Latest news with #JessicaEdwards
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lackawanna County eyes grant for countywide stormwater management study
Lackawanna County hopes to enlist all 40 of its municipalities to back an application for a state grant to study the possibility of creating a countywide stormwater management plan. So far, nine municipalities — Vandling, Carbondale, Mayfield, Jermyn, Elmhurst Twp., Olyphant, Dickson City, South Abington Twp. and Ransom Twp.— each recently approved a 'memorandum of agreement' to participate in the development of such a regional approach to stormwater management; and two more — Scranton and Old Forge — might be next, said county Regional Planning Manager Jessica Edwards. The county aims to apply later this month for a state Department of Environmental Protection grant to fund a 'Phase 1 Scope of Study' to start the development of managing stormwater on a countywide basis, she said. 'It is signing on that they will take part if we get the grant,' Edwards said. 'We're trying to get one (a memo of agreement) from every municipality' by June 13. The effort comes under state Act 167, which 'requires counties to prepare stormwater management plans and municipalities to adopt ordinances to regulate land development in a manner with the county's plan,' according to legislation on the matter pending before Scranton City Council The developments are the latest in the ongoing issue of how best to handle stormwater management. The matter came to the forefront nearly a decade ago, when the Scranton Sewer Authority in 2016 sold the sewer authority serving the city and Dunmore to Pennsylvania American Water. Before the sewer sale, the SSA owned all of the sewer-system infrastructure, including lines that convey only sewage wastewater, portions that combine sewage and stormwater, and parts that carry only stormwater. The city was, and remained, responsible for the portion of stormwater-only lines, called the municipal separate stormwater system, or MS4. Previously, both the city and sewer authority had a hand in maintaining this stormwater segment. The city fully inherited the stormwater segment, as PAW bought only the first two portions of sanitary sewer and combined sewer overflows. In 2019, a consultant for the city determined a regional authority would be preferable, but if that's not possible, the city would have to create its own stormwater management authority. By the fall of 2023, the city was still advancing a regional concept, possibly with an eight-member regional startup model. It did not occur. Flash flooding that has periodically erupted throughout the county in recent years also has highlighted stormwater management issues. Last Tuesday, Scranton City Council introduced a resolution from the administration of Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti to approve an 'intergovernmental agreement of cooperation' and memorandum of understanding between the city and county for a countywide stormwater management plan. Speaking during that meeting, Scranton resident Joan Hodowanitz wondered if the resolution means the county would assume the responsibility for a regional stormwater management authority, according to an Electric City Television simulcast and video posted on YouTube. 'Long, long ago in a galaxy far away, we were talking about who's going to form a stormwater management authority and I never saw the shoe drop,' Hodowanitz said. 'The stormwater management plan is long overdue and hopefully it'll take off like a bat out of hell. We need it.' This resolution is on Scranton council's agenda for a vote on adoption during the regular weekly meeting for Tuesday,at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Meanwhile, Old Forge issued a public notice in The Times-Tribune on May 31 for a special meeting of the borough council on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Borough Building to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the county for a countywide stormwater management plan. 'We try to stay on board with Lackawanna County. We don't want to be left alone by ourselves,' Old Forge Borough Manager MaryLynn Bartoletti said. 'I think everybody's trying their hardest to come up with some kind of plan.'
Malaysian Reserve
22-04-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Sun Life U.S. renews support of National Alliance on Mental Illness with $50,000 donation
WELLESLEY, Mass., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As part of its commitment to helping people get the care they need, Sun Life U.S. has renewed its support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) with a $50,000 donation to its Hearts + Minds (H+M) program (H+M). The program educates people to better manage both their physical and mental wellness, an approach that aligns with Sun Life's model that focuses on whole person care to drive improved health outcomes. A supporter of NAMI's program since 2022, Sun Life's philanthropic platform supports organizations that broaden access to care and deliver health services to communities in need. 'We are grateful for support from Sun Life, as they are ardent supporters of programs that educate communities and help people access care,' said Jessica Edwards, chief development officer, NAMI. 'The H+M program is a valuable resource, and we are pleased to be able to expand its reach to more people.' H+M helps people better understand the innate connection between mental and physical health, teaching tools and strategies for simple and immediate ways to improve their health. A survey of H+M participants in 2024 showed that 80% reported an increase in knowledge of healthy behaviors. The program has been picked up by NAMI affiliates and NAMI state groups around the country. 'We must eliminate lingering prejudices and stigma, and ensure every person has universal access to mental health support services, whether in a clinical or community setting,' said Dr. Katie Connell, director of Behavioral Health, Sun Life U.S. 'Mental health can impact physical health, just as physical conditions, especially chronic ones, can often lead to poor mental health. It's important that every person understands the connection and has access to the services they need.' 'Community organizations that empower people to take control of their own health are filling critical gaps in the healthcare ecosystem,' continued Dr. Connell. 'The great work by NAMI and others is driving real change by providing people with the knowledge they need to help them achieve overall health and wellness.' In addition to supporting NAMI, Sun Life supports Hartford Behavioral Health in Conn., through the annual Strikeout for a Cause campaign with the Hartford Yard Goats baseball team. Sun Life is also a vocal advocate for mental health parity in long-term disability insurance, calling for federal legislation to require broad adoption across the market. To learn more about NAMI, its Hearts + Minds program, and other programs, visit Learn more about Sun Life's community partnerships and philanthropic support at About Sun LifeSun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.54 trillion. For more information, please visit Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom. Media contacts Devon FernaldSun Life Connect with Sun Life U.S.
