Kaiser Permanente: 2024 Health Action Summit

The 2024 Kaiser Permanente Health Action Summit, held on April 11th, was a remarkable gathering that brought together some of the most influential leaders in public health and policy. I had the privilege of documenting key moments including the presence of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, CDC Director Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, and former U.S. Surgeons General Dr. Jerome Adams and Dr. Regina Benjamin. The summit addressed pressing issues such as climate change, gun violence, and social determinants of health, with a strong emphasis on the need for innovation and transformation in healthcare to meet these challenges head-on.

Throughout the day, keynote speakers and panelists engaged in deep discussions about the future of public health and the role of clinicians in shaping the healthcare landscape. Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted the importance of leadership in health policy, while Dr. Mandy Cohen shared insights on the future of public health in a fireside chat. The former Surgeons General, Dr. Jerome Adams and Dr. Regina Benjamin, offered a retrospective on their experiences and the evolving needs of public health leadership. The summit provided a platform for thought leaders to collaborate on strategies to build a stronger public health ecosystem, address health disparities, and accelerate movements such as "Food is Medicine," ultimately fostering a healthier future for all.

Air India at Washington Dulles International Airport

On a warm, drizzly Summer morning, Air India's inaugural flight between Delhi, India, and Washington, DC landed at Washington Dulles International Airport, greeted by a delegation from the Embassy of India, distinguished guests, and a crowd of media who gathered alongside the runway.  Upon landing, the 777-200LR was welcomed with a ceremonial water arch, and the aircraft blessed upon arriving to its gate.

Following refreshments, a press conference commenced with performances of Jana Gana Mana and The Star-Spangled Banner, national anthems of India and the United States, and a traditional Indian dance.  Speakers included Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ambassador of India to the United States His Excellency Navtej Sarna, Air India’s Chairman Ashwani Lohani, and representatives from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to include Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Margaret McKeough, and Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Jerome Davis.  After remarks from each of the speakers, a ceremonial cake cutting and exchange of gifts was enjoyed by the distinguished guests.

After the festivities, I made my way onto the ramp for one more aircraft walk around, and finally onto the runway to watch Air India’s flight depart Dulles for the first time on it’s new non-stop route back to Indira Gandhi International Airport.  Luckily the weather had cleared up during the press conference and the skies were now blue with heavy bands of clouds quickly moving across the horizon, creating additional dramatic effect for Air India’s first departure.

We don't believe in walls; 

we believe in bridges.

Terry McAuliffe, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia