FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Shooting Incident Battery-Committed with Deadly Weapon 1300 W. Virginia St.
 On October 5th, at 8:44 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of W Virginia St. in reference to multiple shots fired. Officers located an adult male victim and an adult female victim inside of their residence. Both victims had a single gunshot wound and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. They were both alert and conscious and able to speak with officers about the incident.Â
The victims stated that they had just returned to the residence from the store. The male victim had reached out to a female acquaintance about purchasing some marijuana. The female acquaintance and the suspect, Xavier C. Washington, arrived together at the victims’ residence. The male victim walked outside to meet with Washington. He purchased some marijuana and exchanged some Xanax pills. After the exchange, Washington left but shortly returned to the victims’ residence.Â
Washington returned to the victims’ residence because he thought the male victim shorted him on a Xanax pill. Washington and the male victim began to argue outside of the residence. Washington pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds at the victim. The female victim opened the front door because she heard the commotion and was struck in the foot by a bullet. The male victim ran inside and told her that he had also been struck by a bullet.Â
Washington fled the scene in a silver Nissan Altima. The description of the vehicle was sent out to law enforcement officers. EPD Officers and VCSO Deputies that were in the area located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Washington was detained and taken to EPD Headquarters to speak with detectives.Â
Washington admitted that the altercation with the male victim was over Xanax pills, and he shot at the victim. He claimed that he shot the victim in self-defense. Due to multiple inconsistencies in Washington’s explanation of the incident, detectives did not feel that he was acting in self-defense.Â
Washington was arrested, charged with Battery Committed with a Deadly Weapon, and was booked into the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center.Â
BRAUN, HASSAN, COLLEAGUES APPLAUD VAÂ SPINAÂ BIFIDAÂ BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
This bipartisan bill strengthens benefits for Vietnam veterans’ children born with spina bifida due to Agent Orange exposureÂ
WASHINGTON – Today, a bill to strengthen the VA Spina Bifida Program to benefit the children of Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange was signed into law by President Biden.
The bill previously passed the Senate unanimously on July 13th of this year.
The bipartisan bill was led by Senator Mike Braun and Senator Maggie Hassan with original cosponsors Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Cory Booker, Senator John Cornyn, Senator Raphael Warnock, Senator Mazie Hirono, Senator Todd Young, and Senator Rick Scott.
The House version of the bill was led by Representative Jim Baird of Indiana’s 4th district.
Many Vietnam veterans were exposed to the chemical Agent Orange during their service. Children born to those exposed to Agent Orange have a higher risk of spina bifida.
Of the estimated 1,500 Veterans’ kids suffering from spina bifida in the U.S., fewer than half of those are enrolled in the VA Spina Bifida program.
Under this bill, the VA will proactively reach out to these beneficiaries to make sure they are getting the benefits they are eligible for. Those benefits will also now last for the life of the child, and are not affected by the death of their parent.
“This law will ensure that the children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida due to a parent’s exposure to Agent Orange will get the care and benefits they deserve for the rest of their lives. I’m proud to have led this valuable bipartisan bill into law and look forward to helping these veterans’ kids.†– Senator Mike Braun
“Agent Orange not only had a devastating impact on service members exposed to it, but also posed medical risks to their children,â€Â said Senator Hassan. “We must make sure that this generation gets the necessary medical care, and our new bipartisan law will help ensure that more veterans’ children get the care and benefits that they need and deserve. I will continue working to get veterans and their families the support that they need to thrive.â€
“Our veterans made a tremendous sacrifice when they chose to serve our country. This legislation would help the children of Florida veterans, who were exposed to Agent Orange, and born with spina bifida, by making it easier for them to access high quality resources and care.â€Â – Senator Marco Rubio
“The children of Vietnam veterans are encouraged to take advantage of the benefits available to them due to their parent’s service, but many are unaware that these benefits exist,â€Â said Congressman Baird. “This legislation will strengthen the benefits available to the children of Vietnam veterans who suffer from spina bifida and establishes a plan to contact eligible individuals.â€
Attorney General Todd Rokita secures $49.5 million multistate settlement with Blackbaud for data breachÂ
