Categoría: Aaron Sanchez

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors America and B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) today announced a renewal of their partnership and continued commitment to reducing injuries and saving lives by providing teens and their parents with the tools they need to be responsible behind the wheel. Founded in 2008, B.R.A.K.E.S. combines classroom instruction with hands-on-defensive driver training courses in Kia vehicles for both teen drivers and their parents. Along with their teens, parents are asked to participate as a way to reinforce the lessons teens learn during the classes and as a way to identify and correct any bad habits that may have developed through the years since they themselves began driving. 

The first B.R.A.K.E.S. classes of the year took place this past weekend, February 20-21, at the zMax Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pandemic depending, additional classes to be scheduled across the country when appropriate. All CDC guidelines will be strictly adhered to and B.R.A.K.E.S. is implementing routine cleaning and disinfecting of all classrooms, touchpoints and vehicles to ensure the safety of students, parents and instructors. In addition, B.R.A.K.E.S. has reduced class sizes and will adhere to social distancing and mask wearing guidelines. To register for a class or to view the full upcoming schedule, visit www.putonthebrakes.org.

«The number-one cause of death among teens are car crashes. Education and real-word training are two of the most important ways we can facilitate a change and make a difference in that area, but it wouldn’t be possible without Kia’s help and the fleet of training vehicles the company provides,» said Doug Herbert, drag-racing-champion and founder of B.R.A.K.E.S. «It’s impossible to gauge the exact number of lives the B.R.A.K.E.S schools have saved over the last 13 years. In total, we have trained more than 94,000 teens and their parents. But even if we can only say for certain that we saved just one life, it would all be worth it. The ongoing commitment and support from Kia allow us to continue making America’s roads safer for everyone and for that we are grateful.»

Kia serves as the Official Vehicle and a presenting sponsor of B.R.A.K.E.S., and through the automaker’s support, B.R.A.K.E.S. can offer free training for all attendees. Kia’s sponsorship helps by offsetting costs through a financial donation and the fleet of 44 Kia vehicles, including Soul, Rio and Forte models that are supplied by Kia for each training class.

«Kia is committed to vehicle and road safety, and our partnership with B.R.A.K.E.S. is an important way for us to strengthen our efforts to ‘Accelerate The Good’ through tangible action,» said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America. «We congratulate B.R.A.K.E.S. for the life-saving work they have made their mission and Kia is proud to continue our collaboration for years to come.»

Each B.R.A.K.E.S. school includes four hours of training, starting with a short, 45-minute classroom presentation followed by nearly three hours behind the wheel using new Kia vehicles as part of the practical demonstrations. The program includes distracted driving awareness, panic braking, drop-wheel/off-road recovery, crash avoidance and car control/skid recovery – all among the biggest causes of crashes for new drivers. Other educational elements often include ‘Big Rig’ safety, first responder vehicle extrication demonstration, and what to do in the event of a traffic stop.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

About B.R.A.K.E.S.

Doug Herbert’s B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) is a GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. B.R.A.K.E.S. was founded in 2008 after Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic car crash. Today, 30,000 teens from 43 different states and five countries – and their parents – have graduated from the B.R.A.K.E.S.’ intensive half-day training course, which is free of charge and features hands-on skills exercises taught by professional instructors in a fleet of new vehicles donated by Kia Motors America.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

SYDNEY and GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, Feb. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Channel Capital Pty Ltd. (Channel), a leading Australian multi-affiliate investment management company servicing more than A$16 billion in assets, has established Channel Capital Cayman, an offshore governance services business based in the Cayman Islands.

Mark Cook, an experienced director for Cayman Islands and other offshore investment funds will lead the business, which will focus on establishing and operating investment funds domiciled in the United States, Cayman Islands and other offshore financial centres, as well as ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory obligations including anti-money laundering and tax transparency.

Mark has worked with many globally recognized fund managers and financial institutions since arriving in the Cayman Islands in 2005. After qualifying as a chartered accountant in Australia and spending more than 10 years in public practice there, he obtained fund administration experience with Citco Fund Services in the Cayman Islands and since 2008 has been engaged as an investment fund director.

The Cayman Islands is a world leader in the establishment of offshore funds due to its tax-neutrality, stable economy, sophisticated banking sector, and professional financial service industry. Approximately 70% of non-US domiciled alternative investment funds managed by US SEC-registered advisors are domiciled in the Cayman Islands.  

«We are thrilled to be partnering with Mark in the Cayman Islands» said Glen Holding, Channel’s co-founder and managing director. «We see this as a natural extension of the support and oversight we have traditionally offered to fund managers in Australia, and is consistent with our strategy to build out a global platform capable of supporting investment managers and their clients in all major jurisdictions».

Executive Director at Channel Capital Cayman, Mark Cook, said: «The Cayman Islands remains by far the most popular jurisdiction for hedge, private equity and infrastructure funds. I’m really looking forward to working with the Channel team and leveraging the platform they have developed. I anticipate opportunities across the spectrum for straight governance services, or to more widely assist with an investment manager’s business needs».

About Channel Capital

Established in 2013, Channel has 30 employees across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Grand Cayman, and currently partners with eight investment management firms. Channel provides incubation, distribution, operational and responsible entity services to a select group of investment management firms and their clients across the institutional, family office, high net worth and advisor-led investor space. Channel’s subsidiary entity, CIML, provides responsible entity services to a limited set of funds. https://www.channel.capital

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441657/Mark_Cook.jpg

SOURCE Channel Capital

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music based-entertainment, today announced the launch of Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, a new global network delivering premium and flexible artist and label services to the industry’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and independent talent worldwide, inspired and influenced by the spirit and ethos of the iconic Virgin Records label.

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said: «Virgin has long been a name synonymous with disruptive innovation, musical creativity and entrepreneurialism. We are thrilled to announce the reinvigoration of this iconic music brand as a new model for global distribution and label services – combining UMG’s unrivalled regional executive teams with dedicated resources and best-in-class services and technology, to help foster long-term partnerships and deliver global success for the next generation of independent labels and artist talent. In total, this global launch represents an important evolution of our industry-leading strategy to be an accelerator and vital partner for the music’s best independent artists and entrepreneurs.»

Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Founder, said: «I’m proud that half a century after we opened our first independent record shop in London, the Virgin Music name continues to represent the very best entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists from the world of music today.»

Founded in 1972 in the U.K. by Branson, Virgin Records has helped redefine music culture for almost half a century. Independent music distribution and disruption have been a key catalyst in Virgin’s global success throughout its history: from its pioneering roots in prog, reggae, punk and new wave; with distributed labels, including Frontline, Stiff, Charisma and Circa; to the creation of Caroline and Astralwerks, both now successful divisions within the UMG label family.

Virgin Records also served as home to some of the most influential and reverential artists of the past century, including: David Bowie; The Sex Pistols; Aaliyah; The Rolling Stones; George Michael; Janet Jackson; Lenny Kravitz; Culture Club; Massive Attack; and the Spice Girls.

To build on its rich cultural and musical legacy, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services will be led in each region by highly skilled executive teams, providing fully resourced regional hubs that combine UMG’s industry-leading technology platforms, specialist local networks and expertise with UMG’s global strength and reach, alongside a suite of resources to help position labels and artists for long-term success globally and to empower the next generation of independent artists and labels to reach new audiences around the world.

Effective immediately, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services will provide artists global solutions, with fully staffed operations already established in the world’s top five music markets (U.S., Japan, U.K., Germany, France) and across Latin America, the world’s fastest-growing region for the past five years. Additional operations will launch in the coming months. Regional details include:

In the U.S., Caroline will be renamed Virgin Label & Artist Services. It will continue under the leadership of Jacqueline Saturn, who becomes President, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, reporting to Capitol Music Group President and COO, Michelle Jubelirer. The company offers independent artists and labels the resources of UMG, on top of a winning team of strategists and marketers, resulting in hugely successful partnerships such as: Motown’s innovative alliance with Atlanta-based Quality Control Music, leading to the rise of global superstar such as Lil Baby; 10K Projects whose break out artists include Trippie Redd, Internet Money, Surfaces and iann dior. Other successful partnerships with artists and label include Clairo through the Fader Label, SHAED through Photo Finish, Black Pumas through ATO Records. NCT127 and SuperM through SM Entertainment and independent artists E-40, Mac Demarco, Anson Seabra, Judah & the Lion and others.

