Category Archives: National Government

Pentagon Exhibit Showcases Wounded Warriors’ Therapeutic Art

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By Paige LaPlant

MSgt (Ret) Justin Jordan discusses the art process with U.S. Navy VADM Raquel Bono, Director, Defense Health Agency, at the opening of the Wounded Warrior Healing Arts Exhibit at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on April 12, 2017. (DoD photo by Roger L. Wollenberg)

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2017 — Healing arts therapy for wounded warriors can have a profound impact on those who have post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and it also educates the medical community on treating such signatures of war, the director of the Defense Health Agency said today at the opening of the 2017 Wounded Warrior Healing Arts exhibit at the Pentagon.

Navy Vice Adm. (Dr.) Raquel C. Bono spoke at the kickoff of the Pentagon Patriotic Arts Program’s newest display, which will grace the walls of Apex 1 and 2 on the Pentagon’s second floor for a year.

The exhibit reflects the therapeutic artwork of service members who have suffered such maladies and found an outlet in many forms of art to help in managing their symptoms.

The military has used therapeutic arts programs since the inception of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence healing arts program in 2010 at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. It’s an expanding program across the nation’s military facilities, with numerous such programs in place or under way.

Signature Wounds

“One of lessons we took away from 15 years of war … is we realized there’s much more than fixing a person’s physical ability and injury,” Bono pointed out. And often, coping with such disorders with art therapy involves the community around the affected service member, she said. “l see it has a profound impact not only on your own healing, but to rest of community in terms of understanding and appreciation,” the admiral said.

Caring for a Network

“We learned we must be able to take care of the entire family and the entire network of our wounded warriors, and that was a real signature lesson we carried forward,” Bono noted.

But another piece of that equation, she said, is that military medicine learned to take care of spiritual, intellectual, mental, physical and religious domains that are important as wounded warriors transition from the military.

The DHA director told the numerous artists from the program who were in the audience that their ability to display their art in the halls of the Pentagon is an incredibly powerful way to express their messages that often cannot be put into words.

Likewise, she added, the artists’ sharing of their work with a broad audience will help others understand that complexities exist in everyone, and the complexities can exceed simple treatment and therapy.

“I want people to know who you are and what you’ve done,” Bono told the artists. “I thank you all for sharing, because I know this is a deeply personal part of who you are and what you’ve experienced.”

For more information, visit Healing Arts and the Military Health System and Pentagon Patriotic Art Program: Wounded Warrior Healing Arts Exhibit. View more photos from the opening event on Flickr and follow @WarriorCare on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in adaptive reconditioning events and updates.

By Terri Moon Cronk, DoD News, Defense Media Activity
Originally published on Defense.gov

FDA Designates Medtronic Worldwide Voluntary Field Action on HVAD(TM) System Controllers and DC Adapters as Class I Recall

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Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the company’s recently initiated voluntary field action related to its HVAD(TM) System Controllers (serial numbers lower than CON300000) and DC Adapters (all serial numbers for product code 1435) as a Class I recall.

Medtronic began notifying clinicians outside of the United States in March 2017 about updated HVAD System Controllers and DC Adapters that were developed following two previously communicated Field Safety Notices that occurred in April 2015 and April 2016. The FDA approved the updated controller on April 7, 2017, and Medtronic began notifying U.S. clinicians about the updated HVAD Controllers and DC Adapters on April 14, 2017.

The updated controller includes enhancements designed to address the potential safety issues identified in the previously communicated notices, including:

  • strengthened power and serial port alignment guides intended to reduce the incidence of wear that could lead to damaged connector pins;
  • functionality designed to monitor internal battery performance and sound an alert when the internal battery is nearing depletion; and
  • redesigned connectors and housing intended to prevent the risk of connectors loosening or becoming more vulnerable to damage from exposure to water and other fluids.

In addition, the updated controller introduces upgraded internal circuitry designed to improve overall device reliability.

In April 2015 and April 2016, Medtronic notified clinicians about potential safety issues with the current HVAD System Controller that could lead to possible injury and death due to worn alignment guides, internal “double disconnect (no power) alarm” battery failure, and loose power and data connectors.

With the introduction of the updated controller, Medtronic has begun to remove current HVAD Controllers (product codes 1400,1401US and 1407US) in select geographies, including the U.S. Medtronic also has begun to remove the related adapters (product code 1435), Instructions for Use, Patient Manuals and Emergency Responder Guides.

As part of these activities, Medtronic has provided the following recommendations to physicians:

  • Before the updated controller will be distributed to hospitals, clinicians must complete required training on the updated controller and updated product labeling, including the Instructions for Use and Patient Manual.
  • Following training and the receipt of the updated controllers in hospital inventory, clinicians are requested to quarantine and replace patients’ primary and backup HVAD Controllers and DC adapters under clinical supervision and at a hospital where patient support equipment is available.
  • While Medtronic recommends that HVAD Controllers be exchanged, clinicians should weigh the benefits of the updated controller against the risks of a controller exchange procedure.
  • When clinicians determine a controller exchange is appropriate, they will notify patients who should promptly schedule a controller exchange as soon as the updated controllers are available.
  • Trained hospital staff must educate patients on using the updated controller.

