Latest news with #ACCESS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hartselle City Schools administrator wins award
Jun. 19—Hartselle City Schools Secondary Curriculum Coordinator Josh Swindall was recognized with the Alabama ACCESS Administrator of the Year Award. ACCESS, which stands for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educations and Students Statewide, is a virtual learning program that provides students with opportunities to take courses not otherwise offered at their school. Each year, the Alabama State Department of Education recognizes an administrator, counselor, facilitator, teacher and student of the year for their work with ACCESS. Swindall received the award Wednesday at the Alabama Educational Technology Conference in Mobile. HCS Superintendent Brian Clayton said teacher Wynette Orr was also recognized with the ACCESS regional award for facilitators for her work with its Academy program. "It signifies the level of excellence that Hartselle City Schools continues to provide," Clayton said. "Whether we want to talk about online classes or face-to-face classes, I think there's a high level of expectation in Hartselle, and our employees do their best to try to meet that standard, and I think it is widely recognized through the state." — or 256-340-2437
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
NMDP's ACCESS Trial Results Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Demonstrating Strong Outcomes with Mismatched Unrelated Donors in Adult Stem Cell Transplantation
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Results from the ACCESS (Allogeneic Cell Transplantation Clinical Evaluation of Stem Cell Sources) study, a multicenter Phase II clinical trial sponsored by NMDP SM, a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, and conducted by its collaborative research program, CIBMTR® (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research®), were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Oncology. The results demonstrate that post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis enables safe and effective hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from mismatched unrelated donors (MMUD), significantly expanding access to curative therapy for patients with blood cancers. Evaluating outcomes in two conditioning intensity groups—myeloablative (MAC) and reduced-intensity/nonmyeloablative (RIC/NMA)—the study found there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between patients with 7/8 HLA-matched donors and those with <7/8 matches, supporting broader donor eligibility. The one-year OS was 83.8% for MAC and 78.6% for RIC/NMA recipients. These outcomes were comparable to, or better than, historical 8/8 matched donor benchmarks (75%). 'These study results are a major step forward in making allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation more accessible for all patients who need a lifesaving procedure,' said Monzr M. Al Malki, M.D., Professor, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope and ACCESS study co-chair. 'By demonstrating that mismatched unrelated donors can be used safely and effectively, we are opening the door to curative therapy for patients who historically had limited or no donor options. The findings published also lay the groundwork for future Phase III trials comparing MMUD transplantation to other alternative donor strategies.' The trial enrolled 145 adult patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies across 21 U.S. transplant centers, with 59% self-identifying as members of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. Participants received peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts from MMUDs and were treated with a standardized PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis regimen. Low rates of severe GVHD were also observed, with grade III-IV acute GVHD at six months occurring in only 8% (MAC) and 10% (RIC/NMA) and severe chronic GVHD at 12 months in only 3% (MAC) and 4% (RIC/NMA) of patients. The pool of study participants included a high representation of socially vulnerable populations, with many patients reporting financial hardship and reduced physical function at baseline. NMDP-led Donor for All research Historically, finding an available matched, unrelated donor on international registries has been limited for patients with ethnically diverse ancestry— from as low as 29% for Black or African American patients and 48% for Latino and Hispanic patients versus 79% for non-Hispanic White patients. NMDP's network of transplant centers, many of which participate in CIBMTR trials, are bringing new research to light that is challenging previously established HCT science. To improve outcomes, NMDP is sponsoring a series of clinical trials studying the use of PTCy GVHD prophylaxis in MMUD HCT (patients matched at 4/8 to 7/8 alleles). ACCESS builds upon findings from the first Donor for All trial, the groundbreaking NMDP-sponsored 15-MMUD study, which showed that PTCy was effective in decreasing risk for GVHD in adults with hematologic malignancies receiving bone marrow transplants from MMUDs. ACCESS is closed to further enrollment, with pediatric results forthcoming next year. The OPTIMIZE trial is now enrolling and evaluating whether a reduced dose of PTCy will safely and effectively prevent GVHD while reducing infection risk in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving PBSC HCT from MMUDs. The ACCELERATE trial will open to accrual this summer to further reduce the risk of GVHD and other post-transplant complications in patients. 