Saving Lives from Cardiac Arrest : The American Heart Association Advances CPR and AED Training and Policies Nationwide

A recent study by the American Heart Association revealed that nearly 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe that CPR should be performed only by people with special training. More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital each year, with 90% of those fatal. Moments of crisis rarely happen in the presence of medical professionals — they happen in kitchens, at youth sports games, in grocery aisles, and at homes with friends and family.

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Partnering for Progress

By becoming a CSG Associate, Esri positioned itself to listen first — learning directly from state leaders and policymakers how geospatial technology could better support their work. Richard Leadbeater describes how CSG became a trusted bridge between policy insight and practical tools, helping Esri translate state priorities into data-driven solutions.

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CSG Associates Organize Recovery Efforts Following Hawaii Wildfires

By Katie Boggs, CSG Advancement Fellow

The devastating early August wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, were fueled by the arrival of Hurricane Dora, a category four storm. On Aug. 8, the fire’s blazes spread, making parts of the island nearly unrecognizable. Officials said most of the fires have been contained, however, the number of confirmed deaths continue to rise.

Many CSG Associate members took action to help those that were displaced and impacted by the natural disaster. Aid in the form of monetary donations, supplies, health care and network services have all been implemented to support Hawaii.

Amazon Partners with Disaster Relief Programs to Battle Maui Wildfires
Amazon is partnering with local Hawaiian and national disaster aid programs to provide needed supplies and support on the ground following the deadly wildfires.

Amazon launched its Disaster Response team within 72 hours of the fires. The company, through Amazon Air, flew in critical supplies like tarps, tents, coolers and totes to the American Red Cross who were already active on the ground. After short and long-term relief needs were estimated by officials, Amazon has been able to provide aid in the form of emergency assistance items and financial support on the ground.

“Everyone at Amazon is eager to help, as the situation is truly heartbreaking,” said Abe Diaz, principal technical product manager for Disaster Relief by Amazon. “We’re in contact with organizations on the ground to assess additional needs and determine how we can use our inventory, infrastructure and connectivity technology to help communities as soon as possible — from item donation to helping reestablish internet.”

On the ground, Amazon partnered with organizations such as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaii Chamber Foundation Business Relief Fund, Information Technology Disaster Resource Center, Feeding America and Operation BBQ Relief.

For more information, please visit: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/maui-fires-amazon-disaster-relief.

Teladoc Health Offers 24/7 Telehealth Services to Those Impacted by Hawaii Wildfires
Teladoc Health, the largest global virtual health care provider, is focused on making general medical care needs accessible to Hawaiian residents and first responders displaced due to the fires.

Through the use of their natural disaster hotline, the organization is offering free, 24/7, easy-to-access telehealth services from licensed health care professionals. Non-emergency services, including mental health treatment, are provided.

“When medical resources are already strained during natural disasters, virtual care can help patients manage wildfire-induced flare ups of chronic illnesses, such as asthma,” said Dr. Vidya Raman-Tangella, chief medical officer at Teladoc Health. “Virtual care is a proven solution that supports community health during these times, and we are grateful to provide access to care as Hawaii rebuilds and recovers from the fires.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.teladoc.com/disaster-hotline/.

The Credit Union National Association Donates $20,000 for Hawaii Wildfire Relief
Through CUNA’s CUAid: Disaster Relief program, the organization provided monetary assistance to Hawaiians. An additional $10,000 was allocated to the Maui Food Bank, the island’s safeguard for food security.

“The people of Maui are in need of immediate help to recover from these devastating wildfires, and this contribution was recommended by our friends at the Hawaii Credit Union League as a way to help with efforts to take action,” said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ncuf.coop/disaster-relief/.

AT&T Works to Recover Communications in Hawaii and Raises $100,000 for Relief
AT&T raises funds for Hawaii wildfire relief, while its ground efforts focus on restoring network and mobile connectivity across Hawaii, ensuring public safety.

AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery front, alongside with the FirstNet Response Operations Group worked with local officials to provide five portable cell sites and wireless networks for Hawaiian residents and first responders. As of Aug. 19, coverage in all impacted areas of Maui County has been restored, however the team is still working on ensuring permanent connectivity among the islands.

Partnering with other organizations, AT&T has also been providing devices to Hawaiians that have lost their phones in the fires. Motorola, Samsung and Google donated devices to help connect locals with their loved ones and access relief resources.

Additional efforts have been geared toward working with national disaster relief teams. Through the Mobile Giving Foundation, AT&T implemented four ongoing text-to-give campaigns providing anyone with a mobile phone the opportunity to contribute. In addition, AT&T contributed $100,000 to aid recovery efforts for Maui residents and communities. Half of the donation was allocated to the Hawaii Community Foundation, $30,000 to the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center and $20,000 to the American Red Cross.

