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Highmark Health named a 2024 “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion”

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Highmark Health earns a top score of 100 for 10 consecutive years

PITTSBURGH, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — For the tenth consecutive year, Highmark Health has been named a “Best Place to Work” for individuals with disabilities in the Disability Equality Index® (DEI®), a national benchmarking survey administered jointly by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN®.

“Achieving the highest possible score – for ten years running – inspires us to continue this work and strive for an even more inclusive workforce that best reflects the patients, members and customers we serve,” said Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, Chief Clinical DEI Officer, Highmark Health.

For its comprehensive efforts to attract, develop and retain people with disabilities in its workforce Highmark Health has earned a top score of 100.

The DEI® is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for the Fortune 1000 and Am Law 200 to measure disability workplace inclusion against competitors.

In 2024, 542 corporations, including 71 Fortune 100 and 220 Fortune 500, utilized the Disability Equality Index to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. Of those participating, less than half received the highest score.

“On behalf of Highmark Health, it’s an absolute honor to be recognized by the Disability Equality Index and an even greater privilege to collaborate alongside our remarkable team members who work tirelessly to foster an inclusive space for all,” said Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, MEd, MPPM, FACOG; senior vice president; chief clinical, diversity, equity and inclusion officer of the Enterprise Institute of Equitable Health at Highmark Health. “Achieving the highest possible score – for ten years running – inspires us to continue this work and strive for an even more inclusive workforce that best reflects the patients, members and customers across the communities we serve.”

This year’s recognition measures culture and leadership; enterprise-wide access; employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, accommodations); community engagement; supplier diversity; and non-U.S. operations.

Additionally, 2024 marks the first year that the Index incorporates countries beyond the United States, now including data insights from Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Globally, people with disabilities represent 1.3 billion individuals, according to the DEI.

“On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today’s global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.

Among those practices earning Highmark Health the “Best Place to Work” recognition are programs and partnerships that help to recruit people with disabilities, including executive sponsorship of the business case for recruiting, hiring and developing people with disabilities, a national advisory council; supplier diversity and provider diversity programs; and enterprise-wide support of business resources groups (BRGs) through which employees with disabilities get involved in workplace, marketplace and community-wide programs.

Highmark Health’s Abilities Business Resource Group (BRG) raises awareness about the needs of, and offers support to, people with disabilities and their caregivers in the workplace, marketplace and community.

The Abilities BRG encourages workplace inclusion, equality of opportunity and best practices in recruitment. Its members also build community partnerships through educational-to-career experiences for students with disabilities, advocate accessibility to Highmark Health facilities, act as a champion for customers with disabilities, and serve as a voice for those who care for or support people with disabilities.

The DEI was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and the AAPD and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. Now in its tenth year, the DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities.

About The Disability Equality Index®
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion”.

The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates. Learn more at: http://www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: http://www.aapd.com.

About Disability:IN®
Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index (DEI); best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.

About Highmark Health
Highmark Health, a Pittsburgh, PA-based enterprise that employs more than 42,000 people who serve millions of Americans across the country, is the parent company of Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network, enGen, and Helion. Highmark Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates provide health insurance to 7 million members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, as well as dental insurance, and related health products through a national network of diversified businesses. Allegheny Health Network is an integrated delivery network in western Pennsylvania comprised of 14 hospitals, more than 2,600 affiliated physicians, ambulatory surgery centers, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute, a group purchasing organization, and health and wellness pavilions. enGen is focused on meeting the information technology platform and other business needs of the Highmark Health enterprise as well as unaffiliated health insurance plans by providing proven business processes, expert knowledge, and integrated cloud-based platforms. Helion works with payers to cultivate high-performing networks while empowering providers to operate at their best. To learn more, visit http://www.highmarkhealth.org.

Media Contact

Maddie Goerl, Highmark Health, 724-799-4441, madison.goerl@highmarkhealth.org, www.highmarkhealth.org 

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SOURCE Highmark Health

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Nutex Health Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Investigates Theft of Patient and Employee Data

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Free case evaluations for individuals affected by the Nutex Health cyberattack claimed by The Gentlemen ransomware group

HOUSTON, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from a cyberattack on Nutex Health Inc. (NASDAQ: NUTX). In filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nutex Health confirmed that an unauthorized party accessed and stole private and confidential data — and that the attacker threatened to publish it. Affected individuals may be entitled to compensation.

What Happened

Nutex Health, a Houston-based micro-hospital operator, first disclosed unauthorized network activity on August 24, 2026. On August 31, 2026, the company escalated its disclosure to a material cybersecurity incident, confirming that an unauthorized third party accessed and exfiltrated data from its servers and then threatened to post it externally.

The ransomware-as-a-service group known as The Gentlemen added Nutex Health to its leak site and claimed responsibility — the hallmark of a “double extortion” attack, in which criminals both steal data and threaten to publish it. Nutex Health’s hospital division operates 28 facilities across 12 states.

Information Exposed

According to Nutex Health’s SEC filings, the accessed and exfiltrated data is believed to include private and/or confidential:

Patient informationEmployee informationCredentialed provider informationBusiness and financial information

Because patient and health-related data may be involved, affected individuals face a heightened risk of both financial identity theft and medical identity theft.

Who May Be Affected

Patients, employees, and credentialed providers connected to Nutex Health may be at risk. The company has said it intends to notify those affected. A notification letter is the most reliable confirmation that your information was involved.

Litigation Already Underway

A proposed class action has already been filed against Nutex Health on behalf of individuals whose personal or protected health information was allegedly accessed. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is separately investigating claims and evaluating affected individuals’ rights at no cost.

What Affected Individuals Should Do

Place a credit freeze with all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It is free and takes minutes.Set up fraud alerts and monitor your credit reports and account statements.Review medical bills and explanations of benefits for services you did not receive.Watch for phishing — breach notices are a common disguise. Do not click links in unexpected messages.Preserve any breach letters or emails you receive.

Free Case Evaluation

To request a free, confidential consultation, click HERE.

Speak with a data privacy attorney: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940 | Phone: 844-696-7492 | Email: medelson@edelson-law.com

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. The firm handles data breach, securities fraud, antitrust, ERISA, wage theft, and consumer fraud matters.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nutex-health-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-investigates-theft-of-patient-and-employee-data-302867007.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Maritime Launch Services and Isar Aerospace Extend Deadline to Finalize Statement of Work and Programmatic Milestones

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HALIFAX, NS and MUNICH, Sept. 1, 2026 /CNW/ — Maritime Launch Services Inc. (CBOE: MAXQ) (OTCQB: MAXQF) and Isar Aerospace have agreed to extend the deadline to provide additional time to complete the statement of work and certain programmatic milestones contemplated under their previously-announced facilities usage agreement for Spaceport Nova Scotia. The deadline was extended from September 1, 2026, to September 15, 2026.

The parties continue to make strong progress through an intensive and productive planning process. The extension reflects the time required to complete this work.

“We are very pleased with the progress being made between both parties,” said Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services. “Our teams are working through the detailed planning required to advance this important program. The additional 14 days will allow us to complete that work and maintain the strong momentum we have established together.”

The extension does not change the other key terms of the facilities usage agreement announced on July 7, 2026. The parties remain focused on advancing the development of Isar Aerospace’s dedicated launch complex for its Spectrum launch vehicle at Spaceport Nova Scotia, with first orbital launches targeted for 2028.The agreement supports the development of sovereign orbital launch capability from Canada and expands Isar Aerospace’s launch capability into North America.

“We are making strong progress together with Maritime Launch Services as we advance the detailed planning for our launch operations at Spaceport Nova Scotia,” said Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President Mission and Launch Operations, Isar Aerospace. “The work between our teams has been intensive and productive, and this additional time will allow us to finalize the remaining details as we move toward execution of the program.”

About Maritime Launch Services 
Maritime Launch Services Inc. (CBOE: MAXQ, OTCQB: MAXQF) is a Canadian-owned commercial space company based in Nova Scotia. Maritime Launch is developing Spaceport Nova Scotia, a dual-use commercial spaceport designed to support both civil and defence-related space missions. The spaceport will provide satellite launch services to domestic and international clients across the global commercial space market, supporting a wide range of orbital inclinations from a single location.

Spaceport Nova Scotia is Canada’s first commercial orbital launch complex, enabling small and medium launch vehicles to place satellites into low Earth orbit.

