News from around the valley, Aug. 18-24, 2016

Online grocery ordering: Smith’s Food & Drug Stores is set to launch its new online-grocery ordering service in Nevada. Customers can order and purchase from a selection of more than 40,000 groceries available online, then pick them up during a designated time at select Smith’s stores across the valley the next day, where store employees will pack the items and load them into customers’ cars. The first Click List store is to be at 3850 E. Flamingo Road, and customers may begin placing orders on Aug. 23 for pick up on Aug. 24. Additional Click List stores will be unveiled throughout the year.

Spa back to school drive: The Green Valley Ranch Spa, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, is hosting a back-to-school backpack drive through Aug. 26. For every new backpack donated with school supplies, the guest will receive one free enhancement with the purchase of any 50- or 80-minute spa service. Call 702-617-7570.

Welcome to Nevada signs: The Nevada Department of Transportation is inviting state residents to enter a free raffle to receive a Welcome to Nevada sign as the old, obsolete highway signs are redesigned and replaced this year. The signs depicting a lone miner have stood at many interstate and freeway entrances into Nevada, welcoming drivers to the state for approximately 25 years. The signs will be replaced with signs designed by Nevada high school graphic artists through a contest. Organized by the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Nevada Department of Education and NDOT, the contest invited the public to vote on new welcome sign designs which incorporate new Nevada imagery and branding. Free entry is available at nevadadot.com or by calling 775-888-7000.

Trails maintenance: Friends of Nevada Wilderness is teaming up with Team Red, White, and Blue, a veteran’s group, to maintain parts of the Bonanza Trail on the north end of the Spring Mountains Range. Volunteers will complete basic trail work that ensures safety for visitors and longevity of the trail. Visit teamrwb.org or contact anne.rolstad@teamrwb.org.

School bus routes: The Clark County School District’s Transportation Department is offering information to parents on how to register students for transportation to and from school, their child’s bus eligibility, bus stops, routes and times. Student ID number and date of birth are required to access registration information. Visit transportation.ccsd.net or call 702-799-8111.

Workshop for Small Business Owners: The Nevada Small Business Development Center is offering the NxLeveL for Micro Entrepreneurs, a 15-week course set for Wednesdays and starting on Aug. 31. The course is to provide access to expert business owners and advisers who assist attendees by providing insight into planning, growing, launching and assessing their small business. Class size is limited. Tuition is $150. Visit nsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/3928 or contact Kathy Carrico at 775-240-0356 or kcarrico@unr.edu.

Back to School Wellness events: HealthCare Partners Back to School Wellness events offer sports physicals, immunizations and records for students. The last planned event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Galleria Clinic, 1397 Galleria Drive, Suite 100. Insurance co-ops and regular rates apply. Call 702-870-2099.

Ronald McDonald House school drive: Lexus of Las Vegas and Lexus of Henderson are location drop-off sponsors of the 2016 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas back to school supplies drive. Southern Nevada residents can donate needed school supplies such as pencils, crayons, pocket calculators, three-ring binders, glue sticks, backpacks and other classroom items for Clark County School District students. Collection boxes have been set up near the Parts Departments at both Lexus dealerships at 6600 W. Sahara Ave. and 7736 Eastgate Road.

Smarts & Smiles: Ronald McDonald House Charities is hosting its second annual event from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 23-25 at the Ronald McDonald House, 2323 Potosi St. The RMHC Care Mobile will be available to provide dental care and vision screenings for uninsured and underinsured children ages 3-21. Children who receive dental treatment will be given a backpack stuffed with school supplies. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis through Nevada Health Centers. Call Linett Posada at 702-252-4663, ext. 2259.

