Health

Hands-on Help with Health Insurance Marketplace

Submitted by Jon Mills, Lakeshore Reporter

Thursday, March 6th, 2014, 2:47pm

Hands-on Help with Health Insurance Marketplace

The 2014 deadline to sign up for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act is fast approaching. Open enrollment closes on March 31, 2104. Health insurance marketplace information specialists from Cherry Street Health Services will be at Spring Lake District Library from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, to assist the public with enrollment. The trained counselors will be available to help people understand the health insurance choices available to them. Counselors will meet with individuals on a first come, first served basis.

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Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Tuesday, February 18th, 2014, 7:00am

New Health Department office too small for drug disposal

GRAND HAVEN, Mich.—Grand Haven residents looking for a place to safely dispose of unwanted medication will have to travel a little farther.

Because of space limitations at its new office on South Beechtree Street in Grand Haven, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health no longer offers medication disposal services at that office. Residents are encouraged to visit any of the alternative locations in Holland, Hudsonville, Zeeland, West Olive, Grand Haven Township, Coopersville, Allendale and Georgetown Township. For exact locations, visit the Ottawa County Health Department website here.

According to the Partnership at Drugfree.org, each year, more than 71,000 children in the U.S. are taken to emergency rooms for accidental overdoses of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

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Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Monday, February 17th, 2014, 9:06am

American Red Cross in need of blood after donation drop

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The American Red Cross is trying to rebound after a devastating drop in donations caused by severe winter weather.

From Jan. 2 through Feb. 10, the organization says more than 1,000 of its blood drives nationwide were canceled, leading to a loss of about 35,000 blood and platelet donations. The Red Cross says the impact is equivalent to the organization shutting down its national operations for more than two full days.

“On average, the Red Cross must collect about 15,000 units of blood every day to help patients nationwide,” said Todd Kulman, communications program manager of the Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “Regardless of the weather, patients are counting on blood products to be there when needed.”

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Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Tuesday, February 4th, 2014, 10:03am

Extreme winter conditions cut into blood donations

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The recent winter storms and extremely cold temperatures are taking a toll on donations to the American Red Cross.

The organization says more than 7070 blood drives were cancelled last month because of the weather—leading to a loss of more than 25,000 blood and platelet donations. On average, the Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood each day to supply medical centers.

“While thousands of people from across the country responded to the call for blood and platelet donations issued by the Red Cross in January, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donors with type O, especially type O negative,” said Todd Kulman, communications program manager for the Great Lakes Blood Services Region.

Kulman says the recent uptick in cold and flu cases is also taking a toll on blood donations. Community members are encouraged to donate blood at one of the following drives:

Feb. 4, 12 p.m.

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Hands-on help with health insurance marketplace

Submitted by Lisa Donner on Monday, January 27th, 7:00 am

SPRING LAKE, Mich.--It’s not too late to sign up for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment closes on March 31, 2014. This is the deadline to avoid a fine for not having health care coverage.

Health insurance marketplace information specialists from Cherry Street Health Services will be at Spring Lake District Library from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 to assist the public with enrollment. The trained counselors will be available to help people understand the health insurance choices available to them. Counselors will meet with individuals on a first come, first served basis.

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Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014, 7:00am

American Red Cross looking for more donors during National Blood Donor Month

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross wants to thank all those who role up their sleeve to help save lives.

“Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed in hospitals to help treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies and patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases,” said Todd Kulman, communications manager of the Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “As the New Year begins, it is the perfect time to honor donors for their commitment to helping save lives through the simple act of giving blood and platelets throughout the year.”

January can be a difficult month to fill the need for blood and platelet donations because of winter weather and seasonal illnesses. If you’d like to help, the following blood drives are planned through the next month:

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Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014, 7:00am

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross wants to thank all those who role up their sleeve to help save lives.

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