Patients with questions about this announcement should contact their physicians or ventricular assist device (VAD) coordinator at their hospital center.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this device may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax:

For information or to report a problem, please contact the 24-hour Clinical Support line at +1-888-494-6365 or email FSCA@medtronic.com.

Maintenance work begins on Forest Road 302 on Tusayan Ranger District

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TUSAYAN –A contractor working for the Kaibab National Forest began a road maintenance project this week on Forest Road 302 on the Tusayan Ranger District in order to ensure the popular route continues to meet Forest Service road standards.

The contractor is using heavy equipment to haul gravel from Dillman Pit, located about 9 miles southeast of the project location, to FR 302 where it is then being spread across the roadway to improve surface conditions. The section of FR 302 receiving this maintenance work begins at the intersection of Highway 64 south of Tusayan and continues about 5.4 miles to the intersection of FR 688.Forest Service road engineers expect the road maintenance work to continue for about five weeks and likely be complete by the end of May. While the road will not be closed during the project, motorists can expect delays and should exercise caution while traveling through the area due to varying road conditions and the presence of heavy equipment.

FR 302 is used frequently by Kaibab National Forest visitors to access camping, hunting and other recreational opportunities. Forest managers recommend using FR 688 as an alternate route during the duration of the FR 302 maintenance project in order to bypass delays and dusty conditions. Forest visitors seeking a spot for dispersed camping are also encouraged to consider other routes on the Tusayan Ranger District given the likelihood of dust and noise near the project area.

Forest Service engineers regularly evaluate and monitor road conditions across the forest to determine priorities for work. FR 302 has been in need of maintenance for some time, and forest managers expect visitors to have an improved experience once the current project is complete.

To contact the Tusayan Ranger District office, call (928) 638-2443. Additional Kaibab National Forest is available through the following sources:

  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF/
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/kaibabnf (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
  • Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits beginning May 1

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will offer firewood cutting permits for the 2017 firewood season beginning May 1 for all three ranger districts.

The minimum cost for a personal use firewood permit is $20, which is good for four cords of wood. Firewood cutting permits can be purchased at the following locations and during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

· Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
· Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
· North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The 2017 firewood cutting season will remain open across the entire forest from May 1 to Nov 30. Free-use permits may also be available for specific areas on the forest. Individuals seeking such permits should check with the appropriate ranger district office for availability, locations and other information.

All permits issued will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest.

The removal of firewood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the district for which the permit is issued. Firewood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Firewood cutters should also be aware that chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. Cutters should check with forest offices periodically for information about the implementation of fire restrictions.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps for each ranger district are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits beginning May 1

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The Kaibab National Forest will offer firewood cutting permits for the 2017 firewood season beginning May 1 for all three ranger districts.

The minimum cost for a personal use firewood permit is $20, which is good for four cords of wood. Firewood cutting permits can be purchased at the following locations and during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

· Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
· Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
· North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The 2017 firewood cutting season will remain open across the entire forest from May 1 to Nov 30. Free-use permits may also be available for specific areas on the forest. Individuals seeking such permits should check with the appropriate ranger district office for availability, locations and other information.

All permits issued will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest.

The removal of firewood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the district for which the permit is issued. Firewood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Firewood cutters should also be aware that chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. Cutters should check with forest offices periodically for information about the implementation of fire restrictions.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps for each ranger district are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.

Public comment sought to help develop revised Tonto Forest Plan

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The Tonto National Forest on April 6 published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent to develop the Revised Tonto National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Forest Plans are used to guide management of the National Forest for 15-20 years.

The current Tonto National Forest Plan, approved in 1985, is in need of updating to reflect current conditions, and uses of the Forest. The plan revision process will be an extensive, multi-year public process, throughout which the Tonto National Forest will promote public comment and participation in development of the revised forest plan.

Publication of the Notice of Intent initiates the public involvement process, which guides the development of the Revised Plan and EIS. The Forest Service has allocated a 45-day scoping period, which will end on Monday, May 22, 2017. This is the first formal opportunity for the public to provide comments on the proposed action, or the need to change direction from current management of the Tonto National Forest.

“If you enjoy the Tonto National Forest and care about how it will be managed for your enjoyment and that of future generations, please review the Notice of Intent and provide comments to help the Forest Service develop the revised Tonto National Forest Plan,” said Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor, in a news release.

Public comments during the initial 45-day scoping period can be submitted by e-mail to tontoplan@fs.fed.us or by U.S. mail to Tonto National Forest, Attn: Tonto Plan Revision, 2324 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85006.

See the Tonto Forest Plan Revision page to learn more about the Tonto Forest Plan Revision; the process, final assessment, needs to change, and public involvement leading up to this point.

Frito-Lay Recalls Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips and Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

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Frito-Lay announced it is voluntarily recalling select Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips and Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked potato chips due to the potential presence of Salmonella in the seasoning. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

This action is the direct result of a supplier’s recent recall of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeño powder that could contain Salmonella. Although no Salmonella was found in the seasoning supplied to Frito-Lay, the company has decided to recall these products out of an abundance of caution.

