accelerate achievement through student-centered learning experiences. Following a comprehensive review of potential solutions, the ArtSpace Charter School team selected DreamBox Math by Discovery Education for classroom use.

DreamBox Math is a K-8 online math program that supplements core instruction in the classroom or at home and is independently proven by several third-party research organizations to increase math achievement. DreamBox Math by Discovery Education adapts dynamically to the learner, providing tailored instruction within a highly engaging, gamified learning environment. DreamBox Math lessons are available in both English and Spanish and are standards-aligned.

Along with actionable reporting and tools that empower differentiation for all learners, DreamBox Math offers teachers content-specific professional learning and provides administrators critical insights into student progress. With DreamBox Math, every student is empowered to independently engage in interactive problem solving so they can develop conceptual understanding, apply a variety of strategies, and gain competence and confidence in mathematical reasoning and skills.

“Our students lost 24 days of learning as they grappled with the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” said Dr. Sarena Fuller, Executive Director of the ArtSpace Charter School. “To support the recovery of their lost learning and to improve their overall learning trajectory in math, we wanted to select an adaptive math solution that would support the success of our students, and we are excited to integrate DreamBox Math into our classroom instruction.”

In addition, all educators using Discovery Education’s digital resources have access to the Discovery Educator Network or DEN. A global community of education professionals, the DEN connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.  Recently, the DEN celebrated 20 years of connecting educators to their most valuable resource: each other. Educators interested in learning more this powerful professional learning community and joining the DEN can visit the DEN homepage here

“Discovery Education is proud to support the ArtSpace Charter Schools’s efforts to improve teaching and learning in math, said Kimberly McCullough, Discovery Education Account Executive. “The integration of DreamBox Math into their curriculum will yield academic benefits for their students, and we are excited to support their work.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

###

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions help educators engage all students and support higher academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact 
Stephen Wakefield 
Discovery Education 
Phone: 202-316-6615 
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

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Rethinking Remediation for a Sustainable Future

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Sustainable remediation goes beyond cleaning contaminated sites—it’s about supporting climate resilience, circular economy principles, and healthier communities. In this episode, we explore why traditional remediation methods are no longer enough, the opportunities of nature-based and in situ approaches, and the global collaboration driving innovation in this field. We hear from host Phil Dillard, joined by co-host Beatrice Bizzaro, Water Stewardship Technology Lead at HPC Italy and the Inogen Alliance Global Water Working Group Leader. Together, they speak with: Jason Lagowski, Senior Consultant at Antea Group USA and Gabriele Cerutti, Technology Leader Geologist at HPC Italy.

Listen now

Rethinking EHS: Global Goals. Local Delivery.

The key to a sustainable future lies in our ability to coordinate global efforts built on the foundation of local expertise. So how can those of us passionate about protecting planet and people harness this knowledge and turn it into practical solutions on a worldwide scale?

On this podcast, we’ll traverse the globe to unearth the stories of EHS and sustainability communities making an impact on the ground. We’ll share compelling stories from biodiversity and energy transition to workplace safety and more; expert insights, on topics such as PFAS and CSRD, and diverse perspectives to highlight tangible solutions and share innovative strategies to drive change.

Whether you’re an EHS practitioner, a sustainability specialist, or a leader striving to improve your organization, join us, as we explore the path forward and Rethink EHS.

Brought to you by Inogen Alliance.

Listen to Season Two Now

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Freddy’s Guests and Franchisees Raise More Than $779,000 Nationwide

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  • $351,000 of funds raised will help provide classroom supplies in underserved communities
  • Folds of Honor to receive donation of $381,000 through Freddy’s initiatives
  • Guests and franchisees collected $46,000 to support rebuilding in Texas following devastating floods

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Guest donations across participating Freddy’s locations have helped generate more than $779,000 in support of nonprofit partners focused on education, military families, and disaster relief.