'Our Donor for All research is transforming cell therapy as well as redefining donor eligibility and transplant accessibility – helping close the donor gap and extend curative therapies to every patient who needs a life-saving transplant,' Steven Devine, MD, chief medical officer, NMDP, and senior scientific director, CIBMTR, and a senior author of the study, added. About CIBMTR® CIBMTR® (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research®) is a nonprofit research collaboration between NMDP SM, in Minneapolis, and the Medical College of Wisconsin®, in Milwaukee. CIBMTR collaborates with the global scientific community to increase survival and enrich quality of life for patients. CIBMTR facilitates critical observational and interventional research through scientific and statistical expertise, a large network of centers, and a unique database of long-term clinical data for more than 675,000 people who have received hematopoietic cell transplantation and other cellular therapies. Learn more at About NMDP SM At NMDP SM, we believe each of us holds the key to curing blood cancers and disorders. As a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, NMDP creates essential connections between researchers and supporters to inspire action and accelerate innovation to find life-saving cures. With the help of blood stem cell donors from the world's most diverse registry and our extensive network of transplant partners, physicians and caregivers, we're expanding access to treatment so that every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy. NMDP. Find cures. Save lives. Learn more at
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
NMDP's ACCESS Trial Results Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Demonstrating Strong Outcomes with Mismatched Unrelated Donors in Adult Stem Cell Transplantation
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 17, 2025-- Results from the ACCESS (Allogeneic Cell Transplantation Clinical Evaluation of Stem Cell Sources) study, a multicenter Phase II clinical trial sponsored by NMDP SM, a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, and conducted by its collaborative research program, CIBMTR® (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research®), were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Oncology. The results demonstrate that post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis enables safe and effective hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from mismatched unrelated donors (MMUD), significantly expanding access to curative therapy for patients with blood cancers. Evaluating outcomes in two conditioning intensity groups—myeloablative (MAC) and reduced-intensity/nonmyeloablative (RIC/NMA)—the study found there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between patients with 7/8 HLA-matched donors and those with <7/8 matches, supporting broader donor eligibility. The one-year OS was 83.8% for MAC and 78.6% for RIC/NMA recipients. These outcomes were comparable to, or better than, historical 8/8 matched donor benchmarks (75%). 'These study results are a major step forward in making allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation more accessible for all patients who need a lifesaving procedure,' said Monzr M. Al Malki, M.D., Professor, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope and ACCESS study co-chair. 'By demonstrating that mismatched unrelated donors can be used safely and effectively, we are opening the door to curative therapy for patients who historically had limited or no donor options. The findings published also lay the groundwork for future Phase III trials comparing MMUD transplantation to other alternative donor strategies.' The trial enrolled 145 adult patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies across 21 U.S. transplant centers, with 59% self-identifying as members of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. Participants received peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts from MMUDs and were treated with a standardized PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis regimen. Low rates of severe GVHD were also observed, with grade III-IV acute GVHD at six months occurring in only 8% (MAC) and 10% (RIC/NMA) and severe chronic GVHD at 12 months in only 3% (MAC) and 4% (RIC/NMA) of patients. The pool of study participants included a high representation of socially vulnerable populations, with many patients reporting financial hardship and reduced physical function at baseline. NMDP-led Donor for All research Historically, finding an available matched, unrelated donor on international registries has been limited for patients with ethnically diverse ancestry— from as low as 29% for Black or African American patients and 48% for Latino and Hispanic patients versus 79% for non-Hispanic White patients. NMDP's network of transplant centers, many of which participate in CIBMTR trials, are bringing new research to light that is challenging previously established HCT science. To improve outcomes, NMDP is sponsoring a series of clinical trials studying the use of PTCy GVHD prophylaxis in MMUD HCT (patients matched at 4/8 to 7/8 alleles). 'Our Donor for All research is transforming cell therapy as well as redefining donor eligibility and transplant accessibility – helping close the donor gap and extend curative therapies to every patient who needs a life-saving transplant,' Steven Devine, MD, chief medical officer, NMDP, and senior scientific director, CIBMTR, and a senior author of the study, added. About CIBMTR® CIBMTR® (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research®) is a nonprofit research collaboration between NMDP SM, in Minneapolis, and the Medical College of Wisconsin®, in Milwaukee. CIBMTR collaborates with the global scientific community to increase survival and enrich quality of life for patients. CIBMTR facilitates critical observational and interventional research through scientific and statistical expertise, a large network of centers, and a unique database of long-term clinical data for more than 675,000 people who have received hematopoietic cell transplantation and other cellular therapies. Learn more at About NMDP SM At NMDP SM, we believe each of us holds the key to curing blood cancers and disorders. As a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, NMDP creates essential connections between researchers and supporters to inspire action and accelerate innovation to find life-saving cures. With the help of blood stem cell donors from the world's most diverse registry and our extensive network of transplant partners, physicians and caregivers, we're expanding access to treatment so that every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy. NMDP. Find cures. Save lives. Learn more at View source version on CONTACT: Media contact: Jess Ayers [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA MINNESOTA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ONCOLOGY HEALTH STEM CELLS GENERAL HEALTH CLINICAL TRIALS RESEARCH SCIENCE SOURCE: NMDP Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/17/2025 10:14 AM/DISC: 06/17/2025 10:14 AM
