Health Archives - ֱ߲ /category/health/ Business is our Beat Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:11:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 /wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-Icon-Full-Color-Blue-BG@2x-32x32.png Health Archives - ֱ߲ /category/health/ 32 32 Lawsuit filed to block EPA rule on air quality standards /2024/03/11/lawsuit-filed-to-block-epa-rule-on-air-quality-standards/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lawsuit-filed-to-block-epa-rule-on-air-quality-standards /2024/03/11/lawsuit-filed-to-block-epa-rule-on-air-quality-standards/#respond Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:06:21 +0000 /?p=17294 The National Association of Manufacturers has moved to block a rule from the EPA that lowers the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. The NAM Legal Center has sued to block the ruling. The NAM and the EPA had a similar conflict in November.  “In […]

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The National Association of Manufacturers has moved to block a rule from the EPA that lowers the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to 9 micrograms per cubic meter.

The NAM Legal Center has sued to block the ruling. The NAM and the EPA had a similar conflict in November. 

“In pursuing this discretionary reconsideration rule, the EPA should have considered the tremendous costs and burdens of a lower PM2.5 standard,” NAM Chief Legal Officer Linda Kelly said. “Instead, by plowing ahead with a new standard that is vastly more restrictive than any other national standard, including that set by the EU, the agency not only departs significantly from the traditional NAAQS process, but also gravely undermines the Biden administration’s manufacturing agenda—stifling manufacturing investment, infrastructure development and job creation in communities across the country. The NAM Legal Center is filing suit to protect manufacturers’ ability to obtain permits, expand facilities and pursue long-term investment plans, and defend our country’s competitive advantage.”

The Clean Air Act mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conduct a review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) every five years to assess the adequacy of the PM2.5 standard. 

Recently, the EPA performed an out-of-cycle reconsideration of this standard. In December 2020, after a comprehensive review, the EPA chose to maintain the PM2.5 standard at 12 micrograms per cubic meter. However, in June 2021, the agency announced its intention to revisit this decision. 

NAM submitted comments advocating for the retention of the current standard. The EPA has reported a 42% reduction in PM2.5 concentrations since 2000, attributing this decline to significant emissions reductions from various sources, including the mobile sector and power generation. 

Notably, the European Union’s standard stands at 25 micrograms per cubic meter, with a proposed reduction to 10 by 2030, while the United Kingdom aims to achieve a standard of 10 by 2040. 

The EPA acknowledges that a substantial portion (70%) of particulate matter originates from nonmanufacturing sources, such as wildfires (29%), agriculture and prescribed fires (15%), crop and livestock dust (12%), unpaved road dust (10%), paved road dust (3%), and general “dust” (2%).

Arizona business community: new standard undermines cooperative federalism

The Arizona ֱ߲ of Commerce & Industry has been equally critical of the EPA’s new PM2.5 standard, saying it undermines the idea of cooperative federalism embedded in the Clean Air Act and replaces “cooperation with an unrealistic and unattainable mandate.

“Arizona and the Southwest face unique issues and should not be subjected to this ineffective, one-size-fits-all approach,” ֱ߲ President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Arizona job creators believe in cooperative federalism and are good faith partners in efforts to improve air quality. But the federal government’s top-down regulatory approach will have real consequences for Arizona industries like manufacturing, mining, and agriculture, and jeopardizes permitting for new job-creating projects.”

The ֱ߲ last week hosted Joe Goffman, the head of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation to discuss this and other EPA proposals that have the potential to constrain economic growth in the state.


Congressional delegation weighs in

Arizona U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D) wrote to EPA Administrator Michael Regan to urge the agency to acknowledge that some pollution is outside the control of the state.

“Efforts to address air pollution in Arizona must focus on practical solutions that both account for the sources of pollution, including sources outside of impacted communities, and for ongoing efforts around electrification and environmentally conscious development,” Gallego said in his .

