Healthcare Reform

Autoimmune Disease and Pregnancy: ISB Study Challenges Prevailing Wisdom, Unveils Nuances

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Key Points: 
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240131144327/en/
    In a just-published study in the journal Lancet eClinical Health , researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) and Providence showed nuanced pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease.
  • Each type of autoimmune disease is different, each person has their own medical history, and risk may change over the course of pregnancy.
  • This study highlights the importance of taking comorbidities into consideration,” said ISB Associate Professor Jennifer Hadlock, MD , who led the study.
  • “These results can help reshape discussions surrounding autoimmune disease and pregnancy, and bring fresh perspective to a traditionally understudied area in research,” Hadlock said.

Electromed, Inc. Announces Partnership to Expand SmartVest Access to Veterans, Federal Employees, and Native American Communities

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 29, 2024

Electromed, Inc. (NYSE American: ELMD) today announced it has entered into a distribution agreement with Marathon Medical Corp., a medical supply distribution company and service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB).

Key Points: 
  • Electromed, Inc. (NYSE American: ELMD) today announced it has entered into a distribution agreement with Marathon Medical Corp., a medical supply distribution company and service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB).
  • SmartVest® Airway Clearance System, which is designed for High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (“HFCWO”) therapy, a clinically proven therapy that helps clear the lungs of excess secretions, thereby reducing the risk of respiratory infections and hospitalizations for those suffering from a chronic lung condition.1 As a distribution partner, Marathon Medical focuses on providing medical products to Federal agencies including VA hospitals and clinics, Indian Health Service hospitals and clinics, and other Federal agencies.
  • “This partnership will improve the ordering process for all government facilities allowing easier access to our products, so veterans can breathe easier and live better,” said Jim Cunniff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Electromed.
  • The SmartVest Clearway system is indicated for use in patients managing non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) and other chronic pulmonary conditions.

Patient Safety Movement Foundation’s Mid-Year Meeting Charts Course for Global Patient Safety Initiatives in 2024

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, January 27, 2024

The Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) convened its annual Mid-Year Event to discuss safety challenges in the healthcare system that result in millions of preventable deaths around the world.

Key Points: 
  • The Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) convened its annual Mid-Year Event to discuss safety challenges in the healthcare system that result in millions of preventable deaths around the world.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240126619652/en/
    Patient Safety Movement Foundation Founder Joe Kiani speaks about the road ahead in global efforts to eliminate preventable patient harm at the PSMF's annual Mid-Year Event.
  • In 2012, Joe Kiani founded the non-profit Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) to eliminate preventable medical errors in hospitals.
  • His team worked with patient safety experts from around the world to create Actionable Evidence-Based Practices (AEBP) that address the top challenges.

AHF Applauds Sen. Wiener’s PBM Abuse Bill

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 26, 2024

“Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, have operated too long in the shadows, interfering with patient access to care, starving pharmacy providers, creating pharmacy deserts while they rake in massive profits that inflate healthcare costs.

Key Points: 
  • “Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, have operated too long in the shadows, interfering with patient access to care, starving pharmacy providers, creating pharmacy deserts while they rake in massive profits that inflate healthcare costs.
  • California patients deserve and need better.”
    AHF has been working closely with the CA Pharmacists Association for more than a year on this, and it is a high priority for AHF's California legislative agenda.
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 1.9 million individuals across 45 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe.
  • To learn more about AHF, visit us online at AIDShealth.org , find us on Facebook , follow us on Instagram , Twitter , and TikTok , and subscribe to our AHFter Hours podcast.

Cross-Border Impact Ventures Exceeds $90 Million in Final Close of Its Women’s and Children’s Health Technology Fund

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024

The Fund also benefits from a guarantee provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency ( SIDA ).

Key Points: 
  • The Fund also benefits from a guarantee provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency ( SIDA ).
  • CBIV invests in health technology companies with global growth, high return, and impact potential.
  • Its primary focus is on medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies based in North America and Europe that are globally relevant, including in emerging markets.
  • We bring in industry and clinical experts from our international network to unlock growth and impact,” said Donna Parr, Managing Partner at CBIV.

HomeWell Care Services Recognized a Top Franchise of 2024 in Entrepreneur’s 45th Franchise 500®

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024

HomeWell Care Services was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur magazine's 2024 Franchise 500®, a highly sought-after recognition in the franchise industry.

