Tag: 3BL

November 26, 2024 /3BL/ The 2024 FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX is in full swing, and T-Mobile is on hand to deliver even more than 5G-powered new experiences on America’s largest and fastest 5G network to over 300,000 fans and competitors at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. The Un-carrier is also ensuring that first responders, officials and other agencies stay connected during the event.  

Here’s what T-Mobile for Government and our emergency management teams are doing:

T-Mobile’s emergency management team, local teams and National Operations Centers are working together to monitor the network in the Las Vegas area around the clock.T-Mobile for Government is partnering closely with public safety and government officials to provide essential communications support and address critical needs.T-Mobile is deploying state-of-the-art and heavy-duty mobile solutions, including SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) and SatCOWs (Satellite Cell on Wheels) to ensure uninterrupted access to critical services.Tapping into the advanced capabilities of T-Mobile’s network — such as our Cognitive Self-Organizing Network (SON) and automatic antenna tilting — to help optimize signal, expand coverage areas and avoid congestion.

For more on T-Mobile’s 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Festivities, go here.  And for more information on T-Mobile’s 5G network at key locations around the race, go here. Also, there’s more details on T-Mobile’s emergency response efforts here.  

Follow @TMobileNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest news. 

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Women – especially teen girls and young women living in sub-Saharan Africa – are disproportionately impacted by HIV globally, with about 3,100 acquiring HIV each week. They’ve also historically been excluded from or underrepresented in HIV clinical trials. That’s why Gilead’s PURPOSE 1 trial, which studied the safety and efficacy of an investigational HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP medication, set out to exclusively focus on young African women and adolescent girls.

Lead PURPOSE researcher Moupali Das, Vice President, Clinical Development, HIV Prevention & Pediatrics, designed the PURPOSE program with Gilead’s person-centric approach in mind to reach underserved communities and groups around the world. In all, there are currently five PURPOSE clinical trials, with more in design phases, and the program is the most comprehensive and diverse program for an investigational HIV prevention medication ever conducted.

“Whenever we study a new innovation, we must be intentional about both the scientific and health equity aspects of it to ensure that it doesn’t exacerbate existing disparities,” explains Moupali. “Based on this approach, it’s critical to ensure that we include people in our trials who are most disproportionately affected by HIV and who most need new choices for PrEP.”

Thousands of cisgender women and girls between the ages of 16 and 25 in South Africa and Uganda were enrolled in the trial, which studied a medication that is administered once every six months via injection. Encouraging preliminary results were released earlier this year.

“As a researcher, you dream of these ‘pinch-me’ moments that help provide a pathway toward new opportunities,” says Moupali.

Before the trial was launched in 2021, Moupali and her colleagues worked closely with Global Community Accountability Groups. The groups’ members are active in HIV advocacy and clinical development work and provide important insights on recruitment, retention, communication and how to best support participants while also taking into account cultural considerations. Based on input from these community partners, the PURPOSE 1 trial included pregnant and lactating women – making it the first Phase 3 HIV prevention trial to do so.

PURPOSE 1 has set a new standard for HIV prevention trials, demonstrating what can happen when a drug candidate, a thoughtful scientific and community-focused trial design, and an inclusive trial implementation plan come together.

“I’m filled with such hope as I think about what the PURPOSE program could mean for people who are members of groups that are disproportionally affected by HIV,” Moupali says. “Potential new PrEP choices could be a key resource in helping to end the epidemic.”

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

Women – especially teen girls and young women living in sub-Saharan Africa – are disproportionately impacted by HIV globally, with about 3,100 acquiring HIV each week. They’ve also historically been excluded from or underrepresented in HIV clinical trials. That’s why Gilead’s PURPOSE 1 trial, which studied the safety and efficacy of an investigational HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP medication, set out to exclusively focus on young African women and adolescent girls.

Lead PURPOSE researcher Moupali Das, Vice President, Clinical Development, HIV Prevention & Pediatrics, designed the PURPOSE program with Gilead’s person-centric approach in mind to reach underserved communities and groups around the world. In all, there are currently five PURPOSE clinical trials, with more in design phases, and the program is the most comprehensive and diverse program for an investigational HIV prevention medication ever conducted.

“Whenever we study a new innovation, we must be intentional about both the scientific and health equity aspects of it to ensure that it doesn’t exacerbate existing disparities,” explains Moupali. “Based on this approach, it’s critical to ensure that we include people in our trials who are most disproportionately affected by HIV and who most need new choices for PrEP.”

Thousands of cisgender women and girls between the ages of 16 and 25 in South Africa and Uganda were enrolled in the trial, which studied a medication that is administered once every six months via injection. Encouraging preliminary results were released earlier this year.

“As a researcher, you dream of these ‘pinch-me’ moments that help provide a pathway toward new opportunities,” says Moupali.

Before the trial was launched in 2021, Moupali and her colleagues worked closely with Global Community Accountability Groups. The groups’ members are active in HIV advocacy and clinical development work and provide important insights on recruitment, retention, communication and how to best support participants while also taking into account cultural considerations. Based on input from these community partners, the PURPOSE 1 trial included pregnant and lactating women – making it the first Phase 3 HIV prevention trial to do so.

PURPOSE 1 has set a new standard for HIV prevention trials, demonstrating what can happen when a drug candidate, a thoughtful scientific and community-focused trial design, and an inclusive trial implementation plan come together.

“I’m filled with such hope as I think about what the PURPOSE program could mean for people who are members of groups that are disproportionally affected by HIV,” Moupali says. “Potential new PrEP choices could be a key resource in helping to end the epidemic.”

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

Originally published on ASPCA.org

Pigs may not be flying yet, but these dogs certainly are! And they’re not just flying to shelters, they’re getting adopted so fast, they’re practically flying into homes!

This June, 40 dogs were flown from Mobile SPCA in Mobile, Alabama, to the Laurence G. Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, where they were then transported by ground to MSPCA-Angell: Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire SPCA (NHSPCA) in Stratham, New Hampshire. In total 33 dogs (28 puppies and 5 adults) went to the MSPCA, while seven dogs (2 puppies and 5 adults) went to the NHSPCA.

This flight and animal transport, sponsored by our longtime partner Subaru of America, Inc., was part of our Animal Relocation Program, which works with overcrowded shelters to relocate animals to other shelters with space, resources and a high demand for adoption.

This transport was vital to Mobile SPCA as their shelter has been experiencing overcrowding, with a high number of puppies and dogs consistently in their care. The transport increased Mobile SPCA’s capacity to assist more community animals in need in their community and gave the relocated animals a better chance at finding the loving homes they deserve.

Which is exactly what happened after they reached the Northeast! All 33 dogs that went to MSPCA-Angell have since been adopted, including Leonardo, one of 28 puppies who made the flight.

Looking for Leo

Hitesh and Swapnali V. were on the MSPCA-Angell website in search of a Labrador Retriever-mix puppy when they came across Leo.

“When we first met him, his energy and vibe matched ours perfectly,” said Hitesh. “The connection was instant. He greeted us with such excitement, we knew he was the one.”

Already in love with their new furry friend, the couple adopted Leo and brought him home that day.

As he adjusted to his new home, Leo was anxious at first, always needing to be able to see Hitesh and Swapnali. But with time, Leo began trusting his pet parents and became super comfortable and playful.

“He was bold and energetic when we met him. Now, he’s even more playful, vocal and enjoys his ‘me time,’” Hitesh told us.

Hitesh and Swapnali couldn’t be happier with their decision to adopt Leo.

“He’s added so much joy into our home,” Hitesh said. “His energy and intelligence keep us on our toes, and we love every moment with him.”

Leo’s journey and adoption are a part of what we call The Rescue Effect – a ripple effect through shelters that is created when a dog is either fostered or adopted. These actions allow space for shelters to help more animals in need during a time when most facilities are at capacity. Leo’s journey cleared space at Mobile SPCA and then Hitesh and Swapnali’s actions created more space at MSCPA-Angell – that’s The Rescue Effect.

Without the Subaru-sponsored relocation flight and transport with the ASPCA, Hitesh and Swapnali would have never met Leo, which is why we’re so proud of all the work our Animal Relocation team does to give homeless animals second chances and new beginnings.

