febrero 2021 – Página 248

Legalization of Paid Surrogacy in New York State: ‘A Triumph for Modern Families’

NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The state of New York Monday will legalize paid surrogacy, a milestone event that will help thousands of people struggling with fertility build families.

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NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The state of New York Monday will legalize paid surrogacy, a milestone event that will help thousands of people struggling with fertility build families.

«This is a triumph for modern families,» said Nazca Fontes, the CEO of ConceiveAbilities, a nationwide surrogacy and egg donation agency with an office in New York City. «New Yorkers will no longer have to hopscotch around the country, incurring ridiculous costs, absurd inconvenience and now the risk of COVID infection, just to become a parent.»

Surrogacy laws still vary throughout the United States with all but four states allowing paid surrogacy. In Louisiana, paid surrogacy is prohibited, while uncompensated surrogacy is legal only for hetero, married couples. And in Michigan, paid surrogacy is illegal and all surrogacy contracts unenforceable.

«Surrogates provide a much-needed service, but suffer incredible stigma and misunderstanding for the important work they do in building families,» said Dr. James Grifo, director of the NYU Langone Fertility Clinic.

ConceiveAbilities recently hired research firm Accelerant Research to better understand surrogates. The firm surveyed 100 surrogates, more than 500 qualified surrogacy prospects, and more than 1,000 women from the general population. Of the surrogates and qualified surrogacy prospects, it found:

More than 60% reported a household income above $75,000.
More than half volunteer regularly.
Nearly half are registered blood and organ donors.
Almost one-quarter of them foster pets.
68% see surrogacy as a way to support the LGBTQ community.
More than three-quarters said they did so because they knew someone personally in need.
Two-thirds said they had first-hand exposure to a relative or close friend’s struggle with infertility.

«We found that the single biggest motivation for surrogates is the simple desire to help,» Fontes said. «Eighty-seven percent said they find joy in helping others; 74% reported they are motivated by a sense of empowerment as a surrogate.»

New York’s new law includes the Surrogates’ Bill of Rights, the strongest protections for surrogates in the country. These include:

The surrogate must be at least 21-years-old
Intended parents must pay for the surrogate’s legal counsel
Intended parents are required to pay for health and life insurance for one year after the surrogate gives birth
Minimum compensation of $35,000 for the surrogate

ABOUT CONCEIVEABILITIES

At ConceiveAbilities, we believe that everyone who wants to become a parent, can. Our egg donor and surrogate agency has helped build thousands of families for a quarter century. Whether you are an intended parent ready to fulfill your family destiny, a surrogate answering your calling or an egg donor wanting to expand what’s possible in your life, we are your people.

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SOURCE ConceiveAbilities

Hurtigruten’s Limited Time Valentine’s Day Offer Invites Travelers to Explore Destinations with their Sweet in a Suite

From February 8 – 15, 2021, travelers can save an additional 10% per person on select itineraries and expedition suites through 2023

SEATTLE, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hurtigruten, the world leader in exploration travel, has announced their second annual North America «Suites for your Sweet» sale, offering an additional 10% off per person on expedition cruise suites on select itineraries through 2023. North American travelers can celebrate now and explore later a variety of destinations with their sweet including Antarctica, the Caribbean, Norway and more. Guests must book between February 8 and February 15, 2021 by contacting a local travel agent, visiting or www.hurtigruten.com/offers/suites-for-your-sweet/ or by calling Hurtigruten at 1-866-679-8305.

«The suite experience with Hurtigruten provides well-appointed accommodations with expansive windows and balconies, and in some cases a private hot tub, offering the best views of the destinations we visit that are perfect to share with fellow travelers,» said John Downey, president of Hurtigruten Americas. «Suite guests can look forward to a warm welcome, including a small gift from us upon arrival, two comfortable bathrobes and detailed touches like a traditional Norwegian blanket to cozy up with.»

The Suites for your Sweet offer is available on a select number of itineraries including voyages on the world’s two first hybrid electric powered ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. Love will be on the sea and in the air as guests explore destinations including:

Alaska and British Columbia – Travelers can explore Alaska’s wild landscapes in the Misty Fjords Icy Bay and Aleutian Islands as they keep an eye out for brown and black bears and bald eagles. Hurtigruten takes guests to the frontier towns of Wrangell, Sitka and Nome, providing a look at the history of early settlers.

Highlights of Antarctica – Guests can snuggle up as they take in Antarctica’s ice wilderness, stunning landscapes and heart-warming wildlife including world-famous penguins and whales. Active excursions take explorers to the places others cannot access, allowing guests to get up, close and personal with nature without disturbing the natural habitat.

The Scottish Isles – Explores can warm up with authentic Scottish whiskies, straight from the barrel, as they discover the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands. Native wild life, including a variety of bird species, will present themselves in St. Kilda and Treshnish Isles.

Travelers can always feel confident booking thanks to Hurtigruten’s Book With Confidence cancellation policy. To learn more about the Suites for Your Sweet offer, future guests can contact a local travel agent, visit www.hurtigruten.com/offers/suites-for-your-sweet/ or call Hurtigruten at 1-866-679-8305.

About Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with 126 years of know-how, they offer immersive experiences to some of the world’s most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten’s fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel, including two of the world’s first hybrid electric-powered ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. These ships are two of the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments they call home.

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SOURCE Hurtigruten

Graphic Packaging International Launches Paperboard Innovation ProducePack™ For Fresh Produce

ATLANTA, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Paper-based packaging leader, Graphic Packaging International (‘Graphic Packaging’) is proud to announce the launch of ProducePack™, a sustainable paperboard packaging range of solutions for fresh produce.

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Aligned with Graphic Packaging’s Vision 2025 to be better stewards for the environment, the innovative carton offers brands and retailers an eco-friendly solution for a variety of applications with an artisan look that protects, preserves and presents fresh produce, from field to store. ProducePack, available in multiple different configurations and structures, can offer comfortable carrying handles, beautiful branding and product differentiation in the otherwise monotonous produce aisle. Additionally, ProducePack offers another level of hygiene protection as the produce is prepacked and can reduce excessive handling in store.

Jackie D’Ambrosio, senior manager, new product development – omnichannel at Graphic Packaging, commented: «At Graphic Packaging, product innovation never stops. We’re committed to providing our customers with high-performing solutions that are relevant to the ever-evolving market and consumer needs. We’re delighted that our innovative ProducePack range is proving to be a viable commercial solution for our customers that can make a positive contribution to the environment.»

Leading Michigan apple distributor, BelleHarvest, recently introduced ProducePack to its three most popular apple varieties (Fuji, Honeycrisp and Gala). The 3-pound paperboard cartons developed for BelleHarvest, present a 100 percent recyclable, sustainable solution with consumer-friendly features such as a quick ‘grab & go’ carry handles and striking graphics that create impactful branding in the produce aisle.

Angela Sommers, marketing director at BelleHarvest, said: «69 percent of consumers prefer paper-based product packaging to plastic, and consumers see paper-based solutions as a trusted sustainable option. Our partnership with Graphic Packaging represents a natural shift towards respecting the environment, while ensuring our nutritious, flavorful apples are readily available and in the best possible condition.»

The fully scalable ProducePack range is designed to support brands and retailers around the world on their journey to plastic reduction and replacement. The patented intelligent design enables easy stacking through reinforced corners with visually stunning shelf appeal that grabs the eye of the consumer. The innovative carton range can be hand- or machine-packed for small scale or mass production and is available now in the United States and Europe.

For more information about ProducePack, please visit: https://www.graphicpkg.com/products/producepack-produce-packaging/, and to read a full case study on ProducePack for BelleHarvest, please visit: https://www.graphicpkg.com/case-studys/belle-harvest-sustainability-elevated-experience/

About Graphic Packaging International

Graphic Packaging International, LLC, the primary operating subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. The Company is a leading provider of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies. The Company operates on a global basis, is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and paper-based foodservice products in the United States, and holds leading market positions in coated recycled paperboard, coated unbleached kraft paperboard and solid bleached sulfate paperboard. The Company’s customers include many of the world’s most widely recognized companies and brands. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the Company’s web site at www.graphicpkg.com.

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SOURCE Graphic Packaging International

Rockler Announces $50,000 Donation to the Hardwood Forestry Fund

MEDINA, Minn., Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Rockler Woodworking and Hardware announced the company has made a $50,000 donation to the Hardwood Forestry Fund (HFF) to support 2021 tree-planting projects across the country. The contribution to HFF continues Rockler’s…

«We are proud this contribution will help with the important work of growing beautiful hardwood forests for everyone to enjoy,» said Ann Jackson, executive chairman of Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. «The Hardwood Forestry Fund is working to ensure future generations of woodworkers and furniture-makers have access to renewable hardwood lumber resources.»