In the U.K., highly respected industry executive Vanessa Higgins has been appointed as MD, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services UK, effective immediately.  She joins UMG from Regent Street Records, the independent record label and music publishing company she founded in 2014, after spending 15 years as a touring musician. Higgins has a long history of working with independent artists, having also represented their interests as a board member of the BPI (the U.K. record labels’ trade association) since 2015, and as Director of the BPI’s innovation hub between 2016-19. She currently serves as a mentor for Abbey Road Red’s technology and innovation seeding programme. Higgins will report to David Joseph, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music UK. Labels and artists that will be distributed from the U.K. will include: Mixtape Madness, Brit Award nominees D Block Europe, Midas The Jagaban, Digga D, Potter Payper & Bugzy Malone, Fiction, Billie Marten, The Amazons and The Big Moon, Rema, StayFleeGetLizzy, Tiffany Calver, EGA, Faceless and NQ.

In France, the new evolved division will be built from the foundations of Caroline France, with operations led by Thomas Lorain who has been appointed as MD, Virgin Music Labels & Artist Services France effective immediately. Lorain has overseen Caroline France since 2014 and currently manages a team of sixteen. With the input and support of Universal Music France CEO, Olivier Nusse since 2016, Caroline France has quickly  become a leading home for the incubation of new artists and independent labels within France, delivering breakthrough domestic success for artists including; Alpha Wann (Don Dada Records), Carpenter Brut (No Quarter), Grand Corps Malade (Anouche Productions), Kaaris (OG Record/Lutèce), Polo & Pan (Hamburger Records / Ekleroshock), RimK (Frenesik) and Wejdene (Guette Music / Caroline France). On top of the artists already distributed, the first labels to join Virgin Music France will include: Danger Productions (Captaine Roshi), Guette Music (Larse) Profile de face (Lewis OfMan, Pretty Boy Aaron) and Think Zik! (Imany, Anwar).

In Germany alongside other markets across Central Europe, existing Caroline operations will be incorporated and expanded into Virgin Music Label & Artist Services. The new division in Germany will be led by Tina Adams, who will assume the role of Label Manager effective immediately. The label will be based in Berlin and will report to Frank Briegmann, Chairman & CEO Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon. The new division will operate alongside domestic frontline label Virgin Records Germany.

In Latin America & Iberia, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services will launch in early 2021 across a handful of key markets including Mexico, Spain and Latin operations in the U.S. The label will have dedicated teams and resources based in Los Angeles, Miami and Mexico City and will focus on supporting the next wave of independent Latin talent, labels, influencers and entrepreneurs globally. Virgin Music Label & Artist Services Latin America will be the first fully integrated label services division worldwide for Latin music, providing artists, labels and partners with access to local and international marketing services, Live and management services through GTS, Merchandising through Bravado and Publishing services alongside UMPG. This unique suite of services will enable Latin artists to take a bespoke and cohesive approach to releasing music, visual content, podcasts, physical product and merchandise in order to provide the best fan experiences.

Virgin Music Latin America will be led by Víctor González, who has been appointed to the position of President, Virgin Music LATAM & Iberia, effective immediately. A long-standing and highly respected executive, González has worked for UMG for more than 22 years, and most recently held the position of President, Universal Music Latin Entertainment (UMLE). He will be based in Los Angeles and will report to Jesús López, Chairman & CEO Latin America & Iberian Peninsula.

In Japan, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services Japan will launch, effective immediately, and will broaden the existing capabilities of Caroline Japan, which will be combined into the new division led by highly experienced executive Hirokazu Tanaka, reporting to Naoshi Fujikura, President and CEO, Universal Music Japan.  The new division will operate alongside domestic frontline label Virgin Music.

