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An Editorial Opinion of The Demopolis Times

A new program by the University of West Alabama could help try to fill a gap in emergency healthcare response for our area.

The University of West Alabama’s College of Nursing introduced theg Stop the Bleed® program through a $25,000 grant from the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils for the Tombigbee, Ala-Tom, and Gulf Coast regions.

There is no cost to schools, businesses and community organizations in Baldwin, Bibb, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Washington, and Wilcox counties.

The grant funding will allow two UWA professors to train up to five individuals per school, business or organization. Additionally, 100 Stop the Bleed® kits, extra tourniquets, and wall mounts will be provided to participating organizations.

The training also prepares participants to respond confidently during workplace, school, or public emergencies, enhances readiness for natural disasters, accidents, or violent incidents, and contributes to community safety by ensuring people are prepared to act in critical situations.

This sounds like a much needed program for our community and we hope that those interested businesses and organizations will take advantage of the opportunity.

For questions or more information, contact Rhonda Gonzalez, associate professor of nursing, at rgonzalez@uwa.edu.