Welcome to the Abt Associates' In the News Section. Many members of our staff are frequently quoted as expert sources for news articles. Below are summaries of selected articles in which our experts are cited. Many of these summaries list on-line access information: access is sometimes free, but sometimes a small fee is charged once the article is archived. For more information or for a hard-copy of the original article, contact Corporate Communications at 617-520-2982, or e-mail newsroom@abtassociates.com.
"Secretaría de Trabajo busca mejorar modelo de conciliación laboral vigente en RD
," La Nación Dominicana, December 18, 2009
La actividad contó con el apoyo del Componente de Comunicación Estratégica y Dialogo Social del Proyecto Cumple y Gana que financia el Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos. El proyecto cumple y Gana es ejecutado por la Fundación para la Paz y la Democracia (FUNDAPEM) y ABT Associates Inc.
(The activity was supported by the Strategic Communications Component and Social Dialogue Meets and Earn Project funded by the Department of Labor of the United States. The project meets and Ghana is implemented by the Foundation for Peace and Democracy (FUNDAPEM) and ABT Associates Inc.)
This story was also carried by Nuevo el Diario, El Dia, and Diario Dominicano.
"Abt Lands $5.5m Deal to Study H1N1," Boston Globe, December 17, 2009
Abt Associates Inc., a Cambridge firm that offers research and consulting services, will evaluate the effectiveness of the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines among pregnant women under a two-year, $5.5 million contract.
"Abt Associates to Assist CDC in Evaluating Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines Among Pregnant Women," Sun Herald, December 16, 2009
Abt Associates will conduct a study for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate the effectiveness of the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines among pregnant women, one of the high risk populations identified by CDC. Under the two year contract valued at $5.5 million, Abt Associates will identify and enroll study participants, coordinate testing of participants for infection with influenza viruses, develop and maintain all study databases, and assist CDC with data analysis.
This story was carried by The Medical News and several other souces.
"Research from Abt Associates, Inc. in the area of medicare and medicaid described,"
NewsRX, December 14, 2009
Our study finds that the undercount can be explained by the inability of people to recall their insurance status accurately from the previous year," wrote J.A. Klerman and colleagues, Abt Associates, Inc.
"Pa. county says millions saved,"
By George Mast, Cherry Hill Courier Post, December 13, 2009
However, the Camden County-funded study also cited a 2005 report by Abt Associates Inc., that found savings of 6 percent to 10 percent when comparing the five-year cost of a private firm operating a federal minimum security prison.
"Abt Associates to Lead Demonstration Project For Social Security Administration,"
Fox 44 News, December 9, 2009
The U.S. Social Security Administration has awarded Abt Associates a contract to implement and evaluate the Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND). The demonstration, mandated by Congress in 1999, will determine whether retaining benefits at higher levels of earnings will increase employment and income for recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
This story was carried by ,
numerous other sources.
"Office of National Drug Control Policy Awards Abt Associates Contract to Continue Work on Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program," Austin Business Journal, December 2, 2009
Abt Associates has been awarded a $5.3 million, 3-year contract from the Executive Office of the President Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), to support the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM II) program.
"Childhood interests grew into a successful one-company career,"
by Vanessa Mizell, Washington Post, November 30, 2009
Abt Associates is the kind of place where your job is changing all the time. I started as a policy analyst in our health group. Eventually I began running a group that focused on workforce, welfare and housing issues.
"Global health professor and AIDS activist dies at 49,"
By Erika Bach, G W Hatchet, November 23, 2009.
In 2001, Kombe joined Abt Associations Inc., a multi-million dollar company working in more than 30 countries to develop health care systems for HIV/AIDS.
"Doctors Cite Time, Low Reimbursement As Barriers To Providing Comprehensive Diabetes Care, Survey Results Show," FloridaToday.com, November 19, 2009
An online survey of 300 physicians and online discussion group of 12 physicians conducted by Abt Associates, Inc. and sponsored by the National Changing Diabetes® Program (NCDP) found that 32 percent of physicians felt unable to provide comprehensive diabetes care, and most cited time or reimbursement as the major barrier.
"Childhood in Zambia led world HIV/AIDS expert into medicine," By Patricia Sullivan, Washington Post, November 15, 2009
The Takoma Park resident ran a $200 million contract for Abt Associates to help organizations deliver HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in 114 countries. He designed programs in infectious disease prevention, substance abuse prevention, and maternal and children's health.
"USAID assists Vietnam to prevent bird flu," VOV News, November 12, 2009
The Ha Nam provincial People’s Committee on November 11 signed with USAID’s Abt Associates an MoU on the implement of “initiatives to prevent bird flu and epidemics”.
