<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://www.healnc.net/blogs/Uncategorized/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>Health Empowerment Action League of North Carolina - Blog , Uncategorized</title><description>Health Empowerment Action League of North Carolina - Blog , Uncategorized</description><link>https://www.healnc.net/blogs/Uncategorized</link><lastBuildDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:23:40 -0700</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[We Love WNC:  News & How You Can Help]]></title><link>https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/we-love-wnc-news-how-you-can-help</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.healnc.net/images/premium_photo-1661962927450-d5f7c9267ca2"/>A health freedom advocate shares her experience living and helping others in one of the devasted areas of WNC. Compare her experience with media coverage and learn how you can help.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_Agd7T1ZzSLK3LV1yxH3uAg" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_2_o0PQ6QTwiW2NtQI2Muiw" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_NQhCSOB-SV29slTT4TtKcA" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_r-pRMEFtT6ybVG5bFQJZjQ" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true"><span style="color:inherit;font-size:32px;">We Love WNC:&nbsp;News &amp; How You Can Help</span><br/></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_u7wQAcCGLMdFDp_xVmjHqQ" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_u7wQAcCGLMdFDp_xVmjHqQ"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 791px !important ; height: 527px !important ; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-custom zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
                type:fullscreen,
                theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/images/premium_photo-1661962927450-d5f7c9267ca2" size="custom" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_JboUUd1sSdywe2YnvFj6gA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span>Many of us have been heartbroken as we have witnessed the destruction and suffering that our WNC neighbors are enduring.&nbsp;We all have a desire to help in some way.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span>It's not too late to get involved.&nbsp;Two members of HEALNC's board have been involved in the cleanup.&nbsp;We will share one board member's perspective as a resident of WNC and other board member's perspective as a volunteer coming in from central NC.&nbsp;Throughout this article, we will post information about places where you can volunteer and donate.&nbsp;<span style="font-style:italic;">Please use your discernment and research</span> if you want to help or give.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:700;">A WNC Health Freedom Advocate's Story </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>One of our own board members lives in Waynesville.&nbsp;Although her home was not damaged, many homes around her have been -- including the home of close family friends whose <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-hope-for-the-erickson-family">home was destroyed, and they have no flood insurance</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Although the damage in Waynesville is less severe than in other parts of WNC, she is aware of many heartbreaking stories that she has heard through her volunteer work at Dellwood Baptist Church.&nbsp;Dellwood Baptist has been a a hub for donations and service to the community.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Here are a few of the alarming stories she has shared that will illustrate the depth of the death and destruction in Waynesville alone.</span></p><ul><li><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Twelve people around Jonathan Creek, a small area of town, died in the flooding.</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:left;"><span>A woman who came into town to check on her family discovered that 12 of her family members had perished and 8 were missing.</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:left;"><span>A woman reported that the water went from 1 foot to 7 feet in less than 10 minutes.&nbsp;They had to escape so quickly that they couldn't save their dogs.</span></p></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>She has also heard first-hand stories from Asheville:</span></p><ul><li><p style="text-align:left;"><span>A woman reported that her husband found 7 dead bodies in his work as a lineman.&nbsp;</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:left;"><span>A medical professional reported that 2 bodies washed up into her yard. When she called the police, they simply asked her to send a map with a pin where the bodies were located.</span></p></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>This board member has called our attention to the following video about even harder hit areas.&nbsp;Based on what she's seen in Waynesville, she believes that the woman in this video is accurately describing the situation.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>She also says that the supplies requested in this video are consistent with the supplies that have been most needed in her work in Waynesville.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><img src="/Sat%20Oct%2019%202024.png" style="width:410px !important;height:671.56px !important;max-width:100% !important;"></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span><a href="https://x.com/In2ThinAir/status/1845854102338593044" title="https://x.com/In2ThinAir/status/1845854102338593044" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">https://x.com/In2ThinAir/status/1845854102338593044</span></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>In the above video, the speaker discusses her work in missions and dispatch for an operations team in Ashe County and Swananoa.&nbsp;She says that the news reports of approximately 200 deaths is not consistent with what she's seeing --&nbsp;they are finding bodies every day.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>She reports that the needs are high.&nbsp;You might have heard that the warehouses are full.&nbsp;According to both this woman and our board member, they are indeed full.&nbsp;However, both women say that the need for supplies will persist for months, and the surplus supplies will be put to good use.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>The dispatcher in the video can be reached via this <a href="https://jaksstables.com/helpwesternnc/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">link</a> which has information about places where you can donate and sign up to volunteer.