“We appreciate Rep. Gallego’s decisive stand against EPA measures that unfairly penalize Arizona for emissions beyond our control,” Seiden said. “The ֱ߲ supports his call for pragmatic solutions, recognizing that 80% of the pollution affecting our state originates elsewhere. We thank Rep. Gallego for his leadership and join him in calling for a balanced approach that fosters both environmental sustainability and economic growth.”

U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) has partnered with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to introduce legislation to modernize the Clean Air Act to include permitting reforms that will encourage business and job growth.

“Arizona is home to the resources and businesses that serve as the bedrock for the clean energy technologies of the future. Our bipartisan legislation responsibly updates the Clean Air Act to help develop new clean energy technologies, attract more businesses to Arizona, create strong jobs for Arizona families, and ensure clean air for generations to come,” she said.

The ֱ߲ supports the effort.

“Industries in the region have demonstrated their willingness to act responsibly under the Clean Air Act, but we require a partner at the federal level who is equally committed,” Seiden said.

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Natural gas essential to manufacture of innovative pharmaceuticals, new report finds /2024/03/06/natural-gas-essential-to-manufacture-of-innovative-pharmaceuticals-new-report-finds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=natural-gas-essential-to-manufacture-of-innovative-pharmaceuticals-new-report-finds /2024/03/06/natural-gas-essential-to-manufacture-of-innovative-pharmaceuticals-new-report-finds/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:42:07 +0000 /?p=17290 The American Gas Association on Tuesday released its fourth report in its Advancing America series, Advancing America’s Pharmaceuticals: The Value of Natural Gas to the U.S. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Sector, which outlines the essential role of the natural gas industry in sustaining the operations of the American pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.  “The value natural gas brings […]

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The on Tuesday released its fourth report in its Advancing America series, , which outlines the essential role of the natural gas industry in sustaining the operations of the American pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. 

“The value natural gas brings to America’s pharmaceutical industry is tremendous,” AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert said. “From the gloves and mask a surgeon wears, to the disinfectants used in hospitals, to the life-saving medicines Americans depend on and the bottles they come in, natural gas and other petrochemical molecules are indispensable.”  

Highlights from the report include: 

  • The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in the United States sustains 1.8 million jobs, contributes to an economic output of $663 billion, generates $338 billion in GDP, and yields $30 million in state and local taxes.
  • Businesses across the entire pharmaceutical manufacturing supply chain in the United States utilize more than 104 billion cubic feet of natural gas each year, equivalent to the annual natural gas consumption for all households in Missouri.
  • A significant majority of adults, totaling 86%, believe that policymakers should prioritize reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

“Natural gas is essential to putting downward pressure on pharmaceutical prices,” Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe said. “Without it, drug manufacturing costs would spike, putting some medicines out of reach for too many and driving up healthcare costs broadly.”

Manufacturing facilities of all types, including drugmakers, rely on natural gas for its 24/7 reliability and the delivery of stable heating and temperature control, which is critical to the development and storage of medicines. 

“As we learned during the pandemic with the rollout of the vaccines, undependable temperature controls harm a medicine’s potency and could make for life altering results,” Appelbe said. 

The report found that facemasks, disposable gloves and syringes are also manufactured from petrochemical feedstocks like natural gas and are critical to combating the spread of disease. Petrochemical feedstocks are used for 129 billion facemasks, 300 billion medical gloves, and 979 million American vaccine syringes.  

“This report is a reminder that removing natural gas from the nation’s energy portfolio would have real-world consequences,” Appelbe said. “Without natural gas’ reliability and contribution to lifesaving manufacturing, our country is less safe and less healthy.”

Medical equipment and pharmaceutical manufacturers in Arizona include Dexcom, Medtronic, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, as well as major commercial pharmacies like Express Scripts. 

Previous AGA reports in the series have examined natural gas’ contribution to the healthcare sector and to tourism and hospitality.