For more information, visit: www.maritimelaunch.com

About Isar Aerospace

The European space company Isar Aerospace offers launch services for transporting small and medium-sized satellites and satellite constellations into Earth orbit. The launch vehicles used to transport these satellites are developed, manufactured, and tested almost entirely in-house. Headquartered near Munich, Germany, Isar Aerospace was founded in 2018 and has grown to over 400 employees, working across 5 international locations. Private funding from international investors provides strong backing for the company’s pioneering approach to scale and industrialize launch vehicle production through vertical integration. More information: www.isaraerospace.com

https://x.com/maritimelaunch

https://www.linkedin.com/company/maritimelaunch

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release include (without limitation) statements regarding the continuing of the term of the facilities usage agreement, continuing negotiations of the parties to the facilities usage agreement and the timing of completion of such negotiations, and anticipated launch timing.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Although Maritime Launch has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: risks related to Maritime Launch’s strategy going forward; capital requirements; risks related to interest rates and inflationary pressures on the cost of doing business; geopolitical events and changes, availability of third-party contractors and service providers, and other risks inherent in the industry in which Maritime Launch operates.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/maritime-launch-services-and-isar-aerospace-extend-deadline-to-finalize-statement-of-work-and-programmatic-milestones-302866904.html

SOURCE Maritime Launch Services Inc.

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Visa Launches Enhanced A2A Protect Innovations to Help Financial Institutions Stop Fraud Before Money Leaves Accounts

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New unified fraud score is the company’s first combined offering in-market since Visa’s acquisition of Featurespace which delivers real-time A2A risk insightsNew graph-powered, agentic capability helps accelerate complex fraud and risk investigationsA2A Protect has been shown to reduce over 50% more fraud and help reduce over 40% in unnecessary fraud alerts

SINGAPORE, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visa (NYSE: V), a world leader in digital payments, today announced an enhanced version of A2A Protect, delivering real-time risk insights that help banks stop account-to-account fraud before money leaves customer accounts. The expanded solution introduces a new unified fraud score—Visa’s first in-market integration of Featurespace technology—giving financial institutions faster, clearer signals to detect more fraud while reducing unnecessary alerts.

In addition, Visa is developing its complementary fraud prevention capabilities through Visa Graph IQ, a graph-powered, agentic investigation capability that provides deeper investigative insights to help financial institutions uncover fraud networks, identify money mule activity, detect emerging threats, and accelerate fraud and risk investigations.

As account-to-account (A2A) payments accelerate globally, A2A transactions are projected to surpass 5.8 trillion by 2028, a 160% increase from 2024, with Asia Pacific expected to account for more than half of global A2A consumer transactions by 2028[1]. While this growth presents significant opportunities, it also creates new fraud risks. Asia Pacific accounts for an estimated 67% of the world’s USD 1.03 trillion in annual scam losses, with Asia alone recording USD 688.42 billion in scam-related losses in 2024[2]. This growing threat is driving increased regulatory and industry focus on strengthening fraud prevention capabilities and enhancing consumer protection.

A2A Protect leverages advanced AI and sophisticated transfer learning and gives banks immediate access to critical global risk insights on A2A transactions, without waiting months for models to develop intelligence from a bank’s own transaction data, and without having to wait for other banks to join a consortium, delivering results and value from day one. Banks that opt in can incorporate additional network-level signals to enhance detection of emerging threats operating across the ecosystem.

“As account-to-account payments continue to accelerate across Asia Pacific, financial institutions are looking for ways to grow digital payments with confidence while maintaining a seamless experience for consumers and businesses,” said Serene Gay, Head of Value-Added Services, Asia Pacific at Visa. “The latest enhancements to A2A Protect combine Visa’s network intelligence with advanced AI capabilities to help our clients detect fraud earlier, respond faster to emerging threats, and strengthen trust in the digital payments ecosystem.”

For financial institutions that opt into network level intelligence sharing, A2A Protect highlights emerging scam hotspots and coordinated fraud activity – insights that may be difficult for individual financial institutions to detect alone, and that help the wider ecosystem respond faster to new threats. This gives financial institutions an earlier and more complete view of risk, helping to identify scams before authorisation. In fact, Visa A2A Protect has been shown to increase fraud detection by up to 75% in the first six months of deployment.

A2A Protect integrates with financial institutions’ current systems through a single API, reducing implementation time and complexity. Each alert includes a plain language explanation of why a transaction was flagged, helping fraud teams act quickly and confidently without disrupting genuine customers.

For more information on how Visa works to prevent fraud across the ecosystem, visit Visa.com/security.

[1]  Juniper Research, Global Instant Payments Market Report, September 2025

[2] GASA, Asia Scam Report, 2024

About Visa Inc.
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating payments transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

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SOURCE Visa

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