Thursday, January 12, 2017

2017 Internship Opportunities. Nat. Weather Service.

The National Weather Service (NWS) National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) is accepting applications for its 2017 summer student internship program. NCEP is offering up to 10 paid summer internships targeted towards current undergraduate and graduate students to work in areas that will meet the future needs of the ever-broadening weather-climate-water user community.  Students may be involved in activities that improve understanding of forecasting issues and address critical aspects of operational model development.

Students from the following majors are welcome to apply: math, physics, meteorology, atmospheric and climate science, computer science, engineering, and social science. Each student will collaborate with one or more scientists at our five centers located in College Park, MD: Climate Prediction Center, Environmental Modeling Center, NOAA Central Operations, Ocean Prediction Center, and Weather Prediction Center.

Applications are due February 6, 2017. For more information and to apply: http://www.ncep.noaa.gov/student-internships/

The NCEP Executive Officer, Genene Fisher (genene.fisher@noaa.gov), can also answer any questions you might have.

Monday, January 9, 2017

DHHS Office of Minority Health. FY 2017 Funding Opportunity Announcement

Office of Minority Health


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FY 2017 Funding Opportunity Announcement
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) administers grant programs to support projects that implement innovative models to improve minority health and reduce health disparities.
OMH has released a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for which applications are now being accepted. Applications are due by April 3, 2017 at 5:00 pm ET.
Announcement Number: MP-AIA-17-001

Opportunity Title: American Indian/Alaska Native Health Equity Initiative (AI/AN Health Equity Initiative)
Estimated Funding Level: $2 million per budget period
The Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the United States Department of Health and Human Services announces the availability of Fiscal Year 2017 grant funds for the American Indian/Alaska Native Health Equity Initiative (AI/AN Health Equity Initiative). The purpose of the AI/AN Health Equity Initiative is to support tailoring or developing, and implementing, of evidence-based models and/or promising practices to help address trauma (historical and generational) existing in AI/AN communities through innovative programs.
Learn more about this FOA and how to apply.

Save the date for a technical assistance webinar for interested applicants on February 8, 2017 at 3:00-4:00 pm ET.

Register herehttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1248024142376826115

An additional technical assistance webinar on “Evaluation – Review the Basics” will be held on February 23, 2017 at 3:00-4:30 pm ET.

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4463287512730060547

Presidential Proclamation -- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2017

Answering the call.     CDS  CEO BEMA International


Presidential Proclamation -- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2017

NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH, 2017
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation wrestled with the issue of slavery in a way that nearly tore us apart -- its fundamental notion in direct contradiction with our founding premise that we are all created equal. The courageous individuals who rejected such cruelty helped us overcome one of the most painful chapters in our history as we worked to realize the promise of equality and justice for all. But today, in too many places around the world -- including right here in the United States -- the injustice of modern slavery and human trafficking still tears at our social fabric. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we resolve to shine a light on every dark corner where human trafficking still threatens the basic rights and freedoms of others.

From factories and brothels to farms and mines, millions of men, women, and children in the United States and around the world are exploited for their bodies and their labor. Whether through violence, deceit, or the promises of a better life, some of the most vulnerable populations among us -- including migrants and refugees fleeing conflict or disaster, homeless LGBT youth, Alaska Native and American Indian women and girls, and children in poverty -- are preyed upon by human traffickers. In order to rid the world of modern slavery we must do everything in our power to combat these violations of human decency.

The United States has pursued efforts to address these crimes and lift up individuals who have suffered unspeakable abuse at the hands of traffickers. Through the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, we have joined with the private sector, faith communities, law enforcement, and advocates to coordinate efforts to prevent trafficking and protect victims. Focusing on an agenda that prioritizes victim services, the rule of law, procurement of supplies, and increasing public awareness, the Task Force has strengthened Federal efforts to end human trafficking. In 2012, I issued an Executive Order to strengthen protections against human trafficking in Federal contracting, and nearly a year ago, I signed legislation that strengthened our ability to prevent products made with forced labor, including child labor, from entering American markets.