Caroline International’s award-winning label services operation based in the U.K. will be renamed Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, effective immediately, under the continued leadership of MD’s Michael Roe and Jim Chancellor, and will support the leaders of Virgin worldwide to ensure that Virgin Music Label & Artist Services continues to represent and distribute the best in independent talent and labels around the world. In 2020, Caroline International delivered major international chart success for Caroline artists including: Aitch, The Big Moon; Internet Money; Zoe Wees (Via UM Germany) and D-Block Europe amongst others. Artists and Labels to be distributed globally via Virgin Music Label & Artist services include: Because Music (Christine & The Queens, Major Lazer –global markets outside of France), Van Morrison, Steven Wilson, Sophie Hunger, Peter Gabriel, Tame Impala (ex UK, US & Australia), Iggy Pop, Underworld and DAVE (excluding UK & US).

Notes to editors:

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-music-group-launches-virgin-music-label-and-artist-services-301231074.html

SOURCE Universal Music Group

BRONX, N.Y., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Last December, 70-year-old Bronx resident Irma Vega got COVID-19. Like 52 percent of people living in the Bronx, Vega had multiple chronic conditions, meaning her case of COVID-19 could easily become life-threatening. After her positive test, she arrived at Montefiore Medical Center to begin monoclonal antibody treatment.

Monoclonal antibodies are created in a lab and function like naturally occurring antibodies, fighting infections before they spread. Studies show that when monoclonal antibodies are given intravenously to high-risk people diagnosed early with COVID-19, it can prevent them from experiencing severe symptoms that lead to hospitalizations.

«COVID-19 is a horrible illness, but I trusted the doctors and nurses,» said Vega. «I started monoclonal antibodies and my symptoms never got worse. I never needed to go to the hospital.»

Today more than 470 patients like Vega have benefited from Montefiore’s monoclonal antibody program, 93 percent of whom avoided worsening symptoms that would have required a visit to the hospital.

«Longstanding inequities and chronic disease have led to high COVID-19 infection rates and significant risk of death in our borough,» said Dr. Priya Nori, director of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program, an infectious disease specialist at Montefiore Health System, and associate professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. «Now Bronx residents have a safe, evidence-based treatment that stops COVID-19 in its tracks and is preventing severe illness.»

In December, Dr. Nori’s team began treating patients in Montefiore’s Bronx emergency departments with monoclonal antibodies, which are developed by pharmaceutical companies and authorized by the Food and Drug Administration. Since then, Montefiore opened an infusion clinic – now the main location for this therapy – and is partnering with local nursing homes to treat their residents.

People who qualify for monoclonal antibodies have a high-risk of severe COVID-19, including people aged 65 or older, and illnesses like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity and COPD. People who are immunocompromised due to diseases such as cancer, lupus or sickle cell anemia, or organ transplant recipients, are also candidates for treatment. Pregnant women and high-risk patients under age 21 may also qualify.

The monoclonal antibody treatment is given using IV therapy, administered through a vein in the arm, for about an hour. Patients are evaluated by a nurse practitioner and then monitored for any allergic reactions, which are extremely rare.  The appointment takes about three hours to complete; afterward patients receive a follow-up phone visit. Less than two weeks later, a telehealth appointment is completed with an infectious disease doctor who reviews recovery and symptoms.

«Patients come in with fear of COVID-19 and leave with hope because of this treatment,» said Susan Sakalian, Oncology Certified Nurse at Montefiore Medical Center. «It is a huge step forward from where we were in March 2020. The infusions keep people from needing emergency care, and that’s an invaluable resource for our patients and their families.»

For more information about the monoclonal antibodies treatment, please visit  covid19.montefiore.org/monoclonal-antibody-therapy-montefiore#main-content.

About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2020-21 academic year, Einstein is home to 721 M.D. students, 178 Ph.D. students, 109 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,900 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2020, Einstein received more than $197 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu, read our blog, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and view us on YouTube.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440703/Nori_Priya_2013_05_55.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675671/Montefiore_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Montefiore Health System

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In response to the threat of mis- and disinformation on democracy and public health, Voto Latino, the largest Latinx voter registration organization in the U.S., and Media Matters for America, the nation’s premier media watchdog organization, are announcing the launch of the Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab. The collaborative effort will work to better understand and strategically combat misinformation at all stages and on all mediums, seeking primarily to influence Latinx individuals.

The Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab will be chaired by Voto Latino co-founding President and CEO María Teresa Kumar, Media Matters for America President and CEO Angelo Carusone and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez. It will, for the first time, establish the systems and network necessary to help combat mis- and disinformation that further polarizes and isolates Latinx voters.

The need for this initiative is clear. In the months leading up to the 2020 general election, voters were subject to higher levels of mis- and disinformation than ever before. Spanish and English language voter fraud misinformation, fear mongering tactics, and disinformation about COVID-19 spread throughout the media and on mainstream social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp, YouTube, and other online communities. This included a significant increase in false information targeting communities of color, disproportionately impacting Spanish-speaking audiences over the age of 40.

«For decades, disinformation has been a weapon that corrupt governments in failing states use against their own people,» said Voto Latino’s Maria Teresa Kumar. «But now that same weapon is aimed at the most vulnerable in the United States, exploiting some officials’ moral weakness and social media’s deliberate lawlessness to sow greater distrust of our critical institutions than ever before. The spread of lies around the COVID vaccine is proof positive that disinformation has become a life and death issue if not curbed and addressed.»

The Latino Anti-Disinformation Lab is the largest investment in combatting disinformation in Latinx communities to date. It will combine Media Matters’ media intelligence and disinformation expertise with Voto Latino’s deep knowledge of Latinx communities and digital-first savviness to inoculate impacted audiences across all mediums against targeted misinformation. As part of this effort, Media Matters will expand its monitoring of Spanish-language media and online communities, which a dedicated team will analyze to produce research that will catalyze strategic communications actions for Voto Latino. Voto Latino will invest heavily in data and infrastructure needed to effectively identify and communicate with at-risk Latinx voters.

«Whether its public health, political campaigns or policy  debates – the way the media approaches the issue will greatly influence the outcome,» said Media Matters President Angelo Carusone. «The right-wing sphere has spent years building a misinformation machine to target the Latinx community, which has resulted in a rising tide of disinformation. Despite how overwhelming it may seem, it is both possible and absolutely necessary to confront misinformation head on. This partnership will provide an essential check on that rising tide of disinformation.»

In addition to Media Matters and Voto Latino, former DNC Chairman Tom Perez, the son of first-generation immigrants from the Dominican Republic, will lend his voice and support to the effort to combat misleading information targeting the Latinx community.

«Misinformation targeting the Latino community is a very real and growing threat. We’ve got to address this threat head on with a substantial, focused, and concerted effort. That’s why I am so excited to be a part of this Voto Latino/Media Matters partnership. It leverages Media Matters’ unique capacities and expertise at media monitoring and research with Voto Latino’s extraordinary organizing and strategic communications capabilities,» added Tom Perez. This is the kind of lasting investment in communications infrastructure within the Latino community that is necessary to respond to the threat of misinformation as well as harness durable political and civic power.»

Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.

Media Matters for America is a nonprofit media watchdog dedicated to monitoring and exposing conservative misinformation. Through real-time monitoring, comprehensive research and analysis, and rapid response work, Media Matters combats lies, propaganda, and extremism to ensure that all Americans have access to truthful information.

CONTACT:
Danny Friedman, dfriedman@votolatino.org
Laura Keiter, LKeiter@mediamatters.org

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1278486/Voto_Latino_Logo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440530/Media_Matters_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Voto Latino

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AARP New York today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include in his 2021-22 State Budget proposal a Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to require minimum hours of direct care and increased staffing levels in nursing homes, ensure visitation and transparency, restore families’ legal recourse, and invest in cost-effective services that help New Yorkers remain at home.

AARP sent a letter to the Governor urging him to include the reforms in his 30-day Executive Budget amendments.

«The nursing home crisis is front and center in this State, as it should be; now, through the State Budget, is the time and way to end it,» said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. «We should not waste this golden opportunity to improve safety and conditions for our mothers, fathers, grandparents, spouses and other loved ones in New York’s nursing homes – and for the staff who care for them.» 