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ABOR gives green light to ASU medical school, eyes 2026 opening /2024/02/29/abor-gives-green-light-to-asu-medical-school-eyes-2026-opening/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=abor-gives-green-light-to-asu-medical-school-eyes-2026-opening /2024/02/29/abor-gives-green-light-to-asu-medical-school-eyes-2026-opening/#respond Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:59:35 +0000 /?p=17285 The Arizona Board of Regents has taken a significant stride toward improving health care for residents of Arizona by giving its formal approval for the establishment of a new medical school at Arizona State University. The school is slated to open in fall 2026. The move is a part of the AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative, […]

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The Arizona Board of Regents has taken a significant stride toward improving health care for residents of Arizona by giving its formal approval for the establishment of a new medical school at Arizona State University. The school is slated to open in fall 2026.

The move is a part of the initiative, a plan to grow the healthcare workforce of the state.

“We are focusing our full energy and innovation on improving Arizona’s health outcomes,” ASU President Michael Crow said last year in announcing the plan to open the medical school. “We must generate knowledge at a scale that will impact society. Our drives us to assume fundamental responsibility for the overall health of the communities we serve. This is an extension of that core belief.”

ASU is taking an innovative approach with its new medical school by allowing students to complete two degrees: a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and a master’s degree in medical engineering. 

Collaborative clinical partnerships will bolster research and academic programs, providing solutions aimed at enhancing patient care and healthcare outcomes.

The new school will be called the

Northern Arizona University is also planning on opening a new medical school and the University of Arizona is planning on doubling its medical school graduates. In addition to medical students, all three universities have plans to across the healthcare field, including nursing, physical therapy and health science programs.

“ASU’s innovative medical and engineering program is poised to cultivate world-class physicians and secure a healthier future for our families and our state,” ABOR Chair Fred DuVal said. “This is a noteworthy achievement for the AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative and will enhance access to care for all Arizonans.”

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Gress bill would reform homelessness policies, attempt to break link to drug use and crime /2024/02/13/gress-bill-would-reform-homelessness-policies-attempt-to-break-link-to-drug-use-and-crime/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gress-bill-would-reform-homelessness-policies-attempt-to-break-link-to-drug-use-and-crime /2024/02/13/gress-bill-would-reform-homelessness-policies-attempt-to-break-link-to-drug-use-and-crime/#respond Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:14:19 +0000 /?p=17264 New legislation by state Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) proposes several policy changes to address the challenge of homelessness facing the state, including attempting to break the link between homelessness and drug use. HB 2782 proposes: “This legislation is an important step towards reducing chronic homelessness and drug-related crime, ensuring that Arizona’s vulnerable populations are effectively […]

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New legislation by state Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) proposes several policy changes to address the challenge of homelessness facing the state, including attempting to break the link between homelessness and drug use.

HB 2782 proposes:

  • Implementing stricter penalties for drug traffickers operating within drug-free service zones.
  • Holding facilities accountable for permitting on-campus drug activities by imposing charges.
  • Establishing a $75 million permanent fund dedicated to Homeless Shelter and Services.
  • Modifying funding allocations for homeless service providers contingent upon meeting performance benchmarks.
  • Highlighting the necessity and significance of accurately collecting health and demographic data on the state’s homeless demographic.

“This legislation is an important step towards reducing chronic homelessness and drug-related

crime, ensuring that Arizona’s vulnerable populations are effectively supported while ensuring

public safety,” Gress said. “Establishing accountability within homeless service

zones will help safeguard our communities from drug-related crime and offer a more structured

and supportive environment for our homeless population to rebuild their lives.”

Money in the proposed Homeless Shelter and Services Fund could be used for short-term shelter and transitional housing, and non-profit organizations and cities could acquire entire hotels for shelter purposes.

But the bill requires hoteliers to inform paying guests if that hotel is also housing the homeless by posting a sign at the reception desk that says: “This business is being used to house homeless individuals alongside the general public. It is recommended that all guests keep hotel doors locked, safely store their belongings and report any health or safety concerns to local law enforcement.”

The bill also lays out the required size of the sign and typeface. 

The bill would bar state or local dollars to be used for “mixed hoteling,” which refers to providing temporary lodging to homeless individuals while also providing regular hotel services to the general public.  

The Legislature last year passed a bill by Gress that would have prevented the state and local governments from mandating hoteliers to house individuals experiencing homelessness in exchange for a housing voucher. That bill was vetoed by the governor. 

This year’s bill has been assigned to the House Appropriations Committee, but it is not on this week’s meeting agenda. The bill would have to be heard in next week’s meeting, the last for the committee to consider bills introduced in the House.

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Arizona ֱ߲ and national groups say Biden administration proposal undermines intellectual property, ignores law /2024/02/05/arizona-chamber-and-national-groups-say-biden-administration-proposal-undermines-intellectual-property-ignores-law/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=arizona-chamber-and-national-groups-say-biden-administration-proposal-undermines-intellectual-property-ignores-law /2024/02/05/arizona-chamber-and-national-groups-say-biden-administration-proposal-undermines-intellectual-property-ignores-law/#respond Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:40:34 +0000 /?p=17255 The Arizona ֱ߲ of Commerce & Industry is speaking out against a proposal from the Biden administration that would permit the federal government to determine the price of pharmaceuticals or other innovations whose research and development was partially funded with federal dollars.  The ֱ߲ argues that such an expansion of so-called “march-in” rights is a […]

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The Arizona ֱ߲ of Commerce & Industry is speaking out against a proposal from the Biden administration that would permit the federal government to determine the price of pharmaceuticals or other innovations whose research and development was partially funded with federal dollars. 

The ֱ߲ argues that such an expansion of so-called “march-in” rights is a form of price controls that will disincentivize future research and lead to fewer lifesaving discoveries. 

“We have deep reservations over a proposal that would erode intellectual property protections and seek to impose price controls on lifesaving pharmaceutical innovations,” the ֱ߲ said in response to the Biden administration proposal that was published in the Federal Register in December. 

Responses are due this week. 

March- in rights 

March-in rights refer to the authority granted to the government to require a patent holder to make their patented technology more widely available under specific circumstances; an intervention known as “marching in” because the government steps in to assert its ability to dictate the technology’s use and availability thanks to partially funding its discovery and development. 

The ֱ߲ argues that the White House’s proposal would undermine the 1980 Bayh-Dole Act, a law named for former U.S. senators Birch Bayh, D-Ind., and Bob Dole, R-Kan., that outlines the situations in which march-in rights can be exercised. 

Pricing is not one of those circumstances, says the ֱ߲. 

“However, the cost of pharmaceuticals was never contemplated as an allowable circumstance to exercise the march-in provision. Doing so would be an unprecedented misapplication of Bayh-Dole,” the ֱ߲ says. 

State chamber opposes price controls 

ֱ߲ President and CEO Danny Seiden says his organization opposes price controls on pharmaceuticals. 

“We’ll oppose price controls on pharmaceuticals, whether they’re attempted via the legislative process or through the regulatory state,” Seiden said. “If drugmakers can’t have at least some confidence they can recoup their investment in life-changing and lifesaving innovation, why should they undertake such expensive and time-consuming research? If the government is going to dictate pricing, then it’s patients who will lose out.” 

National groups weigh in

National groups like the National Association of Manufacturers and the US ֱ߲ of Commerce sounded similar alarms over the administration’s proposal. 

NAM, which requested an extension of the filing deadline, wrote in December, “The significant changes contemplated by the RFI would apply to all technologies, raising the spectre of government price controls on wide swaths of the American economy. The most profound impact of these changes will be felt by small and medium-sized manufacturers in critical sectors such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductor production, clean energy, advanced materials, life sciences and many others.” 