The project is being carrying out in three years from October 1, 2009-September 30, 2012 to build up the capacity of State and private sectors, especially at local level, to improve the control of bird flu, epidemics and infectious diseases in animals.
"Widening the gateway to health care in Ethiopia," By Dan Nixon, Rotary International News, November 6, 2009
Since 2007, Poer has worked in Ethiopia for Abt Associates, one of the world's largest government and business research and consulting firms. She manages USAID's five-year Private Sector Program for HIV and Tuberculosis, which aims to increase the capacity of private health care providers to deliver services through a public-private sector partnership.
"Turísmo y Arrecifes (Tourism and Reef)," Revista Inversiones Punta Cana, October 25, 2009
Una evaluación de Abt Associates Inc. (2002) sobre nuestra zona costero-marina retrata de cuerpo entero los impactos negativos que sobre los corales ha tenido la industria turística. Ese reporte también traza las pautas de la acción costero-marina requerida. (An evaluation of Abt Associates Inc. (2002) on our coastal marine zone length portrait negative impacts on corals has been the tourism industry. That report also traces the patterns of coastal marine action required.)
"HUD counseling funds tripled despite criticism," By Matt Kelley, USA TODAY, October 23, 2009
"At present there is limited evidence of the benefits of counseling in making homeownership more sustainable," according to a HUD-commissioned study in 2008 by consulting firm Abt Associates. Abt found that 23% of those completing foreclosure-prevention counseling in 2007 managed to stay in their homes.
"Harper's angling skills handy as Abt Associate's CIO," By Marc Songini, Mass High Tech, October 21, 2009
She was drawn to Abt because its goal is “to improve the lives of people globally,” she said. “You feel an incredible sense of purpose that ultimately you are helping people. That’s great.” Also, the education levels among the employees are high, as are its overall standards.
"IntraHealth to Lead $300 Million USAID Project in Global Health Workforce, Systems Strengthening," TecTrends.com, October 20, 2009
IntraHealth has formed a collaborative partnership to implement the HRHQS Project. Partners include Abt Associates, IMA World Health, Liverpool Associates in Tropical Health (LATH) and Training Resources Group, Inc. (TRG).
"W.H. Sammis Plant in Ohio Being Retro-Fitted to Scrub Air of Pollutants," By: Linda J. Hutchinson, ConstructionEquipmentGuide.com, October 17, 2009
“Pollution from coal-burning power plants causes an estimated 30,000 deaths a year in the United States – more than drunken driving, AIDS, or homicides, according to one analysis,” reported in an analysis by Abt Associates of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The EPA has hired Abt “to quantify the health effects of federal policies.”
"USAID awards Abt Associates 'Strengthening Health Outcomes Through Private Sector' grant,"
the Medical News, October 13, 2009
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded a five-year grant, Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector, to Abt Associates, Inc. Sub-recipients under the grant are Banyan Global, Jhpiego, Marie Stopes International, the Monitor Group, and O'Hanlon Health Consulting, LLC.
"Dear John,"
By Catherine Elton, Boston Globe, October 11, 2009
There has not yet been any formal review of Worcester’s program. But last year, Abt Associates, a research and consulting firm in Cambridge, published a US Department of Justice-funded evaluation of San Francisco’s john school.
"Financial security center receives Social Security Administration award," University of Wisconsin News, October 7, 2009
Campus partners include the Waisman Center, Center for the Demography and Health of Aging, Institute for Research on Poverty and Cooperative Extension. The FLRC will also work with Abt Associates on field research, as well as community based organizations across the country.
"Abt Associates to Conduct Demonstration Initiative for Federal Office of HIV/AIDS Policy Aimed At HIV Prevention Among Minority Youth," the Earth Times, October 5 2009
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Abt Associates was awarded a $3.2 million contract by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of HIV/AIDS Policy to enhance HIV prevention activities in minority serving institutions, engage and train new community partners in HIV prevention activities, and organize an educational and professional development institute for federal staff.
"USAID provides $3.6 million to extend Influenza aid in Vietnam,"
ReliefWeb, September 23 2009
THANOI, September 23, 2009 – The United States will support Vietnam's efforts to combat avian and pandemic influenza with a three-year project. Funding during the first year will be $3.6 million.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has selected Abt Associates to carry out the project in close cooperation with the Vietnamese government.
"Addict rehabilitation costs under scrutiny," Viet Nam News, September 17 2009
The city AIDS Prevention Committee is working with plan managers, Family Health International, and Health System 2020/Abt Associates – Liem’s agency — to evaluate the programme which has four components: process monitoring, qualitative assessment, cost analysis, and cohort study.
