## Northeast Philadelphia Residents Advocate for Accelerated Health Center Construction


From the communities spanning Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, to South Jersey and Delaware, **WHYY News** seeks to understand the issues impacting your life. A significant point of concern currently revolves around the timeline for two planned city health centers in Northeast Philadelphia, with residents and community organizations urging officials to expedite construction and address the area’s critical need for expanded healthcare services. The project, initially unveiled in 2023, aims to alleviate the existing “health desert” conditions within the community.

The city’s projected completion date for both facilities currently sits in 2029 or early 2030, according to recently released planning documents. However, the **Coalition for City Health Centers** is proposing a more ambitious schedule, advocating for a 24-month timeline for the **Friends Hospital** campus location, with a target opening date of 2027. This push for faster progress stems from a growing frustration among residents who feel the need for accessible healthcare is immediate.


## Addressing Delays and Historical Context at Friends Hospital Site


The proposed health center on the **Friends Hospital** campus will occupy a site where the historic **Lawnside** building once stood. This structure, sadly, fell into disrepair over many years before suffering significant damage in a September 2025 fire, ultimately leading to its demolition. Residents, including **Mingchu Pearl Huynh**, president and founder of the Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association, express deep concern over the protracted delays. "It’s been more than two years," Huynh stated, emphasizing the hardship faced by families in need of timely medical attention.

Currently, the site remains an empty lot, and construction isn't slated to begin until 2027. Community advocates recently presented a memorandum to **Mayor Cherelle Parker’s** administration and City Council members, outlining strategies to accelerate the project, drawing on past examples of expedited permitting and construction processes. Huynh noted, “We are not experts. The city knows what to do, but this is an important project. We deserve faster.”


## City Response and Project Details


Despite the calls for acceleration, city officials maintain that the project remains a high priority. **Aparna Palantino**, deputy managing director of the Capital Program Office, stated in a recent communication, “Easy access to primary care is one of the best drivers of good health, and this investment in both health centers is what is required to address the long-standing access desert in that community.” She emphasized the city’s belief that both centers are essential and should not be prioritized over one another.

The **Friends Hospital** facility is envisioned as a 60,000-square-foot center offering comprehensive primary care and other vital health services. City projections indicate the site will facilitate over 30,000 appointments annually. A request for proposals details a $45 million budget and a planned construction start date in 2027, with an estimated completion time of at least two years.


## Second Health Center and Ongoing Advocacy


Alongside the **Friends Hospital** project, a second, smaller health center is progressing at a vacant property near the **Frankford Transportation Center**. This mixed-use development will also incorporate affordable housing and is currently in the design and predevelopment phase. The city is collaborating with the **Frankford Community Development Corporation** to finalize the project’s budget.

**City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada**, representing District 7, has been a key supporter of the initiative, securing funding and regulatory approvals in 2023 and 2024. She acknowledged the existing delays but assured ongoing efforts to maintain momentum and expedite progress. “My focus is on maintaining momentum and advancing it as quickly as possible,” Lozada affirmed.

Advocates like **Adam Goldman**, executive director at the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, highlight the urgent need, citing wait times for new patient appointments at Health Center 10 in Rawnhurst, the sole existing city location serving the Northeast, which can extend up to 10 months. These centers provide crucial, comprehensive care and accept patients regardless of insurance status, offering sliding scale payment options for those with low incomes. Goldman concluded, “We know they care about this and so we really just want to see where they can shorten the timeline, where we can speed things up so that people can really get help as quickly as possible.”


WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Northeast Philly Health Centers: Residents Demand Faster Build

## Government Urges Caution Regarding Highly Processed Foods and Diet-Related Illnesses


For the first time, the U.S. government is issuing a public advisory regarding the consumption of **highly processed foods**, citing a direct link to the rising prevalence of diet-related diseases. This guidance presents a challenge for many Americans, as numerous studies indicate a desire to reduce ultra-processed foods in their diets, yet difficulty in identifying them. The pervasive nature of these foods, often masked by clever marketing, contributes to the confusion. **Alexandra DiFeliceantonio**, a researcher at **Virginia Tech** specializing in the neuroscience of food selection, observes, "I think advertising is really good at making people think foods are minimally processed when they're actually ultra-processed."