No illness related to this matter has been confirmed to date.

The products covered by this recall were distributed in retail stores and via foodservice, vending and other channels throughout the U.S.

The specific recalled product information is listed below:

  • All sizes of the following two products that have a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior printed on the front upper panel of the package:
    • Jalapeño Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips
    • Jalapeño Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked potato chips
  • All of the following multipack offerings that have a “use by” date of JUN 20 or prior printed on the multipack package. In addition, a “guaranteed fresh” date of JUL 4 or prior is printed on the front upper panel of the individual recalled product packages inside each multipack offering. Any other products or flavors contained in these multipacks are not being recalled.
    • 12 count Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Sack
    • 20 count Frito-Lay Bold Mix Sack
    • 30 count Miss Vickie’s Multipack Tray
    • 30 count Lay’s Kettle Cooked Multipack Tray
    • 32 count Miss Vickie’s Multipack Box

No other flavors of Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips or Miss Vickie’s potato chips are impacted or being recalled. Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked 40% Less Fat potato chips are not impacted or being recalled.

Consumers who have purchased these recalled products are advised not to consume them. Frito-Lay is working with the FDA on this recall to ensure the recalled products are removed from store shelves and are no longer distributed.

Consumers can contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 866-272-9393 for additional information from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Representative product images can be found at fritolay.com. For product reimbursement, consumers can visit www.jalapenochiprecall.com.

Campbell Soup Company Recalls Chicken Soup Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

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Class I recall is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health

Campbell Soup Company, a Maxton, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,185 pounds of chicken soup products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. The chicken with whole grain pasta soup items were produced on Feb. 13, 2017.

18.6-oz. cans of “Campbell’s Homestyle Healthy Request Chicken with Whole Grain Pasta” with Best By date of Feb. 13, 2019 located on the bottom of the cans.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 4R” on the bottom of the cans. These items were shipped to retail locations in Florida.

The problem was discovered on April 20, 2017 when the firm received notification from their corporate office of multiple consumer complaints of the wrong product noticed inside the cans. The products were labeled as “Campbell’s Homestyle Healthy Request Chicken with Whole Grain Pasta” but actually contain “Campbell’s Homestyle Healthy Request Italian-Style Wedding Spinach & Meatballs in Chicken Broth” soup.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Prescribed burn planned to begin Wednesday south of Tusayan

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TUSAYAN – Crews plan to begin ignitions on a prescribed burn on the 681 acre Reed Prescribed Fire Project on Wednesday April 19 and intend to continue burning for approximately three days in the area if conditions remain favorable. The burn area is located approximately three miles south of the town of Tusayan.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 64 and in the communities of Valle and Tusayan. Light smoke may linger overnight and in the early morning hours. To minimize smoke impacts, fire managers will limit ignitions to approximately 200 acres per day and will only conduct ignitions when conditions exist that will allow smoke to ventilate away from sensitive areas.

“Because this prescribed fire will be burning immediately adjacent to Highway 64, we suggest that motorists slow down when driving through the area and use extreme caution due to firefighters working along the roadway and potential impacts to visibility.” said Fire Management Officer Quentin Johnson.

Smoke is expected to disperse to the east and northeast during the day. Residual smoke may settle into drainages and low lying areas overnight but will dissipate rapidly throughout the morning hours.

Prescribed fires are essential tools for restoring the forests in a fire-adapted ecosystem, and smoke is an unavoidable byproduct of these efforts. Fire managers strive to minimize smoke impacts to the community as much as possible. Burns occur when winds and other atmospheric conditions will push the majority of smoke away from homes and ultimately limit the number of days smoke is in the air. Fire managers work closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, partners in the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as surrounding Native American tribes to monitor air quality.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly throughout the season. The public can find this information online or through a recorded hotline. Contact your local Kaibab National Forest office for additional information.

 

Vandalism damages recreational facilities on Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – A recent trend of vandalism occurring at numerous Kaibab National Forest recreation sites on the Williams Ranger District has prompted a public service announcement in an attempt to curtail these unlawful activities.

Unsightly graffiti paint, physical structure damage, and theft are among the latest offenses identified at several recreational locations that are about to open for the summer season.

“This kind of unruly activity makes it difficult to prepare our facilities for opening by the scheduled dates.” said Recreation Specialist Dutch Maatman. “Not only does it take extra time to make these repairs, but it can be very costly detracting from our limited budget allocations. It negatively impacts both our visitors and our program.”

Forest officials are encouraging all members of the public to speak up if you witness any activity that disturbs, defaces or damages any property being managed by your national forest. If you see something, say something.

As with any crime you may be witness to, contacting your local law enforcement authority is always the safest action to take. You can also call the local district offices directly to report a crime or any other suspicious activity that may be occurring. Contact your local office at these locations:

• Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
• Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
• North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The mission of the United States Forest Service is “To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.” Its motto is “Caring for the land and serving people.”

Kaibab National Forest Officials would like to invite everyone to take a vested interest in helping with the success of the mission by participating in the protection and conservation of your national forest resources.

For more information about the Kaibab National Forest, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab