Health — Page 5

With awareness of the link between alcohol and adverse health effects becoming more widespread, the world of mocktails is expanding rapidly. What began as a way to make a simple swap for those uninterested in drinking has become a movement all its own. Nonalcoholic drinks can now be found on menus across the state, and […]

Huntsville’s Crestwood Medical Center has become the first hospital in Alabama to implement a new, state-of-the-art surgical robot, the DB-5. This marks a major step forward in the facility’s use of advanced medical technology. The robotic system is designed to assist in a wide range of procedures across multiple specialties, including general surgery, urology, gynecology, and ear, […]

As part of Autism Awareness Month, the Helena Police Department is taking proactive steps to better serve and support individuals with autism in the community. The department recently announced the implementation of the Blue Envelope Program, a thoughtful initiative aimed at facilitating safe and respectful interactions between first responders and autistic drivers. Autism, or Autism […]

A federal judge has ruled that Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall cannot prosecute individuals or organizations aiding women leaving the state to obtain abortions. The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson, came after an abortion fund and healthcare providers filed a lawsuit challenging statements and a brief filed by Marshall in 2023. […]

DCH Health System has announced the appointment of former Alabama Secretary of Labor Fitzgerald Washington to its Board of Directors. Washington, known for his extensive leadership experience in both corporate and public sectors, is expected to play a key role in advancing DCH’s mission. Currently, Washington holds the position of Corporate Director of External Affairs […]

On April 12, runners, walkers, and supporters will gather at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama to take part in the annual Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K, presented by McDonald’s. This worthwhile fundraising event will kick off at 8:00 a.m. at 1700 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL, and will feature a fun-filled morning of […]

Alabama is on the brink of a severe nursing shortage, with nearly 39,000 nurses predicted to leave the profession over the next four years. The Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) has raised concerns about the potential crisis and is developing multiple strategies to retain existing nurses and attract new ones to the workforce. According to […]

A bill that would require healthcare providers to screen women for postpartum depression has cleared the Alabama House. House Bill 322, introduced by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley), aims to ensure new mothers are assessed for signs of the condition. A similar measure, Senate Bill 191, introduced by Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), has been introduced in […]

In a heartwarming tribute to her late father, Tammy Baer has turned her grief into a mission of compassion and care. As a dedicated nurse at Huntsville Hospital, Baer is creating sensory blankets to bring comfort to Alzheimer’s patients — a deeply personal endeavor inspired by her father, Bobby Calhoun, who passed away from the […]

Alabama lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require healthcare professionals to assess women for postpartum depression, a move supporters say will help promptly identify and address maternal mental health concerns many women face after giving birth. Senate Bill 191 (SB191), sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), and House Bill 322 (HB322), introduced by Rep. Frances […]

Project Charlie: Honoring a life, saving others

A tragic house fire that claimed the life of a 7-year-old girl in 2022 has since inspired a movement dedicated to saving lives across Alabama. The initiative, called Project Charlie, was created by Chief James Edwards of the Alder Springs Volunteer Fire Department after the devastating loss of young Charlie Carroll. Charlie died from smoke […]

Huntsville Hospital has made Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2025. This list recognized 1,000 standout organizations across the U.S. that offer supportive workplace policies with an active commitment to diversity and inclusion. Newsweek and data research firm Plant-A Insights Group compiled the list based on an assessment of publicly accessible data, discussions and interviews […]

Healthcare workers in Alabama are calling for legislative action to address the growing issue of workplace violence in hospitals and medical facilities. According to the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA), one in four nurses will experience workplace violence each year. ASNA President Abby Horton emphasized that the problem has escalated in recent years. “Violence against […]

The Elmore County High School community is rallying around one of its own as he faces a serious health challenge. Charles Winchester Jr., the school’s offensive line coach, has been battling cancer and recently underwent an extensive 11.5-hour procedure as part of his treatment. In response, the community has come together to support Coach Winchester […]

Dan Boatman has always lived an active life. The 43-year-old father of five leads a busy life as a pastor, teacher, and basketball coach at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and Christian School in Blountsville, Alabama. As an avid athlete, Boatman participated in sports his entire life and kept a consistent gym routine. But this past summer, […]

Master Sgt. Ron Bohl didn’t hesitate. His brother, Matthew, was battling stage 5 kidney disease, and time was running out. When he learned the wait for a donor kidney could take up to six years, he knew he had to act. Matthew Bohl had been on dialysis since early 2023, but his condition was worsening. […]

Telehealth has become an essential component of modern health care, particularly in rural Alabama, where access to medical services is often limited. The expansion of telehealth services, driven in part by Auburn University’s Rural Health Initiative, is bridging the gap for residents in underserved areas. Auburn University, in collaboration with government agencies, local hospitals, and […]

Lawrence Medical Center (LMC) has announced a major shift in its healthcare services, partnering with Huntsville Hospital Health System (HH Health) to modernize outpatient care in Lawrence County. The decision, made by the LMC Board, comes as rural hospitals across Alabama face increasing financial challenges. Under the new plan, LMC will cease inpatient care and […]

The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is addressing problems associated with childhood trauma and the impact it has on a child’s success by launching a pilot program designed to better equip providers to address childhood trauma. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to expand trauma-informed care to every provider working with adolescents across […]

It is a common sight in today’s digital world: Toddlers holding tablets or other digital devices, with their eyes glued to the screen, are seated quietly at a restaurant, movie theatre, church, or other public setting while their parents enjoy some grown-up time. Parents have discovered that technology can too easily serve as a convenient […]

A rodent-sized mammal found in east Alabama is causing a stir across the state and beyond. Researchers at Auburn University are part of a team that has identified the first henipavirus in North America — in the tissue of a northern short-tailed shrew. The discovery was published this week in the journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases” and has since made […]

On Thursday, outside of Jackson Hospital & Clinic, employees, community members, and elected officials rallied in a desperate bid to keep the struggling hospital afloat. Signs reading “Save our jobs!”, “We need Jackson!”, and “Help us, help you!” reflected the community’s concern over the 80-year-old institution’s uncertain future. Jackson Hospital has been grappling with severe […]

The Poarch Creek Indians have proudly appointed Chris McGhee as their new Fire Chief, marking a significant milestone in his 16-year journey with the department. McGhee will assume the duties previously held by former Fire Chief Ronnie Jackson. McGhee’s leadership, experience, and deep connection to his heritage make him a dedicated Tribal Citizen and an […]

Towana Looney, a 53-year-old Gadsden resident, has made history as the longest-living patient to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant. She has been thriving for more than 62 days post-procedure, following eight years on dialysis. Looney remains in New York City under the care of doctors at NYU Langone Health, where she continues to […]