Attorney General Todd Rokita secures $49.5 million multistate settlement with Blackbaud for data breachÂ
Attorney General Todd Rokita continued his leadership in the fight to hold tech companies accountable for consumer privacy today, announcing a $49.5 million multistate settlement with the software company, Blackbaud.Â
“Nonprofits doing their great work rely and depend on vendors like Blackbaud to protect sensitive and private information,†Attorney General Rokita said. “This type of leak is unacceptable, and we fought back on behalf of Hoosiers.â€Â
Attorney General Rokita, with the Attorney General of Vermont, led a coalition of 50 attorneys general to investigate the incident and negotiate a settlement after its deficient data security practices and response to a 2020 data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of consumers. Under the settlement, Blackbaud has agreed to overhaul its data security and breach notification practices and also make a $49.5 million payment to states. Â
As lead state, Indiana will receive nearly $3.6 million from the settlement, more than any other state. Â
“While it doesn’t make up for Blackbaud’s negligence, I am glad we have held them accountablefor their actions,†Attorney General Rokita said.  Â
Blackbaud provides software to various nonprofit organizations, including charities, schools, churches, and healthcare organizations. Blackbaud’s customers use their software to connect with donors and manage data about their constituents, including demographic information. Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial information, donation history, and protected health information were also given to the company. Â
This type of highly sensitive information was exposed during the 2020 data breach, which impacted over 13,000 Blackbaud customers and their respective consumer constituents.  Â
The settlement resolves allegations that Blackbaud violated state consumer protection laws, breach notification laws, and HIPAA by failing to implement reasonable data security, which allowed hackers to gain access to the network. Â
Blackbaud also failed to provide its customers with timely, complete, or accurate information regarding the breach, which is required by law. Â
As a result of their actions, the proper notification to consumers, whose personal information was exposed, was significantly delayed or never occurred at all. Blackbaud downplayed the incident and led its customers to believe that notification was not required.Â
Under the settlement led by Attorney General Rokita and his office, Blackbaud has agreed to strengthen its data security and breach notification practices going forward.  Â
Attorney General Todd Rokita continued his leadership in the fight to hold tech companies accountable for consumer privacy today, announcing a $49.5 million multistate settlement with the software company, Blackbaud.Â
“Nonprofits doing their great work rely and depend on vendors like Blackbaud to protect sensitive and private information,†Attorney General Rokita said. “This type of leak is unacceptable, and we fought back on behalf of Hoosiers.â€Â
Attorney General Rokita, with the Attorney General of Vermont, led a coalition of 50 attorneys general to investigate the incident and negotiate a settlement after its deficient data security practices and response to a 2020 data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of consumers. Under the settlement, Blackbaud has agreed to overhaul its data security and breach notification practices and also make a $49.5 million payment to states. Â
As lead state, Indiana will receive nearly $3.6 million from the settlement, more than any other state. Â
“While it doesn’t make up for Blackbaud’s negligence, I am glad we have held them accountablefor their actions,†Attorney General Rokita said.  Â
Blackbaud provides software to various nonprofit organizations, including charities, schools, churches, and healthcare organizations. Blackbaud’s customers use their software to connect with donors and manage data about their constituents, including demographic information. Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial information, donation history, and protected health information were also given to the company. Â
This type of highly sensitive information was exposed during the 2020 data breach, which impacted over 13,000 Blackbaud customers and their respective consumer constituents.  Â
The settlement resolves allegations that Blackbaud violated state consumer protection laws, breach notification laws, and HIPAA by failing to implement reasonable data security, which allowed hackers to gain access to the network. Â
Blackbaud also failed to provide its customers with timely, complete, or accurate information regarding the breach, which is required by law.  Â
As a result of their actions, the proper notification to consumers, whose personal information was exposed, was significantly delayed or never occurred at all. Blackbaud downplayed the incident and led its customers to believe that notification was not required.Â
Under the settlement led by Attorney General Rokita and his office, Blackbaud has agreed to strengthen its data security and breach notification practices going forward.  Â
Indiana’s settlement is attached.
