Latest news with #KellyWilson
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
OTA: Construction on East-West Connector turnpike to start in spring
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Work on one of Oklahoma's most controversial infrastructure projects is officially set to begin early next year, as strong opposition and lingering questions about its legality and feasibility show no signs of slowing down. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority says it plans to break ground on the East-West Connector turnpike along Norman's northern border in spring like Kelly Wilson with Pike Off OTA say that the timeline is premature. Construction begins in Yukon on Garth Brooks Boulevard 'I feel like that's a little premature, considering we still haven't seen any environmental studies, Wilson said. 'We still haven't seen any traffic justification studies. We haven't seen the access justification report. It just feels like this is putting the cart before the horse.'When fully built, the East-West Connector will stretch east from I-44 in Newcastle, cross over the Canadian River to I-35 in Norman, then extend northeast to I-40 near Newalla, connecting with the current terminus of the Kickapoo says construction will begin on the segment between I-44 and I-35 in Spring 2026, including what the agency says will be the longest bridge in plans for that portion, published on OTA's 'Access Oklahoma' website, are listed as 90 percent complete. EWC28502AandEWC28802A_90Percent_28April2025Download Wilson says the plans, which indicate some support piers for the bridge will be built within feet of the Canadian River's main channel, are concerning. 'It shows that the pier is going to go nine feet, eight inches from the river channel,' Wilson said. 'If the river migrates, will it wash out the piers? That's a concern.'OTA says it will also begin work by next fall on a portion of the East-West Connector heading east from I-35 to Air Depot that's where certainty U.S. Bureau of Reclamation forced OTA to redraw its plans for the next segment to the east, which would connect the turnpike from Air Depot Blvd. to I-40. The Bureau said OTA's original proposed route for that portion was too close to Lake Thunderbird. Right now, OTA has no formal plans drawn or a start date in place for that stretch. Without that stretch being built, the East-West connector would effectively dead-end at Air Depot Blvd., with no connection to I-40. The fact that OTA is starting construction on certain portions of the east-west connector, while still having no plans in place for other portions of it, raises concerns for PikeOff OTA member Tassie Hirschfeld. 'Their trust agreement specifically says they are not supposed to do things this way,' Hirschfeld said. 'You can't do a little piece here and a little piece there. So they're in total violation and no one's enforcing it.'But Friday, an OTA spokesperson assured News 4 the entire East-West Connector will be fully built by 2030, including uncertain the portion east of Air Depot. Business owners concerned about NW OKC road construction Hirschfeld said she feels the Spring 2026 groundbreaking date for the portions west of I-35 is performative.'I'm not entirely confident that this is a real start date or just more magical thinking on the part of the Turnpike Authority,' Hirschfeld said. 'There have been lawsuits and challenges. No environmental studies and investigative audit. So my sense is they are desperate to demonstrate competence when in fact, there's really not a lot of confidence there.' She said she'll wait to believe the turnpike is coming until she can see it.'All kinds of things can happen to delay, cancel, postpone,' she said. 'And I'm going to put my money on—if they start it, they probably won't finish it.'The Turnpike Authority told News 4 it plans to put construction contracts for the first portion of the project out to bid in Off OTA leaders say if construction crews do show up next spring, they're urging supporters not to interfere with any equipment and instead continue challenging the project through legal means. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Cision Canada
28-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross supports high-risk communities with $50,000 for equipment for screening chronic kidney disease
SASKATOON, SK , July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - In Saskatchewan, ten per cent of the population lives with a form of kidney disease. Over the last ten years, the number of individuals with kidney disease requiring dialysis has increased by 50 per cent. Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is frequently called the "silent killer", as it can progress without obvious symptoms until it's too late. Individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney failure must visit a dialysis centre three to four times a week, with each visit lasting up to four hours until transplant or end of life. For a family near a city centre, this unrelenting schedule can be challenging. For families in rural Saskatchewan, the diagnosis can be devastating – often resulting in hours of travel or having to leave their communities to be closer to care. Those residing in Northern Saskatchewan are uniquely susceptible to CKD, with access to care and the genetic predisposition of the disease among Indigenous peoples being distressing factors in the increased rate of CKD. The disease also increases the risk of other life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and limb amputations. Through a shared vision with the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, St. Paul's Hospital Foundation are working together on prevention and early treatment with the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign. The campaign supports better patient-centred modalities of care that improve their experience, autonomy and outcomes during treatment. This includes new programs, centres and support for those at risk or facing CKD. The By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign is a critical initiative to change these devastating, preventable outcomes. Its three priorities are access to care and education, holistic care and proactive prevention. The main priority is the Early Screening Program, which provides individuals, particularly in high-risk communities, with access to early detection and education. "At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we believe access to early detection and education can change lives," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "Our $50,000 commitment to St. Paul's Hospital Foundation's 'By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign' reflects our dedication to improving health outcomes in Saskatchewan, especially in high-risk and underserved communities. We hope others are equally motivated to support the Early Screening Program for Chronic Kidney Disease, bringing much-needed care and hope to individuals and families across the province." This critical funding from Saskatchewan Blue Cross supports purchasing vital equipment required for screening CKD. It also promotes the gathering of vital data that will help lay the foundation for a sustainable early diagnosis system in at-risk communities. "We are deeply grateful to Saskatchewan Blue Cross for their generous support of the By Your Side Kidney Health Campaign and the Early Screening Program," said Lecina Hicke, CEO of St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. "Their partnership is helping to close critical gaps in care by creating access to early detection and education in underserved and remote communities. Together, we are working to build a stronger, more equitable healthcare system that ensures everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it most." The equipment is just the beginning. St. Paul's Hospital Foundation is committed to raising $10 million for the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign. Their hope is to create patient-centred and holistic health initiatives that save lives, while reducing the economic and social impacts of early-onset kidney failure. Learn more about the campaign and donate by visiting the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation website
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross launches flexible unparalleled health plan for those 50+
New Retiree Plan offers guaranteed acceptance, comprehensive drug and travel benefits with 36 customizable coverage combinations to reflect the changing retirement landscape. SASKATOON, SK, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As the residents of Saskatchewan retire, many are left navigating a new chapter without the security of health insurance. Rising healthcare costs and changing wellness needs make retiring confidently more complicated than ever. In response to the need for accessible health plan solutions that can fit any health and financial situation and evolve with you as your needs change with age, Saskatchewan Blue Cross has launched a new Retiree Plan, providing extensive flexible health and travel benefits for individuals 50 and older. "Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and your retirement health plan shouldn't be either," says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "With unparalleled flexibility our new Retiree Plan adapts seamlessly to diverse health needs and financial situations and removes barriers to access by eliminating health questionnaires that exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. We're proud to empower retirees with a plan that supports their well-being every step of the way, through innovative services like virtual care, preventative wellness programs, comprehensive coverage and a commitment to providing benefits that support holistic, proactive healthcare." Why this matters now With 135,000 Saskatchewan residents approaching retirement in the next five years, the transition from workplace benefits to a strong personal health plan is key. People are living longer, managing complex health needs, and expecting more from their health plan. For rural retirees, access is everything. Our plans come with embedded virtual care, 24/7 navigation and support that meets you where you are. What makes the Retiree Plan different Unlike traditional products, Saskatchewan Blue Cross' new plan offers ultimate flexibility, including: Expanded travel protection – up to 65 days per trip, with $5 million in out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical coverage. No medical questionnaires or exclusions for pre-existing conditions – you're covered regardless of your health or prescription medications 36 plan combinations across three tiers (Basic, Classic and Enhanced) – allowing you to match your health and financial needs, with the option to adjust as needed*. Expansive drug coverage, including vaccines and Exception Drug Status (EDS) medications – plus smoking cessation supports and more. Robust health practitioner and extended benefits coverage – including annual eye exams, physiotherapy, counselling and more. Virtual care on demand – providing unlimited access to Nurse Practitioners through Cleveland Clinic Canada, allowing you to address multiple concerns in one visit. Enhanced mental wellness support – up to 20 counselling sessions with unlimited cases through Homewood Health's Individual Assistance Program (IAP). Life Smart Coaching and preventative wellness – including Health Risk Assessments, nutrition, financial planning and more. Optional dental coverage – the ability to tailor coverage and opt out, offering flexibility for those eligible under the Canada Dental Care Plan. Ongoing plan flexibility – with the option to increase your coverage at any time or decrease after two years*. Built for Saskatchewan, by Saskatchewan As a not-for-profit organization trusted by generations, Saskatchewan Blue Cross understands and integrates with provincial health programs, ensuring you get the maximum value from your benefits plan and government plans you're eligible for.