Since 2008, Rockler has donated more than $100,000 to HFF to fund tens of thousands of tree-plantings across the country. Rockler’s donations to HFF have helped fund reforestation projects in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin and more.

«We are grateful for the ongoing support of Rockler, a company that has continued to provide considerable contributions over the years that have advanced our mission to establish high quality hardwood forests,» said John Varner, chairman of the board for HFF. «These important donations provide for the key resources to help our organization plant new, thriving forests.»

Since 1990, HFF has planted and managed more than 4 million trees in 30 states across the US, as well as in four international countries. Native tree species are selected for each unique site, but common species planted include black cherry, black walnut, red oak, hard maple, hickory and ash. Every sponsored project is required to have a management plan and harvest and regeneration schedule.

More information about Rockler’s commitment to the hardwood forestry fund and how individuals can participate can be found at rockler.com/forestry-fund.

About Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Celebrating its 66th anniversary as a family-run business, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware supplies lumber to woodworkers online and in stores, with an expanded selection of wood now in many stores. Rockler is the nation’s premier supplier of specialty hardware, tools and other high-quality woodworking products. Rockler has 37 retail locations across 20 states, as well as extensive catalog and internet operations.

To learn more about Rockler, please visit http://www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER, and follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockler_woodworking/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rockler
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RocklerWoodworking
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Rockler/

About the Hardwood Forestry Fund
Using seedling planting, direct seeding, and forest management techniques to promote natural regeneration the Hardwood Forestry Fund creates sustainable forests on suitable and quality public sites. The young forests are managed for wildlife habitat, water quality, soil conservation, timber products, and natural resource education.

The Hardwood Forestry Fund is a 501 (c) (3) educational foundation based in Sterling, Virginia, and is supported by the forest products industry, conservation-focused foundations, and individuals. To make a donation or submit a grant application to the Hardwood Forestry Fund, please visit: https://www.hardwoodfund.org/. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID 54-1674210.

Media Contact

Nathan Bowie, Rockler Woodworking & Hardware, 612-677-2250, nathan.bowie@onesimpleplan.com

Twitter

SOURCE Rockler Woodworking & Hardware

A Real, Live, Traveling Sideshow is Up Against the Biggest Challenge of Their Lives – Facing Their Fears!

NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hellzapoppin, the world’s greatest international touring rock-n-roll circus sideshow, has officially announced its «Face Your Fears» U.S. tour dates for 2021. The vaudeville freak show of wonder features live stunts such as fire eating and fire breathing, magic and illusions, and a real live half-man. Members of the audience will see legendary and world-breaking crossbow artistry, acrobatic stunts, sword swallowing, the human blockhead, human oddities and…

The tour kicks off in Hellzapoppin’s home state of Florida. Their first two shows of the year will be held on February 26, at the Space Coast Harley Davidson in Palm Bay, and February 2, at Respectable Street in West Palm Beach.

«Our fans are about to meet a cavalcade of human curiosities, the likes of which they’ve never seen before,» said Hellzapoppin’s Ringleader and Producer Bryce «the Govna» Graves. «I will be their shepherd and guide on a journey of miraculous discovery through the world of the strange, the odd, the bizarre, the macabre, and where the most unusual people entertain. I’ve spent the past year rebuilding and redesigning the entire show from top to bottom.»

Hellzapoppin’s performers have been featured on a wide variety of major television shows, including but not limited to Fool US with Penn and Teller, Masters of Illusions, Germany’s Das Supertalent, World Magic Awards, AMC’s Freakshow, America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent, Wild Card Show, I Can Do That, and the best-selling magic show in Broadway history, The Illusionists!

Hellzapoppin has been on the ride of their lives. In the past three years alone, the group has performed over 400 shows in 16 different countries, and they have performed with bands such as Avatar, In This Moment, John 5, and Mushroomhead. The group has performed in front of millions of people at some of the world’s biggest and most famous festivals, such as Wacken Festival in Germany, Riot Fest in Chicago, and Alcatraz Festival in Belgium.

Hellzapoppin’s first 2020 tour was supposed to take them to Russia but was canceled just weeks before the show due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this cancellation, the European and Canadian tours were also canceled, followed by the two USA tours as well. When a show is canceled, it can be extremely difficult for the independent artists that make Hellzapoppin come alive. With many of the performers living paycheck to paycheck while traveling the world doing what they do best, entertaining and making people happy, 2020 turned out to be a devastating, stressful, and life-threatening year for many.

