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Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
Here's what Rhode Island's movers and shakers are reading
Here's a rundown. David Cicilline Rhode Island Foundation president and CEO The book traces the slow, insidious, and ultimately deadly impact of the 'Big Lie' on the Jewish residents of a small German village ahead of World War II. It delivers a terrifying lesson about how ordinary people can become desensitized to the growing danger at their doorstep. Advertisement Martha L. Wofford Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island president and CEO Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up Dr. Topol's book provides evidence of how lifestyle, environmental exposure, and our genes and epigenetics impact our health. He shows how dysregulation of our immune response and inflammation is driving major diseases like cancer and autoimmune conditions. As we face an aging population in Rhode Island, and as a nation, Dr. Topol's book provides hope that there is a path to improving health as we age -- through diet, exercise, sleep, social connection, and reducing environmental toxins, combined with ongoing breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating age-related diseases. Laurie White Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce president Advertisement The degree to which Judge Caprio's life's purpose was shaped at a young age by the lessons imparted by his loving parents – particularly his dad, Tup, on the milk truck delivery route on Federal Hill. The book left me in tears. It mirrors my own sentiments about the influence of my mom and dad and the small business they started together in the 1950s (and still exists today.) Judge Caprio vividly takes the reader through the lessons of hard work and everyday acts of compassion that lift your soul. It is no coincidence that he has 25 million followers on social media. These are the lessons that resonate throughout the world. Rele Abiade Consultant My daughters were reading this graphic novel, and we were talking about how it had been banned in Texas. I skimmed through it because I was curious why anyone would be triggered by a book nine-year-olds loved. Of course it was one of the best books I have probably read! The main character is a gifted student who goes to a predominantly white private school and the book explores how he gracefully navigates through social dynamics. I wish I had books like this as a child because I related to Jordan (the main character) and despite some situations it really is a positive story. I think every adult should read it, especially during these interesting political times where diversity and inclusion is no longer seen as a necessity by some. Guess what? It is! Advertisement Cortney M. Nicolato United Way of Rhode Island president and CEO It talks about perseverance and the power that love can have on someone. In times like this, I want to spend my spare time being inspired and celebrating love and joy wherever possible. Kelli J. Armstrong Salve Regina University president Colin is a resident scholar here at Salve and leads our Nationhood Lab project. I find his ideas to be absolutely brilliant. In 'Union,' he describes how important it is for the US to have a common narrative, one that could hold its rival regional cultures together. Colin is an historian, and his ability to illuminate how we have evolved as a nation and how these patterns are affecting our current divisions is fascinating. Neil Steinberg Rhode Island Life Science HubBoard chair My preferred genre is the thriller category; it started with Robert Ludlum many years ago. Marcela Betancur Latino Policy Institute executive director I am a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers, and this one kept me on my toes the whole time. It's rare when I get to the end of a book without knowing what's happening or 'who did it' - but this one did it! This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, . Advertisement Dan McGowan can be reached at
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RI's dentists are at the breaking point; Trump eluding deportation
With the recent announcement of Anchor Medical's closure, Rhode Island is witnessing the inevitable outcome of years of unheeded warnings about our collapsing health care infrastructure. Dentistry is on the same path ‒ and we're dangerously close to the breaking point. For years, dentists have sounded the alarm about inadequate insurance reimbursements. Compared to our neighboring states, dentists in Rhode Island are paid, on average, 30% less ‒ some rates are over 50% lower. These disparities aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet; they're the root of a growing access-to-care crisis. Delta Dental of RI and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI have failed to keep pace with regional standards for nearly two decades. This stagnation has real consequences. Rhode Island struggles to attract new dental professionals as seasoned dentists retire. The result? Months-long waits for appointments, especially for oral surgery and pediatric care. The issue doesn't stop there. Because dentists in Massachusetts and Connecticut can offer more competitive wages to dental assistants and hygienists, Rhode Island practices are losing essential staff ‒ further straining our system. And perhaps most troubling: fewer dentists are able to participate in the state's dental assistance program. Without fair reimbursement, many can no longer afford to serve Rhode Island's most vulnerable patients. The time to act is now. What once were warning signs are now full-blown alarms demanding immediate action. If reimbursement rates don't change, dentistry