NAM also said, “Disincentivizing small businesses from undertaking early-stage, potentially groundbreaking research could have a detrimental impact on job creation and innovation throughout the economy.” 

The US ֱ߲, which also requested a deadline extension, led a coalition of groups opposing the administration’s draft guidance, writing, “The potential changes to march-in rights could alter the landscape of intellectual property rights across all industries and have far-reaching effects on research, development, commercialization, and innovation.” 

Seiden says the administration’s disregard of the nearly 45-year-old Bayh-Dole Act is extremely troubling. 

“As we said in our official response, if the administration doesn’t like Bayh-Dole, it should work with Congress to change it,” he said. “But just blatantly ignoring the law – and doing so to control drug prices – is likely a ticket to a lawsuit, and rightly so. This White House proposal punishes companies for bringing new innovations to market. The consequences will be severe.”

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New report examines natural gas’ contribution to U.S. healthcare system /2023/12/21/new-report-examines-natural-gas-contribution-to-u-s-healthcare-system/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-report-examines-natural-gas-contribution-to-u-s-healthcare-system /2023/12/21/new-report-examines-natural-gas-contribution-to-u-s-healthcare-system/#respond Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:51:11 +0000 /?p=17212 A new report from the American Gas Association examines how natural gas affordably and reliably powers America’s healthcare system, whose demand for energy is constant. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) finds that 74% of hospitals utilize natural gas for space heating, while 80% rely on it for water heating purposes. Hospitals typically […]

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A new from the American Gas Association examines how natural gas affordably and reliably powers America’s healthcare system, whose demand for energy is constant.

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) finds that 74% of hospitals utilize natural gas for space heating, while 80% rely on it for water heating purposes. Hospitals typically exhibit higher energy consumption per square foot compared to other commercial building types. Maintaining essential equipment like ventilators and ensuring proper lighting during surgical procedures requires a constant and dependable energy supply.

Hospitals undertake numerous energy-intensive operations including laundry, the utilization of medical and laboratory equipment, sterilization procedures, computer and server operations, food services, and refrigeration. All these activities require a consistent and dependable power supply around the clock. 

“For our hospitals to deliver world-class care to patients, we need reliable power from multiple sources,” Health System Alliance of Arizona CEO Brittney Kaufmann said. “Any interruption to a hospital’s power supply and its ability to serve patients could be catastrophic.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas is roughly one-third the cost per-unit compared to electricity. This cost difference highlights how natural gas affordability plays a crucial role in ensuring cost-effective energy solutions for healthcare facilities nationwide.

“There’s no two ways about it – our energy saves lives,” AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert . “The affordability of natural gas is critical to keeping hospitals open and serving patients, particularly in rural areas where healthcare facilities often operate with limited resources and extremely low profit margins. America’s hospitals are part of our critical infrastructure – and vital to protecting the health of Americans in good times and when tragedy strikes. The irreplaceable role of natural gas in providing reliability to America’s healthcare system is why there are currently zero all-electric inpatient healthcare facilities in the United States.” 

In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, the healthcare industry accounts for the largest portion of commercial and industrial energy usage. The availability of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is restricted in these areas due to geographical factors and natural terrain. Additionally, these regions generally experience colder climates, leading to a heavier reliance on natural gas for both space and water heating.

The healthcare sector makes up 23.3% of all U.S. jobs and contributes $3.4 trillion in GDP and $274 billion in state and local taxes. 

Businesses in the healthcare system consume roughly the same amount of natural gas as the entire state of Utah at 271.6 billion cubic feet. 

Hospitals also rely on natural gas to power their operations during times of crisis. If all end uses were switched to electricity, the backup electricity generation systems would have to be substantially expanded to accommodate the heightened demands. This expansion, aside from adding expenses for hospitals, would result in an increased use of diesel fuel and lead to increased emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere.

