United Way to observe 211 Day today
Feb. 11—bluefield — The United Way of Southern West Virginia is observing 2-1-1 Day today.
February 11th is 2-1-1 Day, celebrating the go-to resource, 2-1-1, which completed over 100,000 connections in 2024 to help people in West Virginia access help for immediate or long-term challenges.
211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects West Virginia's residents with health and human services support. Anyone in need of information can call 211 or text 898-211 to reach a trained 211 Community Resource Specialist. In 2024, the statewide service received 25,569 phone calls from people all across the state.
West Virginia 211 is supported by the local United Way offices throughout the state.
"Almost 7,000 calls to 2-1-1 originated within the counties served by our United Way of Southern West Virginia in 2024," United Way of Southern West Virginia Executive Director Trena Dacal said.
"Our compassionate 2-1-1 specialist connects those callers to resources like utility assistance, food pantries, Meals on Wheels, home health care, and support for children, youth, and families. Calls are made for basic needs, but calls are also received for everyday information like child development screening or free tax filing support."
A vast amount of local information is available through the service, including health and mental health resources, health insurance information, support for older Americans, veterans, and people with disabilities, home health care, legal resources, and more.
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Business Upturn
13 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
Investigational combination of first-in-class bispecific antibodies TALVEY®▼ (talquetamab) and TECVAYLI®▼ (teclistamab) shows deep and durable responses in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients
Results from the Phase 2 RedirecTT-1 study demonstrate deep responses with 78.9 percent overall response rate through dual targeting of GPRC5D and BCMA1 Data signal potential of novel, off-the-shelf approach in patients with extramedullary disease who face significant unmet needs1 Advertisement BEERSE, BELGIUM, June 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, announced today new results from the Phase 2 RedirecTT-1 study evaluating the investigational combination of TALVEY®▼(talquetamab), the first European Commission (EC) approved GPRC5D-directed bispecific antibody, and TECVAYLI®▼(teclistamab), the first EC approved BCMA-directed bispecific antibody. The results show a high overall response rate (ORR) with durability in patients with triple-class exposed (TCE) relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have true extramedullary disease (EMD).1 EMD is defined as soft tissue/organ-associated plasmacytomas with no contact to bony structures as per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria.2 RedirecTT-1 is the largest study dedicated to patients with EMD to date.1 These data were featured in a late-breaking oral presentation (Abstract #LB4001) at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress.1 EMD represents an aggressive form of multiple myeloma and occurs when myeloma cells spread and form tumours (plasmacytomas) elsewhere in the body, such as in soft tissues and organs.3 These patients often face limited treatment options and worse outcomes due to the complexity of the disease, including tumour heterogeneity, resulting in low ORRs and rapid relapses with current standard therapies.2,3 On average, TCE RRMM patients with EMD have an ORR of less than 40 percent and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of less than six months.4 'The investigational combination of talquetamab and teclistamab has demonstrated deep, durable responses in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and now shows great promise in those with extramedullary myeloma, where standard therapies often fall short,' said Yael Cohen, M.D., Head of Myeloma Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.* 'Dual targeting of GPRC5D and BCMA may lead to a higher ORR and greater depth of response by mitigating target antigen-related escape. The RedirecTT-1 trial shows the power of this novel dual-targeting combination approach as a potential treatment option for patients with this disease.' The Phase 2 RedirecTT-1 study enrolled 90 patients with TCE RRMM with true EMD.1 Of these patients, 84.4 percent were triple-class refractory, 35.6 percent were penta-drug refractory, 20.0 percent had previously received BCMA CAR-T therapy, and 8.9 percent had previously received a bispecific antibody.1 The investigational combination of talquetamab and teclistamab led to a high ORR of 78.9 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI]; 69.0–86.8), with more than half of patients (54.4 percent) achieving complete response or better.1 High responses were observed even in patients exposed to prior BCMA CAR-T or anti-FcRH5 bispecific antibodies (83.3 percent ORR; 58.6-96.4 and 75.0 percent ORR; 34.9-96.8, respectively).1 Among responders, 66.2 percent remained in response at the data cutoff, with a median follow-up of 13.4 months, signalling deep and durable responses.1 Treatment with the combination resulted in 61.0 percent of patients progression-free and alive at one year.1 Additionally, the combination led to durable responses, with 64.1 percent of patients maintaining response (median duration of response: 13.8 months) and 74.5 percent of patients alive at one year, while median overall survival was not yet reached.1 'Multiple myeloma remains a complex and heterogeneous disease, with extramedullary disease presenting a particularly aggressive and challenging to treat form,' said Ester in't Groen, EMEA Therapeutic Area Head Haematology at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. 