Countless people lost their jobs and loved ones during the pandemic, which seemed to drown out the stories of professional touring artists losing their livelihoods over the past year. Some musicians have been able to get by hosting online concerts, but this was not the case for the hundreds of thousands of circus performers, comedians, dancers, magicians, theater performers, etc. These performers employ hundreds of thousands of touring road crews, bus and truck drivers, roadies and roustabouts, merchandisers, ticket takers and sellers, and security personnel – all of which were taken away by the pandemic.

Hellzapoppin desperately wants to inspire the world not to live in fear. As performing artists, the group feels the burning desire to be on stage now more than ever, because people need an opportunity to escape the pain and struggle they have endured this past year. Now more than ever, people need real live entertainment to escape, to forget and most importantly let go and have fun. Hellzapoppin’s performers have an obligation to try and bridge the gap and bring the people back together.

The definition of FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. The definition of Hellzapoppin is Chaos. It means anything can happen and it probably will. With Hellzapoppin stepping up and pioneering a tour in early 2021, the show’s performers hope to lead by example and show everyone that there is no need to be fearful anymore while remaining cautious to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

«The first forms of paid entertainment in America were traveling circuses and sideshows. The performers back then were, and still are, honored as heroes because of their willingness to travel in the middle of the Great Depression and global pandemics to seek their happiness and solitude while uniting with others,» said Graves.

Hellzapoppin is among the last of the touring circus sideshows in the world today. Its performers are committed to preserving the art, heritage, culture, past, and future that the artform brings to the table, and they are determined to not let it die because of a pandemic.

«I hope to help re-open venues, help employ people, and bring fans back together again to reclaim our livelihood and inspire other touring artists to take the plunge and get back out there,» said Graves.

«Laughter and wonder can be the best medicines. I love seeing the excitement, the positive shock and awe on people’s faces. Most importantly, I like to connect with people and bring them into our world and share our stories with them. We aim to teach them how to look at the world differently. If people can escape their harsh realities, fears, and anxieties for just a few moments, then we have succeeded.»

This year will feature many star-studded performers on Hellzapoppin, including Dan Sperry. Known as the Rockstar of Magic, this shock illusionist has traveled and performed the world over and with some of the most successful magic shows in history.

Fans will also get the chance to witness the world’s most amazing half-man, Mr. Short E. Dangerously. This tiny daredevil is cut in half at the waist and walks bare-handed on broken shards of glass while on fire.

World renown AGT Champion Crossbow artist Mr. Ben Blaque is set to perform death-defying stunts live on stage. He received an immediate standing ovation from Snoop Dog, Rosario Dawson, and Cody Rhodes from the GO BIG SHOW when he shot an apple off his own head using a crossbow, not to mention he was blindfolded. Ben has also appeared as «The Weapon Master,» touring across America, Australia, Europe and South America.

Also making an appearance this year is the mysterious, sultry, and spellbinding fabulous woman of enchantment – Ms. Willow Lauren. Beautiful beyond desire and cruel beyond words, Willow is a former motorcycle stunt-rider turned international touring sideshow stuntwoman and aspiring illusionist and aerialist. Willow performs the contortion bladebox of death. She not only eats fire – she also eats and regurgitates razor blades, and she will even swallow a lifesaver down her throat and pull it out of her neck to the amazement of the crowd.

Mr. Auzzy Blood will be making his first-ever appearance with Hellzapoppin this year. Blood is coming straight from Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas and will be performing sword swallowing, eye socket weightlifting, the art of FAKIR, and of course his signature stunt where he takes a giant corkscrew and drives it right through his face – this stunt is a demonstration of mind over matter, with no blood and no pain. He doesn’t mind, so it really doesn’t matter!

To learn more about Hellzapoppin, and for tickets to the «Face Your Fears» tour, please visit https://hellzapoppin.com/tour-dates.

Contact Information:
Bryce «the Govna» Graves
bryce@hellzapoppin.com

Media Inquiries:
Morganpr@newswire.com

Related Images

hellzapoppin-2021-tour.jpg
Hellzapoppin 2021 Tour

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SOURCE Hellzapoppin

Alion to Participate in U.S. Air Force AFWERX Reimagining Energy for the Department of Defense (DoD)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Alion Science and Technology announced today that it will be a participate in the U.S. Air Force AFWERX Reimagining Energy for the DoD Challenge on February 9, 2021. There were over 1,000 submissions to the challenge, with 170+ companies selected to pitch their cutting-edge ideas to a panel of evaluators and subject matter experts to help the DoD rethink the way they generate, transmit, store, and use energy.