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Business community blasts Biden proposal on drug patents /2023/12/12/business-community-blasts-biden-proposal-on-drug-patents/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=business-community-blasts-biden-proposal-on-drug-patents /2023/12/12/business-community-blasts-biden-proposal-on-drug-patents/#respond Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:45:15 +0000 /?p=17193 State and national business community advocates are blasting a proposal by the Biden administration that would dramatically curtail investment in lifesaving pharmaceuticals and other technological breakthroughs with the potential to solve some of society’s most vexing problems.  The National Institute of Standards and Technology last week released its Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the […]

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State and national business community advocates are blasting a proposal by the Biden administration that would dramatically curtail investment in lifesaving pharmaceuticals and other technological breakthroughs with the potential to solve some of society’s most vexing problems. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology last week released its, a proposed rule that would allow the federal government to “march-in” and remove a company’s patent protections if a medicine was developed with federal funding and if the drug in question is not available at what the government deems to be a reasonable price. 

“Let’s be clear, seizing patents is a confiscation of property,” U.S. ֱ߲ Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley said. “If patents for medicine are seized today, what property will the government seize tomorrow?” He went on to say the administration risks “destroying America’s ability to discover the next breakthrough treatment or cure.” 

NIST says their proposal is intended to uphold the principles of the Bayh-Dole Act. The 1980 law ensured that patents on scientists’ creations would not automatically revert to the government. Under the law, companies could secure exclusive patents if their creations were brought to market and made available under reasonable terms. The federal government has the authority – under limited circumstances – to force businesses and universities to license their inventions to additional companies if the federally funded product is not brought to market. 

In a in The Washington Post, the law’s authors, former Indiana Sen. Birch Bayh (D) and former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole (R), now both deceased, wrote, “Government alone has never developed the new advances in medicines and technology that become commercial products. For that, our country relies on the private sector. The purpose of our act was to spur the interaction between public and private research so that patients would receive the benefits of innovative science sooner.” 

Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo the NIST proposal is intended to “maintain a balance between incentivizing companies to innovate and making sure those innovations serve the American people.” Health and Human Services Sec. Xavier Becerra said, “March-in authority is one powerful tool to ensure that the American taxpayer is getting a fair return on their investment in research and development.” 

The Bayh-Dole law, however, was silent on whether a new drug that came to market had to be available at a certain price. The authors said that was intentional. 

“Bayh-Dole did not intend that government set prices on resulting products,” the senators wrote. “The law makes no reference to a reasonable price that should be dictated by the government. This omission was intentional; the primary purpose of the act was to entice the private sector to seek public-private research collaboration rather than focusing on its own proprietary research.” 

Under the new proposal, however, price could determine whether the federal government would be permitted to “march-in” and eliminate a company’s exclusive patent, a new interpretation of Bayh-Dole that Arizona ֱ߲ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden sharply criticized.

“The proposal released by the Biden administration under the guise of lowering drug costs will do nothing of the sort and is just the latest attempt by the federal government to misuse the Bayh-Dole Act to deceptively institute its harmful drug price controls,” he said. “The administration fails to recognize the real victims of its unprecedented drug pricing schemes: the entrepreneurs and startups who will be dissuaded from developing new inventions, and the patients who will lose out on lifechanging and potentially lifesaving pharmaceuticals due to fewer new drug developments and fewer clinical trials.” 

The new Bayh-Dole proposal from NIST comes on the heels of the Medicare drug pricing scheme in the Inflation Reduction Act that the Arizona and U.S. chambers also opposed.

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QuikTrip, Mayor Gallego announce investment in Phoenix nonprofits and public safety /2023/11/28/quiktrip-mayor-gallego-announce-investment-in-phoenix-nonprofits-and-public-safety/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=quiktrip-mayor-gallego-announce-investment-in-phoenix-nonprofits-and-public-safety /2023/11/28/quiktrip-mayor-gallego-announce-investment-in-phoenix-nonprofits-and-public-safety/#respond Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:42:29 +0000 /?p=17177 Convenience store and gas retailer QuikTrip announced recently that it is investing more than $3 million in local nonprofits and public safety associations in an effort to partner with the City of Phoenix to address issues such as theft, crime, substance abuse, and homelessness.  The company’s investment will support various first responder organizations across the […]

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Convenience store and gas retailer QuikTrip announced recently that it is investing more than $3 million in local nonprofits and public safety associations in an effort to partner with the City of Phoenix to address issues such as theft, crime, substance abuse, and homelessness. 