in RI will sink just like another anchor. Dr. Andrew 'Andy' Gazerro, West Warwick The writer is a 28 year practicing dentist, president of the Rhode Island Dental Association, and a former member of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Benefit Programs. Donald Trump was recently overheard telling El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, 'Homegrowns are next. …You've got to build about five more places.' By 'places' Trump meant more prisons like the notorious mega-prison in El Salvador known as CECOT. By 'homegrowns' he meant native-born Americans who have committed crimes. Some Trump officials have suggested that Trump's deportation plans may be expanded to include 'homegrowns,' especially those who have been critical of Trump. If that happens, it should include our most famous native-born convicted felon. He would be easy for ICE to find. He lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC. Gordon Rowley, Wakefield Every day my inbox fills with emails from the Democratic National Committee begging for money to help them fight President Trump's billionaires. Enough! The Democratic Party is funded by the wealthy, same as Republicans. Democratic 'leaders' don't pursue real solutions to our economic problems because they won't bite the hands that feed them. Everyone knows that. Maybe they think that because their billionaires are less nasty than Republican billionaires it's okay. However, either way you cut it the rich don't care about us. Trump won because the Democrats ran a "stay the course, things are basically fine" campaign. Things are not fine and they haven't been for decades. Most of us can't afford rents or mortgages, health care, child care or higher education. Those of us who grew up middle class remember that our parents or grandparents had more disposable income and less debt with just one working spouse than we do with two. For the less fortunate, things continue to grow more desperate. If we want real change ‒ a government and economy dedicated to widely shared prosperity and the nurturing of human potential ‒ we need to take to the streets and demand it. With their anti-oligarchy tour Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have demonstrated that they understand this. My money is going to them, not the DNC. We can't rely on the Democratic Party to save us. Steve D'Amico, Seekonk Secondhand smoke is killing people. Workers at casinos that still allow indoor smoking are at elevated risk. I have worked at what is now called Bally's in Lincoln since 1979. During my workday, my clothes would accumulate the stench of secondhand smoke to the point that I would need to launder them every day. I retired at age 63, due to health reasons at my doctor's request. When you inhale secondhand smoke you are inhaling over 7,000 volatile organic compounds, of which at least 70 of them are proven to cause lung cancer, respiratory illness, heart attacks and more. These chemicals include formaldehyde, benzene, naphthalene, and acetaldehyde. According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to secondhand smoke increases the chances of developing lung cancer by 20%. Imagine, if you will, what that number would rise to if you are there to maintain your livelihood 40 hours per week for years! Proponents of smoking indoors at casinos would argue that revenue would decline if there was no smoking on the casino floor. This is, in most cases, a fallacy. The cost of insurance, absenteeism, cleaning, and lawsuits add up. Recent surveys suggest that the second most important factor when choosing a casino is a 100% smoke-free environment. In my personal experience at Bally's, I notice that the big spenders are more often non-smokers than smokers. Joseph Morin, Coventry In response to the Trump Musk Demolition Crew, John Anderson ('Trump Fixes Problems, Democrats Do Nothing,' Letters, April 20) says about President Trump 'He might fix the problem, he might not. But he's doing something.' Mr. Anderson admires the devastation this administration is causing as it fires civil servants and abolishes programs that feed the starving and aid the suffering. I am a retired master plumber and I wonder if Mr. Anderson might have a leaky faucet or a slow drain somewhere. I can come over with my chain saw and sledge hammer, my acetylene torch and jackhammer. I'll tear out every pipe and open walls, rip out the water service to the street and toss out his sinks and toilets. It might fix the problem, it might not. But at least I'll be doing something. Richard Donelly, Providence If I were ever the target of antisemitism, I could write with more authenticity about the current confusion. Criticizing the elected leaders of Israel is not in itself antisemitism. Antisemitism is chanting 'Jews will not replace us' and affirming the chanters. Attacking synagogues and worshippers within is antisemitism and much more. Saying "Hitler should have finished the job" and affirming those who say it is antisemitism. If I criticize elected leaders of our own country, that does not mean I hate the United States, but rather, it is love. Lawrence H. Bradner, Providence It's that time of year when kind individuals, such as yourselves, can help the less fortunate in your area. How? By leaving non-perishable food by your mailbox or on your porch, to be picked up by your local letter carriers or their helpers by 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. Each year, for the past 33 years, on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers from all 50 States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, deliver mail and pick up non-perishable food left by their postal patrons. This yearly venture, known as "Stamp Out Hunger," is