Louisiana Policy Institute for Children appoints Dr. Libbie Sonnier-Netto as new Executive Director6/24/2019 Dr. Libbie Sonnier-Netto, an expert with extensive experience in the field of early childhood, is the new Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC). "The Committee of 100, chamber and other business leaders know that Dr. Sonnier-Netto will continue to build on the strong relationship established between employers, corporate decision-makers and LPIC,” said Committee of 100 CEO Michael Olivier. “This relationship is built on strong dialogue and quality research, two traits Libbie has already demonstrated she has." Dr. Sonnier-Netto assumes directing the strategic mission of the non-profit organization. She said, “This legislative session, I worked side-by-side with Melanie and the partners she has brought to the table from throughout the state to bring needed attention and action to Louisiana's early care and education network. I am humbled to be following in her steps, and to build upon the Policy Institute’s mission and to work with our partners in improving the life chances of children by continuing to focus on outcomes and measurable progress." Dr. Sonnier-Netto received her Doctor of Philosophy in human development from Virginia Tech. Under the mentorship of world-renowned scholars, Drs. Sharon and Craig Ramey, Dr. Sonnier-Netto'sdissertation involved the 5thdecade follow-up of the Abecedarian Project “babies” who are now in middle-age. Additionally, she earned a Master of Education in early childhood intervention and family support services from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Sonnier-Netto began her career as an early childhood interventionist working with families who had children with developmental disabilities. She has led teams of individuals in system-wide initiatives for the betterment of children, families, caregivers, and practitioners. Dr. Sonnier-Netto served as a state director of two federal programs managing multi-million-dollar budgets as well as developing and implementing pilot programs for children birth to age five in four states, including Louisiana, across multiple agencies and community partners to improve the efficiency and efficacy of direct services for children and their families. “Her experiences conducting longitudinal and experimental research allow Libbie to translate scientific findings into meaningful and practical policy implications that support better life outcomes for children, as well as make the need understandable for broad audiences,” said Ms. Bronfin. Dr. Sonnier-Netto is a co-author of multiple research publications in the areas of child development and learning capabilities, and is a licensed educator with specialties in special education, early education interventions and learning disabilities. She is a member of the Society for Research in Child Development, the American Educational Research Association, the International Society on Early Intervention, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Council on Family Relations. “Libbie’s background will only strengthen what we have been able to accomplish in the past five years in improving access by Louisiana families to high quality early care and education programs for their young children,” added LPIC Board President Gwen Hamilton. “The Board of LPIC was very much interested in finding a person who could build upon the incredible history established by Ms. Bronfin. Libbie so perfectly provided that measure and caliber of expertise. We're confident that the road ahead will be navigated well under her leadership. Ms. Bronfin will continue to serve as a Policy Advisor to LPIC. Media: for release or photo, contact Devin Johnson at bcodevin@aol.com or call 504.881-3273 To contact Dr. Sonnier-Netto: lsonniernetto@policyinstitutela.org
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FOUR WINDS TRIBE LOUISIANA CHEROKEE TAKE COURT ACTION AGAINST OPIOID MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS6/19/2019 The Four Winds Tribe Louisiana Cherokee, through its attorneys at Porteous, Hainkel and Johnson, LLP and the Winch Law Firm, L.L.C., filed a lawsuit this week against America’s pharmaceutical industry for knowingly mislabeling and misrepresenting opiate-based drugs and creating a spiraling addiction crisis across the nation, said Attorney Ralph Alexis.