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AFWERX, the U.S. Air Force’s innovation catalyst, recently launched the Reimagining Energy for the DoD Challenge, that aims to reduce the U.S. military’s reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate its shift toward renewable and resilient energy sources. This effort supports the DoD’s mission to deter conflict and ensure the nation’s security, and it also stands to supercharge the clean energy industry.

«Alion is honored to be included in this showcase and excited to be able to demonstrate our technology and solutions to support such an important global DoD energy effort,» said John Eubank, Alion’s Director of Artificial Intelligence. «This is a phenomenal opportunity to apply Alion’s expertise to solve and contribute to the future of resilient energy production, transmission, use and storage for the DoD and to come together with other leader’s in the energy industry to solve this global issue.»

Alion’s subject matter experts will present Fortis AI and Big Data Platform (BDP) technologies and solutions. Fortis AI is an Alion developed algo gymnasium for the rapid processing of text- based data sets using a highly scalable cloud-based architecture. BDP is a government-owned knowledge management platform for securely processing massive data sets at the speed of DoD operations. BDP and Fortis AI provide a comprehensive architecture for storing, processing, and deriving value from the DoD’s Energy Data. These capabilities create a knowledge management capability for Energy Data Scientists to explore DoD energy policy, education, usage, and other data sets and then provide recommendations and solution implementation to enable and monitor change in the DoD Energy Culture.

ABOUT AFWERX

Established in 2017 by the Secretary of the Air Force and reporting to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, AFWERX is a catalyst for agile Air Force engagement across industry, academia and non-traditional contributors to create transformative opportunities and foster an Air Force culture of innovation. The aim is to solve problems and enhance the effectiveness of the Air Force. To learn more about AFWERX, visit: www.afwerx.af.mil –

ABOUT ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Solving some of our nation’s most complex national security challenges, Alion works side-by-side with our Defense and Intelligence communities as we design and deliver advanced engineering solutions to meet current and future demands. We go beyond the superficial and dive deep into the root of the engineering complexities and bring innovation to reality. With global industry expertise in Big Data, Analytics, and Cyber Security; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Live, Virtual, and Constructive Training; Electronic Warfare and C5ISR; and Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing, Alion delivers mission success where and when it matters most. To learn more, visit www.alionscience.com.

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SOURCE Alion Science and Technology Corporation

Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Corolla Highlight February Sales Incentives at Downeast Toyota

BREWER, Maine, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bangor-area car shoppers who have fallen in love with the Toyota brand may find a Toyota they love at a price they love at Downeast Toyota in February 2021. Toyota Highlander, Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Corolla lease and finance incentives highlight the budget-minded sales incentives available on offer at Downeast Toyota this season. Potential owners and lessees must be qualified via Toyota Financial Services.

Families who are interested in the eight-passenger 2021 Toyota Highlander may find the right fit for their budget at Downeast Toyota. The 2021 Toyota Highlander LE AWD is available with a 36-month lease with $2,999 due at signing and $319 per month. Toyota Highlander entries are available with a 1.9% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for 60 months and 2.9% APR for 72 months.

Those families who prefer a compact five-passenger crossover may find what they need in the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Drivers who choose to finance the 2021 Toyota RAV4 can finance via Toyota Financial Services with 1.9% APR for 60 months. Lease incentives for the Toyota RAV4 LE AWD include an affordable 36-month lease with $2,999 down and $229 per month.

Bangor-area drivers interested in a value-packed and affordable compact sedan will love what the 2021 Toyota Corolla has to offer at Downeast Toyota. Potential owners who prefer to finance the Toyota compact sedan may be eligible for 0.9% APR for 60 months. Toyota Corolla Hybrid entries are available with 0% APR for 60 months. Lease incentives for the Toyota Corolla LE include a 39-month lease offer with $2,999 due at signing and a $145 monthly payment.

Interested car shoppers who would like to learn more about the Toyota-brand sales and incentives available at Downeast Toyota can learn more online at http://www.downeasttoyota.com or by calling 207-989-6400 and speaking directly with a member of the dealership sales team.

