Multisitio 2

TORRANCE, California, Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura Motorsports today announced it will partner with Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing to campaign a pair of Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype International entries in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, beginning in 2021.

«It is a pleasure to announce that Wayne Taylor Racing will be joining the Acura ARX-05 IMSA program in 2021, along with Meyer Shank Racing, which will build on our very successful partnership by moving up to the prototype ranks,» said Jon Ikeda, Acura Brand Officer. «We’re confident that both teams will help us build on the successes we’ve achieved to date in IMSA competition, as we continue to apply Precision Crafted Performance to all of our activities – on the race circuits of North America, in our production vehicles, and in the market place. 

«We also want to thank Roger Penske, who has long been an important part of the Acura family as one of our great Acura dealers. It has been a privilege to have Roger as part of the Acura Motorsports family over the past three years.»

Defending IMSA GTD class champion Meyer Shank Racing [MSR] is in its third decade of operation. With wins in some of the biggest races in the sport, the Ohio-based team played a key role in the development of the successful Acura NSX GT3 Evo, and has raced the car to victory lane in four consecutive seasons, culminating in the drivers’ and teams’ titles in 2019. Acura and MSR are the current leaders in all three major GTD title championships.

«When Acura and HPD chose Meyer Shank Racing to debut the Acura NSX GT3 in 2017, it was a big moment in our history. I’m really proud of building a championship-winning program and everything that we’ve been able to accomplish together with the NSX,» said Michael Shank, co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing. «As a team, we’ve been working toward the opportunity to go and fight for overall wins for a long time, and I am eager to get going with this program. But we have some work to do first, and we are 100 percent focused on bringing another IMSA championship home with the Acura NSX in 2020.»

«Mike and I are both eager to expand our IMSA program and get to once again work with Acura and HPD,» said MSR co-owner Jim Meyer. «Mike has built such a strong IMSA program over the last decade, and this is another step that we’re looking forward to pursuing.»

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wayne Taylor Racing [WTR] has built a proven track record of success and ingenuity in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Prototype class, including two IMSA driver championships [in 2013 and 2017] and the 2017 IMSA DPi team championship. A three-time champion as a driver in sports car competition and Le Mans winner in 1998, Taylor’s Acura roots stretch back to 1992, when he drove for the championship-winning Comptech Acura team in IMSA Camel Lights competition.

WTR also has played an important role in winning eight IMSA manufacturer championships and has scored multiple victories in endurance racing’s most iconic events – the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, and Six Hours at Watkins Glen.

«I am extremely excited to have this opportunity given to me by HPD and Acura Motorsports,» said Wayne Taylor, owner of Wayne Taylor Racing. «Since getting to know everyone at HPD and Acura Motorsports, I feel that they have a lot of respect for the Wayne Taylor Racing family. What I really like is that they have the same passion and vision as I do. I am looking forward to running the DPi for the next few years. I am equally excited to be able to bring my long-term partnership with Konica Minolta, Rick Taylor and Michael Mathe to the program. We all can’t wait to get started.»

«We welcome Wayne Taylor Racing into the Acura Motorsports family, and very much anticipate their contributions to our prototype program,» said Ted Klaus, president of HPD, the competition arm for Acura Motorsports. «Equally, we look forward to growing our successful partnership with Meyer Shank Racing, now in DPi. Our intention is to have Acura Motorsports partner with MSR and WTR, to not only continue our championship ways in DPi, but to collaborate to develop the next generation Acura LMDh. Finally, we want to thank Team Penske for their outstanding effort and impressive results together with Acura and HPD these past three years.»

In addition to sweeping all three major IMSA DPi championships in 2019 – for Manufacturers, Drivers and Teams – the Acura ARX-05 has scored six race wins, 14 additional podium finishes, and 11 poles from 25 races in two-and-a-half seasons of IMSA multi-manufacturer competition that has included Cadillac, Mazda and Nissan. Acura comes to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course seeking a third consecutive win this season, as well as a third consecutive victory in this weekend’s Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio.

Acura Motorsports also campaigns the Acura NSX GT3 Evo in the IMSA GTD category, with defending GTD champion Meyer Shank Racing and the Gradient Racing organizations.  Winner of the IMSA GTD driver and team titles in 2019 – and the current GTD championship leader – the NSX program is expected to continue in IMSA competition in 2021.

The Acura ARX-05 has added to a rich legacy of Acura sports car racing campaigns and championships, including the 1991-93 IMSA Camel Lights manufacturer and driver championships; 53 IMSA and American Le Mans Series class or overall race victories; and the 2009 American Le Mans Series manufacturer, driver and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes.

The Acura ARX-05 [Acura Racing eXperimental, generation 5] is the latest in a line of endurance prototypes to be fielded by the company dating back to 1991, just five years after the 1986 launch of the Acura brand.  Based on the ORECA 07 chassis, the ARX-05 features Acura-specific bodywork and utilizes the race-proven, production-based Acura AR35TT twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine.  

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering – all built on a foundation of quality and reliability.  The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sports sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar.  All 2021 model Acura vehicles sold in North America are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About Acura Motorsports
Acura Motorsports programs have been integral to the Acura brand since its launch in 1986. The rich legacy of Acura sports car racing includes the 1991, 1992, and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights manufacturer/driver championships; and the 2009 American LeMans manufacturer, driver, and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes. Acura currently campaigns the ARX-05 DPi in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and won the team, manufacturer, and driver championships in 2019. The NSX GT3 Evo, available through HPD for North American customers, won multiple championships in 2019 in both the IMSA and SRO World Challenge series.

About Honda Performance Development
Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993.  From pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA Sports Cars to commercial racing programs, HPD powers the dreams of professional and amateur racers from age 4 to 40+. HPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and leads all of Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing programs in North America. HPD specializes in the design and development of race engines, chassis and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. HPD offers parts and race support to Honda and Acura amateur and professional motorsports racers, and is continually expanding its palette of racing programs that make Honda racing products available to all racing styles, from karting and Quarter Midgets to the highest levels of pro racing.

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SOURCE Acura Motorsports

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Blue Shield Promise) have begun reopening their jointly-operated Community Resource Centers that were closed earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Select services are available by appointment only in a safe environment.  

The four centers – located in Pomona, Lynwood, East L.A. and Palmdale –will have staff on-site to help with member services support, enrollment in local and state assistance programs and support finding a range of resources such as food and housing assistance. The centers also have a newly added feature: free Wi-Fi for anyone needing telehealth services.

Given the significant increase in demand for telehealth appointments during the pandemic – and the reality that many low-income individuals lack robust mobile data plans – L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise are enhancing community members’ access to high-quality health care through telehealth hubs at each resource center location.

«The centers are taking all precautions recommended by public health officials to ensure that we can provide services in a safe manner,» said Francisco Oaxaca, L.A. Care Chief of Communications and Community Relations. «While we have been offering virtual programming during the shutdown to help our communities be active, healthy and informed, we are excited to once again welcome individuals in person and by appointment for the personalized experience they deserve.»

The Community Resource Centers in Pomona and Lynwood are open now on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Community Resource Centers in East L.A. and Palmdale will open on October 1 with the same hours and days of operation. Safety is a top priority, so all who enter will undergo a temperature scan, all will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing, and there will be frequent cleanings.

«Many community members are in need,» said Kellie Todd Griffin, Senior Director, Community and Provider Engagement, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. «In safely reopening our centers, we are ensuring the community will have access to the support and services they need while navigating through this difficult time. The centers will serve as a resource where they can connect to their communities.»  

The reopening of the centers is part of the two health plans’ collaboration to transition L.A. Care Family Resource Centers to a larger network of co-branded L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers to serve more Angelenos.

Announced in September 2019, L.A Care and Blue Shield Promise are investing a combined $146 million as part of a five-year commitment to jointly operate 14 Community Resource Centers across Los Angeles County. This unique collaboration will help improve health outcomes in local communities and the quality of life for members of the two health plans. Improved health outcomes will also reduce health care costs over time.

The resource centers are open to members of the two health plans and the entire community. While it is not yet safe to resume the more robust in-person services that were offered prior to the COVID-19 pandemic – including fitness and nutrition classes – the centers offer on-demand virtual classes that everyone can find at YouTube.com/activehealthyinformed.

Two new Community Resource Centers in Metro LA (Koreatown adjacent) and El Monte are expected to open in the coming months.

To learn more about the Community Resource Centers, including how to make an appointment, visit activehealthyinformed.org.   

