Latest news with #JenniferMurphy
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mapped: The states hit hardest by America's drug epidemic
For years, annual drug overdose deaths in the U.S. had surpassed six figures. In 2022 alone, the death toll linked to the public health crisis eclipsed 110,000 – almost double the number of U.S. service members killed throughout the entire Vietnam War. That is until last fall, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that drug overdose fatalities had plummeted, fueled by a decrease in deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. But America's drug crisis hasn't gone away — while overdose mortality rates are continuing to decline, with less than 81,000 deaths in the 12 months recorded up to November 2024, those numbers are still vastly higher than a decade ago. A new study has revealed which states have the highest rates of drug abuse in the U.S. – with New Mexico ranking number one. Personal finance website WalletHub compared all 50 states and Washington D.C. in three categories: drug addictions and usage, law enforcement, and drug health issues and rehab. The report analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDC, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, among other federal agencies, and the states were given a score on a 100-point scale – ranked from best to worst. New Mexico was ranked the worst, followed by West Virginia, Nevada, Alaska and the District of Columbia. Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Louisiana and Arkansas made up the rest of the top 10, per the study. Hawaii, however, was the state deemed to have the best handle on its drug problem, followed by Utah, Nebraska, Connecticut, and Florida. New Mexico topped the list in individual metrics, ranking first for teenage drug users, third for drug users and seventh in the overdose tally. There are major substance abuse concerns amongst teenagers in the state, according to the analysis. New Mexico has been found to have the highest proportion of teens using illicit drugs and the highest share of young people reporting they had tried marijuana before the age of 13. West Virginia, the state deemed to have the second-worst substance abuse problem, has the most drug overdose fatalities in the U.S. The number of deaths in West Virginia is more than nine times greater than in Nebraska, which has the fewest. from drug overdoses in West Virginia, per 100,000 people Those battling drug addiction in the states ranked worst may find it difficult to get the help they need, with a few substance abuse treatment centers and professionals working in mental health for the size of the population. Residents in Nevada, ranked third worst on the list, have the poorest access to substance abuse treatment facilities and counselors per capita, the analysis found. The gambling capital was the single worst state for drug health issues and rehabilitation. Dr. Jennifer Murphy, an associate professor and chair of criminal justice at Pennsylvania State University, says that enhanced access to treatment, not punishment, is key to combating America's drug crisis. 'We need to enact more policies that give individuals the opportunity to engage in harm reduction and treatment services,' she said. 'We need to make these services low-barrier and easy to access so people can get the help that they need.' And sometimes it's a far wider issue. Gene Heyman, a senior lecturer at Boston College's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, says that 'the most powerful correlate of drug overdose deaths' is 'intergenerational income mobility,' meaning the extent to which an individual is able to have a better life and income than their parents. In places where adult children earn less than their parents, areas that have lost industries such as the Midwest 'rust belt' and West Virginia and Kentucky coal mining counties, drug overdoses are higher.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UMass medical students advocate at the State House
BOSTON (WWLP) – Rising third-years with UMass Medical School's Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) program, held an advocacy day at the State House pushing for policies that will benefit their patients in western Massachusetts. The PURCH program is a specialized track and students complete their clinical experience at Baystate Medical Center, where they learn to address socioeconomic community issues alongside their patient's health. For one Southwick native, this program is a bridge to her dream job serving her western Massachusetts community. The impact of fentanyl crisis on one western Massachusetts city 'I've gone to Baystate as a patient, I've gone there as a learner, and I just wanted to continue my education through the Baystate health system to hopefully one day serve as a physician in western Mass,' said Olivia Raymond, a PURCH student. This year, students are pushing for Clean Slate legislation, which would automatically seal certain criminal records after a designated period of time has passed. 'We know from studying social determinants of health that the more people can access housing and can access jobs, the more people can get health insurance and the healthier the community becomes,' said PURCH student Jennifer Murphy. Students also advocated for additional budget funding for the Healthy Incentive Program, which gives money back to families with SNAP benefits when they purchase healthy, locally-grown foods. About 10 to 15 percent of PURCH students stay in western Massachusetts after they graduate to be physicians at Baystate Medical Center. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Hearts On Fire Unites Community for Wildfire Relief at West Hollywood Charity Drive