For more information, please visit: https://about.att.com/pages/disaster-recovery/2023/maui-wildfires.

Honda Raises $500,000 and Offers to Match Associate Donations for Hawaii Relief
Honda companies in the United States donated $500,000 for humanitarian relief efforts toward those affected by the wildfire damage to Maui, Hawaii.

Alongside the original fund that was collected, Honda is also offering its associates the opportunity to be involved in helping Hawaii recover. The organization announced they will match donations up to $1,000 per associate. All money raised goes to help the American Red Cross. In addition, the organization is working with its Hawaii Honda Dealers network in support of the Hawaii Community Foundation.

For more information, please visit: https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-corporate/releases/release-e888887b6471c0aba407829ba70c3335-honda-contributes-500000-to-maui-hawaii-wildfire-relief-efforts#press-release.

About CSG Associates in Action
Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.

About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, Earth’s best employer and Earth’s safest place to work. Customer reviews, One-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon.

About Teladoc Health
Teladoc Health empowers people everywhere to live their healthiest lives by transforming the health care experience. As the world leader in whole-person virtual care, Teladoc Health uses proprietary health signals and personalized interactions to drive better health outcomes across the full continuum of care, at every stage in a person’s health journey. Teladoc Health leverages more than two decades of expertise and data-driven insights to meet the growing virtual care needs of consumers and healthcare professionals. For more information, please visit www.teladochealth.com or follow @TeladocHealth on X, formerly known as Twitter.

About CUNA       
Credit Union National Association advocates on behalf of America’s credit unions, which are owned by more than 135 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org. To find your nearest credit union, visit YourMoneyFurther.com.

About AT&T      
AT&T helps more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call over 140 years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, AT&T innovates to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc., please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

About American Honda Motor Co., Inc.     
Established in Los Angeles in 1959, and currently headquartered in Torrance, California, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., leads the U.S. sales, marketing, service, distribution and export of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda powersports, power equipment and marine products, along with design, planning and market research for products that are produced at Honda’s North American production facilities. Learn more through Honda’s Digital FactBook.

Associates in Action: Amazon Offers Scholarships, Mentorship for Future Engineers

By Katie Boggs

Amazon has awarded $16 million in scholarships to U.S. high school seniors across nearly 40 states to study computer science at the college of their choice beginning with the fall 2023 semester.

The 2023 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is a part of the company’s global philanthropic education initiative. The company allocates $40,000 for each recipient over the course of four years to pursue a degree in engineering or computer science. As well, the scholarship offers the opportunity of a paid internship position under the mentorship of Amazon leaders.

This year’s awardees comprise of seniors from nearly 40 states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. This cohort is said to be the most diverse yet, including many members of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and math. More than 70% of the selected students identify as Black, Latino and Native American. Another 50% identify as a woman or nonbinary.

“With students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities representing only 18% of [computer science] bachelor’s degrees, we believe that connecting students to computer science education and opportunities helps create a more equitable and inclusive future, across all industries and sectors, for generations to come,” said Victor Reinoso, Amazon’s global director of philanthropic education initiatives.

The selection process includes academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, work experience, future goals and financial need. In total, 400 students were granted this scholarship.

Micah Hill, a 2023 Amazon Future Engineer recipient from Laurel, Mississippi, shared that her brother’s academic achievements first inspired her to study computer science. Her sibling, Samuel, was a 2021 awardee of the Amazon scholarship. Based on her interests, Hill organized a week-long coding program for fifth- to eighth-grade girls to learn fundamentals in 3D printing in hopes to inspire young women in the field.

“I didn’t know the statistics regarding women in computer science were so disproportionate,” Hill said. “I wanted to provide girls in my community with an opportunity to learn how to code and print in 3D.”

With the support of her Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, Hill will attend the University of Southern Mississippi and hopes to build a career at a large global tech company.

Angel Feliz, another 2023 Amazon Future Engineer recipient, moved from the Dominican Republic to Providence, Rhode Island, when he was just 9 years old. Feliz said he loves the diverse collaboration that his computer science work offers. He said that it counters the perception of a siloed environment that many have of the field.

“I’m a first-generation immigrant,” Feliz said. “This scholarship means that I will soon be a first-generation college student and can continue exploring pathways in technology without placing a financial burden on me and my family. It also helps me feel motivated. It is important to me to know that I have people supporting me along the way.”

Feliz plans to attend college in the northeast and major in computer science with a minor in cybersecurity.

Amazon is committed to reaching 2 million students from underrepresented communities across the U.S. with real-world, virtual, and hands-on computer science project learning. In addition to the U.S. program, Amazon Future Engineer, the company’s childhood-to-career computer science education program is available in Canada, France, Germany, India and the United Kingdom.

For more information, please visit https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com.

About Amazon Future Engineer
Amazon Future Engineer is a program designed to inspire, educate, and prepare children and young adults from underrepresented and underserved communities to pursue computer science. The program is part of Amazon’s $50 million investment in computer science and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

About CSG Associates in Action
Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.

Associates in Action: Gilead Named Top Funder for HIV-Related Philanthropy

By Katie Boggs

Gilead Sciences, Inc., a CSG Associate, replaced The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as the top funder for HIV-related philanthropy, according to the Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) 19th annual report.

The 2020 FCAA’s Philanthropic Support to Address HIV and AIDS Report was the first to examine the response of HIV-related philanthropy through the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that there is a shrinking pool of funders for this cause, as there was only a 1% increase in revenue compared to 2019, and 67% of the funding under this analysis was derived from the aforementioned top two funders.

Gilead’s donation in 2020 had an increase of $116 million compared to the previous year. On the other hand, 13 of the top 20 funders reportedly decreased donations in comparison to the 2019 report. Data showed that other private foundations also significantly reduced philanthropic spending on HIV or removed themselves entirely.

“The concentration of funding at the top is not a new headline, but it became starker in 2020,” said Channing Wickham, FCAA’s board chair and executive director of the Washington AIDS Partnership. “A shift in resources away from HIV, or other action with economic fallout from one of these top grantmakers could devastate future funding levels.”

Regardless of the statistics, Gilead continues to advocate and spread awareness of HIV and AIDS. In 2020, amidst the height of the pandemic, Gilead shared stories of its community partners that kept going during the difficult time on World AIDS Day. Aside from philanthropy, the company’s efforts are also evident in providing resources, programs and initiatives to support the cause globally.

“Gilead’s support for community organizations is part of our enduring commitment to ending the HIV epidemic,” said Daniel O’Day, Gilead Sciences chairman and chief executive officer. “We believe that real progress is only possible through collaboration and partnership. That is why we invest in the extraordinary efforts our partners are undertaking to reach underserved populations, eliminate barriers to care and educate communities. It is inspiring to see the work that goes on across these groups and we are proud to play a role in supporting them.”

For more information, please visit www.gilead.com.

About Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

About the Philanthropic Support to Address HIV and AIDS Report
The Philanthropic Support to Address HIV and AIDS Report first began its annual analysis of private funding to address HIV and AIDS in the year 2000. The current report captures data on more than 5,000 grants, awarded by 323 foundations in 10 countries, and identifies gaps, trends, and opportunities in HIV-related philanthropy. Sharing this study with funders enables them to make informed decisions about where their resources would make the most difference.

About FCAA
Funders Concerned About AIDS is a philanthropy-serving organization (PSO) founded in 1987 to take bold actions and push philanthropy to respond to HIV. FCAA informs, connects, and supports philanthropy to mobilize resources to end the global HIV pandemic and build the social, political and economic commitments necessary to attain health, human rights, and justice for all.

About CSG Associates in Action
Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.

Associates in Action: NASPO Launches Program Supporting Member Certification

By Julie Stahl

The National Association of State Procurement Officials launched a new reimbursement program for public procurement professionals in March as part of its celebration of National Procurement Month. NASPO is a CSG Associate and nonprofit association committed to supporting public procurement leaders and promoting government excellence by delivering superior procurement solutions for public benefit.

The new NASPO program offers full reimbursement of the application and examination fees for qualified candidates in 2023 who pass the certification exams offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council, or UPPCC. The UPPCC is an independent organization formed to govern and administer the Certified Public Procurement Officer and Certified Professional Public Buyer certification programs.

“Now is a great time for CSG members to encourage their procurement personnel to consider certification,” said David Gragan, NASPO chief administrative and strategic operations officer. “Those who pass the public procurement certification exams offered by the UPPCC can receive 100% reimbursement provided by the National Association of State Procurement Officials. This is another example of how NASPO strives daily to elevate the public procurement profession.”

The Certified Public Procurement Officer exam focuses on the six UPPCC Body of Knowledge and Competency domain areas: legal framework, procurement planning and analysis, sourcing and solicitation, contract development and management, leadership and business principles. The Certified Professional Public Buyer exam tests practice-level knowledge of the domain areas required for proficiency. The UPPCC Body of Knowledge and Competency domain areas for both exams can be found here.

NASPO provides its membership with highly beneficial programs, research, publications, innovative procurement strategies and professional development opportunities. Procurement professionals seek to serve as champions of the populace’s interests and demonstrate dedication to ethical best practices. NASPO continues to promote their mission and values by curating beneficial programs elevating the public procurement profession. For further information about UPPCC and procurement certifications, please visit uppcc.org.