This Week's Updates
Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 08/07/2025 02:31 PM AKDT
ACoA Kinship Family Support Webinar Sept 5
Save the Date: ACoA Board Meeting September 25 via Zoom
You are invited! Please mark your calendars for our quarterly board meeting via Zoom September 25th from 9am - 4pm; lunch break 12-12:30pm. This board meeting will feature educational presentations and updates from Alaskan organizations including the Alaska Training Cooperative, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, ACLU Alaska Prison Project, the new State Falls Prevention Coalition and more. Celebrate Employ Older Adults Week with a presentation from the Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Program (MASST). Agenda coming soon. Stay tuned for Zoom details!
Celebrating Alaska's Centenarians on National Centenarian Day September 22
We are excited to share that Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA), Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office and Alaska Pioneer Homes are working on a special project to celebrate Alaska's Centenarians on National Centenarian Day, September 22, 2025.
Are you a Centenarian (age 100 years or older)? Do you know a Centenarian in your community who we should celebrate? Reach out to us at: doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov or call 907-230-0871. Stay tuned!
ACoA Kinship Family Support Webinar with Haa Yatx’u Saani and Volunteers of America Alaska September 5
We are excited to share that in honor of Grandparents Day, we are hosting a free educational webinar on Kinship Family Support in Alaska with Haa Yatx’u Saani and Volunteers of America Alaska on Friday, Sept. 5th at 12pm. Are you a grandparent or relative raising children in your family? Want to learn what supports exist for kinship families in Alaska? Join us! All are welcome.
Zoom link to join at noon on September 5: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81324705401
Have questions or need help accessing Zoom? Call our Program Coordinator at 907-230-0871 or email us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov.
ACoA Long-Term Care Medicaid Eligibility Webinar with Alaskan Attorney Amrit Kaur Khalsa August 18
We appreciate everyone who joined our Estate Planning Webinar with Chelsea Riekkola in June in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Thanks to overwhelmingly positive feedback and several suggestions for further educational classes, we are hosting a Long-Term Care Medicaid Eligibility Webinar with Alaskan Attorney Amrit Kaur Khalsa on August 18th via Zoom from 12pm to 1:30pm AKDT which will cover Miller Trusts, Transfer of Assets, and more. Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81842574793.
Alaska Medicare Information Office: Medicare Webinars Mondays and Wednesdays
On the second Monday of each month at noon, meet with the Alaska Medicare Information Office for a quick presentation of the Medicare Minute, which focuses on a specific Medicare topic. After the monthly topic is presented, Medicare Information Office staff will invite attendees to ask questions.
- August 11 - Medicare and Employer Coverage
- September 8 - Medigaps
- October 13 - Fall Open Enrollment
Need Help Through the Medicare Maze?
Interested in the basics about Medicare? Come to MIO's Medicare 101 online presentations. MIO staff will go over the basics of Medicare A, B, C, D, Medigap (Medicare Supplements), and how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and abuse. The presentation is approximately one hour followed by a 30-minute question and answer session. Wednesdays, 5:30pm - 7:00pm.
- August 27
- October 22
These webinars are online through Zoom. You will receive an email with details about how to join the event once you register. Use the above registration links to sign up for future dates. Have questions or need help registering? Contact the Medicare Information Office at (907) 269-3680 or doh.mio.info@alaska.gov
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15th and ends December 7th! Alaska's Medicare Information Office is here to help. View this PSA from Medicare.gov.
Alaska Department of Health: Senior & Disabilities Services Monthly Office Hours on Zoom
The Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) offers open office hours via Zoom for individuals and families. Join SDS Training Unit every 1st and 3rd Monday from 12-1pm to ask questions and learn more about SDS programs, services, and processes. Providers are welcome to attend alongside family members or individuals. For those who wish to discuss private health information, an encrypted breakout room is available. Flyer with more information is attached to this email. Facebook post to share here.
Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9910842668?pwd=R1FERThwYmZ2MkQrNjQzTTVYL2hOUT09.
Fairbanks Senior Center Awarded Meals on Wheels Pets Grant 4th Year in a Row
The Fairbanks Senior Center has been awarded the Meals on Wheels America Loves Pets Grant for the fourth consecutive year to support its Pets Need Vets program, which helps low-income seniors cover the cost of veterinary care for their beloved pets. The continued funding has allowed the program to expand beyond vet visits to include other essential pet needs like special food, grooming, and nail care. This initiative not only promotes the health of senior-owned pets but also supports seniors' emotional well-being by helping them keep their cherished companions. Seniors aged 60 and older in the Fairbanks North Star Borough can access assistance through partnered veterinary clinics. Community members and local businesses are encouraged to donate or get involved by visiting fairbanksseniorcenter.org or contacting Shawna Chastain at (907) 452-2574. Facebook post here.
A tiny home project for homeless seniors is in bloom, thanks to garden volunteers
The compound of six tiny homes in the corner of Central Lutheran Church’s parking lot on 15th and Cordova looks very different from a typical homeless shelter, especially now when everything is in bloom. The pilot project known as ‘In Our Backyard’ provides transitional housing for seniors experiencing homelessness.
Alaska Health Fairs: Fall Schedule is Live
Visit https://alaskahealthfair.org/ to view the fall schedule of Alaska Health Fairs statewide September through November. Alaska Health Fair, Inc., a nonprofit, has been providing health education and affordable blood screenings since 1980. Each year, thousands of Alaskans take advantage of the affordable blood tests offered at health fairs. AHF collaborates with the largest clinical laboratory in the nation to ensure the availability of high-quality blood screenings to all Alaskans at a nonprofit price.
Senior Voice August Issue is Live
The August 2025 issue of Senior Voice is packed with timely and engaging content for Alaskans 50 and older. Highlights include practical advice on visiting loved ones with memory loss, tips for choosing a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, and the story of an Anchorage man who stays active through recreational gold mining. You’ll also find insights into how older adults are thriving in the digital creator economy, updates on dementia research and prevention, and a guide to finding senior discounts in 2025. Don’t miss the special feature celebrating 90 years of Social Security and an invitation to ACoA's August 18th webinar on long-term care Medicaid eligibility. Read the full issue at seniorvoicealaska.com and share it with friends!
Aging and Disability Resource Center Brown Bag Lunch August 12
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce - August Chamber Academy August 14
Social Security: How to Maximize and What Retirees Need to Know with Karin Woofter
10:45 am Doors Open
11:00 am Program Begins
FREE Anchorage Chamber Members
$15 Non-Members
Anchorage Chamber Board Room
1016 W 6th Ave., Ste. 304
With more than 7 million Social Security-related internet searches every month, Social Security is a hot topic. Everyone is impacted, and many businesses pay into FICA for their employees. Workers wanting guidance look to their HR departments as they near retirement, who may not have the resources to address Social Security and Medicare enrollment. This is not an easy decision and is highly personal. Filing based solely on life expectancy is a big mistake. Several filing factors should be considered, including employment status, gender, marital history, children, single individuals, spousal issues, etc. As a Registered Social Security Analyst and financial professional, RSSA Member Karin Woofter is obsessed with studying Social Security and sharing what she's learned with others.
Partnership to Align Social Care: Medicare Policy Changes Webinars this month
The 2024 and 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rules advanced significant policy changes for Medicare payments under the PFS and other Medicare Part B payment policy issues including coding and payment changes for Community Health Integration (CHI), Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Risk Assessment, and Principal Illness Navigation (PIN)--services to address Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs or upstream drivers of health).
These services codes, which were established in 2024 and updated in 2025, provide a pathway for reimbursement for the labor extended by auxiliary personnel, including community health workers, to the Medicare provider. In addition, they allow providers to contract with community-based organizations that can provide staffing to address identified upstream drivers of health for affected populations.