Ultra-processed foods are characterized as industrially manufactured products containing ingredients rarely found in a typical home kitchen. These often include additives like preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings, natural flavors, and emulsifiers. Extensive research has established a correlation between the consumption of these foods and an increased risk of serious health concerns, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and obesity. Understanding which foods fall into this category is a key hurdle for consumers.


## Navigating Grains and Starches: Practical Guidance from a Leading Expert


**Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian**, director of the **Food is Medicine Institute** at **Tufts University**, frequently addresses the confusion surrounding grains, carbohydrates, and starches – common components of many diets. "When people ask me about ultra-processed foods, they're often most confused about grains, carbohydrates, and starches," he notes. Recognizing the need for accessible advice, Mozaffarian provides his patients with two straightforward guidelines for making healthier choices: the 10 to 1 test and the water test. These simple assessments can empower individuals to make more informed decisions at the grocery store.

The 10 to 1 test focuses on the balance between carbohydrates and fiber. According to Mozaffarian, "A food should have at least one gram of fiber for every 10 grams of carbohydrate." This means that a granola bar containing 30 grams of total carbohydrate should ideally contain at least three grams of fiber. This ratio helps ensure a balance between refined starches and more beneficial ingredients like whole grains, bran, and seeds.


## The 10 to 1 Test and the Water Test: Simple Tools for Healthier Choices


Beyond the 10 to 1 test, Mozaffarian’s second recommendation, the water test, offers a visual and practical method for assessing food processing. This test is designed to reveal whether a grain or starch retains its structural integrity, a key indicator of minimal processing. The principle behind this test lies in the protective role of the plant cell wall.

To conduct the water test, simply submerge a portion of the starchy food – such as bread, a cracker, pretzel, or cereal – in a glass of water for several hours. Observing whether the food dissolves or disintegrates provides valuable insight into its level of processing. Minimally processed grains, like whole wheat bread and steel-cut oats, possess intact plant cell walls that act as a barrier, preventing rapid dissolution. If the carbohydrate remains largely intact, it suggests a minimally processed food and a potentially healthier option.


## How the Water Test Reflects Digestive Processes and Impacts Health


The integrity of the plant cell wall is crucial because it influences how the body digests carbohydrates. When the cell wall remains intact, enzymes in the mouth and stomach break down the starch more slowly, leading to a gradual release of sugars into the bloodstream. **Dr. Meroë B. Morse**, an assistant professor at **MD Anderson Cancer Center**, explains that companies often "predigest" grains, corn, or potatoes, removing the plant's cell wall during manufacturing. This process allows enzymes in the gut to quickly break down carbohydrates into simple sugars, potentially leading to glucose spikes and insulin resistance over time.

Mozaffarian emphasizes that this slower digestion is beneficial, as it avoids overwhelming the liver and the hormones responsible for metabolism, ultimately reducing the risk of weight gain and diabetes. Furthermore, minimally processed grains travel further into the gut, nourishing the beneficial microbes within the large intestine – a crucial component of a healthy microbiome. In contrast, ultra-processed grains are rapidly broken down, offering little nutritional benefit to the gut microbiome.

Ultra-Processed Foods Warning: New US Government Advice

## Hawaiʻi Prisons Face Crisis: Rising Suicide Rates Prompt Calls for Reform


Data recently compiled by **Honolulu Civil Beat** reveals a deeply concerning trend within the Hawaiʻi correctional system. Over the past two years, confirmed or suspected suicides have accounted for more than half of all deaths at **Hālawa Correctional Facility**, the state’s largest prison. Statewide, these incidents comprised one-third of all fatalities within Hawaiʻi’s correctional facilities during 2024 and 2025. This elevated rate signals a significant crisis demanding immediate attention and systemic change. 