Key Points: 
  • HomeWell Care Services was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur magazine's 2024 Franchise 500®, a highly sought-after recognition in the franchise industry.
  • "We are honored to be recognized once again in Entrepreneur's prestigious Franchise 500,” said Crystal Franz, CEO of HomeWell Franchising.
  • HomeWell Care Services®, franchised by HomeWell Franchising Inc., provides personal care, companionship, and homemaker services for seniors and other homebound individuals so they can remain safely in the comfort of wherever they call home.
  • For more information on HomeWell or to explore franchise opportunities, visit HomeWell Care Services or HomeWell Care Services Franchising .

APIIC Releases Recommendations to Combat Rising U.S. Drug Shortages and Ensure Access to Life-Saving Medications

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 24, 2024

“The collaboration necessary to develop a paper of this caliber is impressive,” said Tony Sardella, chair of the API Innovation Center.

Key Points: 
  • “The collaboration necessary to develop a paper of this caliber is impressive,” said Tony Sardella, chair of the API Innovation Center.
  • The APIIC report encourages pharmaceutical manufacturers and policy makers to address these vulnerabilities to national health security through the adoption of advanced biomanufacturing technologies and public incentive programs designed to reignite idle capacity at U.S. manufacturing facilities.
  • “For more than 200 years, U.S. Pharmacopeia has brought healthcare professionals, scientists, and regulators together to ensure quality and trust in our drugs,” said Dennis Hall, vice president, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies at U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP).
  • It follows developments and reports from the White House Office of Science and Technology , the National Economic Council (NEC) Director and the National Security Advisor (NSA), calling for a new approach aimed at guaranteeing Americans reliable access to essential medications.

TARA Mind Announces $8 Million in Seed Funding to Expand Affordable Access to Life-Changing Mental Health Therapeutics

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Additional investors participating in the oversubscribed round were Echo Investment Capital, Crumpton Ventures, Empath Ventures, and Blake Mykoskie: Founder of TOMS.

Key Points: 
  • Additional investors participating in the oversubscribed round were Echo Investment Capital, Crumpton Ventures, Empath Ventures, and Blake Mykoskie: Founder of TOMS.
  • The Company has developed a first of its kind mental health collaborative care platform, recognized for being clinician-guided, data-driven and evidence-based, to help the millions of individuals struggling with mental health disorders that have not been clinically responsive to traditional mental health therapies.
  • Through its provider collaborative care platform, TARA Mind is able to administer highly effective, clinician-guided personalized mental health treatments and incorporate them into today’s employer funded benefit plans.
  • Marcus Capone, CEO of TARA Mind, stated, “As a Navy SEAL, I was fortunate to not face affordability or access challenges to available treatments for my deteriorating mental health.

Sandata Launches Fuse Homecare Agency Management; Empowering Homecare Agencies with Intuitive User Experience and Advanced Functionality

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 19, 2024

Sandata, the pioneering force in home and community-based care, today announced the launch of Sandata Fuse™ Agency Management.

Key Points: 
  • Sandata, the pioneering force in home and community-based care, today announced the launch of Sandata Fuse™ Agency Management.
  • It represents a leap in agency management, empowering agencies to navigate this complexity with ease and efficiency.
  • "With Fuse, we're redefining the way homecare agencies operate,” said Raj Bhavsar, Chief Technology Officer of Sandata.
  • "Fuse Agency Management marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower homecare agencies,” said Emmet O’Gara, Chief Executive Officer of Sandata.

Erin O’Malley Named Executive Director of the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

The Coalition for Trust in Health & Science (CTHS) today announced the appointment of Erin O’Malley as executive director.

Key Points: 
  • The Coalition for Trust in Health & Science (CTHS) today announced the appointment of Erin O’Malley as executive director.
  • The Coalition brings together leading organizations from across the health ecosystem to advance trustworthiness in health, medical care relationships and factual, science-backed, decision-making.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118588706/en/
    Erin O’Malley, executive director, The Coalition for Trust in Health & Science (Photo: Business Wire)
    “Ms.
  • Members pledge to support efforts to advance people’s scientific and health literacy, earn public trust and improve health outcomes and health equity, and work individually and collectively to correct and counter misinformation that threatens people’s health and well-being.