The proposed CY 2026 PFS includes an important opportunity to inform expanded payment policies for addressing upstream drivers of health.
Register today to join the Partnership to Align Social Care to learn more about proposed updates to and opportunities to inform Medicare payment policies included in the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
The Partnership will host two 90-minute sessions on August 6 and August 18 coupled with issue-specific stakeholder conversations throughout August to review updates and answer questions about an important CMS Request for Information included in the Physician Fee Schedule. Comments are due on Friday, September 12.
Dementia Respite Programs: Translating the Respite for All Faith-Based Model into Community-Based Environments Webinar August 25
The National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center invites you to attend this webinar on August 25th at 11am AKDT where they will explore how the Respite for All model, originally rooted in a faith-based setting, can be effectively adapted for use in public or civic community-based environments. Respite for All uses a person-centered, strength-based approach to provide meaningful engagement for people living with dementia, vital respite for care partners, and rewarding experiences for volunteers. Register here.
AARP Design for Life: Exploring Housing for All Ages and Stages of Life Webinar August 26
Join AARP on August 26th at 9am AKDT via Zoom to discuss key features to include in homes that can enhance safety and independence for people of all ages through remodeling or building new homes. Register here.
AARP Alaska: Webinar Cooking Series in September
Cook for a healthier you! Join AARP Alaska's four-part webinar series to learn everyday kitchen tips that support brain & bone health. Enhance your wellbeing with simple, nutritious cooking habits. Register now: http://spr.ly/6180fgBOI
Alliance for Health Policy Congressional Briefing - Webinar Sept 2
2025 Signature Series: What’s Long Term Support Services (LTSS) and Why It Matters for Millions of Americans
Around 8 million people currently rely on LTSS to fill the gaps in our healthcare system, whether at home, in the community, or in nursing facilities. But what exactly is LTSS, who needs it, and how are we preparing for the growing demand?
This nonpartisan educational briefing September 2nd at 8am AKDT will:
- Outline the relationship between older Americans, independence, and LTSS
- Explain the current structure of LTSS financing in the U.S., including Medicaid, Medicare, private, and hybrid models
- Highlight how many people in your state or county are using Medicaid LTSS
- Explore innovations in state-level LTSS delivery and financing
- Examine the workforce behind LTSS, including direct care workers, older workers, and unpaid caregivers
Brain Bus Visit in Delta Junction September 8-9
Southeast Regional Eldercare Coalition Ketchikan Elder Resource Fair September 12
SREC is hosting an Elder Resource Fair at Plaza Mall in Ketchikan September 12th from 10am - 4pm. Visit with community organizations and learn about local services available. To register or request more information, contact SREC at srec@jedc.org or call 907-523-2300. Facebook post here.
Explore resources from the Southeast Regional Eldercare Coalition here.
Leadership Anchorage Accepting Community Project Proposals Until Sept 15
Each year, Leadership Anchorage participants volunteer appx. 1,700 hours to tackle challenges proposed by local nonprofits and community organizations. Participants get to choose projects to work on in groups of 4 or 5 over the 10-month program. If you or your organization has a project you could use committed and competent support on, submit a proposal by Sept. 15!
US Access Board: Global Journey through Accessibility Laws Webinar Sept 16
Join the US Access Board at 9am AKDT on September 16 for an informative journey as they explore the world of accessibility laws! We’ll travel across the globe to discover how different countries are promoting Information and Community Technology (ICT) accessibility through legislation. Our itinerary includes stops in the United States, Canada, and Europe, where we'll highlight Section 508, ADA Title II Web Accessibility, the Accessible Canada Act, and the European Accessibility Act. Questions can be submitted in advance of the session or can be posed during the live webinar.
Make a free account and register here.
ACL/AoA Updates
The Administration on Community Living/Administration on Aging (ACL/AoA) Weekly Update includes upcoming events, webinars, trainings, funding and grant opportunities, and other news announcements. Click here to subscribe to the Older Indians listserv to receive emails pertaining to Title VI programs.