The statistics paint a stark picture of distress within the incarcerated population. In 2024, fatalities stemming from drug overdoses, homicides, and suicides collectively represented 50% of all deaths in Hawaiʻi jails – a total of eight deaths out of sixteen. This concerning pattern continued into 2025, with such deaths accounting for 61% of the total, or eleven out of eighteen fatalities. These figures underscore a troubling reality of preventable loss within the state’s correctional institutions.


## Disparities Compared to National Averages


The high incidence of suicide within Hawaiʻi’s prison system stands in sharp contrast to national data. According to the U.S. **Department of Justice**, suicides accounted for only 8% of all deaths in state and federal prisons across the country in 2019 – the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available. **Christin Johnson**, oversight coordinator for the **Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission**, expressed her dismay, stating, “I don’t think it’s normal, and I think it’s devastating.” She further emphasized the preventable nature of these tragedies, adding, “I think any deaths in custody are absolutely devastating, but particularly deaths that potentially can be prevented.”

The disparity is particularly pronounced when comparing prison suicides to jail suicides within the state. While Hālawa prison alone recorded eight suspected or confirmed suicides during 2024 and 2025, only one suicide occurred in a Hawaiʻi jail during each of those years. This is unusual, as suicide rates are typically higher in jails, where inmates are often serving shorter sentences or awaiting trial, compared to prisons housing convicted felons with longer terms.


## Addressing the Crisis: Funding and New Initiatives


In response to repeated lawsuits concerning suicides in its facilities, the **Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR)** permitted national experts to evaluate mental health services provided to inmates last year. The resulting report highlighted “atrocious” conditions and inadequate treatment for mentally ill individuals within understaffed facilities. Consequently, **DCR Director Tommy Johnson** is now requesting over $2.6 million from lawmakers to bolster mental health services and overall medical care. This funding would facilitate the hiring of nearly three dozen new healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists and nurses, as part of a settlement agreement stemming from a class action lawsuit.

Director Johnson also outlined plans to implement a new suicide risk assessment algorithm and utilize biometric monitoring via ankle bracelets for at-risk inmates. The goal is to proactively identify individuals in crisis and enable faster intervention. This pilot program, initially slated for **Oʻahu Community Correctional Center**, the **Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua**, and potentially Hālawa, will involve assessments of hundreds of inmates. 


## Systemic Challenges: Staffing and Facility Conditions


Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, Hawaiʻi’s correctional system continues to grapple with a severe staffing shortage. As of late November, the DCR reported 435 vacant Adult Corrections Officer (ACO) positions out of a total of 1,535, representing a vacancy rate of approximately 28%. This figure doesn’t account for officers absent due to injury or family medical leave, further exacerbating the crisis. **Christin Johnson** emphasized the impact of these shortages, stating, “The staffing crisis is still very, very real.”

Insufficient staffing often leads to extended lockdowns, limiting inmate access to essential programs, recreation, family visits, and other activities crucial for mental wellbeing. Experts like **Michele Deitch**, director of the **Prison and Jail Innovation Lab** at the University of Texas, point to the importance of “out of cell time” as a vital component of suicide prevention. Furthermore, Director Johnson acknowledged that Hawaiʻi’s aging and “antiquated” facilities contribute to the problem, hindering effective monitoring of inmates. Addressing these systemic challenges is paramount to improving safety and reducing preventable deaths within the Hawaiʻi correctional system.

Hawaiʻi Prison Suicides Surge: Reform Demands Grow | Honolulu Civil Beat

## Yemen’s Enduring Humanitarian Crisis & Maternal Health Challenges


**Yemen** continues to grapple with a deeply entrenched and multifaceted humanitarian emergency. Over nine years of ongoing conflict, coupled with economic downturn, insufficient financial support, and the lingering consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, have drastically curtailed access to vital services for the nation’s populace. The impact is disproportionately felt by women and girls, particularly concerning their reproductive and maternal wellbeing. 

The country currently records one of the highest rates of maternal mortality within the Arab States region, a direct result of limited availability to high-quality emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC), especially in areas ravaged by conflict and those historically underserved. **UNFPA** is leading the response to address maternal and newborn health (RH) needs in Yemen, delivering critical services, emergency care, and essential reproductive health supplies through a network of supported healthcare facilities nationwide.


