From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com …
— Rep. Lisa Subeck is touting legislation that would end the state’s personal conviction vaccination waiver, arguing the move would help address falling immunization rates.
“Wisconsin’s continued decline in immunization rates is alarming, leaving Wisconsinites vulnerable to dangerous yet preventable contagious diseases,” the Madison Dem said in a statement.
Yesterday’s announcement notes the number of students in the state with a waiver for one or more vaccines has nearly doubled over the past 20 years, going from 3.4% in the 2005-2005 school year to 6.7% last year. That’s based on state Department of Health Services figures.
Subeck says the state has “one of the broadest” vaccination exemption allowances in the country, including medical and religious as well as personal reasons.
In addition to the bill that would end the personal conviction exemption, she’s also introducing a bill to allow minors aged 16 years or older to make their own vaccination decisions. Her release points to evidence that teenagers “will choose to receive vaccinations previously withheld by their families” when given more information and control over their own immunization.
See the release below.
— Appleton-area startup Auvia Health has won the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event, landing a small cash prize and the opportunity to present to a larger audience next year.
The New North economic development group yesterday announced Nicole Hurd’s pitch for Auvia Health got top marks Wednesday during the competition held at TitletownTech in Green Bay. She earned $2,000 and was also invited to speak at the New North Summit in June.
Hurd’s own experience with post-partum depression led her to launch the digital health business, which has a 24/7 “lifeline” to support others going through the challenges of maternity. It has a voice-based technology platform that can guide users toward professional care when needed, according to an overview of her presentation.
“I started the company from a place of pain,” Hurd said in a statement. “I felt an empathetic pull to create a better world for new parents. I wanted them to have 24/7 support outside of traditional health care.”
The company’s LinkedIn page shows it’s raised at least $250,000 from angel investors and other “early believers” and has more than 200 families on its waitlist.
Patti Habeck, president and CEO of New North, says this week’s pitch event “demonstrated that there is no shortage of quality business ideas germinating within the New North region.”
See more in the release below, including details on other top presentations.
Top Stories
– Cassidy urges CDC director to reject vaccine panel’s hepatitis B recommendations
– U.S. advisers scrap hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for most children in major win for Kennedy
– While Scientists Race To Study Spread of Measles in US, Kennedy Unravels Hard-Won Gains
– Health Savings Accounts, Backed by GOP, Cover Fancy Saunas but Not Insurance Premiums
– Doctor working on ‘brain health revolution’ with White House
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Press Releases
– Rep. Subeck: Introduces legislation to address declining immunization rates
– New North, Inc.: Nicole Hurd, Auvia Health win 2025 NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event
– Protect Our Care: Statement: Applauds Democrats’ plan to put an end to the GOP premium crisis