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Atlanta Jewish community mourns loss of embassy staffers in DC shooting
The Brief The Atlanta Jewish community is mourning the loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were killed in a shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., during an embassy event. Elias Rodriguez has been charged in connection with the attack, which is believed to have been motivated by political statements, and federal prosecutors are considering additional charges, including the death penalty. In response to the tragedy, community leaders are emphasizing resilience and solidarity, while advocating for increased security measures and encouraging support for Jewish residents in Atlanta. ATLANTA - Members of Atlanta's Jewish community are reeling following the deadly shooting of Sarah Milgrim, an Israeli Embassy staffer with close ties to the city, during an attack at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Milgrim and her colleague Yaron Lischinsky were shot and killed during an embassy event Tuesday evening. Authorities have charged Elias Rodriguez, a Chicago man, in connection with the killings, alleging he entered the museum shouting "Free, free Palestine!" before opening fire. Federal prosecutors say additional charges are possible and have not ruled out seeking the death penalty. SEE ALSO: Chicago man charged in D.C. embassy shooting — FBI raids apartment But in Atlanta, the focus has turned to grief, fear, and solidarity. What they're saying "This incident, this event is terrifying and just devastating to me and the entire Jewish community," said Dov Wilker, the Atlanta regional director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), which had previously worked with Milgrim. Milgrim had been active in AJC's ACCESS program, which brings together young Jewish professionals across the country. Wilker said Milgrim was deeply engaged with the Atlanta community, helping lead trips abroad and organize interfaith outreach. "She traveled with them to Morocco. She did programming with them in D.C. This was really their friend — a beautiful friend of theirs who all she wanted to do was make a positive impact on the world," Wilker said. Since the shooting, Wilker has been in contact with young professionals who knew Milgrim. "They are absolutely devastated. They never thought that something like this could happen," he said. "As bad as antisemitism got, they never thought that a young Jewish professionals event would be a target of this type of attack." Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, said she had met both victims and believed the attack was intended to intimidate those working in diplomacy. "We were open this morning. We are resilient. We are strong. And we will not allow for terror to win," Sultan-Dadon said. "We will not be terrorized and we will not be afraid to stand up for who we are and for what is right. We will continue to represent Israel proudly." Wilker echoed calls for strength but acknowledged the deep anxiety now gripping many in the community. "One of the things that has to happen in the Jewish community — and continues to happen — is an increase of visible security presence," he said. The AJC is urging residents across metro Atlanta to reach out to their Jewish neighbors in the wake of the shooting. "Check in with them. Support them. Let them know they are not alone," Wilker said. The Source Dov Wilker, the Atlanta regional director of the American Jewish Committee, and Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, both spoke with FOX 5's Eric Mock for this article. FOX News contributed to this article.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
SPS Board approves English Language screener for next school year
The Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education approved a contract for another year of an online English Language screener for English Language students in the district. The Board voted to approve Flashlight360 – an online English Language screener and pathway it used last year in the district – for another at its May 13 meeting. For the 2024-25 academic school year, students' speaking and writing scores from the beginning to end-of-year benchmarks had increased an average of plus-0.8 points for each category. 'These increases moved our overall district performance level scores from emerging to expanding,' according to Board agenda documents. 'The students' pathway scores increased by an average +0.6 points from September to March in speaking, and by an average +1.4 points in writing.' The district will provide exact comprehension and English communication scores to the Board when they are released in June. The district has used Flashlight360 with its English Language student population 'to provide instructional support and data on students' reading, writing and speaking ability during their English acquisition,' according to Board documents. The program mirrors the state-required English proficiency assessment, allowing staff members 'to collect data and provide additional instructional support to students throughout the school year as they prepare for the ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) assessment in the spring.' The screener, pathways and professional development for teachers will be funded by the district's Title III EL allocation, which will cost $13,875. The district provides newcomer programming, EL prevention programming and EL consultation support for students. Free classes are also held at Meridian Technology Center at 312 S. Sangre Road, which aim to strengthen students' listening, speaking, reading and writing skillls. The ESL classes are funded by state and federal funds through the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. The schedule for classes at Meridian are from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays (Beginner), 8:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays (Intermediate) and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays (Advanced).
