Breaking News

Other Commentaries

Wake-up call for American innovation

American innovation faces an existential threat: the steady erosion of intellectual property rights. Early stage biotech funding is on track to decline 40% this year, and leading investors have made clear that one reason for the retreat is their declining faith in the sanctity of patents. This retreat is understandable. Investing in life science is risky and expensive. Patents and other intellectual property are what offer the possibility of financial upside if all the risks are overcome and the technology actually makes it to market. Yet in recent years, Washington has seemed ...

Grange doing part to fight addiction

Opioid addiction. At first glance, it might be viewed as an urban or suburban problem. It’s easy to imagine rural communities living a simpler life — without the pitfalls and distractions that can come from living in larger population centers. To a certain extent, it’s true. Our rural regions have been able to hold on to strong community feelings — where everyone knows one another and is there to lend a hand. Unfortunately, however, we haven’t been shielded from the dangers of opioids. In fact, it’s becoming an increasing problem in our rural areas. The ...

Recognizing heroes in health care

Advanced Practice Provider Week is set aside to celebrate, highlight and honor the countless positive contributions our health care heroes make. The UPMC Advanced Practice Provider Advisory Council committee in coordination with UPMCAltoona would like to recognize the outstanding care and APPsolute excellence that our APPs provide to all of our patients as well as to recognize the critical role they play as part of the annual APP week celebration held this year during Oct. 25-30. The term encompasses a variety of health care professionals, including Physician Assistants, Nurse ...

Horrific attack on Israel hits home

The horrific attacks on Israel and Israelis by Hamas and Hezbollah that have continued over what should have been the joyous celebration of Simchat Torah — where we renew our reading of, and commitment to, our sacred scriptures — have left many of us stunned and bereft. Across my Facebook feed, friends and colleagues have posted notices from other colleagues and friends whose loved ones have been killed or are still missing. As I scanned the messages, I found one name — the name of someone I do not know but whose family intersects with mine. That’s the way Jewish ...

Health-care plan catering to veterans

As both a veteran and the Director of Program Innovation & Improvement for UPMC Health Plan, I understand the health-care needs of Pennsylvania’s veterans. When I saw my retired veteran father struggle to get the affordable health care he needed, I knew I had to take action. Military-issued retirement benefits include TRICARE For Life when the retiree is Medicare eligible. TRICARE For Life provides prescription drug coverage. “Medicare Advantage” plans offer benefits that TRICARE does not, including vision, dental, and behavioral health coverage and caregiver supports — ...

Pivotal time for PA higher education

In early July, a vote to fund the public missions of Penn State and our fellow state-related universities ended in a stalemate. Nearly three months later, this funding for our Pennsylvania students remains unresolved. I am urging lawmakers to vote to approve funding for our university and ultimately our students. Penn State uses state funds exclusively to support in-state tuition for Pennsylvania students and families, which last year saved our 42,000 resident undergraduates an average of $15,000 each on tuition costs compared to their out-of-state peers. This discount is ...