DMV Spotlight shines a light on Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)  on 6-23-24  following a recent study finding more teenagers in the US are using high potency marijuana since the legalization in dozens of states.

SAM Executive Vice President Luke Niforatos explains both tobacco and alcohol companies are now in the pot business and using the same tactics to hook younger and younger pot users with marijuana that is up to 99 percent more potent that “ Woodstock “ pot. SAM also rejects the idea that social justice reform must be achieved by  legalizing pot, with Niforatos insisting the recent pardon signed by MD Governor Wes Moore proves that prior simple possession offenses can be wiped out without legalizing the drug.

Learn more here: https://learnaboutsam.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)  on 6-23-24  following a recent study finding more teenagers in the US are using high potency marijuana since the legalization in dozens of states.
SAM Executive Vice President Luke Niforatos explains both tobacco and alcohol companies are now in the pot business and using the same tactics to hook younger and younger pot users with marijuana that is up to 99 percent more potent that “ Woodstock “ pot. SAM also rejects the idea that social justice reform must be achieved by  legalizing pot, with Niforatos insisting the recent pardon signed by MD Governor Wes Moore proves that prior simple possession offenses can be wiped out without legalizing the drug.
Learn more here: <a href="https://learnaboutsam.org/">https://learnaboutsam.org/</a>

Smart Approaches to Marijuana | June 23, 2024

DMV Spotlight on June 9th, 2024, shines a light on the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, an annual event open to residents 50 and older to compete is a host of events from pickleball to long jump to suduko.

Guest Janet Garber, former Chair of the NVSO and current head of the Fundraising Committee explains that every year there is at least one athlete older than one hundred. She also describes the competitive nature of the NVSO that are held over a 2 week period in September. Garger also discusses the need for volunteers to run such a big event as well as fundraising efforts to keep participant costs low.

Learn More Here: https://nvso.us/

DMV Spotlight on June 9th, 2024, shines a light on the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, an annual event open to residents 50 and older to compete is a host of events from pickleball to long jump to suduko.
Guest Janet Garber, former Chair of the NVSO and current head of the Fundraising Committee explains that every year there is at least one athlete older than one hundred. She also describes the competitive nature of the NVSO that are held over a 2 week period in September. Garger also discusses the need for volunteers to run such a big event as well as fundraising efforts to keep participant costs low.
Learn More Here: <a href="https://nvso.us/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://nvso.us/</a>

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics | June 9, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a light on support for cancer patients in the DC Metro area. Cancer Support Community, Washington DC is part of a global network that connects cancer patients with services, counseling and assistance across the DC Metro area.  Executive Director for Cancer Support Community, Washington DC Zubair Ansari, explains the services that are available, not only for patients but also for family members, community members and caregivers. Ansari explains patients get referrals from Oncologists and various medical professionals.

Ansari also illuminates the health disparities in treatment for cancer patients in the DC area, noting that cancer mortality rates in Wards 7 and 8 are among the highest in the nation.

Learn more here: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/location/csc-washington-dc

DMV Spotlight shines a light on support for cancer patients in the DC Metro area. Cancer Support Community, Washington DC is part of a global network that connects cancer patients with services, counseling and assistance across the DC Metro area.  Executive Director for Cancer Support Community, Washington DC Zubair Ansari, explains the services that are available, not only for patients but also for family members, community members and caregivers. Ansari explains patients get referrals from Oncologists and various medical professionals.
Ansari also illuminates the health disparities in treatment for cancer patients in the DC area, noting that cancer mortality rates in Wards 7 and 8 are among the highest in the nation.
Learn more here: <a href="https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/location/csc-washington-dc">https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/location/csc-washington-dc</a>

Cancer Support Community | June 2, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a lights on TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a 501-c-3 that cares for families of America’s fallen heroes.

Guest, Bonnie Carroll, founded TAPS after her own military husband was killed. She wanted to provide the services she needed for others in the same situation. She retired as a Major in the USAFR and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

APS supports spouses, children and family of military members whom she says are dying now at greater rates after 20 years in Afghanistan. Fellow guest, Jonathan Cotton of the Good Feet Store explains why his company supports TAPS.

Carroll says her organization relies on donations as well volunteers, so to donate today please visit: https://www.taps.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a lights on TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a 501-c-3 that cares for families of America’s fallen heroes.
Guest, Bonnie Carroll, founded TAPS after her own military husband was killed. She wanted to provide the services she needed for others in the same situation. She retired as a Major in the USAFR and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
APS supports spouses, children and family of military members whom she says are dying now at greater rates after 20 years in Afghanistan. Fellow guest, Jonathan Cotton of the Good Feet Store explains why his company supports TAPS.
Carroll says her organization relies on donations as well volunteers, so to donate today please visit: <a href="https://www.taps.org/">https://www.taps.org/</a>

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) | May 25, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a light on 5-5-24 on an historic partnership between the Division of Corrections in Maryland and the entire University System in Maryland.

Carolyn Scruggs, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services says the program is the first of its kind in the nation. All 12 schools in Maryland’s University system will be offering targeted classes to incarcerated men and women ‘ behind the wall’ says Secretary Scruggs. She notes success stories of individuals achieving degrees to reduce recidivism and help those released become production members of society.

Link:https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/newsroom/press_releases/PARTNERSHIP%20WITH%20DOC%20AND%20USM.shtml

DMV Spotlight shines a light on 5-5-24 on an historic partnership between the Division of Corrections in Maryland and the entire University System in Maryland.
Carolyn Scruggs, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services says the program is the first of its kind in the nation. All 12 schools in Maryland’s University system will be offering targeted classes to incarcerated men and women ‘ behind the wall’ says Secretary Scruggs. She notes success stories of individuals achieving degrees to reduce recidivism and help those released become production members of society.
Link: <a href="https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/newsroom/press_releases/PARTNERSHIP%20WITH%20DOC%20AND%20USM.shtml">https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/newsroom/press_releases/PARTNERSHIP%20WITH%20DOC%20AND%20USM.shtml</a>

Department of Corrections Partnership with University of Maryland | May 5, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a light on efforts to clean up plastics from the world’s oceans. Guest Dr. Anja Brandon, Associate Director of U.S. Plastics Policy with Ocean Conservancy explains the ongoing effort by the non-profit by spearheading the UN Treaty to End Plastic Pollution and forge a legally binding agreement this year.

Dr. Brandon explains the scope of the ocean pollution by plastic as a garbage truck load into the earth’s oceans each minute. Dr. Brandon also explaining the health dangers of microplastics found in drinking water and virtually every protein consumed by humans.

To learn more about Dr. Brandon's work, click here:https://oceanconservancy.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on efforts to clean up plastics from the world’s oceans. Guest Dr. Anja Brandon, Associate Director of U.S. Plastics Policy with Ocean Conservancy explains the ongoing effort by the non-profit by spearheading the UN Treaty to End Plastic Pollution and forge a legally binding agreement this year.
Dr. Brandon explains the scope of the ocean pollution by plastic as a garbage truck load into the earth’s oceans each minute. Dr. Brandon also explaining the health dangers of microplastics found in drinking water and virtually every protein consumed by humans.
To learn more about Dr. Brandon's work, click here: <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org/">https://oceanconservancy.org/</a>

Ocean Plastics | April 28, 2024

DMV Spotlight on 4-21-24 shines a light on April as Autism Acceptance Month.

Early detection can lead to successful  interventions explains guest, Dr. Craig Newschaffer, founding director of the A.J Drexel Autism Institute and Epidemiologist focused on prenatal autism risk factors with the NIH Austim Center Of Excellence. Newschaffer, explains that early detection has led to successful outcomes. He explains possible prenatal risks including air pollution and urges parents to monitor their child’s development with a pediatrician.

To learn more about Dr. Craig J. Newschaffer, click here:https://rockethics.psu.edu/people/craig-j-newschaffer/

DMV Spotlight on 4-21-24 shines a light on April as Autism Acceptance Month.
Early detection can lead to successful  interventions explains guest, Dr. Craig Newschaffer, founding director of the A.J Drexel Autism Institute and Epidemiologist focused on prenatal autism risk factors with the NIH Austim Center Of Excellence. Newschaffer, explains that early detection has led to successful outcomes. He explains possible prenatal risks including air pollution and urges parents to monitor their child’s development with a pediatrician.
To learn more about Dr. Craig J. Newschaffer, click here: <a href="https://rockethics.psu.edu/people/craig-j-newschaffer/">https://rockethics.psu.edu/people/craig-j-newschaffer/</a>

Autism Acceptance | April 21, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Military Sexual Trauma as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Dr Amy Street, National Director for Military Sexual Trauma, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, states one in three female veterans say they have been victims of sexual trauma and one in fifty men in the military that can range from sexual harassment to sexual assault. Dr. Street says the local V.A. office can provide free treatment and support services alongside care for PTSD and for substance abuse which often accompany MST ( Military Sexual Trauma).

Dr. Street explains veterans are often reticent to speak up and ask for help because previous efforts have been ignored or worse. She also notes there is now a self help mobile app designed for those who have experienced MST that is also free and confidential.

For more information, please visit:https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/vha-mst-coordinators.asp

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Military Sexual Trauma as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Dr Amy Street, National Director for Military Sexual Trauma, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, states one in three female veterans say they have been victims of sexual trauma and one in fifty men in the military that can range from sexual harassment to sexual assault. Dr. Street says the local V.A. office can provide free treatment and support services alongside care for PTSD and for substance abuse which often accompany MST ( Military Sexual Trauma).
Dr. Street explains veterans are often reticent to speak up and ask for help because previous efforts have been ignored or worse. She also notes there is now a self help mobile app designed for those who have experienced MST that is also free and confidential.
For more information, please visit: <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/vha-mst-coordinators.asp">https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/vha-mst-coordinators.asp</a>

Military Sexual Trauma | April 14, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the City of Alexandria, Virginia as it commemorates its 275th anniversary.

Guest, Gretchen Bulova, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, shared the various events around the city that will make the celebration from April through September. Bulova explains the founding of the city in 1749 as well as  of Alexandria’s reckoning with it slave-trade past. Bulova also looked at the future of the city that is now a tourist attraction and economic draw. Alexandria also remains etched in US history as the adopted hometown of President George Washington.

Link:https://www.alexandriava.gov/ALX275

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the City of Alexandria, Virginia as it commemorates its 275th anniversary.
Guest, Gretchen Bulova, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, shared the various events around the city that will make the celebration from April through September. Bulova explains the founding of the city in 1749 as well as  of Alexandria’s reckoning with it slave-trade past. Bulova also looked at the future of the city that is now a tourist attraction and economic draw. Alexandria also remains etched in US history as the adopted hometown of President George Washington.
Link:<a href="https://www.alexandriava.gov/ALX275">https://www.alexandriava.gov/ALX275</a>

Alexandria's 275th Anniversary | April 07, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a light  (ha-ha ) on the Total Solar Eclipse on 3-31-24. NASA Mission Scientist, Dr. Nicholeen Viall, explains how a solar eclipse works and why this one is so significant.

She explains the ‘path of totality’ and urges anyone who wants to watch even the partial solar eclipse here in the DC area to make sure they have the certified special glasses so as not to damage the eyes. Dr. Viall also explains the eclipse provides scientists a short window of opportunity to gather data on the earth’s sun.

She also points to resources available at the NASA website: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/

DMV Spotlight shines a light  (ha-ha ) on the Total Solar Eclipse on 3-31-24. NASA Mission Scientist, Dr. Nicholeen Viall, explains how a solar eclipse works and why this one is so significant.
She explains the ‘path of totality’ and urges anyone who wants to watch even the partial solar eclipse here in the DC area to make sure they have the certified special glasses so as not to damage the eyes. Dr. Viall also explains the eclipse provides scientists a short window of opportunity to gather data on the earth’s sun.
She also points to resources available at the NASA website: <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/">https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/</a>

Total Solar Eclipse | March 31, 2024

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the issues impacting DC, Maryland and Virginia. The 15-minute interview program allows for in-depth discussion with area leaders and to highlight organizations that are making a difference across the DMV. Interviews include newsmakers, non-profits, local officials and special event coverage. WMAL’s Barbara Britt hosts the weekly program that is designed to provide needed information for listeners across the DC Metro area and beyond.

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the issues impacting DC, Maryland and Virginia. The 15-minute interview program allows for in-depth discussion with area leaders and to highlight organizations that are making a difference across the DMV. Interviews include newsmakers, non-profits, local officials and special event coverage. WMAL’s Barbara Britt hosts the weekly program that is designed to provide needed information for listeners across the DC Metro area and beyond.

DMV Spotlight with Barbara Britt

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