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It’s December. We are, finally, close to bidding farewell to this tumultuous and historically tragic year, which will forever be stained by the sorrow and loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 270,000 Americans who were alive when the year began are no longer with us. As staggering as this number is, the death toll will continue to rise until several promising forthcoming vaccines can slow the contagion.
2020 also marked a high-water mark of political division that culminated with the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next President and Vice President. While discord won’t magically disappear from our politics, I know through my 45-year relationship with President-elect Biden that the President-elect recognizes that the power of office can provide healing, hope and unity. And the historic election of Kamala Harris to the vice presidency gives us an opportunity to promote greater representation of women, and importantly, women of color.
Our system of three co-equal branches of government was conceived through compromise. Throughout our history, many of the most meaningful American policy advances came about after considerable deal making between the parties. Sure, there have been disagreements, but when our elected officials put country and the public good first, great things have happened.
A hallmark of our representative government has been that it is a place where women and men of good character can disagree on policy while showing mutual respect. Passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act required a coalition of Democrats from the north and west joined by Republicans. Both parties came together in the early 1970s during the Nixon Administration to protect endangered species and create protections for clean air and water. In the 1980s my father, Speaker Tip O’Neill famously tussled with President Reagan over Social Security Reform – which led to an outcome both could support. There are many examples throughout US history where intense policy differences ended with bipartisan resolution.
We’ve always been at our best when those we elect seek common ground. Partisan division when fed with untruths may create an illusion of power but does nothing more than rot our noble foundation. The pandemic reminds us that life is fragile and that government is most important when the need is great. No matter your political stripes, as Americans, we should all wish Godspeed to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris as they assume their offices in this perilous time. While life may be fragile, we must all ensure that our democracy is not.
At the company level, servicing our clients in any political climate is always our priority. A new Administration and hopefully the beginning of the end of the pandemic will be both an opportunity and a challenge for clients and we stand ready to lead them forward. In this edition of our newsletter, I encourage you to learn more about Seven Letter Insight, the newly launched messaging and opinion research arm of our strategic communications partner - Seven Letter. We also recognize the humanitarian work during the pandemic of Leominster, MA-based Affordable Interior Systems, the important assistance the Salvation Army provides to our neighbors in need, and a special recognition for our client Noelle Lambert of The Born to Run Foundation for being named this year’s L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree.
We begin this winter season with hope for COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. For the near term though, we must heed the warnings from health experts on the increased dangers posed by holiday travel and indoor gatherings.
I wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season and a happy and healthy 2021. Stay safe.
Peace,
Tom
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OA On Healthcare- A Message from Joe Alviani
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Even as we cautiously await the health implications of the millions of Americans who traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday in the midst of the ongoing national surge of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, we can be buoyed by the news from Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca/Oxford of the efficacy of their Covid-19 vaccines and the imminent availability of the initial doses of those vaccines. The trials for each of the vaccines from these innovative companies have demonstrated an efficacy level of 90% or more and we can expect approval - assuming no unexpected negative findings - of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines by the FDA under its Emergency Use Authorization shortly which means the first vaccine shipments for hospital personnel, nursing home residents and essential workers can be made available in late December.
But, this light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel should neither cause people to become less vigilant and attentive to the safety measures necessary to prevent further spread of the virus nor to dismiss the uncontrolled surge in hospitalizations across the country or the plight of the many Americans continuing to suffer from the shattering economic impacts of the virus.
Here, I want to address some of the complications remaining in the response to the virus and the effective and equitable distribution of the vaccines in the months ahead.
First, a few reference points:
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As of this writing, the United States has nearly 13,950,000 cases and over 273,000 deaths. The daily average of coronavirus cases nationwide this past week exceeded 170,000. Hospitalizations have now surpassed 100,000, the first time the figure has been that high since July. As of this writing only Hawaii was not experiencing an increase in new coronavirus cases.
- Over the last two weeks, there has been a 28% increase in child Covid-19 cases and children now account for more than 11% of all confirmed coronavirus cases in the US, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. About 144,145 new cases among children 17 and under were reported from November 5 to 19, AAP said.
- Here in Massachusetts, despite careful restrictions imposed by Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh, we have witnessed alarming increases in the number of infections and hospitalizations and growing COVID patients in our ICUs.
- The death rate today was the highest since the pandemic began. And, most of these results have were reported before the tens of millions of people traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday. The COVID-19 health implications of that travel will not likely be known until the second week in December.
What should we anticipate as the next steps concerning the promise of vaccines and their distribution to hospital personnel, essential workers and the general public?
As reported recently in the New York Times, over the next few months, we have to pay attention to the “effectiveness” of these vaccines versus their efficacy. Efficacy is a measure of a vaccine’s ability to reduce the risk of disease in a vaccinated person compared to someone who is not vaccinated. The term is usually applied to data in the context of a highly controlled environment, like a clinical trial. That’s the data that the companies have so far reported. Vaccine effectiveness, on the other hand, is a measure of how the vaccine performs in the real world, when those controlled variables are subject to life’s practical circumstances. This is the information that’s still to come and will be the real test of the vaccines’ immediate effectiveness as it is administered and as we determine how long it will be effective and/or control spread.