- Celebrities, Philanthropists, and Volunteers Join Forces to Support Fire Victims - WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Hearts On Fire, a coalition of nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, is hosting a charity drive at A Divine H2O on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. to provide essential aid to victims of the recent California wildfires. This collaborative effort, led by Divine Project, Mekdela Global Outreach Foundation, KTM Events (Kiss The Monkeys), GoGirl Worldwide, and Assuaged Foundation, has garnered the support of notable public figures, including supermodel and philanthropist Toni Garrn, actor Miguel Núñez Jr., Queens/delegates of Virgelia Productions, and two former mayors of West Hollywood John M. Erickson and Sepi Shyne. 'We all have the power to bring hope and healing to those around us. I'm proud to support Hearts On Fire in providing critical resources for those affected by the California fires,' said Sepi Shyne, West Hollywood mayor 2023-24. A UNIFIED EFFORT FOR RELIEF The event will include a distribution of food, water, toiletries, and toys to impacted families, as well as opportunities for volunteers to assist in relief efforts. Community leaders will share words of encouragement, and entertainment will uplift spirits. The renowned Pava World Volunteers, known for their efficient disaster response, will assist with organizing and distributing donations. Founded by Sofi Mamo, Dr. Azeb Bhutia, Jennifer Murphy, and Raquel Sanchez, Hearts On Fire unites experienced leaders in philanthropy and business to provide a rapid, effective, and trusted response to disaster relief efforts. CHARITY DRIVE DETAILS Location: A Divine H2O, 8539 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Donation Distribution: Families in need will receive essential supplies. Volunteer Engagement: Community members can help sort and distribute donations. Live Entertainment & Guest Speakers: Influential leaders will share messages of hope. Honoring First Responders: Firefighters and emergency personnel will be recognized for their bravery. SUPPORTING AMERICAN LEGION POST 283'S RELIEF EFFORTS All in-kind donations collected will be distributed through the American Legion Post 283 Distribution Center, ensuring that relief reaches those who need it most. This trusted center plays a crucial role in providing displaced individuals and families with essential supplies, shelter assistance, and ongoing support. EXPANDING RELIEF EFFORTS BEYOND THE CHARITY DRIVE The Hearts On Fire initiative extends beyond this event, with ongoing relief efforts, including: Free Movie Premiere – 'I Want To Be Neenja! The Movie' Hosted by Jennifer Murphy 'GoGirl,' this special screening will include giveaways for children and families affected by the wildfires. Volunteer Coordination & Donation Sorting Mobilizing volunteers to organize and distribute donations at designated relief centers. Spring Benefit Gala & Art Auction (Date TBD) A fundraising event to support wildfire victims and honor first responders, featuring a fashion show, live music, and an exclusive art auction hosted by royal Prince Mario-Max. Summer Charity Gala (Date TBD) A high-profile event to continue raising funds and awareness for long-term recovery efforts. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Donate Essential Items – Non-perishable food, toiletries, blankets, toys, and other necessities are needed. Volunteer Your Time – Help with event logistics, donation sorting, solicit in-kind donations from corporations/privately-owned businesses, or community outreach. Sponsor or Partner – Businesses can contribute by sponsoring a relief initiative or providing in-kind donations. For more information, to volunteer email [email protected] or contact Raquel Sanchez at (323) 376-5976. TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Let's unite, ignite hope, and support wildfire victims in rebuilding their lives. Join us at Hearts On Fire and be part of a community committed to making an impact. MULTIMEDIA: MEDIA CONTACT: Raquel Sanchez (323) 376-5976 [email protected] NEWS SOURCE: Hearts On Fire Keywords: Entertainment, Hearts On Fire, Divine Project, Mekdela Global Outreach Foundation, KTM Events (Kiss The Monkeys), GoGirl Worldwide, and Assuaged Foundation, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists,charity drive, A Divine H2O, WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Hearts On Fire) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P124077 AP-R15TBLLI