"Interest in HIT adoption is high, but meaningful use will take time, experts say,"
By Diana Manos, Healtcare IT News, September 16 2009
"I've been in this field for decades, and the interest in health IT has never been stronger," said Mark Spranca, a healthcare IT expert with Abt Associates.
According to Abt, physicians who have adopted healthcare IT may not be using it in a meaningful way yet.
"'John schools' try to change attitudes about paid sex,"
By Stephanie Chen, CNN.com, August 28 2009
Some evidence suggests that John Schools are working. A study released in 2008 by Abt Associates Inc. for the federal government looked at the John School program in San Francisco, California. It's one of the largest programs in the country; more than 7,000 johns have attended since 1995.
"Stanley J. Lukowski Elected Chairman of Abt Associates Board of Directors," Earth Times, August 17, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Abt Associates announced that Stanley J. Lukowski has been elected Chairman of the company's Board of Directors. Lukowski succeeds John A. Shane who served as Chairman since 2005 and retired from the Board in July.
"State legislation regarding autism payments creates confusion," Tampa Bay Business Journal, August 14, 2009
Approximately 21,300 children have autism in Pennsylvania. More than 10,337 children eligible for new autism coverage by private insurer. Average annual cost of treatment per child is $14,300. Commercial insurance cap for autism treatment is $36,000 Sources: Abt Associates Inc.; Department of Public Welfare
"Abt Associates Names Mary Harper as Vice President and Chief Information Officer,"
FoxBusiness.com, August 11, 2009
Mary Harper, a senior technology leader, has joined Abt Associates as Vice President and Chief Information Officer and a member of the Senior Executive Team.
"Abt Associates to Increase Food Security in West Africa,"
FoxBusiness.com, August 10, 2009
Abt Associates was awarded a $20 million contract by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote agribusiness and trade promotion in West Africa. The Expanded Agribusiness and Trade Promotion (E-ATP) program will increase the value and volume of intra-regional agricultural trade of rice, millet/sorghum and poultry value chains along key transport corridors in seven countries in West Africa.
"Dr. Liza Solomon, HIV/AIDS Expert, Joins Abt Associates as Principal Associate in Company's Domestic Health Division," San Francisco Business Times, August 5, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Liza Solomon, Dr.P.H., a noted HIV/AIDS public policy leader and the former Director of the Maryland State AIDS Administration has joined Abt Associates as a principal associate in its Domestic Health Division.
Of the 2003 to 2006 projects targeted to specific populations, more than half were targeted to families and one-third were for the elderly. About 12.5 percent were targeted to disabled residents and nearly 5 percent to the homeless, according to the report by Abt Associates, Inc.
"CAS to Inspect 1.3M-Home Public Housing Portfolio,"
By Anuradha Kher, Multi-Home News, July 31, 2009
Together with the prime contractor, Abt Associates, which will be responsible for data integration and cost extrapolation, CAS FAS will assess the portfolio’s physical condition and quantify the total cost of addressing physical and functional obsolescence.
"Surry County coal power would endanger everyone,"
By Anne Baron, Suffolk News Herald, July 31, 2009
According to independent economic reports (Abt Associates), energy efficiency programs create more long-term jobs and are substantially more beneficial to local and state economies in terms of gross state product than construction of coal plants.
"Vietnam’s first community avian influenza outbreak simulation,"
Communist Party of Vietnam Online Newspaper, July 28, 2009
The project, implemented by Abt Associates, worked with selected communities to develop effective and sustainable intervention models in the areas of community-based surveillance, bio-security, case management and infection control, and has strengthened networks of animal health workers and behavior change communication.
"Distracted Driving the Top Reason that 35 Percent of Drivers Feel Less Safe than Five Years Ago, According to the AAA Foundation,"
WRIC-TV8, July 28, 2009
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety commissioned Abt SRBI Inc. to conduct a random sample telephone survey of 2,501 U.S. adults in English and in Spanish from April 15, 2009 through May 12, 2009. The survey has a margin of error of 2.5.
"Abt names Flanagan as next chief executive,"
by Chris Reidy, the Boston Globe, July 13, 2009
Abt Associates Inc. said that Kathleen L. Flanagan has been named president and chief executive, succeeding Wendell J. Knox, who had announced his retirement in June of last year.
"USAID launches new agri-business program in Mozambique,"
the Global Times, July 11, 2009
The program, which will be run by a consortium of four partners led by the US research and consulting firm, Abt Associates, will increase competitiveness by strengthening targeted agricultural value chains and will build on market demand assessments conducted for each value chain
"The price of legalizing pot is too high,"
by Kevin A. Sabet, the Los Angeles Times, June 7, 2009
Yes, the marijuana market seems like an attractive target for taxation — Abt Associates, a research firm, estimates that the industry is worth roughly $10 billion a year — and California could certainly use a chunk of that cash to offset its budget woes in the current economic climate.