Attorney General Todd Rokita continued his leadership in the fight to hold tech companies accountable for consumer privacy today, announcing a $49.5 million multistate settlement with the software company, Blackbaud.Â
“Nonprofits doing their great work rely and depend on vendors like Blackbaud to protect sensitive and private information,†Attorney General Rokita said. “This type of leak is unacceptable, and we fought back on behalf of Hoosiers.â€Â
Attorney General Rokita, with the Attorney General of Vermont, led a coalition of 50 attorneys general to investigate the incident and negotiate a settlement after its deficient data security practices and response to a 2020 data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of consumers. Under the settlement, Blackbaud has agreed to overhaul its data security and breach notification practices and also make a $49.5 million payment to states. Â
As lead state, Indiana will receive nearly $3.6 million from the settlement, more than any other state. Â
“While it doesn’t make up for Blackbaud’s negligence, I am glad we have held them accountablefor their actions,†Attorney General Rokita said.  Â
Blackbaud provides software to various nonprofit organizations, including charities, schools, churches, and healthcare organizations. Blackbaud’s customers use their software to connect with donors and manage data about their constituents, including demographic information. Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial information, donation history, and protected health information were also given to the company. Â
This type of highly sensitive information was exposed during the 2020 data breach, which impacted over 13,000 Blackbaud customers and their respective consumer constituents.  Â
The settlement resolves allegations that Blackbaud violated state consumer protection laws, breach notification laws, and HIPAA by failing to implement reasonable data security, which allowed hackers to gain access to the network. Â
Blackbaud also failed to provide its customers with timely, complete, or accurate information regarding the breach, which is required by law.  Â
As a result of their actions, the proper notification to consumers, whose personal information was exposed, was significantly delayed or never occurred at all. Blackbaud downplayed the incident and led its customers to believe that notification was not required.Â
Under the settlement led by Attorney General Rokita and his office, Blackbaud has agreed to strengthen its data security and breach notification practices going forward.  Â
SEN. BRAUN: “JIM JORDAN WOULD SERVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WELL AS SPEAKERâ€
WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun released the following statement supporting Representative Jim Jordan’s bid for Speaker of the House.
“Jim Jordan is a fighter that doesn’t back down, and that’s what we need to secure the border and stop Joe Biden’s inflation bomb agenda. He would stand up to the D.C. establishment and serve the American people well as Speaker of the House.†– Senator Mike Braun
Shooting Incident Battery-Committed with Deadly Weapon 1300 W. Virginia St.
On October 5th, at 8:44 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of W Virginia St. in reference to multiple shots fired. Officers located an adult male victim and an adult female victim inside of their residence. Both victims had a single gunshot wound and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. They were both alert and conscious and able to speak with officers about the incident.
The victims stated that they had just returned to the residence from the store. The male victim had reached out to a female acquaintance about purchasing some marijuana. The female acquaintance and the suspect, Xavier C. Washington, arrived together at the victims’ residence. The male victim walked outside to meet with Washington. He purchased some marijuana and exchanged some Xanax pills. After the exchange, Washington left but shortly returned to the victims’ residence.
Washington returned to the victims’ residence because he thought the male victim shorted
him on a Xanax pill. Washington and the male victim began to argue outside of the residence. Washington pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds at the victim. The female victim opened the front door because she heard the commotion and was struck in the foot by a bullet. The male victim ran inside and told her that he had also been struck by a bullet.
Washington fled the scene in a silver Nissan Altima. The description of the vehicle was sent
out to law enforcement officers. EPD Officers and VCSO Deputies that were in the area located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Washington was detained and taken to EPD Headquarters to speak with detectives.
Baird Releases Statement After Two Bills He Promoted Signed into Law
Washington, D.C. -Â Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after two bills he promoted were signed into law by President Joe Biden. Among several bills signed by the president were H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, and S.112, which strengthens benefits for the children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida.
“I’m pleased to report that during a time of intense gridlock in Washington, we are making progress on my legislative priorities and delivering on the promises made to Hoosiers,â€Â said Rep. Baird. “These bills passed both chambers unanimously, confirming we can secure legislative victories without resorting to unproductive political games. I would like to thank my colleagues who helped shepherd these bills through Congress and get them on the president’s desk. Together, we are delivering much-needed victories for the American people.â€
Background:
On June 7th, Congressman Baird introduced H.R. 3888, the House companion to S.112, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida. The children of Vietnam veterans have an increased risk of spina bifida, a neural tube defect in the spine, due to their parent’s exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. This legislation will strengthen existing benefits for Vietnam veterans and establish a plan to contact eligible individuals.
The full text of S. 112 can be found here.
President Biden also signed H.R. 5110, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to restore Federal funding for hunting, archery, and sport shooting classes in schools. On July 31st, the Department of Education (ED) confirmed they had prohibited the use of Federal funds for these programs under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) signed in 2022 by the Democrat-controlled Congress. H.R. 5110 clarifies that ED cannot withhold funds from schools that offer these programs under the authority granted to them by the BSCA. Congressman Baird is a proud cosponsor of this legislation.
The full text of H.R. 5110 can be found here.
2023 Annual Professional Ethics Seminar happening November 16
Nurses physicians, clergy, case managers, social workers, hospital and health facility administrators, and other healthcare professionals are invited to the 2023 Annual Professional Ethics Seminar, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, November 16 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. This seminar is jointly provided by the University of Southern Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and Deaconess Health System.
“This seminar will engage participants with discussions of common ethical issues, dilemmas and challenges,” said Jen Palmer, Professional Development Specialist with the USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning. “We have a variety of speakers planned that will address current issues affecting healthcare professionals today, and attendees will learn best practices they can incorporate into their practice.â€
This year’s speakers are:
- Elliot Bedford, PhD, Director of Ethics Integration for Ascension St. Vincent Indiana, will speak on Health Equity and Social Justice.
- Lynn Herr, RN, BSN, CPN, Director, Clinical & Outreach Division of the Vanderburgh County Health Department, will speak on Health Equity and Regional Health Issues.
- Karenrose Contreras, MD, MSCR, FACOG, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist with The Women’s Hospital, will speak on The Impact of the Roe v. Wade Decision and the Indiana Abortion Law.
- Karl Sash, MD, Director of Palliative Care with Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, will speak on Resource Allocation: Cases from Ascension St. Vincent.
- Jarrod A. Malone, Esq., Attorney with Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC, will speak on Ethical Dilemmas: Legal.
- Kevin Valadares, PhD, USI Professor and Chair of Healthcare Administration, and Nick Rhoades, MHA, BA, BSN, RN, Chair of the Ethics Coordinating Council at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, will lead a session, Dilemmas: Student-Facing (Patient and Student Case).
A panel discussion on equity with pain management and dilemmas faced by providers will be led by William Blanke, MD, Ascension Medical Group; Anna Dauer, MD, Palliative Care; Shauntrece Deters, FNP, NP-C, Deaconess Palliative Care; and Kimberly Gibson, RN, BSN, CHPN, Ascension Palliative Care.
Registration:Â The cost to attend this seminar is $100 a person ($20 for undergraduates), which includes continental breakfast, lunch and online access to presentation materials. A valid email address is required to receive conference materials, program evaluation and continuing education certificates.
To register, visit USI.edu/health/ethics. Registration required by November 10. No refunds will be issued after November 10.
For more information, contact Kelley Collazo, Senior Administrative Assistant, at 812-461-5217 or kacollazo@usi.edu
Continuing Education Information
In support of improving patient care, University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to provide continuing education for the health care team.
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.
The University of Southern Indiana maintains responsibility for these courses. Attendees will receive up to 6.0 contact hours with completed program evaluation.
IPCE Credit
This activity was planned by and for the health care team, and learners will receive 6.0 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.Â
The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for several professionals licensed in the state of Indiana, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and dental professionals.
Health Facility Administrators
Health facility administrators will receive 6.0 clock hours for this program. The University of Southern Indiana has been approved by the Indiana Board of Health Facility Administrators as a sponsor of continuing education programs for health facility administrators (License #98000033A)
Chaplains
The provider of this educational event has designed the program so that it may be considered by participants for use as continuing education as required by the Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains for those certified by the Association for Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and the National Association of Jewish Chaplains.