The ASPCA Relocation Program is the country’s largest national transporter of animals, having transported over 270,000 animals since its inception. Our program also provides resources, support and training to both source and destination shelters with the goal of not only reducing overcrowding at partner shelters, but also helping shelters create and strengthen programs that will have a long-term effect on animal welfare in the surrounding communities.

The ASPCA and Subaru

The ASPCA has worked with Subaru for over a decade and is the national partner for the Subaru Loves Pets® program, through which Subaru and its retailers are committed to improving the lives of as many shelter animals as possible. Every October, Subaru celebrates Subaru Loves Pets with over 600 Subaru retailers partnering with local animal shelters to provide direct financial assistance to aid in shelter support and pet adoptions.

In addition, we are also celebrating the 6th annual National Make a Dog’s Day today, October 22! This day was created by Subaru to encourage all dog lovers across the country to do something special for their canine family members or support a local animal in need. This year, the ASPCA and Subaru are using this month and this celebratory day to encourage people across the country to consider adopting or fostering a dog in need.

Subaru is especially passionate about supporting some of the most vulnerable shelter animals — older and disabled dogs, which we lovingly call the ‘Underdogs.’ These dogs are often overlooked and stay longer in shelters as they wait to find a loving home.

How to Make an Impact This Month

Looking to join us and Subaru on our mission by adopting a dog? Check out our adoptable dogs in New York City or Columbus, Ohio! Not in these areas? Check out your local shelter!

Not ready to commit to adoption just yet? Try fostering! You can foster dogs through the ASPCA in New York City or Columbus, Ohio, or through your local shelter.

You can also learn more about adoption and fostering and their impact on overcrowded local shelters by visiting www.aspca.org/therescueeffect.

Continue reading here.

Originally published on ASPCA.org

Pigs may not be flying yet, but these dogs certainly are! And they’re not just flying to shelters, they’re getting adopted so fast, they’re practically flying into homes!

This June, 40 dogs were flown from Mobile SPCA in Mobile, Alabama, to the Laurence G. Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, where they were then transported by ground to MSPCA-Angell: Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire SPCA (NHSPCA) in Stratham, New Hampshire. In total 33 dogs (28 puppies and 5 adults) went to the MSPCA, while seven dogs (2 puppies and 5 adults) went to the NHSPCA.

This flight and animal transport, sponsored by our longtime partner Subaru of America, Inc., was part of our Animal Relocation Program, which works with overcrowded shelters to relocate animals to other shelters with space, resources and a high demand for adoption.

This transport was vital to Mobile SPCA as their shelter has been experiencing overcrowding, with a high number of puppies and dogs consistently in their care. The transport increased Mobile SPCA’s capacity to assist more community animals in need in their community and gave the relocated animals a better chance at finding the loving homes they deserve.

Which is exactly what happened after they reached the Northeast! All 33 dogs that went to MSPCA-Angell have since been adopted, including Leonardo, one of 28 puppies who made the flight.

Looking for Leo

Hitesh and Swapnali V. were on the MSPCA-Angell website in search of a Labrador Retriever-mix puppy when they came across Leo.

“When we first met him, his energy and vibe matched ours perfectly,” said Hitesh. “The connection was instant. He greeted us with such excitement, we knew he was the one.”

Already in love with their new furry friend, the couple adopted Leo and brought him home that day.

As he adjusted to his new home, Leo was anxious at first, always needing to be able to see Hitesh and Swapnali. But with time, Leo began trusting his pet parents and became super comfortable and playful.

“He was bold and energetic when we met him. Now, he’s even more playful, vocal and enjoys his ‘me time,’” Hitesh told us.

Hitesh and Swapnali couldn’t be happier with their decision to adopt Leo.

“He’s added so much joy into our home,” Hitesh said. “His energy and intelligence keep us on our toes, and we love every moment with him.”

Leo’s journey and adoption are a part of what we call The Rescue Effect – a ripple effect through shelters that is created when a dog is either fostered or adopted. These actions allow space for shelters to help more animals in need during a time when most facilities are at capacity. Leo’s journey cleared space at Mobile SPCA and then Hitesh and Swapnali’s actions created more space at MSCPA-Angell – that’s The Rescue Effect.