Photo Courtesy of Convoy of Hope

The contributions were raised through a series of seasonal round-up campaigns, with every cent donated to organizations making an immediate impact across the country, including Kids In Need Foundation, Folds of Honor, and Convoy of Hope. In addition to guest generosity, Freddy’s team members and franchise owners played a pivotal role in driving engagement, with some even matching donations to maximize impact.

“These campaigns speak to the power of small acts coming together to create meaningful change,” said Chris Dull, CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. “We’re proud to support organizations doing such critical work, and we’re especially grateful to those who helped make this impact possible.”

Back-to-School Boost: $351,000 Raised for Kids In Need Foundation
From August 1–31, Freddy’s partnered with Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) to support students in underserved schools across the country. The campaign raised $351,022, helping provide essential classroom supplies and resources to ensure students and teachers are set up for success.

The campaign also coincided with KINF’s 30th year of service, honoring its national mission to promote educational equity.

Honoring Heroes: $381,000 Raised for Folds of Honor
In May, Freddy’s teamed up with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. Through generous guest participation, the campaign raised $381,905, supporting families pursuing academic opportunities across the country.

Folds of Honor has awarded more than 62,000 scholarships since its founding in 2007, with support from partners like Freddy’s helping to further expand access.

Standing Strong in Texas: $46,000 Raised for Flood Relief
Following widespread flooding across parts of Texas in early July, Freddy’s locations throughout the state partnered with Convoy of Hope to raise funds for disaster relief, particularly in Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities. From July 14 to July 31, guests donated $29,665 through the round-up program.

Freddy’s largest Texas-based franchise group, Lone Star Custard Holdings, LLC, contributed an additional $16,426 through a matching gift initiative across their 45 locations in the state, bringing the total raised to over $46,000.

Freddy’s commitment to giving back reflects its core values of hospitality and service. Whether it’s funding scholarships, filling backpacks, or providing relief supplies, the brand’s community-driven culture ensures guests can enjoy their steakburgers and frozen custard while knowing they’re also making a difference. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy’s, visit freddysfranchising.com.

ABOUT FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS


Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
 is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 575 locations across 36 states nationwide. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy’s Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy’s ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings, including being named No. 23 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers + Shakers, No. 67 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and No. 36 on Yelp’s 50 Most Loved Brands. For more on Freddy’s, visit the Newsroom and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about development opportunities, visit freddysfranchising.com.

Media Contact: Paige Stark, Fishman Public Relations, pstark@fishmanpr.com


Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a leading fast-casual franchise offering cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating the Freddy's Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. For more on development opportunities, please visit freddysfranchising.com. (PRNewsfoto/Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers)

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SOURCE Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

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Half of America’s Beaches Could Vanish by 2100 — Here’s What’s Working to Save Them

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Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report reveals climate crisis impacts and proven nature-based strategies protecting coastlines from California to Puerto Rico

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than half of America’s sandy beaches will be lost by 2100 due to climate-driven sea level rise, but a groundbreaking new report shows communities are successfully fighting back with nature-based solutions — even as federal climate support dwindles.

 

Last week, nine homes collapsed into the ocean in Buxton, NC, making 21 total on Hatteras Island in the last five years.

The Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report documents accelerating coastal destruction across the United States while highlighting proven grassroots strategies that are protecting beaches from Hawaiʻi and California to New York and Puerto Rico. The report arrives as climate impacts intensify nationwide, with homes collapsing into the ocean, infrastructure failures mounting, and beach access threatened in coastal communities that generate billions in tourism revenue.

SURFRIDER’S 2025 STATE OF THE BEACH REPORT

“The predictions are grim. By 2100, more than 50% of our sandy beaches may be completely lost, with states like California facing 70% beach loss,” said Emma Haydocy, Surfrider’s Coasts & Climate Initiative Senior Manager. “But this report also reveals reasons for optimism. Through Surfrider’s Climate Action Program and regional policy campaigns, coastal communities are leading successful resilience efforts using nature-based solutions that traditional approaches like seawalls and sand renourishment cannot match.”