the biggest one-day food drive in this country. All the non-perishable food that will be picked up in each individual city or town will be delivered at the end of that day to their local food pantries. For instance, in our town of Bristol, the food will be gladly accepted at the East Bay Food Pantry, on Wood Street. According to Jocelyn King, the pantry's food program manager, the items that they desperately need are; cereal, pasta, rice, jelly and canned ravioli. You can make a difference. All you need to do is to inspect your cupboards and donate non-perishable food that is NOT outdated. Or, purchase non-perishable food at your favorite grocery store and place it near your mailbox or on your porch by 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. Your postal carrier, or helper, will do the rest. Please make a note so you won't forget this very important day to help your area's needy. Thank you and, together, we can make a difference in someone's life. Gerry Payette, Bristol The writer is an East Bay Food Pantry volunteer and retired USPS letter carrier. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI's dentists are at the breaking point; Trump eluding deportation | Letters
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
$100,000 grant fuels big dreams in 21 Kansas schools
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Students in the Sunflower State got a financial boost to help support their big dreams. Twenty-one Kansas middle and high schools received a portion of a $100,000 dollar grant through a project called Be the Spark on Monday, April 21. Blue Cross & Blue Shield works with the Kansas Association for Youth to help students create projects that will help their peers. The projects can focus on physical activity, mental health or nutritional eating options. A sponsor from Washburn Rural High School told 27 News her student's grant money will go towards flexible seating in the school's library and English classes across the building. 'They wanted to reach the most students,' said Haley Schmitz, Washburn Rural High School sponsor. 'And knowing that every student takes an english class and has access to the library, we thought that would be a place where students can all benefit from the grant that we received.' Car dealership gives $7K to local nonprofit 'They really learn those life skills about applying for a grant and then they get to implement that and create maybe a small change or a big change,' said Kaitlin Bryan, Be the Spark project coordinator. 'But overall they are just dreaming big and creating changes within their school and community.' The next steps for these groups will be to put this grant money to use and make their projects come to life in their school. Below is a list of the 2025 Be the Spark recipients: Andover Central High School. Argonia Junior Senior High School. Arkansas City Middle School. Atchison High School. Atchison Middle School. Holcomb High School. Holton Middle School. Independence High School. Junction City Middle School. Lansing High School. Meade High School. Salina South Middle School. Santa Fe Trail High School. Santa Fe Trail Junior High School. Satanta High School. Summit Trail Middle School. Sylvan-Lucas Unified Junior Senior High School. Thunder Ridge High School. Wabaunsee High School. Washburn Rural High School. West Franklin Middle School. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Progyny Names Healthcare Veterans Melissa Cummings as Chief Operating Officer and Geoffrey Clapp as Chief Product Officer
The leadership additions support the company's continued ability to scale as it delivers the right care model for women's health and family building NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progyny (Nasdaq: PGNY), a global leader in women's health and family building, today announced the appointments of Melissa Cummings as the company's first Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Geoffrey Clapp as its first Chief Product Officer (CPO). The additions to the executive leadership team will extend Progyny's ability to further drive operational excellence, advance innovation in product design and member experience, and continue to address care gaps and unmet needs across the spectrum of family building and women's health – from preconception to fertility and menopause. 'Progyny has established itself at the forefront of building and delivering the right care model for women's health and family building. As we continue down the path of growth and innovation, we are intentional about bringing in visionary leaders who can accelerate our momentum and expand our impact,' said Pete Anevski, CEO, Progyny. 'Melissa and Geoffrey bring the healthcare industry expertise and passion that will power and scale the next stage of our superior solutions and services.' Cummings is a strategic, data-driven leader with a deep understanding of healthcare operations and a proven track record in general management, payer operations, and customer experience. Her impressive 30-year career in healthcare, includes serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and prior to that as Vice President, Strategic Product Solutions at Aetna. 'There's never been a more important time to rethink how women and families have traditionally been supported throughout their health journeys,' said Cummings. 