We must address the consequences of human trafficking and work to tackle its root causes. This past fiscal year, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice provided more than $60 million to community-based organizations and task forces to assist human trafficking victims, and since the beginning of my Administration, we have nearly tripled the number of victims connected to services.The Department of Homeland Security has also taken steps to streamline immigration procedures for trafficking victims and ensure their regulations are consistent with existing law. And through new Victims of Crime Act regulations, Federal funds can now be used to help human trafficking victims with their housing. Through the White House Council on Women and Girls, we have worked to address the sexual abuse-to-prison pipeline that disproportionately affects those especially vulnerable to sex trafficking -- including young women and girls of color. And the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking -- comprised of 11 human trafficking survivors of diverse backgrounds and experiences -- recently released its first set of recommendations for combating human trafficking while keeping survivor perspectives in mind.

Every action we take at home, from the clothing we wear to the food we eat, is connected to what happens around the world. As a Nation, we have worked to address the problem of forced labor in our supply chains, and as individuals, we must strive to be conscientious consumers. Working with our friends and allies, we have made this issue an international priority. Just this year we used multilateral fora, including the North American Leaders Summit, the East Asia Summit, and the United Nations, to raise awareness and work with partners around the globe. In addition to urging other countries to develop and expand their anti-trafficking laws and services for victims, we are also stepping up our foreign assistance in this area. Working alongside the international community, we have seen significant increases in trafficking prosecutions and convictions, and we have made great strides in supporting victims.

As leaders in the global undertaking to end the exploitation of human beings for profit, we must always remember that our freedom is bound to the freedom of others. This month, let us find inspiration in America's progress toward justice, opportunity, and prosperity for all and reaffirm our pledge to continue fighting for human rights around the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2017 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1. I call upon businesses, national and community organizations, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we must play in ending all forms of slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

BARACK OBAMA

***************************************************

Read more:
  • DipNote Post: Confronting Human Traffickers, Helping Those Who Are Victimized


Friday, January 6, 2017

2017. January 6, 2016. Public Health Emergency Weekly Report

Public Health Emergency.  Resilient People. Healthy Communities.  A Nation Prepared.

From the ASPR Blog:  Do you know who in your community is most at-risk in a disaster?

When disasters strike, some people have a harder time making it through the disaster or bouncing back.  Does your community-based organization  know who is most at-risk in your community and do you have a plan to help when disaster strikes? Here are six critical challenges that many at-risk populations face in a disaster.  Learn More >>
Elderly black woman

Winter Weather Preparedness Basics

Cold weather, ice and snow are coming to many parts of the country this weekend - including some areas that tend to be warm and sunny.  If it has been a while since you've had to worry about cold weather preparedness, take a few minutes to brush up on the basics, get a few supplies, and touch base with friends or neighbors who might need some help.  Learn More >>
warm socks

Avoid, Spot and Treat:  Frostbite and Hypothermia

In cold weather, the body starts to loose heat faster than it can be produced, which can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Remembering some basics can help keep you healthy when temperatures drop.  If you are an older adult, work outside, or have a small child, take extra precautions.  Don't drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.  Learn how to help someone with hypothermia or frostbite.  Learn More >>
Thumbnail of hypothermia and frostbite infographic.  Full graphic available at https://www.cdc.gov/phpr/documents/hypothermia-frostbite_508.pdf

Planning to travel in 2017? Pack to protect yourself from Zika!

The beginning of the year is a great time to plan for travel.  Wherever your travels take you, plan to take care of your health and protect yourself from Zika. Finding out whether or not Zika is an issue at your destination is easy.  If it is, pack a few items to protect yourself and your family and take a few additional precautions to stay safe and healthy.  Learn More >>
Plane

PHEMCE Strategy and Implementation Plan

The U.S. faces  a range of serious threats to its national health security from the deliberate use or accidental release of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents, as well as from naturally occurring and emerging infectious diseases. The Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) Strategy and Implementation Plan provides the blueprint for the PHEMCE to enhance national health security through  the development, procurement and planning for effective use of critical medical countermeasures.  Learn More >>
Pills

2017. Do you know who in your community is most at-risk in a disaster?

https://www.phe.gov/ASPRBlog/pages/BlogArticlePage.aspx?PostID=222

Do you know who in your community is most at-risk in a disaster?

Author: ASPR/OPP Division of Policy and Strategic Planning
Published Date: 1/6/2017 10:10:00 AM
Category: National Health Security; Public Health Preparedness;
When a disaster strikes, it can harm the health of anyone in your community. However, some people are less likely to weather the storm because they may have certain medical conditions, are not able to get the help they need, or because they rely on others for help.
Helping these people during an emergency and keeping their health secure means being prepared to meet their needs. Is your community-based organization ready to serve?

Who qualifies as “at-risk”?

People who will likely have more trouble staying safe and healthy during a disaster are known as “at-risk” individuals. At-risk individuals can include people who may have specific challenges that could prevent them from getting medical care before, during, or after a disaster or emergency. This can include physical restrictions or limitations people have that make them dependent on the help or assistance of others in a disaster event, or can include poor access to services they would need in an emergency, like transportation or accommodations.

Who would I consider to be my at-risk audiences?

Many community-based organizations work with or serve at-risk individuals every day. Here are a few examples of people whose health is at risk during a disaster. Focus on one or two groups you know your organization would be able to help secure in an emergency, and start to incorporate them into your disaster preparedness and health security planning.
  • Children
  • Older adults
  • Pregnant women
  • People with physical disabilities
  • Non-English speakers
  • Homeless people
  • People with chronic medical disorders
  • People with a life dependence on medications
  • People who depend on at-home medical equipment, such as ventilators

How can I best meet the needs of my at-risk audiences?

With a better idea of what types of people may qualify in your community as “at-risk,” you can now start to think about ways to incorporate them into your community health resilience and health security planning activities.
Here are some of the challenges that your organization could help address so that you can better keep your whole community healthy in a disaster.

Communication

People can only use disaster health information if they can understand it. Think about some common barriers to accessing information in your community. This can include people who are deaf or hard of hearing, speak American Sign Language, have limited to no English proficiency, are blind, or have cognitive limitations. Make sure any materials your organization develops can be understood by your community. Create targeted materials to help ensure the whole community can understand your message.

Maintaining Health

There are certain people who may require personal care assistance in the maintaining of daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and grooming. The needs of this group are unique and should have a place in your planning process. Decide how you will determine who needs help and how you will use volunteers and other resources to help them.

Independence

A sense of independence allows for people to function on their own, as long as they have the required health devices or supplies, such as diapers and formula, wheelchairs and walkers, service animals, and so on. If your organization can offer access to items like these, let other community organizations in your area know so they can include this information in their health security planning. If your organization may need items like these in a disaster event to help the people you serve, find out where you may be able to get these items in an emergency and include that information in your health security planning.
Many people rely on electricity powered medical equipment to remain independent. In a power outage, giving these people a place to plug in could save their lives or keep them out of the hospital. How many of these people are in your community? Check out the HHS emPOWER Map to find out! The HHS emPOWER Map provides information on the total number Medicare beneficiaries with electricity-dependent equipment in your state, county, or ZIP code.

Services and Support

Some people require specific behavioral or mental health needs. In the event of a disaster event, think about how people who rely on your community organization and may require support for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, severe mental illness, and more receive these services. During a disaster, cases of domestic violence often increase. As a community organization, you may be able to offer assistance for services like these to at-risk people in the area, or you may be able to connect your audiences to other local community organizations that can help.

Transportation

There are many people who will need easy access to transportation during a disaster event or even in maintaining everyday health, regardless of disability, temporary injury, or poverty. How do you plan to get to the at-risk people in your area to assist them, or how can you help them get to your organization? Coordinate to ensure mass transit or accessible vehicles are taken into account in your health security planning.
If you know that a disaster is coming, plan to help get certain at-risk individuals the care that they need before a disaster strikes. For example, early dialysis saves lives during disasters. If there are dialysis-dependent patients in your community who lack access to transportation, help connect them with early dialysis services. Check out resources from the Kidney Community Emergency Response​​ ​(​​​​KCER) Program to help with planning.
Reach out to your local health or emergency management departments to find out more about how you can help at-risk people through your community-based efforts.
There are many planning guides available to help your community organization plan. Check out the At-Risk Individuals, Behavioral Health & Community Resilience (ABC) Resource Library for guides to help you get started.
For more information and resources on national health security, please visit www.PHE.gov/NHSS.

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