Podcasts about this forum

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: EU Food Agency Recommends Banning Cages, published by Ben West on February 21, 2023 on The Effective Altruism Forum. Some key recommendations (all direct quotes from either here or here): Birds should be housed in cage-free systems Avoid all forms of mutilations in broiler breeders Avoid the use of cages, feed and water restrictions in broiler breeders Limit the growth rate of broilers to a maximum of 50 g/day. Substantially reduce the stocking density to meet the behavioural needs of broilers. My understanding is that the European Commission requested these recommendations as a result of several things, including work by some EA-affiliated animal welfare organizations, and it is now up to them to propose legislation implementing the recommendations. This Forum post from two years ago describes some of the previous work that got us here. It's kind of cool to look back on the "major looming fight" that post forecasts and see that the fight is, if not won, at least on its way. Thanks for listening. To help us out with The Nonlinear Library or to learn more, please visit nonlinear.org.

This Forum kicks off an evening of Grace Cathedral's advocacy to End Slavery for Good. Join Presiding Bishop Curry on screen from New York and Bishop Marc live from Grace Cathedral. They discuss the Free at Last Coalition, and how the national movement to change the 13th amendment has gathered a diverse group from across the political spectrum under its banner. Following the Forum, stay for a special contemporary service with Bishop Marc preaching, and SFJAZZ musician Destiny Muhammad, joined by a quartet, hallowing the long struggle for justice. While President Lincoln made the Emancipation Proclamation, state and legal law still allow for involuntary servitude — slavery by another name — as punishment for a crime. This is enshrined in the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. Disproportionately applied to Black and Brown people, this “punishment clause” subverts justice, and needs to be removed to free this nation from the institution of slavery.   Following Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Diocesan Bishop Marc Andrus, Grace Cathedral endorsed the movement. Through November 2022, there will be opportunities to learn the issues, frame them in light of Anglican Christian ethics, develop meaningful relationships and advocate with elected officials. An issue of this magnitude invites the active participation of the whole community, and has a place for everyone, including you.  THE VINE: FREE AT LAST Our Diocesan Bishop Marc Andrus will preach, reflecting on his Forum conversation with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, ongoing slavery and the demands of justice in our time. This contemporary service features music by Destiny Muhammad and a vocal quartet singing the praises of God and hallowing the long struggle for justice and concludes an evening of Grace Cathedral's advocacy to End Slavery for Good.

Train Today For A Better Game Tomorrow! Take the steps to improve your individual rules knowledge, learn advanced film breakdown techniques, and growing your officiating network. With support from UNM, the NMOA, NFHS, and NFL Grassroots program have partnered together to help with the shortage of high school football officials in New Mexico.  With this in mind, Behind The Flag has organized a 2022 Spring Football Officials Forum on April 1st and April 2nd at UNM Dreamstyle Stadium. The forum is intended to recruit and retain NMOA high school officials, provide classroom and on-field training, and networking opportunities for those interested in officiating at the next level.  The forum will be tough by current D1 and DII Football officials actively officiating in the Mountain West, Conference USA, Rocky Mountain and LoneStar Conferences.  We will cover film break down, officiating philosophies, NFHS rules, and mechanics.  This Forum will also have guests NFL Officials and College Coordinators speakers to discuss how to advance your officiating career. That the next step in your officiating path to success! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

A Conversation about Forgiveness and the Ethics of Cancel Culture hosted by the Veritas Forum at Harvard University. This Forum was generously funded by The Donahue Foundation. • Speakers: Christine Emba, Columnist at The Washington Post Willie Jennings, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale University Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive Officer at PEN America • Moderated by Sung Kwang Oh and Lizzie Bond • Made possible through sponsorship by The Donahue Foundation • Please like, share, subscribe to, and review this podcast.

This Forum presented by First Presbyterian Church of Hastings features Lily Black, Grace Canady, and Nyanhial Duang in a hopeful conversation about the work of anti-racism and call to love your neighbor. This forum was presented and recorded via First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, NE on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

It's been a long time since we had Angela on the show but long time listeners are very familiar with her as she has been on at least 30 different episodes! This weekend Angela ran her first OCR since last November and she was kind enough to take time out of her night to chat to chat about her experience volunteering and running the Thunder Run 5k in New Hampshire!  0:00 - 3:16 - Intro 3:16 - 13:24 - Quick News 13:24 - 13:52 - Content Preface 13:52 - 34:16 - Angela Interview 34:16 - End - Outro Updated Patreon Tiers Joe Rogan Show Censored Cat Rope Climb Viking OCR 8 Hour Championship Steve Bacon 9/11 Post Spartan Trifecta World Championship Cancelled Savage Race Pennsylvania Podium New Savage Obstacle Bridgewater Police 5k Chadwick Boseman Very Quick 7 Year Old Extreme Race Canada Results Battle Miles: World's Toughest Virtual Race Legacy Sports Park OCR Facilities Kyle McLaughlin Jabs at Spartan Kismet Cliff Run Secret Link Thunder Run 5k Obstacle Race OCR Discord (Will the Virtual WTM Champion Be in This Forum?!) Next week's episode will be something awesome that we totally have an idea about doing, this may or many not be sarcasm because episodes during COVID times are rough!  The OCR Report Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our Facebook group For a podcast shirt, send $20 to Katelyn-Ritter-8 on Venmo with your size and address Use coupon code "adventure" for 10% off MudGear products Use coupon code "ocrreport20" for 20% off Caterpy products Like us on Facebook: Obstacle Running Adventures Follow our podcast on Instagram: @ObstacleRunningAdventures Write us an email: obstaclerunningadventures@gmail.com Subscribe on Youtube: MStefano Running Intro music - "Streaker" by: Straight Up Outro music - "Iron Paw" by: Dubbest

Even more Virtual Toughest Mudder Content, this time Katelyn has Jes Parker the women's winner of the event! If you missed our recap episode we highly recommend checking it out to relive the event experience, and to hear both Mike and Katelyn suffer through trying to enjoy the event. Last episode had the overall winner Joe Carollo! 0:00 - 3:40 - Intro 3:40 - 12:39 - Quick News 12:39 - 13:28 - Content Preface 13:28 - 53:13 - Jes Parker Interview 53:13 - End - Outro Tough Mudder Goodr Glasses (please sponsor us) Special Olympic SoCal Good Glasses (please sponsor us) Thrive Outside in the Mud Frosty On My Own Virtual Run Survival of the FITtest Cal Goodwin Death https://www.facebook.com/BostonMarathon/posts/10157390577001657 Secret Link Follow Jes Parker on Instagram OCR Discord (Will the Virtual WTM Champion Be in This Forum?!) Next week's episode will have Kim DeVoss on to talk about her new show The OCR Coven!  The OCR Report Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our Facebook group For a podcast shirt, send $20 to Katelyn-Ritter-8 on Venmo with your size and address Use coupon code "adventure" for 10% off MudGear products Use coupon code "ocrreport20" for 20% off Caterpy products Like us on Facebook: Obstacle Running Adventures Follow our podcast on Instagram: @ObstacleRunningAdventures Write us an email: obstaclerunningadventures@gmail.com Subscribe on Youtube: MStefano Running Intro music - "Streaker" by: Straight Up Outro music - "Iron Paw" by: Dubbest

More Virtual Toughest Mudder Content, but this time hearing from the overall winner of the event, Joe Carollo! Also apologies for Mike being extra cranky, he hates his birthday and he isn't approaching his 30s gracefully. If you missed last episode we highly recommend checking it out to relive the event experience, and to hear both Mike and Katelyn suffer through trying to enjoy the event. 0:00 - 2:38 - Intro 2:38 - 7:26 - Quick News 7:26 - 7:55 - Content Preface 7:55 - 37:48 - Joe Carollo Interview 37:48 - End - Outro OCR Stars BoldrDash Course Rising Pheonix Documentary Virtual Toughest Official Podium Bo-Taoshi Obstacle Sports Canada Event Results Marathon Without Training FIT Trailfecta 2020 Secret Link Follow Joe Carollo on Instagram OCR Discord (Will the Virtual WTM Champion Be in This Forum?!) Next week's episode will have Jes Parker, the women's winner of Virtual Toughest Mudder!  The OCR Report Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our Facebook group For a podcast shirt, send $20 to Katelyn-Ritter-8 on Venmo with your size and address Use coupon code "adventure" for 10% off MudGear products Use coupon code "ocrreport20" for 20% off Caterpy products Like us on Facebook: Obstacle Running Adventures Follow our podcast on Instagram: @ObstacleRunningAdventures Write us an email: obstaclerunningadventures@gmail.com Subscribe on Youtube: MStefano Running Intro music - "Streaker" by: Straight Up Outro music - "Iron Paw" by: Dubbest

