California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed SB 253 and SB 261, which require companies that do business in the state to disclose Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and climate-related financial risks. Join leaders from Cognizant, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Workiva for a LinkedIn Live on Wednesday, November 1st as they review who’s impacted, reporting and assurance requirements, and actions companies can take now to prepare.
Tag: 3BL
Each day, the news has stories of “forever chemicals” impacting drinking water around the country or of large lawsuits from exposure to assorted products or wastes containing these chemicals.
“Forever chemicals,” or Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), are a family of millions of compounds based on the most recent definitions, found to be persistent in the environment with limited, cost-effective treatment available to remove/destroy them. Common sources of PFAS include airports, military installations, landfills, wastewater treatment plants and manufacturing facilities. That does not mean that other types of operations are immune from this issue, and a careful review of operations can help an industry understand their potential for significant liability and exposure.
PFAS are abundant in commercial products, as they impart desirable characteristics such as heat, stain and grease resistance, waterproof properties, durability and glide properties, and fire-retardant properties. They are fluorosurfactants in consumer and industrial products and are key ingredients in firefighting foam used in catastrophic situations to save life and property.
PFAS are linked to adverse health effects including various cancers, reproductive issues, and immune system problems. At present, toxicological studies are lacking for all but a handful of PFAS compounds. This raises concerns from both an environmental and worker exposure scenario.
PFAS in Natural Gas Utilities
So, the question is, how does PFAS affect the gas industry in its drilling, production, compressor station, and pipeline operations? While gas industry processes are not PFAS producing, potential areas of PFAS risk within operations include:
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) released to extinguish fires either from fire department use or fire suppression system discharge or testing.Greases, lubricants, drilling decontamination agents, and hydraulic oilsFracking/drilling fluidsWastewater
PFAS regulations are beginning to ramp up at a federal level and states will follow. As an example, USEPA proposed the declaration of two common PFAS, PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), as hazardous substances, and intends to add up to seven other PFAS as hazardous substances. USEPA is also pushing for new analytical methods for PFAS with the ability to analyze more PFAS compounds at lower detection limits. They also have issued new health advisories for four common PFAS that are orders of magnitude lower than previous levels.
With the use of PFAS-containing products and pending regulation, the gas industry can take important steps to understand their risks including:
Become knowledgeable on PFAS – what they are and where they are used.Track PFAS developments at the Federal level and in states where you operate.Audit your operations to see if you are using PFAS-containing products and consider replacing them with non-PFAS alternatives.Develop an AFFF management plan for fire emergencies and fire suppression system releases. If possible, switch to fluorine free foam and replace the fire suppression infrastructure.If you do have a PFAS release to the environment, understand the types of remediation technologies available to prevent migration or remove/treat the PFAS.
There is no reason for panic when it comes to PFAS, but with the complexity of this class of compounds and rapid changes occurring, now is an ideal time to assess your risk and manage your level of risk tolerance.
About Antea Group
Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.
CDP, a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states, and regions, recently licensed CDP data to CSRHub for integration into CSRHub’s consensus ESG ratings. CSRHub received data from CDP 2022 data set on more than 10,000 entities.
We now know if an entity participated in CDP’s carbon measurement system. We also know if an entity participated in CDP’s water, timber, cattle products, or palm oil systems. Companies, not-for-profits, and government groups came to CDP directly for help. Others were asked to share information with CDP as part of government or exchange mandates or supply chain management programs.
CDP releases data once a year. We expect to update its input on our consensus ratings with a new data set in April or May of 2024. CDP’s approach to measuring impact is globally recognized and well-respected, and companies that invest in reporting data to the group learn a lot from following their guidelines. We are proud to be associated with this work and hope to encourage more entities to work with CDP.
About CDP
CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states, and regions. Founded in 2000 and working with more than 740 financial institutions with over $130 trillion in assets, CDP pioneered using capital markets and corporate procurement to motivate companies to disclose their environmental impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests.
Nearly 20,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2022, including more than 18,700 companies worth half of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions. Fully TCFD aligned, CDP holds the largest environmental database in the world, and CDP scores are widely used to drive investment and procurement decisions towards a zero carbon, sustainable and resilient economy.