'The RedirecTT-1 study reflects our strategy to harness novel mechanisms of action, such as the combination of these dual bispecific antibodies, to help redefine potential outcomes for subsets of patients who are currently faced with a poor prognosis and limited options.' The safety profile of the combination was consistent with previous reports of talquetamab and teclistamab as monotherapies, with no new safety signals identified.1 Patients were given the option to switch to once a month dosing potentially contributing to improved tolerability.1 Rates of discontinuation were low with the treatment combination of talquetamab and teclistamab due to adverse events (AEs).1 Four participants discontinued talquetamab only.1 Reports of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were mostly low grade.1 Of the ten patients who had Grade 5 AEs (11.1 percent), five were due to infections.1 There were five patient deaths due to infection and the rates of severe infection were similar to those observed with some BCMA bispecific antibody monotherapies.1 'Patients with extramedullary myeloma, especially those who have exhausted prior therapies, need more effective treatment options,' said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Disease Area Leader, Multiple Myeloma, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. 'Our first-in-class bispecific antibodies talquetamab and teclistamab have transformed treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The RedirecTT-1 study underscores our commitment to advancing innovative therapies that attack the disease in different ways by building combinable and complementary regimens.' About Talquetamab Talquetamab received conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) from the European Commission (EC) in August 2023, as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least three prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.5 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also granted talquetamab approval in August 2023, for the treatment of adult patients with RRMM who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 antibody.6 Talquetamab is a bispecific T-cell engaging antibody that binds to CD3 on the surface of T-cells, and GPRC5D, a novel target which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells, with minimal to no expression detected on B-cells or B-cell precursors.5 For a full list of adverse events and information on dosage and administration, contraindications and other precautions when using talquetamab, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics. In line with European Medicine Agency (EMA) regulations for new medicines and those given conditional approval, talquetamab is subject to additional monitoring. About Teclistamab Teclistamab received EC approval in August 2022 for the treatment of patients with RRMM who have received at least three prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.7 In August 2023, the EC approved a Type II variation application for teclistamab, providing the option for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5mg/kg every two weeks in patients who have achieved a complete response (CR) or better for a minimum of six months.8 Teclistamab received approval from the U.S. FDA in October 2022 for the treatment of adult patients with RRMM who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 antibody.9 Teclistamab is an off-the-shelf (or ready-to-use) bispecific antibody.9,10 Teclistamab, a subcutaneous injection, redirects T-cells through two cellular targets (BCMA and CD3) to activate the body's immune system to fight the cancer. Teclistamab is currently being evaluated in several combination studies.10,11,12,13,14 For a full list of adverse events and information on dosage and administration, contraindications and other precautions when using teclistamab, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics. In line with European Medicine Agency (EMA) regulations for new medicines and those given conditional approval, teclistamab is subject to additional monitoring. About Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is currently an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.15,16 In multiple myeloma, these malignant plasma cells continue to proliferate, accumulating in the body and crowding out normal blood cells, as well as often causing bone destruction and other serious complications.15,16 In the European Union, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022, and more than 22,700 patients died.17 Patients living with multiple myeloma experience relapses which become more frequent with each line of therapy18,19 while remissions become progressively shorter.18,19,20 Whilst some patients with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, others can have common signs and symptoms of the disease, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, fatigue, high calcium levels, infections, or kidney damage.21 About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at Follow us at Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen Biotech, Inc., and Janssen Research & Development, LLC are Johnson & Johnson companies. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of teclistamab and talquetamab. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialise, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behaviour and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned 'Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' and 'Item 1A. Risk Factors,' and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. * Yael Cohen, M.D., Head of Myeloma Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel., has provided consulting, advisory and speaking services to Janssen-Cilag International NV; she has not been paid for any media work. ### 1 Kumar S, et al. Phase 2 study of Talquetamab + Teclistamab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma with Extramedullary Disease: presentation at 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress; June 12-15, 2025. 2 Ho M, et Multiple Myeloma: Challenges and Opportunities. Curr. Oncol, 2025; 32: 182. 3 Blade J, et al. Extramedullary Disease in Multiple Myeloma: a Systematic Literature Review. Blood Cancer J, 2022; 12(3):45. 4 Moreau P, et al. Outcomes of Patients With Extramedullary Disease in Triple-Class Exposed Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma From the Pooled LocoMMotion and MoMMent Studies. Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukemia, 2025; 25: S2152-2650. 5 European Medicines Agency. TALVEY Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 6 FDA. FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Talquetamab-tgvs for Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 7 Janssen Marks First Approval Worldwide. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 8 European Commission Approves Reduced Dosing Frequency for Janssen's Bispecific Antibody TECVAYLI®▼ (teclistamab). Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 9 U.S. FDA Approves TECVAYLI™ (teclistamab-cqyv), the First Bispecific T-cell Engager Antibody for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 10 European Medicines Agency. TECVAYLI Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 11 A Study of Teclistamab With Other Anticancer Therapies in Participants With Multiple Myeloma (MajesTEC-2). Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 12 A Study of the Combination of Talquetamab and Teclistamab in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 13 A Study of Subcutaneous Daratumumab Regimens in Combination With Bispecific T Cell Redirection Antibodies for the Treatment of Participants With Multiple Myeloma. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 14 A Study of Teclistamab in Combination With Daratumumab Subcutaneously (SC) (TecDara) Versus Daratumumab SC, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone (DPd) or Daratumumab SC, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (DVd) in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MajesTEC-3). Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 15 Abdi J, et al. Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma: Latest Findings on Molecular Mechanisms. Oncotarget 2013;4(12):2186-2207. 16 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Multiple Myeloma: Introduction. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 17 ECIS – European Cancer Information System. Estimates of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in 2022, by Country. Multiple Myeloma. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. 18 Bhatt P, Kloock C, Comenzo R. Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Review of Available Therapies and Clinical Scenarios Encountered in Myeloma Relapse. Curr Oncol. 2023;30(2):2322-2347. 19 Hernández-Rivas JÁ, et al. The Changing Landscape of Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): Fundamentals and Controversies. Biomark Res. 2022;10(1):1-23. 20 Gavriatopoulou M, et al. Metabolic Disorders in Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11430. 21 American Cancer Society. Multiple Myeloma: Early Detection, Diagnosis and Staging. Available at: Last accessed: June 2025. CP-526056 June 2025 Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Newsweek