Cision Canada
05-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross joins United Way Day of Caring to support local families and communities
SASKATOON, SK, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members rolled up their sleeves once again this year to give back through meaningful, hands-on projects as part of the United Way Day of Caring. The United Way Day of Caring is an annual event that connects volunteers with local non-profit organizations to complete much-needed projects. "Community is at the heart of everything we do at Saskatchewan Blue Cross," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "We're honoured to support the incredible work of United Way and its partner organizations through the Day of Caring. These hands-on activities allow our team members to directly impact the health and well-being of families in our province – and that's what we're all about." In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members volunteered their time at Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, supporting families with sick children by helping with indoor organization, outdoor clean-up, baking homemade treats and assembling wellness kits. Meanwhile, in Regina, volunteers lent a hand at the United Way Regina office, assembling Kinderkits – activity kits for children about to begin kindergarten – to help provide them get a strong start on their education journey. "Each year, Day of Caring provides workplaces and volunteer groups an opportunity to make a tangible difference in our community," said Sheri Benson, CEO of United Way Saskatoon and Area. "Saskatchewan Blue Cross' three-year investment into powering Day of Caring has helped build capacity, beautify spaces, energize teams and grow lasting friendships, making our communities stronger, safer and better for everyone." "Saskatchewan Blue Cross continues to demonstrate a long-standing commitment to building healthier communities," said Todd Sandin, Director of Business Strategy and Transformation, United Way Regina. "Thanks to their continued support, we're helping ensure children entering kindergarten are ready to learn by assembling and distributing over 100 Kinder Readiness Kits this year to various schools across the city."
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saskatchewan Blue Cross joins United Way Day of Caring to support local families and communities
SASKATOON, SK, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members rolled up their sleeves once again this year to give back through meaningful, hands-on projects as part of the United Way Day of Caring. The United Way Day of Caring is an annual event that connects volunteers with local non-profit organizations to complete much-needed projects. "Community is at the heart of everything we do at Saskatchewan Blue Cross," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "We're honoured to support the incredible work of United Way and its partner organizations through the Day of Caring. These hands-on activities allow our team members to directly impact the health and well-being of families in our province – and that's what we're all about." In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members volunteered their time at Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, supporting families with sick children by helping with indoor organization, outdoor clean-up, baking homemade treats and assembling wellness kits. Meanwhile, in Regina, volunteers lent a hand at the United Way Regina office, assembling Kinderkits – activity kits for children about to begin kindergarten – to help provide them get a strong start on their education journey. "Each year, Day of Caring provides workplaces and volunteer groups an opportunity to make a tangible difference in our community," said Sheri Benson, CEO of United Way Saskatoon and Area. "Saskatchewan Blue Cross' three-year investment into powering Day of Caring has helped build capacity, beautify spaces, energize teams and grow lasting friendships, making our communities stronger, safer and better for everyone." "Saskatchewan Blue Cross continues to demonstrate a long-standing commitment to building healthier communities," said Todd Sandin, Director of Business Strategy and Transformation, United Way Regina. "Thanks to their continued support, we're helping ensure children entering kindergarten are ready to learn by assembling and distributing over 100 Kinder Readiness Kits this year to various schools across the city." Learn more about Saskatchewan Blue Cross's community investment program and initiatives by visiting SOURCE Saskatchewan Blue Cross View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
