Glioblastoma Awareness Day

Washington, D.C. - April 6, 2022 - (Stuff Gazette) -- U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) have introduced a resolution to designate July 20, 2022 as “Glioblastoma Awareness Day.” Glioblastoma is the most aggressive, difficult to treat and deadly brain tumor that results in the death of 10,000 Americans every year.

“Glioblastoma is a terrible disease that has impacted the lives of so many in our community. This resolution is about giving hope to every individual who is fighting this disease and honoring the lives of those we’ve lost at its hands,” Rep. Mast said. “By raising awareness of this disease, I’m hopeful that we will continue finding new ways to treat glioblastoma and ultimately find a cure.”

Glioblastoma has been particularly prevalent in St. Lucie County, Fla. with more than 50 reported cases in the last 9 years. In 2019, glioblastoma took the life of 35-year-old-resident Mark Cunningham after a 3-year battle with the disease. Mark’s wife, Stephanie, continues to be an advocate for those directly impacted by glioblastoma across the community.

“Thousands of Americans are diagnosed each year with glioblastoma, a very aggressive and fatal brain cancer, including a dear friend of mine and the father of one of my staff members. Tragically, this is a cancer for which there are still no early screening or detection methods,” Rep. Schakowsky said. “The first step to conquering brain tumors is to promote more awareness that can advance a cure. This horrible, deadly cancer has affected many everyday Americans and even some of our colleagues and their families, including President Biden’s son, Beau. Our bipartisan and bicameral resolution will increase awareness of this disease and support collaborative research efforts to better understand and treat glioblastoma.”

"Since the first introduction of the bipartisan Glioblastoma Awareness Day resolution in the U.S. Senate in 2019, this now-annual commemoration has helped raise much-needed awareness and attention to this highly aggressive cancer,” said David Arons, CEO of the National Brain Tumor Society. “Now a bicameral effort, Glioblastoma Awareness Day continues to offer a chance to support survivors and their loved ones, remember those who are no longer with us, and honor those who are working toward a cure and better quality of life for those who are living with this devastating disease. We thank all the dedicated champions in Congress who continue to sponsor and support this effort to shine a light on this devastating disease and encourage all Americans to join us in our efforts and conquer and cure glioblastoma — once and for all.”

Rep. Mast has been an advocate for glioblastoma research since coming to Congress. In August 2018, Rep. Mast demanded answers to help explain the prevalence of glioblastoma in Florida’s 18th District from the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2019, he helped secure more than $48 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health for neuroscience research. This resolution builds on these efforts by encouraging public awareness, supporting efforts to develop better treatments and honoring every individual impacted by glioblastoma.

This bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Mike Gallagher (WI-8), Jim Langevin (RI-2) and David Trone (MD-6). The companion bill in the United States Senate is led by Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ).

The full text of the legislation can be viewed here.

May 2-6, 2022 is Teacher Appreciation Week!

The Stuff Gazette appreciates how hard teachers work to make sure our children are educated! To them, we would like to say, "Thank you!"

Alexandria, VA - May 6, 2022 - (Stuff Gazette) -- During the recent challenging and unconventional school years, teachers have continued to go above and beyond to support students. To elevate, honor and thank teachers for the critical work they do—throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and all the time—National PTA will mark May 2-6 as Teacher Appreciation Week.

“It’s no secret that times have been tough, but teachers have continued to show up every day and go beyond the call of duty to support children’s learning and development and ensure they have the tools they need to reach their full potential,” said Anna King, president of National PTA. “Now more than ever, it’s critical that we support our teachers and thank them for everything they do for our nation’s youth.”

As part of the association’s efforts during Teacher Appreciation Week, National PTA will host a special Facebook live conversation Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. EDT in collaboration with the National Education Association (NEA). The event will provide a platform for educators to share the realities of teaching right now and what they really need to feel encouraged, appreciated and respected. It will also include a discussion on ways communities, parents, students and policymakers can support our nation’s educators. The event will be moderated by Lisa Ann Walter of the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary and will feature U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, National PTA President Anna King, NEA President Becky Pringle and a diverse group of educators from across the country.

National PTA is also releasing a special “teacher talk” mini-series of its Notes from the Backpack podcast in conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week. The series features conversations with educators about what it is like being a teacher right now, what they wish families knew about their job and how families can work with teachers to improve the education system. Episodes will be released every Wednesday through mid-May and will be available to stream at PTA.org/BackpackNotes.

In addition to tuning into the Facebook live conversation and listening to the podcast episodes, National PTA encourages everyone to recognize and thank teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week by:

Sharing photos and stories of teachers on social media using #ThankATeacher

Sending heartfelt letters, cards and messages of appreciation

Creating artwork, poems and video messages

Recognizing teachers with awards and certificates

Using special social media graphics

“Recent surveys have found that teachers’ job satisfaction levels appear to have hit an all-time low and educators are planning to leave the profession in record numbers. It is especially important this year that we elevate teachers and give them the gratitude they deserve,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “We hope everyone will join us in giving our nation’s teachers the support they need during Teacher Appreciation Week and all the time.”

Teacher Appreciation Week is sponsored by Proud National PTA Sponsor Office Depot. To support teachers and school communities across the nation and show appreciation, Office Depot is offering discounts in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week as well as a Teacher Gift Guide to find personalized gifts, supplies and more.

