Two months into our lockout, it's time Butler Hospital leaders start valuing workers. Until they do, we'll continue to strike.
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One of the main reasons we voted to strike was because of the dramatic
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Yet, CNE continually tries to create division among us, always referring to 'the union' as a third party, one which drives negotiations and the decision to strike. However, we are
Despite the ongoing opportunities for constructive dialogue, Wagner conveniently blames frontline workers for management's reckless decision to squander
Instead, CNE continues to report record profits, making millions in a recent property sale, while investing over $60 million into new medical software and paying their top executives six- and seven-figure salaries. All the while, Butler workers are struggling to afford the
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In their latest 'last, best and final offer' the hospital continues to maintain poverty wages for many of our members who provide integral services to keep the hospital functioning. These are the workers who provide direct clinical support to patients and families from admission to discharge. These are the workers who prepare nutritious meals for hundreds of patients, staff and visitors each day. These are the workers who ensure infectious diseases do not spread amongst patients by maintaining a clean environment. These are the workers who ensure your privacy is protected by maintaining and filing the documentation relating to your stay. We, the union, find this unacceptable, and so should Michael Wagner.
Unfortunately until Wagner stops demonizing — and starts valuing — the workforce that made his health system a success, we will have no choice but to continue our fight for the dignity and respect we, and our patients, deserve. That is a choice we — the union — are willing to take.
Courtney Threats is a licensed independent clinical social worker who works as an inpatient social service clinician at Butler Hospital. She is a member of SEIU 1199NE and has been at Butler since 2013.
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Boston Globe
28-07-2025
- Boston Globe
Two months into our lockout, it's time Butler Hospital leaders start valuing workers. Until they do, we'll continue to strike.
We have now hit the Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up One of the main reasons we voted to strike was because of the dramatic Related : Advertisement Yet, CNE continually tries to create division among us, always referring to 'the union' as a third party, one which drives negotiations and the decision to strike. However, we are Despite the ongoing opportunities for constructive dialogue, Wagner conveniently blames frontline workers for management's reckless decision to squander Instead, CNE continues to report record profits, making millions in a recent property sale, while investing over $60 million into new medical software and paying their top executives six- and seven-figure salaries. All the while, Butler workers are struggling to afford the Advertisement In their latest 'last, best and final offer' the hospital continues to maintain poverty wages for many of our members who provide integral services to keep the hospital functioning. These are the workers who provide direct clinical support to patients and families from admission to discharge. These are the workers who prepare nutritious meals for hundreds of patients, staff and visitors each day. These are the workers who ensure infectious diseases do not spread amongst patients by maintaining a clean environment. These are the workers who ensure your privacy is protected by maintaining and filing the documentation relating to your stay. We, the union, find this unacceptable, and so should Michael Wagner. Unfortunately until Wagner stops demonizing — and starts valuing — the workforce that made his health system a success, we will have no choice but to continue our fight for the dignity and respect we, and our patients, deserve. That is a choice we — the union — are willing to take. Courtney Threats is a licensed independent clinical social worker who works as an inpatient social service clinician at Butler Hospital. She is a member of SEIU 1199NE and has been at Butler since 2013.
Buzz Feed
27-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
7 Things ER Doctors Advise Post-Fall Actions
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.' HuffPost.
Boston Globe
21-07-2025
- Boston Globe
How Brown University's Pandemic Tracker is filling a gap in federal health data
Nuzzo told the Globe how the Pandemic Tracker, which has nearly 10,000 subscribers, has become a go-to resource for Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up Q. The has garnered public attention. Why do you think people look to the newsletter for information? Advertisement Nuzzo: People are worried about potential threats and what it means for them. They're looking for trusted information and unfortunately these days I think people are questioning whether the information coming out of our health agencies is correct. ... One of the reasons why we are also tracking this information is because there had been … a lot of change in terms of what data federal health agencies were sharing. We decided to start going directly to state health departments for information. Advertisement Pandemic Center Director Jennifer Nuzzo at a meeting for a new edition of the Tracking Report. Foreground: Research Assistant Alice Im. Kenneth Zirkel How has data changed since COVID-19? Where I do see a difference is that the How is the information you present different than the CDC website? I don't want to give the sense something nefarious is happening. It's not nefarious. Where we have concerning discrepancies is in interpretation of data. There's a period of time where the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., when getting questions about these Initially, the CDC was only showing a very cursory summary of measles cases. It wasn't showing the breakdown, whether they're hospitalized, or you know, the vaccination status. ... There's now better data on CDC's website, but initially there wasn't. Part of why we're doing this exercise is if something changes we're ready to fill in the gaps. Why is it so surprising that this measles outbreak is happening? United States eliminated measles in 2000. There is no good reason why any country with the technical and financial resources of the United States should have measles, period. It's not to say that other countries haven't struggled with measles outbreaks — they have — including, other high-income countries like us, but measles elimination status is determined by how quickly you respond and contain the outbreaks. Advertisement The latest Pandemic Tracker highlights measles, mpox, avian influenza, cholera, seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and pertussis. What is the importance of tracking these diseases? It's based on what's going on in the world. For instance, a few months ago, we were very actively tracking Are you seeing an influx of people who are craving good, scientific information? I think there's always going to be a role for independent expert voices. People want to hear from people in their community. I do think, now, that people are very worried about the integrity of our health agencies, about funding cuts that make it harder to do the important work and research that keeps people healthy. ... The American people, despite the headlines, trust scientists, they value scientific research, and they want more of it. On the Pandemic Tracker website, you have a program called . Talk about the global pandemic early warning system intended to 'rapidly detect future outbreaks of infectious diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential?' It's part of the Global Health Exemplars Program. We're studying really interesting approaches to surveillance in four low- and middle-income countries. What we're learning is applicable to all countries, but these are countries who are doing things with surveillance that are starting to allow them not to just understand when an outbreak happens and figure that out early, but perhaps to give them a better sense of what are the conditions that make outbreaks more likely to occur. And then, perhaps, take action to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Advertisement Can you talk a little bit about use of wastewater testing? I think one important innovation that came out of the pandemic … is wastewater surveillance and the increased understanding of it as a potential tool for monitoring infections in a community. We are now using wastewater to monitor other things: influenza, mpox, and it's now just starting to be used for measles. We have been seeing signals of measles infections in states that hadn't yet reported measles cases. This is important because we think that measles cases are being under-detected in the US and wastewater data is giving us even more indication of that. On the site there is a 'testing playbook' for biological emergencies. Can you share more about preparedness and response to these emergencies? If we have to think of what's the single biggest thing that went wrong in the US response to COVID, it was that we didn't quickly establish and scale up the availability of testing. It was a well-acknowledged challenge and yet in 2022 when the mpox outbreaks started happening in the United States, yet again, we were hearing clinicians saying, 'I can't get my patient tested.' There were tests available, but it just wasn't where the patients were. We decided to write the testing playbook to better clarify the different approaches to testing to give busy decision-makers a better set of questions to be asking in response to a biological emergency. Advertisement Here are a few ways to follow Brown University SPH's Pandemic Tracker: Pandemic Center Pandemic Center Tracking Report Newsletter This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The Boston Globe's weekly Ocean State Innovators column features a Q&A with Rhode Island innovators who are starting new businesses and nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, and reshaping the state's economy. Send tips and suggestions to reporter Alexa Gagosz at . Carlos Muñoz can be reached at
