Look at These Cops Meditating Before They Hit the Streets in Canada

-

Apr 18, 2016

Hepatits C, the dangerously transmittable disease prevalent in Africa and Asia, may have just met its match.

A new study published at The International Liver Congress in Barcelona, Spain presented the results of a 6-week treatment program involving 20 patients using a 2 drug combination, which was approved for use by the FDA two years ago: sofosbuvir and ledipasvir in pill form.

After a 12-week follow-up, 95% of the patients had zero traces of HCV in their systems.

Since acute hepatitis C rarely reveals early symptoms, the disease has been spread to as many as 200 million people worldwide, whether from sexual contact or shared needles. Lack of treatment can consequently lead to serious liver disease and damage.

“These exciting findings open up short and cost-effective treatment options that could prevent the spread of HCV in high risk populations,” said Professor Frank Tacke, a Governing Board member of European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). “We look forward to seeing this pilot study extended so the findings can be validated and then hopefully used as a tool to change clinical practice for the better.”

CHECK OUT: Cancer Cells Self-Destruct With New Therapy, Patients Live Longer

Researchers plan on continuing their study with larger numbers of subjects in order to gauge the possibility of a future vaccine that will be able to treat HCV.

“Our research demonstrates that not only is the combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir safe, well tolerated and effective in patients with acute HCV genotype 1 who have severe liver disease with very high liver enzymes, but a shorter treatment duration does not appear to hinder efficacy,” said Heiner Wedemeyer, professor at Hannover Medical School, according to the report.

As this treatment can be quite costly, patients may want to look into more holistic medicine practices and doctors who have recommended high doses of Vitamin C to treat this virus.

(Photo by Stevepb, CC)

‘I Am Odd, I Am New’: Autistic Boy Writes Breathtaking Poem About Differences

By

-

Apr 18, 2016

Ben Giroux could not contain his excitement when his 5th grade teacher gave an assignment for National Poetry Month.

Typically, the 10-year-old boy isn’t very talkative because of his Aspberger’s syndrome-induced anxiety, but when his homework was to write a poem with each sentence starting with ‘I am’, Ben didn’t miss a beat.

Before turning in the work at his Cumberland Head Elementary School in Plattsburgh, New York, he showed the finished product to his parents. They found it so breathtaking, they couldn’t help but get all choked up and, later, to share it with friends.

The poem starts as a narrative describing someone who feels like an outcast – but as the piece concludes, it gives a beautiful insight on the differences that make everyone special.

CHECK OUT: Autism-Friendly Clothing Dumps Zips, Buttons and Tags, Offers GPS

“At first, we felt sad and hurt that he feels isolated, alone, misunderstood and odd at school,” Ben’s father Sonny Giroux told Today. “As the poem went on, we realized that he understands that he’s odd and that so is everyone else in their own way, which is what Ben wants everyone to embrace.”

Even though Ben was supposed to read his project to the class, his anxiety got the better of him and he stayed home from school. His dad, however, posted a picture of the poem to Facebook in hopes that their friends would offer encouragement.

MORE: Teen Takes Paralyzed Dad To College, Cares For Him While He Studies

Since the National Autism Association saw and reposted the poem, thousands of social media followers have expressed just how inspiring it really was.

“Ben’s goal was to have people understand that being odd is different, and different is amazing, and people shouldn’t be afraid of who they are,” Giroux said “And that makes me one proud father!”

Share This Inspiring Poem With Your Friends… Click To Share (Photo released by Sandy Giroux)

500 Basset Hounds Parade Down the Boardwalk to Help Homeless Dogs (WATCH)

By

-

Apr 18, 2016

It almost sounds too good to be true: hundreds of chubby basset hounds waddling down the boardwalk to kick off the beach season and raise money for basset rescue.

It was the 18th Annual BoardWaddle parade on Saturday, as Ocean City, New Jersey was flooded with colorful characters and floats participating in the boardwalk celebration that brought 500 basset hounds to town in order to raise money for the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue.

