Kay Blanchard, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., is the new Medical Director of the Virginia Breast Health Center.

MWHC Offers Free Support Groups
A list of free support groups offered by Mary Washington Healthcare.

Fredericksburg Unemployment Rate Up, Highest in Last Year
By Susan Larson
The civilian labor force unemployment rate in Fredericksburg is at 6.0 percent, according to August 2014 local unemployment statistics released October 1 by the Virginia Employment Commission. The number is not seasonally adjusted. It’s the highest unemployment rate for the city between July 2013 and August 2014.

Mary Washington Healthcare Names McDermott CEO
Michael McDermott, M.D. has been chosen the next CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare, the board of trustees announced September 23. He replaces Fred Rankin, who is retiring.
“Dr. McDermott brings strong knowledge of our organization, and a great passion for the health of our community,” said John F. Fick, III, chairman of the Mary Washington Healthcare Board of Trustees.

Drop Off Expired, Unused Medications and Sharps
By Susan Larson
Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) is cosponsoring Operation Medicine Cabinet from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.
“Drop off your expired or unused medications and sharps, no questions asked,” MWH said.
Drop-off locations include:
• Stafford Hospital, 101 Hospital Center Blvd., Stafford 22554
• Mary Washington Hospital, Tompkins-Martin Medical Plaza, 1101 Sam Perry Blvd., Fredericksburg 22401

Free Screenings for People Suffering with Leg Pain
By Mary Washington Healthcare
Mary Washington Healthcare (MWH) will provide free screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2014.

Four Year Nursing Program Comes to Fredericksburg
By Susan Larson
University of Mary Washington (UMW) President Richard V. Hurley and Germanna Community College President David A. Sam signed three transfer and co-enrollment agreements for nursing education at a Monday morning ceremony on UMW’s Stafford campus.
The agreements provide three different pathways for a person in the community to become a nurse who is baccalaureate prepared.

UMW, Germanna, MWHC Create Nursing Education Partnership
University of Mary Washington President Richard V. Hurley and Germanna Community College President David Sam will sign transfer and co-enrollment agreements between the two institutions to establish multiple pathways for nursing students to earn their nursing degrees.

Rankin Honored at EDA Business Appreciation Reception
By Susan Larson
Fred Rankin was honored Monday night at the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority’s annual Business Appreciation Reception.

Affordable Care Act Help Available From MWHC
Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) is providing Affordable Care Act help, explaining options and assisting with enrollment in qualified healthcare plans.
An Affordable Care Act Patient Navigator Town Hall meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in the Fick Conference Center on the second floor of Moss Free Clinic building on the Mary Washington Hospital campus, 1301 Sam Perry Blvd.