Internationally Renowned Infectious Disease Doctor to Give Talk on Intersections Between Healthcare and Social Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 23, 2020

Contact: Shauna Breneman
Phone: (608) 262-8862
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED INFECTIOUS DISEASE DOCTOR TO GIVE TALK ON INTERSECTIONS BETWEEN HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Celine Gounder to give talk as part of free student-led lecture series

MADISON – Infectious disease specialist, internist, and epidemiologist Celine Gounder, M.D., will give a live, virtual talk on the intersections between healthcare and social justice on Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee’s event series.  

The talk, called “How to Heal A Nation with Dr. Celine Gounder,” will explore the divide between the people who will and who will not live long and healthy lives, including addressing healthcare outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, she will delve into the roles of money, education, gender, age and race in this divide. Gounder asserts that poor health is not random.

A moderated question and answer session will follow Gounder’s lecture. The Committee will broadcast the talk and Q&A on the WUD DLS Committee Facebook Page.

“Dr. Celine Gounder’s compassionate, informed examination of healthcare outcomes and how we can heal as a country is timely and important as the United States continues to battle COVID-19,” said Caoilfhinn Rauwerdink, associate director of marketing and outreach for the WUD DLS Committee.

Gounder serves as clinical assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases at New York University and cares for patients at Bellevue Hospital Center, Indian Health Service and tribal health facilities across the country. Gounder hosts and produces “American Diagnosis,” a podcast on health and social justice, and “Epidemic,” a podcast about COVID-19. She also founded and serves as the CEO and president of Just Human Productions, a non-profit multimedia organization that aims to build collaboration around health disparity and to aid in healing.

This lecture is a free event that all can attend. WUD DLS Committee members will announce additional lecture opportunities in the weeks ahead. 

The WUD DLS Committee hosts lectures by engaging and influential people to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 11 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.

More information about upcoming DLS events, including Gounder’s talk, is available at union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/dls. 

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About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee contributes to the educational experience of University of Wisconsin–Madison students, Wisconsin Union members and community members by hosting lectures by engaging and influential people. Founded in 1987, the series aims to expose the campus community to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/dls.
[Note: Click here to download a photo of Celine Gounder.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/celine-gounder. 

WPS Health Solutions’ Arise Health Plan changes name to WPS Health Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions’ Arise Health Plan changes name to WPS Health Plan

MADISON, Wis.—Sept. 18, 2020—Beginning Oct. 1, Arise Health Plan will have a new name, logo, and web address. Arise Health Plan is being rebranded as WPS Health Plan.

“We are excited to change our name from Arise Health Plan to WPS Health Plan,” said Jeremy Ott, Vice President, WPS Health Insurance Economics.  “As we bring our brand more closely under the flagship WPS umbrella, we remain committed to providing exceptional products and customer service.”

WPS’ tradition of Wisconsin-based service remains steadfast. WPS Health Plan will continue to provide the same innovative, high-value health plans as well as top-quality health care through its network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Bringing WPS to the forefront is a unified brand strategy to align WPS Health Plan to the rich history and long reputation of ethics and integrity that WPS offers.

“For nearly 75 years, we have served veterans, seniors, individuals, families, and businesses so that customers can get the health care they need at a price they can afford,” Ott said.

WPS Health Plan, Inc. is a legal, for-profit corporate entity that has the certificate of authority to sell insurance and an HMO license in the state of Wisconsin. It also maintains accreditation with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which is required to sell on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace. WPS Health Plan is powered by WPS Health Insurance. Consumers will continue to see the WPS Health Insurance name as well as newly branded WPS Health Plan.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions) is a nationally regarded government contractor and a leading Wisconsin not-for-profit health insurer. The WPS Health Insurance division offers affordable health plans and benefits administration. The WPS Government Health Administrators division administers Part A and B Medicare benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and the WPS Military and Veterans Health division serves millions more members who are active in the U.S. military, veterans, and their families. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation has been based in Madison, Wis., for nearly 75 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

GHC-SCW Expands Network in Southwest Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2020

Contact: Allan Wearing
Chief Business Development Officer
Phone: 608-251-3356 #4813
awearing@ghcscw.com

GHC-SCW Expands Network in Southwest Wisconsin

Partnerships announced with Southwest Health and Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County

MADISON, WISCONSIN – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is pleased to announce its partnership with Southwest Health and Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC).

Starting immediately, GHC-SCW members can now choose a Primary Care Provider (PCP) from one of the two Southwest Health clinic locations in Platteville and Cuba City. GHC-SCW members also have access to emergency care, urgent care and specialty care services at Southwest Health Hospital in Platteville.