In the last decade, Americans' relationship with cannabis has transformed: today, dozens of states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use and American farmers can grow hemp on an industrial scale. Meanwhile, shoppers can find cannabidiol (CBD), which is derived from cannabis but does not produce a “high” like marijuana, in everything from oils to vapes, chocolate bars, cosmetics—even dog treats. Some say CBD can relieve stress, pain, anxiety, and more, with no side effects. But the evidence for many of these claims is limited, and state and federal laws around the sale of CBD are still evolving. Drawing on a newly-released poll by POLITICO and the Harvard Chan School, this Forum examined public attitudes toward CBD products and recreational marijuana. Panelists examined how research studies of both recreational and medical marijuana offer insights into the current debate. They also discussed the current state of policy and research regarding recreational marijuana in particular, and consider various solutions that have emerged to understand and regulate these rapidly growing industries. This Forum event was presented jointly with POLITICO on December 3, 2019. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

Hammered by unprecedented natural disasters, parts of the United States have coped with raging wildfires, catastrophic hurricanes, dangerous heat levels, blizzards and floods. In addition, climate change has introduced new risks and exacerbated existing problems, according to the National Climate Assessment. This Forum event convened a dynamic panel of former governors, who will share their unique insights into the challenges of leadership and natural disasters. What does it take to prepare, respond and rebuild? What roles do the public, local and state officials and emergency responders play? What is the intersection between economies and disasters? And what climate change considerations need to be understood? This Forum event was presented jointly with Reuters on November 14, 2019. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

Amid the bustle on U.S. college campuses, a growing challenge is causing concern. Many college students of color report mental health issues–including depression, anxiety and, among some groups, increased risk for suicide–that are not well understood or effectively addressed. According to surveys conducted by Harris Poll, students of color feel both more isolated and more overwhelmed than their white classmates. At the same time, they are less likely to seek counseling services on campus. Bringing together experts with diverse experiences and perspectives, this Forum explored how colleges can better support the social, emotional and mental health needs of students of color, particularly during the critical transition to college. Panelists emphasized evidence-based steps and policies that can help cultivate a positive and healthy experience for college students of color. This Forum event was presented in partnership with The Steve Fund and jointly with HuffPost on September 18, 2019. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

The U.S. officially eliminated measles nearly 20 years ago. Yet, this year, more than 1,100 cases have been reported, despite being preventable by vaccine. The CDC says the majority of cases are among those who were not vaccinated. This Forum looked at the drivers of the 2019 outbreaks and, more generally, the challenges of vaccine acceptance. Why do some parents delay or decline vaccinating their children? How might their concerns be addressed? What about exemptions? Why does the global picture matter? And what can be done once an outbreak begins? New polling data framed this discussion, providing a uniquely current picture of vaccine acceptance in the U.S. Part of The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums, this event was presented jointly with PRI's The World & WGBH on September 12, 2019. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

Pat Trotter, Dorothy Macdonald and Kim Meredith Speak at Forum Today’s episode is part one of a Pure Dog Talk Friday Night Forum at Del Monte Kennel Club in 2017. The panel features https://puredogtalk.com/25-patricia-trotter-legendary-breeder-author-and-akc-judge-vin-melcas-norwegian-elkhounds-2/ (Pat Trotter), Dorothy Macdonald and https://puredogtalk.com/47-yellow-submarine-rock-and-roll-peace-out-and-woofstock-kim-meredith-2/ (Kim Meredith) addressing the topic of the “Judge-Exhibitor Relationship.” Learn about the background and priorities of these legends in the sport. This Forum was originally available as a https://www.facebook.com/PureDogTalk/videos/1932375083718782/ (livestream video). We’re now bringing everyone all of the information in a three-part series on the podcast. Topics in this section of the forum include background of the judges, what the judges want to see in the ring, how to ask judges about a dog, the judges’ opinions of the National Owner Handled Series and withholding ribbons. Learn From the Source In a current moment that features social media commentary pages on which exhibitors “report” on the judges, often with great vitriol, the value of hearing directly from the judges and what matters to them cannot be overstated. A highlight of the conversation is Dorothy Macdonald’s description of coming to the US with her family in 1941 and bringing the dogs they could with them, including a Kerry Blue Terrier rescued from Dunkirk. Macdonald is noted as one of a handful of judges who judge both conformation and field trials. “I judged field trials as many years as dog shows,” Macdonald said. “I put up the first English setter running in the field that was a show champion.” “As long as you’re more interested in the dogs than the people, there will never be a split (between exhibitors and judges),” Macdonald said. “I want an exhibitor to be happy in the ring. I’m interested in the dog, not the exhibitor’s ability. Just need them to control the dog. It’s the dog I want to see.” Pat Trotter by Congleton Photography “We all had a first time in the ring,” Trotter said. “I do want them to have a dog that’s somewhat prepared for the event. I want to have a dog we can go through the process … see the bite, see the dog move.” Kimberly Meredith “I’m always happy to talk about the dogs I’ve judged,” Meredith said. “Attitude and how the question is approached are everything.” Support this podcast