Media Contact

Kate Fraser, Downeast Toyota, 207-989-6400, katefraser@downeasttoyota.com

SOURCE Downeast Toyota

Waiting for Vaccines, New Data Shows Black, Latino and Asian American Seniors Dying of COVID-19 at Alarmingly Higher Rates

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As older adults anxiously await vaccines to protect them, African American/Black, Latino and Asian American older adults in Chicago and statewide are getting sick and dying of COVID-19 at rates much higher than their share of the population, according to new data from AARP Illinois, the Chicago Urban League, The Resurrection Project and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago released…

The sobering statistics – evidence that longstanding inequities have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic – have prompted the creation of a collaboration to urge officials and influencers across the state to find ways to create systemic policy changes on behalf of, and with, older adults of color.

«The disproportionate number of Illinois’ older adults of color dying from COVID-19, while heartbreaking, is not an anomaly,» said Rosanna Marquez, AARP Illinois State Volunteer President. «It is evidence of longstanding inequities, from the social conditions that lead to poor health to unequal access to quality care, to limited economic resources, which have existed for years.»

During a press conference, Marquez and leaders from the groups pledged to do their part to «Disrupt Disparities» in Illinois and create an Illinois where older adults across communities can age with the economic stability, health care resources and digital connectivity they need to lead healthy, stable and rewarding lives. They were joined by Illinois Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins, Senator Robert Peters, Representative Theresa Mah and other elected officials.

«We’ve seen that racial economic disparities can accumulate over the course of someone’s lifetime to create widening wealth gaps in communities of color,» said Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins.»This study of the experiences and needs of older adults of color is an essential first step in creating an Illinois where older adults can age with financial security, healthcare that meets their needs and the digital resources they need to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives.»

«The COVID-19 public health crisis has wreaked havoc on our older adults of color, and has brought to the forefront the deep disparities that exist in these communities in the areas of health, economic security, and connectivity,» said Illinois State Senator Robert Peters. «It has never been more important or more urgent to bring about the systemic and structural change needed to promote equitable solutions for older adults of color and their families.»

«Older adults of color have suffered from the effects of disparities that lead to health problems, unequal access to reliable health care and limited economic resources for far too long,» said State Representative Theresa Mah. «The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us all the devastating impact of these inequities, and that urgent action must be taken to ensure that our adults of color can live healthy and fulfilling lives.»

Collaborators on the «Disrupt Disparities» initiative called for immediate action and recommended policy solutions for many of the disparities outlined in the report.

«We’re proud to be a collaborator on this groundbreaking report that shows how structural inequities are impacting older adults across communities of color, including the Asian American community,» said Andy Kang, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago. «Asian Americans are often left out of conversations regarding racial disparities due to the ‘model minority’ myth, when in fact, many are suffering due to economic disparities, lack of resources, and other factors. This report emphasizes the need not only for more data on Asian American communities, but more disaggregated data, to really understand the impact of these disparities on our communities.»

«We already knew the pandemic was having a disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Through this collaboration, we now have research and data that show that senior members in communities of color are perishing at disproportionate rates due to unequal access to healthcare and other longstanding disparities,» said Karen Freeman– Wilson, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. «This cannot be acceptable. We must have action to address these disparities and improve the quality of life for older individuals who often are the backbone of our communities.»

«This pandemic has exposed and exacerbated widening inequities. In many of our Black and Brown communities, there is limited access to high-quality healthcare, the digital literacy gap is high, and the economic disparities have yet to be addressed,» said Raul Raymundo, CEO of The Resurrection Project. «It’s very important that our elected officials understand that any recovery effort is seen as an investment in addressing these inequities over the long-term.»

According to the new data released Monday, deep disparities exist in the areas of :

COVID-19:

While African American/Black Chicagoans in the 50+ age range account for 7.5% of all recorded COVID-19 cases, they constitute 39.3% of deaths despite representing 37% of Chicagoans 50 and older between March and Dec. 31, 2020.
Hispanic older adults in Chicago accounted for 21% of the population 50 and over, yet made up 31.4% of infections and 32.5% of deaths from COVID-19.

Economic stability:

African American/Black seniors are three times more likely to live in poverty, Latinos and Asian Americans are almost twice as likely as whites.
Almost half of African American, Latino and Asian homeowners over 80 in IL still hold mortgages on their homes, twice as many as whites.