The good news here is that all of the vaccine candidates seem to have taken the real world difference into account during their trials given that they all enrolled diverse populations with a range of health conditions in the trials. This offers the potential that vaccine efficacy will translate into actual clinical benefit when millions of doses are deployed.
As mentioned above, Pfizer has already filed its data with the U.S. FDA requesting an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its vaccine and Moderna and AstraZeneca/Oxford plan to do so shortly. Assuming favorable action in mid-December by the FDA on the applications, each company expects to then deploy millions of doses no later than the end of The month to priority populations. In fact, some shipments of the Pfizer vaccine have already been flown to the United States even while awaiting final Emergency Use Authorization. It is also worth noting that AstraZeneca claims that its vaccine can be produced quickly in large volumes, will require no special storage or transportation conditions and will cost significantly less than the other two candidate vaccines thereby enabling distribution to many disadvantaged populations worldwide.
Despite company and government claims of well-coordinated systems for vaccine distribution once approved, questions do remain concerning how millions of doses of vaccines from different companies will get delivered expeditiously to hospitals and other facilities, stored safely, and ultimately administered effectively and in a timely manner in the doses required to patients (the Pfizer vaccine requires two doses three weeks apart; Moderna’s vaccine requires two doses at a four week interval; AstraZeneca/Oxford will require two doses)? Even a perfect vaccine will be useless unless it can be delivered and administered to the people at risk of infection and disease. As President-elect Biden has underlined, vaccines don’t save lives, vaccinations saves lives.
Here is another point of departure between the Pfizer vaccine pathway to recipients and the Moderna and AstraZeneca/Oxford routes.
Moderna and AstraZeneca/Oxford are companies that have partnered with the U.S. government through Operation Warp Speed (OWS). Pfizer, on the other hand, has indicated that it will not utilize the OWS infrastructure. Instead, it is planning to embark on the largest ever vaccination campaign and will use partners such as FedEx Corp., United Parcel Service Inc., and DHL International GmbH to fly the vaccine from designated cold storage centers to locations close to the point of vaccine administration, like hospitals or vaccination centers. Whether the storage temperature of this vaccine (-94 F) will persist, remains to be seen. The Moderna and AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines can be stored in a common refrigerator thus extending their useful life well beyond the Pfizer vaccine which requires administration in a significantly shorter time frame.
Developing these vaccines in record time is a monumental and remarkable scientific achievement. But, overcoming the complexities of developing a Covid-19 vaccine, coordinating the storage and shipping obstacles, and now determining who gets the vaccine in a fair and equitable way, means little if we are unable to convince a sufficient number of Americans to take the vaccine. The vaccine will only be the blessing many have hoped for if it is utilized. Recent polling has indicated that Americans are reluctant to be inoculated, with only around 55-60% even willing to take a vaccine that demonstrates 90% plus efficacy. That’s likely not enough to generate the herd immunity necessary to reverse the spike in the pandemic curve, so the public health communications campaign to overcome the suspicions raised by what appeared to be a political effort to fast track the vaccine development process and bypass safety protocols will have to be comprehensive, persistent and rapid.
One other point to make about the complexities surrounding the distribution of vaccines is underscored by the differences in refrigeration and transportation requirements for the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines. These demonstrate how critical it is that there be seamless coordination between the federal government and the states and other distribution channels for the system to work effectively. The fact that in its waning days, the Trump Administration has deliberately obstructed the transition of power and the free flow of vital information necessary for this distribution process to work smoothly is likely to impede life saving activity. This is not hyperbole. This is real and only confirms the self-serving nature of a national Administration that has been focused exclusively on its own political survival during this entire health crisis in blind disregard of the well-being of millions of Americans. As Dr. Fauci has commented recently: “The vaccines are effective. We want to get it approved as quickly as we possibly can. We want to get doses to people starting in December, and then we want to really get the ball rolling as we get into January, February and March,” Dr. Fauci added. “We want a smooth process with that and the way you do that is by essentially having the two groups speak to each other and exchange information.”
Final thoughts about the holidays
My kids and grandkids are in Colorado and Oregon. My wife and I miss them greatly. I’m sure there are parents and grandparents across Massachusetts and the country who are in the same boat. But, with the virus surging across this nation and with hospitalizations increasing and with the infections now affecting all age groups, the danger of contracting the virus is great. As Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, who directs Boston College’s Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, said after a meeting of health professionals and mayors at the Massachusetts State House last week: “There’s the real possibility that if people don’t take great precautions in the next month, we could see a fairly explosive increase. I’m not saying it will happen, but there is a real risk that it could.” Vaccines are now in reach and will be available for large portions of the population in a few months. We’ve held out this far. We can’t lower our guard. We should be cautious for a few more months and continue to adhere to all safety guidelines, avoid gatherings where the virus can spread, wear masks, and stay home if possible. Our family will have virtual holidays. It won’t be the same. But, it will make the day in May or June when we can all get together that much sweeter. Be safe!
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To Listen to the Latest OA on Healthcare episode, click the link below:
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The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division Red Kettle Season is Here!
