CDC estimates at least 24 million have had seasonal flu; schools in several states temporarily close
At least 24 million people have had seasonal flu this season, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Hospital Association at press time. Nearly 49,000 patients were admitted to hospitals with the flu for the week ending Feb. 1. Emergency department visits due to the flu remain classified as “very high” and “increasing,” the agency said. ED visits for COVID-19 are “low” and “decreasing,” while visits for respiratory syncytial virus are “moderate” and “decreasing.” Overall respiratory illness activity causing people to seek health care is “very high.
As of mid-February, schools across the United States were being forced to close due to surges of influenza and other seasonal illnesses. As the 2024–2025 flu season rages on with no peak yet in sight, many school systems are overwhelmed with sick students and staff members. A swath of schools and even entire school districts have announced closures in at least 10 states. These include Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, among others, according to TODAY. Some schools are canceling classes entirely, while others pivot to remote learning due to widespread illness. However, unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures are short-lived, with most lasting only a few days.
Midmark earns gold-level recognition for wellness program
Midmark Corp. has received gold-level recognition from the Healthy Business Council of Ohio (HBCO) for its wellness program. The Healthy Worksite Recognition honors Ohio employers who demonstrate a commitment to employee wellness through comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs. Applicants are scored on the extent their wellness programs facilitate and encourage employee health, enhance productivity and ensure a healthy work environment. All applications were reviewed and evaluated using objective criteria to award either Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum status, in addition to an entry-level tier of “Recognition.”
The company was also named one of 23 organizations in Ohio to receive the HBCO Cancer Screening Excellence Award. This award is given to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to cancer screening.
“At Midmark, we recognize that supporting the physical and mental health of our teammates and their families is essential to creating a thriving workplace,” said Aaron Guggenbiller, senior director of human resources. “Our teammate-led wellness committee plays a vital role in shaping a program built on a strong foundation of education – one that continues to evolve through teammate engagement, feedback and new initiatives that foster a culture of health and well-being.”
“I’m incredibly proud that our commitment to teammate health and safety is deeply woven into our culture,” said Jared Pottkotter, director, compensation and benefits. “Our wellness program goes beyond policies and benefits – it’s about creating an environment where teammates feel valued, supported and empowered to take charge of their well-being. Through education, engagement and meaningful resources, we strive to make health and wellness an integral part of daily life at Midmark.”
The Midmark headquarters in Versailles, Ohio, maintains an onsite wellness center staffed by a nurse and offers flu shots, mammograms, vascular and skin screenings, blood pressure and other wellness checks throughout the year. The company also offers weekly onsite massage sessions, outdoor walking paths and fitness center spaces for group and individual workouts.
Brewer Company unveils new brand identity to reflect innovation, quality, and patient-centric design
Brewer Company has announced the launch of its new brand identity. This rebranding reflects Brewer’s evolution as a company and its continued commitment to innovation, quality, and improving the patient and clinician experience in healthcare.
The refreshed brand embodies Brewer’s dedication to exceeding expectations for safety, performance, versatility, and durability across its product lines. With a bold yet approachable design, the new identity represents the company’s deep commitment to supporting providers and patients alike through innovative, ergonomic solutions.
Baxter announces CEO retirement and appointment of COO
Baxter International Inc. announced that José (Joe) E. Almeida, chair, president and chief executive officer (CEO), will retire from his executive roles with the company, effective immediately. He will serve in an advisory capacity through Oct. 31, 2025.
The Baxter Board of Directors has appointed lead independent director Brent Shafer as chair and interim CEO and has initiated a search for a permanent CEO with the assistance of a leading search firm. The Board will evaluate external and internal candidates. In conjunction with his appointment, Brent Shafer is stepping down from his role as lead independent director. Baxter director Nancy Schlichting will assume the role of lead independent director.
Mr. Almeida assumed his roles at the company in January 2016, following more than three decades of distinguished contributions to the healthcare industry. Under his leadership, Baxter meaningfully evolved its strategic positioning, reorienting the company toward higher-growth end-markets. This strategic shift has most recently centered on the simplification of the business through the divestment of certain non-core assets and the implementation of a new operating model to accelerate innovation and deliver value. During Mr. Almeida’s tenure, the company has also been widely recognized as a socially responsible and sustainable business and as an employer of choice.
Henry Schein Chairman and CEO Stanley M. Bergman receives National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award
Henry Schein, Inc. announced that Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, received the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award.
The recognition pays tribute to individuals who have continually exemplified leadership, service, and engagement with NAW and the distribution community over many years. Mr. Bergman received the award at the 2025 NAW Executive Summit Gala on January 28 in Washington, D.C.
NAW is a trade association representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. More than 6 million workers are employed in the wholesale distribution industry throughout the United States, accounting for one-third of the U.S. GDP. 35,000 wholesale distribution companies operate in nearly 150,000 places of business across North America, including all 50 states.