## Maternal & Newborn Health Interventions in Yemen


The **Maternal and Newborn Health Services (RH)** project represents a central pillar of the humanitarian health effort in Yemen. Its primary objective is to address unmet reproductive health requirements and guarantee access to superior maternal, newborn, and family planning services. This initiative specifically targets populations most vulnerable – those impacted by conflict, residing in remote locations, and facing systemic disadvantages. 

A key strategy for enhancing maternal and newborn survival rates involves bolstering the capacity of health facilities to provide both Basic (BEmONC) and Comprehensive (CEmONC) Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care. The project focuses on ensuring safe motherhood, preventing complications during childbirth, and ultimately reducing both maternal and neonatal mortality rates. **UNFPA** currently stands as the sole provider of life-saving maternal and newborn health medicines within the country.


## Project Implementation & Geographic Expansion


Since January 2019, **DEEM for Development Organization**, with financial backing from UNFPA, has been actively implementing maternal and newborn health services for communities affected by the ongoing conflict. The project’s reach has steadily expanded over the years, demonstrating a commitment to reaching those most in need. 

In 2021, MNHS-RH services were initially deployed across 14 health facilities (HF) within **Taiz Governorate**, comprising 4 CEmONC facilities and 10 BEmONC facilities. Implementation continued in 2022, focusing on 10 HF in Taiz, with a configuration of 2 CEmONC and 8 BEmONC centers. The project demonstrated growth in 2023, extending its coverage to 13 HF spanning both Taiz and **Al Hudaydah Governorates** (2 CEmONC, 11 BEmONC).


## Continued Growth & Focus on Vulnerable Populations


Building on previous successes, the project further broadened its scope in 2024 to encompass 15 HF (6 CEmONC and 9 BEmONC) across **Taiz, Ibb, and Al Dhale’e Governorates**. This expansion prioritizes districts that are hosting significant numbers of internally displaced persons and populations directly impacted by the conflict. This targeted approach ensures that assistance reaches those facing the greatest challenges in accessing essential maternal and newborn healthcare.

Yemen's Maternal Health Crisis Deepens Amid War & Aid Shortages

An Arizona family has initiated legal action, filing a wrongful death lawsuit after their 27-year-old son, **Kaelen Lachica**, tragically passed away mere hours after what they describe as a wrongful discharge from a hospital. The family contends that their son was effectively abandoned on a Phoenix sidewalk on a scorching summer day, despite his severely compromised health. This incident has ignited a demand for accountability and systemic change from the medical institution involved.

**Seth** and **Gayle Lachica**, Kaelen’s parents, assert that personnel at **Abrazo Health Arrowhead** arranged for an Uber to transport their son and drop him off outside a local homeless shelter in Phoenix. This occurred even as Kaelen's physical state was rapidly deteriorating. "What they did is abandonment. I mean, they absolutely killed my son,” **Seth Lachica** conveyed to Fox News Digital, emphasizing the gravity of their allegations.


## Hospital Discharge Sparks Controversy and Legal Action


The tragic events unfolded following Kaelen Lachica's hospitalization in August 2025. Although Kaelen had battled anorexia for nearly a decade, his father noted a significant improvement in his condition during the year prior to this particular admission. Kaelen was initially admitted to one medical facility before being transferred to Abrazo Health Arrowhead due to a suspected stroke and subsequent weight loss, indicating a serious health crisis.

The lawsuit details a severe decline in Kaelen's health days before his discharge, rendering him "delusional" and "immobile." On **August 13, 2025**, Kaelen reportedly became agitated, striking a nurse and requesting to leave the hospital "against medical advice," according to the family’s attorney, **Richard Lyons**, speaking to Fox News Digital. Despite his precarious state, hospital staff allegedly arranged for an Uber, paid for by the hospital, to take him to a downtown Phoenix homeless shelter.