&nbsp;It also lists supply drop-off locations in Wake Forest and Wendell.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Samaritan's Purse -- Asheville, Burnsville, Boone</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span>Another HEALNC board member volunteered with Samaritan's Purse.&nbsp;They have a strong infrastructure in place for volunteers and will continue serving WNC for the months ahead.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span>Volunteers are placed on teams and sent into the community to meet the current needs.&nbsp;Our board member was tasked with cleaning yard debris for homeowners.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>When you fill out your application, they will accommodate for any physical limitations.&nbsp;All help is appreciated.&nbsp;You can sign up for a day assignment or an extended assignment of a minimum of three days, which includes lodging and food.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Samaritan's Purse:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Give</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://spvolunteer.org"><span><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Volunteer</span></span></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Other Places to Get Involved and/or Donate:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://convoyofhope.org/disaster-services/hurricane-helene-24/"><span><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Convoy of Hope</span></span></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://brcowboychurch.org/disaster-relief"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Blue Ridge Cowboy Church</span></a><span> in Fairview </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>They are providing hot meals for people and also have a place for donation and distribution of needs for affected people in the community. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Check their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/Tz9gUUEy5v4Gx1CG/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Facebook page</a> to learn current needs if you want to take donations.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://www.operation-airdrop.com"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Operation Airdrop</span></a><span> - Civilian pilots making drops in affected areas. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://unitedcajunnavy.org"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">The United Cajun Navy</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://pinnaclesar.org"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Cajun Navy 2016</span></a><span> -- Find updates on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/Ls6pHKpFAn6TprBr/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA4HyhCPDXC/"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">@Reverence.Farms (Instagram)</span></a><span> is a local N.C. family farm that is helping,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Their non profit and their 501c3 arm is <a href="https://www.knowingloveministries.org" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">@knowinglove</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>100% of donations go to supplies and trip expenses. No staff. <a href="https://subsplash.com/u/-9FNQ4W/give" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Donations</a> can be tax-deductible.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Sources Found on Facebook:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>There are also some Facebook pages where daily needs are posted from various sources.&nbsp;The Facebook pages are a helpful way to keep up with the constantly changing needs in WNC. As progress is made and the weather changes, daily needs also change. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/XrPBWTPAryhR7td9/"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">North Carolina Disaster Relief - RDU to WNC</span></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/ktW9aCsTfhmCNTLe/"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">WNC Mission Trips</span></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/hURxicCnH7Ex9zGH/"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">North Carolina News</span></a></p></div></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_WzivQQ71QcaRGG-xwDGPWw" data-element-type="button" class="zpelement zpelem-button "><style></style><div class="zpbutton-container zpbutton-align-center "><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-md " href="javascript:;" target="_blank"><span class="zpbutton-content">Get Started Now</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Sat, 19 Oct 2024 09:33:31 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Explain to Family and Friends WHY Minor Consent Matters]]></title><link>https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/how-to-explain-to-family-and-friends-why-minor-consent-matters</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.healnc.net/images/group-of-young-adults-having-a-bible-study.webp"/>Most NC parents are blissfully unaware of NC's minor consent law, which attorneys say is one of the worst in the country. Here's a resource you can share to help friends and family keep their children safe.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_aWTQOvkbQKOv9b14L-1xzw" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_zGNiP0p-Rlqn8PLoJovBPQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_o91byK5vTPyHgqcuTcF4ew" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_6UMOfx2dRbW7rfxbIdCgiQ" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true"><span style="font-size:36px;"><span style="color:inherit;">How to Explain</span></span><span style="font-size:36px;">&nbsp;to Family and Friends&nbsp;</span><span style="color:inherit;font-size:36px;">WHY Minor Consent Matters</span><br></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_wM20v6uvOGZb--gINR7hxg" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_wM20v6uvOGZb--gINR7hxg"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 612px !important ; height: 408px !important ; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-original zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
                type:fullscreen,
                theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/images/group-of-young-adults-having-a-bible-study.webp" size="original" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_-3BAYHA5SouV1utx2UYX3A" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;">HEALNC sponsored a Zoom call featuring Children's Health Defense Attorney Justine Tanguay on August 14, 2024.&nbsp;The Zoom call, open to the public, highlighted our concerns about NC's alarming minor consent law.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="color:inherit;font-weight:700;">WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA’S MINOR CONSENT LAW? </span><span style="color:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-weight:700;">NC’s Law is one of the worst in the country.&nbsp;</span>According to lawyer Justine Tanguay, &quot;NC has one of the most dangerous minor consent laws in the country.&quot;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Children of any age can consent to controversial therapies. </span> Minors ages 0-17 in NC can consent to medical services for prevention/treatment of infectious disease (including vaccination), pregnancy, drug and alcohol issues, and emotional disturbance without parental knowledge or consent. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Parents are being shut out of decision-making about their child’s health care. </span>NC parents’ healthcare decisions are being overturned because of this law.&nbsp;For example, one mother was told that a facility would not perform a drug test on her 12-year-old daughter who appeared high because, &quot;By law, we are unable to do anything without [your daughter's] consent.&quot;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Parents are being denied access to their child’s medical records. </span> NC's large hospital systems are preventing parents from seeing their child’s medical records beginning at age 12.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Doctors can override a parents’ decision.&nbsp;</span>Doctors can override a parents' medical decision if the doctor believes a delay in treatment would &quot;endanger the life or seriously worsen the physical condition.&quot;&nbsp;The physician simply has to get a second opinion from a fellow physician.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Many NC children have easy access to medical treatment via school.</span>&nbsp;This law dovetails with the explosion of the <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/prominent-philanthropists-invest-23-million-in-school-based-health-alliance-to-advance-health-equity-302024684.html" title="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/prominent-philanthropists-invest-23-million-in-school-based-health-alliance-to-advance-health-equity-302024684.html" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Gates/Bezos</a> and government funded School Based Health Centers (SBHC) that give children easy access to controversial medical treatments while at school without needing the parent’s consent.&nbsp;Children can consent to treatments in SBHCs without the parent even knowing a treatment was received.</p><p style="text-align:left;margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:700;color:inherit;">The HEALNC/CHD Call To Action</span></p><span style="font-size:18px;"><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:inherit;">We are working hard to overturn NC's alarming law.&nbsp;However, we need broad public support to demonstrate to lawmakers that citizens want change, and most North Carolinians have no idea that their children are vulnerable.&nbsp;This is where you come in.&nbsp;Can you share this information with people in your circles (book club, Sunday School class, homeschool groups, etc.)?&nbsp;Here is a 1-page pdf you can distribute far and wide. Click the button to download it to your computer.</span></div></span></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_d_Wh_HkqRb2F3iU1c6o_KA" data-element-type="button" class="zpelement zpelem-button "><style></style><div class="zpbutton-container zpbutton-align-center "><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-lg zpbutton-style-none " href="https://workdrive.zohoexternal.com/external/ed973bdce8a945eb473ce5406826474037c9f29969ec7eac5a167f99ae0ec802/download" target="_blank" title="https://workdrive.zohoexternal.com/external/ed973bdce8a945eb473ce5406826474037c9f29969ec7eac5a167f99ae0ec802/download"><span class="zpbutton-content">Minor Consent pdf</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Sat, 21 Sep 2024 16:25:09 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pfizer Deploys Mobile ‘School of Science’ to Teach Kids the ABCs of Pandemics and Vaccines  ]]></title><link>https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/pfizer-deploys-mobile-school-of-science-to-teach-kids-the-abcs-of-pandemics-and-vaccines</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.healnc.net/images/pexels-photo-8923370.jpeg"/>Students enter the Pfizer trailer for an “escape-room-like” experience, working with Pfizer employees on a pandemic tabletop exercise ending in how to make a vaccine to distribute globally. “It just feels so wrong,” one critic — a teacher — told The Defender.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_YHddFk_ST1q_CjJ1Gzcf6g" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_ZFEccLccRe6lp6ltgRBAuA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_4Bk77yYOTDyRFt7-hhkwAg" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_aImGTGwNSQSdMJNa6Ccb_Q" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true"><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:32px;">Pfizer Deploys Mobile ‘School of Science’ to Teach Kids the ABCs of Pandemics and Vaccines</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_LUSSdtwCC8vhecwKK1jbaA" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_LUSSdtwCC8vhecwKK1jbaA"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 1110px ; height: 740.00px ; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-fit zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
                type:fullscreen,
                theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/images/pexels-photo-8923370.jpeg" size="fit" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_Pkeur_EYN8MMqo021GUQ1g" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div>by&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/authors/brenda-baletti/"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Brenda Baletti, Ph.D</span>.</a></div><div style="font-size:14px;font-weight:600;">September 6, 2024</div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_Of142IKvaiB0csx3wmMpIw" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><p><span style="color:inherit;font-size:18px;"><a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pfizer-mobile-school-of-science-teach-kids-pandemics-vaccines/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pfizer-mobile-school-of-science-teach-kids-pandemics-vaccines/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">This article was originally published by The Defender</a> — Children’s Health Defense’s News &amp; Views Website.</span><br></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_CXbhXUSzovtnvqgste3sOg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:20px;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/big-pharma/"><span style="font-size:18px;text-decoration-line:underline;">Pharmaceutical giant</span></a><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;Pfizer is crossing the country with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pfizerplus.com/si/articles/article-pfizer-school-of-science-mobile-experience.aspx" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">mobile science</a>&nbsp;“escape room” — complete with a robotic dog — to provide students in rural communities with a “science-based learning experience.”</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">In the process, students are “exposed to a multi-national company” and they get to meet Pfizer employees.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">In its promotional video for the “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=z5z2Xpdp_UI"><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">School of Science Mobile Experience</span></a><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">,</span>” students in rural Sanford, North Carolina, are greeted by a Pfizer robot dog, which makes several appearances during their field trip.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Students enter the Pfizer mobile trailer for a “fantastic, interactive, escape-room-like experience,” where they work with Pfizer employees to solve a mystery about a pandemic outbreak that starts with people showing up in doctor’s offices with scaly, lizard-like skin.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">As they move through the&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/what-we-can-learn-from-a-pandemic-tabletop-exercise/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">pandemic tabletop exercise</a>, proceeding through different rooms in the trailer, the children learn different lessons. They learn about antigens in one room, about vaccine manufacturing in another, and more.</span></p><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">In the end, the students “successfully produced a remedy that will be distributed around the world” — reminiscent of Pfizer’s own production of the&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/covid/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">COVID-19</a><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">&nbsp;</span><a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/toxic-exposures/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">vaccines</a>.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span>“This is not your typical science class,” a Pfizer spokesperson says, closing out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=z5z2Xpdp_UI" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">the video</span></a>.</span></p></div></div></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_HXoXzpoqnCHapBeRP5FZdg" data-element-type="codeSnippet" class="zpelement zpelem-codesnippet "><div class="zpsnippet-container"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Through Pfizer School of Science Mobile Experience, we aim to bring the wonders of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STEM</a> to life. Discover how our interactive experience is helping inspire the next generation of scientists and manufacturers: <a href="https://t.co/HBLRYMaq3N">https://t.co/HBLRYMaq3N</a> &#x1f680;&#x1f52c; <a href="https://t.co/Z2PiPpHiSc">pic.twitter.com/Z2PiPpHiSc</a></p><p>— Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1824446115321713119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_Vf6cneLYjGQPB-D63UmTKA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span>North Carolina mother Beth Secosky told&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">The Defender</a>&nbsp;she wouldn’t want Pfizer teaching science to her children or anyone’s children.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span>“<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-largest-health-care-fraud-settlement-its-history" title="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-largest-health-care-fraud-settlement-its-history" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Pfizer has paid billions in penalties</span></a>&nbsp;for false claims and safety violations,” she said. “Why would schools invite a corporation that is notorious for putting profits over people to teach their children ‘<a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pharma-industrial-complex-owns-science/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pharma-industrial-complex-owns-science/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">science</a>’?”</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span>Michael Kane, New York City educator and founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://teachersforchoice.substack.com/" title="https://teachersforchoice.substack.com/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Teachers for Choice</span></a>&nbsp;told The Defender he was struck by the fact that the experience would highlight antigens and manufacturing as part of science education for young people.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">“It’s definitely crossing a line from education to directly marketing or promoting their products to kids,” he said. “It just feels so wrong.”</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">The hands-on learning modality is great for kids learning, Kane added, but even in the short video, it’s clear this is just an attempt to promote their vaccines. “It kind of blows me away.”</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span>The robotic dog was especially concerning, Kane said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/nypd-spot-boston-dynamics-robot-dog/" title="https://www.wired.com/story/nypd-spot-boston-dynamics-robot-dog/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Police departments</span></a><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">&nbsp;</span>across the country and the&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/global-threats/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/global-threats/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">world</a>&nbsp;have controversially begun deploying&nbsp;<a href="https://undark.org/2023/09/04/robot-police-dogs/" title="https://undark.org/2023/09/04/robot-police-dogs/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">robot dogs</span></a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/censorship-surveillance/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/censorship-surveillance/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">surveil</a>&nbsp;citizens with cameras, sensors and microphones and militaries are starting to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/let-slip-the-robot-dogs-of-war/" title="https://www.wired.com/story/let-slip-the-robot-dogs-of-war/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">weaponize</a><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/let-slip-the-robot-dogs-of-war/" title="https://www.wired.com/story/let-slip-the-robot-dogs-of-war/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"> them</span></a>&nbsp;for military applications by mounting them with machine guns.