All Tribes Webinar: Medicaid Tribal Provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act August 13
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs (DTA), in collaboration with the National Indian Health Board, will hold an All Tribes Webinar August 13th at 11am AKDT providing an overview of and introduction to the Medicaid tribal provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). This bill was enacted into law July 4, 2025. Presenters will discuss how the provisions of the law impact American Indian and Alaska Native Medicaid beneficiaries. Additionally, the presenters will explain how other CMS programs may be impacted by the law, with potential tribal implications. Once available, a recording of this All Tribes Webinar will be found on the CMS DTA Spotlight page. Review the legislation in advance of the webinar.
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? This three-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you can do to cope with the changes that come with an early-stage diagnosis. This Early Stage Webinar with the Minnesota Elder Justice Center is August 14th at 9am AKDT. Learn about legal, financial, and safety plans, and the importance of being proactive in planning to prevent challenges in the future.
Intergenerational Program Certification - Applications Now Open
Generations United is now accepting applications to recognize outstanding intergenerational programs in the United States. The Program of Distinction and Program of Merit designations are based on the criteria that underpin the effectiveness of any intergenerational program and are intended to recognize the rich diversity among programs that involve older and younger generations. Application deadline is September 26.
Save the Date - September 7th is Grandparents Day!
#DoSomethingGrand and celebrate Grandparents Day (Sunday, September 7, 2025) throughout the month of September! This year, Generations United is celebrating Stories From the Table. Inspired by the hit Netflix film NONNAS, this social impact campaign is a celebration of food, family, and the wisdom passed down through generations, and offers a way to promote intergenerational exchange in your community. Learn about this year's theme and the activities you can do with your grandparents, grandfriends, grandchildren, or other loved ones here.
Improving Food Security in Kinship/Grandfamilies Webinar September 10
With the significant increase in the cost of food, some grandfamilies and kinship families, especially those on fixed incomes, may not have ample food to feed their growing family. Federal nutrition programs can help kin caregivers stretch limited budgets, and ensure their families thrive. In this webinar September 10th at 10am AKDT, learn about the array of federal nutrition programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), school meals, and afterschool and summer food programs, that are available to help kinship/grandfamilies get the nutrition they need. The Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network will equip you with practical information and resources about these programs, developed by the Network’s subject matter expert the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), that you can use to connect the families you serve to these important nutrition programs.
National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) Conference Sept 8-10
This inclusive event September 8-10th in Bellevue, Washington brings together Adult Protective Services professionals and allied experts from diverse fields to share insights, learn together, and build meaningful connections. We’re excited to gather in such a vibrant city and create an impactful experience for everyone involved. Learn more and register here. September 11th is an additional day of programming at the Financial Exploitation Summit. Explore NAPSA's resources.
Federal Transit Administration's Funding for Tribes
Eligible applicants or recipients of FTA competitive and formula grants vary by program. Competitive awards will list the eligible applicant types in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Formula programs will list the eligible recipient types on the dedicated FTA program site and/or the program circular. For clarification of program eligibility, contact the FTA Office of Program Management. Federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are eligible direct recipients and subrecipients for numerous FTA programs. View the full listing of programs for which tribal governments are eligible recipients. Typically, tribal governments working with FTA are the recipients of FTA’s Tribal Transit Program (TTP) funds.
Healing from Relationship Scams Webinar Recording
For those of you who were unable to join the webinar on Healing from Relationship Scams provided by the National Center for Victims of Crime on July 22, 2025, please find below the recording and resources from the webinar.
- Recording
- Webinar resources
- “Taking Action: An Advocate’s Guide to Assisting Victims of Financial Fraud” (PDF)
AARP provides resources to help people combat scams and fraud, including a dedicated helpline. AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline:
- Call: 877-908-3360
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 4am - 4pm AKDT
To learn more about upcoming events from the National Center for Victims of Crime, visit victimsofcrime.org.