Without the Subaru-sponsored relocation flight and transport with the ASPCA, Hitesh and Swapnali would have never met Leo, which is why we’re so proud of all the work our Animal Relocation team does to give homeless animals second chances and new beginnings.

The ASPCA Relocation Program is the country’s largest national transporter of animals, having transported over 270,000 animals since its inception. Our program also provides resources, support and training to both source and destination shelters with the goal of not only reducing overcrowding at partner shelters, but also helping shelters create and strengthen programs that will have a long-term effect on animal welfare in the surrounding communities.

The ASPCA and Subaru

The ASPCA has worked with Subaru for over a decade and is the national partner for the Subaru Loves Pets® program, through which Subaru and its retailers are committed to improving the lives of as many shelter animals as possible. Every October, Subaru celebrates Subaru Loves Pets with over 600 Subaru retailers partnering with local animal shelters to provide direct financial assistance to aid in shelter support and pet adoptions.

In addition, we are also celebrating the 6th annual National Make a Dog’s Day today, October 22! This day was created by Subaru to encourage all dog lovers across the country to do something special for their canine family members or support a local animal in need. This year, the ASPCA and Subaru are using this month and this celebratory day to encourage people across the country to consider adopting or fostering a dog in need.

Subaru is especially passionate about supporting some of the most vulnerable shelter animals — older and disabled dogs, which we lovingly call the ‘Underdogs.’ These dogs are often overlooked and stay longer in shelters as they wait to find a loving home.

How to Make an Impact This Month

Looking to join us and Subaru on our mission by adopting a dog? Check out our adoptable dogs in New York City or Columbus, Ohio! Not in these areas? Check out your local shelter!

Not ready to commit to adoption just yet? Try fostering! You can foster dogs through the ASPCA in New York City or Columbus, Ohio, or through your local shelter.

You can also learn more about adoption and fostering and their impact on overcrowded local shelters by visiting www.aspca.org/therescueeffect.

Continue reading here.

Originally published by Northwestern Mutual on October 16th

Series highlights the often surprising and deeply personal world of money and finances among professional athletes, with the first two episodes featuring Brice Turang and Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers™

Series launches during Financial Planning month to shine a light on the importance of financial planning in professional sports

MILWAUKEE, November 26, 2024 /3BL/ – Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company, announced the launch of the company’s digital series “My Time to Plan” highlighting the often surprising and deeply personal world of money and finances among professional athletes.

“Now, more than before, players are retiring early, which leaves a lot of life to live,” said Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers™ second baseman. “When you get drafted at 18 years old, you don’t really know the value of money. I took that as a learning opportunity to understand the effort that’s needed to make sure my money is working the right way. I’m taking steps to ensure that when I retire from baseball that I have financial stability and security.”

Turang is featured in one of the series’ initial episodes, as is teammate Sal Frelick, with each showcasing their respective personal journeys, and when they determined it was their time to financially plan to better reach their personal dreams and goals. With October being National Financial Planning Month, this series comes at a perfect time for players as they reflect on their legacies both on and off the field.

“Having conversations about money is so important. It’s something I wish I thought about even sooner, which is why I was happy to partner with Northwestern Mutual to be a part of the ‘My Time to Plan’ series,” said Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers™ outfielder. “I hope this inspires others to look at the financial plan they have in place or take action by speaking with a financial advisor to create one focused on their goals.”

As a leading financial services company, Northwestern Mutual’s mission is to relieve Americans of financial anxiety through a comprehensive approach to financial planning anchored in better conversations with advisors. These conversations often reveal the opportunities and blind spots that sometimes go overlooked, whether athletes or otherwise.

“We saw a real opportunity to showcase that those starting out in their career are in need of a plan to help them achieve their goals in life without financial anxiety,” said Lynn Teo, chief marketing officer, Northwestern Mutual. “The ‘My Time to Plan’ series offers a fresh approach to normalize conversations about money with two of the team’s star players, as a natural extension of our larger partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers.”