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">“They are bringing these dogs to the kids in such a disarming way — showing how cute this robotic dog is when it looks precisely like the dogs that they’re putting out into police departments and into the military,” he said. “That is very frightening in terms of what they’re programming these children to be used to and to think is cool, and to think is normal.”</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><span>The video was released a couple of weeks ago. The comment function for the video on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/%40pfizer" title="https://www.youtube.com/@pfizer" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Pfizer’s YouTube channel</span></a>&nbsp;is turned off, so viewers have not been able to share their thoughts.</span></p></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_lqM0lVyGr_LHpC-k0o9UEw" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><p><span style="color:inherit;"><a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pfizer-mobile-school-of-science-teach-kids-pandemics-vaccines/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pfizer-mobile-school-of-science-teach-kids-pandemics-vaccines/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">This art</a><a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pfizer-mobile-school-of-science-teach-kids-pandemics-vaccines/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pfizer-mobile-school-of-science-teach-kids-pandemics-vaccines/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">icle was originally published by The Defender</span></a> — Children’s Health Defense’s News &amp; Views Website under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Please consider <a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/about-us/sign-up/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">subscribing to The Defender</a> or <a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/about-us/donate/" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">donating to Children’s Health Defense</a>.</span><br></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Sat, 21 Sep 2024 14:33:00 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[URGENT: Stop NC Children from Being Able to Consent to Vaccines and Other Controversial Therapies]]></title><link>https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/urgent-stop-nc-children-from-being-able-to-consent-to-vaccines-and-other-controversial-therapies</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.healnc.net/images/call-to-action.webp"/>We have an urgent situation in NC this week. Bottom line -- at this moment children of any age in NC are able to make their own medical decisions (including the decision to vaccinate) WITHOUT their parents’ knowledge or consent. Here's what you can do to stop this.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_21A4u0TLTbaT3MIv6kKbYg" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_1brrpzVQSZCMxTkLKuruLA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_8WuV4bzDSdCBaHPPwimrdg" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_TuTp56MCR3-R7XNuAbF25Q" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true"><span style="color:inherit;font-size:32px;">URGENT:&nbsp;Stop NC Children from Being Able to Consent to Vaccines and Other Controversial Therapies</span><br></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_bgfcJ3qRDML4zH6CAqJByA" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_bgfcJ3qRDML4zH6CAqJByA"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 513px !important ; height: 334px !important ; } } [data-element-id="elm_bgfcJ3qRDML4zH6CAqJByA"].zpelem-image { border-radius:1px; } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_bgfcJ3qRDML4zH6CAqJByA"].zpelem-image { border-radius:1px; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width:991px){ [data-element-id="elm_bgfcJ3qRDML4zH6CAqJByA"].zpelem-image { border-radius:1px; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-original zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
                type:fullscreen,
                theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/images/call-to-action.webp" size="original" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_zgFWjHZkQhqTJwH7MFK09w" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_zgFWjHZkQhqTJwH7MFK09w"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_zgFWjHZkQhqTJwH7MFK09w"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width:991px){ [data-element-id="elm_zgFWjHZkQhqTJwH7MFK09w"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;">We have an urgent situation in NC this week.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">Bottom line -- at this moment children of <span style="font-weight:700;">any age </span>in NC are able to make their <span style="font-style:italic;">own</span> medical decisions (including the decision to vaccinate) WITHOUT their parents’ knowledge or consent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">Last year a Parents’ Bill of Rights was passed, but it is meaningless because of a loophole that keeps in place a law that allows the above.&nbsp;Very few people (other than those in the medical industrial complex) know about this law and the loophole that preserves it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">We have friendly legislators working this week to close it.&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:700;">They have asked us to have you email and call</span> because they desperately need our help educating their colleagues who are <span style="font-style:italic;">not&nbsp;aware</span> of this alarming loophole.&nbsp;We must let them know that citizens are very upset and concerned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>PLEASE email your legislator and let him or her know what’s happening <a href="https://standforhealthfreedom.com/actions/minor-consent/" title="https://standforhealthfreedom.com/actions/minor-consent/" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">HERE</a> ASAP!&nbsp;They need to hear from as many people as possible by the end of THIS WEEK.