Tag: PR Newswire

Recent Morocco Lecture Addresses Viral Pop-Culture Phrase Referencing PRP Vaginal Injections

FAIRHOPE, Ala., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Charles Runels, MD, founder of the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA), recently delivered an international medical lecture in Morocco addressing the science behind a viral pop-culture phrase — “Revenge Vagina” — and its connection to a real, peer-reviewed medical procedure known as the O-Shot®.

Dr. Runels’ lecture examined the biological and clinical evidence behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the female genitalia, a topic that has drawn heightened public attention following dialogue in the Hulu series All’s Fair. In the show, a character describes undergoing PRP injections as part of a post-divorce self-reinvention, prompting the now-viral phrase. Coverage of the scene by The Hollywood Reporter documents the rapid cultural adoption of the term.

According to Dr. Runels, the fictional reference reflects a medical procedure that has existed for more than a decade and continues to be actively researched, taught, and refined.

“When a pop-culture phrase suddenly captures public attention, it creates an opportunity — and a responsibility — for physicians to explain what the real medicine is and what is fiction,” said Dr. Runels. “That was the focus of my lecture in Morocco: the actual science behind what people are now calling Revenge Vagina.”

Dr. Runels first published data on the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma injections into the vagina and clitoris for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in 2014, marking the first peer-reviewed publication describing this approach. Since that time, scientific interest has expanded substantially. A 2025 scoping review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identified thousands of scientific papers evaluating PRP in gynecologic and female genital applications, including sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and urinary incontinence.

The procedure discussed in Dr. Runels’ lecture is formally known as the O-Shot®, a trademarked medical protocol (USPTO Serial No. 90975954). Use of the name is restricted to physicians and physician extenders who have completed specific training and agreed to follow the documented protocol through licensure with the Cellular Medicine Association.

“PRP is not a drug and not a cosmetic filler,” Dr. Runels said. “How it is prepared, where it is injected, and why it is used matter. The O-Shot® is a defined medical protocol with more than a decade of published research and real-world clinical experience behind it.”

During the Morocco conference, Dr. Runels also presented outcomes from a large clinical cohort demonstrating sustained benefit from the O-Shot® at one year, as well as ongoing research exploring synergistic approaches that combine PRP with other therapies affecting genital blood flow and neural signaling.

To address growing public interest, the Cellular Medicine Association has published a detailed explainer summarizing the medical science discussed in the lecture and clarifying how the viral phrase relates to established clinical practice.

Dr. Runels is available for media interviews to discuss the medical science behind PRP genital injections, the distinction between licensed protocols and unregulated imitations, and how fictional portrayals intersect with evidence-based medicine.

About the Cellular Medicine Association
The Cellular Medicine Association is a nonprofit physician organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical standards in regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma therapies and related cellular treatments.

Contact:
Charles Runels, MD
Founder, Cellular Medicine Association
Phone: 888-920-5311
Email: 406675@email4pr.com
Web: https://www.cellularmedicineassociation.org
O-Shot® Information: https://www.oshot.info

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/physician-who-coined-the-o-shot-presents-science-behind-revenge-vagina-at-international-medical-conference-302646372.html

SOURCE Cellular Medicine Association

Recent Morocco Lecture Addresses Viral Pop-Culture Phrase Referencing PRP Vaginal Injections

FAIRHOPE, Ala., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Charles Runels, MD, founder of the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA), recently delivered an international medical lecture in Morocco addressing the science behind a viral pop-culture phrase — “Revenge Vagina” — and its connection to a real, peer-reviewed medical procedure known as the O-Shot®.

Dr. Runels’ lecture examined the biological and clinical evidence behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the female genitalia, a topic that has drawn heightened public attention following dialogue in the Hulu series All’s Fair. In the show, a character describes undergoing PRP injections as part of a post-divorce self-reinvention, prompting the now-viral phrase. Coverage of the scene by The Hollywood Reporter documents the rapid cultural adoption of the term.

According to Dr. Runels, the fictional reference reflects a medical procedure that has existed for more than a decade and continues to be actively researched, taught, and refined.

