Get discounts on prescriptions
Prescription discount cards issued by the federal government are available for people who do not have prescription drug coverage. Average savings is 22 percent on prescription medications. The cards are free and set no limits on how many times you may use them.
The cards can be picked up at the Blaine County Services Office in the county annex in Hailey, St. Luke's Community Center for Health, La Alianza, the Hunger Coalition, and the Public Health Department office in Bellevue, as well as at three participating pharmacies—Karen's Pharmacy, Atkinsons' Drug Store and Albertsons Save-On Drug Store.
The cards are issued in English and Spanish. There are no enrollment forms, no membership fees and they can be used immediately.
St. Luke's offers meditation series
St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center's integrative therapies program is partnering with meditation instructor Valerie Skonie to offer a new meditation series. The series, "Exploring the Path of the Heart Through Meditation," will be held on Tuesdays from Nov. 3 through Nov. 24, from 12:15-1 p.m. in the chapel at St. Luke's in Ketchum.
Using methods developed by Sufi masters, the series teaches meditation through sound and special breathing techniques that shift the focus of consciousness from the mind to the heart center.
Offered to all, from beginners to experienced meditators, the class is free of charge.
Valerie Skonie has practiced heart-centered meditation under the direction of Sufi masters and is the founder and director of Winter Feast for the Soul.
For more information on this class or ongoing meditation, call 727-8417.
Application deadline changed
The deadline for applying to be a candidate for appointment to the Blaine County Airport Advisory Committee has been moved to Monday, Nov. 2.
According to Blaine County Commission Administrative Assistant Jenny Lovell, eight people have submitted applications so far. She said their names could not be divulged until after the deadline.
The committee will have five unsalaried, appointed members, who will work on issues for the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority, but without any decision-making authority.
Candidates to hold reception
Ketchum Mayor Randy Hall and City Council President Baird Gourlay will hold a reception at the Roosevelt Grille on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5-7 p.m. to discuss their past service and future vision for Ketchum. Both are running for re-election.
Appetizers will be served and the first drink is complimentary.
NAMI announces fundraiser
The National Alliance on Mental Illness' Wood River Valley affiliate will hold its second annual fall fundraiser, Mindful Art for NAMI, which features a silent auction of the work of local artists.
Artists will be provided with 12-inch-by-12-inch square masonite boards, available now at the Sun Valley Center in Ketchum. Submissions are due by Nov. 10.
The community event will open Nov. 27 at Iconoclast Books in conjunction with the Thanksgiving Gallery Walk. The show will hang for two weeks and the closing auction will take place Dec. 12.
NAMI engages in support, education and advocacy for the mentally ill and their families. For further information, call 309-1987.
St. Luke's limits visitation
To protect the health of patients and families from the H1N1 flu virus, St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center continues its implementation of visitation restrictions for all patient care areas.
Only visitors who are over 18 and immediate family members such as parents (including parents under 18), grandparents or significant others of unmarried patients will be allowed to visit the patient care areas.
The Mother-Baby Unit will allow only spouses or a labor support person or legal guardian, siblings of the new baby (no other young children) and grandparents. Siblings may be restricted from visiting in the near future due to levels of illness in the community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, children are one of the populations at most risk to contract the H1N1 virus. The virus can be contagious up to two days prior to the onset of symptoms, making it limits on access to these hospital units even more critical.
The policy will remain in effect until further notice.