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>It would be helpful if you would consider also making a phone call as they have even greater impact than emails.&nbsp;When you click <a href="https://standforhealthfreedom.com/actions/minor-consent/" title="https://standforhealthfreedom.com/actions/minor-consent/" target="_blank" rel="">HERE</a>, you will receive a script on the phone call tab so you can simply read it to the person who answers your legislator's phone.&nbsp;If you are more comfortable, you can call after hours and leave a message.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">Thank you for helping close this unbelievable loophole and protect our children.&nbsp;Parents are the only safeguard between children and big pharma!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><span style="font-size:18px;">*This particular call-to-action is for Republican districts only as it is Republicans who are working to close the loophole at this time.</span></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_5kyZRAQNSY2yZFCnvrqteA" data-element-type="button" class="zpelement zpelem-button "><style> [data-element-id="elm_5kyZRAQNSY2yZFCnvrqteA"].zpelem-button{ border-radius:1px; } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_5kyZRAQNSY2yZFCnvrqteA"].zpelem-button{ border-radius:1px; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width:991px){ [data-element-id="elm_5kyZRAQNSY2yZFCnvrqteA"].zpelem-button{ border-radius:1px; } } </style><div class="zpbutton-container zpbutton-align-center "><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-lg zpbutton-style-none " href="https://standforhealthfreedom.com/actions/minor-consent/https://standforhealthfreedom.com/actions/minor-consent/" target="_blank" title="https://standforhealthfreedom.com/actions/minor-consent/"><span class="zpbutton-content">ACT NOW</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2024 20:58:48 -0500</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[HEALNC Guide to Opposing the Mask/Social Distancing Rule]]></title><link>https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/healnc-guide-to-opposing-the-mask-social-distancing-rule</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.healnc.net/images/pexels-photo-9159409.jpeg"/>If you are planning to testify or send in written objection to the Department of Labor's petition for mask mandates, you are invited to check out our suggestions.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_DdDysz2URleI9KjJnm0N-Q" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_12aBDiJ3Qr2UyyYBSbxguQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_1tPLHW8LR1CZ819shMGVjw" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_6NHvZnESSHiD93BqpQOarQ" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><h1><span style="font-size:32px;">HEALNC Guide to Opposing the Mask/Social Distancing Rule</span></h1></div></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_zGAq7MLbTDqerkUaymGadA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_zGAq7MLbTDqerkUaymGadA"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span>The following document is designed to support you in writing a statement in opposition to the mask/social distancing rule being considered by the Department of Labor.&nbsp;For more information about the DOL petition see our recent article <a href="https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/nc-poised-to-mandate-masks-and-social-distancing-on-workers" title="https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/nc-poised-to-mandate-masks-and-social-distancing-on-workers" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">here</a>.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;">The government is required to respond to all substantial comments about a rule being considered.&nbsp;It is important to provide evidence to make your statement substantial enough to respond.&nbsp;Examples of evidence might be the cost of this rule upon your business, the science around masking, the standards for a rule for NC agencies, etc.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="color:inherit;">Please send your written statement opposing the mask and social distancing measures by&nbsp;</span><span style="color:inherit;">March 4, 2024</span><span style="color:inherit;">&nbsp;to&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:jill.cramer@labor.nc.gov" target="_blank">jill.cramer@labor.nc.gov</a><span style="color:inherit;">.</span></p><div style="color:inherit;"><div><br style="font-size:14px;"></div></div><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;">About the Rule:</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;">To whom it applies:&nbsp;</span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;">‌“Every employer, employee, and place of employment in North Carolina within the jurisdiction of the OSH Division pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina”</span></p></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;">When it applies:&nbsp;</span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Any airborne infectious disease designated by the Governor, North Carolina General Assembly, US DHHS, NC DHHS, WHO or CDC presenting a public health emergency.</span></p></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;">It requires employers to:</p><blockquote style="margin-left:40px;border:none;"><ul><li>prepare hazard assessments and response plans</li><li>furnish PPE, at no cost, to employees and others</li><li><span style="color:inherit;">establish infectious disease training programs</span><br></li><li>update work practices and conditions, including provisions for teleworking</li><li>regularly clean and disinfect all work areas</li><li>potentially modify work areas and air handling systems</li></ul></blockquote><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><br></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="color:inherit;font-size:18px;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Requirements for agencies in the rule-making process</span></span><span style="font-size:18px;"><br></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;">While researching how to effectively object to this claim, we learned of the NC law that defines the <a href="https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_150B/GS_150B-19.1.html" title="https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_150B/GS_150B-19.1.html" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">principles</a> that must be met for an agency to create a formal rule.&nbsp;We think you will laugh when you see how far this mask rule falls from those principles!