National Minority Donor Awareness Week: Nevada Donor Network kicked off the week with a clothing drive Aug. 1, set to run through Aug. 31. The network is collecting new and gently-used clothing of all sizes for children in grades kindergartner through 12th. Items needed include pants, shirts, tennis shoes, sweaters, jackets, underwear (new only), and socks (new only). The network is teaming up with businesses and partner organizations across the valley that will serve as drop off locations for items, including Funeraria Casa de Paz, National Title Company, Rockin’ Jump, Sambalatte, Grand Canyon Development Partners, and Phase 1 Sports to name a few. The clothing drive will serve as a “pay it forward” effort, which ties into the mission of encouraging more people to “pay life forward” and register as organ, eye and tissue donors, in addition to building goodwill within the community. A list of locations is available at nvdonor.org.

Cox Back to School Fairs: The annual fairs are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Aug. 20, The Boulevard mall, 3528 S. Maryland Parkway; Aug. 27, Downtown Summerlin, 2025 Festival Plaza Drive. Visit coxknowledgecollege.com.

Hospice Back to School Supply Drive: Nathan Adelson Hospice is collecting items for its annual drive to help local students in the 2016-17 school year. Through Aug. 22, hospice locations will serve as drop-off points for school supplies for students at Robert L. Taylor and Sunrise Acres elementary schools. The supply drive will also help Nathan Adelson Hospice’s Families in Need Program, which assists families utilizing hospice care and also employees in need. Needed supplies include backpacks, paper, crayons, markers, scissors, erasers, glue sticks, tissue boxes, colored pencils, pocket folders, rulers, binders, paper towels and zip-closed bags. Visit nah.org.

Book drive: The Investor Hub, a real estate wholesale company, has partnered with Downtown Achieves and My Brother’s Keeper to help sponsor 16 Little Free Library sites to help bring books into the hands of children living in poverty. The Investor Hub needs the community’s help to fill the libraries with books, and is holding a book drive for new and gently used books. Drop off new or clean, gently-used books for children, preschool through high school, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 31 at 7000 Smoke Ranch Road, Suite C. Call 702-984-7214.

Bottled water donations: HELP of Southern Nevada is partnering with Whole Foods Market to collect bottled water through Aug. 31 for its annual HELP2O campaign to aid homeless people during the summer. The public can donate bottled water at all Las Vegas- and Henderson-area Whole Foods Market locations. The water will be collected and distributed daily to area homeless by HELP of Southern Nevada. Those looking to make a monetary donation throughout the campaign will be able to do so by tossing their change into branded HELP of Southern Nevada change jars at all Las Vegas- and Henderson-area Whole Foods Market locations or by submitting a donation at helpsonv.org.

Sign up for after-school programs: Registration for the city’s new Ignite after-school program has begun. The program for teens is launching at six middle schools this year. Safekey is a before- and after-school integrated learning program offered at 70 Clark County School District elementary schools within the city of Las Vegas. The Ignite program concentrates on science, technology, engineering and math, and focuses on critical thinking, problem solving and driving achievements. The program follows the school calendar and operates when school is in session. The program runs until 6:30 p.m., and costs $10 a day. There is an annual $20 registration fee per child for each program. Registration and enrollment forms can be completed at the Safekey Office located at 416 N. Seventh St., the Ignite or Safekey program at the school your child attends or at city of Las Vegas back-to-school events. The Safekey program provides a safe environment where children in kindergarten through fifth grade can receive homework assistance, have a nutritious afternoon snack, and participate in physical fitness, nutrition education, arts and crafts, music and drama, reading time, games, special events, and literacy programming. Call 702-229-3399 or visit lasvegasparksandrec.com.

Neighborhood College: Clark County’s Neighborhood College is seeking residents interested in learning how county government works to better serve their community. The college is a free, 10-week program of interactive workshops and hands-on learning experiences conducted for Clark County residents by subject matter experts from various County departments and agencies. Session topics include but are not limited to: an overview of government, transportation, human services, public safety, public works, civic engagement and code enforcement. The class starts Sept. 12 and will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 12. To apply, get an application from the Organizational Development Center on the first floor of the Clark County Government Center, call 702-455-3179 or visit goo.gl/forms/qQRdgoNn4KoZJ5rM2. Fax the completed application to to 702-455-3211, email it to ClarkCountyNeighborhoodCollege@ClarkCountyNV.gov or mail it to Clark County Organizational Development Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89155.