The Four Winds lawsuit is the most recent filed by a Tribal Government and joins more than 100 pending suits by other Tribes. The filing underscores the nationwide show of Tribal solidarity in stepping forward and taking necessary legal action to end the opioid epidemic plaguing Native American Tribal populations, according to Mr. Alexis. There are currently more than 2000 lawsuits filed across the nation against the opioid manufacturers and distributors, many of which have been aggregated in a Multi-District Litigation proceeding in Cleveland, Ohio, before U.S. District Judge Dan Polster. The lawsuits also focus on the distributors’ violation of the Controlled Substances Act by their failing to report unusual patterns associated with certain opioid purchases and use. The Louisiana Tribe’s attorneys point to the fact that there have been on-the-record admissions of wrongdoing by some of the defendant manufacturers and distributors of opioids. Porteous, Hainkel and Johnson and the Winch Law Firm are part of a national leadership team of attorneys and medical experts called the Opioid Justice Team, which has filed a number of lawsuits, including class actions, on behalf of parishes, cities, non-profit health providers, hospitals, drug rehab centers, opioid-dependent and exposed babies, and Native American Tribes, all of which have borne extensive unreimbursed costs caused by the opioid epidemic. The team alleges that civil lawsuits brought against the pharmaceutical drug manufacturers, opioid drug distributors and/or wholesalers, are the only way to remedy the prescription opioid drug epidemic. “The documented facts show that pharmaceutical manufacturers deceptively marketed their opioid products by exaggerating the benefits of opioids and byintentionally downplayingthe extremely addictive nature of opioids,” said co-counsel Ralph Alexis of Porteous, Hainkel and Johnson. “And it is well established that the Opioid Crisis has disproportionately affected Native Americans,” said co-counsel Justin Winch of the Winch Law Firm. The suit seeks to create long-term solutions to help deal with the medical, social and legal issues related to the epidemic. For more information contact: Ralph Alexis, ralexis@phjlaw.com, (504) 581-3838 or Justin Winch, justin.winch@winchlawfirm.com, (504) 214-3400. For more information contact: Mark Stein (mstein@lowestein.com) 504-581-2450; Craig Williams [craig@mandwlegal.com] - (318) 963-5980
Update: As of June 14, this care provider has added all its Louisiana facilities to this suit. These facilities are: The Carpenter Hospice of Northwest Louisiana; St. Joseph Hospice; St. Joseph Hospice of Acadiana; St. Joseph Hospice of Bayou Region; St. Joseph Hospice of Cenla; St. Joseph Hospice and Palliative Care of Monroe; Grace Hospice of New Orleans; St. Joseph Hospice & Palliative Care-Northshore; St. Joseph Hospice of Southwest Louisiana; Stat Home Health of Northwest Louisiana; Stat Home Health of Southwest Louisiana; Homedica of Louisiana, LLC; Companion Home Services; NOLA SJH II; Stat Home Health Of Southeast Louisiana, LLC. Additionally Allegiance Health Management facilities from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Texas will be included. For more information, contact Mark Stein, Lowe & Stein, et al at (504) 581-2450. JUNE 14, 2019 Allegiance Health Management has added all its Louisiana facilities, as well as similar health care centers in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Texas, to a lawsuit filed yesterday by Minden Medical Center which seeks a jury trial for unreimbursed damages it has incurred due to America’s manufactured prescription opioid epidemic, announced Counselors Craig Williams of Marioneaux & Williams and Mark Stein of Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver New Orleans. Access the original filed lawsuit here. Here is the updated lawsuit. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, is part of a nationwide effort by a legal-medical partnership seeking damages for hospitals and emergency rooms impacted by the opioid epidemic. It makes claims of deceptive practices and racketeering by America’s drug industry. The suit seeks to recover monetary losses they have incurred treating adults and opioid-dependent born children. The suit is against America’s pharmaceutical industry for knowingly mislabeling and misrepresenting opiate-based drugs and creating a spiraling addiction crisis across the nation. The suit seeks to create a long-term solution to help deal with the medical, social and legal issues related to the epidemic. Said Attorney Mark Stein, “Hospital damages during the last five years will increase exponentially and will continue to do so. Inpatient care due to opioid use was estimated at $700 million in 2002. By 2012, that number grew to $15 billion. And the estimates for 2017 exceed $25 billion. The cost of an opioid-related adult ICU admission rose from an average of $58,517 to $92,408 between 2009 and 2015. The in-depth analysis we and our experts have undertaken with hospitals like Minden establishes historic damages.” The Opioid Justice Team has filed a number of lawsuits, including class actions, on behalf of counties, parishes, cities, non-profit health providers, drug rehab centers, opioid-dependent babies, and Native American Tribes for extensive unreimbursed costs caused by the opioid epidemic. Find more information at www.opioidjusticeteam.com The Opioid Justice Team media contact: C. Brylski/D. Johnson (504) 897-6110 JUNE 13, 2019 (Minden, Louisiana) Minden Medical Center which serves the residents of Webster Parish in Louisiana filed suit today in federal court, seeking a jury trial for unreimbursed damages it has incurred due to America’s manufactured prescription opioid epidemic, announced Counselors Craig Williams of Marioneaux & Williams and Mark Stein of Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver New Orleans.
The suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana is part of a nationwide effort by a legal-medical partnership seeking damages for hospitals and emergency rooms impacted by the opioid epidemic. It makes claims of deceptive practices and racketeering by America’s drug industry. Mr. Williams is also representing the Parish of DeSoto in making similar claims against prescription opioid manufacturers, distributors and marketers for creating a public health problem in that area. “The question for Minden Medical is not whether to become involved in opioid litigation, since America’s hospitals already are. The question is whether we wanted our own seat at the table to determine the fate of our own claims and be the master of our own future,” said Mr. Williams. Minden Medical Center seeks to recover monetary losses they have incurred treating adults and opioid-dependent born children. The suit is against America’s pharmaceutical industry for knowingly mislabeling and misrepresenting opiate-based drugs and creating a spiraling addiction crisis across the nation. The suit seeks to create a long-term solution to help deal with the medical, social and legal issues related to the epidemic. Minden Medical Center is part of the Allegiance Health Management system which operates 12 hospitals in Louisiana. Said Attorney Mark Stein, “Hospital damages during the last five years will increase exponentially and will continue to do so. Inpatient care due to opioid use was estimated at $700 million in 2002. By 2012, that number grew to $15 billion. And the estimates for 2017 exceed $25 billion. The cost of an opioid-related adult ICU admission rose from an average of $58,517 to $92,408 between 2009 and 2015. The in-depth analysis we and our experts have undertaken with hospitals like Minden establishes historic damages.” The Opioid Justice Team has filed a number of lawsuits, including class actions, on behalf of counties, parishes, cities, non-profit health providers, drug rehab centers, opioid-dependent babies, and Native American Tribes for extensive unreimbursed costs caused by the opioid epidemic. Find more information at www.opioidjusticeteam.com The Opioid Justice Team media contact: C. Brylski/D. Johnson (504) 897-6110 Filed Complaint For the first time in nearly a decade, more Louisiana working families will have crucial support in sending their children to a quality Early Care and Education Center thanks to a Governor and Legislative-supported budget which includes an $18.8 million increase for ECCE programing and seats, announced Executive Director Melanie Bronfin, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children.
Contact: C. Brylski/D. Johnson (504) 897-6110 /cbrylski@aol.com or bcodevin@aol.com
Operations conducted at Portsmouth site expelled radioactive material into air and environment for decades without informing nearby schools, homes, businesses (PIKETON, OHIO) The winds have blown radioactive materials from the Portsmouth Site in Pike County, Ohio at such levels that on May 13, 2019, Zahn’s Corner Middle School was forced to close. The school is approximately two miles from the plant, but hardly the only populated area impacted by the enriched uranium and neptunium-237 that has been detected in the area. Residents within a seven-mile radius of the plant are now seeking remediation for the radioactive and metal contamination found on their properties and have hired an internationally-renowned group of attorneys and scientists responsible for the largest verdict in legal history for radiation contamination. The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court/Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division notes that no nuclear incident has ever been reported at the site, nor did any of the named defendants, private companies tasked with performing work in and around the site, have a license to dispose of said materials on the plaintiff’s property. According to the suit, the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) assumed uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in 1993. Over the following years, operations related to the processing, enrichment, conversion, and disposal of uranium and uranium byproducts were executed by USEC and other named defendants Centrus Energy Corp., Uranium Disposition Services LLC, BWXT Conversion Services, LLC, Mid-America Conversion Services, Bechtel Jacobs Company, LLC, LATA/Parallax Portsmouth, LLC, and Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth, LLC. Plaintiff’s experts have stated that since defendants processed recycled uranium at this site, the waste would more likely than not contain plutonium. Lead Counsel Stuart H. Smith, one of the attorneys in the newly filed class action, has more than 30-years of experience documenting the radioactive shelf life of these nuclear activities, as well as the extensive procedures often taken by corporate entities to conceal the environmental impact upon neighboring properties, as well as human, animal and plant life. The biggest problem for the community and workers is that unlike a petrochemical or plastics plant, the radioactive materials cannot be detected by the human senses. The team of scientists working with Mr. Smith have already documented elevated levels of radioactive particles in the properties surrounding the Portsmouth facility. “Evidence indicates that properties and persons living near the site were exposed to toxic substances which will negatively impact their health and property values,” said Mr. Smith. “Worse, they were never informed of the contamination and its impact.” Environmental evidence gathered so far has shown radioactive materials, including very dangerous alpha-emitting radionuclides, on and around Plaintiff’s properties and are consistent with those expected to be found at uranium enrichment sites such as the Portsmouth Site. Exposure to the type of toxins released into the environment by this plant may have physical and genetic damages to those so impacted, said the filing, including cancers and birth abnormalities. “The reckless and careless conduct of the defendants and their decision to put profits over the safety of the