Additionally, GHC-SCW members also now have access to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC) and can choose a PCP from one of the three MHLC clinic locations in Darlington, Shullsburg and Argyle. GHC-SCW members also have access to emergency care, urgent care and specialty care services at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington.

“Further expansion into southwest Wisconsin demonstrates our commitment to serving our members where they live and work,” said Dr. Chris Kastman, GHC-SCW Chief Medical Officer. “We value the excellent care both Southwest Health and MHLC provide in their communities and look forward to sharing in that dedication.”

Insurance plans and benefits vary; GHC-SCW members are encouraged to call GHC-SCW Member Services at (608) 828-4853 to ensure their choice of primary care provider.

About GHC-SCW

Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is a nonprofit health plan that cares for more than 75,000 members. The Cooperative has served the greater Dane County area for 44 years and provides both insurance and clinical services for its members. GHC-SCW is the first health plan in Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are not satisfied with their experience at a GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW was rated 5 out of 5 nationally in 2019 and was the number one ranked private plan in Wisconsin from 2006–2019 according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). 

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WPS Health Solutions earns Energy Star® award for Nordby Building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions earns Energy Star^® award for Nordby Building

MADISON, Wis.—Sept. 15, 2020—The Nordby Building on WPS Health Solutions’ Madison campus has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star^® certification for 2020.

“We’re honored to earn the Energy Star for superior energy performance for the second time in two years—for the Corporate Center in 2019 and now for the Nordby Building,” said Ken Roseth, Vice President of Facility Operations. “Saving energy is just one of the ways we show our community we care, and that we’re committed to doing our part to protect the environment and public health, both today and for future generations.”

Energy Star certified buildings and plants are verified to perform in the top 25% of buildings nationwide, based on weather-normalized source energy use that factors in occupancy, hours of operation, and other key metrics, according to the EPA.

On average, Energy Star certified buildings and plants use 35% less energy, generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than similar buildings across the nation.

Recent energy-saving improvements in the Nordby Building include LED lighting retrofits, and scheduling and optimization of air handlers and associated support equipment.

About WPS Health Solutions

WPS Health Solutions is a nationally regarded government contractor and a leading Wisconsin not-for-profit health insurer. The WPS Health Insurance division offers affordable health plans and benefits administration. The WPS Government Health Administrators division administers Part A and B Medicare benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and the WPS Military and Veterans Health division serves millions more members who are active in the U.S. military, veterans, and their families. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions) has been based in Madison, Wis., for more than 70 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

(Exterior photo of the Nordby Building and Energy Star logo are attached.)

Stoughton Trailers to Add 300 New Positions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ron Jake
Stoughton Trailers
608.877.8601
rjake@stoughtontrailers.com

Amy Mertz
Brick Road PR
608.220.9815
amy@brickroad-pr.com

Stoughton Trailers to Add 300 New Positions

STOUGHTON, Wis. (September 16, 2020) — Management at Stoughton Trailers, LLC, a global leader in transportation equipment, has announced plans to hire 300 new employees for entry-level, skilled labor and professional positions in its Stoughton and Brodhead facilities this fall.

“Current and projected business is strong at Stoughton Trailers,” said President and CEO Bob Wahlin. “We’ve secured a significant number of new orders from some of our larger, well-known trucking fleets, and we’ve gained market share. We’re expecting substantial growth in 2021. The time is right to build our workforce back up so we can meet the growing demand for the highest-quality semi-truck trailers on the road today.”

Immediate and anticipated entry-level and skilled positions are available in assembly, welding, material control and maintenance. Professional openings include engineering, quality, supply chain, information technology, human resources, sales/marketing and accounting roles. Visit stojobs.com for a complete list of employment opportunities.

Stoughton Trailers has adjusted the interview process to provide flexibility for applicants while adhering to public health guidelines. Stoughton Trailers’ Environmental Health and Safety team has put numerous measures into place to prevent COVID-19 from spreading and to maximize safety in the workplace. Employees are required to wear masks while on the premises, many work areas have been modified to maintain proper social distance, and breaks are staggered to limit the number of staff in break rooms. Staff are also subject to pre-shift temperature checks and are instructed to stay home in the presence of illness symptoms or if in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

About Stoughton Trailers
Stoughton Trailers is a top 10 international supplier of semi-truck trailers. The Wisconsin-based, family-owned company designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of dependable semi-truck trailers used for over-the-road trucking, as well as agricultural trailers and other specialty transportation equipment. It provides one-stop build, finance, rental and fleet management solutions through world-class responsiveness and design value. For more information, visit StoughtonTrailers.com.