News

Our Blood Institute is teaming up with a beloved Oklahoma attraction to help boost the blood supply this fall. While the leaves may turn, the need for blood never changes, so OBI is asking the public to start the fall season off with a lifesaving blood donation.

In light of Suicide Prevention Month, The Oklahoma Poison Center warns of increasing incidence of self-harm attempts in recent years in the state of Oklahoma. There has been a growing trend of self-harm ingestions in the adolescent population, which is particularly concerning. Over the course of 28 months (May 2021 through August 2023), there have been a total of 2,833 intentional self-harm ingestions reported to the Oklahoma Poison Center in adolescents aged 12-18 years, 80% of the self-harm ingestions reported were among females. (See data below) While the types of medication taken varied, many included over the counter (OTC) pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, which are available without a prescription. These medicines are common in most households, and the accessibility can make them easy to take in large amounts. Kristie Edelen, Managing Director of the Oklahoma Poison Center, says “Seeing an increase in the number of cases and the severity of exposures is concerning. Many people don’t know that taking too much of an OTC pain reliever can have life-threatening consequences.”

A Wellness Symposium is scheduled for Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 at Western Oklahoma State College, 2801 N. Main Street, Altus. The registration costs $40 and includes lunch, breakout sessions, and keynote speakers.

Are you a Frederick business owner who wants to spruce up the exterior of your commercial building? If so, the Frederick Chamber of Commerce 500 Club is accepting applications for facade improvement grants. The program, which was launched by the Chamber in 2005, can provide up to $350 to Frederick businesses for purchase of exterior paint, signage, or other items to improve the appearance of your business.