LOOK: Guy Gives Shelter Dogs Free Haircuts to Help Them Get Adopted

The long-eared pups with longing eyes also competed in the Basset Hound Olympics and won awards for best costume, best trick, best float, and best look-a-like.

dog-costume-FB-Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue — Grand Marshall of the Parade – Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue Facebook page

Those participating in the BoardWaddle collect pledges from friends, family, and strangers so they can contribute to the rescue of the droopy dogs in New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and lower New York. Sue and Craig MacFarlane of Lakehurst topped the list of most money raised with a $9,002 pledged, out of the total $25,000 collected for the event.

WATCH: Give a Prisoner an Abused Dog and See What Happens – Karmic Connection

The rescue organization had homeless dogs on hand for adoption and hoped to top their previous record of 372 hounds that found forever homes at last year’s celebration.

New Jersey is not the only state with a parade for basset hounds. Watch the video below from Michigan where serious hound lovers dress up in costumes with their pooches, this time with a Flintstones cartoon theme, all to raise money to help the hounds…

Release the Hounds! …Click To Share.

6 Ways to Get Senior Discounts But Only if You Know About Them

By

-

Apr 18, 2016

Millions of dollars in senior discounts are missed every year in America simply because people don’t know about them or don’t ask for them.

The age for qualifying varies from business to business, but if you’re 55 or older in the U.S., always ask if they offer any senior discounts before placing an order or making a purchase. It could save you as much as 25%.

Here are five areas where you could be saving money.

Restaurants

More than 30 national and regional restaurant chains offer up to 20% off for seniors.

Start with a free cup of coffee with a Dunkin’ Donut or a McDonald’s breakfast. Take 10% off your lunch bill at chains like Sonic, Burger King, or Fuddruckers. Then deduct another 10% for dinner at Bostom Market or Shoney’s and get discounted dessert at Ben and Jerry’s.

Groceries

If you prefer to dine in, at least 15 grocery store chains offer savings for seniors, including Harris Teeter, Kroger, and Publix. Discounts range from 5-10%, and are usually are available only one day a week. Be sure to ask your local store if and when they offer discounts. [Update: A viewer wrote in to say Publix offers the discount except in Florida, where senior populations are the norm.]

Travel

Wherever you go in the U.S., and however you choose to get there, seniors have a lot of options for savings.

Amtrak offers 15% discounts to people 62 and older while Greyhound and Trailways offer varying amounts of savings on their bus fares. Trailways even gives people aged 50 and above the preferred discounts, but they need to ask.

CHECK OUT: Lonely Elderly Pianist Places Ad, Drums Up 80 Musicians to Jam

Major airlines — including United, Southwest, and American — offer savings to people 65 and older. You need to call them directly before booking your flight.

Once you’re back on the ground, save up to 25% on a rental car with Alamo, Avis, and Hertz if you’re an AARP member. National will give AARP members a 30% discount.

Hotels from Motel 6 to Marriott offer savings of as much as 30%, if you’re as young as 55. You’ll need to let them know before you book.

Recreation

CHECK OUT: They Wanted Her to Undergo Cancer Treatment, But 90-Year-old Hits The Road Instead

After a good night’s sleep, head out to the nearest National Park — $10 buys seniors a lifetime pass with free admission to federal attractions.

If you prefer amusement parks, Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida offers $13 off a one-day pass for people 50 and older. Sea World takes three dollars off the ticket price and Six Flags offers varying discounts at their parks. It’s best to check online for discounts before heading out.

Shopping

If you’re staying closer to home, you can find bargains on a trip to the mall.

Banana Republic, C.J. Banks, Clarks, and Dress Barn all offer 10% discounts to seniors. Kohl’s and Belk’s offer 15% and many other stores offer specials for seniors on specific days.

If you’re shopping for a new phone plan, AT&T and Verizon offer rates of $29.99 per month for people 65 and older.

Movies

Major theater chains offer 30-35% off ticket prices for seniors, including AMC, Carmike, and Regal. You can be as young as 55 to take advantage of the senior discount for some movie tickets.

CHECK OUT: She Got Lesson in Patience From Young Target Employee Named Ishmael

Just remember whenever you’re making a purchase, the most important thing about getting a senior discount is to ask about it up front.

(Photos:dominique_cappronnier, CC; Unsplash, CC; PublicDomainPictures, CC; StevePB,)

Dancer Who Lost a Leg in 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing is Running that Race Today

By

-

Apr 18, 2016

Adrianne Haslet-Davis never thought about becoming a runner — until she lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombing three years ago. Today, the professional ballroom dancer becomes the first victim of the terrorist attack to return to scene as a runner in the iconic race.

Haslet-Davis was a spectator near the finish line in 2013 when the explosion tore her left leg so severely that doctors had to amputate it.

She spent nearly three years in rehabilitation so she could return to the stage as a dancer, and along the way, decided to be at the finish line again this year — as a runner.

Her endeavor will raise money for the Limbs for Life Foundation, and she also wants to honor those who died or were wounded in the attack.

WATCH: Disabled Veteran Converts Wheelchair into Snow Plow to Help Town

Haslet-Davis’s training hasn’t been solely physical. She realizes that crossing the finish line will require her to break a powerfully emotional barrier.

“I hope I have enough hydration to cry and run at the same time,” she told WCVB News.

(WATCH the video below from WCVB News) — Photo: WCVB video

Run This Story to Your Friends, Share It…

Success: Green Sea Turtles of Florida and Mexico No Longer Endangered

By

-

Apr 18, 2016

Years of coordinated conservation efforts have paid off for the green sea turtle populations in Florida and the Pacific coast of Mexico. The Fish and Wildlife Service announced the good news that the turtle species has fared so well they will no longer be considered an endangered species.

There are now 2,250 nesting females in Florida alone, up from just a handful in 1978. The graph below shows the increase along the Pacific coast.

Officials have reclassified the status of those two breeding populations as threatened, rather than endangered, and credits stronger protection of nesting beaches, reduction of bycatch by fishing fleets, and prohibitions on the direct harvest of sea turtles, for the surge in numbers.

“The knowledge that green sea turtles can overcome illegal harvest, plastic pollution and warming waters testifies to their resilience,” said Catherine Kilduff of the Center for Biological Diversity, a conservation group.

In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, the federal agency also announced they would be dividing the world-traveling turtles into 11 distinct population segments globally, to allow for tailored conservation approaches for each population, while maintaining federal protections for all turtles.

“While threats remain for green sea turtles globally, the reclassification of green sea turtles in Florida and Mexico shows how the Endangered Species Act-inspired partnerships between the federal agencies, states, NGOs and even countries is making a real difference for some of our planet’s most imperiled species,” said Fish and Wildlife Service director Dan Ashe.

A motion to lift the green sea turtles’ endangered status was proposed last year and reviewed after public comment. (Photo credit: NOAA)

Baby Tortoises Survive on Galapagos Island for First Time in 100 Years

galapagos-baby-tortoise-James Gibbs — During a December survey of giant tortoises on one Galapagos island, conservationists found evidence of the first hatchlings to survive in the wild in over a century.

Fate Reunites High School Sweethearts at 95 Years Old (WATCH)

By

-

Apr 17, 2016

High school sweethearts Bob and Marjorie attended two proms and were the toast of Bogota High School in New Jersey.

But the dawn of World War II, when Bob enlisted, pulled the two lovebirds apart and life delivered two seemingly separate paths–until recently when they found out they lived in the same town seven miles away from each other.

CHECK OUT: Woman Tracks Down Sperm Donor, Falls In Love With Him, And Marries Him

Nearly 75 years later, they are helping each other live life to the fullest, meeting several times during the week, reports the Asbury Park Press.