About L.A. Care Health Plan
L.A. Care Health Plan serves more than 2.2 million members in Los Angeles County, making it the largest publicly operated health plan in the country. L.A. Care offers four health coverage plans including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Cal MediConnect and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Plan, all dedicated to being accountable and responsive to members. As a public entity, L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for L.A. County’s vulnerable and low-income communities, and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care prioritizes quality, access and inclusion, elevating health care for all of L.A. County. For more information, visit lacare.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization, wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering Medi-Cal, Cal MediConnect, Medicare Advantage HMO, and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans. It is led by healthcare professionals with a «members-first» philosophy and committed to building a quality network of providers and partnering with community organizations for more than 400,000 members. For more information about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit www.news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

Media Contact:
Mashi Nyssen
(626) 436-4345
Mashi.nyssen@blueshieldca.com

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan

CLEVELAND, Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cleveland Clinic has named Conor Delaney, M.D., Ph.D., as President and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic Florida region, effective Oct. 15, 2020.

Delaney will oversee a region that includes five hospitals, a state-of-the-art research center and numerous outpatient centers located in five counties across Southeast Florida.

«Dr. Delaney’s accomplishments and leadership experience will further advance our mission and expand our capabilities throughout Florida,» says Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, M.D. «He brings a remarkable dedication and commitment to providing the highest level of quality and safe care for our patients.»

The region has been recognized for providing quality care. Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital was named the No. 1 hospital in the Miami-Dade metropolitan area for the third year in a row, according to the 2020-2021 annual ranking of Best Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Weston Hospital also tied for the No.5 best hospital in Florida, while Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital tied for No. 19, and Cleveland Clinic Martin Health tied for No. 28.

In July, the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center opened in Port St. Lucie. Established in November 2019, the new center will advance innovative translational research, focused on immuno-oncology and infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

«I am incredibly excited to join the Cleveland Clinic Florida team and contribute to our mission of providing patients access to Cleveland Clinic care, while helping grow research and education throughout the region,» said Delaney.

In Delaney’s current role as chairman of Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute (DDSI), he is responsible for the departments of Colorectal Surgery, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition and General Surgery throughout Cleveland Clinic.  The institute includes more than 240 staff physicians, more than 80 advanced practice providers, and 140 residents and fellows. The team does 48,000 surgical cases and 90,000 endoscopic procedures per year.

DDSI is recognized for patient care and academic leadership, and many of the academic staff, departments and sections are national and international leaders in their fields. Ranked in the top four in Gastroenterology and GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report since 2003, the institute is a globally recognized leader in surgical and digestive disease diagnosis, treatments and innovations.

A colorectal surgeon and professor of surgery with more than 30 years of experience in health care, Delaney first joined Cleveland Clinic in 1999 as a fellow. He began his career at Cleveland Clinic in 2000 on the clinical associate staff.

Delaney has received a number of prizes, scholarships and awards over the course of his career in training, education and research. He is a member of and serves on administrative committees of many national and international professional societies, serves on the editorial board of eight national and international journals, is the past president of the International Society for Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, and the Midwest Surgical Association, and is the vice president of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Delaney has given over 450 lectures nationally and internationally and has published 15 books and 400 original manuscripts, reviews and chapters relating to surgical education, colorectal cancer surgery, laparoscopic colorectal surgery and peri-operative care. His clinical interests include laparoscopic colorectal surgery, carcinoma of the colon, rectum and anus, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, sphincter-saving surgery, re-operative abdominal surgery and colonoscopy. His research interests include various aspects of colorectal surgery, cost-efficiency in surgery and surgical education. 

Delaney earned his medical degree from University College Dublin Medical School. In 1992, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and earned his master’s degree in surgery in 1994. His doctorate degree is from the University of Pittsburgh. He holds the Victor W. Fazio, M.D., Endowed Chair in Colorectal Surgery.

Joseph Iannotti, M.D., Ph.D., who served as interim CEO and President for the Florida region since June of this year, will continue in his roles as Chief of Staff, and Chief Academic and Innovation Officer for the Cleveland Clinic Florida region. 

About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual «America’s Best Hospitals» survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 67,554 employees worldwide are more than 4,520 salaried physicians and researchers, and 17,000 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,026-bed health system that includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 18 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2019, there were 9.8 million total outpatient visits, 309,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 255,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CCforMedia and twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

Contact:
Arlene Allen-Mitchell, 954.270.9666, allena@ccf.org 
Caroline Auger, 216.296.6012, augerc@ccf.org

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SOURCE Cleveland Clinic Florida