Tag: 3BL

• Eligible Organizations Can Apply Now Through April 24 at localimpactgrants.com
• Annual Grant Program Has Delivered $21 Million to 615 Nonprofits Since 2018

NEW YORK , March 27, 2026 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local today announced the return of the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants for the ninth consecutive year. The 2026 competitive grant challenge will award $2.5 million in unrestricted funds to eligible nonprofits located in and servicing one of the 11 NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets across the United States in three categories.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants from today, March 24, through April 24 at localimpactgrants.com and the Spanish-language site becasdeimpactolocal.com, which also provide more information on the program. The grant categories include youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement. Winners will be announced later this year.

“Local nonprofits perform a critical role in the communities we serve,” said Valari Staab, Chairman of NBCU Local. “We’re proud that for nine years our annual grant program has recognized impactful local organizations and provided funding to help them fulfill their missions and expand their efforts.”

Founded in 2018, NBCUniversal’s grant program has provided $21 million to 615 organizations – including the 69 nonprofits last year that were awarded a combined $2.5 million – in the communities served by NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations, which are: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington, D.C., Boston, San Francisco, Miami, San Diego and Hartford, Conn.

“Nonprofits are essential partners in driving progress across local communities, and the unrestricted support that we’re providing gives them the flexibility to direct resources where they’ll make the greatest difference,” said Jessica Clancy, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal.

We’re proud to once again offer this program and uplift organizations that empower young people, elevate emerging storytellers and build stronger, more connected communities.

Jessica Clancy
SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal

Key grant eligibility requirements: 

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit must be headquartered in and operate in a participating market
• Entity must service the market they operate from  
• The organization’s total expenses must be between $100,000 and $1,000,000 and  
• The nonprofit must help to resolve everyday community issues in any of the three grant categories
• The applying organization’s revenue must be greater than $100,000

NBCUniversal Local Impact Grant categories include: 

• Youth Education & Empowerment: In-school and community-based programs that equip youth with the tools they need to succeed, including STEM/ STEAM education and youth entrepreneurship. 
• Next Generation Storytellers: Programs that develop pathways for emerging talent and youth voices to explore careers in communications, arts, news, sports and entertainment.
• Community Engagement: Programs that help foster community unity by enabling individuals to engage with and volunteer in their regions.

The participating NBCU Local stations are NBC 4 and Telemundo 47 (New York) ; NBC4 and Telemundo 52 (Los Angeles); NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago; NBC10 and Telemundo62 (Philadelphia); NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 (Dallas-Fort Worth); NBC4 and Telemundo 44 (Washington D.C.); NBC 10 Boston and Telemundo Boston; NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48 Area de la Bahia; NBC 6 South Florida and Telemundo 51 Miami; NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 (San Diego); and NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Connecticut.

Follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants.

About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Doug Burds is the program manager teams call when they’re stumped. “I’ve been around so dang long that the teams I support reach out just to say, ‘I know you may not be the right person, but I know you’ll know who’ll know this.’”

They’re right.

After three decades at Trane Technologies, Doug has become one of the company’s go-to experts for extending the life of HVAC systems, a practical form of circularity that keeps valuable equipment working longer instead of replacing it outright.

His expertise has also made him a trusted resource across the company. Today, he supports 150 commercial sales offices and roughly 700 service salespeople across North America, drawing on decades of accumulated knowledge to help teams find the right solutions for their customers.

Finding a home in the service business

Doug didn’t set out to become the person everyone calls for answers. After studying industrial technology at the University of Northern Iowa, Doug began his career designing refrigerated semi-trailers at one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. He later moved to another technology and engineering company before joining Trane Technologies.

“I wasn’t looking for another job,” Doug recalls. “But a recruiter called and said Trane® was looking for product managers. I knew it was a good company, and I grew up just down the river from La Crosse. So, I said, let’s take a look.”

Three decades later, Doug has built his career in the service side of the business, where he feels most connected to the work. “I love the people in the service business,” he says. “You get the technicians and account managers, and you’re dealing directly with the customers using our equipment. That’s where I feel most comfortable.”

It’s also where the work is constantly evolving. “What I love most about my job is I never know what an account manager is going to call and request. They’ll say, ‘Hey Doug, my customer has this situation — what can we offer them?’ It’s different every single time, even though the purpose is the same.”

“It could be a $10,000 project or a $1.5 million one. My job is to help our sales teams figure out what makes sense for the customer.”

Rethinking replacement

In the past, the default was generally replacement. “But it’s not like that anymore,” Doug says. “That way of thinking has become unsustainable from a price and environmental standpoint.”

In recent years, Doug has seen a noticeable shift in customer mindset. Today, much of his work focuses on helping customers extend the life of existing equipment. “We have a lot of customers who are choosing to keep what they have. Sometimes it’s a dollar decision, but increasingly it’s a sustainability decision.”

This attitude shift has changed the role Doug plays. Today, his job is less about suggesting a single solution and more about helping teams navigate available options. “I’ll say ‘maybe we can replace a few of these units, but with the others, we can change out the compressors, keep the existing unit and put in new controls to have the chiller run more efficiently.”

Renewal through circularity

Prolonging equipment life generally involves more frequent servicing. “It’s like your car. If you don’t want it breaking down in a snowstorm, you’ll need to proactively decrease the likelihood of that happening by replacing the parts that need replacing.”

Being pre-emptive is what Trane’s R’newal program is all about. Designed to restore aging HVAC equipment like chillers and self-contained units, the program allows customers to keep the foundation of the equipment intact while high-value components continue circulating.

“A big part of our R’newal program is about proactive service,” Doug explains. “We keep that same piece of equipment in place. We replace the wear items — the gaskets, the bearings, the O-rings — modernize what needs modernizing and keep it running.” So, instead of an entire unit heading to the scrap yard, it stays in service longer. This approach, Doug says, can increase the lifespan of a customer’s equipment for at least an extra 10 years.

“We worked on a chiller in San Francisco last year that was manufactured in 1967. We put a new, a retrofit control panel on it and it’s still operating.”

Thirty years and counting

In a company focused on keeping valuable assets in play, its people are no exception. “I never thought I’d be here for 30 years,” Doug says, “But it’s not that unusual within Trane Technologies. There’s a guy on my team, Bob, who I’ve worked with for 27 years. He’s retiring in June, and he’s been with the company for 45 years.”

When asked why he thinks so many people stay, he believes it all comes down to core values and authenticity. “It’s just a good company to its core.”

“When it comes to sustainability, Trane Technologies is actually walking the walk. A lot of companies talk about it, but you’d be hard pressed to see them follow through. But Trane Technologies does. It always has.”

For Doug, that commitment doesn’t stop when the workday ends. “Everything that we do in our jobs has sustainability built in,” he says. “Every new product and every customer interaction has sustainability at the center. It carries over from your job into your daily life. It makes you see things differently.”

That perspective shapes how he thinks about equipment lifecycles, waste and resource use. Instead of seeing aging systems as something to discard, Doug naturally looks for ways to extend their value. That consistency shows up everywhere in the company — from the Gigaton Challenge to circularity initiatives to the everyday culture of collaboration. “There’s so much talent and experience in this company,” Doug says. “You can always find someone ready to help you.”

Don’t wait. Jump in

After so many years at Trane Technologies, Doug has seen how institutional knowledge compounds. Experience builds on experience, relationships deepen and networks strengthen. But Doug doesn’t romanticize this longevity. “30 years goes by so quick,” he says. That’s why he encourages younger employees not to hesitate. “Don’t be afraid to take a chance,” he says. “Just jump out and do it. Don’t wait. Explore all the different things Trane Technologies has to offer.”

Doug has taken advantage of many of those opportunities himself over the years. He completed every product management training course and participated in countless customer and sales-focused classes, experiences that helped him better understand how different parts of the business connect. “It’s good training, and it helps you see what’s happening across the company,” he says. “There’s so much to do here. Why wouldn’t you grab the chance to do something different?”

The future is ours to create. – Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies

Doug Burds is the program manager teams call when they’re stumped. “I’ve been around so dang long that the teams I support reach out just to say, ‘I know you may not be the right person, but I know you’ll know who’ll know this.’”