families and children of Pike County will not be tolerated,” said Stuart Scott, Partner at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP in Cleveland and one of the attorneys in the class action. “We will hold the defendants accountable in Ohio courts for needless harm they have caused by their careless mishandling of the most dangerous material on earth.” The class action is on behalf of all current and former property owners within a seven-mile radius of the plant, all residents who lived within that radius for more than one calendar year, and on behalf of all current and former students of Zahn’s Corner Middle School as well as their parents. Mr. Smith has been the nation’s leading litigator on radiation contamination cases since 1992, when he litigated against Chevron for six-and- a-half solid months of trial in federal court in Mississippi for exposing its workers and property owners to radioactive oil pipe residue, becoming one of the longest civil jury trials in U.S. history. Mr. Smith,in 2001, won the largest verdict in legal history for radiation contamination which had been concealed by ExxonMobil in Harvey, Louisiana. He has also represented the residents and businesses impacted by St. Louis’ 75-year corporate history of irresponsibly transporting and storing radioactive waste. Mr. Smith leads a team of legal, medical, and environmental experts. “I have tried radiation cases against ExxonMobil and Chevron that have lasted months in court. The Portsmouth defendants are either going to remediate their actions or we will see them in court. These actors must take responsibility for their reckless actions,” he said. Mr. Smith is the author of Crude Justice, a book documenting his history of radiation litigation staring with the 1992 Street v. Chevron case which pitted the family owners of a pipe-yard located in rural southeastern Mississippi against a multinational oil conglomerate.[4] The Mississippi Division of Radiological Health found radiation from radium on the Street property 500 times the natural level.[6] In 2001, Smith was lead counsel in an oilfield radiation case that resulted in a verdict of $1.056 billion against ExxonMobil for contaminating private property it leased from the Grefer family in Harvey, Louisiana.[9] He is the founder of the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice at Loyola University New Orleans. Find more information here: http://www.stuarthsmith.com/about/ Contact: LPIC M. Bronfin (504) 228-0988; Jeff Chamber C. Marino (504)835-3880; United WaySWLA K.Nagle (501) 697-0415; S. Berthelot,LAUW; or C. Brylski/D. Johnson (504) 897-6110
More than 60 business, early education and United Way organizations and providers will send advocates to Baton Rouge on Tuesday, May 21, to ask the governor and legislators to budget sustainable state funding for improved access to quality early child care and education options for working parents BATON ROUGE (MAY 21, 2019) Once again, a coalition of business, education and civic groups, and statewide United Ways are meeting with Governor John Bel Edwards and legislators about increased and sustainable investments in high-quality early education and care (ECE) in Louisiana, but this year, they say they want action. They are armed with the legislature’s own Early Childhood Care and Education Committee’s report, LA B to 3,which calls for an $86 million investment this year in the state’s ECE program for children under age four. So far, a line item for just under $5 millionis the best that has been offered. “Just over 10 years ago, the state-funded program for young children of working parents served almost 40,000 children, and today we are serving only 15,000,” said Melanie Bronfin, Director, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. “Just to meet the current waiting list of 5,500 children requires an additional $31 million now, and even that won’t address all the needs of working parents who are desperate for access to affordable, quality child care and education centers.” The coalition will meet with the governor during a luncheon at the Capitol on May 21, and then visit their individual legislators. They are armed with the following facts and resources:
In Louisiana, more than 40% of kindergartners start school behind their peers — and those who start behind are more likely to stay behind. However, quality ECE can close this gap by developing cognitive and character skills when it matters most. Ninety percent of brain development takes place between birth and age four, wiring a child’s brain for future success or failure in school, work and life. The state’s lack of access to quality, affordable ECE is responsible for significant economic costs to Louisiana employers and working households, including:
“Investing in early care and education is an investment in Louisiana’s economy,” said Committee of 100 Chief Executive Officer Michael Olivier. “By investing in early care and education, we are ensuring every child has access to high-quality education programs, preparing them for success in school. At the same time, this investment allows working parents the ability to remaining in the workforce and the children are better prepared to enter the workforce.” “Almost half of households in Louisiana fall below an income threshold that allows for the cost of quality ECE,” said Michael Williamson, United Way of Southeast Louisiana President and CEO. “The research is clear. The state is suffering. Parents and children are suffering. And we cannot continue to afford to allow families and business to face the consequences of inadequate high-quality care and education options,” added Sarah Berthelot, President and CEO, Louisiana Association of United Ways. “Aside from the known academic benefits to our children, establishing and maintaining robust early childhood education is a critical workforce issue in Louisiana,” said Dr. Timothy Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “For too many working parents in Louisiana, child care presents a barrier to meaningful employment.” “This is a bi-partisan issue,” said Tony Ligi, Executive Director of Jefferson Business Council, “There has been enormous support shown by the general public to expand access for quality early care and education in order to prepare our youngest citizens for success. This investment is a sound fiscal strategy that also allows parents to work and support their families.” “If Louisiana is serious about addressing its criminal justice issues and raising public school achievement — all proven results for children attending high quality care — as well as giving its businesses a greater economic advantage to their out-of-state competitors, the return on investment in quality child care funding becomes very clear,” said George Swift, President/CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. For more information on Ready Louisiana, contact Christy Marino with the Jefferson Chamber at Christy@jeffersonchamber.org or Melanie Bronfin with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children at mmbronfin@policyinstitutela.org. Friday, May 17, 7 pm
