The public is encouraged to make a blood donation in the Blood Bank of Alaska’s LifeMobile between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 in the Kenai River Campus Residence Hall parking lot. Appointments are required and can be set up by contacting Leslie Byrd at 262-0253 or emailing lbyrd4@kpc.alaska.edu.

Donors are reminded to bring photo identification to their appointment, to eat well and drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting a flu shot for at least 3 days prior to donating blood.

Kenai River Campus nursing students volunteering at drive-through flu shot clinic

Flu season is here and the seasonal vaccine is now available for those who choose to get immunized. The flu, caused by the influenza virus, is spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. For most people, symptoms last only a few days, but for those 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions, including those with compromised immune systems, there is the possibility of getting much sicker for a longer period of time. Reducing the occurrence of the flu helps prevent the infection from spreading to others.

In the spirit of community service and to promote public health, the UAA/KRC nursing students will be volunteering at Central Peninsula Hospital’s drive-through flu shot clinic from 3-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 in the Mountain Tower parking garage at the hospital (enter from Fireweed Street and follow the signs). Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last and will be free of charge.

Not everyone should get the vaccine, including those with a severe allergy to eggs. Anyone with concerns or questions about the vaccine should contact their doctor or the local health department.

For those who may be making a blood donation that day, the Blood Bank of Alaska encourages getting the flu shot after the donation. The BBA requires a 3-day deferral after a donor receives a flu shot.

The public is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to beat the flu season by getting immunized as early in the season as possible. Everyone can do their part by remembering that hand washing is an effective tool to reduce the spread of the virus.

LGBT: An Alliance Group

There is a new group gathering for weekly meetings from 8:30-9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the KRC Residence Hall Fireplace Commons in Soldotna.

The group is a supportive, safe, confidential and comfortable environment where people with any sexual and gender preference can come together and have discussions, watch movies and interact with each other. The group is open to the public.

For more information, send an email to apbell2@alaska.edu.

Nursing program overview

There will be an informational presentation and advising session for students interested in the KPC/UAA nursing program on Friday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. in room 109 at the Kenai River Campus.

Dr. David Wartinbee, KPC biology professor and Marie Sampson, UAA nursing professor, will discuss both the associate and bachelor programs’ application procedures, deadlines and ranking system. Wartinbee says current and future applicants and anyone interested in the program should plan on attending.

Students and interested members of the public can sign up for individual advising appointments at KRC Campus Services by email at iyinfo@kpc.alaska.edu or by calling 262-0330.

For more information about the presentation, contact Dr. Wartinbee at 262-0377 or email dcwartinbee@kpc.alaska.edu.