October E-News
 

UN Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the United States

The United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is a treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons. It prohibits nations who ratify it from developing, testing, producing, manufacturing, transferring, possessing, stockpiling, using, stationing on their territory, or threatening nuclear weapons use. It also prohibits them from assisting, encouraging, or inducing anyone to engage in these activities.

The TPNW entered into force in January 2021. UN member nations sign the Treaty and, upon final approval by that government, become State Parties to the Treaty. It is permanent and legally binding on those nations that have joined it. Ninety-two countries are signatories, and 68 of those are States Parties.

 

The States Parties to the TPNW will meet for the second time at the end of November 2023 (this time in New York at the UN) to discuss how best to make progress toward verifiable elimination of nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the U.S. government and the Biden administration (like all nuclear-armed states) actively oppose the Treaty. The United States could send an observer delegation to the meeting. Such a delegation would signal to the world that the United States wants to take an active role in nuclear weapons negotiations and offer our country's plan to have verifiable arms reductions.

 

PSR Maine will be part of a national campaign to get local, county, and state elected officials to sign a BftB-organized letter to President Biden urging him to (1) send an observer delegation to the “Second Meeting of States Parties” (2MSP) and (2) initiate negotiations with all nuclear weapons states toward a verifiable, timebound agreement to eliminate all nuclear weapons from the planet.

 

October ACTION: Please look for a subsequent email explaining how you can help us get your elected officials to sign the letter. 
 

Maine Medical Student PSR Group Events!
The PSR Maine Student Chapter at UNE in collaboration with other student groups has created a "Social Determinants of Health" Month which is a series of hosted events around accessible, diverse, inclusive, and equitable medicine.

Throughout the month of October, UNE student clubs and organizations will host guest lecturers, student and physician panels, and alternative opportunities for the UNE community to learn about social factors impacting health. 

The PSR Maine Student Chapter at UNE will be hosting the discussion: Mass Incarceration, a Public Health Crisis October 12 2023, Location Alfond 113 from 5pm-6pm. PSR Maine Board Member Dr. Lani Graham will be the keynote speaker. 

 

To view the entire series of events this month, please click HERE. 

 

Pictured below is PSR Maine Board Member Dr. Graham with several SPSR members at the Social Determinants of Health Month Interprofessional Kickoff that took place on October 2.
 

Upcoming Virtual Conference: Climate Emergency: Building a Healthy Planetary Future

Oct. 28 (Sat) | 10:45 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. ET | Virtual Conference
Audience: all health professionals, residents and medical students.
Overview: The climate crisis is at our doorstep. As health professionals, we can help build a healthy planetary future together. Hear from experts in their fields who have initiated projects at a local level. Be inspired at this annual conference presented by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, with lots of opportunities for participants to engage with the speakers and with each other. 
 

Give to PSR Maine

Thank you for your generous support of PSR Maine!

To give online: Point your camera at the QR code and you’ll be taken directly to our secure donor page or click on the red button below.

To mail your contribution to us, please send a check to our UPDATED mailing address:

PSR Maine, 126 Western Ave #1012 Augusta ME 04330