About 800 people took steps recently to help thousands of area residents with an incurable neurological disorder.
So far, nearly $92,000 has been raised through this year’s Akron Walk MS, which took place Sunday at the University of Akron’s Stile Athletics Field House.
Participants have until June 30 to turn in their pledges, which are used to support local programs and services and medical research for multiple sclerosis.
More than 20,000 Ohio residents have MS, which causes symptoms ranging from fatigue, numbness and weakness to total paralysis.
The Akron walk was the final of 12 events hosted throughout April by the Ohio Buckeye Chapter, which serves 38 counties throughout the state.
As of Monday, the chapter had collected $883,533 toward its $1.1 million goal, according to spokeswoman Guyla Wehman.
For more information about multiple sclerosis or the Walk MS fundraiser, call 800-344-4867 or go online to www.msohiowalk.org.
Screenings offered
Akron General is offering free breast, cervical and skin cancer screenings during several events in May.
Area dermatologists, in conjunction with the Cleveland Dermatological Society, are volunteering to provide free skin cancer screenings for children and adults from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11 on the first floor of the Akron General Ambulatory Care Center, 400 Wabash Ave.
Free Pap tests, pelvic exams and clinical breast exams will be available for uninsured and underinsured women 21 and older (or younger if sexually active) from 8:30 a.m. to noon May 18.
Patients with abnormal findings on their breast exam will be offered a same-day mammogram.
The exams will take place on the second floor of the Akron General Women’s Health Clinic, 676 Broadway St.
Call 330-344-2462 to make an appointment for either of the free screening days.
Expanded care
Southwest General Health Center on Tuesday launched a new pediatric service affiliated with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in its emergency department in Brunswick.
Southwest General is now offering Rainbow Pediatric Emergency Services around the clock at its Brunswick ER, as well as at its ER on the main campus in Middleburg Heights.
Emergency medical services for children have been available but were renamed Rainbow Pediatric Emergency Services at the main campus, according to Chief Nursing Officer Marti Bauschka. The specialized pediatric services are new for the Brunswick location.
“This new service aligns us with Rainbow’s standards and clinical guidelines for treating children, thus allowing easier transfers as necessary,” Bauschka said in an email.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or cpowell@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow Powell on Twitter at twitter.com/abjcherylpowell.