In 2017, reports of hate crimes in the United States increased for the third consecutive year, according to the FBI. In addition to physical acts, such actions and other messages of racism, intolerance and extremism potentially impact large numbers of people online. In this Forum, experts tackled the painful and distressing spread of hate and racism. What social, political and psychological forces drive prejudice? How do modern media and the Internet enable and amplify hateful and racist messages? What are the impacts on the health and cohesion of society — and what can be done? This Forum event was presented jointly with PRI's The World & WGBH on February 13, 2019. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

In this uniquely insightful Forum, experts examined key health and education policies — and their broad implications — that are likely to be enacted by the new Congress. The panelists discussed the current climate, including the government shutdown. For background, the discussion drew on a newly-released poll by POLITICO and the Harvard Chan School. This Forum event was presented jointly with POLITICO LLC on January 23, 2019. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

What do rural Americans say are the biggest problems in their local communities? A new poll finds that drug/opioid abuse and economic concerns are the top challenges. When it comes to drug addiction and abuse, a majority of rural Americans say opioid addiction is a serious problem in their community. On economic issues, rural Americans largely hold negative views of their local economy, but nearly one-third have seen economic progress in recent years. What may help? A majority of rural Americans believe outside help will be necessary to solve major community problems in the future, and many believe government will play an important role. Convened shortly before National Rural Health Day and after the nation's midterm elections, a panel of experts explored the public health and policy implications of these findings within the broader context of life in rural America. This Forum event was presented jointly with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NPR on November 9, 2018. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

Healthcare has again emerged as a pivotal issue for American voters. Conversations around preexisting conditions protections, short-term health plans, drug costs and premium rates are as contentious as ever. Debates around Medicare and Medicaid have grabbed headlines, while the Affordable Care Act has remained divisive, despite helping millions become insured. Against this backdrop, state governments have forged ahead with their own health policy decisions, adding to the complex tangle of healthcare policies in the country. This Forum panel explored what's at stake in the 2018 midterm elections for Americans and their healthcare future. This Forum event was presented jointly with Reuters November 1, 2018. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

Stroke prevention and treatment is a remarkable success story — but strides appear to be stalling in some populations. Evidence suggests a dramatic increase in stroke incidence in people in their 30s and 40s. Disparities persist among race/ethnicities, and declines in stroke death have stalled in three out of every four states. This Forum examined stroke — from prevention and treatment through recovery. What is the latest information about the impacts of healthy lifestyles? What are the debates about current medications, such as TPA? What are some new treatments, including interventions in the so-called “golden period” of recovery, and the promise of basic science? What do policy changes, such as the 2018 blood pressure guidelines, mean? And how can we transform success from previous stroke prevention efforts for this new era to save even more lives and prevent disability? Part of The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums, this event was presented jointly with PRI's The World & WGBH on October 22, 2018. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

What is the status of evidence-based environmental policy in the U.S? Sweeping policy shifts, regulatory rollbacks, and decisions such as the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement prompt questions. This Forum provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing environmental science today. Panelists explored areas potentially or already impacted by change, such as the Clean Power Plan, methane rules, and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) implementation — and their public health implications. Experts described how the EPA and other agencies are responding and shared ideas for steps forward to nurture and protect the principles of peer-reviewed environment science. This Forum event was presented jointly with PRI's The World & WGBH on October 19, 2018. Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

Americans pay more money – sometimes much more money – for prescriptions than consumers in many other wealthy countries. Why? The drivers are many and complicated. Pharmaceutical companies, employers, health care providers, patients, lawmakers, and pharmacy benefit managers all play a role. Calls to make prescriptions more affordable have prompted new efforts, including at the federal level. Last May, for example, President Trump introduced a plan intended to help reduce drug prices. This Forum event aimed to demystify the prescription drug pricing process. Experts weighed issues such as regulation, price negotiation and competitive market pressures, ultimately asking why prescription costs matter for public health. Part of The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums, this event was presented jointly with Reuters on September 26, 2018.

Globally, people are living longer. What are the most compelling ways to ensure a sustainably healthy life? In this exciting live-streamed event, world-renowned author and speaker, Deepak Chopra, discussed the important connections between mind, immunity, genes and body. Dr. Chopra explored how chronic stress and inflammation can undermine immunity and health, ultimately seeking to empower people who wish to nurture their wellbeing over their lifetimes. He also discussed how these insights play out within public health, particularly as individuals and societies cope with epidemics, environmental threats, superbugs, aging and other challenges. He included takeaways from his new book, The Healing Self: A Revolutionary New Plan to Supercharge Your Immunity and Stay Well for Life, co-authored with esteemed Harvard neurology professor Rudolph Tanzi. This special Forum presentation featured Dr. Chopra in conversation with The World's Carol Hills, following some brief remarks. Dr. Michelle Williams, Dean of the Harvard Chan School, welcomed the audience and introduced the speaker. This Forum event was presented jointly with PRI's The World & WGBH on September 12, 2018. Watch the entire Forum series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/

No longer the stuff of science fiction, driverless cars already are being tested in numerous U.S. markets. These autonomous vehicles may revolutionize the automotive world, potentially reducing human error, reshaping transportation systems and transforming the country's roadway infrastructure. However recent deaths linked to self-driving technology have caused concern about safety and have raised questions about whether the field is moving too quickly. In this Forum, experts reviewed current technology, regulation, realistic long-term plans, and the risks and benefits of a driverless future. This Forum event was presented jointly with NBC News Digital on May 4, 2018. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

Autonomous vehicles will be here soon and will cause major changes when they arrive, similar to the building of the Interstates in the 1950s. AVs will bring safety, ease congestion, and provide mobility for many people who now find it difficult to travel. They will also erase many jobs, erode highway funding, and take customers from public transportation. For geospatial professionals, AVs will mean great opportunities in mapping, routing, site location, advertising, land use changes, and other areas. This Forum provides a look ahead to the US with AVs and will describe how we need to prepare.

Mental health issues are alarmingly on the rise among college students, and a serious gap exists in campus services to help them. What can be done to meet this growing need, spurred by issues of anxiety and depression, that has been described as sudden and dramatic by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health? In a spring 2017 survey by the American College Health Association, 39 percent of college students reported feeling so depressed that they were having trouble functioning, and 61 percent said that they had overwhelming anxiety in the previous 12 months. This Forum served as a call to action, asking how to develop a campus culture that prioritizes the prevention of mental health issues and the destigmatization of existing conditions. An expert panel featured leaders from academia, mental health advocacy and psychology, who spoke from a public health and health care delivery perspective. How do we support students in need; remove barriers, particularly for already marginalized students; boost communication; and promote wellness drivers, such as improved sleep, nutrition, exercise and social connectedness? And how do we gather the much-needed evidence for public health policies? Part of The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums, this event was presented jointly with HuffPost on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

President Trump recently described a plan to tackle the opioid abuse crisis that includes tougher sentencing on dealers and expanding access to treatment. The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis cites the need to move ahead quickly with treatment alternatives for those addicted to opioids. Yet, recent public surveys show that Americans are confused about opioid-treatment programs, with only about half believing there is an effective, long-term addiction treatment. There are programs offered for the treatment of opioid addiction, including medicated–assisted treatment, drug rehabilitation programs, addiction support groups, and counseling. This Forum – featuring the unique perspectives of former governors and the 21st United States Secretary of Health and Human Services — will examine the state government's role in current and future approaches to treatment. These approaches may include educating the public about these alternatives, paying for them, regulating their performance and availability, training and certifying health professionals in their use, and developing guidelines for certification of these treatments. This is the second in a series of Governors Roundtables. Part of The Andelot Series on Current Science Controversies, this Forum event was presented jointly with Reuters on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

Inspired by students across the country, the gun violence prevention movement has gained new momentum. But can it last or lead to substantive change on the Congressional level? This Forum brought together experts in mental health, violence, and gun policy to discuss a variety of proposed gun violence and school safety measures. What is the status of background check laws? What is an appropriate way to discuss mental health in the conversation — without creating stigma or a chilling effect on people seeking care? What skills and training should educators have to spot warning signs and respond in crises? And, in light of restrictions around federally funded gun-related research, do policymakers have the information that they need to study these questions effectively? In this time of turbulence, our panelists looked at the evidence for — and possible unintended consequences of — today's hotly debated measures to stop gun violence. This Forum event was presented jointly with Reuters on April 6, 2018. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

More than half of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans report that they have experienced violence, threats or harassment because of their sexuality or gender identity. Nearly one in five LGBTQ people has avoided seeking medical care for fear of discrimination. In this Forum, experts in LGBTQ health explored health disparities and discrimination that impact the LGBTQ community. Drawing from a recent poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, our panel looked at the impact of these experiences on physical and mental well-being — and what can be done to help. This Forum event was presented jointly with NPR on March 21, 2018. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

Six months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, a panel of experts assessed persistent public health challenges on the island and the outlook for long-term recovery. Power restoration, health care coordination, and medical services delivery on the island are just some of the pressing issues the panelists explored. They discussed the potential threats of extreme hurricanes more broadly, noting that 2017 was one of the most destructive seasons on record. What can be done to better prepare and respond to killer storms, and to build resiliency to combat such disasters? How can the public and private sectors work together? And what have we learned generally from past hurricanes - and specifically from ongoing efforts in Puerto Rico - to meet the many challenges ahead? This Forum event was presented jointly with PRI's The World & WGBH on Friday, March 9, 2018. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

More than a half million deaths each year around the world result from flu-related respiratory illnesses. This year, flu has grabbed particular headlines, driven by an early start to flu season and the dominance of a particularly severe flu strain, H3N2. The flu is most dangerous to people with underlying health problems, as well as individuals over age 65 and young children. However, each year flu cases involving young, otherwise apparently healthy people raise flags. In this Forum, experts in epidemiology, immunology, and health policy will place this year's flu season in context. They will explore vaccine development, prevention and treatment and address growing concerns globally as this particularly virulent outbreak gains the potential to spread further — ultimately asking is there a better way to stop the flu? This Forum event was presented jointly with PRI's The World & WGBH on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

How do Native Americans experience discrimination in daily life? A new poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health illuminates Native Americans' personal experiences with discrimination. The report reveals that more than a third of Native Americans and their family members have experienced slurs and violence, and close to a third have faced discrimination in the workplace and when interacting with police. The poll also reveals that Native Americans who live in majority-Native areas are significantly more likely to experience this kind of discrimination. This poll is one a series of reports that surveyed additional groups, including Latinos, Asian Americans, African Americans, white Americans, men, women, and LGBTQ adults, on their experiences with discrimination. This Forum event was presented December 12, 2017, in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NPR.

How do African Americans experience discrimination in daily life? A new poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health illuminates reports from African Americans who share their personal experiences with discrimination. With unprecedented documentation, the poll covers a range of areas — from police interaction, to job applications, to health care, to racial slurs. This Forum explored the poll results and their implications for a healthier, more equitable, and just society. This poll is the first among a series of reports that surveyed additional groups, including Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, men, women, and LGBTQ adults, on their experiences with discrimination. This Forum event was presented October 24, 2017, in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NPR.

The future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unclear. Republicans have decided not to vote this week on the Graham-Cassidy bill, but promised to revisit ACA repeal-and-replace efforts. Democrats announced recently a single-payer health care proposal. And another hurdle for the ACA looms. With open enrollment beginning on November 1, questions remain about the stability of the ACA insurance exchange marketplace, particularly around the fate of cost-sharing subsidies and other factors that affect enrollment, affordability and access to varied plans. This Forum brought together health and public policy experts from across diverse perspectives to look at what's next for the Affordable Care Act. What can Americans expect and where does health care reform go from here? This Forum event was presented jointly with Reuters on September 27, 2017. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

On the whole, American drinking water is safe. However, more than a year after toxic lead levels forced a federal state of emergency in Flint, MI, 63 percent of Americans report that they worry a great deal about polluted drinking water. This statistic comes from a new Gallup poll indicating that water pollution ranks the highest of six environmental concerns among respondents. While pipes in Flint are expected to be replaced with the help of a $97 million settlement, there are other cities with histories of unsafe lead levels — or other toxins — in drinking water. These contaminants can threaten health, particularly among children. This Forum grappled with safekeeping American drinking water supplies. Does the drinking water infrastructure need replacement? How would such an effort look? Do public alert systems help? What about other potential lead exposure sources? What is the role of regulation in a time of proposed deep cuts to EPA funding? What does the public need to know? This timely discussion was held in advance of Earth Day. Presented April 20, 2017, jointly with The Huffington Post. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada became the latest states to legalize recreational marijuana, bringing to 28 the number of states that have okayed the drug for medicinal use, recreational use, or both. Even more states have rules that allow certain kinds of cannabis extracts to be used for medical purposes. At the same time that state legalization is increasing, the Trump administration is signaling that it may ramp up enforcement of federal drug laws, even when they come into conflict with state laws allowing recreational marijuana use. State and local governments may find themselves on uncertain legal ground. Meanwhile, policymakers navigating this new landscape are also working largely without the benefit of a solid foundation of scientific evidence on the drug's risks and benefits. In fact, a new National Academy of Medicine report describes notable gaps in scientific data on the short- and long-term health effects of marijuana. What do we know about the health impacts of marijuana, and what do we still need to learn? This Forum brought together researchers studying marijuana's health impacts with policymakers who are working to implement new laws in ways that will benefit and protect public health. Part of The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums, this event was presented jointly with The Huffington Post on Friday, March 24, 2017. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

The passage of the 21st Century Cures Act has drawn both applause and criticism. A sweeping bipartisan effort with multiple components, the law dramatically boosts funding for medical research, particularly in areas such as cancer and brain disease. The law also relaxes regulatory processes for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. In doing so, the law's supporters point to the potential for faster treatments benefiting from a streamlined approval process. Critics raise concerns that safety and efficacy might be compromised, with potentially devastating consequences. And the law also has been questioned for failing to explicitly address high drug prices, a growing public issue. These debates are unfolding as the Trump administration is expected to imminently announce its choice for a new FDA commissioner, who will head an agency directly impacted by the Cures act. In this Forum, experts will explore the implications of the law for biomedicine, regulation, pharmaceuticals and patient advocacy. This Forum event was presented jointly with STAT on February 27, 2017. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

How can common chemicals affect our health? This Forum at HSPH was presented jointly with The Huffington Post. Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.

By 2050, a projected 9.7 billion people will inhabit the planet. How will we produce enough nutritious food to support this burgeoning population and ensure access to food resources, particularly as climate change stresses the environment? This Forum explored innovative methods and systems for producing food, as well as new types of products and underutilized sources. The panelists talked about emerging technologies, including advances in genomics and aeroponics, to grow food. They also discussed ways to sustain at-risk food resources made vulnerable from climate change, and the impacts for populations in developing countries. Part of The Andelot Series on Current Science Controversies, this event was presented jointly with PRI's The World and WGBH on December 13, 2016. Watch the entire series from The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health at www.ForumHSPH.org.

More than 100 million Americans struggle with chronic pain, according to one Institute of Medicine estimate, at an annual cost of as much as $635 billion in treatment and lost productivity. Further, the misuse of potent opioid painkillers, while increasing risk of addiction and abuse, can confuse the conversation around appropriate chronic pain management. This Forum brought together a panel of experts to discuss the causes, treatment and impact of chronic pain, exploring the neuroscience behind the pain experience. The panelists examined how clinicians can best serve their patients, highlighting the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recent National Pain Strategy. The Forum also looked at myriad pain management options, including marijuana and mindfulness meditation. And panelists examined relevant pain care policies, including prescription monitoring program regulations, drug development and funding for research. Part of The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums, this event was presented jointly with The Huffington Post and in association with Harvard Health Publications on November 10, 2016. Watch the entire series from The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health at www.ForumHSPH.org.

