Health news 1/11/07

Briefly

American Red Cross appeals for donors

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for all eligible donors to donate blood and platelets. The blood supply is critically low in the region. "Every blood type is needed, but O negative remains crucial in emergency situations," said David A. Chumley, CEO of the American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. Call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.americanredcrossblood.org for donation locations and hours.

Nursing class achieves 100 percent pass rate

The 2006 graduating class at Southeast Missouri Hospital's College of Nursing and Health Sciences achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Missouri State Board of Nursing's licensing examination. There were 35 students in this year's class. The college's dean of nursing, Donna Shirrell, said the Missouri and national average pass rate for the past year was 87.7 percent. Most of the college's graduates now work at local hospitals, Shirrell said. Southeast Missouri Hospital vice president and chief nursing officer Karen Hendrickson said the state licensing exam validates an individual's competency to work as a registered nurse. Since the College of Nursing and Health Sciences opened in 1991 with 15 students, almost 500 students have graduated from the program.

Red Cross disaster team receives award

The American Red Cross Southeast Missouri chapter disaster action volunteer team has received the Daily Points of Life Award, which honors those who have made a commitment to secure fundamental resources needed to lead a productive life for all Americans. Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, presented the award to honor the Red Cross volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to help the community when disaster strikes. In the past year, more than 40 volunteers helped at numerous disaster sites, including the F4 tornado that hit Crosstown, Mo.

Calendar

Today

Asthma education program at Southeast Missouri Hospital's Generations Center, 6:30 p.m. To register, call 651-5825.

Ask Your Doctor, local health-care providers discuss medical issues and welcome questions from viewers who can call in to the show live at 334-3095, 8 to 9 p.m., cable Channel 5. This week's featured speaker will be Dr. Scott Gibbs.

Friday

American Red Cross blood drive at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Grief support group, for individuals dealing with grief or loss, 1 p.m. at HealthPoint Plaza.

-- From staff reports