Health briefs 10/23/07

Local hospital gets gold seal

Southeast Missouri Hospital earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced, on-site review in August and gave the hospital the award. Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading cause of death. The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke care as outlined by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. The Joint Commission launched the program in 2003.

Halloween blood drive on Broadway

Old Town Cape and the Southeast Missourian are hosting a blood drive on Oct. 31 at the H & H Building. Workers will be in costume to take your blood. Come "Drain your Vein" and get a free T-shirt. Blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To make reservations, call 1-800-GIVELIFE or go online to www.givelife.org.