February 22, 2008 |
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THIS IS THE WEEK!
JUDGE TO HEAR COMPLAINT AGAINST HACKLEY HOSPITAL
HYDRAZINE AND YOUR HEALTH
MAKE YOUR STORY COUNT
TOBACCO CESSATION TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE
HEALTH CARE REFORM ON THE CANDIDATES' MINDS
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THIS IS THE WEEK!
Wednesday, February 27 is the deadline to register for the Michigan Nurses MARCH! Take the easy way and register on-line today! From the legislative hearing to the march to the Capitol to visiting with legislators, Wednesday, March 12 is going to be a full day of political activism that you do not want to miss. For more information on Michigan Nurses MARCH!, click here.
JUDGE TO HEAR COMPLAINT AGAINST HACKLEY HOSPITAL
NurseLine reported to you a few weeks ago that an Unfair Labor Practice charge had been filed with the National Labor Relations Board against Hackley Hospital. The charge was filed due to Hackley's refusal to provide materials needed to represent the nurses in regard to an upcoming merger. Now the NLRB has found there is evidence to warrant a hearing, which will take place next week. For the full story, click here.
HYDRAZINE AND YOUR HEALTH
There is a "high degree of confidence" according to CNN that when the U.S. Navy blew up an errant satellite scheduled to enter Earth's atmosphere, the missle destroyed the fuel tank containing hydrazine. Never the less, the CDC has issued a Health Advisory that makes for some interesting reading. Not planning on being around rocket fuel? The Environmental Protection Agency states that you can find hydrazine in "agricultural chemicals (pesticides), chemical blowing agents, pharmaceutical intermediates, photography chemicals, boiler water treatment for corrosion protection, textile dyes . . . and in small amounts in tobacco smoke."
MAKE YOUR STORY COUNT
Over 18,000 people have responded to the AFL-CIO Working America Health Care for America Survey, but they would like to have over 20,000 stories to share with legislators. If you have not taken the survey yet, click here and share your story! All submissions are confidential.
TOBACCO CESSATION TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has announced that its free online tobacco training program, “Treating Tobacco Dependence in Michigan: Implementing Effective Cessation Interventions and Systems” is available. Produced by MDCH’s Tobacco Section in conjunction with the Michigan Smoke free Hospitals Grant, the training teaches health care providers how to intervene with patients who use tobacco and ways to implement procedures and systems that encourage tobacco cessation efforts.
HEALTH CARE REFORM ON THE CANDIDATES' MINDS
You have no doubt noticed that all of the candidates running for the U.S. Presidency think that something needs to be done about health care in America. But what do their plans actually look like? The AFL-CIO has a side-by-side comparison chart for each candidate that helps explain the differences. As health care professionals, we need to be informed voters as well when it comes to the health care programs that will affect our patients and practice!
Be sure to check out the MNA Events Calendar for all upcoming events and activities!