American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help prevent a blood shortage. Donations are needed now to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. Donors with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to donate.

University of Mary Washington and The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences have joined forces to streamline the process for UMW students to pursue medical school. A memorandum of understanding guarantees UMW Honors program students early acceptance to the GWU School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Novant Health will host a public meeting Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 11:30 a.m. at George Mason University in Manassas on plans for Novant Health and University of Virginia (UVA) Health System to create a regional health system in Northern Virginia.

The U.S. Senate is honoring the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community by designating this Sunday, July 26, 2015 as “United States Intelligence Professionals Day.”

During times of extreme heat, the Manassas Park Community Center at 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, is a designated cooling center. You do not have to be a member to come in out of the heat.

National Night Out celebration will be held at Haymarket Town Hall/Police Department on Washington Street, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. The community is invited to stop by, says Greg P. Smith, interim police chief.

Following its July 4th ribbon cutting, Serve Our Willing Warriors is moving quickly onto its next phase, a test period with outpatient troops being invited to use and evaluate its Bull Run Warrior Retreat in Haymarket.

Now is a great opportunity to review the recent changes in prostate cancer screening guidelines.