Alabama lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require healthcare professionals to assess women for postpartum depression, a move supporters say will help promptly identify and address maternal mental health concerns many women face after giving birth. Senate Bill 191 (SB191), sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), and House Bill 322 (HB322), introduced by Rep. Frances […]

A tragic house fire that claimed the life of a 7-year-old girl in 2022 has since inspired a movement dedicated to saving lives across Alabama. The initiative, called Project Charlie, was created by Chief James Edwards of the Alder Springs Volunteer Fire Department after the devastating loss of young Charlie Carroll. Charlie died from smoke […]

Huntsville Hospital has made Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2025. This list recognized 1,000 standout organizations across the U.S. that offer supportive workplace policies with an active commitment to diversity and inclusion. Newsweek and data research firm Plant-A Insights Group compiled the list based on an assessment of publicly accessible data, discussions and interviews […]

Healthcare workers in Alabama are calling for legislative action to address the growing issue of workplace violence in hospitals and medical facilities. According to the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA), one in four nurses will experience workplace violence each year. ASNA President Abby Horton emphasized that the problem has escalated in recent years. “Violence against […]

The Elmore County High School community is rallying around one of its own as he faces a serious health challenge. Charles Winchester Jr., the school’s offensive line coach, has been battling cancer and recently underwent an extensive 11.5-hour procedure as part of his treatment. In response, the community has come together to support Coach Winchester […]

Dan Boatman has always lived an active life. The 43-year-old father of five leads a busy life as a pastor, teacher, and basketball coach at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and Christian School in Blountsville, Alabama. As an avid athlete, Boatman participated in sports his entire life and kept a consistent gym routine. But this past summer, […]

Master Sgt. Ron Bohl didn’t hesitate. His brother, Matthew, was battling stage 5 kidney disease, and time was running out. When he learned the wait for a donor kidney could take up to six years, he knew he had to act. Matthew Bohl had been on dialysis since early 2023, but his condition was worsening. […]

Telehealth has become an essential component of modern health care, particularly in rural Alabama, where access to medical services is often limited. The expansion of telehealth services, driven in part by Auburn University’s Rural Health Initiative, is bridging the gap for residents in underserved areas. Auburn University, in collaboration with government agencies, local hospitals, and […]

Lawrence Medical Center (LMC) has announced a major shift in its healthcare services, partnering with Huntsville Hospital Health System (HH Health) to modernize outpatient care in Lawrence County. The decision, made by the LMC Board, comes as rural hospitals across Alabama face increasing financial challenges. Under the new plan, LMC will cease inpatient care and […]

The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is addressing problems associated with childhood trauma and the impact it has on a child’s success by launching a pilot program designed to better equip providers to address childhood trauma. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to expand trauma-informed care to every provider working with adolescents across […]

It is a common sight in today’s digital world: Toddlers holding tablets or other digital devices, with their eyes glued to the screen, are seated quietly at a restaurant, movie theatre, church, or other public setting while their parents enjoy some grown-up time. Parents have discovered that technology can too easily serve as a convenient […]

A rodent-sized mammal found in east Alabama is causing a stir across the state and beyond. Researchers at Auburn University are part of a team that has identified the first henipavirus in North America — in the tissue of a northern short-tailed shrew. The discovery was published this week in the journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases” and has since made […]

On Thursday, outside of Jackson Hospital & Clinic, employees, community members, and elected officials rallied in a desperate bid to keep the struggling hospital afloat. Signs reading “Save our jobs!”, “We need Jackson!”, and “Help us, help you!” reflected the community’s concern over the 80-year-old institution’s uncertain future. Jackson Hospital has been grappling with severe […]

The Poarch Creek Indians have proudly appointed Chris McGhee as their new Fire Chief, marking a significant milestone in his 16-year journey with the department. McGhee will assume the duties previously held by former Fire Chief Ronnie Jackson. McGhee’s leadership, experience, and deep connection to his heritage make him a dedicated Tribal Citizen and an […]

Towana Looney, a 53-year-old Gadsden resident, has made history as the longest-living patient to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant. She has been thriving for more than 62 days post-procedure, following eight years on dialysis. Looney remains in New York City under the care of doctors at NYU Langone Health, where she continues to […]

Residents in Trussville’s Magnolia Place neighborhood are once again raising concerns over a Birmingham landfill that has been causing ongoing problems. Homeowners say the odor from the Eastern Area Landfill has worsened, even during the colder winter months, making daily life increasingly difficult. The landfill, situated close to hundreds of homes and a nearby school, […]

WAFF in Huntsville shared an amazing story about five-year-old Paislee Landreth and Tracker, an adorable, loving Goldendoodle who is also a diabetic alert service dog. Shelby Landreth, Paislee’s mom, said Paislee was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was three. The family realized lifestyle changes had to be made to help Paislee, and the […]

As another round of extreme winter weather approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is advising citizens to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. This weather event is anticipated to bring snow and ice to regions that may not be accustomed to such winter weather, potentially resulting in dangerous travel conditions. “We recognize that winter weather […]

On Monday, 36 inmates graduated from the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program (RSAT), one of the many drug rehabilitation programs within the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). This graduation was notable because, for the first time, 15 participants from the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) program were included, ADOC reports. The graduation ceremony was […]

Cullman Regional has announced the opening of its new freestanding emergency department in Hartselle. The facility, part of the hospital’s Hartselle campus, will open at 7 a.m. on Monday, January 13. It will offer 24/7 emergency care to residents of Morgan County and nearby communities. The new ER features 10 treatment rooms, including a dedicated […]

The murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and subsequent arrest of Luigi Mangione have provoked wide-ranging reactions.  Sympathy for Mr. Thompson’s family and condemnation of a cold-blooded murder are normal, human responses.  Elevating Mr. Mangione to folk hero status is disturbing and invites exploration of the anger toward American healthcare. The murder of Mr. […]

Instructor Paula Carroll’s Medical Science II students from the DeKalb County Technology Center (DCTC) gave a presentation on employability skills recently at the HH DeKalb Regional Medical Center (HH DRMC). The presentation, part of a larger project, emphasized the importance of having an employee retention program that will improve employee performance, lower errors, and promote […]

Winter can be challenging, but several products promise to make it more manageable. Rechargeable apparel such as vests, pants, socks, and insoles is often marketed as an effective solution for staying warm. However, Mikaela Morris of Minnesota strongly advises against their use. Mikaela and Tyler Morris recently experienced a harrowing incident involving rechargeable insoles, according […]

Adventure enthusiasts across Alabama are invited to lace up their hiking boots and make a difference by participating in the 2025 Make-A-Wish Alabama Trailblaze Challenge. This one-of-a-kind endurance hiking event, presented by America’s Thrift Stores, offers an incredible opportunity to test your limits while helping grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Registration for […]