&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;">We've highlighted the aspects of the principles relevant to this situation and provided bullets below each principle, which are examples of talking points you may want to use in your statement.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-weight:700;">1. Necessary to serve the public interest</span></p></div></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><ul><li><span>We saw with Covid that masks, social distancing, and other interventions requested by the governor, DHHS, CDC or WHO had no impact on contraction of Covid.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>Masks are dangerous to health.</span></li><li><span>Masks are a threat to mental health and relationships.</span></li><li><span>Share a personal story if you have one.</span></li><li><span>See resources below for scientific and technical research and articles that show that masking is&nbsp;dangerous to health.</span></li></ul></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span style="font-weight:700;">2. Seek to reduce the burden upon those persons or entities who must comply</span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><ul><li><span>There are substantial financial and opportunity costs to businesses to implement this rule.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>There is a significant impact on employees required to wear masks that restrict their breathing, cause side effects such as bacterial lung infections and rashes, and increase the risk of contracting Covid. </span></li><li><span>See resources below for scientific and technical research and articles that show that masking is&nbsp;dangerous to health.</span></li><li><span>Share a personal story about the burden masks and social distancing had on your business or you as an employee.</span></li></ul></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span style="font-weight:700;">3. Reasonably necessary to implement </span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><ul><li><span>Share science that demonstrates that masks are ineffective.&nbsp;They are unnecessary.</span></li><li><span>See resources below for scientific and technical research and articles that show that masking is not effective.</span></li></ul></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span style="font-weight:700;">4. The agency shall not adopt a rule that is unnecessary</span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><ul><li><span>Share science that demonstrates that masks are ineffective.&nbsp;They are unnecessary.</span></li><li><span>In fact, for many people they were harmful.</span></li><li><span>See resources below for scientific and technical research and articles that show that masking is harmful and not effective.</span></li></ul></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span><span style="font-weight:700;">5. Based on sound, reasonably available scientific, technical, economic, and other relevant information</span>. </span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><ul><li><span>The science does not support masking or social distancing.</span></li><li><span>See resources below for scientific and technical research and articles that show that masking is not effective.</span></li></ul></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span><span style="font-weight:bold;">6. C</span><span style="font-weight:700;">ost-effective </span></span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><ul><li><span>This rule is a significant cost to businesses, putting them at diminished capacity while providing no benefit in keeping people healthy.</span></li><li><span>Demand that the DOL conduct a fiscal review.&nbsp;According to NC law, agencies must conduct a fiscal review on any rule that has a cumulative financial impact of over $1 million.&nbsp;Clearly, this rule will cost NC businesses more than that.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;"><br></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;">Legal Concerns You Might Want to Write About:&nbsp;</span></p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><ul><li><span>DOL would be abdicating state sovereignty and bypassing the protections of the 10<span style="vertical-align:super;">th</span> Amendment by tying local rule to federal and global declarations.</span></li><li><span>Does the department of labor have statutory authority to enter into this burdensome rule?&nbsp;Is this not the legislature's job?</span></li><li><span>Why is the agency doing this?&nbsp;What is their legal authority?</span></li><li><span>&quot;I don't think you have legal authority to implement this rule, and here's how it impacts me...&quot;</span></li></ul></blockquote></div></div><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;"><span style="font-weight:700;">Another option: Rebut expert testimony presented in favor of the mask rule</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;">The petition for the mask rule included a statement by Linsey C. Marr, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech University.&nbsp;Please note that Professor Marr quoted zero studies to support her assertions.&nbsp;Prepare a written statement that disputes Professor Marr's testimony.&nbsp;For her testimony, see&nbsp;<a href="/files/Rule%20making%20petition%20by%20NCAAP%20AFL-CIO%20etc%20for%20employers.docx" rel="" download="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Exhibit B of the Petition</a> for this rule.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:700;color:inherit;"><br></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:700;color:inherit;">Resources on ineffectiveness and harms of Masks</span><br></p><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202013022-the-book-on-masks" title="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202013022-the-book-on-masks" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">The Book on Masks: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Manipulative Psychology, Malformed Philosophy, and Misrepresented Science that Supercharged a Global Hysteria</span></a></p><p><span><br></span></p><p><a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD006207/ARI_do-physical-measures-such-hand-washing-or-wearing-masks-stop-or-slow-down-spread-respiratory-viruses" title="https://www.cochrane.org/CD006207/ARI_do-physical-measures-such-hand-washing-or-wearing-masks-stop-or-slow-down-spread-respiratory-viruses" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Cochrane Review:&nbsp;Do physical measures such as hand-washing or wearing masks stop or slow down the spread of respiratory viruses?