They’re right.

After three decades at Trane Technologies, Doug has become one of the company’s go-to experts for extending the life of HVAC systems, a practical form of circularity that keeps valuable equipment working longer instead of replacing it outright.

His expertise has also made him a trusted resource across the company. Today, he supports 150 commercial sales offices and roughly 700 service salespeople across North America, drawing on decades of accumulated knowledge to help teams find the right solutions for their customers.

Finding a home in the service business

Doug didn’t set out to become the person everyone calls for answers. After studying industrial technology at the University of Northern Iowa, Doug began his career designing refrigerated semi-trailers at one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. He later moved to another technology and engineering company before joining Trane Technologies.

“I wasn’t looking for another job,” Doug recalls. “But a recruiter called and said Trane® was looking for product managers. I knew it was a good company, and I grew up just down the river from La Crosse. So, I said, let’s take a look.”

Three decades later, Doug has built his career in the service side of the business, where he feels most connected to the work. “I love the people in the service business,” he says. “You get the technicians and account managers, and you’re dealing directly with the customers using our equipment. That’s where I feel most comfortable.”

It’s also where the work is constantly evolving. “What I love most about my job is I never know what an account manager is going to call and request. They’ll say, ‘Hey Doug, my customer has this situation — what can we offer them?’ It’s different every single time, even though the purpose is the same.”

“It could be a $10,000 project or a $1.5 million one. My job is to help our sales teams figure out what makes sense for the customer.”

Rethinking replacement

In the past, the default was generally replacement. “But it’s not like that anymore,” Doug says. “That way of thinking has become unsustainable from a price and environmental standpoint.”

In recent years, Doug has seen a noticeable shift in customer mindset. Today, much of his work focuses on helping customers extend the life of existing equipment. “We have a lot of customers who are choosing to keep what they have. Sometimes it’s a dollar decision, but increasingly it’s a sustainability decision.”

This attitude shift has changed the role Doug plays. Today, his job is less about suggesting a single solution and more about helping teams navigate available options. “I’ll say ‘maybe we can replace a few of these units, but with the others, we can change out the compressors, keep the existing unit and put in new controls to have the chiller run more efficiently.”

Renewal through circularity

Prolonging equipment life generally involves more frequent servicing. “It’s like your car. If you don’t want it breaking down in a snowstorm, you’ll need to proactively decrease the likelihood of that happening by replacing the parts that need replacing.”

Being pre-emptive is what Trane’s R’newal program is all about. Designed to restore aging HVAC equipment like chillers and self-contained units, the program allows customers to keep the foundation of the equipment intact while high-value components continue circulating.

“A big part of our R’newal program is about proactive service,” Doug explains. “We keep that same piece of equipment in place. We replace the wear items — the gaskets, the bearings, the O-rings — modernize what needs modernizing and keep it running.” So, instead of an entire unit heading to the scrap yard, it stays in service longer. This approach, Doug says, can increase the lifespan of a customer’s equipment for at least an extra 10 years.

“We worked on a chiller in San Francisco last year that was manufactured in 1967. We put a new, a retrofit control panel on it and it’s still operating.”

Thirty years and counting

In a company focused on keeping valuable assets in play, its people are no exception. “I never thought I’d be here for 30 years,” Doug says, “But it’s not that unusual within Trane Technologies. There’s a guy on my team, Bob, who I’ve worked with for 27 years. He’s retiring in June, and he’s been with the company for 45 years.”

When asked why he thinks so many people stay, he believes it all comes down to core values and authenticity. “It’s just a good company to its core.”

“When it comes to sustainability, Trane Technologies is actually walking the walk. A lot of companies talk about it, but you’d be hard pressed to see them follow through. But Trane Technologies does. It always has.”

For Doug, that commitment doesn’t stop when the workday ends. “Everything that we do in our jobs has sustainability built in,” he says. “Every new product and every customer interaction has sustainability at the center. It carries over from your job into your daily life. It makes you see things differently.”

That perspective shapes how he thinks about equipment lifecycles, waste and resource use. Instead of seeing aging systems as something to discard, Doug naturally looks for ways to extend their value. That consistency shows up everywhere in the company — from the Gigaton Challenge to circularity initiatives to the everyday culture of collaboration. “There’s so much talent and experience in this company,” Doug says. “You can always find someone ready to help you.”

Don’t wait. Jump in

After so many years at Trane Technologies, Doug has seen how institutional knowledge compounds. Experience builds on experience, relationships deepen and networks strengthen. But Doug doesn’t romanticize this longevity. “30 years goes by so quick,” he says. That’s why he encourages younger employees not to hesitate. “Don’t be afraid to take a chance,” he says. “Just jump out and do it. Don’t wait. Explore all the different things Trane Technologies has to offer.”

Doug has taken advantage of many of those opportunities himself over the years. He completed every product management training course and participated in countless customer and sales-focused classes, experiences that helped him better understand how different parts of the business connect. “It’s good training, and it helps you see what’s happening across the company,” he says. “There’s so much to do here. Why wouldn’t you grab the chance to do something different?”

The future is ours to create. – Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies

Originally published by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

• The collaboration’s first initiative is a white paper demonstrating the value of peer support programs to improve engagement, retention and clinical outcomes.
• Two pilot programs are underway: One expands peer support; the second applies predictive analytics to enhance continuity of care for people with schizophrenia.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 25, 2026 /3BL/ – The National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) (NYSE: BMY) today announced a new collaboration to bridge critical gaps in schizophrenia care. The joint initiative is launching with the publication of a white paper addressing the value of peer support workers as a critical component in delivering better outcomes for people living with schizophrenia.

The National Council and BMS are collaborating to advance evidence-based approaches, strengthen care team integration and expand access to recovery-oriented services in community-based settings. The white paper, which features insights from Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), is the collaboration’s first step toward these goals.

“Gaps in care coordination, access and ongoing support remain significant and deeply felt across communities,” National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “This collaboration with BMS will further advance meaningful solutions, accelerate wide‑scale innovation and demonstrate the value of effective collaboration between industry and community partners in effecting change.”

“Despite decades of progress in clinical innovation, many people living with schizophrenia still encounter substantial barriers to achieving stability, connection and a fulfilling life,” BMS Vice President and Head of Population Health Andrew Whitehead said. “We recognize the important work already happening within community-based schizophrenia care to address these challenges. Our commitment to the schizophrenia community, alongside the National Council, builds on that foundation and will strengthen these efforts so more individuals can access the comprehensive, person-centered support they deserve.”

The white paper, Advancing Person‑Centered Care: Peer Support in Schizophrenia Care in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, explores the positive impact peer support services have had on schizophrenia care in the U.S. These individuals, who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges, can build trust, promote hope and help individuals engage with treatment and community resources. One in five adults experiences mental illness each year, yet fewer than half receive the care they need. Peer support workers are essential to bridging this gap.

Drawing on peer-reviewed research and insights from community behavioral health leaders who have successfully implemented programs, the paper reviews the peer support landscape, analyzes current implementation, identifies challenges and offers practical recommendations.

It highlights case studies from CCBHCs showing that clearly defining the peer support worker’s role, embedding peers early in care, providing structured supervision and investing in training and career pathways can significantly improve service utilization.

The paper also delivers recommendations for health care leaders and policymakers to expand program funding, streamline referral pathways and strengthen reimbursement policy to provide sustainable, scalable peer support services nationwide.

“People living with schizophrenia benefit most from a person-centered, empathic and connected care ecosystem — one that values lived experience, trust and hope,” said Nicole Tierney, certified peer recovery specialist and certified recovery support practitioner at CPC Integrated Health in Eatontown, New Jersey. “This groundbreaking new white paper not only provides clear evidence that peer support programs achieve that, it also details the steps CCBHCs and other clinics can take to integrate peer support and enhance the experiences of people living with schizophrenia.”

The collaboration has also launched the design of two pilot programs. The first puts the white paper’s recommendations into action to expand and strengthen peer support services. The second investigates opportunities to use predictive analytics models to enhance continuity of care for people living with schizophrenia. Both pilots are expected to share initial updates in early 2027.