"Ken Burns to Speak At Boston College Commencement May 18,"
Corporate Media News, May 14, 2009
Wiley's experience in the business sector includes consulting with major corporations such as Abt Associates and Urban Systems Research and Engineering, as well as with non-profit organizations.
"Life-changing legislation awaits governor’s signature,"
by Liz Freeman, the Naples Daily News, May 13, 2009
The following year, a study was done by Abt Associates in Cambridge, Mass., that concluded there was little effect on premiums in the 16 states examined, but the study did say there was a 2-percent rate impact on the older beneficiaries, although that varied by plan.
"Beth Templeton: Solving poverty is possible,"
by Beth Templeton, the Greenville Times, May 13, 2009
A study done by Abt Associates Inc. in Maryland looked at the connection between healthy schools and community revitalization. The primary conviction uncovered by the study is that high quality public education is an essential component of transforming distressed neighborhoods into healthy communities that sustain themselves over time. Improving the schools along with empowering the parents while the community is rebuilding provides the tools for long term positive growth.
"Obama Budget Cuts Some Youth Programs, Grows Others,"
by Patrick Boyle, YouthToday.org, May 8, 2009
"I don't think that's the last word" on this funding stream, said Lawrence Bernstein, a senior associate at the research firm Abt Associates, and the project director for the evaluation cited by the White House for terminating the program. "Everybody I've talked to in the field has said, 'Well, don't worry, we'll get it back in.' "
"US ambassador visits model village for fighting against bird flu," Saigon Giai Phong, April 23, 2009
The model village and community-based surveillance systems are implemented in Hung Yen with assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Avian Influenza Mekong Initiative, managed by Abt Associates Inc.
"Yoshikawa Awarded U.S. Department of Education Grant,"
Harvard Graduate School of Education News, April 22, 2009
This is a great opportunity not only to examine questions of both local and national interest but to generate data that will be useful for the district in years to come," Weiland said. "I feel incredibly lucky to be able work with several of my mentors - Hiro here at Harvard, Jason Sachs at the BPS, and Carolyn Lazyer at Abt Associates - on this project."
"Trabajo fortalecerá las inspecciones laborales," neueu eldiario, April 16, 2009
7:54 PM - La Secretaría de Estado Trabajo anunció la puesta en marcha de la tercera etapa del proyecto Cumple y Gana, que tendrá como objetivo el fortalecimiento de las inspecciones laborales, y se ejecutará en coordinación con la Fundación para la Paz y la Democracia (FUNDAPEN), así como la Abt Associates.
"Abt Associates Evaluation Finds U.S. Department of Education Student Mentoring Program Had No Significant Impact on Key Outcome Measures,"
Fox 19 News, April 2, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Abt Associates, a leading research, consulting and technical assistance firm, recently completed the evaluation of the U.S. Department of Education's Student Mentoring Program. The evaluation found that the program did not lead to statistically significant impacts on students in the three major areas tested: academic achievement and advancement; interpersonal relationships and personal responsibility; and high risk or delinquent behavior. However, impact estimates calculated across five subgroups found four outcomes to be statistically significant.
"Licata and Carr Squabble Over Opening New John School,"
By Keith Vance , the Seattle Courant, March 24, 2009
It's very difficult, he continued, to find good quantifiable research on the effects of law enforcement programs, but last year, a study by Abt Associates was released showing a much higher recidivism rate among johns and the success of john schools, such as those in San Francisco, in reducing it.
"Abt Associates lands biodiversity contract,"
Examiner.com, March 11, 2009
Abt Associates said it has been awarded a five year contract worth $17.8 million to "lead a team of organizations in improving private sector competitiveness while protecting biodiversity in Mexico."
"School-Lunch Funding Strained by Recession, Senate Panel Told,"
By Alan Bjerga, Bloomberg.com, March 4, 2009
In the 2005-2006 school year, the average lunch cost $2.72 to serve, according to a study for the department by Abt Associates Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Price increases have pushed costs higher since then, committee Chairman Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, said in prepared remarks.
"Agriculture : LA CROISSANCE PORTEE PAR DES FILIERES CIBLEES," L'Essor, March 2, 2009
L'agro-industrie est très peu développée dans notre pays. Les unités de transformation existantes se résument aux petites fabriques artisanales, souvent féminines, dont les productions satisfont à peine la demande locale.
