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How ChristianaCare Built a Blueprint for Better Caregiver Health and Lower Costs
By Donna Antenucci, MHA, BSN, RN, and Emily Sahm, EA We know rising health care costs can feel overwhelming for both employers and employees. As Delaware’s largest private employer — with nearly 23,000 employees, spouses and dependents enrolled in our self-funded health plan — ChristianaCare faces these challenges every day. That’s why we’re committed to finding smart, innovative solutions that improve employee health while keeping costs in check. We don’t stop there — ChristianaCare partners with businesses that have an interest in providing high-quality health care for their employees while keeping costs manageable. Prioritizing preventive care The key to a healthier, more resilient workforce is tackling health issues early in order to prevent the need for costly emergency or “rescue” care. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, we’ve made progress in improving employee health while controlling costs. In 2023, inpatient facility costs for our employees — which include hospital admissions for surgeries, medical treatments and other care requiring overnight stays — dropped by 9%. Wellness incentives and chronic disease management that shifted care to more cost-effective outpatient settings are driving these results. One of ChristianaCare’s differentiators is CareVio®, our care coordination and chronic disease management platform. CareVio provides personalized support to help employees and their families manage conditions and stay on track with preventive care. CareVio’s diabetes program, for example, has delivered remarkable results. Nearly all participants improved their blood sugar levels in 2023, with average A1c reductions of 1.7 points. Enhancing primary care and wellness programs We’ve also focused on encouraging primary care visits through collaboration between our Population Health and Total Rewards teams. Together, we designed a voluntary wellness incentive program that rewards employees and their families for healthy choices, including support for tobacco-cessation programs to help employees quit smoking and lead healthier lives. In 2023, we expanded our wellness incentive program to include primary care visits for employees and their spouses. Over the next eighteen months, primary care utilization increased over 10%, rising from 66% to 77% as of January 2025. Employees who stay connected to primary care catch health problems early and build stronger relationships with their doctors. We’ve launched programs targeting specific health needs. Our breast cancer screening initiative, focused on women ages 52 to 74, increased participation rates from 63% to 72% in 2023, exceeding our target. Additionally, the CareVio metabolic health program is helping a growing number of participants manage complex conditions with tailored support. Flexibility is essential. That’s why we created the Center for Virtual Health, which provides virtual-first primary care to more than 1,200 employees. This program makes high-quality, preventive care more accessible. Employees can fit care into their schedules while maintaining consistent support for their health. We encourage employees to stay up to date on immunizations by offering frequent vaccination events and tying participation to eligibility for the Caregiver Rewards Program payout. By making it easy and rewarding to stay protected, we’re fostering a safer, healthier workplace for everyone. Collaborative networks and cost management In January 2023, we announced the ChristianaCare Clinical Alliance, a new clinically integrated network in partnership with Highmark. Implemented in our employee health plan in July 2024, the network connects ChristianaCare-employed and community clinicians to provide evidence-based, coordinated care. Focused on improving wellness and managing chronic conditions, the Clinical Alliance is helping caregivers and their families stay healthier while reducing costly emergency visits and hospital stays. Employees who choose Clinical Alliance providers also enjoy lower deductibles for their care. Through all these initiatives, we are making a meaningful difference for our caregivers and our costs. In 2023, thanks to our focus on prevention and smarter care delivery, we kept our overall health care cost growth below the national average. Healthier employees lead to lower expenses and a more engaged, productive workforce. By showing that we value employee health, we’re creating a stronger, more resilient workplace. To learn how ChristianaCare can help you provide better care and control costs for your workforce, contact Donna Antenucci at donna.antenucci@christianacare.org. Donna Antenucci is vice president of population health operations for ChristianaCare. Emily Sahm is vice president of Total Rewards for ChristianaCare.
Professor Gina Rippon signs a copy of The Lost Girls of Autism for talk attendee Dr Georgie Agar Professor Gina Rippon’s new book, The Lost Girls of Autism, investigates why autism was thought to be a male condition for so long She gave a public talk at Aston University on 6 May 2025 exploring the central themes of the book Women and girls with autism have long been overlooked as they are better at masking and camouflaging so ‘fail’ standard tests. Autism in women and girls has been overlooked for decades, and Gina Rippon, professor emeritus of cognitive neuroimaging at Aston University Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN), has given a talk about her new book on the topic at Aston University. The book, The Lost Girls of Autism, was released on 3 April 2025, coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month, with the subtitle ‘How Science Failed Autistic Women and the New Research that’s Changing the Story’. Autism is characterised by a number of now well-known traits, including social awkwardness, extreme obsessions, and unusual movements and coping mechanisms known as ‘stimming’. It was (allegedly) first described in the 1940s separately by Austrian psychiatrists Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger. Originally identified as a rare developmental condition, since the 1980s, there has been an 800% increase in diagnoses, leading to concerns about an ‘autism epidemic’. There is a strong and enduring belief that it is a condition much more prevalent in males. Professor Rippon described her research as “looking at how brains get to be different and what that means for the owners of those brains”. This includes looking at the functions of different areas of the brain using scanners. During research into a number of brain conditions and diseases with obvious differences between the sexes, including how the disease progresses, such as Alzheimer’s in women, or prevalence in one particular sex, such as Parkinson’s in men, Professor Rippon also became interested in autism, also assumed to be largely a condition in males. However, during a research review, she found that many autism studies made no reference to sex differences. Amalgamated data from autism studies found that 80% of participants were male, and 25% of testing centres only tested males with autism. By only looking at males, Professor Rippon explained, the notion that autism is a male disorder became self-fulfilling. This does not just refer to scientific research. Even now, boys are ten times more likely to be referred for assessment for autism and twice as likely to be diagnosed than girls, even when they have exactly the same traits. 80% of autistic females have received multiple wrong diagnoses, including borderline personality disorder, social anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But why? The reason is the unchallenged belief that ‘autism is a “boy” thing’ causing a male spotlight problem in all aspects of the autism story. It could also be that females with autism express the condition differently. Professor Rippon said: “This took me back to [my previous book] The Gendered Brain when I was looking at the very clear view of what males should be like and what females should be like. If you look at the autistic population you have this clear idea that males are like this, but females, er, not so much? Females have poor social skills, but not as poor, or obsessive interests, but not as obsessive, so the trouble with females, is that they are not autistic enough.” The gold standard tests for autism are the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) tests. Professor Rippon believes these are heavily biased towards how the condition manifests itself in males, such as social awkwardness or extreme obsessions. For example, parents may well be asked if their son has an unusual interest in weather patterns or train timetables, but they are not asked if their daughter has an unusual interest in Barbie dolls, because dolls are seen as socially acceptable. Research has shown that females with autism are more likely to ‘camouflage’ their symptoms, watching how ‘normal people’ behave, even practising social interactions, so they appear more normal. They are also more likely to ‘mask’ symptoms behind a persona, such as the ‘class clown’ or ‘star athlete’, in an effort to fit in. Autistic females describe this behaviour as a ‘survival strategy’ to avoid being spotted as different. It is also the case that girls are more likely to have sensory processing problems, such as aversion to strong smells, which can be enough to affect their day-to-day lives. This has only recently been added to the diagnostic criteria for autism. If the camouflaging or masking collapses, rates of other conditions such as disordered eating or anorexia, self-harm and gender dysphoria are disproportionately high, and it is these which will become identified as the underlying difficulty, rather than autism itself. Professor Rippon said: “The next stage should be asking why this group of individuals persists in hiding their autism, especially when autism has been defined as a lack of interest in social connection. There’s what I call the ‘born to be mild’ effect, where little girls are trained to socialise more, to behave, not to make a fuss, if you feel uncomfortable, don’t tell anyone else about it. There’s a lovely comment from one late-diagnosed female who rues the fact that she was so well behaved and wishes that she had just burned more cars so that someone would have spotted her carefully camouflaged distress!” The final slide in the presentation covered what Professor Rippon called “an ironic footnote”. While Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger are described as the fathers of autism, writing in the 1940s, it was in fact a Soviet female psychiatrist, Grunya Sukhareva, writing in the 1920s, who first described autism, even clearly examining the differences in the condition between boys and girls. Why her research was ignored for so long is unclear, but the male spotlight problem may well have been avoided. For more information about The Lost Girls of Autism, visit https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/gina-rippon/the-lost-girls-of-autism/9781035011629.
Retirement: For Better, For Worse, and for Much More Time Together
Retirement is supposed to be your golden reward—freedom from alarm clocks, endless Zoom meetings, and performance reviews. But no one warned you about the relationship performance review that arises when you and your partner suddenly find yourselves spending over 100 hours a week together. For some, it’s bliss; for others, it feels like a full-time job without an HR department. While grey divorce (divorce after age 50) is on the rise in Canada, separation isn’t inevitable. However, marital harmony is also not guaranteed. The truth lies somewhere in between—and that’s where things become interesting. Retirement isn't merely a lifestyle change—it’s a complete identity shake-up, which can create stress even in the strongest relationships. Grey Divorce: An Increasing Trend Though Canada’s overall divorce rate reached a 50-year low in 2020, divorce among people over 50 is increasing—this trend is dubbed grey divorce. According to Statistics Canada, this demographic is increasingly re-evaluating their relationships as they retire (CBC News, 2024). The same pattern is unfolding south of the border, with the AARP reporting a steady rise in senior divorces in the U.S. Grey divorce isn’t just emotionally taxing—it can be financially devastating. Women, in particular, bear the brunt. A study by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research found that divorced women over 50 have 45% less wealth than their married peers. In Canada, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries has warned that divorce later in life can significantly erode retirement savings and delay or derail financial plans. Role Confusion One retired executive shared that after decades of being chauffeured to work, he assumed retirement meant his wife would now be his driver. “I thought she’d just take over that role, as he climbed into the back seat,” he said, genuinely confused. She had other plans that did not involve sitting behind a wheel, taking coffee orders, or navigating roundabouts. He had not yet made the emotional or physical shift from being served to becoming equal. That transition is more complicated than it sounds—and more common than you'd think. When one partner’s identity is career-driven and the other manages the home, retirement necessitates a complete recalibration. Power dynamics shift, control issues surface, and resentment simmers if left unacknowledged. Housework ≠ Heartwork If you're home full-time now, guess what? You’re not a guest anymore. The dishes, the vacuuming, the grocery runs—these are now shared responsibilities. Nothing breeds resentment faster than an unequal workload. Retirement doesn’t mean “relax”; rather, it signifies redistributing the work of life. Unspoken truths will find their voice. Let’s face it—decades of unexpressed frustrations don’t remain buried. They begin to comment on how someone folds laundry, stacks the dishwasher, or leaves the cap off the toothpaste. Retirement magnifies everything: the quirks you used to laugh off? Mansplaining! What habits did you ignore because life was busy? Now they’re front and center. And what bad habits did you have before? They don’t improve with age—they get worse. Emotional and Mental Health Insights Relationship difficulties can trigger anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among men who may have smaller support networks outside their marriages. A 2020 study in the Journal of Gerontology found that post-divorce social isolation is closely linked to declining physical and mental health in later life. Not all couples want to—or need to—divorce to find peace. Increasingly, older Canadians are exploring “Living Apart Together” (LAT) arrangements, where partners maintain separate residences while remaining in a committed relationship. Research by the Vanier Institute and AARP suggests that LAT relationships allow for autonomy while maintaining emotional connection—a potential middle ground for couples who struggle with full-time togetherness in retirement. For many, retirement means the loss of structure, identity, and purpose, particularly for those who have closely tied their sense of self to their professional roles. This loss can create irritability, aimlessness, and tension in a partnership. As Harvard Business Review put it, retirement can be especially tough for men because “so many men are bad at retirement” (HBR, 2021). This emotional void often spills over into the relationship, testing its resilience. Retirement often brings a sudden reshuffling of roles at home. Many men who may have spent decades focused on their careers struggle to adjust to a more balanced domestic lifestyle. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives notes that retirement can expose long-standing gendered inequalities in household labour, leading to friction, resentment, and, at times, relationship breakdown. How to Thrive—Together or Apart The goal isn’t perfection; it’s peace, fulfillment, and ample personal space to breathe. Here’s how to get there: creatively, practically, and honestly. 1. Have the Real Conversations Ask the questions you avoided when life was too busy: • “Are we happy?” • “What do you want out of the next ten years?” • “Are there things we’ve never talked about that matter now?” Unspoken expectations are relationship landmines. Bring them to light—gently and often. 2. Separate Bedrooms, United Front Don’t frown; they are more common than you might think and less scandalous than it sounds. Separate sleep equals better rest, less irritation, and sometimes a more intentional intimate life. Please don’t consider it a breakup; position it as a better mattress strategy. 3. The Basement Suite or In-Law Apartment Plan This represents the sweet spot between staying together and going entirely separate. Living in the same house with clearly defined zones provides each partner with breathing room and independence, especially when you’ve grown apart but don’t want to disrupt finances or family. Ground rules are essential: • Who is responsible for what costs? • Shared meals or separate? • New partners—yay or nay? It’s not perfect, but it can be practical. 4. A Second Space: Cottage, Trailer, or Tiny Cabin A humble trailer or rustic cabin might save your marriage. It’s not about luxury—it’s about space, autonomy, and silence when needed. Whether alternating weekends or solo sabbaticals, having a backup place to go can restore harmony at home. 5. Travel Separately (Sometimes) One of you wants to hike Machu Picchu, while the other prefers to nap in Muskoka. You don’t have to compromise; you can take turns. Alternate between solo trips, friend getaways, or short solo retreats. You’ll both return refreshed—and more engaged. 6. Discover New Purpose (or Income) A restless, lost, or bored partner can quietly sabotage the household. Encourage: • Volunteering • Consulting or part-time work • Mentoring • Taking courses or teaching others • Rediscovering old passions If Divorce Is the Best Option At times, the most honest act is to end a marriage with kindness. If this is the only option, there are important factors to consider: Financial Reality Check • Assets will be divided, including the house, pensions, RRSPs, etc. • Expenses double: two homes, two insurance policies, and two fridges to stock. • Retirement income may not be sufficient for both lives. • Legal costs and timing matter more than ever now—because the time to recover financially is limited. There are no pensions in tears. Therefore, if you choose this route, plan ahead. Family Impact • Adult children might feel shocked—or even angry. • Grandchildren can pose challenging questions. • Long-term friendships may weaken. • Shared traditions may require reinvention. This process can be amicable. A new term has emerged among women caring for their ill or aging ex-husbands: “Wasbands.” These women step up with empathy rather than obligation. Vows no longer bind them; instead, they are guided by compassion. Honestly, humanity wins in these situations. There is still love, respect, and history—even if it’s no longer romantic. That is not failure; it is growth. Rewrite the Rules Retirement is not a dead end; it’s a creative reawakening—if you approach it that way. Retirement is a significant life transition—not just financially, but relationally. Like any other chapter in life, it requires renegotiation, mutual respect, and a willingness to evolve. Some couples find deeper intimacy, while others redefine their relationships entirely. The good news? Whether it's under one roof or two, retirement can still be a time of connection, discovery, and, yes, romance. But it also requires some good, old-fashioned adulting. Yes, *adulting*—that modern word we usually reserve for paying bills, booking dental appointments, and reading the fine print. It turns out it’s equally essential in retirement. Emotional maturity, communication, boundary-setting, and a shared approach to evolving roles are all keys. Think of it like the Sonnet Insurance commercials that cheekily remind us adulting is hard but worth it. Retirement is also a factor, especially when approached with intention and a sense of humour. This is your last chapter. Make it a good one. Whether you stay together, sleep apart, live separately under one roof, or consciously uncouple, do it with clarity, kindness, and courage. The goal isn’t a perfect love story; it’s a fulfilling life for both of you. When in doubt, take a walk (alone if necessary). Share a joke. Communicate like adults. And for the love of long-term care insurance, remember: resentment compounds faster than interest. If you enjoyed this article or thought, “Oh wow, this is exactly what my friend/parent/relative needs to read,” please share it. You can also subscribe to the Retirement Literacy newsletter for more smart, candid, and occasionally cheeky insights on navigating life after full-time work. Let’s make retirement not just the end of work, but the start of something meaningful, fulfilling, and a little fabulous. Don’t Retire…Rewire! p.s. Know someone who’s about to retire?— Why not share this worksheet? It’s the best pre-retirement checklist they never knew they needed. 6 Questions to Ask Before Retiring Together Retirement reshapes your schedule, your identity—and your relationship. Before you hand in your keycard, ask these candid questions with your partner. Because the toughest part of retirement isn’t money—it’s time. And you’ll be spending a lot more of it together. 1. What Do You Want This Chapter of Life to Look Like? Dreams misaligned can lead to daily friction. Do you crave adventure while your partner seeks peace and quiet? Map it out—together. 2. How Much Time Do We Really Want to Spend Together? “Always together” sounds sweet—until it feels stifling. Define your ideal balance between shared time and personal space. 3. What Roles Are We Playing Now—And Do They Need to Change? Retirement often means rebalancing housework, caregiving, and emotional labor. What’s fair now that you’re both at home? 4. Are There Any Long-Standing Frustrations We’ve Avoided Talking About? Retirement shines a spotlight on old resentments. It's better to talk than to silently stew over how the dishwasher is loaded. 5. How Will We Handle Money Decisions as a Team? With changing income and more shared expenses, financial transparency and joint planning are more crucial than ever. 6. What Will Give Each of Us a Sense of Purpose—Individually? A restless or bored partner can bring tension into the home. Talk about passions, volunteer work, or part-time pursuits that bring meaning. Want more smart, candid insights? Visit www.retirementliteracy.com to start rewriting your next chapter with clarity and confidence.
Media Alert: Experts on the Papacy & Conclave
With the Conclave now underway to select the next pope, the world turns its attention to one of the most sacred and consequential rituals in the Catholic tradition. Rooted in centuries of ceremony and held within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, this moment carries deep historical, theological, and cultural weight. But it is also a defining juncture for the Church itself. The election of a new pope is not only a matter of tradition—it will shape the direction of the Catholic Church as it navigates urgent issues in an increasingly modern and secular world. From social justice and interfaith dialogue to the role of women and the Church’s stance on global challenges, the decisions of the next pontiff will ripple far beyond Vatican walls. Explore our network of leading experts in Catholicism, the papacy, and ecclesiastical governance—and connect with them for timely commentary, interviews, and deeper insight into this pivotal moment for Catholics worldwide. Featured Experts
Reflecting on the Legacy of Pope Francis
Phyllis Zagano, Senior Research Associate-in-Residence, was interviewed by numerous media outlets following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. Dr. Zagano is one of the world’s foremost experts on the question of women deacons and in 2016 was appointed to serve on Pope Francis’ “Commission of Study on the Diaconate of Women” to study this issue. She was the only commissioner to travel from the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Zagano was interviewed by the following media outlets: ABC News (Digital) CNN International National Catholic Reporter Newsday New York Post Religion News Service (column) Reuters WCBS-TV Washington Times
With Rise in US Autism Rates, Florida Tech Expert Clarifies What We Know About the Disorder
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that an estimated 1 in 31 U.S. children has autism; that's about a 15% increase from a 2020 report, which estimated 1 in 36. The latest numbers come from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, which tracked diagnoses in 2022 among 8-year-old children. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that refers to a broad range of conditions affecting social interaction. People with autism may experience challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. The news has experts like Florida Tech's Kimberly Sloman, Ph.D, weighing in on the matter. She noted that the definition of autism was expanded to include mild cases, which could explain the increase. “Research shows that increased rates are largely due to increased awareness and changes to diagnostic criteria. Much of the increase reflects individuals who have fewer support needs, women and girls and others who may have been misdiagnosed previously," said Sloman. Her insight follows federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent declaration, vowing to conduct further studies to identify environmental factors that could cause the disorder. In his remarks, he also miscategorized autism as a "preventable disease," prompting scrutiny from experts and media attention. “Autism destroys families,” Kennedy said. “More importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be suffering like this.” Kennedy described autism as a “preventable disease,” although researchers and scientists have identified genetic factors that are associated with it. Autism is not considered a disease, but a complex disorder that affects the brain. Cases range widely in severity, with symptoms that can include delays in language, learning, and social or emotional skills. Some autistic traits can go unnoticed well into adulthood. Those who have spent decades researching autism have found no single cause. Besides genetics, scientists have identified various possible factors, including the age of a child’s father, the mother’s weight, and whether she had diabetes or was exposed to certain chemicals. Kennedy said his wide-ranging plan to determine the cause of autism will look at all of those environmental factors, and others. He had previously set a September deadline for determining what causes autism, but said Wednesday that by then, his department will determine at least “some” of the answers. The effort will involve issuing grants to universities and researchers, Kennedy said. He said the researchers will be encouraged to “follow the science, no matter what it says.” April 17 - Associated Press Sloman emphasized that experts are confident that autism has a strong genetic component, meaning there's an element of the disorder that may not be preventable. However, scientists are still working to understand the full scope of the disorder, and much is still unknown. “We know that there’s a strong genetic component for autism, but environmental factors may interact with genetic susceptibility," Sloman said. "This is still not well understood.” Kimberly Sloman’s research interests include best practices for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She studies the assessment and treatment of problem behavior with methods such as stereotypy, individualized skill assessments and generalization of treatment effects. Are you covering this story or looking to know more about autism and the research behind the disorder? Let us help. Kimberly is available to speak with media about this subject. Simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
The Lost Girls of Autism is published on 3 April 2025, coinciding with Autism Awareness Month in April In the book, Professor Rippon explores the ‘male’ history of autism, and why autism in women has been misunderstood and ignored Professor Rippon will give a free public lecture on the book at Aston University on 6 May 2025. Gina Rippon, professor emeritus of cognitive neuroimaging at Aston University Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN), has written a new book, entitled The Lost Girls of Autism. The book will be released on 3 April 2025, coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month in April. It has the subtitle ‘How Science Failed Autistic Women and the New Research that’s Changing the Story’. Historically, doctors believed that autism was a male condition, and simply did not look for it in girls and women. This has meant that autistic girls visiting a doctor have been misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression or personality disorders, or are missed altogether. Many women only discover they have the condition when they are much older, missing decades of support. In more recent years, it has become apparent that girls and women with autism have different traits and behaviours to boys and men, and are more likely to hide autistic traits to fit in – known as camouflaging. In The Lost Girls of Autism, Professor Rippon explores the emerging science of female autism, and examines why it has been systematically ignored and misunderstood for so long. Professor Rippon will give a free public lecture about her book on Tuesday 6 May 2025 at 18:00 BST at Aston Business School. Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lost-girls-of-autism-an-audience-with-author-gina-rippon-tickets-1304020734119 for more information and tickets. Copies of the book will be on sale at the event. Professor Rippon said: “This book reveals how a ‘male spotlight’ problem has biased many aspects of the autism story, from what autism is, to how we recognise it, and even how brain imagers like me search for answers. It shows how and why autistic women have been unrecognised, overlooked and unsupported. It shines a new light on how the story is changing and how we are now beginning to recognise the full spectrum of the autistic experience. It is for anyone with an interest in autism in all its presentations.”
Best-selling author Kate Summerscale joins Writing Wrongs to explore true crime and justice
The true crime podcast Writing Wrongs continues its exploration of language and justice with a special bonus episode featuring best-selling author and historian Kate Summerscale. Kate is an award-winning historian, journalist and best-selling author known for her meticulous research into historical true crime cases. Her book The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher won the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction and was adapted into a major ITV drama. Her latest book, The Peep Show: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place, revisits the infamous Christie case, shedding new light on the victims’ lives, the social conditions of post-war Britain and the power of the press in shaping public perceptions of crime. In this episode, hosts Professor Tim Grant and Dr Nicci MacLeod explore a fresh perspective on the Rillington Place murders, the wrongful execution of Timothy Evans and how forensic linguistics has helped uncover the truth in criminal cases. Following on from the first episode of the series, which examined the Timothy Evans case and the origins of forensic linguistics, this conversation with Kate Summerscale provides fresh historical insights into one of Britain’s most infamous miscarriages of justice. The episode revisits the horrifying crimes of John Christie, whose calculated murders led to one of the most infamous miscarriages of justice in British history. The wrongful conviction and execution of Timothy Evans cast a long shadow over the UK’s legal system and played a pivotal role in the eventual abolition of the death penalty. Through expert discussion, the episode examines how Evans’ case became a turning point for criminal justice reform. The conversation also looks at the role of the media in shaping crime narratives. Sensationalist reporting during the Rillington Place murders fuelled public perceptions, sometimes distorting the truth in favour of dramatic storytelling. The episode draws comparisons between 1950s tabloid journalism and today’s true crime media, examining how crime reporting has evolved - and the ethical challenges it still faces. A deeply unsettling aspect of this case is its gendered nature. The majority of John Christie's victims were vulnerable women, many facing financial and social instability. The episode delves into how structural inequalities, from the lack of legal abortion to economic dependence, made women more susceptible to predatory figures like Christie, a pattern that remains relevant in crime analysis today. Finally, the episode scrutinises government complicity in covering up a miscarriage of justice. The Brabin Inquiry, launched in the 1960s, sought to reexamine Evans’ conviction but delivered a highly controversial conclusion, failing to fully exonerate him. The discussion highlights how political interests and legal reputation management influenced the case’s outcome, leading to Evans’ eventual posthumous pardon - but not a full legal exoneration. Tim Grant, professor of forensic linguistics at Aston University, said: “It was wonderful to have Kate on Writing Wrongs. “Her work challenges the traditional true crime narrative, shifting focus from the murderer to the victims and the broader social structures that allow such crimes to happen. “Her insights in this episode provide a fresh and deeply researched perspective on a case that still haunts British legal history.” Writing Wrongs is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major streaming platforms. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share and engage with the hosts by submitting their forensic linguistics questions. Whether it’s about this case or broader forensic linguistic techniques, Professor Grant and Dr MacLeod welcome inquiries from listeners.
Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality Rates Need More Time to Improve
A Newsday story on racial disparities in maternal mortality rates in New York featured an interview with Dr. Martine Hackett, associate professor and chair of Hofstra’s Department of Population Health. While national statistics have improved overall in recent years, experts say it will take more time to close the gap. National statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show overall maternal mortality across the U.S. dropped for the second year in a row. However, while the rate for white women, decreased from 19 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 14.5 in 2023, it rose from 49.5 to 50.3 for Black women. Dr. Hackett, cofounder of Birth Justice Warriors, called the disparity “shocking” and said, “When you’re looking to address a problem as big and complex as maternal mortality, it is going to take a long time.”
In another milestone commitment to community health, ChristianaCare today announced a $1.6 million investment in 25 local nonprofits, unveiling the recipients of its Community Investment Fund during a special celebration at The Ministry of Caring in Wilmington. Since 2019, ChristianaCare’s Community Investment Fund has provided more than $5.6 million to 64 organizations, addressing social, behavioral and environmental health factors. ”ChristianaCare is empowering and supporting our nonprofit partners so they can help meet the many needs of the people they serve, and work with us to improve patient health and create healthy communities and a healthy Delaware,” said Bettina Tweardy Riveros, chief health equity officer at ChristianaCare. This year’s recipients received funding to support health improvement initiatives in neighboring communities and address critical issues and community needs. “Each of these recipients is making a significant and positive impact by addressing critical health challenges throughout our communities, including food insecurity, housing insecurity and environmental health. At ChristianaCare, we are honored to be joining forces with these 25 organizations to provide them with more resources so that they do more for those in need. It is another way we care for our community,” she said. The funded initiatives will be implemented throughout the upcoming year and were selected based on the quality of applicants’ proposals and implementation plans, and on the alignment of their proposals with the critical issues prioritized by the community in ChristianaCare’s Community Health Needs Assessment and Community Health Implementation Plan. Recipient Spotlight: Healthy Food for Healthy Kids "The impact of ChristianaCare’s 2024 Community Investment Awards funds on Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids will be felt not only in 2025 but for years to come. This funding will expand our program to an additional school, serving over 600 more students, and support data and research for future growth." Healthy Food for Healthy Kids, Lydia Sarson, Executive Director. Recipient Spotlight: Project New Start “Approximately 85% of the justice-involved individuals served by Project New Start are housing and food insecure. With ChristianaCare’s 2024 Community Investment Fund Award to Project New Start, which began 11/01/24, we have already been able to assist 23 individuals with clothing and household goods; 20 individuals with transportation assistance; 17 individuals with food support; and 7 individuals with housing as of 12/31/24. The impact of these funds cannot be overstated as this investment by ChristianaCare provides Project New Start the means to provide the critical basic needs an individual requires to live with dignity without the trauma of worrying about where they will sleep, how they will eat and how they can sustain employment. We are so grateful to ChristianaCare for their ongoing support.” Priscilla Turgon, Founder and Executive Director of Project New Start, Inc. Recipient Spotlight: YMCA of Delaware - Central YMCA Supportive Housing Program “The Central YMCA Supportive Housing Program, in partnership with Christiana Care, serves low-income men at risk of homelessness who often face trauma, addiction, disabilities or lack of family support. Through stable housing, nutritious meals, welcome packages, rental assistance and supportive activities, the program fosters community wellbeing, improves health outcomes, prevents homelessness and empowers residents to achieve self-sufficiency.” Jimia Redden, Executive Director of Housing. This year’s Community Investment Fund recipients are: • AIDS Delaware: AIDS Delaware’s mission is to eliminate the spread and stigma of HIV/AIDS, improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS and promote community health through comprehensive and culturally sensitive services, education programs and advocacy. • Black Mothers in Power: Black Mothers in Power seeks to eradicate racial health disparities for Black birthing people and Black babies throughout Delaware. • Boys & Girls Club of DE: Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware inspires and enables young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens. • Children and Families First DE: Children & Families First is one of Delaware's oldest and most trusted non-profit leaders in providing the supports and services children and their families need to thrive. • Claymont Community Center - Brandywine Resource Council: Claymont Community Center is a base for a variety of community organizations supporting educational, social, recreational, cultural, personal development, financial and wellness needs. • Delaware Center for Horticulture: The Delaware Center for Horticulture cultivates greener communities by inspiring appreciation and improvement of the environment through horticulture, education and conservation. • Delaware Futures, Inc: Delaware Futures empowers at-promise high school and middle school youth across the state of Delaware by providing year-round, trauma-informed curricula tailored to students at each grade level. • Delaware Nature Society: Delaware Nature Society connects people and nature to create a healthy environment for all through education, conservation and advocacy. • Do Care Doula: Do Care Doula provides grant-funded Doula training and development, subsidized Doula support and a variety of community outreach programs. • Healthy Food for Healthy Kids: Healthy Food for Healthy Kids supports educators in Delaware, bringing life-lasting benefits of gardening and good nutrition to kids. • Jefferson Street Center: The mission of JSC is to advance community-driven priorities in Northwest Wilmington that promote the conditions necessary for all residents to thrive. • Latin American Community Center: LACC seeks to empower members to become contributing members of society through advocacy and offers programs and services to anyone ages of one to 101. • Milford Housing Development Corporation: Milford Housing Development Corporation is a value-driven, nonprofit, affordable housing developer, providing services throughout Delaware. Its mission is to provide decent, safe, affordable housing solutions to people of modest means. • Ministry of Caring: Since Brother Ronald began the ministry in 1977 with the first shelter for homeless women on the Delmarva Peninsula, the Ministry has worked ceaselessly to ease the needs and struggles of our neighbors. • ONCOR Coalition: ONCOR’s vision is to build and promote spaces that connect people to the city and each other. It promotes positive relationships through community-based educational programs and recreational opportunities. • Our Daily Bread Dining Room of MOT: ODB is the only soup kitchen in the Middletown, Odessa and Townsend region. ODB is a volunteer run organization with over 300 volunteers. Volunteers help purchase and pick up food and ingredients, prepare and serve meals and clean and maintain the facility. • Project New Start: Project New Start provides a comprehensive cognitive behavioral change/workforce development initiative for individuals transitioning out of state and federal institutions. • Ray of Hope Mission Center: Ray of Hope’s mission is to recognize and address the needs of those who are struggling within our community and assist them in their efforts to provide for themselves and their families, both physically and spiritually. • St. Patrick's Center: Serving people in Wilmington’s East Side neighborhood since 1971, St. Patrick’s Center is a nonprofit organization that operates a Senior Center, and provides meals, groceries, clothing, paratransit and social service support to the public. • The Resurrection Center: The purpose of the Resurrection Center is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and create a spirit-filled environment that hungers for the Gospel and to serve as liberating agents in the midst of the world. • Voices of Hope: Voices of Hope’s mission is to empower lives and foster recovery. The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing substance use disorder. Through compassion, education and community engagement, Voices of Hope strives to break the chains of addiction, promoting a healthier, brighter future for all. • West End Neighborhood House: At West End Neighborhood House, staff, clients, volunteers and donors work together to resolve complex social challenges throughout Delaware. Through outcomes-driven programming, the West End Neighborhood House provide support that meets community needs in finances, housing, education, employment and family services. • Westside Family Healthcare: Westside Family Healthcare is a community-minded, non-partisan health center located in Delaware. Westside opened its doors in 1988 and has maintained status as a Federally Qualified Health Center since 1994. • Wilmington HOPE Commission Inc.: The Hope Commission is a reentry program that helps formerly incarcerated men return to their community. It offers support services that address factors known to lead to repeat offenses. • YMCA of Delaware: The Central YMCA Supportive Housing Program offers housing for men aged 18 and older. Residents benefit from dorm-style accommodations, discounted access to the fitness center and connections to a range of health and human service providers in partnership with the YMCA.