CDP is a founding member of the Science Based Targets initiative, We Mean Business Coalition, The Investor Agenda and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. Find out more via www.cdp.net or follow us on Twitter @CDP
About CSRHub
CSRHub offers one of the world’s broadest and most consistent set of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings, covering 50,000 companies. Its Big Data algorithm combines millions of data points on ESG performance from hundreds of sources, including leading ESG analyst raters, to produce consensus scores on all aspects of corporate social responsibility and sustainability. CSRHub ratings can be used to drive corporate, investor and consumer decisions. For more information, visit www.CSRHub.com. CSRHub is a B Corporation.
Originally published on Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity
CHICAGO, October 24, 2023 /3BL/ — Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that Wesco, a leading provider of electrical and electronic solutions, communications and security solutions, and utility and broadband solutions has become the inaugural sponsor of our Regional Repair Collaborative. This partnership will have a profound impact on homeowners in need, fostering stronger and more resilient communities across the region.
The Regional Repair Collaborative, initiated by Chicagoland Habitat, is focused on addressing critical repairs and improvements for homes in neighborhoods served by the eight Habitat affiliate locations in the six-county area. Wesco’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and their mission to support the communities they serve make them an ideal partner for this initiative.
As the inaugural sponsor, Wesco provides financial resources and employee volunteers to enhance the reach and impact of the Repair Collaborative. Their dedication to promoting safe and sustainable living spaces aligns perfectly with Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
“We are thrilled to have Wesco as the inaugural sponsor of our Regional Repair Collaborative,” said Sarah Brachle Wagner, CEO of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity. “Their generous support and commitment to making a positive impact in our communities allows us to transform more lives and create lasting change. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Chicagoland.”
An inspiring example of the program’s impact is the story of Frank and Shelby. At 91 and 83 years old, Frank’s need for a walker and Shelby’s reliance on her wheelchair made leaving their home for simple tasks like grocery shopping, doctor visits, and attending church on Sunday increasingly difficult. Their roof was also old and leaking, and they were concerned about their health and safety.
Thanks to the Repair Collaborative and the support of Wesco, Frank and Shelby applied with nearby Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, and soon a team of volunteers arrived to assess the couple’s needs. The team worked tirelessly to repair the roof and install a ramp, which made it easier for Frank and Shelby to navigate their home. With the new modifications, they could once again exit and enter their home safely without fear of falling, significantly improving their quality of life and overall well-being.
The partnership between Wesco and Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity’s Regional Repair Collaborative reflects a shared vision to address the pressing needs of homeowners and uplift communities in the Chicagoland area. Through their combined efforts, Wesco and Habitat for Humanity are set to make a lasting difference, empowering individuals and families with safe and decent living conditions.
About Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity
Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat in Chicagoland is committed to creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive; to revitalizing neighborhoods and building communities; and to helping transform families through home ownership. We do this by making housing affordable to hardworking people without access to conventional financing and offer individuals a hand up, fueled by our belief in dignity, self-sufficiency, collaboration, and hope. To learn more, visit chicagolandhabitat.org.
About Wesco
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with more than $21 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates approximately 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.
October 24, 2023 /3BL/ – Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, M·A·C has been championing for the acceptance and equal rights of all ages, races and genders. In acknowledgment of the brand’s commitment to and celebration of diversity, M·A·C has been recognized as “Certified Inclusive” by the SeeMe Index while taking the #1 spot in the organization’s ranking of all beauty brands. The organization specifically highlighted M·A·C’s multi-year efforts to elevate and support BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities across the gender spectrum.
The SeeMe Index measures the inclusivity efforts of brands based on three key components that include advertising, product assortment and DEI commitments. The organization also assesses six identity dimensions, specifically gender expression, skin tone, age, observed sexual orientation, body size and visible disability. Based on this data, the SeeMe Index generates an Inclusive Quotient, or IQ score. “Certified Inclusive” recognition is exclusively awarded to top-performing brands.
“We are honored that the SeeMe Index has acknowledged M·A·C’s ongoing dedication to inclusivity and diversity. We have always embraced every person’s unique beauty while celebrating all skin tones, body shapes and sizes. M·A·C also continually strives to create an outlet that promotes self-expression for all,” says Philippe Pinatel, Global Brand President, M·A·C Cosmetics.
M·A·C has a long-standing heritage of inclusivity and diversity that started with the founding credo of “All Ages, All Races, All Genders.” Today, the brand is more committed than ever to standing alongside marginalized communities that deserve justice and equality—and using its resources and energy as a driving force for change.
Since 1994, M·A·C VIVA GLAM has been empowering women and girls, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and fighting to eradicate HIV/AIDS. To date, this philanthropic initiative has raised more than $520 million USD for local charities in an effort to provide a voice and support to marginalized communities across the globe.
Pinatel adds, “As the largest cosmetics brand in the world, M·A·C has the ability, as well as a responsibility, to advocate for those who may be otherwise visibly underrepresented. Our relentless drive to advocate for social equality and meaningful change is unwavering. This has been part of our brand mission since day one.”
About M·A·C Cosmetics:
M·A·C (Make-Up Art Cosmetics) is a leading brand of professional cosmetics and part of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Since its creation in Toronto, Canada, over 30 years ago, the brand’s popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from Makeup Artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M·A·C is now sold in over 130 countries/territories worldwide. Follow M·A·C on X, Snapchat, TikTok and Pinterest (@MACcosmetics); become a M·A·C fan on Facebook (facebook.com/maccosmetics); follow M·A·C on Instagram (instagram.com/maccosmetics) and watch M·A·C videos on YouTube (youtube.com/maccosmetics).
ABOUT M·A·C VIVA GLAM:
M·A·C VIVA GLAM was created at the height of the AIDS epidemic in 1994 to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Through this trailblazing campaign, 100% of the selling price of all VIVA GLAM lipsticks all year round goes to organizations and programs aimed at creating healthy futures and equal rights for women, girls, and the LGBTQIA+ communities while maintaining its decades-long support for those living with HIV/AIDS. To date, the campaign has raised more than US$500 million and funded 1,800 organizations around the globe.
NEW YORK, October 24, 2023 /3BL/ – At NY Climate Week, the CGF Net Zero Taskforce, Accenture and the Climate Champions Team (CCT) have jointly launched a brief report arguing that “consumer industries scale-up of regenerative agriculture is the quickest path to a nature-positive, net zero and resilient world.”
From the Climate Champions report:
For consumer industries, ~70% of the sector’s value chain impact comes from agriculture, which is the second largest driver of GHG emissions globally (including forestry and land-use). Failure to repair our broken agriculture system will leave us without enough natural resources, such as water and healthy soil, to make the products we rely on every day to feed and take care of ourselves and our families. What’s more, global food production alone could use up the world’s remaining carbon budget — causing the world to miss the IPCC’s critical 1.5C threshold. […]
Without serious and swift collective industry action companies will not be able to scale the regen ag practices needed to meet their net zero targets. Recent research from Accenture, in collaboration with the Race to Zero and Consumer Goods Forum member companies, reveals critical insights into the most pressing challenges companies face when implementing and scaling regen ag programs. These challenges demand our attention, and there are opportunities to address them – the time to act is now.
The report argues that by COP30 (2025) consumer industries must be ready to respond to the call-to-action to accelerate the systemic transformation of Food Systems, and that such changes are critical to the longevity of consumer industries, and for safeguarding the many natural resources that all depend upon.
The report itself was developed out of interviews conducted after collaboration between the CGF Net Zero Taskforce and its member companies, Accenture, and the Climate Champions Team created the Climate x Nature x Ag Ecosystem Map, a curated mapping of industry assets (i.e., technology platforms and industry alliances) that gives consumer industries companies an easier, more efficient way to get started or accelerate progress on regenerative agriculture. Users can quickly access the most useful tools for decarbonisation and disclosure on Scope 3 climate, nature and agriculture impacts, and discover new insights about the landscape for scaling nature-positive, net zero agriculture.
To read the Climate Champions report in full, go here.
About Race to Zero
Race to Zero is led by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, who engage non-State actors to support governments in delivering the goals of the Paris Agreement. Working with the Marrakech Partnership – a global alliance of more than 320 major initiatives and coalitions – the High-Level Champions enhance the ambition of cities, regions, businesses and investors and other non-State actors, to collectively race towards a fair, resilient and zero carbon world.
About The Consumer Goods Forum
The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of practices and standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. It brings together the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have combined sales of EUR 4.6 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. It is governed by its Board of Directors, which comprises more than 55 manufacturer and retailer CEOs. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com.
The Consumer Goods Forum is proud to be the official Race to Zero accelerator for the consumer goods industry.
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent and innovation led company with 738,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Accenture Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients succeed and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
October 24, 2023 /3BL/ – Lenovo has been recognized as a “Champion” vendor in the 2023 Canalys Global Sustainable Ecosystems Leadership Matrix. The top distinction reflects the highest level of excellence in support for sustainability in the IT channel through a combination of positive sentiments from the channel, sustainability-focused partner programs, and robust sustainability strategies at an organizational level.
Lenovo is one of only three industry vendors evaluated to achieve the highest Champion status through strong portfolios of sustainability solutions and action toward decarbonization commitments.
Lenovo maintains a legacy of action in sustainability, from publishing its first sustainability report in 2008 to being in the first group of companies to receive validation for its net-zero targets from the Science Based Targets initiative. In addition to its own robust commitments, Lenovo has engaged its channel partners in credible action and best practice sharing through the Lenovo 360 Circle, a part of Lenovo’s global channel framework where partners can come together to align on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives and leverage new market trends driven by sustainability, ultimately turning them into new business opportunities. Lenovo is continuing to grow this initiative by leading within the ecosystem on product sustainability attributes, partnerships with other vendors, and ultimately the development and implementation of new sustainability services.
“We are proud to be leading the way in our sector with the Lenovo 360 Circle, designed to encourage collaboration to tackle sustainability issues as a united front across our network of partners,” said Virginie Le Barbu, Lenovo’s Global Sustainability Director and Lenovo 360 Circle Program Lead, International Markets. “We believe the best way to drive scale and quickly achieve sustainable impacts is through collaboration – if we’re all working toward the same goals, we can make progress more efficiently as a team.”
“Sustainability is no longer the exception – it is the expectation,” said Pascal Bourguet, Lenovo’s Global Channel Chief. “Beyond the collaborative Lenovo 360 Circle community, our Lenovo 360 global partner framework prioritizes sustainability solutions as one of the key business outcomes that partners can provide for their customers.”
In addition to recognition for its sustainability collaboration in the channel, Lenovo has continued to serve its customers by offering sustainability services like the recently announced Reduced Carbon Transport service. Read more about Lenovo’s sustainability performance in Lenovo’s most recent ESG Report.
About the Canalys Global Sustainable Ecosystems Leadership Matrix
The latest addition to a series of Leadership Matrix reports designed to highlight leading vendors in key areas of the channel ecosystem, the Canalys Global Sustainable Ecosystems Leadership Matrix considers 14 vendors to assess their commitment and progress to driving sustainability in the partner ecosystem over the past 12 months. It combines ecosystem feedback from analyst-led interviews, data from the Canalys 2023 Global Channel Sustainability Survey and insights from vendors’ sustainability reports with an independent assessment by Canalys analysts of each vendor’s strategy for driving sustainable transformations.
The Canalys Global Sustainable Ecosystems Leadership Matrix provides a graphical representation to assess the performance of each vendor over time, and positions them in one of four categories: Champions, Contenders, Scalers, and Foundations.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ‘New IT’ technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.
Imagine having $1 million locked in a safe. Pretty great news, unless you don’t have the key. If you can’t get to that treasure, it may as well not even exist.
The same is true of innovative health care, especially when it comes to managing diabetes. It’s only as valuable as it is accessible.
What do you do? You find a way to crack that safe.
So, while we are excited that our FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring technology is now improving the lives of more than 5 million people living with diabetes1 — by eliminating routine fingersticks2, providing real-time access to continuous glucose numbers, and easing the constant worry that plagues so many people — this number is merely a “nice start.”
If you’re curious about why we’re passionate about accessibility, talk to Deon Groomes, a construction worker in Columbus, Ohio, who is living with Type 2 diabetes.
“It is like having an angel on my arm,” Groomes said. “I don’t have to worry about my numbers. They are right there, whenever I need them.”
Grooms is grateful to receive access to the life-changing technology through the U GOT THIS PROGRAM as part of the American Diabetes Association’s® Health Equity Now platform sponsored by Abbott.
“We believe the best healthcare solution is the one that helps the most people,” said Jared Watkin, senior vice president of Abbott’s diabetes care business. “We put our customers at the heart of everything we do and want our technology accessible to everyone who needs it.”
Simply put, we are focused on helping as many people as possible. This is why Abbott designed the FreeStyle Libre system with access and affordability in mind from day one.
Check Out the Data
When it comes to managing diabetes, there are a lot of people out there who could use help.
According to the JDRF Type 1 Global Index, 8.7 million people were living with Type 1 diabetes globally in 2022, with the average number of healthy years lost per person (if diagnosed at age 10) being 32 years.
The same index also notes 3.86 million “missing people” — the estimated number who died early as a result of complications from diabetes. These metrics highlight the true human cost of the condition.
And this is just a fraction of people who can benefit from using our life-changing technology. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that approximately 537 million adults are living with diabetes, and more than 90% of them have Type 2 diabetes.3
Expanding Coverage
In April 2023, the U.S. Medicare program expanded access to continuous glucose monitoring systems like the FreeStyle Libre 2 system and the FreeStyle Libre 14-day system for insulin-using4 Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, removing the prior requirement of multiple daily insulin injections.
This means that Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes and a history of problematic hypoglycemia5 may also be eligible to have their FreeStyle Libre 2 system or FreeStyle Libre 14-day system covered for reimbursement.
Great news, but it gets better. And more international.
In June, the French health authorities granted the expansion of reimbursement coverage of FreeStyle Libre 2 system to include all people who use insulin as part of their diabetes management. France is the first country to expand national reimbursement of Abbott’s world-leading FreeStyle Libre technology to people with diabetes who use once-daily (basal) insulin.
Last year, continuous glucose monitors were approved for provincial reimbursement in Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba in Canada. Also, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare approved the expansion of reimbursement coverage for the FreeStyle Libre system to include all people with diabetes who use basal insulin.
“If there is a location that has a person living with diabetes, we want our FreeStyle Libre system there,” said Alexander Seibold, medical director for Abbott’s Diabetes Care business in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Access improves health and can save lives.”
Diabetes is one of the most expensive chronic conditions to manage. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), medical expenditures for people with diabetes is $16,752 a year, or 2.3 times more than for people without diabetes.6
We have the opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people living with diabetes with early, affordable access to life-changing technology. Real-world and clinical data show that FreeStyle Libre technology helps people with diabetes improve their glucose control, lower their HbA1Cs, decrease diabetes-related hospital admissions, and improve their quality of life. It also lowers diabetes-related costs for people and health systems.7
We’ll continue to partner with organizations, local communities, and governments to advance equity, giving as many people as possible their key to unlocking healthier, better lives.
The view expressed is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary.
Deon Groomes is a participate in the U GOT THIS PROGRAM as part of the American Diabetes Association® Health Equity Now platform sponsored by Abbott. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
References
1 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. Data based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre portfolio compared to the number of users for other leading personal use, sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.
2 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.
3 Facts & figures – International Diabetes Federation (idf.org)
4 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service Local Coverage Determination Coverage Guidance L33822 from the Medicare Administrative Contractors https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?LCDId=33822. Published and accessed on March 2, 2023. For coverage of a CGM, patients must be diagnosed with diabetes; have sufficient training on using a CGM based on their healthcare provider’s conclusion; be prescribed a CGM device in accordance with its FDA indications for use; use insulin or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia; have seen their healthcare provider in-person or through a Medicare-approved telehealth visit to evaluate their diabetes control within six months before the CGM was ordered; and every six months following their initial CGM prescription must go in-person or have a Medicare-approved telehealth visit with their healthcare provider to document their CGM adherence and diabetes treatment plan.
5 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service’s definition of problematic hypoglycemia is: recurrent (more than one) level 2 hypoglycemic events (glucose <54mg/dL (3.0mmol/L)) that persist despite multiple (more than one) attempts to adjust medication(s) and/or modify the diabetes treatment plan; or, a history of one level 3 hypoglycemic event (glucose <54mg/dL (3.0mmol/L)) characterized by altered mental and/or physical state requiring third-party assistance
6 People with diagnosed diabetes incur average medical expenditures of $16,752 per year, of which about $9,601 is attributed to diabetes. On average, people with diagnosed diabetes have medical expenditures approximately 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes. The Cost of Diabetes | ADA
Attracting hundreds of manufacturing professionals from around the country, the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Summit is the only national conference of its kind. This year, Southwire was a presenting sponsor at the Summit, which took place September 25-27 in San Diego, Calif. More than 1,600 individuals participated in the event, representing more than 324 companies from around the world.
According to its website, WiM works to empower women workers and strengthen the manufacturing sector. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association, WiM is dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women who have chosen careers in the manufacturing industry. The organization accomplishes this through the delivery of powerful, effective and proven resources offered to women in the industry and the companies that employ them.
Southwire has engaged with WiM since 2019 to partner in driving equity for Southwire team members and across the industry.
This year’s theme, Explore New Horizons, included three days of keynote presentations, roundtable discussions, breakout sessions, plant tours and social events designed to strengthen the community of women in manufacturing at all levels.
“It is an exciting time to be in our industry, and it is imperative that Southwire continues to be an employer of choice. We work to sustain an inclusive culture that values diversity and offers equity to all,” said Norman Adkins, Southwire’s Chief Operating Officer. “Southwire is proud to have been a sponsor of this year’s Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Summit, and we want to continue to help forge new pathways for future generations of women in manufacturing.”
Southwire believes that everyone has an opportunity and responsibility to drive this work forward. Effective gender partnership drives more equitable and inclusive leadership, and it can only be achieved by bringing everyone to the table. This belief translated into an “All Hands on Deck” panel at the Summit with Southwire leaders.
“We know this is a journey, and meaningful change will not take place without intention and accountability,” said Cara Herzog, Southwire’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. “Southwire was proud to have leaders from across our organization present to discuss how we continue to drive progress toward a shared vision. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is essential to our strategic plan, to create generational sustainability and continued growth in our industry.”
In addition to a variety of meaningful presentations and discussions, Nancy Richards Farese, member of Southwire’s Board of Directors and daughter of the company’s founder, Roy Richards Sr., was recognized as one of the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees for 2023.
“It was such an honor to accept this award,” said Richards Farese. “Southwire continues to make big strides in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and sustainability, and I am really proud of how we continue to hold to our responsibility to always do good in the world. We recognize the importance of collaboration in our industry, and I think that my father would have been amazed to see the impact women are having on the manufacturing industry today.”
The WiM Hall of Fame celebrates those who have spent their careers paving the way, building communities of support, challenging this industry to be the very best it can be and showcasing the potential within every woman working in manufacturing. These women exemplify the best of the best and highlight WiM’s collective responsibility to ensure that all women working in manufacturing have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
“We are thrilled for Nancy, and our Southwire team is proud to celebrate her outstanding achievements,” said Adkins. “Nancy is a strong advocate for gender equity and continuously drives the importance of an inclusive culture. Her desire is for women to have a passion for this industry and see themselves at companies like Southwire. She believes that her father would be so proud of all of the women making their mark at Southwire, and I’m thankful for her leadership and support as we further strengthen the company’s legacy of empowerment and inclusion.”
For more information about Southwire’s DEI initiatives, please visit the company’s website at www.southwire.com/dei. For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom.
What kind of company would you create if you could start from a blank slate?
Despite being spun off from 130+-year-old Merck, Organon had this unique opportunity. The women’s health, biosimilars, and established medicines company started from the beginning, defining a new mission, establishing a board of directors, and unifying their impact around a commitment to the global health of women and girls.
Nearly half of the world’s pregnancies are unintended. Organon is working to change that by ensuring women around the world have the power to decide when and whether they will start a family, enabling them to live their promises. Through the Her Promise Access Initiative, Organon collaborates with organizations in the world’s least developed regions to offer education, training, and affordable contraceptive options. Central to this effort is “Her Plan is Her Power,” which empowers women to manage their reproductive health, reducing unplanned pregnancies and disparities in high-need areas.
We invited Geralyn Ritter, EVP of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & ESG, to explain how Organon was structured to create meaningful change and empower women to live their promise.
Listen for insights on:
How Organon established the most gender diverse Board in the S&P 500Articulate values to influence behaviorExpanding internal benefits to be more inclusive of women’s health needs