<b>Help available signing up </b><b>for Affordable Care Act </b>

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will hold an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Last Blast Sign Up session for 2017 open enrollment on Saturday, Jan. 28.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the chamber office at 801 Bladen St. in downtown Beaufort with mobile clinics on site for free healthcare screenings. The goal is to provide the community with the resources needed to sign up for affordable health insurance through the federal marketplace.

Call 843-986-1102 for more information.

<b>Red Cross has severe </b><b>winter blood shortage</b>

The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives.

Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed.

“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”

Find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

<b>CrossFit Beaufort donates </b><b>money from fundraiser</b>

CrossFit Beaufort, a local fitness training facility, donated all proceeds from a recent weight loss challenge to families in need of holiday assistance. Its six week challenge began prior to Thanksgiving and ran well into the Christmas season.

CrossFit Beaufort athletes were ecstatic to participate the moment they heard what the proceeds would be used for. The challenge was so successful that the athletes lost a total of 149.5 lbs, and raised a sum of $1,000.

The first-place winner, Steven Jeter, and second-place winner, Charlotte Cushman got to select two families that needed help in order to provide Christmas to their families.

For more information about CrossFit Beaufort, visit www.crossfitbeaufort.com.

<b>Agapé Hospice achieves ACHC accreditation</b>

Agapé Hospice of the Lowcountry has received accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for hospice services.

Achieving accreditation is a process where healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

ACHC is a not-for-profit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. For more information about Agapé Hospice, visit AgapeHospice.com or call 1-800-411-AGAPÉ (2427).