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mpathic Receives SBIR Award to Address Racial Bias in Healthcare AI

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Care providers’ cultural attunement deficiency is a historic mental health care barrier for racial and ethnic minority communities, while bias remains a top pain point for healthcare AI

Conversational AI visionary mpathic is building culturally competent AI models for more equitable mental healthcare delivery, rooted in part in Wave’s inclusive provider-patient transcripts

NIH SBIR’s mission is to cultivate diverse ideas and strive to empower scientists and entrepreneurs to bring their discoveries to patients

BELLEVUE, Wash., July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — mpathic, a leader in AI-powered actionable conversation analytics specializing in healthcare, life sciences, and client services, today announced it has received a highly competitive National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award for its transformative project “Empathy for Everyone: Generative AI that Improves Patient-Provider Cultural Attunement in Real Time.”

NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, offers SBIR grants to innovative small healthcare and life sciences businesses to perform research and development to make medical breakthroughs that can be deployed to the masses. This grant will fund the expansion of mpathic’s generative AI tools to facilitate cultural attunement between mental health providers and patients, bridge the gap in mental healthcare for underserved racial and ethnic populations, and potentially improve therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction.

America’s mental healthcare system is failing people of color. Racial and ethnic minority communities report higher rates of mental illness compared to white and privileged communities. Marginalized communities are also less likely to seek treatment, less likely to find or access high-quality care, and less likely to finish treatment, with 30-57% of patients prematurely leaving. These same communities often feel that mental health clinicians lack cultural attunement – where a clinician is understanding and responsive to the intersection of societal context, culture, and power of the patient’s lived experience, and are ill-equipped to respond to their mental health needs in an empathetic and affirming manner. Cultural attunement has been shown to be the driving factor that retains racial and ethnic minorities in mental healthcare.

Many digital health innovations are intended to improve patient-clinician relationships and the overall patient experience, including AI-powered technologies such as chatbots and ambient AI assistants. Unfortunately, many fall far short in closing care gaps. Male-dominant hetero-white language is the internet’s most prevalent language and is the foundation for widely used health technology AI models. This has led to a proliferation of AI innovations that are racist, sexist, and genderist when interacting with patients. 

mpathic realizes that all mental health providers must be equipped with tools that address cultural attunement and health disparities, and it’s course-correcting the racial and ethnic bias prevalent in mental health AI models. mpathic is the first company of its kind to build a conversational analytics platform to detect and correct for cultural attunement in real time with natural language processing (NLP) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. mpathic is utilizing Wave’s provider-patient appointment transcripts to build its AI model.

“For too long, mental health care has not adequately considered the cultural context of patients,” shared Dr. Grin Lord, CEO and founder of mpathic. “With AI assistance that brings the best expertise in cultural attunement to any provider, we can create more meaningful and effective interventions that respect cultural nuances.”

mpathic will employ AI and NLP processing on conversational data from 300 30-minute health coaching sessions from Wave to improve cultural attunement in real-time provider-patient interactions. Wave delivers personalized virtual mental health care through a combination of an app-based digital experience and certified mental health coaches. Wave’s inclusive design processes and equitable hiring practices have supported an 85% non-white, non-male and non-straight team of therapists, coaches and care navigators, lending itself to an equally diverse user population and coaching session transcript data.

“Our collaboration with mpathic on this project is not just about technological innovation; it’s a step towards true access to mental health care that recognizes and adapts to the diversity of human culture,” said Dr. Sarah Adler, founder & CEO of Wave. “It’s about creating tools that enable us to see each patient more fully and meet them where they are, with respect, humility, and understanding.”

The SBIR Phase I project is headed by a team of experts in psychology and technology, including Alison Cerezo, Ph.D., Grin Lord, Psy.D., Amber Jolley-Paige, Ph.D., Jay Palat, M.S., and Tad Hirsch, Ph.D., at mpathic, alongside collaborators Sarah Adler, Ph.D., and Alison Pickover, Ph.D., from Wave.

“This SBIR award is a significant milestone for mpathic and speaks to our team’s innovative spirit and dedication,” said Dr. Alison Cerezo, SVP of Research & Health Equity at mpathic. “Through the research, we aim not only to improve mental health outcomes but to ensure that our mental health systems are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.”