Le projet Initiatives intégrées pour la croissance économique au Mali est un projet financé par l'USAID et exécuté par un consortium de bureaux d'études américains dont Abt Associates Inc du département de croissance économique accélérée.
"AHRQ proposes national emergency evacuation system,"
AHANews.com, February 25, 2009
Prepared by Abt Associates, the report estimates it would cost up to $1.5 million to implement and test an initial system within 21 months, which could be expanded in subsequent phases.
"Probation officers face more cases: Agency, already stretched, fears cuts,"
By Jim Ash, The News-Press Capital Bureau , NewsPress.com, February 16, 2009
What's the ideal caseload?
"It's impossible to say," said Sarah Kuk Jalbert, a researcher with Abt Associates, a private group that is conducting a study for the U.S. Department of Justice. "A lot of it depends on who you are talking about."
There are so many variables, different types of offenders with different court sanctions and different risks of reoffending, that the federal government has never been able to come up with an ideal standard, she said.
The key, she said, is the system's ability to classify offenders and match them with the right level of supervision, and the services they need to go straight.
"Dr. Ricky Takai, Expert in Designing and Managing Federal Evaluation Studies in Education, Joins Abt Associates,"
MarketWatch.com, February 3, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb 03, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Abt Associates announced that Ricky Takai, Ph.D., has joined the company as Principal Associate. After a brief orientation to the firm, Dr. Takai will become the leader of the company's education work in September 2009.
"Ditch Coal, Save Money,"
By Graham Averill, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, February 3, 2009
The analysis was performed by Abt Associates, an independent, global research firm that works with clients including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and major U.S. corporations.
"Editorial: State must fix care in prisons," the Sacramento Bee, February 2, 2009
They say that 2007 inmate population projections are outdated. Well, Abt Associates did a Jan. 5 update on the need for medical beds (not mental health beds).
"Surry County coal plant will leave Virginia in the dust, and fly ash,"
By Ben Schultz, the Flat Hat, January 30, 2009
A recent study by Abt Associates, an independent economic analysis firm, found these claims of dire need and unparalleled economic growth to be exaggerated.
"The Hartford Earns High Satisfaction Scores In Independent Research On Service by Disability
Insurers," the Earth Times, January 28, 2009
The JHA survey echoes The Hartford’s own research on customer satisfaction. Eighty-two percent of employer clients rated The Hartford as “excellent” or “very good” for overall quality of service in a survey conducted by Abt SRBI for the insurer in 2008.
"Financing reform aims to improve quality of health services in Ethiopia,"
MBendi.com, January 21, 2009
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Abt Associates, Inc., launched the Ethiopia Health Sector Financing Reform Project. The U.S. $15 million dollar project, which focuses on health care financing reform and health insurance, will improve the lives of over 40 million Ethiopians in the next five years by improving quality of health services, increasing access to health care and improving the utilization of modern health care.
"US economic crisis puts youth corps at risk," the Christian Science Monitor, January 20, 2009
While Obama urges expanding conservation corps, cash-strapped states such as California mull cutbacks.
Other research points to successes. After participating, black males were one-third less likely to be arrested and 50 percent more likely to be employed, according to a 1997 study by Abt Associates, Inc.
"Valerie DeFillipo, Reproductive Health and Rights Expert, Joins Abt Associates,"
News Channel 10, January 16, 2009
New Vice President Will lead Business Development and Communications for Company's International Line of Business
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Abt Associates announced that Valerie DeFillipo, a reproductive health and rights expert, has joined the company as Vice President for Business Development and Communications for its International Line of Business. DeFillipo joins Abt Associates from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in London, where for the last five years she served as Director of External Affairs.
"Dr. John Stephen Osika, HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Expert, Joins Abt Associates
,"
News Channel 25, January 8, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Abt Associates announced that Dr. John Osika has joined the company as a Principal Associate
and HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Advisor. Dr. Osika, a board certified physician in the United Kingdom and European Union, is a recognized
public health expert with extensive experience working on HIV/AIDS and infectious disease programs.
"Study Suggests Investments In Energy Efficiency Better Choice Than Coal-Fired Power Plant,"
By Debra McCown, Bristol Herald Courier, TriCities.com, January 8, 2009
Performed by the research and consulting firm Abt Associates and commissioned by opponents of the controversial $1.8 billion plant, the study compares projected economic effects of the plant to equivalent investments in energy efficiency
"Survey: Veterans Face Job Challenges,"
By Frank Geary, Las Vegas Review-Journal, January 4, 2009
Abt Associates did the “Employment Histories Report” for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007, so its data does not capture employment patterns set in motion by the economic meltdown of 2008.
[ back to top ]