NCOA: August is National Make-A-Will Month
National Council on Aging works to improve the lives of millions of older adults, forging new ways to help people age with dignity, purpose, and security. One of those is their partnership with FreeWill to help ensure every older American can create a will that reflects their wishes.
As a part of National Make-A-Will Month, you can begin creating your estate plan, protect your independence, and get the peace of mind for your loved ones. The FreeWill tool walks you through the process, free of charge, and often in less than 20 minutes.
National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
NOSORH’s Community Development in Rural Health Toolkit is a new digital guide designed for State Offices of Rural Health, local leaders, providers, and partners ready to drive change. The toolkit walks you through a seven-step process—from identifying community needs to measuring long-term impact—with practical planning tools like a pre-assessment checklist, asset inventory, and stakeholder mapping worksheets. Built on five proven frameworks—Social Capital, Appreciative Inquiry, Asset-Based Community Development, Participatory Development, and Collective Impact—this resource supports collaborative, locally driven solutions to improve rural health. Check it out today!
Disaster Technical Assistance Center - SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration's latest DTAC Bulletin highlights practical tools for supporting people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) before, during, and after disasters. It features resources for behavioral health professionals, caregivers, and first responders—including a clinical advisory, caregiver emergency toolkit, crisis de-escalation training video, and plain-language CDC preparedness materials. They emphasize the need to include individuals with TBI in emergency planning and offers guidance to ensure accessible communication and coordinated care during crises.
ADvancing States Updates
Sign up for ADvancing States weekly Friday update here.
MACPAC Brief on Spending Utilization for Medicaid HCBS
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) published a brief on Medicaid HCBS users and expenditures. The analysis finds that Medicaid beneficiaries using HCBS increased while the number of institutional LTSS users decreased from 2019 to 2021. The brief also found that in most states in 2021 the share of HCBS users was larger than the share of institutional LTSS users.
Brief on Adults' Experiences in Accessing Medical Care
MACPAC published a brief titled: Access in Brief: Adults' Experiences in Accessing Medical Care. This brief examines how adults with Medicaid, private insurance, or no insurance access medical care. The brief uses data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey and finds that Medicaid improves access compared to being uninsured. The brief also notes that more Medicaid beneficiaries have a usual source of care and recent doctor visits in comparison to those that are uninsured but still fall short of private insurance beneficiaries in key areas. Among low-income adults Medicaid generally supports better access than private coverage. However, adults with disabilities on Medicaid face significant financial challenges, with 75% reporting trouble paying medical bills.
National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: Elder Abuse
While nursing home residents have a federally protected right to be free from abuse, it is estimated that 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse or neglect. Abuse and neglect can come in many forms, including sexual abuse, financial exploitation, privacy issues, resident-to-resident mistreatment, and issues related to surveillance/electronic monitoring. Educational material and resources, such as presentations, brochures, and factsheets, on these different forms of abuse are available on The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care’s website.
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Self-Neglect Research Report
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) announced two new research products on Elder Self-Neglect (ESN), a public health issue affecting millions of older adults nationwide. ESN is the most frequently reported concern to Adult Protective Services (APS) and has the highest rate of recurrence, often co-occurring with and leading to other forms of elder mistreatment like physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse.
The research brief synthesizes the latest findings on ESN's prevalence, signs, risk factors, impacts, and intervention strategies. The accompanying research short provides a one-page summary of these key findings.
Issue Brief on Adult Protective Services and Medicaid
ADvancing States is pleased to publish findings on Adult Protective Services (APS) and Medicaid from the 2022 national survey of APS Programs in the issue brief Adult Protective Services and Medicaid: Intersections in Policy, Practice, and Federal Funding Findings from the ADvancing States National Survey of Adult Protective Services. ADvancing States conducted this survey to assess the current state of APS programs and identify trends related to topics such as caseload, staff retention, and client assessment. Findings from the full survey can be found in the report, Adult Protective Services in 2022: Responding to Evolving Needs in a Changing Environment.
This issue brief highlights the critical intersection between APS and Medicaid. The survey results show that Medicaid funds some services needed by APS clients. APS program staff often actively assist clients in accessing Medicaid services. While some APS programs utilize Medicaid administrative claiming (MAC), there remain opportunities to strengthen relationships with Medicaid and leverage Medicaid financing resources.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 2025 Revised Primer for State Agencies
ADvancing States recently released a new report, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 2025 Revised Primer for State Agencies, co-authored with the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care as partners in the Administration for Community Living-funded National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC). The Primer aims to support State Agencies in understanding the unique role of the Ombudsman and learning best practices from the Long-Term Care Ombudsman regulation, updated in 2024 as part of the Older Americans Act rule.
This report provides insight into the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, offers thought-provoking considerations, and includes conversation starters and resources for state agencies in collaboration with the Ombudsman program. It also familiarizes readers with the Ombudsman Program regulation, offers an overview of the unique role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and describes the role of the Ombudsman Program within the evolving landscape of long-term services and support.
National Older Americans Act ROI Fact Sheet
ADvancing States has partnered with MonAmi to share the importance of the Older Americans Act services. This fact sheet highlights the national return on investment (ROI) in dollars and outcomes, showcasing how OAA programs deliver real value for states and communities.
Banner Alzheimer's Institute Updates
Banner Alzheimer’s Institute continues to expand its impact through innovative dementia care, groundbreaking research, and support for caregivers and communities. Their latest updates highlight growing access to clinical trials, enhanced caregiver tools like the Dementia ECHO series and Care T.I.P.S., outreach to underserved populations, and trusted educational resources like the Alzheimer’s Untangled podcast. They are also offering several upcoming free webinars, including sessions on understanding brain changes and navigating caregiving challenges. Click here to read all the updates.
National senior job training program faces uncertain future
A nationwide job training program for seniors has not received its regular funding from the Department of Labor.
Eldercare Surpasses Childcare in the US
With the number of American workers who are caring for an older adult surpassing the number providing care to preschool children, it marks an inflection point in society that will affect everything from corporate benefits to public policy to medical care and retirement plans.
John A. Hartford Foundation Updates
The latest bulletin includes a Health Affairs article introducing the first-ever Age-Friendly Hospital Measure, developed in partnership with the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Additional resources include a report from the Center for Health Care Strategies analyzing state trends in enrollment for Medicare Savings Programs among low-income older adults, a Journal of the American Medical Association article proposing national standards for inclusive surgical care, and a case study from the Commonwealth Fund on delivering home-based primary care to older adults experiencing homelessness. Upcoming events include a webinar on Age-Friendly Care in Rural Areas on August 7, and the next session in the Age-Friendly Public Health Systems Learning and Action Series on August 21. Applications accepted for the Age-Friendly Health Systems Scholarships, due August 15, and the American Society on Aging’s RISE Fellowship, due September 14. Read more here.
KFF & MedPage Today News
Congress Looks To Ease Restrictions on Veterans’ Use of Non-VA Clinics and Hospitals
This Test Tells You More About Your Heart Attack Risk
Ozzy Osbourne Shined a Light on Parkinson’s Stigma
Trust for America's Health: Congressional Hearing on Pain in the Nation 2025
TFAH recently convened a panel, featuring experts from the fields of addiction policy, mental health, and injury and violence protection discussing substance use and suicide prevention. If you missed the briefing, you can learn more about the impact of substance misuse and suicide in states, counties, and communities by watching the recording.
Disclaimer: The information and announcements included in this email are being redistributed for informational purposes only. Our agency does not necessarily endorse or support the views, opinions, or activities of these organizations, and inclusion in this email does not imply any affiliation or recommendation.