(WATCH the video above from KSDK)

Share the Love…

Scientist Brings Us Wondrously Cute Sloth Photos in New Book “SLOTHLOVE”

By

-

Apr 17, 2016

While Sam Trull was exploring the jungles of Costa Rica, she encountered many fascinating critters, but one in particular stole her heart: the sloth.

After a 15-year conservation career working with primates and other wild mammals in different countries, Sam left her familiar home in the United States to dedicate her life to researching and protecting these 2- and 3-toed vegetarians.

She co-founded the Sloth Institute of Costa Rica in August 2014 and began amassing photographs, as well as data. Her new 100-page photo book, “Slothlove,” is a collection of dozens of portraits of adorable, googley-eyed sloth orphans that have become her furry foster children.

Baby Sloth - Release Sam Trull — All photos courtesy of Sam Trull

“The first time I held a baby sloth I was learning how to feed her. Her tiny claws clutched tightly to my shirt, and her nose wiggled with innocent perfection,” writes Sam in Slovelove. “I was told baby sloths don’t usually survive well in captivity, and there was a good chance she wouldn’t make it.”

“Looking down at her sleeping face, I made her a promise that I would do everything in my power to give her the life she deserved. I would always put her needs first, and I would make sure she felt safe, comfortable—and loved. That was two and a half years ago. Not only did that sloth survive, but there are now eleven orphaned sloths that I care for around the clock.”

Her ongoing research is becoming one of the most in-depth long term behavioral studies of the tree-dwelling jungle creatures.

Sam, who studied zoology in North Carolina and primate conservation in the U.K., has logged over 15,000 hours of sloth study over the last three years.

In 2014, she made scientific history by performing the first ever sloth C-section.

Beyond the adoring photos, Trull’s book tells the stories of orphans Chuck, Kermie, Elvis, Monster and Newbie.

“Having lost their mothers to dogs, electric wires, cars, or general forest destruction, they come in scared and alone and in need of a new place to call home,” she explained in the introduction to Slothlove.

“In the photos in this book, the sloths aren’t just looking at a camera lens; they are looking at what they perceive as their mom,” says Sam.

She hopes that by sharing their photos, stories, and facts—not only in the book, but through lectures and education for the Costa Rican locals who live among them—she can save more sloth lives.

You can support her sloth conservation efforts by adopting a sloth at the Institute’s website – and even volunteer if you plan a trip to the Central American country.

Pre-order “Slothlove” on Amazon; the book is being released on April 19th, just in time for Earth Day. Don’t Let Your Friends Miss The Cuteness… Click To Share.

Program Helps Sick Kids In Hospital and After, Regardless of Ability to Pay

Your Blogs

By

-

Apr 16, 2016

I had to share this video! It’s so sweet, and profiles some amazing and inspirational kids, doctors, nurses, and volunteers at this incredible pediatric hospital called Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. They focus on transitioning kids (with medically complex conditions) from the main hospitals to their homes, teaching kids how to “live” after their injuries. They teach the families how to care for the kids, even making doctor appointments and calling in prescriptions for six months after they get home.

LOOK: Coffee Shop Employees Console Widow Through Window of Drive-Through

The hospital is small, and is expanding to double in size this fall. They have to turn kids away right now, but they’ll go from a 34 bed hospital to a 60 bed hospital by early 2018. Of course, they are in desperate need of support, as many of their programs are not funded by insurance or federal money. Anything to spread the word about them will be so beneficial to the kids that gain their lives back from the work done here.

The facility, in Maryland Heights, Missouri and founded in 1941, is one of a handful of hospitals in the United States that provide rehabilitation and subacute medical treatment for children, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

Watch the video above and get inspired to donate your money or time…

Share The Sweetness With Families That You Know… Click To Share

80 Kids Shave Their Heads To Support Girl With Cancer Returning To School (WATCH)

By

-

Apr 16, 2016

Even though this 9-year-old girl was diagnosed with cancer, she will get by with a little help from her friends – all 86 of them.

