🔑IMSPARK: People with Disabilities Empowered in Disaster Preparedness🔑

🔑Imagine... People with Disabilities Empowered in Disaster Preparedness🔑

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

In this world, people with disabilities are not only included, but also actively involved in all stages of the disaster management process. They have access to the resources, information, and support they need to cope with emergencies and recover from them. They are also recognized as valuable contributors to the resilience and safety of their communities.

🔗 Link: 

People with disabilities take control in disaster preparedness

📚 Source: 

Arena, K., & Abovyan, K. (2023, May 1). People with disabilities take control in disaster preparedness. KBIA. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Disasters can affect anyone, but they often pose greater challenges and risks for people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, people with disabilities are more likely to be injured, killed, or left behind during disasters.👥 They may also face barriers to accessing essential services, such as health care, shelter, and communication.🚑 That is why it is crucial to ensure that disaster preparedness plans and policies are disability-inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs and preferences of people with disabilities.🏠 By doing so, we can not only protect their rights and dignity, but also leverage their skills and knowledge to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of disaster response and recovery efforts. 

#IMSPARK #DisabilityInclusion #DisasterPreparedness #Resilience

🌎IMSPARK: Mobilizing Capital Markets for Climate Resilience🌎

🌎Imagine… Mobilizing Capital Markets for Climate Resilience🌎

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where investors and financial institutions can easily identify and support projects and initiatives that enhance the capacity of people, systems, and nature to cope with climate change and its impacts.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

UNDRR. (2023). Designing a climate resilience classification framework to facilitate investment in climate resilience through capital markets. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

This report proposes a framework for classifying climate resilience investments based on the outcomes they generate, such as reducing vulnerability, increasing adaptive capacity, or transforming systems.💰The framework aims to provide a common language and a transparent methodology for assessing and reporting the resilience benefits of different types of investments, such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, or education.🌱The framework also intends to stimulate the development of resilience metrics, standards, and labels that can help investors and financial institutions to integrate climate resilience into their decision-making and portfolio management. The report argues that by creating a more enabling environment for climate resilience finance, the 👏 can help mobilize more capital for building a more resilient and sustainable future.

#ClimateResilience, #Finance, #Framework,#UNDRR,#RICEWEBB,#IMSPARK, 

🏘️ IMSPARK: Community Wealth Building Models🏘️ (VIDEO)

🏘️ IMSPARK: Community Wealth-Building Models for Economic and Social Justice 🏘️

In this episode, we delve into the visionary world of community wealth-building models, imagining a society where control over assets and resources is in the hands of the people. 💡 It's a journey towards equitable and democratic wealth sharing.

🔗 [Insert Link to Your Video]

📚 Source: 

Theodos, B., Marx, R., & Nunna, T. (2023). *Community Wealth-Building Models*. Urban Institute.

💥 What’s the Big Deal?

This episode explores innovative models aiming to expand asset ownership and community wealth-building, particularly for those historically excluded. Learn about community land trusts, limited equity cooperatives, social enterprises, and community development financial institutions.

🤝 Models:

- **Community Land Trusts:** Understanding the concept and operation.

- **Limited Equity Cooperatives:** Exploring benefits and functionality.

- **Social Enterprises:** Highlighting their role in wealth-building.

- **Community Development Financial Institutions:** Describing functions and significance.

🚀 Examples: 

Discover successful projects employing these models in various contexts and sectors, illustrating their effectiveness in creating inclusive and sustainable economic development.

🌳 Conclusion: 

Join us as we summarize how these models contribute to more inclusive and sustainable economic development, empowering individuals and communities to shape their own 

🌊IMSPARK: Decreasing Health Disparity with Transparent and Interoperable Health IT Systems in the Pacific🌊

🌊Imagine… Decreasing Health Disparity with Transparent and Interoperable Health IT Systems in the Pacific🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where health information technology (IT) enables better access, quality, and equity of health care for the diverse and underserved populations in the Pacific region.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

HHS Press Office. (2023, December 13). HHS finalizes rule to advance health IT interoperability and algorithm transparency. HHS.gov.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has finalized a rule that updates its Health IT Certification Program and its Information Blocking Rule. 💻The rule aims to improve the interoperability and usability of health IT, such as electronic health records, and to enhance the transparency and accountability of AI and other predictive algorithms that are part of certified health IT. The rule establishes new requirements for health IT developers to disclose information about their algorithms, such as their purpose, inputs, outputs, limitations, and potential biases.🧬 The rule also adopts new standards and policies to facilitate the exchange of electronic health information among health care providers, patients, and other stakeholders. The rule supports the goals of the 21st Century Cures Act and the Biden Administration to advance health IT innovation, patient access, and health equity. 🙌The rule could also benefit the Pacific region, where health disparities are prevalent and health IT adoption is lagging. By promoting more transparent and interoperable health IT systems, the rule could help improve the delivery and coordination of health care services, enhance the quality and safety of care, and empower patients and communities to manage their health and well-being.