Election workers needed: The Clark County Election Department is looking for workers during Election Day, Nov. 8. The pay is $120 for the day. Applicants must be registered voters in Clark County, not a candidate or relative of a candidate, endure long hours or have flexibility for a variable schedule. Visit ClarkCountyNV.gov/vote or call 702-455-2815.

Weatherization program: HELP of Southern Nevada is accepting applications for its Weatherization program, which assists low-income households occupied by seniors, those who are physically challenged and homes with children, to prepare for extreme summer and winter weather. This year, Southwest Gas is teaming up with the nonprofit through its Energy Share program, a bill assistance program to help those facing economic hardships. Through the program, customers can seek support on past-due natural gas energy bills. Qualified individuals may also receive assistance in replacing a natural gas appliance. Once an application is accepted, trained weatherization staff members will visit and examine homes and perform an energy audit. Repairs may include weather stripping, blowing insulation, broken windows, testing gas appliances, heating and air conditioning evaluations, refrigerator efficiency checks and installation of solar screens and other energy-saving devices. Visit helpsonv.org, call 702-795-0575 or visit the nonprofit at 1640 E. Flamingo Road between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Elks membership: The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, founded 150 years ago, is an organization of adults seeking to engage in charitable work at the local and national levels. Membership is open to men and women. Examples of efforts include providing scholarships to high school graduates in an amount (annually second only to the federal government), providing school supplies to at-risk schools in the local community, food baskets to families in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, participating in drug awareness programs in local schools and being active in veterans and veteran organizations. Call the Henderson/Green Valley Lodge 2802, 631 E. Lake Mead Parkway, at 702-565-9959 or visit tinyurl.com/elksgv.

Business license kiosks: City of Las Vegas Business Licensing has deployed two kiosks providing English- and Spanish-speaking customers with alternate methods of conducting business with the city of Las Vegas. The first is in the first-floor lobby at the Development Services Center, 333 N. Rancho Drive. The second is at the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, 575 Symphony Park Ave., Suite 100. Some of the tasks that can be completed on the new kiosks include: apply for a business license; manage business license; pay business license renewals; visit required state websites; print forms; take customer surveys; and report problems. Call the Business Licensing department at 702-229-6281.

Degrees, internships, scholarships, enrollments and contests:

Nominate veterans for veteran of the month: Nevada’s Veteran of the Month award recognizes veterans statewide who contribute their time and energy in support of veterans and the military, and/or who take pride in caring and nurturing their local communities. The program is managed by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, which continuously seeks potential honorees. Anyone can nominate potential candidates. Submissions must be on an official form and will be reviewed by members of the Veterans Service Commission at its quarterly meetings. The members then make final decisions on who is chosen. Submissions are accepted throughout the year, and nomination deadlines are three weeks prior to each VSC quarterly meeting. To nominate:

— Read the attached VOM guidelines at veterans.nv.gov.

— Download and complete VOM nomination packet under “Services.” Nomination packets must include a copy of the nominee’s DD-214 Form and a photo of the nominee. For assistance in obtaining a copy of a DD-214 form, call the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, VAST Section, at 775-321-4880.

— Nomination packets can be filled out online, saved, printed, signed and mailed to: Nevada Department of Veterans Services, Attn: Pamela Roberts, 6880 S. McCarran Blvd., Bldg. A, Suite 2, Reno, NV 89509.

— Completed packets can also be scanned and emailed to Roberts at robertsp@veterans.nv.gov or faxed to 775-688-1656.

Student Poetry Competition: 2016 Spark! Poetry Writing & Recitation Competition for Clark County High School Students is accepting entries through Sept. 30. High school students (grades 9 through 12) can submit original poems for the Vegas Valley Book Festival 2016 Spark! Poetry Writing & Recitation Competition by Sept. 30. Modeled after the national Poetry Out Loud competition and the Scholastic Writing competition, high school students will have the opportunity to recite their own poetry during the Vegas Valley Book Festival Saturday, Oct. 15. The first-place prize is $300. The second-place winner will receive $200 and the third-place prize is $100. Visit VegasValleyBookFestival.org/spark, call 702-486-3738 or email mdorofachuk@nevadaculture.org.

