Latest news with #AACS
Time Business News
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
What is the DOT SAP Program?
If you are a commercial driver regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and have failed or refused a DOT drug or alcohol test, you are likely to hear about the DOT SAP Program. But what exactly is it? Why is it important? And most importantly—how can you get through it smoothly and legally? The DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program is a federally mandated process managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is designed for employees in safety-sensitive positions—such as truck drivers, bus drivers, and other commercial motor vehicle operators—who have: Failed a DOT drug or alcohol test Refused to take a test Violated drug and alcohol program regulations In such cases, drivers are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties and cannot resume work until they successfully complete the SAP return-to-duty (RTD) process. Here are the main steps of the DOT SAP Program: Initial Evaluation: You'll meet with a qualified SAP professional who will assess your condition and determine the appropriate treatment or education plan. Treatment and/or Education: Based on the evaluation, you'll be required to complete a specific program (counseling, classes, etc.). Follow-Up Evaluation: After completing the program, you'll meet with the SAP again for re-evaluation. If they determine you're compliant, they will provide a report to your employer or prospective employer. Return-to-Duty Test: You must pass a directly observed drug and/or alcohol test to return to work. Follow-Up Testing Plan: You will be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for up to 5 years. This process is not just a formality—it's a legal requirement. Failing to complete it means: You cannot work in a safety-sensitive role Your Clearinghouse record will reflect non-compliance You'll face long-term career limitations in the transportation industry Navigating the SAP process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when your career and income are on the line. That's where AACS Counseling comes in. ✅ DOT-Qualified SAP Professionals AACS Counseling has DOT-qualified SAPs who are experienced, certified, and understand the complexities of federal regulations. ✅ Quick Appointments & Nationwide Access Whether you need help urgently or are in a remote area, AACS offers telehealth appointments and nationwide availability, making the process fast and convenient. ✅ Personalized Return-to-Duty Plans No two situations are alike. AACS provides customized treatment and education recommendations based on your specific case and lifestyle. ✅ Full Compliance Assistance From Clearinghouse reporting to follow-up schedules, AACS ensures 100% compliance with FMCSA regulations, protecting both your license and your livelihood. ✅ Employer Communication Support If needed, AACS Counseling can communicate directly with employers or prospective companies to ensure a smooth transition back to work. Take the First Step with Confidence Failing or refusing a DOT drug or alcohol test doesn't have to be the end of your career. With the right support, you can return to duty legally, safely, and confidently. Let AACS Counseling guide you through every step of the DOT SAP Program—from the first evaluation to your successful return to work. Visit or call their support line to book your SAP evaluation today. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ashtabula school board honors Niemi
ASHTABULA — The Ashtabula Area City School Board honored former member Bill Niemi after accepting his resignation at a meeting Wednesday. Niemi stepped down after seven years on the school board because he is moving out of the district. Niemi's resignation became effective Monday. 'I sat up here [as superintendent] with you for two and a half years, but I've been here for 28 years, so I've been here for all seven years that you've been here,' AACS Superintendent Lisa Newsome said. 'We truly appreciate everything you've done.' Newsome said Niemi was dedicated to serving district families during his time on the board. The board tabled replacing Niemi on the A-Tech board until his spot on the AACS board was filled. Board member Donald Rapose said he was interested in taking the spot, but wanted to wait to see if Niemi's AACS replacement was interested. Interested applicants for the position can submit a letter to District Treasurer Mark Astorino, at 541 West 34th St., Ashtabula, no later than 4 p.m. today. Applicants must be at least 18, a United States citizen and have resided of Ohio for one year and in the county and school district for at least 40 days. The board approved the district's five-year forecast. Astorino said not much has changed from what the board heard at an April 28 work session. 'We're basically using the house version of the current budget bill to model a projection,' he said. Astorino said the district should not be affected by bills lowering how much money districts can carry over. Newsome said staff have to be supported, and the district will have to function in a balanced budget. Board President Scott Yopp said the district will have to focus on not incurring additional costs. 'It's not that we have to watch spending,' he said. 'It's that we have to make sure spending is effective.' Money should be put toward keeping great teachers around and fixing busses to retain families in the district, Yopp said. Board Vice President Laura Jones it is hard to know exactly how the budget will impact the district. 'It's kind of a waiting game,' she said. The board voted to modify its agreement with the architect providing professional and construction administration services for the Lakeside High School reconstruction project, Olsavsky Jaminet Architects, to compensate the company an additional $1.62 million. Astorino said the board could not vote to pay the full amount before, because they did not have the undisputed payment from the insurance company yet. The board originally agreed to compensate the company $200,000. The architect's total compensation now is $1.82 million. The high school's roof collapsed during the 2024 Thanksgiving weekend snowstorm, making it unusable. The board declared it necessary to renew a 1.25-mill levy, which funds district textbooks, educational technology and instructional equipment. The board approved a contract for Astorino to continue serving as the district's treasurer from Aug. 1 2026, to July 31, 2029. The next board work session and regular meeting will be June 18, at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
AACS provides update on Lakeside High School