The Five-Point Plan for nursing homes and other adult care facilities would address:

1. Quality Care, by requiring nursing homes to spend more on direct care and increase staffing levels; ensure strict compliance with infectious disease controls; and provide regular and ongoing testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and oversight through in-person access by formal advocates known as long-term care ombudsmen – including increasing staffing for the LTC Ombudsman program.
2. Retroactive Repeal of Legal Immunity, by no longer shielding long-term care facilities for any negligent care delivered earlier in pandemic. Pursuing legal action is not an easy thing to do, and no family member who has lost a loved one due to neglect or abuse pursues this course of action lightly. It is always an option of last resort and must remain an option for families.
3. Transparency, through requiring daily reporting of data on fatalities and infectious disease rates of staff and residents in all nursing homes and adult care facilities with a publicly available annual report to the Legislature.
4. Home-and Community-Based Services, by increasing State funding by $27 million to help New Yorkers remain in their own homes, as the vast majority want, and out of potentially unsafe nursing homes. This funding would help end waiting lists for over 10,000 people seeking these services, which support family caregivers in helping older loved ones avoid costlier, mostly taxpayer-funded nursing homes.
5. Visitation, by ensuring safe in-person and virtual visitation, including compassionate care visits, and thus addressing one of the biggest concerns AARP has heard from our members during the pandemic. Social interaction with family and friends is critical to the health and wellbeing of residents. In addition to the social connectivity and emotional support they provide, visitors are key members of the resident care team.

AARP New York also supports a package of nursing home reform legislation under consideration by the New York State Senate.

AARP New York recently joined with healthcare workers union 1199SEIU and nursing home consumer advocate The Long Term Care Community Coalition to urge minimum hours of care and other reforms in a letter to Governor Cuomo, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

«What has happened to our loved ones in nursing homes during the past 11 months is a tragedy,» added Finkel. «AARP New York stands ready to work with the Governor and Legislature to ensure it stops now and never happens again.»

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440137/AARP_New_York_Logo.jpg

SOURCE AARP New York

LONDON and GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With ambitions to create the ‘best airport in Mexico‘ at its home base in Guadalajara, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) plans to invest 10 billion Pesos (US$504m* see note) before 2026 in the development of Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport.  The plan includes an additional runway and new terminal building as well as, in the short/mid-term, a radical new 6 billion Pesos (US$302m* see note) redesign of the commercial space in the existing building.  The Design Solution has been appointed to deliver the redesign with the new space due to open on a phased basis over the next 2 years before being fully open in 2023.

The current terminal has benefited from numerous expansion projects since its opening in 1966 and today is a collection of airside zones, complex circulation patterns and architectural styles.  The objective of the terminal redesign is to rationalise passenger flows, creating a series of engaging touchpoints along the passenger journey, from security to gate, with a visionary design that unifies the entire experience.  The Design Solution has worked alongside the project’s commercial consultants, Pragma Consulting, in fulfilling the approved proposal.

The new plan optimises previously under-utilized space, creating a new vibrancy to the passenger experience with a significantly enlarged commercial zone.   The two security areas are retained and passengers are now drawn towards the airside heart of the terminal, a newly revitalised area overlooking the apron, surrounded by a dynamic mix of retail, bars, restaurants, pop-up sites and other customer service facilities.  

«Our first task was to rationalise the passenger flows through the terminal to create an intuitive route in the airside commercial area.  With this approach, passengers have much more direct engagement with the greater exposure given to stores, restaurants, bars, pop-ups and seasonal event experiences» explains Graeme Johns, Director of the Design Solution. «It is always a challenge to transform older terminals that have evolved through piecemeal development, especially those that were predominantly assembled before commercial revenues became so important.  These new designs will create a world class facility and passenger experience fitting for GAP’s ambitions to transform Guadalajara International Airport and to maximise its commercial potential.»

«Mexico is so rich in history, culture, craft and unique landscapes and so finding a special feature to tie the designs together was not difficult.  Guadalajara is the heart of the Tequila and we were inspired by the shape of the harvested Agave plant used in the production of this iconic spirt, which is also one of the fastest growing categories in travel retail.  Its unique form is evident throughout the decoration of the terminal, such as the decorative lighting grilles featured in the main walkways and in the food & beverage area.»  

