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Timely Hints for a Healthy Lifestyle

Family Voices hosts most valuable

voice awards

This year's second annual Most Valuable Voice Awards, sponsored by Family Voices Network of Erie County and its community partners, are fast approaching.

The deadline to submit a nomination is April 3. All those nominated will have their photographs taken and published.

The winner will be announced at the Erie County Children's Mental Health Awareness luncheon at the Buffalo Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.

This is an opportunity for an individual or organization to nominate people in Erie County who support and promote family resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families.

There are three Most Valuable Voice Awards for which the group is now accepting nominations from the community.

The award honors, in each of three categories, the individual who has done the most to increase attention to the needs of children in Erie County with serious mental health needs and who exemplifies the teamwork central to the service philosophy of Family Voices Network.

Family Voices Network of Erie County is a partnership of government, service providers and community organizations with families to promote self-sufficiency of children with serious emotional disturbances and their families.

The nominations are now open to anyone in Erie County. Visit the Erie County Department of Mental Health Web site to download the nomination form for submission.

For more information, visit www.erie.gov/government or call Jennifer Klock at 898-3231.

Lupus Alliance hosts 30th annual

luncheon

The Lupus Alliance of America, Upstate New York Affiliate, is sponsoring its 30th annual lupus seminar for lupus patients, their family members and friends, as well as professionals who want to learn more about lupus.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the Hearthstone Manor, 333 Dick Road, Depew.

Dr. Anthony Dee will be on hand to talk about skin involvement and lupus, while Mathew Philips will speak on joint replacements and the lupus patient.

Kathleen Arntsen, a patient advocate, will discuss what to know about clinical trials participation, and Dr. Ann Parke will speak on the antiphosholipid syndrome.

The annual Volunteer Recognition Award and the Cheryl Malke Scholarship will be presented during the luncheon.

Registration for the event is $20 and is due by March 17. For more information or to register, call the Lupus Alliance at 835-7161 or 1-800-300-4198.

The Lupus Alliance will also hold a new patient orientation meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28 at the Lupus Alliance office, 3871 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga.

All newly diagnosed lupus patients, their families and friends are welcome.

There will be books and current literature available as well as a video and time for questions. There is no charge for the program, but reservations are necessary.

Red Cross in need

of O type blood donations

The American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region reports the urgent need for blood due to too many donors not keeping their appointments. There is a particular need for O positive and O negative blood. Red Cross is offering an incentive program called "Points for Pints," encouraging people to keep blood appointments. For more information, call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.donatebloodnow.org.