According to the CDC, nearly 29 million U.S. women and 16 million U.S. men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. Most of those experiences occur before the age of twenty-five. The evidence is clear that domestic violence takes a physical and emotional toll on individuals, families and communities. Those exposed both directly and indirectly are at a greater risk of mental health disorders, infectious and chronic diseases and death. And the global annual cost in lost productivity, health care, and law enforcement is estimated to be in the trillions. This Forum event, held during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, explored the many dimensions of domestic violence, the need for evidence-based prevention strategies and the role that the public and private sectors need to play to shift the conversation from intervention to preventive action. The panel included thought leaders and experts in public health and research coming together to advance the prevention of domestic violence. This event was Presented jointly with The Huffington Post on October 24, 2016. Watch the entire series from The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health at www.ForumHSPH.org.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has long been established as a public safety hazard. But what about hitting the road while fatigued? An estimated average of 83,000 accidents involving drowsy driving occurred annually between 2005 and 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and some estimates are even higher. These accidents cost lives, cause injuries, and damage property. This Forum event explored the risks, impacts and prevention of drowsy driving. Speakers included Arianna Huffington, author of the new book The Sleep Revolution; Mark Rosekind, Head of NHTSA; Charles Czeisler, renowned sleep medicine expert; and Jay Winsten, leader of a large-scale media initiative to draw attention to the perils of distracted driving. Presented May 10, 2016, in Collaboration with The Huffington Post. Watch the entire series from The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health at www.ForumHSPH.org.

A series of terrorist attacks — including recent bombings in Belgium — has shaken the public's sense of security as they go about the most mundane tasks of daily life. Images of carnage at subway stations, restaurants, workplaces, concerts and sporting events have flashed across the world's social media and traditional news outlets. Afterwards, questions inevitably surface about what could have been done to prevent attacks in the first place, while people are encouraged to carry on with their usual lives. But has the shadow of terrorism become part of that “new normal” and, if so, what are the public health implications? This Forum — which took place a week after the 3rd anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings — asked what makes a society resilient in the face of attacks or perceived threats. Experts in homeland security, psychological resiliency, crisis leadership, and disaster preparedness and response participated. Presented April 25, 2016, in Collaboration with PRI's The World & WGBH. Watch the entire series from The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health at www.ForumHSPH.org.

Over the last two years, we have seen major expansions in health care coverage through both federal and state insurance exchanges, as well as by expanding Medicaid coverage. This Forum examined whether these efforts to extend coverage have improved the health care experiences of low-income Americans and have narrowed the gap in access to high-quality care between themselves and other Americans. The discussion drew on the findings of a new poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that looked at patients' perspectives on health care over the last two years, with a focus on the reported experiences of low-income Americans. Through this discussion, panelists identified a future agenda for eliminating inequalities in care. Presented April 20, 2016, in Collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NPR. Watch the entire series from The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health at www.ForumHSPH.org.

This Forum was founded to primarily operate as a WATCHDOG GROUP. As concerned Jamaicans, residing all over the world, we have become deeply troubled with the state of governance, or the lack thereof, in our mother country. Jamaica is facing severe economic and social problems, which includes, but are not limited to, a sluggish economy, high rate of unemployment, high levels of crime, crippling national debt, corruption, crumbling social order, weak agricultural sector, poor education, unskilled labor force, inadequate health services, abuse of human rights and a poor justice system. As a WATCHDOG GROUP, RCFJ will take all necessary steps to apply pressure on any existing government of Jamaica, hold Jamaica's elected, appointed, and any other government officials accountable, thereby forcing transparency in the governance of Jamaica.   

Is local news a casualty of the digital age? A recent report from the Federal Communications Commission suggests that although the broad media landscape is more vibrant than ever, many state and local communities face a shortage of professional reporting, undermining journalism’s watchdog role at the local level. This Forum assesses the state of local journalism, paying special attention to the changing environment for news in New England. Our speakers, drawn from traditional as well as online media, include Callie Crossley, host of her own talk show on WGBH; David Dahl, who oversees local news initiatives for the Boston Globe; and Adam Gaffin of the online news site Universal Hub. Dan Kennedy, a media analyst who teaches at Northeastern University, moderates the discussion.

This Forum organized by ShoreCap Exchange addresses strategies and tools for attracting and retaining talent, enhancing the alignment of human resource practices with primary business goals and using human capital to build institutional strengths. ShoreCap Exchange is a ShoreBank capacity building company that helps banks working to serve small business and microfinance markets overcome the substantial operational challenges they face in dealing with clients not reached by traditional financial markets.