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree: WGU Nevada is now accepting applications for its newest online master’s degree program, Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. The new program offers coursework that aligns with the latest standards from national security organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency. The program is designed for experienced information systems professionals or individuals with real-world IT experience who are seeking a master’s degree and planning to become certified in ethical hacking or computer forensic investigation. Visit nevada.wgu.edu/cybersecurity.

Leadership Academy enrollment: Leadership Academy of Nevada is enrolling students for the 2016-17 school year. LANV focuses on developing leaders through delivery of a liberal-arts education via cutting-edge technology in grades six through 12 throughout Nevada. Regularly scheduled Enrollment Information Meetings are held online and in Las Vegas so that parents and students can learn more. A list of Enrollment Information Meeting dates, times, and places can be found at lanv.org.

Teaching scholarships: WGU Nevada is partnering with the Nevada Department of Education to offer up to 20 full-ride scholarships to residents who wish to pursue a career in teaching. In 2015, the Nevada Department of Education provided $240,000 to WGU Nevada as part of the Nevada Legislature’s Teach Nevada Scholarship Initiative. Individuals interested in applying are required to complete WGU Nevada’s Alternate Route to Licensure program for elementary and secondary teaching. The ARL program is an accelerated pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree but do not have a teaching license. After successful completion of the accelerated program, students will have completed a series of rigorous courses, in-person observations and clinical experiences in a public school classroom that prepares them to be effective teachers. Winning scholarship recipients will be awarded $3,000 per term, not to exceed a total of $12,000 per student. Scholarships are available to new students who possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a non-education related field from an accredited university. To learn more about the scholarship, email scholarships@wgu.edu. Visit nevada.wgu.edu.

Latin Chamber scholarship: In collaboration with the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce, WGU Nevada is encouraging professionals to embark on continuing education by offering more than $30,000 in scholarships to members of the chamber through its Las Vegas Otto Merida Scholarship program. The scholarships, valued at up to $3,200 per student, will be applied at the rate of $800 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. Scholarships are available to new students looking to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any of WGU Nevada’s more than 50 degree programs in information technology, business, teacher education, or health care. Potential awardees must be a member of the chamber, or belong to a member company, which comprises more than 800 members. The WGU Nevada Otto Merida Scholarship was created in honor of the founder and chief executive officer of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Visit nevada.wgu.edu/LVLCC.

Host families sought for exchange students: International Experience USA, a nonprofit high school student exchange organization approved by the U.S. Department of State, is seeking host families in the Las Vegas Valley to provide room and board, help with transportation and provide emotional support to exchange students. The students provide their own insurance and personal spending money. Visit ie-usa.org or contact Carol Myint at 507-301-3615 or c.myint@international-experience.net.

Health trials and other volunteer-oriented information:

Volunteer coaches: The Elite Las Vegas Wildcats, comprising tackle football and cheerleading for youths 7 to 14, is a nonprofit within the National Youth Sports League, affiliated with USA Football, a partner of the NFL. The Wildcats are looking for volunteer coaches for over 135 student athletes. No experience is required. Coaching clinics and course opportunities will be provided. Each volunteer will be required to submit a background check (a $10 fee). Football coaches will be required to obtain USA Football Certification for coaching (a $25 fee for an online membership). Email elitelvwildcats@yahoo.com or call Katie Grossardt at 702-426-9039.

