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Centurion Health Partners with Allegheny County to Launch Jail-Based Competency Restoration and Support Program to Reduce Wait Times

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PITTSBURGH, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the launch of the Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST), a new program that delivers critical services to individuals found not competent to stand trial. The MCRST is the only mobile competency restoration team in Pennsylvania that offers both clinical treatment and psychoeducational support in a community-based model.

“The MCRST reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, coordinated care…”

People may be found not competent to stand trial due to serious mental illness, cognitive delays, or conditions like dementia that prevent them from understanding court proceedings or assisting in their defense. Once someone is found not competent, their case is paused until they are restored – or until alternative legal or clinical solutions are in place.

Yet the only option for competency restoration for people held in the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) is Torrance State Hospital – a facility operated by the Commonwealth with extremely limited capacity. In 2024, individuals committed to Torrance for competency restoration spent a median of 81 days in jail waiting for a bed. That waiting period added up to more than 13,000 jail bed days this year alone, often for people charged with low-level crimes: nearly half (49%) had only a misdemeanor as their highest charge.

“In spite of a class action settlement nearly a decade ago requiring the state to expand capacity, people still languish in jail waiting for treatment,” said Erin Dalton, Director of Allegheny County DHS. “This community-based alternative allows us to restore people faster, avoid unnecessary incarceration, and use public dollars more wisely—all while treating people with dignity.”

Developed in partnership with DHS, the Fifth Judicial District of PA and the ACJ, the MCRST is operated by Centurion Health, a DHS-contracted provider with more than 25 years of experience in correctional healthcare. The multidisciplinary team includes a psychiatrist, mental health nurse, dual diagnosis therapist, certified forensic peer counselor, competency support specialist, and a Justice Related Services liaison to ensure coordination with the courts and community providers.

“We’re proud to expand our existing programs in Pennsylvania to partner with the Fifth Judicial District and the Allegheny County Jail to bring this innovative model to life,” said Timothy Harlin, CEO of Centurion Health. “The MCRST reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, coordinated care that not only supports individuals through the legal process but also lays the foundation for long-term recovery and stability in the community.”

“We’re happy to have another solution that can help individuals avoid incarceration and enjoy the benefits of community-based restoration,” said Holly Martin, ACJ Deputy Warden of Healthcare Services. 

Historically, around 125 individuals from Allegheny County have been committed to Torrance State Hospital each year for competency restoration. The MCRST gives courts a less restrictive, faster alternative – and gives individuals the care and respect they deserve.

Witold Walczak, Legal Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania lauded the program, stating, “As class counsel for people deemed incompetent to stand trial and waiting far too long to access competency treatment, the ACLU is pleased to hear about new alternatives that reduce the number of people who are detained.  We have long advocated for community-based treatment for the many people who can and should be treated in the community, with strong supports to improve their chances of success.”

The launch of the MCRST reflects Allegheny County’s commitment to expanding behavioral health services and addressing the intersection of mental illness and the criminal-legal system with dignity, care and effectiveness.

About Centurion Health

Centurion Health is a leading national provider of medical, dental, behavioral health, and rehabilitative services to incarcerated and justice-involved persons. Our services go beyond patient care, helping advance the potential of the people we serve. Centurion Health is dedicated to correctional healthcare, a service that is provided for the health and well-being of persons in the justice system.

For more information on Centurion Health, please visit TeamCenturion.com.

Media Contact:
Centurion Health: MediaInquiries@TeamCenturion.com

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SOURCE Centurion Health

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LCN Senior Swing first to utilize newly released Allegion Optimize mobile application

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Optimize unifies connected solutions, enabling better efficiency while managing, calibrating and troubleshooting devices throughout their life cycle.

CARMEL, Ind., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, launched Allegion Optimize™, a mobile application created to unify and streamline management of select Allegion products within one easy-to-use tool built with customers’ needs in mind. The release coincides with the latest firmware update for the award-winning LCN Senior Swing Series Auto Operator, making it the first device to utilize Optimize. Key features allow installers and facility teams to calibrate, adjust, maintain and troubleshoot the LCN Senior Swing with just the app, resulting in greater efficiency, precision and safety.

Not your typical commissioning app

Optimize creates a single, unified experience that reduces time and friction in device commissioning, diagnostics and firmware updates across connected Allegion solutions via Bluetooth® connection. By providing support throughout the device’s life cycle, facility teams not only gain improved efficiency but better insight into the data and controls that help keep their openings running smoothly.