Climate Change Is Accelerating Erosion

Erosion of sandy beaches is a normal coastal process, but climate change is intensifying and compounding its impacts along our coasts. Sea levels are rising more quickly, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and beaches are disappearing faster than ever before. At the same time, rampant private development in idyllic coastal areas continues, encroaching on eroding beaches and contributing to what is known as “coastal squeeze.” Where beaches would naturally migrate inland in response to rising seas, development like buildings, roads, and seawalls block their path. Normally, these natural areas would shift to survive, but when trapped, they gradually narrow, erode, or disappear altogether.

Nearly every day, new stories emerge detailing devastating losses to our beaches and coastal communities due to the impacts of climate change and erosion. Just last week, nine homes collapsed into the ocean in Buxton, North Carolina — making it 21 total on Hatteras Island in the last five years — while many more remain in danger of a similar fate. On the West Coast, climate-fueled wildfires rendered Los Angeles area beaches unsafe for months, and in 2024, one of Southern California’s marquee surf destinations, San Onofre State Beach, was inaccessible due to the impacts of erosion.

Federal Retreat, Local Leadership

There has been a sharp divergence in federal climate policy following historic investments through the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). Previously allocated climate resilience funding is being withdrawn, and proposed budget cuts threaten bedrock coastal management programs at NOAA.

“Lacking strong federal leadership, Surfrider is leaning into our grassroots network to lead at state and local levels,” said Zach Plopper, Surfrider’s Senior Environmental Director. “Our 200+ volunteer chapters and student clubs are working along nearly every stretch of U.S. coast to defend our beaches against climate change impacts, working with nature and fostering a greater sense of community every step of the way.”

The report features nine case studies from beaches across the country, including successful coastal restoration in Queens, New York, community-driven planning to identify solutions on beaches experiencing some of the worst erosion rates along the North Shore of Oʻahu, comprehensive policy changes to protect Oregon’s iconic beaches, and Surfrider’s gold standard managed retreat and coastal restoration project at Surfers’ Point in Ventura, California.

Many of these case studies focus on the work of the Climate Action Program, which builds on the coastal restoration efforts Surfrider’s chapter network has led in local communities for decades. In the first year since launching the program in April 2024, over 2,000 volunteers have removed more than 10,000 pounds of invasive species and planted over 55,000 native plants to restore over 20 acres of coastal habitat. 

While the prospect of losing our favorite beaches and coastal areas forever could be catastrophic for coastal communities, there are real solutions accessible to all of us at the local level. While these solutions look different along every coast, the Surfrider Foundation has identified several key strategies for success and reasons for optimism through the stories of progress and accomplishment in this year’s State of the Beach Report. Coastal communities can prepare and adapt to current and future challenges posed by climate change by collaborating with each other, and with nature, to foster community-led, nature-based solutions and strong, science-driven resilience policy.

The complete 2025 State of the Beach Report is available here .

About the Surfrider Foundation:

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists, and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 900 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org.


Surfrider Foundation Logo (PRNewsFoto/Surfrider Foundation)

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SOURCE Surfrider Foundation

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Rockwell Automation, Avvale and ESGeo Announce Collaboration To Deliver OT-Generated Sustainability Reporting Solution

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Rockwell Automation announced that its recently extended collaboration with Avvale and ESGeo will help industrial companies more easily address growing social, regulatory, and investor expectations regarding sustainability reporting and performance.

The collaboration combines Rockwell’s operational technology (OT) data capabilities, Avvale’s expertise as a system integrator partner – specializing in ERP and digital transformation – and ESGeo’s enterprise solution for non-financial disclosures.

Avvale plays a key role in bridging the gap between technology and business outcomes. With a deep understanding of industrial processes, it assists companies in implementing robust and tailored solutions that ensure smooth integration and alignment with sustainability and operational objectives. Its expertise accelerates the adoption of digital solutions, ensuring that organizations maximize the full potential of their investments in automation and data.