#Interoperability, #HHS, #Algorithm,#HealthEquity,#TelehealthAccess,#HHS,#PacificRegion, #IT,#IMSPARK,

🌿IMSPARK: Deriving Therapeutic Solutions from Toxin🌿

 🌿Imagine… Deriving Therapeutic Solutions from Toxin🌿

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where a natural poison becomes a source of healing and protection for humans, animals, and plants.

🔗 Link:

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Hart, S., & Chung, D. (2023, December 20). Taming a plant-derived toxin. Scripps Research. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Picrotoxinin is a powerful toxin that can cause seizures and death by blocking certain brain receptors. However, scientists at Scripps Research have found a way to transform this toxin into a potential medicine.🧪By modifying its chemical structure, they made it more stable, safer, and easier to produce and manipulate.🌾They also discovered that it can selectively target different types of receptors, opening up new possibilities for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, and addiction.🧠Moreover, picrotoxinin could also be used as a pesticide or an anti-parasite agent, as it can kill or repel harmful organisms that threaten crops and livestock. Picrotoxinin is an example of how nature’s deadliest substances can be turned into life-saving solutions. 

#Picrotoxinin, #Toxin, #Research, #Innovation, #NaturalHealing,#Healthcare,#PTSD,#MentalHealth,#IMSPARK, 

🎉IMSAPRK: Be It Resolved: A New Year’s Message for Educators🎉

🎉Imagine... Be It Resolved: 

A New Year’s Message for Educators🎉

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where educators are valued, supported, and empowered to create positive change in their classrooms, schools, and communities.

🔗 Link:

Ref Here:

📚 Source: 

Michalek, A. M. (2014). Be it resolved…. Journal of Cancer Education, 29(1), 1-3.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

This editorial reflects on the challenges and opportunities faced by educators in the past year, and offers some resolutions for the new year. 🎓 author suggests that educators should strive to be more innovative, collaborative, and impactful in their work, and to advocate for more resources and recognition for their profession. 🌟 author also expresses gratitude to the various stakeholders who contribute to the success of the journal and the advancement of education. 👏 The editorial aims to inspire and motivate educators to continue their important mission and to make a difference in the lives of many.

 

#Educators #NewYear #Resolutions #Journal

🎶IMSPARK: Music by Veterans for Veterans🎶💡

🎶Imagine... Music by Veterans for Veterans🎶💡 

Imagined Endstate: 

A world where Veterans can heal their wounds and express their stories through the power of music.

🔗 Link: 

REF HERE

📚 Source: 

VA News. (2023, December 14). Music by Veterans for Veterans. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

CreatiVets is a nonprofit organization that helps Veterans cope with their service-related traumas through music and art. 🇺🇸 offer programs that pair Veterans with professional songwriters and musicians, who help them turn their experiences into songs.🎸These songs are then recorded and streamed for free on various platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. The songs not only provide a therapeutic outlet for the Veterans, but also a way to connect with other Veterans and the public, who can listen to their stories and learn from their perspectives. 🙌CreatiVets aims to use music as a tool to inspire, empower, and heal Veterans and their communities.

#PTSD,#MentalHealth,#Music,#VeteransCare, #CreatiVets,#Innovation,#IMSPARK,

🏘️IMSPARK: Community Wealth-Building Models for Economic and Social Justice 🏘️

 🏘️Imagine... Community Wealth-Building Models for Economic and Social Justice 🏘️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A society where people and communities have more control and ownership over their assets and resources, and where wealth is shared equitably and democratically.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Theodos, B., Marx, R., & Nunna, T. (2023). Community Wealth-Building Models. Urban Institute. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

This brief explores four innovative models that aim to expand asset ownership and community wealth building for individuals and institutions, especially those who have been historically excluded or marginalized by the mainstream economy. 🤝 models are community land trusts, limited equity cooperatives, social enterprises, and community development financial institutions. The brief describes how these models work, what benefits they offer, and what challenges they face. 🚀 brief also provides examples of successful projects that use these models in different contexts and sectors.🌳 The brief argues that these models can help create more inclusive and sustainable economic development, and empower people and communities to shape their own destiny.

