Health

Hospitals face blood shortages during spring break

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, March 28th, 2013, 12:31pm

As Easter weekend approaches, many are enjoying a spring break. But for our community’s hospitals, it is one of the most difficult times of the year. Schools and colleges close and people prepare for vacations, prompting a dramatic decline in the blood donations that are essential for our local hospitals to function.

A rise in traffic accidents due to increased travel leads to a higher number of blood transfusions.

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Southside Middle to hold blood drive in honor of former principal

Submitted by Michael Bird, Community Blogger

Monday, March 11th, 2013, 2:35pm

Southside Middle to hold blood drive in honor of former principal

"Do something amazing - give blood" is the theme of this year's Beta Club project at Southside Middle School in Tallassee. A blood drive is being held in memory of Mr. Alan Thompson, former principal of Southside Middle School, who died at age 49 in a tragic automobile accident over the Christmas holidays.

The LifeSouth Bloodmobile will be at Southside Middle School located at 901 E.B. Payne, Sr. Drive on Friday, March 15th from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Donors must be 17 or older (16 with written parental consent), weigh 110 lbs. or more, and show photo identification. All donors will receive a recognition item and cholesterol screening.

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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013, 11:03am

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

For 26 years, The Arc of the United States has sponsored Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to enhance understanding of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and educate the public that people with developmental disabilities can be vital and vibrant members of communities.

According to a recent study by the CDC:

Developmental disabilities affect more than 7 million Americans (and more than 121,000 Alabamians)
About one in six children in the U.S. had one or more developmental disabilities or delays in 2006-2008
The prevalence of parent-reported developmental disabilities increased 17 percent from 1997-2008

These statistics underscore the increasing need for specialized health services, education and social services for people with developmental disabilities.

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More than 900 students and teachers expected to be in Montgomery for HOSA Conference this week

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, February 5th, 2013, 3:02pm

More than 900 students and teachers expected to be in Montgomery for HOSA Conference this week

Health-related careers are expected to be a popular occupational choice in the future. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the total employment rate for health services managers alone is expected to grow by 22 percent (2010-2020).

More than 900 students and teachers travel to Montgomery this week to participate in two days of competitive events and advanced leadership study at the Alabama 2013 Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Leadership Conference, February 7-8. Students attending this conference at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention Center will have an opportunity to participate in more than 45 different competitions and workshops.

Currently, the national HOSA organization has over 100,000 members throughout the United States. Alabama has approximately 4,000 members.

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LifeSouth is hosting two blood drives in Tallassee today

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, February 5th, 2013, 9:51am

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are in need of all blood types. After last Friday’s declaration of an emergency blood shortage, donors’ response to the news across the region has been encouraging; however, the blood inventory continues to hover at emergency levels.

LifeSouth urges all eligible donors who are feeling healthy to come out and support their communities by donating blood as soon as possible. Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.

LifeSouth is hosting two blood drives in Tallassee today:

Walmart of Tallassee from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Family Dollar of Tallassee from 2:30 p.m.

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Lifesouth is hosting a blood drive in Tallassee today

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013, 10:32am

LifeSouth is hosting a blood drive in Tallassee today:

Walmart of Tallassee from 10 a.m.

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Reports show drop in traffic fatalities; Alabama Trauma System credited

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, January 31st, 2013, 10:56am

Reports show drop in traffic fatalities; Alabama Trauma System credited

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and The Alabama Hospital Association (ALAHA) released a report today detailing the decrease in trauma-related deaths in Alabama from 2006-2011, the last full year figures were available. ADPH and ALAHA credited the fact that Alabama established a statewide trauma system in March 2007 with this drop in fatalities.

“We know that about 80 percent of Alabama’s trauma cases are a result of motor vehicle accidents,” Dr. John Campbell, retired State Emergency Services Medical Director, said. “This report shows that our efforts to improve emergency response and treatment have been effective in reducing fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents.”

A trauma system is a coordinated system of care that includes emergency medical technicians, a trauma communications system, hospital emergency department staff, trauma surgeons and other physicians who provide needed surgical and other care.

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