Additional support for Teacher Appreciation Week comes from Proud National PTA Sponsor BAND, a group communication app for PTAs. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, BAND is offering self-care packages that can be gifted to teachers in recognition of their hard work.

National PTA has designated the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984. For more information about Teacher Appreciation Week and for digital certificates, virtual thank-you cards and other ideas and resources to celebrate and honor teachers, visit PTA.org/ThankATeacher.

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

Washington, D.C. - May 6, 2022 - (The Ponder News) -- The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, is proud to announce the theme for the observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2022: "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration". This year's theme is a continuation of the "Advancing Leaders" theme series which began in 2021. In 2022, "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration" further highlights FAPAC’s efforts in advancing leaders in the Federal and DC governments.

Collaboration involves two or more individuals, groups or organizations actively working together to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Collaboration at its core, requires leadership. Collaboration improves team dynamics, enhances problem solving leading to increased innovation, process efficiency, improved communication, and ultimately overall success.

Collaboration across federal agencies in making decisions supporting and advancing leaders is essential to developing and retaining key talent at the leadership level. It also allows agencies to cultivate a sense of unity as they set and maintain a set of core values and goals for federal leadership staff. Embracing collaboration to advance the most promising individuals to leadership and management positions also demonstrates to all federal employees that they too should embrace collaboration within and across their subset of departments.

Organizations that are led by leaders who have been supported and advanced through collaboration foster transparency. This transparency allows for a culture of openness and trust, which further fosters diversity and inclusion, a variety of opinions and a robust discussion of ideas and approaches, which are all the foundational traits of a thriving organization that is at the forefront of leading change.

In addition to retaining the most talented leaders in the federal government and creating an environment of transparency, this type of collaboration across agencies sparks innovation in organizations due to the diversity of creative ideas and openness for dialogue and understanding.

FAPAC invites all employees of the Federal and DC governments, as well as veterans, to the 37th National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) taking place at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia from May 9-13, 2022. The FAPAC NLTP is a reputable training program for public servants that delivers high-quality workshops, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for personal and professional development as it relates to the 2022 theme. During this week-long training, FAPAC will also recognize public servants with the presentation of the Civilian Awards, Uniformed Services Awards, and a $5,000 Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Award. The NLTP will host a free career exhibition and development programs for Current Students, Recent Graduates, and Veterans interested in public service.

The FAPAC National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) aligns with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requirements as an appropriate training for the Federal workforce in accordance with 5 U.S.C. Chapter 41 and 5 CFR 410.404.

FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports the interests of AANHPI employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to its mission of promoting equal opportunity and cultural diversity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in public service. FAPAC encourages the participation and advancement of AANHPIs in the government workforce.

May is National Nurses Month!

To all the nurses in our daily lives, The Stuff Gazette HONORS you!

We know how hard you work, and how invaluable you are. We would like to show our appreciation by helping you to honor National Nurse's Month!

Here are some great links to help you celebrate!

American Nurse's Association

You Make a Difference

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

Duke School of Nursing

HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION

Washington, D.C. - March 22, 2022 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) have announced the introduction of the Human Trafficking Prevention Act. This bipartisan legislation will require the posting of the contact information of the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the restrooms of all U.S. airplanes, airports, trains, train stations, busses and bus stations so that any victim, or anyone who notices a potential victim of human trafficking, knows who to reach out to for help.

Human Trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world. In 2020, 10,583 situations of human trafficking were reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline involving 16,658 individual victims. Due to the nature of this crime, instances of human trafficking are underreported making it difficult to identify those who are in danger. As a result, human traffickers often use the transportation systems to perpetrate this heinous crime.

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that takes place often right in plain sight. This legislation will help victims identify where help is only a phone call away. I was shocked when I found out that 28 people faced charges after a raid by an undercover child sex crimes sting right here in my own backyard of Goose Creek, S.C.,” said Rep. Mace. “Sadly, we saw a 15 percent increase in human trafficking in South Carolina last year. This bipartisan legislation will connect victims with the help they need.”

“A phone call can save a life and stop an individual from being trafficked at their most vulnerable moment. But, to make that call, you need to know who to call. The National Human Trafficking Hotline does lifesaving work to stop human trafficking and provide support to victims, and we must spread their information as far and wide as possible,” said Rep. Jeffries. “I am proud to have worked with Reps. Issa, Bass and Mace to introduce this important legislation to post the contact information of the hotline across our nation’s transportation infrastructure.”

“Human trafficking is a crisis in every corner of our country, and the victims of this scourge need our support and deserve our commitment to fight back every way we can,” said Rep. Issa.“The Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022 is a step in the right direction, which I hope is only the beginning of a new and lasting commitment to comprehensive enforcement and education measures from a unified Congress.”

“Human trafficking in this country should be taken extremely seriously. When it comes to combatting this issue, we have to employ as many different strategies as possible. That includes the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which will help connect victims and potential victims to the help they need at the moment when they might be most vulnerable. I’m proud to cosponsor the ‘Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022’ today and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation,” said Rep. Bass.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a toll-free service connecting victims and survivors of trafficking to critical support and resources. The Hotline provides both a toll-free phone line and SMS text lines which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish or in more than 200 additional languages through an on-call interpreter.

Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at: 1-888-373-7888, TTY: 711, Text: 233733

Contact your U.S. Representative today to support the bill by clicking HERE, entering your zip in the box on the upper right side of the screen to find your representative and sending them an email. Tell them to support the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, introduced on March 22 by Representative Nancy Mace and others.