“When a pop-culture phrase suddenly captures public attention, it creates an opportunity — and a responsibility — for physicians to explain what the real medicine is and what is fiction,” said Dr. Runels. “That was the focus of my lecture in Morocco: the actual science behind what people are now calling Revenge Vagina.”

Dr. Runels first published data on the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma injections into the vagina and clitoris for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in 2014, marking the first peer-reviewed publication describing this approach. Since that time, scientific interest has expanded substantially. A 2025 scoping review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identified thousands of scientific papers evaluating PRP in gynecologic and female genital applications, including sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and urinary incontinence.

The procedure discussed in Dr. Runels’ lecture is formally known as the O-Shot®, a trademarked medical protocol (USPTO Serial No. 90975954). Use of the name is restricted to physicians and physician extenders who have completed specific training and agreed to follow the documented protocol through licensure with the Cellular Medicine Association.

“PRP is not a drug and not a cosmetic filler,” Dr. Runels said. “How it is prepared, where it is injected, and why it is used matter. The O-Shot® is a defined medical protocol with more than a decade of published research and real-world clinical experience behind it.”

During the Morocco conference, Dr. Runels also presented outcomes from a large clinical cohort demonstrating sustained benefit from the O-Shot® at one year, as well as ongoing research exploring synergistic approaches that combine PRP with other therapies affecting genital blood flow and neural signaling.

To address growing public interest, the Cellular Medicine Association has published a detailed explainer summarizing the medical science discussed in the lecture and clarifying how the viral phrase relates to established clinical practice.

Dr. Runels is available for media interviews to discuss the medical science behind PRP genital injections, the distinction between licensed protocols and unregulated imitations, and how fictional portrayals intersect with evidence-based medicine.

About the Cellular Medicine Association
The Cellular Medicine Association is a nonprofit physician organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical standards in regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma therapies and related cellular treatments.

Contact:
Charles Runels, MD
Founder, Cellular Medicine Association
Phone: 888-920-5311
Email: 406675@email4pr.com
Web: https://www.cellularmedicineassociation.org
O-Shot® Information: https://www.oshot.info

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/physician-who-coined-the-o-shot-presents-science-behind-revenge-vagina-at-international-medical-conference-302646372.html

SOURCE Cellular Medicine Association

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A Los Angeles Superior Court jury has returned a $40 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson, finding that the company’s talc-based baby powder products caused ovarian cancer in two women following decades of regular use.

The verdict finding Johnson & Johnson liable for negligence, failure to warn, and fraudulent misrepresentation awarded $40 million in compensatory damages to Monica Kent, Deborah Schultz, and Dr. Albert Schultz. The cases were tried jointly in a six-week trial before a California jury.

The plaintiffs were represented by Dan Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. and Andy Birchfield of the Beasley Allen firm. 

“This verdict reflects what the evidence made clear,” said Dan Robinson, trial counsel for the Plaintiffs Deborah and Albert Schultz. “For decades, Johnson & Johnson knew about serious safety concerns tied to its talc products and failed to warn women who trusted those products for daily personal use. We’re grateful that the jury was able to see through Defendants’ false narratives and hold them accountable for causing our clients’ ovarian cancers.”

During trial, jurors heard extensive testimony concerning Johnson & Johnson’s internal knowledge regarding the risks of talc and asbestos in its Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, as well as scientific and medical evidence linking long-term genital talc use to ovarian cancer. The evidence included testimony from former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, who outlined Johnson & Johnson’s decades-long failure to disclose critical safety information.

Jurors also heard from nationally-respected medical experts who testified about talc and asbestos found in the plaintiffs’ reproductive tracts, and peer-reviewed scientific studies showing genital use of talc significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

The verdict represents a major victory for plaintiffs in California’s coordinated talc proceedings in the first talc-related ovarian cancer trial since the company’s bankruptcy filings were rejected by federal courts last year.

“We’re grateful that the jury saw through Johnson & Johnson’s confusion and returned this significant verdict both for the Schultzes and Ms. Kent, but also for the tens of thousands of women who have been harmed by Johnson’s Baby Powder,” said Paul Dagostino, trial counsel for the plaintiffs.

