Genetic counseling available at Mercy
Genetic counselors in Colorado Springs are now meeting with patients in Durango by two-way video conferencing.
In a partnership with Mercy Regional Medical Center, patients seeking genetic-counseling services can schedule appointments with Penrose Cancer Center genetic counselors.
Appointments take place at Mercy Family Medicine’s Three Springs and Horse Gulch locations in Durango, where a medical assistant sits down with the patient in the clinic room, initiates the video counseling session and introduces the patient.
In Colorado Springs, a Penrose Cancer Center genetic counselor logs on simultaneously and meets with the patient as if it were an in-person appointment.
Genetic-counseling services include:
Recording a detailed family history.
Using family history information to estimate the risk of developing cancer and estimate the risk of an inherited cancer.
Reviewing the pros and cons of genetic testing and helping patients decide if testing is appropriate.
Coordinating genetic testing.
Considering ways to screen for and prevent cancer based on risks.
Exploring implications to family members.
Genetic counseling services require a referral from a medical provider.
For more information, visit www.mercydurango.org.
Family fair and walk earn recognition
San Juan Basin Health Department awarded its Healthy Event Seal of Approval to the Walk for Wilderness and Family Fun Fair as well as the Butterflies & Blooms Walk hosted by San Juan Mountains Association.
These community events provided family fun and fostered outdoor exploration. They were hosted Sept. 27 and June 29, respectively. Event organizers were given their Healthy Event Seal of Approval at San Juan Mountains Association’s holiday party Dec. 8.
San Juan Basin Health presents the Seal of Approval to any organization that holds a public event that is entirely alcohol-free; appropriate for children, young people and/or families; and is affordable for all participants.
To nominate a group or organization for the seal, email Cindy Schultz at cschultz@sjbhd.org.
Halloween carnival receives recognition
San Juan Basin Health Department awarded its Healthy Event Seal of Approval to the Community Halloween Carnival hosted by Boys & Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Southern Ute Police Department, Sky Ute Casino Resort and Ignacio School District.
The carnival was held Oct. 31 at the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio and featured numerous booths, a costume contest and a teen dance. The drug- and alcohol-free event drew nearly 600 community members. Event organizers were given their Healthy Event Seal of Approval at the Sun Ute Community Center on Dec. 17.
San Juan Basin Health presents the Seal of Approval to any organization that holds a public event that is entirely alcohol-free; appropriate for children, young people and/or families; and is affordable for all participants.
To nominate a group or organization to be awarded the seal, email Cindy Schultz at cschultz@sjbhd.org.
United Blood Services announces drives
United Blood Services will host blood drives at these locations:
From 2:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 3, 7, 14, 27 and 31 at 146 Sawyer Drive in Bodo Industrial Park.
From 1:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 6 at the First Methodist Church, 501 Park St., Cortez.
From 2:30 to 5:45 p.m. Jan. 6 at the La Plata County Boardroom, 1060 Second Ave.
From 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at CrossRoad Christian Fellowship, 1044 Park Ave., Pagosa Springs.
From 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary, 11274 Colorado Highway 140, Hesperus.
From 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 9 at Animas Surgical Hospital, 575 Rivergate.
From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Pine River Valley Bank, 1701 Main Ave.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Durango Walmart, 1155 South Camino del Rio. A free movie ticket will be give to donors at this drive.
From 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 13 at the Colorado Department of Transportation, 3803 Main Ave.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Vallecito Room of Fort Lewis College.
From 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Bloodmobile in front of Whalen Gym at Fort Lewis College.
From 2 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Pine Valley Foursquare Church in the Fellowship Hall, 1328 County Road 501, Bayfield.
From 8 to 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at BP Durango, 380 County Road 309.
From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at Kroegers Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza.
From 2:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Mancos Community Center, 130 E. Grand Ave., Mancos.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 29 at Kemper Elementary School, 620 E. Montezuma, Cortez.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 30 at Cortez Walmart, 1835 Main, Cortez.
To schedule an appointment, call (877) 827-4376 or visit www.BloodHero.com. For more information, call (888) 804-9913. All January donors will be entered into a drawing for a $250 Visa gift card.
Herald Staff