#CommunityResilience,#capacitybuilding,#communityengagement,#CommunityEmpowerment,#SocialJustice,#SocialCapital,#EconomicDevelopment,#RICEWEBB,#IMSPARK,

💪IMSPARK: Innovative Approach to Wellness💪

💪Imagine... Innovative Approach to Wellness💪

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A healthy and resilient force of first sergeants who can effectively lead and care for their Airmen.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Novelly, T. (2023, December 13). Air Force issues smartwatches and rings to 1,000 first sergeants to manage their health. Military.com. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

First sergeants are among the most stressed and overworked members of the Air Force, as they are responsible for the well-being and morale of their enlisted ranks.⌚To help them monitor and improve their health, the Air Force has distributed wearable smart devices to more than 1,000 first sergeants.👩‍✈️These devices can track vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep quality, and alert the users before they reach unhealthy levels of stress.👍The devices also provide anonymous data to the leadership, who can use it to identify and address the common challenges and needs of the first sergeants. This initiative is part of the Air Force’s efforts to leverage technology and innovation to enhance the readiness and performance of its personnel.

 

#AirForce, #Wellness, #SmartDevices,#Innovation,#IMSPARK,

🕊️IMSPARK: The First Global Treaty on Artificial Intelligence🕊️

🕊️Imagine... The First Global Treaty on Artificial Intelligence🕊️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where artificial intelligence is developed and used in a way that respects human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Center for AI and Digital Policy. (2023). Council of Europe AI Treaty.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The Council of Europe is working on a groundbreaking treaty that aims to establish a common legal framework for artificial intelligence based on its standards and values🌐. The treaty would cover various aspects of AI, such as its design, development, deployment, and oversight, and ensure that it is aligned with human dignity, equality, and freedom🤖. The treaty would also address the challenges and risks posed by AI, such as its impact on privacy, security, democracy, and justice👩‍⚖️. The treaty would be open to all countries, not only the members of the Council of Europe, and would set a global example for the governance of AI.

#AI, #Treaty, #CouncilOfEurope,#humanrights, #ruleoflaw,#IMSPARK,

🚑 IMSPARK: Staffing Shortages of Oahu’s Rigs🚑

🚑Imagine... Staffing Shortages  of Oahu’s Rigs 🚑

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A robust and reliable emergency medical service system that can respond to any situation and save lives.

🔗 Link: 

Link Here

📚 Source: 

Dowd, E. (2023, December 18). EMS staffing shortage leaves one-third of Oahu’s rigs out of service for 12-hour period. Hawaii News Now. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

A temporary staffing shortage at Honolulu EMS left seven of its 21 ambulance units out of service for a 12-hour period, affecting the response time and coverage of emergency calls.🆘 The shortage was caused by a combination of approved holiday vacation leave, maternity leave and illness among the staff. 👩‍⚕️EMS officials said they have a mutual aid agreement with other agencies to mitigate the impact of the closures, and they are working on an aggressive hiring strategy to prevent this in the future.🙏The shortage highlights the challenges and risks faced by the EMS workers, who are essential for the health and safety of the community.

#EMS, #LaborShortage,#Healthcare,#workforcedevelopment,#IMSPARK,

🎄IMSPARK: The Secret Behind the greatest Christmas Hit🎄

🎄Imagine... The Secret Behind the greatest Christmas Hit🎄

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where people can enjoy and appreciate the musical elements and cultural influences that make a song a timeless holiday classic.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Hart, S., & Chung, D. (2023). Mariah Carey and the Christmas songs that become hits – again and again. Reuters. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” has been the soundtrack of the holiday season for nearly 30 years.🎁 Why has this song become a rare modern Christmas hit? 🎤This article explains how the song combines nostalgic harmonies, maximalist production, and R&B vocal ad libs to create a catchy and festive tune that appeals to different generations and musical tastes. 🎵The article also compares the song’s popularity with other Christmas songs, both old and new, and shows how it stands out among the crowd.

#Classic, #Christmas, #Music, #appeal, #IMSPARK,