</span></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub6/full" title="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub6/full" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses</span></a></p><p><br></p><p><span><a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/politics-mask-mandates-return/" title="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/politics-mask-mandates-return/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">CHD Article:&nbsp;Politics — Not Science or Health — Behind Return of Mask Mandates, Critics Say</span></a></span></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://fraudstoppers.org/covid-osha-regulations-rules-and-mandate-madness/" title="https://fraudstoppers.org/covid-osha-regulations-rules-and-mandate-madness/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Article by OSHA Consultants Kristen Meghan and Tammy Clark</span></a></p><p><br></p></div></div></div></div></span></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><span><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span>Face coverings are also not a control method for an aerosolized virus. Masks are not rated or capable of having a proper seal; literature actually states that masks cannot be sealed and do not meet any of the basic provisions of the Respiratory Protection Standard (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/subpart-I/section-1910.134" title="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/subpart-I/section-1910.134" target="_blank" rel="" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">29 CFR 1910.134</a>)</span></p></div></div></span></div></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:18px;"></span><span style="font-size:18px;"><div style="color:inherit;"><span><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><span><div style="color:inherit;"><p><span><br></span></p><p><a href="https://brownstone.org/articles/studies-and-articles-on-mask-ineffectiveness-and-harms/" title="https://brownstone.org/articles/studies-and-articles-on-mask-ineffectiveness-and-harms/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Brownstone Institute:&nbsp;More than 170 Comparative Studies and Articles on Mask Ineffectiveness and Harms</span></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.city-journal.org/article/the-harm-caused-by-masks" title="https://www.city-journal.org/article/the-harm-caused-by-masks" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">The Harm Caused by Masks</span></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.aier.org/article/medical-journal-warns-about-maskss-potentially-devastating-consequences/" title="https://www.aier.org/article/medical-journal-warns-about-maskss-potentially-devastating-consequences/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Medical Journal Warns About Masks Potentially Devastating Consequences</span></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/0525AD535D10FDCDF0C52603B50E7A1E/S0950268823001826a.pdf/association-between-face-mask-use-and-risk-of-sars-cov-2-infection-cross-sectional-study.pdf" title="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/0525AD535D10FDCDF0C52603B50E7A1E/S0950268823001826a.pdf/association-between-face-mask-use-and-risk-of-sars-cov-2-infection-cross-sectional-study.pdf" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Association between face mask use and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Cross-sectional study</span></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15409-x" title="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15409-x" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Bacterial and fungal isolation from face masks under the COVID-19 pandemic</span></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://swprs.org/face-masks-evidence/" title="https://swprs.org/face-masks-evidence/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Are Face Masks Effective?&nbsp;The Evidence.</span></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/47-studies-confirm-inefectiveness-of-masks-for-covid-and-32-more-confirm-their-negative-health-effects/" title="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/47-studies-confirm-inefectiveness-of-masks-for-covid-and-32-more-confirm-their-negative-health-effects/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">47 studies confirm ineffectiveness of masks for COVID and 32 more confirm their negative health effects</span></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.aier.org/article/masking-a-careful-review-of-the-evidence/" title="https://www.aier.org/article/masking-a-careful-review-of-the-evidence/" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Masking: A Careful Review of the Evidence</span></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-06605-w" title="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-06605-w" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Titanium dioxide particles frequently present in face masks intended for general use require regulatory control</span></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/J3dnkbKoj4A?si=zj4ysEqTeHMSE_hA&amp;source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&amp;feature=emb_logo" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Industrial Hygienist Stephen Petty Testimony - See transcript for help capturing what he says.</span></a></p><p><br></p><a href="https://petermcculloughmd.substack.com/p/masking-lockdowns-travel-restrictions" title="https://petermcculloughmd.substack.com/p/masking-lockdowns-travel-restrictions" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Masking, Lockdowns, Travel Restrictions, Vaccines Useless in Pandemic</span></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://petermcculloughmd.substack.com/p/masking-lockdowns-travel-restrictions" title="https://petermcculloughmd.substack.com/p/masking-lockdowns-travel-restrictions" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">by Dr. Peter McCullough</span></a></div></span><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:0in;">Please feel free to put any other pertinent resources in the comments below.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_EfODxaztRpqw8NVeMFLaAQ" data-element-type="button" class="zpelement zpelem-button "><style> [data-element-id="elm_EfODxaztRpqw8NVeMFLaAQ"].zpelem-button{ border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zpbutton-container zpbutton-align-center "><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-lg zpbutton-style-none " href="https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/nc-poised-to-mandate-masks-and-social-distancing-on-workers" target="_blank" title="https://www.healnc.net/blogs/post/nc-poised-to-mandate-masks-and-social-distancing-on-workers"><span class="zpbutton-content">More About the Mask Petition</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2024 21:54:23 -0500</pubDate></item></channel></rss>