In a ceremony on April 27, the Highmark Health organization honored dedicated employees for their outstanding volunteer work by presenting them with Jefferson Awards for Public Service and a monetary contribution for the nonprofit organization of their choice.

Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

A Glimmer of Hope Foundation has been raising funds for breast cancer research since 1994, and the Foundation recently presented Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH) with a $5,000 gift to continue funding innovations in breast cancer treatment and care.

Monongahela Valley Hospital is sponsoring a variety of informative programs this month. Many of the events will be held in the hospital’s Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC) unless otherwise noted.

Friday, April 1 – MVH Red Cross Blood Drive

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., ECC. Monongahela Valley Hospital, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a blood drive to benefit local patients. Free parking is available. For more information or to register, call 724-494-4090 or visit redcrosslife.org.

Monday, April 4 – Breast Cancer Support Group

2 – 4 p.m., Hospital, 7-East Family Room. This support group is free and open to all breast cancer patients and their families. The group meets the first Monday of each month. For more information, call 724-258-1704.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 5, 6, 7, 19, 20 and 21 – Managing Your Diabetes

8:30 – 11:30 a.m. April 5-7; 6 to 9 p.m. April 19-21, ECC. This education program is designed to help you with diabetes self-management. You will learn, “What is diabetes?” Other topics include the importance of controlling your blood sugars, diabetes medications, lifestyle changes, meal planning and methods to reduce your risk of complications. The program is three consecutive days. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start date of class by calling 724-258-1483.

 April 7, 14, 21, 26, 28 – Spring Smoking Cessation Series

6 to 7 p.m., ECC. The one-hour sessions will be facilitated by the Primary Care Resource Center (PCRC) Team which has been certified in evidence-based cessation programs. Classes are free for PCRC patients and those with referrals from MVH-affiliated primary care physicians. All others pay $20. Space is limited. To register, call 724-258-1932.

Thursday, April 7 – MVH Day at Salatino’s River House Cafe

Noon – 10 p.m., Salatino’s River House Café, 506 McKean Ave., Charleroi. The Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc., is partnering with Salatino’s for this fundraiser. Open to the public, 10 percent of all the food sales during the event (dine-in, take out or delivery) will be donated to the Auxiliary, which raises funds that are used for patient care at MVH. MVH President and CEO, Louis J. Panza Jr., will serve as guest bartender from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The event will also feature a specialty basket raffle. All of the funds in the bartender tip jar will also be donated to the Auxiliary. For more information, call 724-258-1090.

Thursday, April 7 – Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?

6 p.m., ECC. Bariatric surgery is an option for people wanting to lose 100 pounds or more. This free information session is designed to give those individuals struggling with weight loss the facts to choose their best option. To learn if you are a candidate for this surgery, join Dr. Hiram Gonzalez as he discusses this topic in detail. To register, call 724-258-1333.

Monday, April 11 and 25 – Suicide Bereavement Support Group

6 p.m., ECC. This support group meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month. This program is led by a licensed psychologist and is free and open to all those touched by suicide. Registration is required. To register, call 724-268-1144.

Tuesday, April 12 – RSDS Support Group

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., ECC. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) Support Group is free and open to all persons with RSDS or related illnesses. For more information, call 724-929-9492.

 Tuesday, April 12 – Alzheimer’s Support Group

6 p.m., ECC. This free support group meets the second Tuesday of each month. It is designed to help the family members, friends and caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Discussion topics include the challenges of coping with this disorder as well as techniques for managing stress and methods of encouraging social engagement. Reservations are requested by calling 724-258-1333.

 Wednesday, April 13 – Advanced Carbohydrate Counting

6 to 8 p.m., ECC. This program is a diabetes self-management class designed to educate you on how to count carbohydrate content of food to improve blood sugar control. Topics include how to track effects of carbohydrates and blood sugar, your glycemic index and how to read food nutrition labels. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start of class by calling 724-258-1483.

Wednesday, April 13 – Community CPR Instruction

11 a.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX. Adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes are offered by Monongahela Valley Hospital in conjunction with Rostraver EMS. The fee for the class is $35 to cover the class and required materials. To register, call 724-872-9200.

Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15 – Jewelry Sale

8 a.m., ECC. The Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc. is sponsoring a $5 jewelry sale with a variety of costume jewelry available for purchase. Free parking provided with any purchase. Proceeds will be used to enhance services for MVH patients and visitors. For more information, call 724-258-1167.

Thursday, April 14 – Diabetes Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX. This support program is free for people with diabetes, their families and caregivers. Advance registration is required by calling 724-258-1483.

Saturday, April 16 – Mamm & Glamm Breast Cancer Prevention Event

8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX, Rostraver. Come have a stress-free mammogram while being pampered. For an appointment, call 724-379-1911.

Monday, April 18 - Cancer Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., Hospital, 7-East Family Room. This support group is free and open to all cancer patients and their families. The group meets the third Monday of each month. For additional information, call

724-258-1704.

Wednesday, April 20 - Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Support Group

1 – 3 p.m., ECC. The Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Support Group is free and open to all persons with arthritis, fibromyalgia or related illnesses and their families. For more information, call 724-258-1321.

Wednesday, April 20 – Lung Cancer Screening and Education

6 p.m., ECC. Learn about the importance of early detection and treatment of lung cancer during this free educational program. Current and former smokers age 55 and older are encouraged to attend. For more information and to register, call 724-258-1333.

 Thursday and Friday, April 21 and 22 – AARP Smart Driver’s Beginner’s Course

9 a.m. – 1 p.m., ECC. The nation's first and largest classroom-based driver improvement course specially designed for motorists age 50 and older. It is intended to help improve skills while teaching accident and traffic violation avoidance. Some insurance companies offer discounts for course completion. The cost per person is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, call 724-258-1333.

Thursday, April 21 - Ostomy Support Group

2 – 3:30 p.m., ECC. This support group is free and open to all persons with ostomies and their families and friends. The group meets the third Thursday of each month. For more information, call

724-258-1773.

Monday, April 25 – Innovations in Medicine: Knee Pain Advanced Treatment Options

6 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX. Dr. Scott L. Baron of The Orthopedic Group will discuss the latest advancements for treatment of knee pain. To register, call 724-258-1333.

 Wednesday, April 27 – Colorectal Screening

1 p.m., ECC. Monongahela Valley Hospital will offer a free colorectal cancer education and screening in observance of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Control Month. Health care professionals will provide information during the education portion of the presentation and MVH staff will explain and provide instructions for the take home colorectal screening kit. Although the education program and test kit are free, seating is limited. Advance registration required. For additional information or to register, call 724-258-1333.

 Thursday, April 28 - Infant and Child CPR Class

6 - 9 p.m., ECC. Learn how to help a choking baby or small child. Sign up to learn emergency life-saving techniques of clearing airway obstructions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The $40 fee is payable to VHSTC and advance registration is required by calling the Valley Health and Safety Training Center at 724-684-9536.

Thursday, April 28 – Stroke Support Group

1 – 2:30 p.m., ECC.  The Stroke Support Group is designed for patients and caregivers to share, learn and grow with people who can personally relate to the daily challenges and struggles they face dealing with strokes and their after-effects. The group meets the last Thursday of each month. For more information, call 724-258-1455.