Raul Revuelta, Chief Executive Officer, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico adds. «We first worked with The Design Solution at Sangster Montego Bay Airport in Jamaica, one of our other operated airports.  Shortly after, we appointed them to work at Los Cabos airport in Mexico and now on to Guadalajara.  We have worked together as a team over many months to create something we believe will transform the terminal, both in terms of bringing passengers the best travel experience as well as growing our commercial offer. In the core airside commercial area, we currently have 5,700 sq m and that will increase to 7,250 sq m.  The pandemic inevitably means the implementation of our ambitious plans will likely take longer than originally hoped but we look forward to a phased approach to achieving this vision.»

A key area of the redesign is centred on a flat roof canopy, located outside the centre of the terminal building, over an expanded baggage area.  The proposal is to transform this into a signature feature of the terminal, with an external garden terrace, surrounding an Agave-inspired architectural shade pod, offering casual seating, planting and a unique eating and drinking destination.  The ambience of this garden has also inspired the character of the indoor food & beverage zone and is further reflected in the outside feel that is brought inside to the gate seating areas. Heavily planted areas include trees to complement the minimalistic concrete benches with low level under-lighting, combining to create a light, contemporary and natural landscape look and feel. The exterior aesthetic is further enhanced with the application of resin-bound aggregate floor finishes and warm natural materials.

A large rotunda space is introduced directly after the wall-through duty free store, enabling passengers to pause, orientate themselves, check flight information and then plan how to spend their time before heading to the gate.  A large aura formation of pendant lights, made from Peltra, a Mexican porcelain enamel, designed by local contemporary design agency Bandido Studio in Puebla, is suspended within the space, creating a striking statement with a strongly local sense of place. 

Beside agave cultivation, Tequila and Mezcal production, Guadalajara is home to Mexico’s thriving software industry, known worldwide as Mexico’s Silicon Valley.  The airport is the country’s third largest airport, handling almost 15m passengers in 2019.  The new development will increase capacity to 30m passengers per year, an increase of 60% more flights.  Pre-pandemic passenger growth was double-digit and the airport anticipates a return to growth in due course. ENDS

Note: US$ amounts quoted in 1^st paragraph are approximate due to US dollar exchange rate on the date of publication and also according to the peso exchange rate on the date of investment approval.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About The Design Solution

The Design Solution is a London based retail architecture and design practice with a strong specialism in the $70bn+ travel retail industry.  The practice has over 30 years’ experience in developing world-class retail solutions for airports, rail, motorways and other retail destinations all over the world together with compelling merchandising and experiential designs for brands. 

About Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. of C.V. (GAP) is a Mexican company that develops its activity in the airport sector. GAP operates 12 international airports in Mexico and two in Jamaica, serving more than 330 destinations, through 35 airlines. Its shares are listed on the stock exchanges of Mexico and New York.

In 2020, GAP served 27.3 million passengers, achieving a 56% recovery compared to those served in 2019 (48.7 million passengers).

The airports managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico are located at:

• Guadalajara and Tijuana, serving the main metropolitan areas.
• Mexicali, Hermosillo, Los Mochis, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, and Morelia, serving medium-sized developing cities.
• La Paz, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Montego Bay, serving some of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
• On October 10, 2018, GAP signed the concession contract with the government of Jamaica to operate, modernize and expand the Norman Manley International Airport («KIN») located in the city of Kingston.

The airports managed by GAP in Mexico are owned by the Mexican government and have been allocated in a 50-year concession starting in 1998, as part of a domestic initiative to privatize and improve the quality and security of the country’s airport services.

In Jamaica, the government owns the Montego Bay Airport and the concession granted for its operation is for a 30-year period, which will conclude on April 2033. The Kingston Airport was granted for a 25-year concession. GAP took control of the operation and administration this past October 2019.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico believes in the value of each individual and seeks to trigger his or her potential through education. Better-educated Mexicans will raise their quality of life and contribute towards the country’s development. GAP, in line with its business model and through its Foundation, is committed to be a factor of change. We work on two strategic pillars: work with the community, through the GAP Schools, and on training the airport community, with Community Training Centers.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440076/Renders.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440075/GAP_logo.jpg

SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico