News — Page 8
ChatBCI-4-ALS: A High-Performance, LLM-Driven, Intent-Based BCI Communication System for Individuals with ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causes significant motor and speech impairments, heightening the need for alternative communication methods. P300 speller brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have shown potential in enabling non-muscular communication but often lack speed and efficiency. ChatBCI-4...
Characteristics of a three-pronged continuum of care model for hospital-based violence intervention
Gun violence significantly impacts non-Hispanic black males, often trapping victims in cycles of violence due to systemic inequities. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) aim to reduce the risk of violent reinjury by tackling social determinants of health. A new approach, the Bed...
Care Partner Engagement in Fall Risk Management Programs for Community-Dwelling Older People with Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) face a higher risk of falls, making care partner engagement (CPE) essential in fall risk management (FRM) programs. This systematic review examines CPE in FRM for community-dwelling older adults with CI, identifying terms, measures, facilitators, barrie...
Canadian cross-sectional survey of healthcare, social and community service providers' capacity to respond to sex trafficked persons
A study published in BMJ Open examined the impact of education and training on healthcare, social, and community service providers’ ability to respond to sex trafficking. Conducted through an anonymous online survey from February to August 2023, the research included responses from 553 providers ...
Between duty and family: exploring predictors of work-interfering family guilt and work-family conflict among healthcare workers in Pakistan
Healthcare professionals in Pakistan experience significant challenges in balancing work and caregiving, particularly among parents of young children. A study surveyed 188 healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, and allied health staff, to examine work-interfering family guilt (WIFG) an...
Barriers to Reproductive Health Access and Parenthood for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities in Southern Africa
A report in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities examines the difficulties faced by adults with intellectual disabilities in Southern Africa concerning intimate relationships, parenthood, and reproductive health services. Cultural values like Ubuntu, which emphasize commun...
Association between family factors of school-aged children with specific learning disabilities and academic performance in Northeast Thailand: A matched case-control study
A study published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion examined how family factors affect the academic performance of school-age children with specific learning disabilities. Researchers conducted a matched case-control study involving 138 caregivers of children with good academic per...
A novel methodological approach for inducing slips, trips and pelvic pulls during treadmill walking
Falls are a major cause of injury among older adults and those with walking disabilities, highlighting the need for effective fall prevention strategies. Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) has been beneficial in enhancing balance recovery but often lacks effectiveness in real-world scenari...
A Novel Approach to Improve SSVEP-BCI Performance Through Neurofeedback Training
A study presented at the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society conference highlights advances in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, particularly the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) BCI. This technology translates brain signals into commands for devices, offering po...
Seattle Times Op-Ed | SNAP crisis is proof our social-service sector needs a reset
The Seattle Times highlights the current SNAP crisis, emphasizing its implications for the social service sector. As many families face food insecurity due to rising costs and insufficient benefits, there is a growing need for a reevaluation and restructuring of social services. The article point...
Groundbreaking: New Hope Family Housing!
Groundbreaking for the new Hope Family Housing project took place recently, marking a significant step toward addressing homelessness in the community. The initiative will provide 50 affordable housing units designed specifically for families experiencing homelessness. This project is a collabora...
Mitigating Crisis Around the Holidays: A Guide for Adults with Bipolar Disorder, Burned Out Professionals, and Mental Health Caregivers | By: Michelle Solomon
During the holidays, many individuals experience increased feelings of loneliness and stress, which can exacerbate mental health issues. Factors such as family dynamics, financial pressures, and social expectations contribute to this crisis. To mitigate these challenges, it’s essential to focus o...
In a Giving [Tuesday] Mood? Five Reasons to Support United Way
Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to support United Way, which has a significant impact on local communities. Here are five reasons to contribute.
CCRs Help Connect People with Shelters and Hot Meals on Thanksgiving Day
On Thanksgiving Day, the City of Seattle’s Community Connect Resource System (CCRS) helped connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services, including shelters and hot meals. The initiative aimed to ensure that those in need could access warm meals and a safe place to stay du...
Underserved communities get more access to credit thanks to Commerce’s Equitable Access to Credit Program
Underserved communities in Washington are gaining improved access to credit through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Equitable Access to Credit Program. This initiative aims to address the financial barriers faced by marginalized groups, providing them with opportunities to secure lo...
How to get better sleep
To improve sleep quality, establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that includes winding down with calming activities. Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest; keep the bedroom dark...
State disciplines health care providers
The Washington State Department of Health has disciplined 44 health care providers. The actions taken include suspensions, revocations, and fines against various professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and mental health counselors. Notable cases include a physician accused of sexual misconduct...
State disciplines health care providers (12-02-2025)
The Washington State Department of Health has announced disciplinary actions against several health care providers for various violations. Among those disciplined are a physician, a registered nurse, and a respiratory care practitioner. The actions include license suspension, revocation, and fine...
This Giving Tuesday: Help BrightSpark Amplify Stories Like Chelon’s!
On this Giving Tuesday, BrightSpark encourages support to amplify impactful stories like that of Chelon. Chelon, a dedicated community member, has faced significant challenges but continues to inspire others through her resilience and commitment to social change. By sharing her journey, BrightSpa...
Vacation at VA: One woman’s mindset to master blindness
A blind veteran shares her journey of embracing life after losing her sight. Initially, the transition was daunting, filled with challenges that affected her confidence and independence. However, through support from her family and veterans’ organizations, she gradually learned to navigate her ne...