## Negligence Claims Surface Amidst Patient Abandonment Allegations


A central point of contention in the lawsuit is the claim that Kaelen was unable to recall his address at the time of discharge. However, his address was readily available and clearly documented within his medical records, accessible to hospital staff. "I mean they literally got him in a wheelchair and pushed him outside and discharged him," Lyons stated, clarifying that this was an "eviction" rather than a medical discharge, suggesting the hospital sought to remove him as a patient.

Following his discharge, Kaelen was discovered collapsed on a sidewalk by a police officer, amidst triple-digit temperatures. His father was notified of his son's discharge in the early morning hours. After desperately searching the area where Kaelen had been dropped off, Seth Lachica tragically found emergency responders administering CPR to his son in the street. "I told them not to release him. They f—— Ubered him here,” Lachica reportedly told officers, adding, “They Ubered him here this morning and just f—— dropped him off to die.”


## Family Seeks Justice for Wrongful Death


Kaelen Lachica was subsequently transported to another hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his condition. The lawsuit alleges that Abrazo staff acted with a "conscious disregard" for Kaelen’s safety and well-being. The legal filing starkly contrasts the hospital’s actions with expectations, stating, "One would not expect a bouncer at a bar to dump an incapacitated patron onto a hot Phoenix sidewalk in the middle of August — let alone the staff at a hospital."

The lawsuit concludes that Abrazo staff’s decision to abandon their "very sick young patient" on a Phoenix sidewalk in August directly led to Kaelen’s death, characterizing the conduct as beyond mere negligence or medical malpractice. Abrazo Health has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation when approached by Fox News Digital. Photos from **Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)/YouTube** show **Seth Lachica** and first responders at the scene where Kaelen was left after his discharge, underscoring the tragic circumstances.

Kaelen Lachica Died: Family Sues Hospital Over Sidewalk Abandonment

(Photo by **Chris Granger**, The Times-Picayune)


## Embracing Sobriety: Beyond Dry January


Many individuals seeking a fresh start often dedicate **January** to enhancing their well-being or participating in an annual alcohol-free initiative. This period of abstinence at the year's commencement has gained widespread recognition, commonly known as **Dry January** or **Dryuary**. However, in regions like **Louisiana**, the beginning of the year ushers in two months of festivities and indulgence, encompassing parades, traditional pastry consumption, and frequent opportunities for drinking. Consequently, by the time **Ash Wednesday** arrives, both our bodies and minds frequently signal a need for recuperation.

Health professionals increasingly emphasize the distinct advantages of pausing alcohol consumption. Federal data indicates that excessive alcohol intake contributes to approximately **140,000 deaths** annually in the **United States**. These fatalities stem from a combination of accidents and chronic illnesses exacerbated by drinking. Early research once hinted at potential cardiovascular benefits from light drinking, but more recent studies suggest there is no truly safe level of alcohol consumption.


## The Clear Health Benefits of Alcohol Abstinence


"For most people, alcohol isn’t providing a health benefit — it’s adding risk,” stated **Scott Edwards**, an associate professor of physiology and neuroscience at **LSU Health New Orleans**. Professor Edwards, whose research focuses on substance use and addiction, highlights the detrimental impact of alcohol. The health risks escalate considerably once individuals surpass binge-drinking thresholds, defined as four drinks for women or five for men on a single occasion.

Beyond these limits, alcohol significantly affects the liver, cardiovascular system, and brain, heightening the likelihood of dependence over time. Even minimal or moderate consumption is linked to increased risks of specific cancers, sleep disturbances, and adverse cardiovascular effects. For individuals without alcohol use disorder, Professor Edwards notes that a temporary break from drinking can be quite illuminating.


## Discovering Wellness Through Alcohol-Free Challenges


"By giving up alcohol, you're going to probably start to see a lot of effects pretty quickly,” **Edwards** elaborated. He added that those accustomed to chronic drinking might experience various health improvements, such as enhanced sleep quality, more mindful eating habits, and reduced anxiety, after a month of abstinence. Even a brief period of reprieve can offer significant insights, according to **Molly Kimball**, a registered dietitian who spearheads a statewide alcohol-free initiative called **Alcohol Free for 40** during **Lent**.