The content series is an extension of the 167-year-old company’s newly released integrated marketing campaign, “A Better Way to Money,” which speaks to how its comprehensive approach1 to financial planning is anchored in better conversations with Northwestern Mutual’s 7.5K+ advisors and representatives.

To view the “My Time To Plan” series, visit youtube.com/northwesternmutual and to start your own financial plan, visit northwesternmutual.com.

About Northwestern Mutual 
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With over $627 billion of total assets2 being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2024.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

1 Combining permanent life insurance, investments, and income annuities.

2 Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

Lauren Samaha, 1-800-323-7033, mediarelations@northwesternmutual.com

Originally published by Northwestern Mutual on October 16th

Series highlights the often surprising and deeply personal world of money and finances among professional athletes, with the first two episodes featuring Brice Turang and Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers™

Series launches during Financial Planning month to shine a light on the importance of financial planning in professional sports

MILWAUKEE, November 26, 2024 /3BL/ – Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company, announced the launch of the company’s digital series “My Time to Plan” highlighting the often surprising and deeply personal world of money and finances among professional athletes.

“Now, more than before, players are retiring early, which leaves a lot of life to live,” said Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers™ second baseman. “When you get drafted at 18 years old, you don’t really know the value of money. I took that as a learning opportunity to understand the effort that’s needed to make sure my money is working the right way. I’m taking steps to ensure that when I retire from baseball that I have financial stability and security.”

Turang is featured in one of the series’ initial episodes, as is teammate Sal Frelick, with each showcasing their respective personal journeys, and when they determined it was their time to financially plan to better reach their personal dreams and goals. With October being National Financial Planning Month, this series comes at a perfect time for players as they reflect on their legacies both on and off the field.

“Having conversations about money is so important. It’s something I wish I thought about even sooner, which is why I was happy to partner with Northwestern Mutual to be a part of the ‘My Time to Plan’ series,” said Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers™ outfielder. “I hope this inspires others to look at the financial plan they have in place or take action by speaking with a financial advisor to create one focused on their goals.”

As a leading financial services company, Northwestern Mutual’s mission is to relieve Americans of financial anxiety through a comprehensive approach to financial planning anchored in better conversations with advisors. These conversations often reveal the opportunities and blind spots that sometimes go overlooked, whether athletes or otherwise.

“We saw a real opportunity to showcase that those starting out in their career are in need of a plan to help them achieve their goals in life without financial anxiety,” said Lynn Teo, chief marketing officer, Northwestern Mutual. “The ‘My Time to Plan’ series offers a fresh approach to normalize conversations about money with two of the team’s star players, as a natural extension of our larger partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers.”

The content series is an extension of the 167-year-old company’s newly released integrated marketing campaign, “A Better Way to Money,” which speaks to how its comprehensive approach1 to financial planning is anchored in better conversations with Northwestern Mutual’s 7.5K+ advisors and representatives.

To view the “My Time To Plan” series, visit youtube.com/northwesternmutual and to start your own financial plan, visit northwesternmutual.com.

About Northwestern Mutual 
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With over $627 billion of total assets2 being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2024.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

1 Combining permanent life insurance, investments, and income annuities.

2 Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

Lauren Samaha, 1-800-323-7033, mediarelations@northwesternmutual.com

Originally published in Aflac’s Do Good Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

Introducing the “a‑dough‑rable” 2024 Aflac Holiday Duck

The 2024 Aflac Holiday Duck is sure to bake your holidays a little sweeter this year. The limited edition plush is dressed for baking with a red and green tartan apron and crisp white baker’s hat, featuring a stitched Aflac logo on the front band and “2024” on the back. In his wings, he’s holding a smiling gingerbread man, complete with blue buttons and a red bow tie. Give him a squeeze and he says, “Aflac!” 100% of net proceeds of the 2024 Holiday Duck go to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. and are distributed to hospitals across the country that treat children with cancer and blood disorders.