Sunset Stewards volunteers: Volunteers are sought for Clark County Parks and Recreation’s Sunset Stewards program, which involves patrolling Sunset Park for at least four hours each month. Stewards report problems and interact with park patrons in a positive way in order to educate them about what behavior is appropriate at the Sunset lake and elsewhere on the grounds of the 323-acre regional facility. Volunteers are to be trained about how to interact with park patrons in a nonconfrontational manner. Volunteers are required to undergo a police background check and asked to have a cellphone with camera capabilities in order to document graffiti, vandalism or other concerns they may encounter on their rounds. They will be provided a volunteer vest and have the option of being provided a trash grabber to pick up small pieces of garbage. Call 702-455-8200 or email sunsetstewards@ClarkCountyNV.gov. 

Shingles clinical trial: The FV-100 shingles clinical trial has several sites in Las Vegas and is currently enrolling to test a potential treatment for shingles. This could prevent long-lasting post-herpetic neuralgia pain for patients who are able to recognize the early signs of the disease and receive treatment within 72 hours of the first signs/symptoms of shingles. Patients must meet the following criteria to prequalify for the study: be 50 or older; able to receive the first dose of study medication within 72 hours of a possible shingles rash appearing; have not received the shingles vaccine; have a history of no more than two episodes of shingles; and the onset of shingles must not be on face, eyes, or mouth. Visit GotShingles.com. The website allows for a ZIP code search to find participating physicians in your area.

Patient and Family Advisory Council: HealthInsight Nevada is creating a Patient and Family Advisory Council to help better understand the health care system from the patient’s viewpoint. Patients, families and caregivers participating in the council will share their personal stories and health care experiences. HealthInsight Nevada is recruiting members from many different backgrounds from all regions of Nevada. Contact Gina Pirozzi at gpirozzi@healthinsight.org or 702-933-7326.

Alzheimer’s study: The Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health are recruiting participants for their new, multicenter Alzheimer’s disease treatment trial EMERGE. The main purpose of the study is to determine if the experimental drug B11B037 can slow the progression of symptoms in early AD. Men and women 50 to 85 diagnosed with AD and experiencing mild cognitive impairment with common symptoms, such as memory loss, are needed to complete the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Additional study requirements include having a Clinical Dementia Rating-Global score of 0.5, a positive amyloid Position Emission Tomography scan and a reliable caregiver. Study participants will visit their respective trial sites to receive monthly injections during the course of the 78-week trial. The severity of dementia and changes in functional and cognitive impairment in participants will be measured and compared to evaluate the drug’s ability in slowing the progression of AD. Tests and assessments to monitor participants’ health include the completion of several interviews and questionnaires to measure how they are thinking, feeling and performing in everyday activities; physical examinations; Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans; PET (positron emission tomography); and measurements of vital signs. Call 216-445-9009. To enroll at Lou Ruvo, call 702-483-6000 or call Monica Guerra at 702-701-7893. For more information about ongoing trials, visit ClevelandClinic.org/clinicaltrials.

Ongoing health events and blood drives:

Yoga For Seniors: Atria Seville, 2000 N. Rampart Blvd., plans to offer a chair yoga and meditation class for seniors from 2 to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. The class is led by master Mitch Menik and is open to the public. Sign in at the front desk. Visit atriaseville.com or call 702-804-6800.

Yoga with Christian: The sessions are slated from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursdays at the MountainView Hospital Medical Office Building, H2U, Suite 114, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. The cost is $5 per class. Registration is required. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

Southern Nevada Health District app: The Walk Around Nevada app is a free, online program that helps participants increase physical activity by virtually logging 1,442 miles as they walk around the state. It can be downloaded through the Apple store for iOS devices or from Google Play for Android. Visit gethealthyclarkcounty.org or SNHD.info/apps.

Free blood pressure screenings: The screenings are scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the MountainView Hospital Medical Office Building, H2U, Suite 114, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. Registration is required. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

MS Stretch & Flex: The events are planned for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at the MountainView Hospital Medical Office Building, H2U, Suite 114, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. This class is free for people with multiple sclerosis and current members of H2U. There is a $5 fee for others. Registration is required. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group: The group is set to meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive. Email donrosiew@gmail.com or terikoehler@gmail.com.