“Between 2018 and 2033, it’s predicted that up to 50 percent of the facility management workforce will retire,” said Emily Zentz, Allegion product manager, automatic operators. “As new facilities professionals step into the industry, it’s imperative that technology advances in line with their growing expectations. The Optimize app answers that call, positioning Allegion’s line of auto operators with a modern experience.”

LCN Senior Swing first to utilize Allegion Optimize

Setting adjustments, troubleshooting and calibration on the LCN Senior Swing is now even easier. In-app calibration, diagnostic tools, firmware updates and data management enable installers and facility teams to have a greater level of control over their buildings.

Once the LCN Senior Swing is installed, the installer can run the calibration cycle from the app. This allows them to be safely on the ground and watch the door more closely to determine whether further adjustments are needed. Users can fine tune the settings on the Optimize app without removing the cover on the Senior Swing or climbing a ladder. When troubleshooting, Optimize provides details for any error codes or notifications, so the user can quickly review, digest and act upon that information before engaging with technical support.

Device management with one seamless solution from Allegion

Allegion Optimize won’t stop with the LCN Senior Swing. It is designed to be the new unified device management mobile application that will simplify the commissioning, configuration and ongoing maintenance of future Allegion connected devices across multiple product categories. Plans to support additional auto operators and electronic locks will be announced later this year.

Allegion Optimize is available now in the Apple App Store® and Google Play™ store for use with LCN auto operators. Learn more about Optimize and the LCN Senior Swing at AllegionOptimize.com.

About Allegion 

At Allegion (NYSE: ALLE), we design and manufacture innovative security and access solutions that help keep people safe where they live, learn, work and connect. We’re pioneering safety with our strong legacy of brands like CISA®, Interflex®, LCN®, Schlage®, SimonsVoss®, Von Duprin®. Our comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software and electronic solutions is sold around the world and spans residential and commercial locks, door closer and exit devices, steel doors and frames, access control and workforce productivity systems. For more, visit www.allegion.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lcn-senior-swing-first-to-utilize-newly-released-allegion-optimize-mobile-application-302866691.html

SOURCE Allegion US

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In HelloNation, Breast Pump Expert Patty Gatter Explains Breast Pumps That Fit Busy and Unpredictable Schedules

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The article explains how flexible pumping solutions help parents balance breastfeeding with changing daily routines.

EMMAUS, Pa., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is the best breast pump for a busy schedule? A HelloNation article features insights from Breast Pump Expert Patty Gatter of The Breastfeeding Shop in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, explaining how choosing a breast pump that fits changing routines can make breastfeeding easier to manage.

The article explains that becoming a parent often means adjusting to schedules that change from one day to the next. Meetings may run late, errands take longer than expected, and childcare responsibilities can interrupt carefully planned routines. Choosing a breast pump that supports flexibility instead of adding extra demands can help parents continue breastfeeding while balancing work, family responsibilities, and everyday life.

According to the article, a flexible breast pump is designed to fit into a variety of routines rather than requiring parents to stop everything for each pumping session. Whether pumping while working from home, during breaks at the office, or between appointments, equipment that adapts to changing schedules helps reduce stress and supports a more consistent breastfeeding routine.

The article also highlights the convenience of a wearable breast pump. Unlike traditional systems that often require parents to remain seated near an outlet, wearable options fit inside a nursing bra and provide greater freedom of movement. Parents may be able to answer emails, complete household tasks, prepare simple meals, or care for their baby while pumping, making it easier to use available time efficiently.

Portability is another important feature discussed in the article. A portable breast pump can be especially helpful for parents who commute, travel regularly, or spend much of the day away from home. Lightweight designs that fit easily into a diaper bag, work bag, or backpack make it easier to stay consistent with pumping regardless of where the day leads.

The article emphasizes that comfort should remain a priority when selecting a breast pump. Adjustable suction settings, proper flange sizing, and an easy-to-use design all contribute to a better pumping experience. Comfortable equipment often encourages more consistent pumping, which may better support ongoing breastfeeding goals.

Battery life and noise level are also important considerations covered in the article. Rechargeable batteries that last through multiple pumping sessions reduce the need for frequent charging, while quieter operation can provide additional privacy in workplaces and other shared environments. These practical features often become more valuable as parents settle into their daily routines.

Cleaning and maintenance are equally important. The article explains that wearable breast pumps and portable breast pumps with fewer individual parts may reduce the time spent washing and reassembling equipment after each use. Those small conveniences can make pumping feel more manageable for parents with demanding schedules.

The article also encourages parents to think about their long-term needs instead of focusing only on the first weeks after birth. Family routines often change as babies grow, work responsibilities evolve, and childcare arrangements develop. Choosing a breast pump that continues meeting those changing needs can provide lasting value throughout the breastfeeding journey.

The article concludes that there is no single breast pump that is right for every parent. Some families prioritize portability, while others place greater importance on comfort, quiet operation, or wearable convenience. Carefully considering personal routines, pumping frequency, and daily responsibilities helps narrow the available options and makes choosing a breast pump feel less overwhelming.

Breast Pumps That Fit Busy and Unpredictable Schedules features insights from Patty Gatter, Breast Pump Expert of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-breast-pump-expert-patty-gatter-explains-breast-pumps-that-fit-busy-and-unpredictable-schedules-302866696.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Lucid Bots Launches Power Tether, the Cleaning Drone Industry’s First Ground-Powered Continuous Flight System

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The launch comes as Lucid Bots’ connected fleet surpasses 8,760 cumulative flight hours — the equivalent of a full year in the air

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lucid Bots has announced the Power Tether, making it the first company to bring a ground-powered continuous-power system to commercial cleaning and spraying drones. The system supplies continuous external power to the Sherpa drone, reducing planned battery-change interruptions during longer cleaning and spraying operations. The announcement comes as Lucid Bots operators have recently recorded more than 8,760 cumulative flight hours; the equivalent of more than one full calendar year in the air.

Measured through telemetry data as of August 17, the milestone aggregates airborne time across 600+ Sherpa drones. It represents cumulative activity across the network, not a single continuous flight and not exclusively Power Tether-powered flight.

Conventional battery operations require the drone to land periodically so crews can swap packs, relaunch and reacquire position. The Power Tether shifts the primary power source to the ground: its air module mounts in the Sherpa drone’s battery bay, while a ground station connects to a compatible generator. The result is a longer, steadier work session with fewer planned interruptions and less need to schedule the job around battery cycles.

Adoption data reflects the shift. Among customers who have logged more than an hour on the Power Tether, more than 90% of their flight time now runs on tether power, with batteries used for the remaining 10%. That split is a signal that once crews have the system on hand, they default to it for the bulk of the job.

“Those hours belong to our customers. A year in the air is a year of everyday businesses generating revenue and doing dangerous work faster and more safely,” said Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots. “Too much of robotics has lived in the promise of headlines. This is customers on job sites building real companies and creating real value. The Power Tether also ends the old battery debate that has dominated our industry. Once customers try it, the data shows they don’t go back to swapping packs. Crews stay focused on the building instead of the battery clock.”

— Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots

The Power Tether installs in less than 15 minutes on compatible Sherpa drone systems. Firmware monitors power draw in real time and alerts operators as they approach operating limits. If generator power is lost, onboard battery backup supports the system’s automatic landing sequence.

In a continuous-flight test at Lucid Bots headquarters, a Power Tether-equipped Sherpa drone remained airborne for eight hours and 48 seconds on one generator connection with no battery swaps.

The Power Tether is designed for commercial building-maintenance work where longer flight sessions help crews maintain job momentum, including exterior facade, window, hotel, institutional and distribution-center applications.

Product specifications, operating requirements and purchasing information are available at lucidbots.com/products/power-tether.

About Lucid Bots

Lucid Bots is a Charlotte, NC-based drone hardware company and the manufacturer of the Sherpa Drone, a purpose-built platform for exterior cleaning and protection applications. Backed by Y Combinator and $34 million in funding, Lucid Bots serves a network of 400+ operators across more than 40 states and three continents. The Sherpa Drone is designed and built in the USA and a distinct NDAA-compliant configuration is available. Learn more at lucidbots.com.

Contact: Abigail Steinberg | asteinberg@lucidbots.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lucid-bots-launches-power-tether-the-cleaning-drone-industrys-first-ground-powered-continuous-flight-system-302866698.html

SOURCE Lucid Bots

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