Commissioner Margo Williams talks about the CDC grant at Friday's announcement. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Updated Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, 10:16 p.m.
By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

The Town of Davidson has received a three-year, $350,000 grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control to begin regular studies of how planning and policies affect public health, and to develop what town officials are calling “healthy community” initiatives.”

The town is one of a half-dozen places across the country – and by far the smallest community – to share a total of $8.4 million, or $2.8 million a year for three years, in the Health Impact Assessment to Foster Community Design grant program. Other grants went to the San Francisco Department of Public Health; the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; the Oregon Department of Human Services; the Douglas County Health Department in Omaha, Neb.; and the Baltimore City Health Department. Read the full story

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On Wednesday the Lucky Hearts Campaign donated 32 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and 13 AEDs to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

AEDs cost about $1,500 each, and the donation allows CMS to place a device in each elementary school that does not currently have one. Grants and donations from multiple organizations already have provided at least one AED at each CMS middle school, high school and some elementary schools. Read the full story

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Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and other illnesses.

It’s tick and mosquito season, and with that comes the threat of disease. A report on National Public Radio this week warned that budget problems have forced some states to trim funding for mosquito research and disease prevention.

Here in Mecklenburg County, health experts say there a many things we can do at home to prevent illnesses spread by mosquitoes or ticks. Read the full story

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American Red Cross

HUNTERSVILLE – As individuals in the Southeast begin to prepare for the possible impact of Hurricane Irene, the American Red Cross is urging immediate blood donations prior to the storm’s arrival.

“It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster,” stated Joyce Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We are still working to stabilize the blood supply after our summer shortages. If people will donate blood immediately, before the storm, then blood will be available in the aftermath should conditions prohibit people from traveling or coming to blood drives.” Read the full story

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