'Progyny's unique model, unparalleled clinical outcomes, and commitment to high-touch care are setting a new standard in healthcare. I'm honored to join at such a transformative point in the company's journey, and I'm excited to help scale its mission and impact even further.' Complementing Cummings' experience is Clapp who brings more than two decades of experience in healthcare technology, start-up innovation, engineering, and product development. As a Senior Vice President as well as Head of Strategy, Optum Health Solutions, he drove innovation that helped significantly increase earnings for both the Renal Care and Organ Transplant products, rebuilding them from the ground up. At Progyny, Clapp will lead product development and strategy and define the development roadmap for scalable, high-impact solutions that expand access to critical family building and women's health care. "There are few companies out there that have the passion and resources to impact the women's health space at scale,' said Clapp 'I'm excited to bring my years of experience in leading product to Progyny, where we're anticipating what members will need tomorrow while delivering meaningful impact today.' These appointments come at a time of significant momentum for Progyny. The company now serves more than 530 leading employers with 6.7 million contracted lives, offering solutions that span the reproductive health journey. With the latest addition of its Parent and Child Well-being program and doula support, Progyny continues to evolve into a single, trusted solution delivering value-based care, clinical excellence, and consistently superior outcomes. For more information about Progyny's leadership and integrated solutions, visit About Progyny Progyny (Nasdaq: PGNY) is a global leader in women's health and family building solutions, trusted by the nation's leading employers, health plans and benefit purchasers. We envision a world where everyone can realize their dreams of family and ideal health. Our outcomes prove that comprehensive, inclusive, and intentionally designed solutions simultaneously benefit employers, patients and physicians. Our benefits solution empowers patients with concierge support, coaching, education, and digital tools; provides access to a premier network of fertility and women's health specialists who use the latest science and technologies; drives optimal clinical outcomes; and reduces healthcare costs. Headquartered in New York City, Progyny has been recognized for its leadership and growth as a TIME100 Most Influential Company, CNBC Disruptor 50, Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare, Forbes' Best Employers, Financial Times Fastest Growing Companies, Inc. 5000, Inc. Power Partners, and Crain's Fast 50 for NYC. For more information, visit For Further Information, Please Contact: Investors:James Hartinvestors@ Media:Alexis Fordmedia@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Annual survey wants to know how you feel about life and well-being in Rhode Island
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island headquarters in Providence. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Islanders are once again being asked to share how they feel about life in the Ocean State in this year's RI Life Index survey. The collaboration between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Brown University School of Public Health is now in its seventh year of tracking residents' views on social and economic factors that influence health, including housing, food security, job opportunities, education, child care and the cost of living. Respondents are selected randomly and contacted primarily by phone or text message, with some respondents also reached online. Surveys started in March and will run through the end of spring, with results expected to be released in fall. The Siena College Research Institute administers the surveys. The anonymous surveys were first conducted in 2019 with the goal of aggregating data over time and from diverse communities about how people perceive quality of life in Rhode Island. Since 2020, the survey has placed special focus on social factors of health among Rhode Island's Black and Latino populations. The findings help inform and guide a 14-member coalition of local organizations and public health agencies to provide 'thought leadership on viable solutions to the challenges identified' in the survey data, according to the index's website. Among the coalition members are AARP Rhode Island, HousingWorks RI, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, the Economic Progress Institute, and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Past survey data has been used in publications by coalition members, like the HousingWorks RI Housing Fact Book and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's '2024 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.' Blue Cross also uses the data to steer its philanthropic initiatives. Respondents are asked questions about their communities and the likelihood of specific experiences within their communities, as well as their direct experiences with housing and food security. Responses are graded on a 100-point scale dubbed the 'POP' score, or 'percent of the possible' — a measure of how close respondents believe their community is to an ideal, healthy environment. The overall, statewide POP score in the 2024 survey was 57. The 2024 survey included 1,946 respondents, with an oversample of Black and Latino Rhode Islanders. Last year's data also saw improvements in perceptions about access to health care among Black and Latino residents. People living in the four 'core' cities of Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket rated health care, community life, and programming and services for children more positively than in the previous year. Scores for Latino residents rebounded to 2020-2022 levels in all categories except quality of community, cost of living and food security. Past survey results and more info on methodology are available at the RI Life Index website. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