Health:

In Illinois, African American/Blacks, Latinos, and Asian Americans suffer significantly higher rates of chronic diseases than their white counterparts. In Chicago, 75 percent of older African Americans and 64 of older Latinos are diagnosed with hypertension.
But older adults of color have limited access to high-quality health care. In urban areas, healthcare providers are concentrated in white neighborhoods; in more rural areas, whites are three times more likely to have access to a car – the highest of any racial or ethnic group.

Connectivity:

More than a third of Illinois African American/Blacks and Latinos over 65 have no internet access at all at home.

The groundbreaking data – the first time all available research on disparities for older adults was collected for such purposes – was compiled by researchers at the Center for Urban Research & Learning, Loyola University Chicago in late 2020.

For a complete copy of the report, visit: www.aarp.org/IL

The Disrupt Disparities report is just the beginning of a multi-year effort to create systemic policy changes on behalf of, and with, older adults of color in Illinois.

The group will host a Disrupt Disparities summit in partnership with the Illinois Department on Aging on April 26-27, hold regular community convenings across the state (Feb. 24, March 3, March 24 and April 10) and engage lawmakers on developing policies to address the problems.

«It’s never been more evident that systematic changes are needed to help Illinois’ residents of color to live the same longer, healthier and more productive lives as their white counterparts,» Marquez said. «AARP is so proud to be working in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, the Chicago Urban League and The Resurrection Project to bring attention to the important issues for older adults and fight for these proven solutions.»

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/waiting-for-vaccines-new-data-shows-black-latino-and-asian-american-seniors-dying-of-covid-19-at-alarmingly-higher-rates-301224194.html

SOURCE AARP Illinois

Jigsaw de Google anuncia que Perspective, la API de reducción de toxicidad, procesa 500 millones de solicitudes diarias

NUEVA YORK, 8 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Jigsaw, una unidad dentro de Google que pronostica y enfrenta amenazas digitales emergentes, anunció hoy que <a target="_blank"…

NUEVA YORK, 8 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Jigsaw, una unidad dentro de Google que pronostica y enfrenta amenazas digitales emergentes, anunció hoy que Perspective, una API gratuita y de código abierto que utiliza el aprendizaje automático para detectar comentarios tóxicos, procesa 500 millones de solicitudes diarias y reduce de alguna manera la toxicidad para mejorar las conversaciones en línea a escala. La tercera edición de The Current, la revista de investigación en línea de la empresa que se publicó hoy, describe el problema persistente y dañino de la toxicidad en línea y el papel que pueden tener las herramientas de aprendizaje automático, como Perspective, para reducirlo.

Lanzada en 2017 para combatir la toxicidad y el acoso en línea, Perspective califica los comentarios en función de su impacto percibido en la conversación y ayuda a las plataformas a mantener abiertas las secciones de comentarios para que las conversaciones sean atractivas y productivas.

«La toxicidad en Internet es un problema generalizado que afecta de manera desproporcionada a grupos marginados, amenaza el periodismo independiente y elimina la libertad de expresión y el diálogo saludable», afirmó Jared Cohen, director ejecutivo de Jigsaw. «Nuestros socios han advertido que Perspective reduce de alguna manera la toxicidad en sus plataformas, lo que les permite crear espacios más seguros para que sus usuarios intercambien ideas. Estamos comprometidos a trabajar con nuestros socios e instituciones académicas para capacitar y reeducar continuamente a nuestros modelos con el objetivo de mejorar aún más la identificación de toxicidad, a la vez que minimizamos los prejuicios y promovemos conversaciones más saludables».

Jigsaw creó Perspective utilizando modelos desarrollados junto con el equipo de tecnología contra el abuso de Google, y ahora está potenciando una variedad de plataformas a fin de crear un espacio seguro para el diálogo a través de múltiples usos:

Comentarios a los usuarios: Perspective puede enviar comentarios a los usuarios sobre la posible toxicidad percibida en su contenido en tiempo real, lo que genera resultados significativos:

Coral by Vox Media, una importante plataforma de comentarios que utilizan las organizaciones de medios de todo el mundo, utiliza esta función para brindar a los usuarios la oportunidad de cambiar su redacción antes de realizar la publicación. Un estudio controlado con McClatchy descubrió que el 40 % de los usuarios cambió sus comentarios en respuesta a ese aviso.
OpenWeb, una plataforma líder de participación de la audiencia que recibe a 100 millones de usuarios activos al mes, lanzó esta función después de que un estudio de OpenWeb, que se realizó como parte de una investigación de Jigsaw más amplia, descubriera que de todos los usuarios que comentan y editaron su idioma, el 44,7 % de estos usuarios reemplazó o eliminó las palabras ofensivas, y el 7,6 % decidió reescribir por completo su comentario.