Annual Collegiate Scholarships of Up To $4,000 awarded to students
Angel L. Bernard of Abramson Sci Academy and St. Aug Baseball Star Jordan Vidato The Major League Baseball Urban Youth Foundation, New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy and the “Each One Save One” mentoring program are proud to announce Abramson Sci Academy Senior Angel L. Bernard and St. Augustine Senior Jordan Vidato as the recipients of the 2019 Jack Fielkow Scholarship Program. Each scholarship winner receives $2,000 for demonstrating academic achievement, community participation, leadership skills and financial need. Ms. Bernard will enter Southern University Baton Rouge or Grambling State University this fall, seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. She has been a leader at Abramson Sci Academy, serving as President of the Student Council, a peer mediator, as well as member of the school flag team and basketball squad. She hopes her business degree will prepare her to start her own catering company. She was recommended by Each One Save One for her strong leadership skills, exemplified by maintaining a high grade point average while being a school leader and working part-time since the 10thgrade. Mr. Vidato has been a five-year member of the MLB Youth Academy, and Manager Eddie Davis said the St. Augustine Senior’s leadership on and off the field earned him the scholarship. Mr. Vidato is a three-year varsity star player for the St. Augustine High Baseball Team, where he served as outfielder/infielder. He will attend Panola College in Carthage, Tx. “Jordan has provided service hours to the Academy and represents what a MLB Youth Academy Member should be,” said Director Davis. “Off the field, Jordan finished with a GPA over 3.0 and his application essay communicated why he deserved the award. On the field Jordan was a varsity at St. Augustine High School and he also participated in several high-profile MLB Academy events.” The Jack Fielkow Scholarship, awarded annually, will assist these two high school graduates with room and board cost as well as tuition. Both students were selected by a committee including Arnie Fielkow, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and the former New Orleans City Council President and Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Saints. Mr. Fielkow made a $40,000 donation in his father’s name via the Jack Fielkow Scholarship Fund which local banks matched to establish the fund. “My family and I are very proud to have once again partnered with MLB Urban Youth Academy and Each One Save One for this wonderful program,” said Mr. Fielkow. “It gives us great pleasure to present these two outstanding students and athletes with the Jack Fielkow Scholarship”, said MLB Manager Davis. “We know that Mr. Jack Fielkow had a passion for sports and a passion to promote better citizenship. We believe that these students have the same passion and have demonstrated the desire to excel!” “The Jack Fielkow Scholarship provides our young people with an opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Each One Save One Founder Cathy Harris. “We are thrilled for the great achievements of Angel and Jordan. We eagerly anticipate their success at the college level.” Visit www.eachonesaveone.org for more information. ABOUT JACK FIELKOW SCHOLARSHIP The Jack Fielkow Scholarship Program was created in 2011 and is named after the late Jack Fielkow, the father of former New Orleans City Council President Arnie D. Fielkow. The Jack Fielkow Scholarship program funds two $2,000 college scholarships annually, one awarded to a participant from the MLB Urban Youth Academy and one from the New Orleans-based mentoring program, Each One Save One. Jack was an avid sports enthusiast and had a great love for the City of New Orleans. Arnie played an instrumental role in the building of the MLB Urban Youth Academy in New Orleans and has a baseball background in serving as the President of Minor League Baseball’s AA Southern League. Arnie also previously served as Executive Vice President of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and President & CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association and is currently the CEO/President of Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. ABOUT NEW ORLEANS MLB URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY The New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy at Wesley Barrow Stadium opened in 2012, replacing a 55-year-old facility that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The facility operates in coordination with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission to offer a dynamic youth program that provides free, year-round baseball and softball instruction as well as educational and baseball vocation programming for more than 2500 young people from underserved and urban communities throughout southern Louisiana. ABOUT EACH ONE SAVE ONE For 25 years, Each One Save One has been helping to change the lives of thousands of area children by recruiting, screening and training volunteer mentors who encourage and empower them to reach their fullest potential. Read our mentee success stories at www.eachonesaveone.org |
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