The company’s investment will support various first responder organizations across the Valley, including the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, Phoenix Police Foundation, and Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association. QuikTrip has also extended its reach to organizations addressing homelessness and addiction, notably partnering with the Phoenix Rescue Mission and Sojourner Center. 

Mayor Gallego praised QuikTrip’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of collective action in resolving such pressing challenges and applauding QuikTrip’s support for nonprofits aiding those facing homelessness and addiction. 

“At the City of Phoenix, we know that it’s always better to tackle a problem together, as opposed to on one’s own. That’s why, as Phoenix continues allocating and deploying critical resources at breakneck speed, I am grateful for QuikTrip’s partnership and their support of local non-profits who are serving Phoenicians facing homelessness and addiction,”Gallego . “I appreciate QT’s ongoing work with us to address our community’s most pressing challenges, and hope this partnership inspires many more to come.” 

Gallego was joined by a bipartisan group of legislators for the announcement, including Arizona State Reps. Laura Terech (D), Matt Gress (R), and Justin Wilmeth (R). 

Since its arrival in Phoenix in 2000, QuikTrip has grown to 115 stores and 3,249 employees in the metro area. 

“We are honored and grateful that QuikTrip has partnered with PLEA Charities to support our officers. We look forward to the ongoing collaboration and joint efforts in the years ahead,” PLEA President Darrell Kriplean said. 

These partnerships focus on enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement efforts. QuikTrip’s recent sponsorship of the annual charity fundraiser Superhero Saturday will aid officers injured in the line of duty or facing illness. 

In addition to law enforcement support, QuikTrip maintains longstanding alliances with organizations like Valley of the Sun United Way and Child Crisis Arizona. Child Crisis Arizona CEO Torrie Taj acknowledged QuikTrip’s significant role in providing essential services for at-risk youth in foster care. 

“Child Crisis Arizona is grateful for our wonderful partnership with QuikTrip. This incredible investment will allow our agency to provide vital resources, shelter, and support for teens and young adults, an underserved population in foster care in our state,” Taj said. 

QuikTrip’s community relations manager, Lauren Sherry, highlighted that these contributions are part of a larger mission to combat complex issues facing the Phoenix metro area. 

“We have seen the incredible difference these groups are making by providing critical services that address the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and crime,” Sherry said. “By supporting their efforts, we are proud to play a role in creating a safer, stronger, and more prosperous community for all of Phoenix.”

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Valleywise Health Medical Center nears 2024 opening /2023/11/27/valleywise-health-medical-center-nears-2024-opening/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=valleywise-health-medical-center-nears-2024-opening /2023/11/27/valleywise-health-medical-center-nears-2024-opening/#respond Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:18:46 +0000 /?p=17174 The Valleywise Health Medical Center is set to open its doors in April 2024, a state-of-the-art medical facility poised to revolutionize healthcare in Phoenix, Arizona. The new facility replaces the venerable, half-century-old legacy hospital currently at 24th Street and Roosevelt. Valleywise Health engaged in a workshop focused on climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation in early […]

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The Valleywise Health Medical Center is set to open its doors in April 2024, a state-of-the-art medical facility poised to revolutionize healthcare in Phoenix, Arizona. The new facility replaces the venerable, half-century-old legacy hospital currently at 24th Street and Roosevelt.

Valleywise Health engaged in a workshop focused on climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation in early 2018, subsequently incorporating the recommendations into their operational practices.

