Hospital prescribes free nutritious food, Native American interior secretary, USA’s largest wildlife crossing

Elizabeth Jacyshyn-Owen | Posted on December 18, 2020 |

Photo: Markus Spiske/Unsplash (CCO)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about an Ohio hospital’s innovative approach to tackling food insecurity in Dayton, the nomination of the first Native American woman to a presidential cabinet in US history, and a huge new highway bridge protecting animals in Texas.

A hospital is prescribing free nutritious food to families in addition to medicine

In an attempt to tackle food insecurity in one of the USA’s most prominent food deserts, Dayton Children’s Hospital is referring patients to their “Food Pharm” initiative.

Source: The Conversation

The first Native American woman has been nominated to a presidential cabinet

Deb Haaland would lead the agency governing public lands, should her nomination be approved by the US Senate.

Source: BBC News

The largest highway crossing for wildlife in the US has been unveiled in Texas

The Robert L.B. Tobin bridge connects San Antonio’s Phil Hardberger Park across a six-lane highway, providing a safe passage for humans and animals alike.

Source: EcoWatch

Sheltersuits are saving the lives of refugees and homeless people across the globe

The windproof and waterproof jacket features a detachable sleeping bag made from factory scraps and deadstock materials.

Source: Vogue

Holistic approaches to homelessness are better serving Native American communities

As Indigenous people experience housing insecurity at far higher rates than other groups, a new project aims to tackle this inequality through an innovative solution.

Source: Bloomberg

Colourful and eco-friendly domes are empowering communities on Hormuz Island

Constructed with responsibly sourced earth-based materials, the buildings offer hope for local residents trying to revive their economy.

Source: Treehugger

Rural farmers are using telehealth services to receive mental health support

Online therapy means farmers in isolated areas don’t need to travel long distances in order to access basic care.

Source: Investigate Midwest

How artificial intelligence is helping people better manage their dyslexia

As told by Tabitha Goldstaub, a variety of apps and other technologies are helping those with the condition explore different styles of learning which are better suited to their needs.

Source: The Guardian

A rainforest-based school is training Indigenous communities to protect their land

María Clemencia Herrera Nemerayema’s School of Political Education in the Colombian Amazon is a precursor to the establishment of an intercultural university in the heart of the jungle.

Source: Mongabay

Alaska’s SeaLife Center is successfully rehabilitating aquatic animals

As the only facility of its kind in the coastal state, the centre rescues animals injured in oil spills and similar incidents before releasing them back into the wild.