The cases are Deborah Schultz et al. v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 20CV0476, and Monica Kent v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 17CV318672, which were pending in the California State Court Coordinated Proceeding JCCP No. 4872, Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cases.

About Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.

Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. is a nationally recognized plaintiffs’ law firm based in Newport Beach, California, focused on complex litigation involving dangerous products, corporate misconduct, environmental harm, and catastrophic injury. The firm is known for its trial-driven approach and commitment to holding powerful defendants accountable. Learn more about Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. at www.robinsonfirm.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/los-angeles-jury-delivers-40-million-verdict-against-johnson–johnson-in-talcum-powder-ovarian-cancer-trial-302646356.html

SOURCE Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A Los Angeles Superior Court jury has returned a $40 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson, finding that the company’s talc-based baby powder products caused ovarian cancer in two women following decades of regular use.

The verdict finding Johnson & Johnson liable for negligence, failure to warn, and fraudulent misrepresentation awarded $40 million in compensatory damages to Monica Kent, Deborah Schultz, and Dr. Albert Schultz. The cases were tried jointly in a six-week trial before a California jury.

The plaintiffs were represented by Dan Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. and Andy Birchfield of the Beasley Allen firm. 

“This verdict reflects what the evidence made clear,” said Dan Robinson, trial counsel for the Plaintiffs Deborah and Albert Schultz. “For decades, Johnson & Johnson knew about serious safety concerns tied to its talc products and failed to warn women who trusted those products for daily personal use. We’re grateful that the jury was able to see through Defendants’ false narratives and hold them accountable for causing our clients’ ovarian cancers.”

During trial, jurors heard extensive testimony concerning Johnson & Johnson’s internal knowledge regarding the risks of talc and asbestos in its Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, as well as scientific and medical evidence linking long-term genital talc use to ovarian cancer. The evidence included testimony from former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, who outlined Johnson & Johnson’s decades-long failure to disclose critical safety information.

Jurors also heard from nationally-respected medical experts who testified about talc and asbestos found in the plaintiffs’ reproductive tracts, and peer-reviewed scientific studies showing genital use of talc significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

The verdict represents a major victory for plaintiffs in California’s coordinated talc proceedings in the first talc-related ovarian cancer trial since the company’s bankruptcy filings were rejected by federal courts last year.

“We’re grateful that the jury saw through Johnson & Johnson’s confusion and returned this significant verdict both for the Schultzes and Ms. Kent, but also for the tens of thousands of women who have been harmed by Johnson’s Baby Powder,” said Paul Dagostino, trial counsel for the plaintiffs.

The cases are Deborah Schultz et al. v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 20CV0476, and Monica Kent v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 17CV318672, which were pending in the California State Court Coordinated Proceeding JCCP No. 4872, Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cases.

About Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.

Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. is a nationally recognized plaintiffs’ law firm based in Newport Beach, California, focused on complex litigation involving dangerous products, corporate misconduct, environmental harm, and catastrophic injury. The firm is known for its trial-driven approach and commitment to holding powerful defendants accountable. Learn more about Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. at www.robinsonfirm.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/los-angeles-jury-delivers-40-million-verdict-against-johnson–johnson-in-talcum-powder-ovarian-cancer-trial-302646356.html

SOURCE Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.

Partnership continues to empower HBCU students with paid internships and career opportunities; application window closes Jan. 16

ATLANTA, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For the fourth consecutive year, Georgia Power will host the HBCU Pathways program in partnership with the Atlanta Hawks to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia.

Since its launch in 2023, the HBCU Pathways program has supported 21 students, with several alumni securing full-time roles in sports, entertainment, and corporate sectors following their internships.

“At Georgia Power, caring for our communities is at the heart of everything we do. The collaboration between Georgia Power, the Atlanta Hawks, and our HBCU partners allows us to extend that commitment by creating opportunities for HBCU students to gain real-world experience and build lasting careers,” said Jonathan King, director of workforce development at Georgia Power. “Together, we’re giving young leaders the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive, while strengthening the communities we all call home.”