Participants in **Kimball's** program often anticipate weight loss as the primary outcome. However, she consistently hears reports of better sleep, diminished anxiety, elevated mood, and increased productivity. The unexpected reduction in anxiety is particularly noteworthy for many, especially given that numerous individuals consume alcohol specifically to relax. **Kimball** explains, "When we drink regularly, we're actually training our bodies to oversensitize the stress response." She concludes that while a drink might feel momentarily calming, it ultimately worsens our stress response over time.

Louisiana's Sober Season: Post-Mardi Gras Health & Wellness

TikTok's latest wellness phenomenon centers on gut health, capturing the attention of millions. Following the popularity of brands like **Timeline** and **Good Bacteria**, the **Physician's Choice Advanced Gut Health Bundle** has emerged as the newest viral sensation, with shoppers enthusiastically adding this top-selling duo to their digital carts.

This trending bundle uniquely combines the brand’s highly-rated **60 Billion Probiotic** with its potent **Digestive Enzymes**. Together, they form a comprehensive daily gut health regimen, meticulously developed with medical professionals to support both sustained digestive wellness and immediate comfort. Bolstered by science-backed formulations, rigorous third-party testing, and cGMP-certified manufacturing in the **USA**, this Physician's Choice offering saw over **10,000** units purchased by Amazon shoppers last month, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking digestive support.
Buy the viral Physician's Choice Advanced Gut Health Bundle from Amazon | Save **10%**


## **The Surge in Gut Health Awareness on TikTok**


The digital landscape of TikTok has been awash with discussions surrounding bloating remedies, digestion optimization, and microbiome balance, fueling the widespread interest in gut health solutions. The **Physician's Choice Advanced Gut Health Bundle** has become a central part of this conversation due to its accessible nature, affordability, and consistent high ratings from users.

The bundle's strategic pairing of the **60 Billion Probiotic** and **Digestive Enzymes** provides a dual-action approach to daily gut support. The probiotic aims to help maintain a balanced microbiome throughout the day, while the meal-time enzymes are specifically formulated to promote comfortable digestion, offering a straightforward routine for adults prioritizing their long-term digestive well-being and post-meal comfort.


## **An In-Depth Look at the Advanced Gut Health Bundle Components**


The **Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic** stands out as a best-selling Amazon's Choice product, lauded for its robust formulation. Each acid-resistant capsule is engineered to withstand stomach acid, effectively delivering **10 diverse probiotic strains** along with organic prebiotic fiber directly to the gut, fostering a healthy internal environment.

Complementing this, the **Physician’s Choice Digestive Enzymes** blend is expertly crafted with **16 enzymes**, targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and soothing herbal extracts. This powerful enzyme complex is designed to be taken with meals, aiding in the breakdown of various food components to support comfortable digestion and nutrient absorption.


## **Why This Digestive Duo Resonates with Consumers**


The primary appeal of the **Physician's Choice Advanced Gut Health Bundle**, as highlighted by TikTok creators and reviewers, lies in the synergistic action of its two components: one dedicated to daily foundational support, and the other tailored for immediate digestive comfort during meals. Whether individuals experience occasional digestive discomfort or are simply seeking a proactive routine for sustained gut health, this two-step approach offers a convenient and effective solution.

Further reinforcing its credibility, the bundle was developed in collaboration with medical professionals, including the **Physician’s Choice’s Scientific Advisory Board**, which comprises leading physicians and scientists. This commitment to expert-led formulation, coupled with stringent third-party testing for safety, purity, and potency, ensures a product designed for optimal digestive health.

Shoppers Grab TikTok's New Gut Duo: Physician's Choice Probiotic & Enzymes

## Nabarun Dasgupta Recognized with TIME100 Health and NC Dogwood Awards for Public Health Leadership


**Nabarun Dasgupta**, an innovation fellow at the **UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health** and senior scientist at the **UNC Injury Prevention Research Center**, has garnered two prestigious accolades this week. On Friday, February 13th, 2026, it was announced that Dasgupta was named to the **TIME100 Health List of the World’s Most Influential Leaders in Health** and also received the **N.C. Attorney General’s Dogwood Award**. This dual recognition highlights his significant public health influence on a national scale and his steadfast dedication to communities and advocates throughout North Carolina and beyond.