Valleywise Health is dedicated to reducing its energy consumption and its carbon footprint. They aim to secure renewable energy via power purchase agreements, and their system-wide upgrades prioritize sustainability, encompassing LED lighting, efficient air distribution, and the use of high-performance glass in construction and operations.

Envisioned by the Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc and built by Kitchell, this monumental structure spans 10 floors, encompassing a staggering 673,000 square feet. Boasting 233 private patient rooms, 44 ICU rooms, 10 operating rooms, and an array of specialized facilities such as the Arizona Burn Center, Cardiology, Oncology, and more, the center was designed to cater to a diverse spectrum of healthcare needs.

The medical center has many departments and specialized units, such as the Trauma and Emergency Department with its 85,906 projected annual ER visits by 2026, and the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center. 

Beyond its role as a healthcare provider, Valleywise Health is dedicated to community integration and education. The recently completed Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Pavilion, equipped with cutting-edge facilities for clinical education and community engagement, further solidifies the institution’s commitment to fostering learning and collaboration.

As a public teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center, Valleywise Health not only serves as a beacon of medical excellence but also as a symbol of inclusivity and care for the underserved. Its range of services, including primary HIV care, support for refugee women’s health, and behavioral health centers, underscores its mission to cater to a diverse community.

To learn more, please visit

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Northern Arizona University to launch medical school /2023/10/16/northern-arizona-university-to-launch-medical-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=northern-arizona-university-to-launch-medical-school /2023/10/16/northern-arizona-university-to-launch-medical-school/#respond Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:44:04 +0000 /?p=17094 Northern Arizona University has announced it will launch the NAU College of Medicine. With this announcement, all three of the state’s public universities will have medical schools. “With the creation of NAU Health, we recommit ourselves to elevating our existing, exceptional health education programs with the goal of doubling the number of degrees awarded by […]

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Northern Arizona University has announced it will launch the NAU College of Medicine. With this announcement, all three of the state’s public universities will have medical schools.

“With the creation of NAU Health, we recommit ourselves to elevating our existing, exceptional health education programs with the goal of doubling the number of degrees awarded by NAU in the much-needed fields of nursing, health professions, and behavioral health and increasing provider availability in every nook and corner of the state,”  NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera .

The foundation of the new medical school is part of the Arizona Board of Regents’ , a multifaceted approach to improving state health outcomes. The initiative includes three central goals: launch ASU and NAU’s new medical schools, double the number of graduates from UArizona’s College of Medicine, and increase the number of nursing and other health care graduates.

In partnership with the Governor’s Office, the board has also allocated $56 million to launch these initiatives. The new medical school and the financial investments “will close the historical healthcare gap so many Arizonans are experiencing,” Gov. Hobbs last month on X, formerly known as Twitter,

ABOR also recently voted to request $153 million from the Legislature in fiscal year 2025 for the initiative, as well.

“There is not a moment to waste as Arizona must train and deploy the health care professionals our fast-growing population requires,” Fred DuVal, ABOR chairman.

Arizona struggles to compete nationally on healthcare outcomes and the state’s domestic medical workforce. According to the AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative, Arizona by 2030 requires:

  • 14,000+ new registered nurses,
  • 3,600+ new physicians,
  • 2,400+ new behavioral health workers,
  • 1,100+ new dental hygienists,
  • 900+ new physical therapists,
  • and 800+ occupational therapists

Furthermore, “nearly 3 million Arizona residents live where there’s limited access to primary care doctors,” according to Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University medical school and a national expert on the physician workforce. This limited access to doctors hits rural areas particularly hard.

Danny Seiden, the president and CEO of the Arizona ֱ߲ of Commerce & Industry, says a robust healthcare workforce is essential to the state’s economic growth.

“Having access to world-class health care providers helps attract job creators to Arizona,” Seiden said. “To know that each of the state’s public universities will have a medical school will not only help ensure Arizona can meet its health care needs, but it will be a major boost to our economic development prospects.”

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