Peer support and predictive analytics will also be focal points at NatCon, the annual conference for National Council members, partners and people throughout the behavioral health field. A breakout session, “Trust, Connection, and Continuity: The Opportunity of Peer Support in Care for People with SMI [Serious Mental Illness],” is scheduled for Monday, April 27. Check out the sessions in our peer support track for more details.

About Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) connect people with immediate crisis care as well as therapy, treatment, primary care and social services. CCBHCs are designed to ensure that anyone can quickly access mental health and substance care whenever and however they need it, regardless of their ability to pay.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid program, we have trained more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

Media Contact

Sophia Majlessi
Media@TheNationalCouncil.org
202-621-1631

Originally published by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

• The collaboration’s first initiative is a white paper demonstrating the value of peer support programs to improve engagement, retention and clinical outcomes.
• Two pilot programs are underway: One expands peer support; the second applies predictive analytics to enhance continuity of care for people with schizophrenia.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 25, 2026 /3BL/ – The National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) (NYSE: BMY) today announced a new collaboration to bridge critical gaps in schizophrenia care. The joint initiative is launching with the publication of a white paper addressing the value of peer support workers as a critical component in delivering better outcomes for people living with schizophrenia.

The National Council and BMS are collaborating to advance evidence-based approaches, strengthen care team integration and expand access to recovery-oriented services in community-based settings. The white paper, which features insights from Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), is the collaboration’s first step toward these goals.

“Gaps in care coordination, access and ongoing support remain significant and deeply felt across communities,” National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “This collaboration with BMS will further advance meaningful solutions, accelerate wide‑scale innovation and demonstrate the value of effective collaboration between industry and community partners in effecting change.”

“Despite decades of progress in clinical innovation, many people living with schizophrenia still encounter substantial barriers to achieving stability, connection and a fulfilling life,” BMS Vice President and Head of Population Health Andrew Whitehead said. “We recognize the important work already happening within community-based schizophrenia care to address these challenges. Our commitment to the schizophrenia community, alongside the National Council, builds on that foundation and will strengthen these efforts so more individuals can access the comprehensive, person-centered support they deserve.”

The white paper, Advancing Person‑Centered Care: Peer Support in Schizophrenia Care in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, explores the positive impact peer support services have had on schizophrenia care in the U.S. These individuals, who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges, can build trust, promote hope and help individuals engage with treatment and community resources. One in five adults experiences mental illness each year, yet fewer than half receive the care they need. Peer support workers are essential to bridging this gap.

Drawing on peer-reviewed research and insights from community behavioral health leaders who have successfully implemented programs, the paper reviews the peer support landscape, analyzes current implementation, identifies challenges and offers practical recommendations.

It highlights case studies from CCBHCs showing that clearly defining the peer support worker’s role, embedding peers early in care, providing structured supervision and investing in training and career pathways can significantly improve service utilization.

The paper also delivers recommendations for health care leaders and policymakers to expand program funding, streamline referral pathways and strengthen reimbursement policy to provide sustainable, scalable peer support services nationwide.

“People living with schizophrenia benefit most from a person-centered, empathic and connected care ecosystem — one that values lived experience, trust and hope,” said Nicole Tierney, certified peer recovery specialist and certified recovery support practitioner at CPC Integrated Health in Eatontown, New Jersey. “This groundbreaking new white paper not only provides clear evidence that peer support programs achieve that, it also details the steps CCBHCs and other clinics can take to integrate peer support and enhance the experiences of people living with schizophrenia.”

The collaboration has also launched the design of two pilot programs. The first puts the white paper’s recommendations into action to expand and strengthen peer support services. The second investigates opportunities to use predictive analytics models to enhance continuity of care for people living with schizophrenia. Both pilots are expected to share initial updates in early 2027.

Peer support and predictive analytics will also be focal points at NatCon, the annual conference for National Council members, partners and people throughout the behavioral health field. A breakout session, “Trust, Connection, and Continuity: The Opportunity of Peer Support in Care for People with SMI [Serious Mental Illness],” is scheduled for Monday, April 27. Check out the sessions in our peer support track for more details.

About Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) connect people with immediate crisis care as well as therapy, treatment, primary care and social services. CCBHCs are designed to ensure that anyone can quickly access mental health and substance care whenever and however they need it, regardless of their ability to pay.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid program, we have trained more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

Media Contact

Sophia Majlessi
Media@TheNationalCouncil.org
202-621-1631

Originally published by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

• The collaboration’s first initiative is a white paper demonstrating the value of peer support programs to improve engagement, retention and clinical outcomes.
• Two pilot programs are underway: One expands peer support; the second applies predictive analytics to enhance continuity of care for people with schizophrenia.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 25, 2026 /3BL/ – The National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) (NYSE: BMY) today announced a new collaboration to bridge critical gaps in schizophrenia care. The joint initiative is launching with the publication of a white paper addressing the value of peer support workers as a critical component in delivering better outcomes for people living with schizophrenia.

The National Council and BMS are collaborating to advance evidence-based approaches, strengthen care team integration and expand access to recovery-oriented services in community-based settings. The white paper, which features insights from Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), is the collaboration’s first step toward these goals.

“Gaps in care coordination, access and ongoing support remain significant and deeply felt across communities,” National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “This collaboration with BMS will further advance meaningful solutions, accelerate wide‑scale innovation and demonstrate the value of effective collaboration between industry and community partners in effecting change.”

“Despite decades of progress in clinical innovation, many people living with schizophrenia still encounter substantial barriers to achieving stability, connection and a fulfilling life,” BMS Vice President and Head of Population Health Andrew Whitehead said. “We recognize the important work already happening within community-based schizophrenia care to address these challenges. Our commitment to the schizophrenia community, alongside the National Council, builds on that foundation and will strengthen these efforts so more individuals can access the comprehensive, person-centered support they deserve.”

The white paper, Advancing Person‑Centered Care: Peer Support in Schizophrenia Care in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, explores the positive impact peer support services have had on schizophrenia care in the U.S. These individuals, who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges, can build trust, promote hope and help individuals engage with treatment and community resources. One in five adults experiences mental illness each year, yet fewer than half receive the care they need. Peer support workers are essential to bridging this gap.

Drawing on peer-reviewed research and insights from community behavioral health leaders who have successfully implemented programs, the paper reviews the peer support landscape, analyzes current implementation, identifies challenges and offers practical recommendations.

It highlights case studies from CCBHCs showing that clearly defining the peer support worker’s role, embedding peers early in care, providing structured supervision and investing in training and career pathways can significantly improve service utilization.

The paper also delivers recommendations for health care leaders and policymakers to expand program funding, streamline referral pathways and strengthen reimbursement policy to provide sustainable, scalable peer support services nationwide.

“People living with schizophrenia benefit most from a person-centered, empathic and connected care ecosystem — one that values lived experience, trust and hope,” said Nicole Tierney, certified peer recovery specialist and certified recovery support practitioner at CPC Integrated Health in Eatontown, New Jersey. “This groundbreaking new white paper not only provides clear evidence that peer support programs achieve that, it also details the steps CCBHCs and other clinics can take to integrate peer support and enhance the experiences of people living with schizophrenia.”

The collaboration has also launched the design of two pilot programs. The first puts the white paper’s recommendations into action to expand and strengthen peer support services. The second investigates opportunities to use predictive analytics models to enhance continuity of care for people living with schizophrenia. Both pilots are expected to share initial updates in early 2027.

Peer support and predictive analytics will also be focal points at NatCon, the annual conference for National Council members, partners and people throughout the behavioral health field. A breakout session, “Trust, Connection, and Continuity: The Opportunity of Peer Support in Care for People with SMI [Serious Mental Illness],” is scheduled for Monday, April 27. Check out the sessions in our peer support track for more details.

About Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) connect people with immediate crisis care as well as therapy, treatment, primary care and social services. CCBHCs are designed to ensure that anyone can quickly access mental health and substance care whenever and however they need it, regardless of their ability to pay.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid program, we have trained more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

Media Contact

Sophia Majlessi
Media@TheNationalCouncil.org
202-621-1631

From the heat of the fireground to the strategic demands of the command office, fire leaders must seamlessly pivot from tactical action to visionary leadership. Recognizing this vital work, the Motorola Solutions Foundation has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and its Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) for more than a decade, investing in aspiring executive fire chiefs and equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to navigate increasingly complex challenges.

Impact defined by its leaders

Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, EOW December 14, 2025, a member of the 2022 FSEDI cohort, was a leader whose impact was felt far beyond the islands he served.

He leveraged the strategic training from FSEDI to champion monumental change, securing an unprecedented $30 million funding increase for his department over three years. This crucial investment fueled critical infrastructure upgrades, including new helicopters and ambulances, expanding his department’s ability to respond to emergencies. Beyond these administrative successes, Chief Todd was a pillar of strength during Hawaii’s devastating 2023 wildfires. He was a tireless champion for the next generation, actively mentoring his staff and advocating for state-wide fire safety reforms.

Jason Shaw, Deputy Chief with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and a fellow FSEDI alum, described Chief Todd as a visionary who led with “confidence, courage and a servant’s heart.” He noted that the FSDEI program gave Chief Todd “the permission to be vulnerable and the space to learn,” transforming him into a “big-time” fire chief who changed fire safety for the State of Hawai’i. 

It was this profound impact that made Chief Todd’s sudden passing in early 2026 a moment of deep mourning for the fire service community.

“The Motorola Solutions Foundation is deeply moved by Chief Todd’s legacy,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director of the Foundation. “It’s a powerful reminder that when we invest in a leader, we’re ultimately investing in the safety and resilience of the entire community they serve.”

Inspiring the next generation

Chief Todd’s impact and legacy empower the next generation, and the Motorola Solutions Foundation honors the path he forged by supporting those who follow in his footsteps. The latest FSEDI cohort, the 2026 class of fire service professionals, represents the future of public safety across North America, and the Foundation is privileged to support them as they begin this transformative journey.

From the heat of the fireground to the strategic demands of the command office, fire leaders must seamlessly pivot from tactical action to visionary leadership. Recognizing this vital work, the Motorola Solutions Foundation has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and its Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) for more than a decade, investing in aspiring executive fire chiefs and equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to navigate increasingly complex challenges.

Impact defined by its leaders

Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, EOW December 14, 2025, a member of the 2022 FSEDI cohort, was a leader whose impact was felt far beyond the islands he served.

He leveraged the strategic training from FSEDI to champion monumental change, securing an unprecedented $30 million funding increase for his department over three years. This crucial investment fueled critical infrastructure upgrades, including new helicopters and ambulances, expanding his department’s ability to respond to emergencies. Beyond these administrative successes, Chief Todd was a pillar of strength during Hawaii’s devastating 2023 wildfires. He was a tireless champion for the next generation, actively mentoring his staff and advocating for state-wide fire safety reforms.

Jason Shaw, Deputy Chief with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and a fellow FSEDI alum, described Chief Todd as a visionary who led with “confidence, courage and a servant’s heart.” He noted that the FSDEI program gave Chief Todd “the permission to be vulnerable and the space to learn,” transforming him into a “big-time” fire chief who changed fire safety for the State of Hawai’i. 

It was this profound impact that made Chief Todd’s sudden passing in early 2026 a moment of deep mourning for the fire service community.

“The Motorola Solutions Foundation is deeply moved by Chief Todd’s legacy,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director of the Foundation. “It’s a powerful reminder that when we invest in a leader, we’re ultimately investing in the safety and resilience of the entire community they serve.”

Inspiring the next generation

Chief Todd’s impact and legacy empower the next generation, and the Motorola Solutions Foundation honors the path he forged by supporting those who follow in his footsteps. The latest FSEDI cohort, the 2026 class of fire service professionals, represents the future of public safety across North America, and the Foundation is privileged to support them as they begin this transformative journey.

Highlights from Move! PEFCR Webinar:

• Build readiness for EU compliance: What PEF means for future regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Move from measurement to insight: Using product footprint data to inform decisions and improve performance.
• Strengthen industry alignment: Cascale’s role in elevating shared standards for scalable, credible progress.

