Red Cross Urges Blood Donations As Spring Activities Impact Supply

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The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers remain prepared to care for patients in need.

Officials say the combination of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and spring travel can disrupt regular donation routines, leading to a drop in available blood products. Even small changes in schedules can have a significant impact on the blood supply.

Donors of all blood types, including those giving for the first time, are urged to make an appointment in the coming days or weeks.

To help encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for those who give. Individuals who donate between April 13 and April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Those who donate from May 1 through May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.

Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Veterans’ Trust In VA Hits Record High

Trust in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reached an all-time high, according to new data released by the VA.

Officials say 82% of veterans who used VA services in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reported they trust the agency to fulfill its commitment to them.

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AdventHealth Redmond Opens New Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute

Community members across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama will soon have access to expanded heart care through the new AdventHealth Redmond Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute.

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Atrium Health Floyd Recognized For Commitment To Chattooga County

Atrium Health Floyd is being recognized for its long-standing commitment to the people of Chattooga County, where the healthcare system says it has proudly served residents for more than 80 years.

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Blood Drive Planned at Chattooga County EMA on April 10

Residents in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive hosted at the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in Summerville. The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA facility located at 170 Farrar Drive.

The event is being organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, and officials say a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance through bloodassurance.org/schedule, though walk-ins may be accepted if space allows.

In addition, Blood Assurance is offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who donates between April 1 and April 15 will be entered to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.

Community leaders say blood donations are always needed to help hospitals maintain an adequate supply for patients requiring surgeries, treatments, and emergency care.

AdventHealth Celebrates Grand Opening of New Primary Care and Urgent Care Clinic in Summerville

AdventHealth Medical Group has officially celebrated the grand opening of its new Primary Care & Urgent Care clinic in Summerville, expanding access to health care services for families across Chattooga County.

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Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic Raise Minimum Starting Wage to $18.85 an Hour

Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic are making an additional investment in their local workforce, announcing an increase in the minimum starting wage for eligible teammates in Northwest Georgia to $18.85 per hour, beginning with Jan. 30 paychecks. Leaders say the change is meant to strengthen long-term workforce stability and support the employees who provide care across the region.

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“Faces of Hope” Exhibit Brings Cancer Journeys to Life at Harbin Clinic Cancer Center

A new exhibit at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center in Rome is putting real cancer journeys front and center—through powerful portraits and personal stories from patients receiving care close to home. One of those featured is Miriam Little, an oncology social worker who spent a decade helping cancer patients find resources and support, before learning in 2023 that she had ovarian cancer herself.

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CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia Opens Today in Ringgold as Fort Oglethorpe Facility Closes

A major healthcare transition is underway today, January 11, as CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia opens its doors in Ringgold, expanding access to medical services for Catoosa County and surrounding counties in Northwest Georgia.

The opening of the new hospital also marks the closure of CHI Memorial Hospital in Fort Oglethorpe (formerly Hutcheson Hospital). The Fort Oglethorpe facility is closing for all services as operations shift to the new location.

The new hospital, located at 4710 Battlefield Parkway, is now accepting patients for emergency care as well as inpatient and outpatient services. Residents who previously used the Fort Oglethorpe hospital are encouraged to plan for the change and seek care at the Ringgold facility moving forward.

Speaker Jon Burns Unveils Georgia House 2026 Agenda Centered on Affordability, Property Tax Relief, Healthcare and Literacy

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) has unveiled the Georgia House of Representatives’ policy agenda for the 2026 Legislative Session, saying the chamber will focus on affordability and quality of life for families across the state while continuing work tied to recent tax cuts, insurance-cost efforts, education initiatives and healthcare investments.

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