30 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Americans Warned Not to Drink Coffee in 3 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Americans are being advised to avoid drinking coffee, with forecasters warning of "dangerously hot conditions" across parts of Nevada, California, and Arizona. Why It Matters The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. What To Know It is generally recommended to avoid drinking coffee in hot weather due to its diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration. Caffeine, found in coffee, can increase fluid loss through urination, making it harder for your body to stay hydrated, especially when you are already sweating more in the heat. Some parts of south central Arizona were expected to see temperatures up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The agency warned that overexposure to major heat can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop. Without intervention, it can lead to heat stroke, it added. Triple-digit temperatures were also expected in Lake Mead and its surrounding areas, with the service cautioning the these were dangerously hot conditions for early June. Death Valley National Park could see temperatures up to 120, according to the NWS. Signage warns of extreme heat danger at the salt flats of Badwater Basin inside Death Valley National Park on June 17, 2021, in Inyo County, California. Signage warns of extreme heat danger at the salt flats of Badwater Basin inside Death Valley National Park on June 17, 2021, in Inyo County, California. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles," read the extreme heat warning, which also applied to a portion of northwest Arizona, southeast California, and southern Nevada. "Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes." A post from the NWS' Las Vegas office advised people in affected areas not to drink alcohol or caffeine, as they speed up dehydration. It also said heavy foods should be avoided, as meals high in protein can also speed up dehydration. The NWS noted that these warnings indicate dangerously hot weather, even by local norms. "Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat," it said. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Chad Merrill told Newsweek that the Lake Mead area would see high temperatures between 107-112 degrees Sunday and Monday. "Tuesday's high will be 105-108 degrees. Wednesday will reach 107-115 degrees. Thursday and Friday will reach 105-112 degrees," Merrill said. "Temperatures will then drop several degrees next weekend with a more notable cooling trend Sunday, June 22-Tuesday, June 24." The National Weather Service forecast office, Las Vegas, said on X, formerly Twitter, Saturday: "Above-normal temps continue through the weekend & most of next week. Extreme Heat Warning in effect for Sunday (Father's Day). This heat coupled with very dry conditions will increase fire danger. Be extra cautious if recreating with sparks or flame." The NWS said on X, Wednesday: "During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Stay weather-ready by learning the symptoms of extreme heat exposure and the appropriate responses." What Happens Next At the time of writing, the latest extreme heat warnings were set to remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Monday.
Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Your morning shower is ruining your nighttime sleep, says expert — here's why
There's nothing like a refreshing shower in the morning to kickstart your day. However, if you're struggling to sleep this summer, that step in your morning routine may be to blame. Yes, while 60% of Americans like to shower in the morning, NHS physician Dr Tim Mercer at Opera Beds says it may be wise to switch to an evening shower to improve your sleep. And, no, it's not because a nice, warm shower before bed is relaxing. It actually all comes down to a particular reason regarding hygiene. So, if you're a morning showerer or prefer an evening rinse, read on to discover why your sleep hinges on your showering schedule. An evening shower is better for sleep for a particular reason: allergies. "Allergies can hit hard, especially at night," says Dr Mercer. 'For many, that means disrupted sleep, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing." Mercer explains that we collect allergens such as pollen or dust mites throughout the day, so you're likely taking all these allergens to bed with you by not showering in the evening. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Pollen also clings to clothes, hair, and bedding, creating an invisible storm of irritation," the physician says. "You can shower before bed to wash off pollen, stopping it from transferring to your pillow." For more advice about allergies and sleep read our guide on how to sleep with allergies. If you're debating whether a hot vs cold shower is better for sleep, research and sleep experts tend to lean towards warm. A 2019 review of 13 studies found a warm bath or shower between 40 and 42.5 °C improved sleep quality and efficiency. "A warm shower taken one to two hours before bedtime triggers vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) in your extremities, which helps dissipate core body heat more efficiently afterward," Dr. David Rosen, medical director at sleep apnea treatment company Complete Sleep, recently told Tom's Guide. "This enhances your natural temperature drop." While a warm shower can prepare you for bed, showering too close to your bedtime may actually ruin your sleep. Like Dr Rosen mentioned above, try to shower around one to two hours before shuteye. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can improve sleep and relaxation, so try incorporating soothing scents into your evening shower. You can introduce relaxing scents through soaps or even shower mists, selecting products with calming fragrances such eucalyptus (which research shows can reduce congestion and sleep apnea) and lavender (studies show it increases quality of sleep and reduce anxiety).
