Local briefs - June 20

LIFELINE’s ‘All American’ blood drive coming up

LIFELINE Blood Services will host its annual “All American Blood Drive” in Jackson and Dyersburg. The event will take place June 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at LIFELINE’s Jackson location- 183 Sterling Farms Dr and June 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at LIFELINE’s Dyersburg location- 1130 Hwy 51 Bypass Suite 19 and 20. The community is invited to attend and donate blood for a lifesaving cause. Every donor 18+ will be entered to win a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport generously donated by Joe Mahan Ford in Paris. Participants will receive a limited-edition donor t-shirt, a voucher for a “Forge” burger and fries from The Blacksmith Restaurant, and a chance to win 4 tickets to the Braves vs. Cardinals game on July 21st. Kona Ice will be on-site offering a free snow cone to the first 10 donors and $1 off for every donor afterwards. The event promises to unite the community in support of a vital cause, offering both lifesaving contributions and exciting rewards. LIFELINE Blood Services never requires appointments for whole blood donation. For platelet and plasma donation, please call 731.427.4431 and make an appointment.  

Community Foundation accepting nominations for Jackson Awards

The Community Foundation of West Tennessee is accepting nominations for the 2024 Jackson Awards. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, July 19, 2024.

The Jackson Awards were first given in 2006 to honor individuals in the community who exemplify the truest qualities of a leader. The awards are named after President Andrew Jackson, the city's namesake, and presented to individuals who have served as leaders in one of the following areas: The Arts, Education, Healthcare, Leadership, Volunteer Service and Youth.

The award recipients will be honored at the Community Foundation’s annual Charity Gala on Saturday, November 9, 2024, in Downtown Jackson.

Nominations are available online at www.cfwtn.org/jackson-awards or can be submitted via email to Haley Fortune at haley@cfwtn.org.

The Charity Gala is the largest annual fundraiser hosted by the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. The event includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, award presentations, live music, and dancing. Proceeds from the event support critical community initiatives. The Charity Gala has come to be recognized as one of West Tennessee’s “most elegant events.” Learn more at www.thecharitygala.org.

Public meetings

Here’s a look at upcoming public meetings held by the Madison County Commission. Unless otherwise noted, all county commission committee meetings happen at the County Finance Complex at 1981 Hollywood Drive:

• June 28 - Special-called meeting at 6 p.m. at 605 Airways Boulevard in Room 150
• City public input meeting - There will be a public input meeting on June 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Jackson City Hall located at 101 E. Main St. in the George Smith Meeting Room. The purpose of this meeting is to notify the public of the intended project scope of the City of Jackson’s North Parkway Phase 3 TDOT Multimodal Access Grant application (for sidewalks along N. Parkway from Wallace Rd. to the Jackson-Madison County Health Department). The public is urged to attend. Persons with a disability, who require aids or services to participate at the meeting, may contact City of Jackson, TN Planning Department at 731-425-8286 no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.
• The West Tennessee Healthcare Board will have its regularly monthly meeting on June 25 at 5 p.m. in the City County Memorial Board Room at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Nominations being taken for Leadership Jackson

The Greater Jackson Chamber is now accepting nominations for the Leadership Jackson 2024 class. This adult leadership program is aimed at empowering business professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Jackson-Madison County community and its opportunities and challenges.  

Leadership Jackson offers an immersive three-month program that allows participants to explore Jackson, engage with influential leaders and take part in weekly sessions delving into critical topics affecting Jackson-Madison County.  

Starting June 1, applicants can fill out a nomination form online at LeadershipJackson.com or at the 2024 Leadership Jackson Nomination form link. Applicants must be a Greater Jackson Chamber member, and a leader in their company or organization should nominate them. They can nominate themselves if they are the primary decision maker. Due to class size, members must limit their nominations to one per chamber member.  

The 2024 class will be led by Leadership Jackson Chair Kris Kelley, JACOA, and Vice Chair Mike Bryant, Centennial Bank.   

The comprehensive curriculum of Leadership Jackson covers a diverse range of topics throughout the weekly sessions while also incorporating a focus on leadership skill-building. Notable leaders from key sectors, including health care, criminal justice, economic development, livability, education, and government, will provide valuable insights by presenting an overview of the present state, challenges, and future vision of their respective fields. This collective knowledge equips participants with a broad understanding of the inner workings of Jackson-Madison County, fostering a big-picture perspective.  

For more information about Leadership Jackson or to see the program schedule for the 2024 class, visit LeadershipJackson.com or contact Lauren Saliba, vice president of education and leadership development, at lsaliba@jacksontn.com.   

Health Dept. urges pregnant women to stop smoking

The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department is announcing a new program that will provide women and families with resources to quit smoking.

Tennessee’s G.I.F.T.S. program is now available in Madison County. G.I.F.T.S., which stands for Growing Inside Free of Tobacco and Smoking, provides support and counseling for pregnant and postpartum women who want to quit smoking. G.I.F.T.S. offers up to $300 in rewards upon program completion.

Pregnant women can be referred by their healthcare provider or through a self-referral. Women attend four smoking cessation sessions.

Following the sessions, they will take monthly breath tests at the health department. For every smoke-free breath test, participants will receive a $25 voucher that can be used for diapers, baby wipes, groceries, or other supplies. Participants can earn $25 vouchers monthly for up to 12 months.

“Women who quit smoking are less likely to have premature and low birth weight babies and reduce the risks of secondhand smoke on their children,” said LeKendria Mays, Health Promotions Coordinator. “It’s a free program that not only improves the health of your family, but rewards you financially.

A smoker who lives with the participant can also enroll in the program. If they successfully quit smoking, they earn additional monthly vouchers for the family.

For more information on the G.I.F.T.S. program, contact LeKendria Mays or Alex McHugh at 731-423-3020.