After Marlee Pack was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma last spring, the teachers and students of Meridian Elementary in Broomfield, Colorado weren’t about to let her struggle through it alone.

Marlee’s friend Cameron decided to support her bestie by shaving her head in solidarity. Her gesture, then, inspired the school to organize a charity event entitled “Be Bold, Be Brave, Go Bald” on March 16th.

CHECK OUT: Girl’s Lemonade Recipe to Saves Bees Turned Into Million Dollar Whole Foods Deal

80 students, three female teachers, both male principals and even a student’s mom all shaved their heads to raise money for the Saint Baldrick’s Foundation for cancer research.

(WATCH the video of the event below) –Photo by the Daily Camera

Share The Sweetness With Your Friends… Click To Share

Leonard Nimoy’s Son Premieres Film ‘For the Love of Spock’ (TRAILER)

By

-

Apr 16, 2016

A new indie documentary, “For The Love Of Spock,” will make its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival today, featuring a panel discussion with the film’s director, Leonard Nimoy’s son.

For the film, Adam Nimoy interviewed William Shatner, George Takei and Walter Koenig, among others. Zachary Quinto, who portrays Spock in the modern Star Trek films, will narrate the documentary and joins Nimoy on the panel.

LOOK: Town called Vulcan Saved Itself By Becoming a Sci-fi Destination

Released in time for the 50th anniversary of the original series, the film looks at the enduring impression left by actor Leonard Nimoy and his portrayal of Spock in ‘Star Trek’.

The project was funded by Trekkie fans who donated $662,000 to a successful Kickstarter campaign last year. It will be available to stream later this year.

CHECK OUT: Download 2000 Magnificent Turn-of-the-Century Art Posters, Courtesy NY Public Library

For The Love of Spock is a tribute to his father, who died last February, and ensures the character’s legacy will forever “live long and prosper.”

Check out the show times at Tribeca Film Festival —and watch the trailer below…

SHARE This Throughout Your Galaxy…

Gardening Giant Ortho to Drop Chemicals Linked to Bee Deaths

By

-

Apr 16, 2016

One of the largest home and garden pesticide makers in America is halting its use of a chemical blamed for killing honey bees.

Among several possible causes of bee deaths and colony declines research has implicated a family of chemical pesticides called neonicotinoids – neonics, for short. Even though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is still researching the connection, Ortho announced this week it will start eliminating the chemical in all of it’s products.

The company’s general manager Tim Martin said “It’s time for Ortho to move on” from neonics.

Europe banned the neonic-laced pesticides in 2013, and Ontario became the first region in North America to ban neonics last year.

Ortho’s announcement comes just as Maryland lawmakers passed a bill that would restrict the sale of home and garden pesticides containing neonics. The governor is still considering whether to sign it.

The company says some of their products will be reformulated to work without the chemical while others will be taken off the market in 2017. Ortho plans to have no neonics in any of its products when the phase-out is finished in 2021.

CHECK OUT: Monarch Butterfly Population More Than Triples Over Last Year

In March, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it would consider whether to protect two species of wild bumblebees under the Endangered Species Act, reports CBS News. SHARE the Buzz… (Photo credit: orangeaurochs, CC)

Former Students Raise $185,000 for Retiring Beloved School Security Guard

By

-

Apr 15, 2016

He was the last person many students saw as they departed the school on graduation day, and the one person who could be counted on to remember them whenever they returned.

Kifleab Tekle, affectionally known as “Kief,” spent 30 years shepherding the girls at the private school, helping them cross the street as kindergartners and making sure they were safe teens until they headed off to college.

LOOK: Coffee Shop Employees Console Widow Through Window of Drive-Through

Even years later, after they left Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas, visiting alumni would be greeted at the front desk by a smiling Kief, instantly recognizing them, calling them by name, and asking about their family members.

When alums heard Kief was retiring this week, they decided to raise money for a gift. The Class of 2005 hoped to raise $2005 symbolic dollars.

