Health briefs
Mental Health Board has opening
The DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board is seeking candidates for an open position on the board. The CMHB plans, funds and monitors mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services in DeKalb County.
Created by referendum, the board administers a property tax fund that provides support to these services. Currently, 40 programs in 11 agencies receive board support. The board as a whole meets once a month. Board members are encouraged to volunteer to serve on a committee. Committees meet once a month, usually two weeks before the board meeting.
The board is committed to membership that reflects the diversity of the county population, including geographic location. Members must be residents of DeKalb County, and may not be employees or board members of any CMHB-funded agencies.
Interested persons are requested to submit a letter of interest to Charles Rose, president, DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board, 2500 N. Annie Glidden Road, Suite B, DeKalb, IL 60115. Further information can be obtained by calling Kathy Ostdick, administrative assistant, at 815-899-7080, or via e-mail at kostdick@dekalbcounty.org.
Learn CPR at Valley West hospital
Valley West is teaching community members to know how to respond to a cardiac emergency by offering a free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class. The class is being offered through a partnership with the American Heart Association.
Family & Friends CPR will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Valley West Medical Office Building, 1310 N. Main St., Sandwich. Residents interested in participating can call 815-786-3962 to register.
Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer and many deaths – about 250,000 per year – occur suddenly and without warning due to sudden cardiac arrest, according to a news release. A victim of sudden cardiac arrest is likely to die within minutes if CPR and defibrillation do not occur. CPR can add critical minutes to a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s life by pumping blood and oxygen to vital organs such as the heart, brain and lungs. The majority of all sudden cardiac arrests occur at home and only about 5 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive. The signs of sudden cardiac arrest include an abrupt loss of consciousness, collapse and the loss of normal breathing.
Instructors will train participants using the American Heart Association’s Family & Friends course. This is a community CPR course and does not meet CPR certification requirements of employment or require professional credentials. However, the state Good Samaritan law protects all laypersons trained in CPR. The course lasts about 3 hours and is based on the American Heart Association’s longstanding guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care.
Log onto local.americanheart.org for more course information.
Red Cross hosts volunteer orientation
The DeKalb County American Red Cross will hold a new volunteer orientation 7-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Red Cross chapter. Jean FitzPatrick, volunteer coordinator for the Red Cross, will give an overview of the many volunteer positions available. Those interested in becoming a volunteer can fill out an application and interest survey on-site. Volunteers with nursing experience are especially needed. The following positions are currently available:
Disaster Services / Disaster Action Team: Prepare for and respond to local disasters. Provide support to rescue workers, including canteening for local police and fire departments. Provide comfort and assistance to disaster victims.
Health and Safety: Teach health and safety information to schools, organizations and community members. Courses include Babysitting Safety, Fire Prevention and CPR/First Aid.
Armed Forces / Veterans: Plan special events for members of the armed forces and veterans. Provide information to members of the armed forces and veterans about Red Cross services
Special Events: Help plan, support and execute special events and fundraisers.
Blood Drive Coordinators: Coordinate a single blood drive.
Website maintenance
Persons from the southern part of DeKalb County to serve on Disaster Action Team or the Red Cross Board of Directors.
Potential volunteers must pass a background and reference check before placement. The DeKalb County American Red Cross is located at 2727 Sycamore Road, Suite 2A, DeKalb. The chapter is located in the back of the Kishwaukee Health Care building, under the second green awning.
Diabetes support group available
The Valley West Diabetes Support Group offers the opportunity to learn from other’s experiences and share your own. The group meets 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Medical Office Building on the Valley West campus. This month’s topic: How do you problem solve diabetes issues?
Individuals with diabetes, their family and friends are welcome. For more information, call 815-748-8378, or register online at www.valleywest.org.
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