Cervical Cancer Support Group: The group is set to meet at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive, and is facilitated by Branda Kent, Nevada Chapter leader for the Cervical Cancer Coalition. For upcoming meeting information, call Ginger Fidel, Summerlin Hospital Oncology Program coordinator, at 702-233-7751.

Walk with a UMC Doc: Free Walk with a UMC Doc events are planned at 9:30 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Visit umcsn.com.

STD Testing: Free weekly STD screenings are available at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada and the Richard Steele Boxing Facility. Visit snhd.info/sexual-health-clinic. Free testing is also available from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Aid for AIDS of Nevada offices, 1120 Almond Tree Lane. No appointments are necessary, and anyone 13 or older will be tested. Visit afanlv.org.

Better Breathers Club plans meetings: The American Lung Association in Nevada invites those with lung health disease, their loved ones and caregivers to a Better Breathers Club meetings planned at the following locations and times each month:

— Second Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m. in the conference room at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive; RSVP by calling 702-835-9898.

— Last Fridays, 3 to 4 p.m. at Prestige Care at Mira Loma, 2520 Wigwam Parkway; 702-431-6348.

— First Thursdays, 1 to 2 p.m. at St. Rose Women’s Care and Outreach Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway; 702-616-4910.

— First Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., United in Hope: Lung Cancer Survivors Support Group, at Kindred Hospital Las Vegas, 2250 E. Flamingo Road; at 702-353-2039 or lysa71@cox.net.

— Fibromyalgia group meetings: The Fibromyalgia Friends Support Group of Southern Nevada is scheduled to meet during lunch and evening sessions the second and third Thursday of the month. Lunch meetings are set from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fiesta Henderson buffet, 777 W. Lake Mead Parkway. Evening meetings are planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Barbara Greenspun Women’s Care Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Suite 180. Visit fmfriends.org.

— Breast cancer empowerment group: A free Breast Cancer Empowerment/Support Group is set to meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive. Topics vary and include guest speakers, resources and open discussion with the goal of helping to empower and support women. RSVP by calling 702-233-7155.

— Stroke support group: The Stroke Support Group is set to meet at various times monthly:

— From 3 to 4 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive, 702-233-7061.

— From 3 to 4 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive, 702-629-1309.

— From 10 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of the month at the South Magna Conference Center, south of the Desert Springs Hospital main entrance, 2075 E. Flamingo Road, 702-369-7560. Recommended parking is off Bruce Street. Lunch is provided.

— From 10 to 11:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month on the fourth floor of Valley Hospital, 620 Shadow Lane. Call 702-388-8441 or 702-388-4619. Light refreshments will be served.

— From 2 to 3:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month on the fourth floor in the acute rehabilitation unit in the dining room at Valley Hospital, 620 Shadow Lane. Call 702-388-8441 or 702-388-4619. Light refreshments will be served.

Cardiac support group meetings:

— At 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month in the cafeteria at Desert Springs Hospital, 2075 E. Flamingo Road. Call 702-369-7560.

— From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month in Conference Room B at Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd. RSVP by calling 702-388-4888. This support group provides peer-to-peer patient support and education including meeting others living with heart disease, learning how to live with heart disease and having your questions answered by knowledgeable staff members.

— At 10:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month in Classroom 1A at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive. RSVP by calling 702-233-7470. Topics vary and include guest speakers, resources and open discussion by helping those with cardiac issues continue their recovery, provide education and encourage ongoing exercise.

Bloodmobile drives planned across valley: UBS Bloodmobile drives are planned at multiple times and locations around the valley. Call 702-233-9620 or visit unitedbloodservices.org and enter the code, if available.

American Red Cross blood drives scheduled around the valley: The American Red Cross encourages residents to donate. Blood drives are planned continually across the valley. All blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, on a regular basis. To schedule a donation appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Recently, Red Cross announced a new RapidPass program, which allows donors to complete predonation reading and health history questions online on the day of their donation using a computer at home or work, reducing the time spent at blood drives by approximately 15 minutes.