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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEM. communications@ dem. ri. gov Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 Evan LaCross,</div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><img width="83" height="119" style="width:.8645in;height:1.2395in" id="Picture_x0020_782" src="cid:image001.png@01DB6E77.E02C6110" alt="DEM-logo-small"></span><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:DEM.communications@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM.communications@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> Friday, Jan. 24, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100
<u><span style="color:#0066FF"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM CONFIRMS DOMESTIC BIRD CASE OF AVIAN FLU
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PROVIDENCE, RI –<span style="color:black">
</span>The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today is announcing the presence of the</span>
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https:**Awww.cdc.gov*flu*avianflu*avian-flu-summary.htm__;Ly8vLy8!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYVRCgPuP$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">H5N1
strain of avian influenza</span> [cdc.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> in a noncommercial farm flock in southern Washington County. Earlier today, staff from DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment’s
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/animal-health"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Animal
Health Unit</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> humanely euthanized a flock of about 40 birds to minimize their suffering from the infection and prevent the spread of the disease to other birds. Rhode Island
previously had an H5N1 infection in a noncommercial backyard flock </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://www.ri.gov/press/view/44613"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">in
2022</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYSJ5eXIt$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">the public health risk for H5N1 to be low</span> [cdc.gov]</a>.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">No person-to-person spread of H5N1 has been detected in the US. To date, Rhode Island has not had any human cases of H5N1.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">RI is situated on the Atlantic flyway, a major north-south migratory bird route. H5N1 is expected to be present in wild birds in the area because of the virus’s prevalence
in a wide variety of wild waterfowl and shorebird species that migrate in this flyway. The widespread prevalence of H5N1 in wild bird populations throughout the US
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYcze4K7k$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">is well
documented</span> [aphis.usda.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. Initially restricted to wild birds and poultry, H5N1 has spilled over into other mammals, including wildlife like foxes, bears, and seals; domestic animals,
like cats and dogs; and farm animals like goats and </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/05/10/usda-hhs-announce-new-actions-reduce-impact-and-spread-h5n1__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYcRzYTLC$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">dairy
cows</span> [usda.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">“D</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">EM’s proactive response plan to H5N1 bird detections includes
responding quickly to reports of sick or dying domestic birds, obtaining samples, and submitting these samples to nationally accredited labs for a diagnosis,”<span style="color:black;background:white"> said State Veterinarian Scott Marshall, DVM, who is leading
the state’s H5N1 response. "The key to keeping domestic birds healthy is to have biosecurity practices in place, which
</span>involve restricting access to and keeping people away from your birds, keeping your birds separated from all wild birds, particularly migratory waterfowl, and keeping cages, coops, and clothes clean and disinfected.”
<span style="color:black;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">“While the public health risk of H5N1 remains low, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has been coordinating closely with DEM for months on preparedness measures
and has been communicating regularly with the healthcare professional community,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. "Some basic prevention measures, such as avoiding contact with sick and dead animals, can help people stay healthy and safe.”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">The food supply remains safe. The US has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world. Public health officials continue to monitor for changes in the
virus and do not allow infected poultry products to be introduced into the food chain. RI participates in a federal program for H5N1 surveillance of milk supplies and dairy herds. There have been no positive H5N1 samples in milk in RI. Pasteurization inactivates
the virus in milk. People should avoid unpasteurized (raw) dairy products.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">The best way to prevent avian influenza in humans is for people to avoid exposure. People who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry, or cows are at
a greater risk for infection. These individuals should consider </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://arcg.is/1TvOae__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYQVypAXr$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">wearing personal protective
equipment</span> [arcg.is]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> during animal exposures. This means avoiding direct contact with birds or other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with avian influenza. Avian
influenza viruses respond to standard antiviral drugs. For more detailed public health information related to H5N1, please visit RIDOH’s webpage at:
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.health.ri.gov/h5n1"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.health.ri.gov/h5n1</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">The positive detection was confirmed through laboratory testing at the
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://cvmdl.uconn.edu/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYaHKMUCC$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">University of Connecticut lab</span> [cvmdl.uconn.edu]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
affiliated with the </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/lab-info-services/sa_about_nvsl/ct_about_nvsl__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYcaeYSjd$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">National
Veterinary Services Lab (NVSL)</span> [aphis.usda.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. Since emerging in the United States in 2022, the H5N1 strain has been detected in every state. It was first detected in Rhode Island in
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://www.ri.gov/press/view/44613"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">a noncommercial backyard flock</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
in 2022, followed by a fox kit in 2023,</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">which was RI’s only confirmed mammalian case of H5N1.</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">RI has not yet had a positive commercial bird case of H5N1.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Once an H5N1 diagnosis is confirmed, infected domestic birds will be depopulated within 24 hours.
<span style="color:black;background:white">H5N1 infection requires a rapid response because domestic poultry mortality rates exceed 90 percent.
</span>Depopulating infected domestic birds, which DEM strives to do by using<span style="color:#0066FF">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/Guidelines-on-Euthanasia-2020.pdf__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYb2KjWHY$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">a method of euthanasia
approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none">,</span> [avma.org]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> limits how much
they suffer from the infection and removes them as a source of infection for other birds. DEM is monitoring the situation following CDC and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidance. For detailed information on H5N1, DEM’s response plan, and a list of frequently
asked questions, please visit: </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/h5n1"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov/h5n1</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM continues to stress the need for basic but essential practices known as
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/agriculture/documents/biosecbirds.pdf"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">biosecurity
measures</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> in outreach to commercial and domestic bird owners across RI. These biosecurity measures include properly disposing of dead birds, not sharing equipment with other
poultry producers or farmers, knowing the warning signs of infectious diseases, and reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to DEM. Members of the public should report sick or dying domestic birds to DEM’s Division of Agriculture
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/suspected-avian-influenza-case-report-form/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYWsAYR5j$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">through this form</span> [ridem.wufoo.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. The
public should report observations of sick or dying wild birds to DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/bird-mortality-reporting-form/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYWPhIXsO$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">through this form</span> [ridem.wufoo.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
As always, the public should not touch sick or dead birds and should keep dogs on leashes and away from carcasses.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
Follow </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYQ6EbRrA$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">,
Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JKHsVOn/medialist__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYVOq_F-p$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Sign up here</span> [lp.constantcontactpages.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer/Public Information Officer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
</span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">(E);
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
(W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JKHsVOn/medialist__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYVOq_F-p$">Sign up here [lp.constantcontactpages.com]</a></span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Follow DEM on
</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/?fref=ts__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYSpfjfRD$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Facebook</span></i> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,<i><span style="color:#0096D2">
</span><span style="color:#00B0F0">on</span> </i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/rhodeisland.dem/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYR6Ik9lR$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060">Instagram</span></i> [instagram.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
<span style="color:#00B0F0">and</span> <i><span style="color:#0096D2">on </span></i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KkwVqhoeUcd9z2hVtYWkkIej_kJC_XzlQ8HygCqu5vmOdOST-IsIqMtEPYICSIyU6ljVOmhWJxtd2nmaFrNH8w_6tQryYRzVtMur$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Twitter</span></i> [twitter.com]</a></span><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">.</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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