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The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division will Keep the Bells Ringing this holiday season as they once again prepare to support to communities in need. The pandemic has brought a new set of challenges for The Salvation Army; however, that hasn’t stopped their mission to serve those in need including those who are struggling even more this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year the need is greater than ever for those served by The Salvation Army. With fewer Red Kettles in communities this holiday season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army is projecting that donations to its iconic kettle will be down by more than 50% with needs for assistance up by 155% or more statewide. In 2019, The Salvation Army served 400,000 individuals and families. Already since March, they have served more than 13 million meals to those in need across the Commonwealth, serving every community and anyone who asks for help.
With new pandemic guidelines to follow to ensure their volunteers and communities stay safe, the Red Kettle Season may look different this holiday season, but the need is greater now more than ever.
Historically, Red Kettles have been set up outside of stores for people to make donations. The kettle and the ringing bell have become synonymous with the Holiday season for many people. However, due to the pandemic affecting retail store policies and the decreased in-person shopping, fewer kettles will be out this year. Where you do see a red kettle, volunteer bell ringers will be wearing proper face masks and disinfecting the red kettles after every donation. Additionally, to provide additional donation opportunities, The Salvation Army has established “virtual kettles” online for each community.
To kick off the holiday season, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division has already hosted Holiday events including parades, Santa visits, and Thanksgiving turkey distributions in Boston, Chelsea, and at local VA Hospitals. And, due to the pandemic, this year’s Annual Luncheon has become a nighttime virtual event called “Keep the Bells Ringing.” Open for anyone to attend, the event is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2020.
Every dollar donated to The Salvation Army goes to help feed, shelter, and provide other emergency supports to people during their greatest times of need. If you would like to help support The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division and the thousands of families in need this year, here are some ways you can get involved:
· Donate by Mail
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country's largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyMA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.
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AIS Provides Masks on Election Day for Poll Workers
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AIS, a Leominster-based office furniture manufacturer, worked to ensure that every poll worker and others working to support elections this year in Massachusetts and Washington D.C. were protected on Election day with their high-quality, comfortable and reusable facemasks. This year, due to the financial burden COVID-19 has caused in many communities and the ongoing concerns related to the health and safety of voters and workers, it was more important than ever that each worker donating their time on Election Day had access to top-of-the-line personal protection equipment.
With help from local officials, AIS ensured that the high-quality masks were distributed to the polling stations in advance of Election Day. AIS donated over 26,000 masks to 267 cities and towns in Massachusetts and 4,400 masks to the 80 precincts in Washington D.C.
AIS began making high-quality, reusable face masks – using antimicrobial fabrics and other premium materials – when the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in April. Last May, the company also established the nationwide Sew the Masks initiative – activating internal production lines and close to 1,000 volunteer ‘Rosies’ in 45 states to create masks at their home sewing machines for donation and distribution to first responders, frontline workers and other people in need. On November 22, the LeBlanc family of Ashburnham, MA was selected as a 2020 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for their commitment to the AIS “Sew the Masks” campaign. To date, AIS and its corporate sponsor partners have donated and distributed 200,000 face masks to people across the United States.
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Noelle Lambert of Born to Run Foundation is named
L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree
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Congrats to our client Noelle Lambert for being named this year’s L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree. Actress Helen Mirren surprised her with the good news on the national television show Extra! tonight.
As the national honoree, Noelle will receive $25,000 from L’Oreal Paris for The Born to Run Foundation, which Noelle started after recovering from an accident that resulted in her losing her leg, on top of the $10,000 donation that came with being selected as one of ten Women of Worth. The funding will provide young amputees with specialized athletic prostheses to help them lead active lives.
Noelle thanked her supporters and L’Oreal for the tremendous honor in this video.
Noelle is also training for the Tokyo Paralympics next August that were postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic. She is competing in the 100-meter in Track & Field and holds the U.S. Women’s Paralympic Record in that event. For more about Noelle and The Born to Run Foundation visit www.theborntorunfoundation.org and www.noellelambert.com
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Launch of Seven Letter Insight
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As you’ll see in the news release link below, we recently launched Seven Letter Insight – a public opinion and messaging research offering that we are designing to better understand voter and consumer attitudes and develop even more targeted, effective messaging and communications strategies. In an era marked by its uncertainty, we want to help meet your goals with even greater precision and confidence.
We look forward to sharing more with you about Seven Letter Insight in the coming weeks. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to learn more.
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Accolades for Our Washington Colleagues
We’re proud to announce that three of our Seven Letter partners in Washington were recently honored for their work. Allison Clear Fastow was named a 2020 Woman to Watch by PR Week. Brendan Buck was named to PR Week’s 40 Under 40 list. And Adam Abrams was recognized by Emory University as a member of it 2020 40 Under 40 alumni class.
Seven Letter In The News
What will Washington look like next year? Does the prospect of a divided Congress change the agenda for President-elect Biden? Brendan Buck, a partner in our Washington office, was recently featured in The Washington Post discussing the challenges for governing in 2021 and beyond. Read more here: https://wapo.st/3p00nvn
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Communications | Government Relations | Federal Affairs
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