CHECK OUT: She Got Lesson in Patience From Young Target Employee Named Ishmael

Even the organizers were stunned when their GoFundMe page raised $185,000 — nearly 2,000 people chipped in.

Kief was shocked and overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude. Just like the names he’s remembered for 30 years, this gesture is something he’ll never forget.

(READ more at the Daily Mail) — Photos: Emily McCombs Frisby/emfrisby, Instagram

Give This Story A Stellar Send-Off, Share It With Your Friends…

NASA Responds on Facebook to Climate Change Deniers Who Dissed Bill Nye‘s Science

By

-

Apr 15, 2016

When climate change doubters misrepresented NASA findings in response to a Facebook post by Bill Nye, the space agency launched a series of corrections to set the facts straight.

Nye, “The Science Guy,” had posted a thread about prominent climate change critic Marc Morano turning down Nye’s $20,000 bet that 2010-2020 would be the hottest decade on record.

CHECK OUT: Monarch Butterfly Population More Than Triples Over Last Year

The comments quickly turned into a debate with facts and figures being tossed around — some of them carelessly.

“Riiiiight,” commenter Fer Morales wrote, “Despite NASA confirming that fossil fuels are actually cooling the planet’s temperature, and that there’s more ice than in the last century in the polar caps. . .”

But NASA has never said anything of the sort, and the space agency, which generally avoids such social media back-and-forths, blasted-off with a series of charts, graphs, and other data, and chastised those who misquoted the agency’s findings.

“Do not misrepresent NASA,” the space agency responded using its NASA Climate Change moniker. “Fossil fuels are not cooling the planet.”

Debate quickly shifted with doubters saying the world is warming, but there’s no proof humans are causing it—and accusing NASA of inaccurate data.

Then, they argued it could be caused by changes in the sun.

They may have missed the fact that NASA has been just about everywhere in the solar system.

“Other planets in the solar system are not warming,” NASA posted. “There is a small amount of evidence of seasonal changes in parts of the solar system, but there is no evidence of global warming anywhere—except on Earth.”

Maybe we need an adult version of “Bill Nye, The Science Guy” to educate more Americans about the dangers posed by climate change to populations around the world.

(READ more of the exchanges on Facebook)

Pack Your Bags: Free Admission This Week For All National Parks

By

-

Apr 14, 2016

If you’ve ever wanted to go to the Grand Canyon, this week is the time to do it.

In honor of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the U.S. agency is waiving admission fees for all national parks and monuments during National Park Week– April 16th through April 24th.

Though camping fees will still apply, 410 different parks are opening their doors to accept visitors from near and far for the celebration–not only wilderness areas, but historical sites like Gettysburg, Jamestown and the Wright Brothers Monument, and homes of presidents, like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman.

“We have an amazing variety of special events taking place during the centennial,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Some commemorate our first hundred years, but many others look to the future, to the next 100 years, and will help connect with and create the next generation of park visitors and supporters. It is through them that America’s lands and stories will be preserved and passed on to future generations.”

With National Junior Ranger Day kicking off the event on Saturday, activities have been planned throughout the week to entertain kids and adults alike. Visit FindYourPark.com to learn more about National Park Week activities throughout the country.

CHECK OUT: Hotel Not Only Returns Lost Toy, It Makes Photo Album of Bunny’s VIP Stay

If you aren’t able to travel to a park during the coming week, other free admission days this year will include August 25 through August 28, to mark the National Park Service Birthday; September 24, for National Public Lands Day; and November 11, to honor Veterans Day. Invite Your Friends To A Park Field Trip… Click To Share (Photos copyright McKinley Corbley)

Audience Joins Autistic Boy in Song To Ease His Nerves (WATCH)

By

-

Apr 14, 2016

A 13-year-old autistic youth has become a beloved internet star for doing an adorable talent show performance with a little help from his audience.

