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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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SOURCE mpathic

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In HelloNation, HVAC Expert Bob Schmid Outlines Causes of Air Conditioner Cooling Issues

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The article outlines common causes of cooling problems and how maintenance supports consistent performance in coastal environments.

OCEAN VIEW, N.J., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why is an air conditioner not cooling properly during periods of high demand? HelloNation has published the answer in an article featuring insights from HVAC Expert Bob Schmid of Richardson Heating & Cooling in Ocean View, NJ.

The HelloNation article explains that an air conditioner not cooling often signals an underlying issue that requires attention. In coastal areas like Ocean View and Cape May County, systems face added stress from humidity and salt exposure. These environmental factors can reduce air conditioner cooling efficiency and make early diagnosis more important.

One of the most common causes identified in the article is a dirty air filter. Over time, a dirty air filter collects dust and debris that restrict airflow. This restriction prevents proper circulation, which reduces air conditioner cooling throughout the home. The article notes that regularly replacing or cleaning a dirty air filter is a simple but effective way to maintain system performance.

Low refrigerant is another frequent contributor to air conditioner not cooling issues. Refrigerant is essential for removing heat from indoor air, and low refrigerant levels can disrupt this process. The article explains that low refrigerant often results from leaks and can lead to longer run times and uneven cooling. Addressing low refrigerant promptly helps restore consistent air conditioner cooling and reduces strain on the system.

The article also highlights the role of coils in system performance. Dirty or blocked coils limit the system’s ability to transfer heat, which directly impacts air conditioner cooling. This issue is particularly common in coastal HVAC systems, where salt and moisture can accelerate buildup on outdoor units.

Salt exposure is a significant concern in coastal environments. The article describes how salt can accumulate on components, causing corrosion and restricting airflow. These conditions contribute to air conditioner not cooling problems and require regular maintenance to manage effectively. Coastal HVAC systems benefit from consistent cleaning and inspection to prevent long term damage.

Thermostat problems can also affect performance. If a thermostat is not calibrated correctly or is placed in an area with uneven temperatures, it may not reflect the home’s actual needs. The article explains that this can lead to improper cycling and reduced air conditioner cooling efficiency.

Ductwork issues are another possible cause of uneven cooling. Leaks or blockages can prevent cool air from reaching certain areas, resulting in inconsistent temperatures. Addressing duct problems can improve airflow and help resolve air conditioner not cooling concerns.

The article emphasizes that preventive care is essential. HVAC maintenance plans help identify issues such as low refrigerant, dirty air filter buildup, and worn components before they escalate. HVAC maintenance plans are especially valuable for coastal HVAC systems, where environmental stress increases the risk of performance problems.

The article also notes that early warning signs should not be ignored. Weak airflow, unusual noises, or inconsistent temperatures often indicate an air conditioner not cooling issue. Taking action early helps preserve system efficiency and maintain reliable air conditioner cooling.

The article concludes that understanding these common causes allows homeowners to make informed decisions. Addressing factors like low refrigerant, dirty air filter buildup, and coastal exposure helps ensure consistent air conditioner cooling and long term system reliability.

Why Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling Properly features insights from Bob Schmid, HVAC Expert of Ocean View, NJ, 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 digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. HelloNation maintains partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the United States First Responders Association.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-hvac-expert-bob-schmid-outlines-causes-of-air-conditioner-cooling-issues-302805535.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Hexagon Composites ASA: Preliminary results of Subsequent Offering

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OSLO, Norway, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, HONG KONG, SOUTH AFRICA OR THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN.

Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement made by Hexagon Composites ASA (the “Company”) on 8 June 2026 regarding commencement of the subscription period for the subsequent offering (the “Subsequent Offering”) of up to 15,625,000 new shares in the Company (the “Offer Shares”) at a subscription price of NOK 8.00 per share.

The subscription period for the Subsequent Offering expired today, 19 June 2026 at 16:30 (CEST).

Preliminary counting indicates that the Company has received subscriptions for approximately 13,150,141 Offer Shares in the Subsequent Offering.

The final allocation of the Offer Shares is expected to take place on 22 June 2026, in accordance with the allocation criteria set out in the prospectus for the Subsequent Offering dated 5 June 2026. The final results of the Subsequent Offering will be published shortly thereafter, and notifications regarding the allocation of Offer Shares and the corresponding subscription amount to be paid by each subscriber are expected to be distributed during the course of 22 June 2026.

The due date for payment of the Offer Shares is 24 June 2026 (the “Payment Date”). In order for payment to take place on the Payment Date, subscribers must ensure that there are sufficient funds on the bank account to be debited on 23 June 2026.

Advisors
DNB Carnegie, a part of DNB Bank ASA, is acting as manager for the Subsequent Offering (the “Manager”). Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS is acting as legal counsel to the Company.  

For more information:
Berit-Cathrin Høyvik, Senior Director, Communications,Hexagon Composites
Telephone: +47 988 92 161 | berit-cathrin.hoyvik@hexagongroup.com

Eirik Løhre, CFO, Hexagon Composites
Telephone: +1 704 777 5171 (US Eastern time zone) | eirik.lohre@hexagongroup.com

About Hexagon Composites ASA 
Hexagon delivers safe and innovative solutions for a cleaner energy future. Our solutions enable storage, transportation, and conversion to clean energy in a wide range of mobility and industrial applications. Learn more at www.hexagongroup.com and follow @HexagonASA on LinkedIn.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This announcement does not constitute or form a part of any offer of securities for sale or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities of the Company in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of the Company may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”). The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act or an available exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act. There will be no public offering of securities in the United States. Any sale in the United States of the securities mentioned in this communication will be made solely to “qualified institutional buyers” as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act. No public offering of the securities will be made in the United States.

The Company has not authorized any offer to the public of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area nor elsewhere. With respect to any Member State of the European Economic Area (each an “EEA Member State”), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of securities requiring publication of a prospectus in any EEA Member State. In any EEA Member State, this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the EU Prospectus Regulation, i.e., only to investors who can receive the offer without an approved prospectus in such EEA Member State. The expression “EU Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State).

In the United Kingdom, these materials are only being communicated to (a) persons who have professional experience, knowledge and expertise in matters relating to investments and qualifying as “investment professionals” for the purposes of article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (all such persons being referred to as “relevant persons”) and (b) only in circumstances falling within the circumstances set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to The Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024. These materials are directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons.

Matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements. The information, opinions and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as at its date and are subject to change without notice.

This announcement is made by and is the responsibility of, the Company. The Manager is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, or for advice in relation to the contents of this announcement or any of the matters referred to herein. Neither the Manager nor any of its affiliates make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this announcement and none of them accepts any responsibility for the contents of this announcement or any matters referred to herein.

This announcement is not a prospectus. This announcement is for information purposes only and is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. It is not intended as investment advice and under no circumstances is it to be used or considered as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities of the Company. Neither the Manager nor any of its affiliates accepts any liability arising from the use of this announcement. Each of the Company, the Manager and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

The distribution of this announcement and other information may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this announcement or such other information should come are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/hexagon-composites-asa/r/hexagon-composites-asa–preliminary-results-of-subsequent-offering,c4365858

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hexagon-composites-asa-preliminary-results-of-subsequent-offering-302805540.html

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Media Advisory – Minister Hodgson to make energy and mining announcements in Yellowknife

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YELLOWKNIFE, NT, June 19, 2026 /CNW/ – The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, will make energy and mining announcements on the margins of the 2026 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) taking place in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, June 24–26, 2026. Media availabilities will follow.

Electricity announcement

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Time: 3 p.m. MT

Mining announcement

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026

Time: 8 a.m. MT

All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration.

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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