“Expanding our offering to Level 4 – the top level of the automation pyramid – allows us to offer even broader support to our customers, allowing them to more easily automate data collection and sharing, and improve sustainability outcomes,” said Emmanuel Guilhamon, vice president of sustainability at Rockwell Automation. “We’re helping them make their operational data work twice as hard, by using it to create actionable insights that support both compliance and business value.”

The cloud-based ESGeo platform works with Rockwell software solutions to aggregate, contextualize, and report data from automation systems, supply chains, and enterprise sources, to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. It replaces manual data collection and spreadsheets and will help manufacturers unlock the wealth of untapped information and insights contained within their day-to-day operational data.

Avvale, with its expertise in the integration and digital transformation of industrial processes, assists companies in designing and implementing customized solutions, helping ensure rapid, seamless adoption with immediate value.

ESGeo strengthens the collaboration by providing a cloud-based, certified digital governance suite for ESG data. It offers organizations a centralized suite to collect, validate, and communicate non-financial data and ESG metrics.

“With Rockwell’s technology and Avvale’s expertise, we offer solutions that enhance operational efficiency, optimize productivity, and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies,” said Fabrizio Fiocchi, CEO and founder of ESGeo. “This collaboration focuses on integrating sustainability into business operations. With this solution, companies not only meet their international regulatory compliance goals but also optimize their social and environmental performance, creating long-term value for the business.”

The integration of ESGeo with business operations not only enables more efficient compliance with regulatory requirements but also facilitates the management, governance, and enhancement of impacts, risks, and opportunities through a direct link to operational processes.

A choice of deployment options is available. Customers can engage directly with ESGeo, or work with Rockwell and its PartnerNetwork™ system integrator, Avvale, to integrate the necessary systems.

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Bacardi CMO Ned Duggan Named World’s Most Maverick Marketer in Rebel 50 Public Vote

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Originally published on The Drum
By The Drum Team, Editorial

After launching the list at The Drum Live, we then invited attendees as well as our global readership to have their say on who should be named The Rebel 50’s most rebellious marketer.

The results are in and we can reveal now that Ned Duggan has come out top.

Duggan has weaponized censorship with the Bacardi brand’s ‘100% Additive-Free Tequila’ campaign, turning regulatory restrictions into a creative statement.

Click here to read more on The Drum

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Viatris’ Work To Advance Access and Public Health

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In 2024, Viatris provided medicines addressing the top 10 of the WHO’s leading causes of death globally.

We have taken a deliberate approach to expand access to our wide portfolio across geographies and income levels, where we seek to build and establish sustainable markets by nurturing innovation and competition. Our reach is enabled by a strong global infrastructure that serves patients in more than 165 countries and territories.

Viatris’ current companywide access goals run from 2022 to year end 2025. The goals seek to advance access and reach of digital and global healthcare professional (HCP) education and provide access to ARV treatments for patients living with HIV. To drive progress on these goals and make a meaningful impact, we pursue holistic approaches, partnerships and cross-sector collaborations.

Putting Patients First: Advocacy

Those living with a disease or having experienced an urgent medical need know first hand that treatment does not begin or end with a medicine. In many cases, people need advocates on their side, helping to address barriers to diagnosis and treatment, promoting health infrastructure and training and supporting patient education and disease awareness. Poor health literacy and misinformation are examples of barriers to diagnosis and treatment adherence. Viatris works with partners across geographies to help improve health literacy.

We work closely with organizations including the Boomer Esiason Foundation, the MS Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and many others to support patients. Examples of this work follow:

  • In Australia, Viatris collaborates with the Eczema Association Australasia to develop patient education materials on allergic rhinitis.
  • In Washington, D.C., Viatris supported Patients Rising’s “We the Patients Week on Capitol Hill,” a legislative conference with 60 patient advocates from over 20 states meeting with 70 congressional offices advocating for health care policies focused on addressing barriers and inequities to care.
  • Viatris supports the MS Foundation’s month-long MS awareness campaign, which includes information on how to support your immune system, gender differences in MS and how to advocate for more research funding. This work included distributing information toolkits to about 70,000 patients and the presentation of two live and four virtual education events.
  • In the U.S., Viatris backed the implementation of The CHEST organization’s First 5 Minutes® program, which aims to provide clinicians with tools and strategies to build rapport, practice empathetic listening, and navigate cultural differences effectively. Through e-learning modules and practical exercises, the program teaches techniques like cultural humility and compassionate communication, tailored to conditions like COPD.
  • In Europe, Viatris supports the Active Citizenship Network (ACN), a civil society organization representing more than 200 professional societies and patient organizations in the EU, and its annual European Patients’ Rights Day. Viatris has been a key partner in helping ACN strengthen patient voices in healthcare.
  • Viatris supports the Allergy & Asthma Network: English and Spanish COPD Virtual Conference Series, a program providing education, including for Black and Hispanic communities about COPD and engage patients and caregivers in research.
  • We support the We Are ILL organization to support and educate Black women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Supporting Healthcare Workers for More Resilient Healthcare Systems

Healthcare workers, especially those in primary care, are essential to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. They are often the first point of contact for people seeking healthcare services and key for people accessing the care they need. Demand for healthcare workers is growing, and it’s estimated there will be a shortage of about 15 million healthcare workers by 2030, with needs especially acute in low- and LMICs.1

In 2024, we continued our dedicated work with partners across the world to empower healthcare workers to contribute to more resilient and healthier systems. Viatris supports programs, education and resources both at a local level as well as through digital resources that are more broadly accessible. We work to leverage medical partnerships and thought leadership to help local standards of care and optimize patient outcomes.

One of our platforms for medical professionals is Viatris Connect Medical. In 2024, the hub was available in 20 countries and provided programs including accredited continuing medical education programs, certification programs, congress highlights, in-depth therapy reviews, patient educational resources and podcasts. The platform also provides access to pocket-sized clinical guidelines and scientific journals. Since the platform’s launch, more than 13,000 professionals have had access to Viatris Connect Medical. In 2024, users interacted with the platform approximately 22,800 times. Viatris Connect Medical has been recognized externally for providing HCPS a unified experience across multiple geographies.

Brazil and Saudi Arabia launched Viatris Connect Medical in 2024 so that healthcare professionals (HCPs) can have access to the latest medical advances. In Brazil, we developed and made available six educational programs with a cross-specialty approach, leveraging digital strategies to enhance reach and promote learning.

With the support of our global partners, including the American College of Cardiology, the World Heart Federation, and the NCD Alliance, our free, online educational platform for healthcare workers, the NCD Academy, has continued to expand. In 2024, three new courses were added to the extensive portfolio: Foundational Concepts in Care Integration for NCDs; HIV and Lifelong Care; and Vaccine Preventable Diseases. The new courses represent the interrelated nature of health challenges and how integrating care across infectious and chronic diseases can unlock significant benefits within the healthcare system, resulting in better care for patients.

The value of the platform rests on HCPs knowing of it and using it, so we worked on growing awareness of the academy beyond primary care practitioners. We partnered with groups including the European Specialist Nurses Organisation (ESNO), the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the World Organization of Family Doctors and others to reach nurses, pharmacists, general practitioners and medical students. We also collaborate with local scientific societies to raise awareness and provide access in their countries.

NCD Academy courses have now been translated into more than 15 languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Greek, Serbian and Polish. More than 30,000 individuals have an NCD Academy account, an increase of more than 6,000 users in 2024 over the previous year. The total number of patients impacted since the launch of NCD Academy is approximately 115 million.2

Our HCP Access Goal

Goal: Impact 100 million patients via HCP education and outreach regarding prevention, diagnosis and treatment options for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and other important chronic conditions to improve outcomes through the NCD Academy by the end of 2025.*

Our Progress: More than 30,000 individuals have an NCD Academy account, an increase of more than 6,000 users in 2024 over the previous year. The total number of patients impacted since the launch of NCD Academy is ~115 million.2

*Our ability to make progress on our goals depends on several factors, some of which are outside of our control.

Beyond these programs, Viatris works in a variety of ways to empower healthcare workers, integrate care for patients and address health inequities across geographies. Viatris has been actively engaging healthcare professionals across various regions to enhance patient care and address NCDs.

  • In Ukraine, Viatris partnered with professional societies to raise awareness of diseases and treatment adherence, reaching over 10,000 healthcare professionals.
  • In the Middle East, Viatris organized the HEAL Conference, which included over 70 experts and 13,000 healthcare professionals, and announced a collaboration with New York University of Abu Dhabi to address NCDs in the UAE. Viatris also hosted the HEAL Forum Qatar 2024, focusing on NCD care standards.
  • In China, Viatris sponsored a panel at the 4th Pain Summit to improve clinicians’ understanding of pain management.
  • In Morocco, Viatris hosted the VI’ATELIER summit, gathering over 150 healthcare professionals to discuss topics such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, mental health, erectile dysfunction and pain.
  • In South Korea, more than 2,200 HCPs participated in various virtual focus groups to discuss topics related to NCDs.
  • In the Emerging Markets Asia region, more than 700 healthcare professionals participated in a master class on cardiovascular risk, pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
  • Viatris also partnered with Younger Lives to expand access to the Diabetes Age tool in Spain, Greece and Romania, promoting healthy behaviors and therapy adherence.
  • In Europe, Viatris Medical Affairs explored generational differences in health perceptions and healthcare decision-making, advocating for tailored healthcare delivery models.

New NCD Academy Courses in 2024

Foundational Concepts in Care Integration: By addressing the complex challenges within the healthcare sector, the course aims to equip future HCPs with the essential skills needed to address and mitigate the impacts of NCDs.

HIV and Livelong Care: The course highlights the importance of continuous care for people living with HIV/AIDS and explores the interrelation between HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases: The course explores how vaccines address the intersection of communicable and NCDs to support global health goals.

Promoting Integration of Care

By integrating care, healthcare providers can optimize their time and resources, offering more comprehensive treatment that enhances patient access to healthcare services. Traditionally, infectious diseases and NCDs were treated as separate issues, an approach which overlooked the interrelated nature of health challenges. Integrating care across infectious and chronic diseases can unlock significant benefits within the healthcare system and offer better care for patients.

Viatris has supported research identifying gaps and potential solutions in the integration of NCD care for people living with HIV for several years, leveraging our institutional knowledge and footprint in both the NCD and HIV communities. Most recently, in 2024, in partnership with the NCD Alliance, Viatris collaborated on the release of a third publication, focused on real-life patient experiences. “A collection of the lived experiences of people living with NCDs and HIV” was released at the International AIDS Conference in June 2024, featuring first-hand accounts by people living with HIV and one or more NCDs. The paper highlights first-hand experience of the barriers patients faced in managing conditions and accessing care, as well as their resilience in the face of such challenges. The paper was also discussed at an NCD Alliance side event at the United Nations General Assembly and the Global NCD Alliance Forum.

Other ways we are promoting integration of care include the following:

  • In Germany, Viatris published a scientific paper contributing to growing evidence supporting the importance of influenza vaccination for adults with underlying medical conditions. The insights provided can inform policymakers, healthcare providers and public health officials working to help improve vaccination rates and protect the health of vulnerable populations.
  • In the UK, there is an effort to “shift care to the left” by treating more patients in primary care and reducing referrals to specialists because of the long wait time associated with accessing specialized healthcare providers. Viatris is supporting this effort by providing education to improve general practitioners’ skills and confidence in managing common conditions in the community, releasing pressure in secondary care.

Addressing Aging and the Burden of NCDs

Around the world, people are living longer, adding to the growing burden of NCDs for healthcare systems. The UN declared ‘2021-2030 the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing’ to help address health inequities that contribute to this burden and improve the lives of older people.3

Generational differences play a significant role in shaping health perceptions, decision-making, technology use and attitudes toward preventative health. Viatris and external experts have examined these differences across six generations in a published report titled “Generational differences in healthcare: the role of technology in the path forward.” The paper proposes strategies including integrating digital health solutions and employing generationally sensitive communication approaches to ensure fair access to healthcare services and promote patient empowerment. The research underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to healthcare delivery to address the changing patient demographic and enhance public health systems.

In China, for example, the aging population is exacerbating the need for a more comprehensive chronic disease management system. About 18% of the population was 60 years or older in 2020, a number estimated to grow to 40% by 2050.4 In 2024, Viatris China supported Dyslipidemia Diagnosis and Treatment Medical Consortium Demonstration System Project to establish a new prediction model for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and optimize the management of high cholesterol based on a tiered healthcare approach. More than 2,500 demonstration centers and community hospitals across 29 provinces participated, enrolling more than 670,000 patients.

Viatris China also leveraged its resources and expertise to build interdisciplinary platforms, collaborating with various partners to explore new models for the integrated management of chronic diseases and comorbidities. With Viatris’ support, the Blue Book on Comprehensive Chronic Disease Management for Healthy China was finalized in November 2024. It will serve as a desk reference and practical guide for chronic disease professionals in China.

In Spain, the Viatris Foundation raised awareness of the country’s aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic disease through a new report, the findings of which were discussed during a session at the Spanish Congress of Deputies. The “Parliamentary Session on the Future of the National Health System” highlighted the demographic and financial challenges of the Spanish National Health System (NHS) amid a Spanish population in which almost 1 in 4 people will be 65 or older in seven years.5 The report advocates for the NHS to explore optimizing pharmaceutical spending, support personalized dosing systems as a relevant initiative, promote prevention policies, increase the number of trained professionals, integrating care models and advance digitalization.

Promoting Health Equity for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Viatris supports initiatives to address existing health inequities to help ensure healthcare for all. These initiatives include better understanding the barriers to treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Viatris’ teams in the U.S. set out in 2024 to implement and assess initiatives that promote equitable healthcare delivery and empower MS patients in decision-making. These efforts focused on expanding patient engagement tools, analyzing race/ethnicity-based disparities, and educating providers on culturally competent care. Additionally, the goal was to identify and overcome provider-reported barriers to engaging patients in shared decision-making (SDM).

Several initiatives were implemented, including the PRO Connect Patient Engagement Tool in community MS clinics and race/ethnicity sub analyses to understand disparities in SDM. Longitudinal surveys measured the lasting impact of SDM resources, while educational programs such as webinars and town halls trained providers on health equity strategies.

These initiatives are designed to improve patient-centered care and increase provider awareness of health equity issues in connection with MS. The longitudinal surveys indicated that providing SDM resources led to more patients from varying backgrounds participating in treatment decisions, and providers gaining confidence in SDM procedures. We believe the scalability of these interventions could help ensure broader adoption in healthcare setting, leading to sustained improvements in MS care.

View the full Viatris 2024 Sustainability Report.

Sources:
[1] Global Health Workforce Labor Market Projections for 2030 | Human Resources for Health

[2] The calculation methodology for 2024 was updated to better reflect the cumulative patient impact of NCD Academy learners over multiple years. Under the prior year methodology, patient impact was calculated by multiplying the number of HCP learners by the average number of patients treated weekly (as self-reported by HCP learners upon registering for NCD Academy) by 50 working weeks. Using the prior year methodology, calculated patient reach would have been 92.5 million. For 2024, patient reach is now calculated at an individual HCP learner level by multiplying the number of patients treated per week, as self-reported by the individual HCP learner upon registering for NCD Academy by the number of weeks the individual was enrolled in NCD Academy (in some cases, multiple years). Patient reach for each individual learner is summed to arrive at total patient reach. Patient reach includes unique patients as well as repeat patient encounters.

[3] Aging Health

[4] Aging population in China – statistics & facts | Statista 

[5] Seniors in Spain – statistics & facts | Statista

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