Health

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A measure aimed at increasing access to critical childhood immunization was delivered to the Secretary of State’s Office today, after being signed into law by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Danny Bentley, HB 274 expands access to common childhood vaccinations through local pharmacies by authorizing pharmacists to vaccinate children five and older.

PORTSMOUTH- Every two months, Southern Ohio Medical Center’s Development Foundation and Guilds allocate funds to address hospital needs. In March alone, they allocated nearly $30,000 in financial support.

Big changes are coming to SOMC’s Portsmouth Life Center. The facility is undergoing a major expansion and, on Thursday, February 29, the Life Center will host an open house to showcase the results. It will officially open to the public on March 4.

SOUTH WEBSTER- The last few years, the number of area food pantries has dwindled but the need still exists. The 501(c)3 for the South Webster Food Pantry has changed hands rather than leave the area without a food pantry at all.

The Scioto County Health Department will be hosting a free COVID vaccination clinic for uninsured adults on Feb. 6.

The start of a new year usually features talk about resolutions and changes that can be made to support a healthier way of living. One way to strengthen your defense in remaining healthy is staying up-to-date on vaccinations. Vaccines serve as a safe and reliable defense against serious illness, protecting the health of individuals, their loved ones, and others in their community.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

The community is invited to a special Ribbon Cutting and Open House event to mark the relocation of the Area Agency on Aging District 7’s (AAA7) Administrative Office and Waverly Office to a combined location in Jackson, Ohio. The office is located at 1 Acy Avenue, near the roundabout on McCarty Lane. The AAA7 covers ten counties in southern Ohio and also has office locations in Adams County (West Union) and Scioto County (Wheelersburg).

SCIOTO COUNTY— In addition to the much-discussed electric and natural gas aggregation issues on the ballot Tuesday for Portsmouth and unincorporated areas of Scioto County will be a countywide renewal for the local tuberculosis clinic.

PORTSMOUTH — King’s Daughters will offer free flu shots 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at its Portsmouth Drive-Thru Center, 812 Spring Lane.