While halfway through singing “Let It Go” dressed as Olaf from the hit Disney movie Frozen, Jagger Lavely started to freeze up himself.

LOOK: Coffee Shop Employees Console Widow Through Window of Drive-Through

The crowd at Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts wasted no time in joining the rendition, singing the words along with Jagger so he could make it through the song.

“It was just that magical moment where it just felt like the entire community rallied around him,” Jagger’s mom Stacey Lavely told WCBV.

(WATCH the beautiful performance above…)

Sean Parker Gives $250 Million for Immunotherapy Cancer Research

By

-

Apr 14, 2016

Sean Parker, known as the co-founder of Napster and first president of Facebook, has just donated $250 million to create a new center for immunotherapy cancer treatment research.

The Parker Institute For Cancer will be a collaboration of over 40 laboratories and 300 researchers working together to cure the deadly disease. Medical universities such as Stanford Medicine and the University of California will also be participating.

As simple as a flu shot, the treatment causes cancer cells to self-destruct leaving patients – like beloved former President Jimmy Carter – cancer-free without having to undergo the trials of chemotherapy. After five years of research, the survival rate was 97% for patients who’d been in early stages of prostate cancer and 94% for patients facing a more aggressive form of the disease. That’s 20% better than average survival rates.

“We are at an inflection point in cancer research and now is the time to maximize immunotherapy’s unique potential to transform all cancers into manageable diseases, saving millions of lives,” Parker said in a statement. “We believe that the creation of a new funding and research model can overcome many of the obstacles that currently prevent research breakthroughs. Working closely with our scientists and more than 30 industry partners, the Parker Institute is positioned to broadly disseminate discoveries and, most importantly, more rapidly deliver treatments to patients.”

CHECK OUT: Maker of OFF! Donates $15M and Cuts Price to Help People Avoid Zika Virus

An early investor in Facebook, Parker started a philanthropic foundation for public health in 2015 with a $600 million contribution. The 36-year-old Silicon Valley mogul’s estimated worth currently stands at $3 billion.Grateful for Research Money? Click To Share… (Photo by Jdlasica, CC)

Library Connects Homeless Patrons With Mental Health Treatment –With Great Success

By

-

Apr 14, 2016

People can check out a lot more than books at the San Francisco Public Library — they can find housing and mental health care, too.

The California library became the first in the U.S. to hire a social worker with a mental health care background–and since 2009 she’s provided services for 800 homeless patrons.

Best of all, social worker Leah Esguerra has found permanent housing for more than 150.

About 5,000 people visit the San Francisco library every day — 750 of those are homeless. For many, it’s their only shelter during the day, and it also makes it a perfect hub to reach out to the homeless.

“It’s always easier to do outreach on the streets, that’s neutral ground,” she told PBS NewsHour. “But here [in the library], it’s their sanctuary. I have to be respectful.”

She provides clinical assessments and directs homeless people to shelter and services that can help any who need it.

Esquerra’s program has become so successful, the library has hired and trained three formerly homeless people to assist her as “health and safety associates.” After a 12-week vocational training program, they work part-time for $12 an hour, helping identify homeless patrons who may need help.

CHECK OUT: Download 2000 Magnificent Turn-of-the-Century Art Posters, Courtesy NY Public Library

Another sign of success: since it started nearly seven years ago, at least 24 other public library systems around the U.S. have launched similar programs.

The Dallas, Texas library has a peer-counseling program for homeless patrons, Queens Public Library in New York City has a phone app that connects the homeless with emergency shelter in their buildings, and nurses stroll through 27 libraries buildings in the Tucson, Arizona area library system looking for people who need medical attention.

But Leah is best known in the local neighborhoods where she has become so familiar to the homeless who visit the library, they often shout out to “The Library Lady” when she’s walking down the street.

(WATCH the video below from PBS NewsHour or READ more at CityLab) — Photos: PBS video

Inspired? Share the Idea…

Obama Forgives Student Debt for 400K Permanently Disabled Americans

By