Cascale recently collaborated with Modaes, Spain’s leading fashion business journal, to deliver a webinar on the European Union’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) framework. The session, titled “PEF or How to Measure the Environmental Footprint According to the EU,” was livestreamed on LinkedIn, engaging professionals across the Spanish consumer goods industry.

The webinar trails a recent collaboration between the organizations, with Cascale participating in a PEFCR launch event in Madrid earlier this month.

Introduced by Sònia Flotats, director of Modaes’ MOVE! platform, Melissa Ortuño de Leon – senior manager, Higg Product Tools – reinforced Cascale’s role as a technical contributor and coordinator of the Apparel and Footwear PEFCR. By translating complex regulatory developments into actionable guidance, the webinar aimed to support Spanish brands and industry-wide stakeholders in navigating evolving sustainability requirements.

Ortuño de Leon provided a clear and accessible introduction to PEF and the Apparel and Footwear Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR). She shared practical insights on how brands can prepare to assess the environmental impact of their products, including key requirements and implementation steps aligned with EU expectations.

Engagement was clear throughout the webinar. Attendee questions spanned the similarities between PEF and France’s mandate on Environmental Cost, the potential inclusion of traceability information, and product differentiators between organic and non-organic fabrics.

A recording of the webinar is now publicly available through Modaes’ MOVE! platform, extending its reach to a broader audience.

Looking ahead, Cascale will continue to explore opportunities to collaborate with Modaes to support industry alignment, strengthen understanding of sustainability frameworks, and enable credible, consistent measurement across the value chain.

By Laura Barefoot, Senior Manager, Integrated Marketing, Lenovo

A student design session supported by Lenovo at the Hargraves Community Center in Chapel Hill made its way to the Dean Smith Center, where one lucky student had their design worn by the University of North Carolina’s men’s basketball team.

Rooted in community

The Hargraves Community Center is a longstanding pillar of Chapel Hill’s Northside neighborhood and a place deeply rooted in the town’s historically Black community. Built by and for the community, Hargraves has served generations as a resource for education, recreation, and community involvement. Today, the center continues to support people and families across all ages in the Triangle area through programs that support academic, social, and recreational needs, making it a trusted environment for community engagement and growth.

From imagination to creation

Earlier this year, head coach Hubert Davis along with the Tar Heels players visited the Hargraves Center, joining local students for a collaborative design session in recognition of Black History Month. Powered by Lenovo technology, players worked alongside third- through fifth-grade students to transform their ideas into creative designs that could be shared beyond the classroom.

With guidance from UNC players, these tablets were used to bring ideas to life through a hands-on, interactive experience. The technology allowed students to experiment with colors, fonts, and digital effects, trying out different designs in real time, encouraging creativity and discovery. Throughout the session, the players provided feedback and encouragement, helping refine designs and build confidence. The Lenovo tablets were later donated to the Hargraves Community Center to expand access to technology and support continued learning and creativity.

After the design portion of the team’s visit, students had the opportunity to present their T-shirt designs on a big screen to show off their creativity and artistry. The players then voted and selected one student-created design to be printed on T-shirts that were shown off to UNC fans during pregame warmups before the February 23 game against Louisville. For the students, seeing their peers’ design showcased at the game served as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through collaboration and creativity.

“Hargraves Community Center is an important reflection of the heart of Chapel Hill, a town my family loves,” said UNC Basketball coach Hubert Davis. “Introducing our players to the students and families in the Hargraves community serves all of us. It helps build a bridge to community activism for our players and it encourages the students our players interact with to dream big and believe they can achieve anything.”

Empowering through partnership

Through its collaboration with the Hargraves Community Center and continued partnership with UNC, Lenovo continues to deepen its commitment to the North Carolina community by providing technology that fuels learning and creativity. By providing students with the opportunity to explore design, collaborate with mentors, and bring ideas to life, Lenovo helps create hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through this initiative, Lenovo reinforces its broader commitment to providing access to digital tools, supporting learning, and contributing to experiences that benefit communities and students.