Buy yours today

Ways to play and learn with My Special Aflac Duck®

The journey after a cancer diagnosis often involves juggling schedules, managing treatment plans and trying to glean as much information about what comes next as possible — not to mention the emotions that one must process. That’s one reason why Aflac and Empath Labs created My Special Aflac Duck. It’s more than just a cuddly robot — it also comes with a suite of resources to help provide education, comfort and joy throughout the treatment process, including information for patients, families and caregivers that will help them make the most of the functions and features My Special Aflac Duck and the app have to offer. Also available are facilitation cards for meditation, communication and medical play, printable activities, interactive use case guides, FAQs, and other support.

See more

My Special Aflac Duck lands in the Big Apple

In Sept‌ember — honoring Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month — My Special Aflac Duck found its way to New York City, delivering smiles to pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein in the Bronx. In partnership with Sunrise Day Camp, Aflac also gave these children and their families a day of fun activities, including arts and crafts — where they created beaded bracelets and birth certificates for their new cuddly companions — coloring pages, and of course, duck‑themed snacks. Since delivering our first My Special Aflac Duck in 2018, Aflac has placed more than 33,000 in the hands of pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients ages 3 and up free of charge, providing comfort and joy during their treatment journeys. See how you can order one for your patients or for families of children facing cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell disease.

Watch the video

15 hospitals receive child life grants

Aflac salutes the often unsung heroes for children and families. So, coinciding with Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness month, the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. provided $15,000 in grants to help fund Child Life Specialist programs throughout the country to support the work they do to address psychosocial needs of pediatric patients with cancer and blood disorders, and their siblings. Since the program began in 2019, The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. has awarded $130,000 to 50 hospitals across 29 states and the District of Columbia. The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc., is dedicated to supporting Child Life professionals and their commitment to children and families undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and blood disorders nationwide.

Learn more

Learn about the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign

Order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge

© 2024 Aflac Incorporated. All rights reserved. This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

‌Z2401011‌

Originally published in Aflac’s Do Good Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

Introducing the “a‑dough‑rable” 2024 Aflac Holiday Duck

The 2024 Aflac Holiday Duck is sure to bake your holidays a little sweeter this year. The limited edition plush is dressed for baking with a red and green tartan apron and crisp white baker’s hat, featuring a stitched Aflac logo on the front band and “2024” on the back. In his wings, he’s holding a smiling gingerbread man, complete with blue buttons and a red bow tie. Give him a squeeze and he says, “Aflac!” 100% of net proceeds of the 2024 Holiday Duck go to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. and are distributed to hospitals across the country that treat children with cancer and blood disorders.

Buy yours today

Ways to play and learn with My Special Aflac Duck®

The journey after a cancer diagnosis often involves juggling schedules, managing treatment plans and trying to glean as much information about what comes next as possible — not to mention the emotions that one must process. That’s one reason why Aflac and Empath Labs created My Special Aflac Duck. It’s more than just a cuddly robot — it also comes with a suite of resources to help provide education, comfort and joy throughout the treatment process, including information for patients, families and caregivers that will help them make the most of the functions and features My Special Aflac Duck and the app have to offer. Also available are facilitation cards for meditation, communication and medical play, printable activities, interactive use case guides, FAQs, and other support.

See more

My Special Aflac Duck lands in the Big Apple

In Sept‌ember — honoring Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month — My Special Aflac Duck found its way to New York City, delivering smiles to pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein in the Bronx. In partnership with Sunrise Day Camp, Aflac also gave these children and their families a day of fun activities, including arts and crafts — where they created beaded bracelets and birth certificates for their new cuddly companions — coloring pages, and of course, duck‑themed snacks. Since delivering our first My Special Aflac Duck in 2018, Aflac has placed more than 33,000 in the hands of pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients ages 3 and up free of charge, providing comfort and joy during their treatment journeys. See how you can order one for your patients or for families of children facing cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell disease.

Watch the video

15 hospitals receive child life grants

Aflac salutes the often unsung heroes for children and families. So, coinciding with Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness month, the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. provided $15,000 in grants to help fund Child Life Specialist programs throughout the country to support the work they do to address psychosocial needs of pediatric patients with cancer and blood disorders, and their siblings. Since the program began in 2019, The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. has awarded $130,000 to 50 hospitals across 29 states and the District of Columbia. The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc., is dedicated to supporting Child Life professionals and their commitment to children and families undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and blood disorders nationwide.

Learn more

Learn about the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign

Order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge

© 2024 Aflac Incorporated. All rights reserved. This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

‌Z2401011‌

Originally published on PSEG NesRoom

MORRISTOWN, N.J., November 26, 2024 /3BL/ – PSE&G is focused on maintaining a safe gas distribution system. As part of our efforts, we partnered with first responders from Morristown, New Jersey in a safety exercise that simulated a gas emergency.

The three-hour exercise allowed PSE&G and other safety professionals to practice keeping the public safe in the event of an incident at PSE&G natural gas facilities. The exercise, on Mt. Kemble Avenue in Morristown, also provided the opportunity to test incident command and evacuation procedures.

“Keeping our communities, customers and employees safe is a top priority and these exercises help us protect lives by enhancing our emergency response, our coordination and our partnerships,” said Beth Acquaire, PSE&G senior director, Gas Field Operations. “To be prepared for various situations, we practice drills as we did today, which was a simulated attempt to damage our equipment.”

“The Morristown Bureau of Police appreciates the relationship we have with all of our local utility providers and recognizes the importance of operational readiness for all first responders, should an emergency occur,” said Morristown Police Lieutenant Brian LaBarre. “We thank Public Service Energy & Gas for including the first responder community in their emergency training exercise. Training for emergency incidents as a group improves communication and ensures a more effective response and an efficient resolution to emergency situations.”

Training is valuable

Training with first responders also is important because some procedures for handling natural gas are different from those they are used to. For example, the evacuation distance is farther for a gas emergency, turning off power may not be possible, and automatic generators or solar panels can be potential sources of ignition.

Exercise participants and observers included representatives from: PSE&G, Morristown Fire Department, Morristown Police Department and Morris County Bomb Squad.

This event marks PSE&G’s sixth gas safety exercise this year. These safety exercises and training initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to educate community members within PSE&G’s service area about emergency preparedness.

Important reminder about Call 811

We also use opportunities like this safety exercise to remind the public what they can do to help prevent gas emergencies and what to do if you smell gas.

We’re consistently working to educate customers, the public and contractors, about the law that requires a markout before digging to help keep underground equipment safe. Even digging for small projects like to plant a tree or mailbox, can be hazardous. Digging without a markout presents significant risk to the excavator, our communities and natural gas infrastructure. The best way to prevent emergencies caused by digging is to always abide by markout laws.

Last year, we responded to 853 calls concerning excavation damages (736 gas and 117 electric). We respond to 99.9 percent of gas emergency calls within one hour. Many of these leaks are avoidable with a simple call to 811. Digging without knowledge of the location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, service disruptions and costly repairs.

Customer gas safety tips

Prevention is key:

Call 811 at least three and no more than 10 business days before each job to have underground pipes, conduits, wires and cables located and marked. Markouts remain valid for 45 business days.Before work begins by excavators, contractors or customers, confirm that a call to 811 has been made and the markout was completed. By law, all digging projects require a call to 811.Both property owners and contractors must maintain and respect the marks. Always hand dig within 2 feet of marked lines, or the area known as the Tolerance Zone, to find the existing facility.Various colors are used when marking lines; to learn what each color represents, visit https://www.nj1-call.org/resources/faqs/#color.

What to do if you smell gas:

Leave the building as quickly as possible and move 350 feet away from the structure. Take all others with you. If you smell gas outside, move well away from where you suspect the gas is leaking.Call 911 immediately and call PSE&G at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734). (Do NOT call from inside the building. Wait until you are outside and a safe distance to call).

Learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning:

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable.More information about carbon monoxide and other gas safety tips are available on our website.

More information about 811 are available at nj1-call.org or on the PSE&G website: pseg.com/safedigging. #Call811 #CallBeforeYouDig #PSEGSafety

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PSE&G 
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 23 consecutive years. For the third consecutive year, PSE&G is the recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. In addition, in 2023 J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction with residential and business electric service in the east among large utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 16 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

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