Ayuda a los moderadores humanos: Perspective también sirve para ayudar a los moderadores humanos a trabajar con mayor eficiencia y reducir la toxicidad en sus plataformas:

The New York Times creó Moderator, una herramienta que aprovecha Perspective para priorizar comentarios para la moderación humana y autorizar a los que más probablemente superen una revisión manual. The Times ha aumentado la cantidad de artículos que podían dar lugar a comentarios a través de Perspective, lo que le permitió ofrecer a los lectores una selección más amplia y diversa de artículos para comentar.
FACEIT, una de las plataformas de videojuegos más importantes de Europa, utiliza la calificación de toxicidad de Perspective para advertir o inhabilitar a usuarios, quienes pueden recurrir a un moderador humano para su revisión final. Como resultado de esta moderación en tiempo real, FACEIT ha logrado una reducción del 20 % en mensajes tóxicos.
Cofina, una empresa de medios portuguesa, logró disminuir la necesidad de moderación humana en un 60 %, lo que le permitió a su equipo ahorrar al menos 2 horas al día después de integrar Perspective en sus CMS para moderar los comentarios en sus periódicos deportivos y financieros.

«La API Perspective ha mejorado enormemente nuestra capacidad de detectar toxicidad en los comentarios que recibimos. Ha permitido que el trabajo de nuestro equipo de moderación sea más impactante y eficiente y, desde que implementamos la herramienta, hemos podido aumentar en aproximadamente un tercio la cantidad de artículos abiertos a comentarios». – Marcia Loughran, editora de Comunidades de The New York Times

«Trabajar con Perspective nos ha permitido promover interacciones positivas en cientos de comunidades dinámicas y comprometidas y en decenas de millones de usuarios. Las soluciones son elegantes y sin fricciones, lo que apoya nuestra visión de un compromiso de mayor calidad con menos toxicidad». – Nadav Shoval, director ejecutivo y cofundador de OpenWeb

«En Coral, nos enfocamos en simplificar y agilizar el trabajo esencial de los moderadores. Perspective nos ayuda a identificar comentarios en varios idiomas que requieren atención inmediata. El equipo de Perspective son fantásticos colaboradores en esta misión».–Andrew Losowsky, director de Coral by VoxMedia

«Integramos Perspective en nuestro CMS para moderar los comentarios en nuestros periódicos deportivos y financieros. Disminuimos la moderación humana en un 60 %. Ahorramos al menos dos horas al día y estamos muy satisfechos con los resultados. También mejoró la calidad de los comentarios en nuestros sitios web y el compromiso con nuestros usuarios». – Nuno Alves, director técnico en línea de Cofina Media

«En FACEIT, hemos comenzado una misión para abordar directamente la toxicidad y el acoso en los videojuegos. Debido a que nuestra comunidad de jugadores seguía creciendo y evolucionando, necesitábamos crear soluciones eficaces que pudieran funcionar a gran escala. Perspective nos proporcionó el modelo de toxicidad perfecto que utilizamos como referencia para desarrollar nuestro motor antitoxicidad». –María Laura Scuri, directora de Inteligencia Empresarial de FACEIT

A través de sus asociaciones, Jigsaw también ha capacitado a Perspective en nuevos idiomas, lo que permite que el modelo de aprendizaje automático esté mejor posicionado para mejorar las conversaciones en línea a escala global. Actualmente está disponible en inglés, español, francés, alemán, italiano y portugués. Algunos de los socios de Perspective incluyen: El País, Le Monde, Cofina y otros editores que comprenden la importancia de aceptar conversaciones de buena calidad en sus plataformas y en diversos idiomas.

Jigsaw también está trabajando continuamente con sus socios para explorar formas de mitigar los prejuicios en el aprendizaje automático. Lea algunas de las investigaciones recientes de Jigsaw aquí.

Obtenga más información sobre Perspective y pruébela en la tercera edición de The Current.

Consultas de prensa:

Jigsaw Media
jigsawpress@google.com

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Jigsaw es una unidad dentro de Google que pronostica y enfrenta amenazas emergentes, creando investigaciones y tecnología que definen el futuro para que nuestro mundo esté más seguro.

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