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — The Ashtabula Area City Schools leadership team is presently evaluating information regarding the structural integrity of Lakeside High School after the Dec. 1 collapse of a portion the roof, according to a press release from AACS Superintendent Lisa Newsome and AACS Chief Financial Officer/Director of Operations Mark Astorino. 'On Friday, district leadership and the Board of Education received several reports from professional firms engaged by the district to assess the structural integrity and viability of repairing the two-story front academic wing of the high school,' the press release states. The roof collapse occurred after five feet of snow blanketed the area and caused a portion of the roof to collapse on Thanksgiving weekend. After the roof collapse, the district reviewed the inside of the school, and eventually the remaining roof was removed and put back together as evidence, school officials said at the time. The reports provided Friday detailed the damage done to door frames, lockers, concrete block outside walls and inside demising walls and plumbing. The release indicates the firms recommendation to the district's insurance carrier, Liberty Mutual, is to proceed with complete demolition and rebuilding of the front, two-story academic wing. Newsome and Astorino have been working with these firms to obtain these recommendations. 'The amount of water is very concerning and the damage it has done to the first story of the building and the mold will become an issue,' Newsome said. She said her concern has been for the students and staff from the beginning of the disaster. 'We want to make sure the decisions the decisions that are being made are decided for the health and safety of our students and staff,' Newsome said. The school board and leadership will continue to evaluate the next steps. Newsome said the recommendation is not yet the final plan. 'That is only the recommendation, that is not the plan because we still have to go through our insurance company,' she said. 'The recommendations are coming from our structural engineer and our people. It's just a recommendation, it is not the plan.' 'We want the students back in the high school, but we will do our due diligence with our experts to do what is best. Working to repair the back part of the building first, to be able to utilize that part sooner is at the forefront and we will work toward that goal during this unimaginable process,' Newsome said in the press release. Astorino said in the release the potential for mold development is a major issue. 'We are really concerned with the amount of water infiltration and potential for subsequent mold development,' he said. 'We are not open to bringing any students or staff back into a building that could present future environmental and hygiene issues. 'The recommendations are very clear, make sense and we are eager to get the rebuilding process underway as soon as possible.' Astorino said the school district hired Sill Public Adjusters to represent them with respect to this large claim. The company will be working with Liberty Mutual on moving forward with the work, Astorino said. He hopes the district will be able to have a tentative timeline for reconstruction in the next few weeks. The status of the back roof over the E/F classroom wing is also being evaluated by engineers. 'Although no sections of that roof area collapsed, there have been concerning, structural observations that need to be addressed,' Astorino said in the release.
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Dr. Marco N. Barusco Appointed VP of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) A Leader in Hair Restoration Surgery and Advocate for Patient Safety
PORT ORANGE, Fla., March 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dr. Marco N. Barusco, a pioneer in hair restoration surgery and renowned educator, has been appointed Vice President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). This prestigious role reflects his decades-long commitment to advancing cosmetic surgery standards, particularly within hair restoration. Since founding Tempus Hair Restoration in Port Orange, Florida, Dr. Barusco has provided innovative solutions for those suffering from hair loss. His leadership in the field earned him a position on the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), being a Diplomate since 2001 and their President in 2017, establishing rigorous training and certification standards. A passionate advocate for patient safety, Dr. Barusco has been instrumental in elevating the recognition of hair restoration as a specialized field within cosmetic surgery. He continues to warn against the dangers of unqualified individuals performing hair restoration procedures, which often leads to harmful outcomes. His leadership within organizations like the ABHRS, AACS, and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) has significantly improved physician education, patient safety and surgical care standards. In his role as AACS Vice President, Dr. Barusco will lead initiatives to enhance training, certification, and patient safety. Additionally, he will serve as Program Chair for the 2026 AACS Annual Scientific Meeting in Tampa, Florida. His vision includes introducing workshops on Artificial Intelligence and Regenerative Medicine and promoting hands-on learning with video-based demonstrations. Beyond his clinical contributions, Dr. Barusco is a Section Editor for the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, where he mentors future physicians. His ongoing efforts have earned him recognition as a leading figure in the cosmetic surgery and hair restoration fields. 'I am honored to serve as Vice President of the AACS and to continue advocating for patient safety and the recognition of hair restoration as a specialized field,' said Dr. Barusco. 'My mission is to ensure patients receive the highest quality care from well trained professionals.' About Dr. Marco N. Barusco Dr. Marco N. Barusco is a board-certified hair restoration surgeon and founder of Tempus Hair Restoration. A former President of the ABHRS and a Fellow of the ISHRS, Dr. Barusco has dedicated over two decades to advancing the field of hair restoration through clinical practice, advocacy, and education. About the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) The AACS is a leading organization dedicated to advancing cosmetic surgery through education, research, and the highest standards of patient care. The academy ensures cosmetic procedures are performed by qualified professionals through its extensive training and certification programs To learn more about Dr. Barusco and Tempus Hair Restoration, visit To schedule an interview, call 407-223-0359 or email [email protected]. Image caption: Dr. Marco N. Barusco. NEWS SOURCE: Dr. Marco N. Barusco Keywords: Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Marco N. Barusco, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery AACS, Tempus Hair Restoration, hair restoration; patient safety, PORT ORANGE, Fla. Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P124968 APNF0325A
