November 11, 2008

A new report by human rights experts at the University of California, Berkeley, details the experience of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Afghanistan, from the time of their capture through their return home. The report authors will hold a press conference call at noon this Wednesday to discuss their findings and the implications for the Obama Administration; prior to the press call, they will hold an in-person briefing in Washington, D.C., on the report. Media is invited to attend either event. Full release

According to a new survey from Consumer Reports Health, just 52% of Americans plan to get the flu vaccine this year, despite its being the best option for prevention. The Consumer Reports Health survey uncovered a long list of poor excuses for not getting the vaccine, including 5% of people who say they would rather get sick than go to work. Full release

AARP's Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Kevin Donnellan issued the following statement addressing United States military veterans on this national day of recognition. "On behalf of AARP's 40 million members, I want to commend the millions of veterans across the globe that have bravely served and sacrificed for our country by putting their lives on the line. From the birth of this nation, generations of men and women have selflessly stepped up to defend our freedom. For this, we not only owe them our respect and gratitude for their actions in the line of duty, but also for the contributions they have made to keep our nation strong." Full release

PolicyArchive.org, the leading digital repository of public policy research developed by the Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) University Library, has just launched a new online collection of presidential transition papers called Presidential Advisory '08. Featuring policy recommendations from over 20 think tanks for President-elect Obama's upcoming administration, the collection is a free resource for the public. Full release

The Republican National Committee (RNC) today launched a new Web site, "RepublicanForAReason.com." The site offers users the opportunity to discuss their reasons for being a member of the Grand Old Party and what being a Republican means to them. The format is similar to that of the RNC's ground-breaking Platform Web site, which was launched in the run-up to the 2008 Republican National Convention as a way for every Party member to offer their ideas and insight toward our Platform. In the same vein, Party members can offer their opinion of where the Party is headed and how we can be better prepared for the future. Full release

Having "good, tight relations and cooperation" with Washington, seven countries will on November 17 get visa-free travel to the United States, President Bush has announced, adding that "these close friends of America told me that it was unfair their people had to jump through bureaucratic hoops that other allies can walk around." Full release

Health Alliance Plan's Medicare HMO is the top-ranked Medicare HMO plan in Michigan, according to the list of America's Best Health Plans in the November 17-24 issue of U.S. News & World Report. The America's Best Health Plans list was created by the U.S. News Media Group, in collaboration with the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Full release

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. This year, the month of November has been named Warrior Care Month by the U.S. Department of Defense. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is raising awareness for the need for continued mental health services for all military service members and their families. Returning service members face rising mental health issues, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury and depression. Full release

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