About mpathic
mpathic is a trusted leader in actionable conversation analytics, empowering healthcare, life sciences, and client services leaders to deliver exceptional care and engagement. Using proprietary ML models developed and trained on over a decade of scientific validation, with up to seven times the accuracy of human doctors, mpathic objectively detects, corrects and improves 200 plus behaviors, establishing an unrivaled level of assurance. To learn more, visit www.mpathic.ai.

About Wave
Wave delivers personalized, virtual mental health care to help members navigate the highs and lows of daily life, with evidence-based solutions and science-backed care plans. Combining an app-based digital experience with mental health coaches certified by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching and trained in its proprietary, evidence-based mental health model, Wave has demonstrated significant reductions in acute depression, anxiety and stress. The company’s stepped care model, which delivers and monitors mental health treatment so that the most effective, yet least resource intensive treatment, is delivered first, also includes access to licensed therapists when clinically appropriate. To learn more, visit www.wavelife.io.

Media Contact
Kristina Kroot
Director of Marketing
mpathic
kristina@mpathic.ai

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Holderness & Bourne Tees Up eCommerce Growth with Barrett Distribution Centers

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FRANKLIN, Mass., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Barrett Distribution Centers, a leading third-party logistics provider specializing in eCommerce fulfillment, announced a new partnership with Holderness & Bourne, a premium lifestyle brand known for its sophisticated men’s golf apparel and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

“Having worked with Barrett previously, I knew they had the experience, flexibility and operational expertise we needed as our business continued to grow,” said Sean Eaton, director of operations at Holderness & Bourne. “Their team’s responsiveness, strategic location and ability to quickly scale a solution made them the right partner to support our inventory and fulfillment requirements. We’re excited to continue building on that relationship as our business evolves.”

Barrett’s extensive experience supporting apparel and accessory brands, combined with its ability to provide scalable warehouse space, technology solutions and managed transportation services, positioned the company to support Holderness & Bourne’s expedited onboarding and future growth initiatives.

“Barrett is thrilled to step onto the fairway with Holderness & Bourne, a fast-growing premium golf apparel brand with a recognizable name and a loyal following among golfers who know quality when they see it,” said Mark Healy, vice president of customer solutions at Barrett. “Holderness & Bourne’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our focus on delivering dependable, flexible and scalable fulfillment solutions. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and serving as a trusted partner for years to come.”

Holderness & Bourne is now live at Barrett’s Hillsborough, N.J., fulfillment facility, where Barrett provides inventory staging and replenishment services in support of the brand’s New York operations. Located near Holderness & Bourne’s headquarters, the facility offers the space, technology and transportation resources needed to support the brand’s continued growth.

About Holderness & Bourne

Holderness & Bourne is a premium lifestyle brand focused on men’s golf apparel. It was founded around 2015 by Alex Holderness and John Bourne and centers on classic, refined golf-inspired style with modern fit and performance. Discover sophisticated, modern golf apparel crafted with premium fabrics designed for performance and comfort on the course and off. If you’re seeking golf apparel brands that prioritize craftsmanship and timeless design, our commitment to quality and fit speaks for itself.  

About Barrett Distribution Centers

Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3PL provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision-makers. As a member of Inc.’s fastest-growing companies list 15+ times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here.

Media Contact:

Faith Artieda
Marketing Content Specialist
Faith.artieda@barrettdistribution.com

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SOURCE Barrett Distribution Centers Inc.

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Trial Attorney Clint Zalas of South Bend Explains Why Cases Often Take Longer Than Expected for HelloNation

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SOUTH BEND, Ind., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why do personal injury cases take longer than many people expect? A HelloNation article answers this question with insights from Personal Injury Attorney Clint Zalas of Lee & Zalas, P.C. in South Bend. The article explains that while delays can feel frustrating, the personal injury case timeline often protects injured individuals by ensuring accuracy and fairness in the settlement process.

The first factor the article discusses is investigation. A strong case requires photographs, medical records, witness statements, and sometimes expert evaluations. Collecting and reviewing this accident recovery evidence takes time, but it strengthens the foundation of the claim. If attorneys or claimants rush through this stage, they risk weakening the case and limiting the eventual injury settlement.

Medical treatment delays also extend the personal injury case timeline. According to the HelloNation article, the true scope of injuries often reveals itself over weeks or months. Recovery may require physical therapy, surgery, or long-term care. Settling before treatment concludes can prevent injured parties from recovering fair compensation for future expenses. Once finalized, an injury settlement cannot be reopened to account for additional medical costs or lost wages.