The HBCU Pathways Program is a 10-week paid internship with the Atlanta Hawks designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in sports, entertainment, and business. The program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. For the 2025 cohort, there are eight internship spots available in various departments including Brand Communications, Global Partnership – Activations, Retail, Digital Marketing, Global Partnership – Sales, CPS Ticket Sales, Event Operations and Hawks IQ (Analytics). The application window closes on Jan. 16, 2026.

“At the Atlanta Hawks, we believe our greatest impact comes from investing in people,” said Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena’s Executive Vice President & Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer Camye Mackey. “As a proud HBCU graduate, I am honored for our organization to partner with Georgia Power to provide HBCU students with real-world experience, mentorship, and a foundation for long-term success. Together, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will continue to strengthen our industries and transform our communities.”

Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has a longstanding commitment to supporting HBCUs. Since the creation of the Georgia Power Foundation in 1986, the company has donated more than $5.5 million to HBCU initiatives in Georgia, as part of Southern Company’s broader $50 million multi-year investment in HBCUs nationwide.

To apply for the program, visit www.nba.com/hawks/hbcu-pathways.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

About Atlanta Hawks
Committed to entertaining and uniting the city of Atlanta since 1968, the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, under the leadership of Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, continue to build bridges through basketball by following its True to Atlanta mantra. On the court, the Hawks’ exciting young core is led by three-time All-Star point guard Trae Young. Off the court, the Hawks organization focuses on positively impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth basketball, fighting food insecurity, and the transformation of State Farm Arena into Georgia’s largest-ever voting precinct for the 2020 elections. The Hawks family also includes the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League). Atlanta Hawks Membership, which includes your seat for every home game, is on sale now at www.hawks.com/membership or by calling 866-715-1500. For more information on the Hawks, log on to www.hawks.com or follow us on social media @ATLHawks.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgia-power-and-atlanta-hawks-expand-hbcu-pathways-program-for-fourth-consecutive-year-302646234.html

SOURCE Georgia Power

LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nebraska nonprofits will receive $1,040,000 in charitable giving from Ameritas as committed in 2025, the Lincoln-based company announced. The grant awards are in the areas of education, financial stability, health services, arts and culture and sustainability. Each award varies in length, with some multi-year commitments.

“Investing in the well-being of our communities is core to who we are at Ameritas,” said Liz Ring Carlson, vice president, corporate communications, community relations and meetings and travel. “These organizations provide stability, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of Nebraskans, and we are honored to support their work. Our hope is that these grants help strengthen the systems that help people thrive.”

The full list of award recipients is below. Each grant award will be paid on or before Dec. 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted:

• American Red Cross – $10,000
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands – $10,000
• Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska – $25,000
• Cedars Youth Services, Inc. – $25,000
• Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
• Clinic With a Heart, Inc. – $120,000 over three years/$40,000 per year
• Community Head Start – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
• Food Bank of Lincoln, Inc. – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
• Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries – $250,000 with $100,000 over two years and $50,000 for one year.
• Friendship Home of Lincoln – $150,000 over three years/$50,000 per year
• Good Neighbor Community Center Inc. – $100,000 over two years/$50,000 per year
• Junior Achievement of Lincoln, Inc. – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
• Nebraska Dental Foundation – $30,000 over three years/$10,000 per year
• Nebraska Diaper Bank – $10,000
• Northeast Family Resource Center – $50,000
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Dentistry – $50,000
• United Way Response Fund – $20,000

To learn more about charitable giving focus areas of Ameritas, visit ameritas.com/about/community-impact.

About Ameritas
Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; and retirement plans. For more information, visit ameritas.com.

Contact:
Derek Rayment, Sr. Media Relations Specialist
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Phone: 402-467-7850
derek.rayment@ameritas.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nebraska-nonprofits-to-receive-over-a-million-dollars-from-ameritas-302646258.html

SOURCE Ameritas

LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nebraska nonprofits will receive $1,040,000 in charitable giving from Ameritas as committed in 2025, the Lincoln-based company announced. The grant awards are in the areas of education, financial stability, health services, arts and culture and sustainability. Each award varies in length, with some multi-year commitments.