These awards collectively celebrate Dasgupta's profound impact, recognizing both his broad public health contributions and his commitment to aiding North Carolina communities. The honors underscore his leadership in fostering healthier populations and his tangible efforts to improve safety and well-being at the local level.


## Addressing the Street Drug Crisis Through Data Innovation


The 2026 **TIME100 Health List** shines a spotlight on 100 of the year's most influential figures in health globally. **Dasgupta**, who also spearheads the **UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab**, earned his place on this esteemed list for his pioneering work in confronting the street drug crisis. His approach involves critical data analysis, direct street drug testing, and the development of practical, frontline solutions.

His efforts provide vital information to communities and healthcare providers, enabling informed decision-making through publicly accessible data and expert insights. This innovative, data-driven strategy is crucial for understanding and mitigating the devastating effects of the drug crisis.


## Honoring Community Commitment and Collaborative Impact


Beyond his national influence, **Dasgupta** was also honored with the **2026 Dogwood Award**, a distinction presented to North Carolinians who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the safety, health, and happiness of their communities. He accepted this award at a ceremony held on February 13th. The Dogwood Award specifically acknowledges his grassroots engagement and dedication to local welfare.

Reflecting on this recognition, Dasgupta shared, “I especially want to thank the dozen members of our team at the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center who do the tireless work every day of making kits, shipping boxes, analyzing samples, entering and analyzing data, managing finances, and conducting field studies.” This statement underscores the collaborative nature of his impactful work. The combined weight of the **TIME100 Health** and **Dogwood Awards** truly demonstrates the extensive scope of Dasgupta's influence, from shaping national health discussions to delivering concrete benefits at the community level. This recent recognition follows his receipt of the **MacArthur Fellowship**, often referred to as the “genius grant,” in October.

Nabarun Dasgupta Lands TIME100 Health & Dogwood Awards for Leadership

The convergence of Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day is deliberate, underscoring the importance of prioritizing health within intimate relationships. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are reinforcing this message by offering free condoms to facilitate safer sexual practices and overall well-being.

While Valentine’s Day is traditionally marked by expressions of affection like gifts and outings, RHHD emphasizes that responsible sexual health should be an integral component of any romantic observance. 

“Employing a condom represents a crucial measure in safeguarding one’s sexual health,” stated Elaine Perry, M.D., Director of Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “When utilized properly, condoms demonstrate substantial efficacy in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis and HIV. Incorporate condoms into your Valentine’s Day preparations alongside customary tokens of affection, ensuring both romance and protection.”

Virginia STI Data
Sexually transmitted infections continue to pose a significant challenge to public health across the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2024, over 54,000 STI cases were documented statewide. A particularly concerning trend is the marked increase in syphilis diagnoses among women, with newly reported cases rising by 144% between 2020 and 2024. During the same period, Richmond City experienced a 117% increase in newly diagnosed syphilis cases across all genders, while Henrico County saw a 65% rise.

Virginia also witnessed a continuation of increasing congenital syphilis cases – the transmission of syphilis from a pregnant person to their infant during pregnancy or delivery – for the fifth consecutive year. In 2024, 35 cases of congenital syphilis were identified among newborns, representing the highest number recorded in the state in over three decades.

The Virginia Department of Health addresses this issue through its statewide Condom Distribution Program, aiming to mitigate the spread of HIV and other STIs by providing readily available, cost-free protection. 

Free condoms are accessible at RHHD locations and through a network of community partners. Individuals seeking nearby distribution points can call 804-205-3500 for assistance. Organizations interested in becoming distribution sites are encouraged to contact the HIV-STD Hotline Supervisor at HIV-stdhotline@vdh.virginia.gov; eligible organizations may order up to 100,000 condoms annually.

RHHD also provides guidance on preventative medical interventions, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) to prevent STIs. To explore these options, call 804-664-2125.

This Valentine’s Day, prioritize a memorable experience, not a regrettable diagnosis.

Health