Insurance company negotiations create another layer of complexity. Adjusters carefully review claims, request documentation, and sometimes demand independent medical evaluations. Each exchange between the injured party and the insurer adds time. However, as the article explains, these negotiations help ensure that the settlement reflects the full cost of accident recovery rather than a rushed or incomplete figure.

The HelloNation feature warns against quick settlements. While they may feel satisfying at first, they often fail to cover long-term needs. For example, an injury that initially appears temporary may become chronic. Lost wages may continue if the person cannot return to work. By waiting, injured individuals make sure these realities factor into their personal injury litigation or settlement discussions.

Court schedules can also extend the process. If a case enters litigation, hearings, depositions, and trial dates must align with the court’s availability. This stage can be time-consuming, but it applies pressure on insurance companies to negotiate fairly. Many cases settle before trial, yet the possibility of litigation serves as an important safeguard in achieving full compensation.

The article highlights how expectations often differ from reality. Many people assume they will receive a check within weeks of filing a claim. In truth, personal injury law prioritizes fair compensation over speed. A thorough personal injury case timeline ensures that accident recovery costs, medical treatment delays, and future expenses are considered.

The HelloNation article also explains that rushing to accept an early offer can leave individuals paying for expenses they never anticipated. Quick settlements often fail to account for ongoing therapy, future surgeries, or extended time away from work. Building a complete case with medical documentation and evidence, though time-consuming, gives claimants the strongest chance of receiving a fair settlement.

Patience plays a key role throughout the process. The article states that waiting allows the injured person, their attorney, and the insurance company to see the full impact of the accident. While the delays can feel difficult, they ultimately protect the injured party from being pressured into unfair agreements. In personal injury litigation, accuracy ensures justice, even if it requires more time.

The article concludes that while a long personal injury case timeline can surprise claimants, it serves an important purpose. By gathering strong evidence, completing medical treatment, and negotiating thoroughly with the insurance company, injured people give themselves the best chance at full and fair compensation. A slower process often delivers a more secure outcome.

The full article, titled Why Personal Injury Cases Often Take Longer Than Expected, features the expertise of Personal Injury Expert Clint Zalas of Lee & Zalas, P.C. in South Bend and appears on HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Surfshark enhances its proprietary Dausos protocol to boost connectivity

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VILNIUS, Lithuania, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Surfshark, a leading privacy protection company, has released a major upgrade to its proprietary VPN protocol, Dausos. This latest update drastically improves accessibility, connectivity rates, and network compatibility for users worldwide.

The primary focus of this update is to address the barriers on highly managed networks. Previously, users might have experienced difficulties connecting to Dausos on strict institutional firewalls — such as those found in schools, universities, and corporate environments. With this release, Surfshark has successfully implemented specialized network fixes, ensuring that Dausos has a better connectivity rate for users connecting in these environments.

“We want as many people as possible to experience the power of Dausos, which is why continuous improvement is our priority,” says Karolis Kaciulis, Leading System Engineer at Surfshark. “Responding directly to user feedback, this update fixes the connectivity issues some experienced in certain network environments.”

Surfshark Dausos: key benefits of the new protocol

Surfshark’s proprietary Dausos protocol revolutionizes the consumer VPN industry by delivering up to 30% faster speeds than current industry standards while future-proofing user privacy for the quantum era.

Unlike traditional VPNs that consolidate traffic through a single interface, Dausos is an audited architecture that automatically isolates user data into its own dedicated, private digital tunnel, eliminating packet interference and optimizing performance based on real-time network conditions.

On the security front, Dausos establishes full post-quantum security by utilizing a hybrid ML-KEM*X25519 key exchange and an advanced ML-DSA self-signed root certificate system to protect against future quantum computing threats. Furthermore, the protocol goes beyond standard security measures by integrating post-compromise security (ensuring compromised keys cannot leak future session data), port randomization to obscure connection paths, and high-speed AEGIS-256X2 cryptographic encryption for robust data integrity.

ABOUT SURFSHARK

Surfshark is a cybersecurity company offering products including an audited VPN, certified antivirus, data leak warning system, private search engine, and a tool for generating an online identity. Recognized as a leading VPN by CNET and TechRadar, Surfshark has also been featured on the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark has offices in Lithuania and Poland. For information on Surfshark’s operations and highlights, read our Annual Wrap-up. For more research projects, visit our research hub.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/surfshark-enhances-its-proprietary-dausos-protocol-to-boost-connectivity-302805246.html

SOURCE Surfshark B.V.

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