“Investing in the well-being of our communities is core to who we are at Ameritas,” said Liz Ring Carlson, vice president, corporate communications, community relations and meetings and travel. “These organizations provide stability, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of Nebraskans, and we are honored to support their work. Our hope is that these grants help strengthen the systems that help people thrive.”

The full list of award recipients is below. Each grant award will be paid on or before Dec. 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted:

• American Red Cross – $10,000
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands – $10,000
• Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska – $25,000
• Cedars Youth Services, Inc. – $25,000
• Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
• Clinic With a Heart, Inc. – $120,000 over three years/$40,000 per year
• Community Head Start – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
• Food Bank of Lincoln, Inc. – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
• Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries – $250,000 with $100,000 over two years and $50,000 for one year.
• Friendship Home of Lincoln – $150,000 over three years/$50,000 per year
• Good Neighbor Community Center Inc. – $100,000 over two years/$50,000 per year
• Junior Achievement of Lincoln, Inc. – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
• Nebraska Dental Foundation – $30,000 over three years/$10,000 per year
• Nebraska Diaper Bank – $10,000
• Northeast Family Resource Center – $50,000
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Dentistry – $50,000
• United Way Response Fund – $20,000

To learn more about charitable giving focus areas of Ameritas, visit ameritas.com/about/community-impact.

About Ameritas
Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; and retirement plans. For more information, visit ameritas.com.

Contact:
Derek Rayment, Sr. Media Relations Specialist
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Phone: 402-467-7850
derek.rayment@ameritas.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nebraska-nonprofits-to-receive-over-a-million-dollars-from-ameritas-302646258.html

SOURCE Ameritas

LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nebraska nonprofits will receive $1,040,000 in charitable giving from Ameritas as committed in 2025, the Lincoln-based company announced. The grant awards are in the areas of education, financial stability, health services, arts and culture and sustainability. Each award varies in length, with some multi-year commitments.

“Investing in the well-being of our communities is core to who we are at Ameritas,” said Liz Ring Carlson, vice president, corporate communications, community relations and meetings and travel. “These organizations provide stability, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of Nebraskans, and we are honored to support their work. Our hope is that these grants help strengthen the systems that help people thrive.”

The full list of award recipients is below. Each grant award will be paid on or before Dec. 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted:

• American Red Cross – $10,000
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands – $10,000
• Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska – $25,000
• Cedars Youth Services, Inc. – $25,000
• Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
• Clinic With a Heart, Inc. – $120,000 over three years/$40,000 per year
• Community Head Start – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
• Food Bank of Lincoln, Inc. – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
• Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries – $250,000 with $100,000 over two years and $50,000 for one year.
• Friendship Home of Lincoln – $150,000 over three years/$50,000 per year
• Good Neighbor Community Center Inc. – $100,000 over two years/$50,000 per year
• Junior Achievement of Lincoln, Inc. – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
• Nebraska Dental Foundation – $30,000 over three years/$10,000 per year
• Nebraska Diaper Bank – $10,000
• Northeast Family Resource Center – $50,000
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Dentistry – $50,000
• United Way Response Fund – $20,000

To learn more about charitable giving focus areas of Ameritas, visit ameritas.com/about/community-impact.

About Ameritas
Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; and retirement plans. For more information, visit ameritas.com.

Contact:
Derek Rayment, Sr. Media Relations Specialist
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Phone: 402-467-7850
derek.rayment@ameritas.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nebraska-nonprofits-to-receive-over-a-million-dollars-from-ameritas-302646258.html

SOURCE Ameritas

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) today announced that $5.25 million in Home4Good grants have been awarded this year to programs across the Commonwealth working to reduce homelessness. Combined, FHLBank contributed $3.75 million and PHFA contributed an additional $1.5 million.

“These efforts to address homelessness through Home4Good are made possible by the FHLBank’s partnership with housing finance agencies, our members, and local service providers,” said David G. Paulson, President and CEO, FHLBank. “This year, we’re extending more than $8 million throughout our three-state district to address homelessness, and fund resources for individuals and families in need.”

Home4Good helps those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, by providing grants to local homeless services organizations to meet critical community needs. Organizations providing services in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia apply for funding, and applications are supported by FHLBank member institutions. Regional Continuum of Care agencies provide support during the application and selection process.

“The housing crisis impacts every Pennsylvania community,” said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. “It is wonderful to once again work alongside FHLBank Pittsburgh to provide funding that will enable families and individuals most in need of housing to find a place to call their own.”

Information about Home4Good is available at www.fhlb-pgh.com and at www.phfa.org under “Resources.”

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

About the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the PHFA issues RFP for PHARE funding, legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $20.1 billion of funding for more than 206,750 single family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 110,284 rental units, distributed approximately $362 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 51,400 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

Contact:
Eric M. Slomer, FHLBank Pittsburgh, 412-288-7694, eric.slomer@fhlb-pgh.com
Chris Anderson, PHFA, 717-780-3915, canderson@phfa.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fhlbank-pittsburgh-and-phfa-announce-5-25-million-in-grants-to-help-fight-homelessness-302646198.html

SOURCE Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Eight exceptional U.S. college students selected for a fully funded sustainability-focused internship in Copenhagen

PORTLAND, Maine, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Scan Design Foundation (SDF) are pleased to announce the inaugural cohort selected for the 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship, an immersive eight-week program in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship is a fully funded summer program designed to deepen students’ understanding of environmental sustainability in a Danish context while developing core competencies in intercultural communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

During Summer 2026, eight students will intern with a Copenhagen-based company focused on environmentally sustainable business practices. They will work alongside Danish professionals to address real-world environmental challenges and learn practical skills that will enhance their employability and career readiness. 

The 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Interns attend leading colleges across America and represent various academic majors:

• Villanova University, Srija Tamidela, Finance
• University of Washington, Eva Odderson, Engineering
• University of Texas at Austin, Lara Figur Valente Borges, Environmental Science
• University of Colorado Boulder, Olivia Gaik, Biochemistry
• University of California, Berkeley, Sophia Ware, Environmental Science
• University of California, Berkeley, Cornelius Van Zutphen, Business Administration
• North Carolina A&T University, Misbahou Jalloh, Physics
• Louisiana State University, Alexis Kelley, Environmental Engineering

These exceptional students were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment to environmental sustainability, interest in cross-cultural learning, and desire to contribute innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.

“This internship embodies Scan Design Foundation’s mission to advance Danish-American relations by bringing students together across cultures to study and tackle environmental challenges,” said Fidelma McGinn, President of the Scan Design Foundation. “Through this immersive experience, participants will gain firsthand insight into Denmark’s commitment to sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient living.”

“The first cohort of Scan Design interns will return home with professional experience and a network of international contacts that will prepare them for future careers in sustainability,” said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. “We are proud to partner with Scan Design Foundation to equip young leaders with tools and practical experience to improve our world.”

Nearly 300 eligible applicants who were not selected will receive a $1,500 CIEE Scan Design Scholars Grant, to attend any CIEE summer or semester program through 2027, including a wide range of sustainability-focused options such as Ecology + Sustainability programs in Athens, Cape Town, Monteverde, Merida, Lisbon, and other locations.

Questions about the program? Email SCANDesign@ciee.org.

About Scan Design Foundation

Honoring the legacy of Danish immigrants Inger and Jens Bruun, the Scan Design Foundation advances Danish-American relations by supporting cultural exchanges focused on environmental sustainability. The organization is a private foundation founded in 2002 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Learn more at scandesignfoundation.org.

About CIEE

Since 1947, CIEE has built bridges between people, nations, and cultures by supporting more than one million student exchanges across more than 140 countries. CIEE programs help young people develop intercultural understanding, global competence, and the leadership skills needed to succeed in a connected world. Learn more at ciee.org.

Media Contact:

Leslie Taylor
ltaylor@ciee.org
(207) 553-4274

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SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)