Briefs: Flu season may impact Red Cross blood supply
Red Cross needs healthy blood donors
The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now and help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting an early spike in cases in several states. When seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease, leaving the Red Cross blood supply vulnerable to a potential shortage over the holidays.
In Marion County, blood drives will take place on Nov. 25-26 at The Alber Red Cross Center, Nov. 28 at the Prospect American Legion post and Nov. 30 at OhioHealth.
There is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot. Schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
New employment services for veterans, military spouses
COLUMBUS — Two new services for veterans and military spouses are now available on OhioMeansJobs.com. Veterans registered on the website are now prompted to complete a brief questionnaire asking if they would like to receive one-on-one help with their job searches. In addition, the resumes of military spouses are now designated with a red and blue “S” to make them stand out to military-friendly employers — much like veterans’ resumes that are flagged with a “V.”
Veterans who indicate they would like one-on-one assistance with their job searches are contacted by an employment specialist at their local OhioMeansJobs Center. Veterans and their spouses can visit the centers for help writing their resumes, practicing interviewing, and applying for jobs in their area. All veterans in Ohio are given priority of service in referrals to job openings and other services.
At OhioMeansJobs.com, veterans can get help translating their military job experience into civilian experience and post their resumes. They also can view a Military-Friendly Employer Registry which lists employers who are looking to hire veterans.
Cardiologist joins OhioHealth Marion General
OhioHealth Marion General Hospital has added a new heart and vascular provider to its Marion team. Robert Heinl IV has joined as an interventional cardiologist.
Dr. Heinl graduated from Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, served his residency at Emory University School of Medicine in internal medicine and went on to Rhode Island Hospital for fellowships in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease.
He currently resides in Delaware with his wife and 2½-year old son.
Patients can be referred to him through their primary care provider or call 740-383-7980 for more information.
Upcoming meeting:
● North Central Ohio Educational Service Center Board of Governors, 7 p.m., Tuesday, NCOESC Marion Campus, 100 Executive Drive, Marion
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Red Cross says flu season could impact blood supply, donors needed now
