While volunteering this past weekend with WZZM13 and our “Make a Difference Day” event on the GVSU campus in Allendale, I was surprised to realize how little I really knew about bone marrow transplants. I’m sure a lot of you feel the same.

The main thing I learned was that 75% of the time, if you needed a bone marrow transplant, your immediate family would not qualify, meaning they would not be a match. That is when you turn to a place such as Michigan Blood. They are also connected to the National Registry.

Unaddressed concussions can have a devastating effect on a child’s life. Many silent concussions that are not obvious go unreported, sometime with deadly results.

Whether the concussion comes from a head injury, fall, or the sudden impact of acceleration or deceleration force, it can occur without being immediately recognized and can lead to long-term complications.

Because of this, some businesses, in conjunction with Vision Help Concussion Project, are offering a free baseline concussion testing with the King-Devick Test during September. This test is a safe, fast and reliable method to detect a dysfunction in micro-eye movements associated with concussions. Appointments are limited so please call ahead.

The following businesses are participating:

Meijer Optical, 5531 28th St. SE – 616-575-6647

Pearle Vision, 4284 Plainfield NE – Sept 17th – 616-364-6228

Fowle Eyecare Associates, 120 Marcell Dr. NE – 616-866-0140

Cherry Health will host a free event to educate, answer questions and help community members enroll and renew their Healthy Michigan health insurance.  The event will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Kent District Library – Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Avenue, Wyoming.

Enrollment staff will be present to provide information about Healthy Michigan and how to sign up for health insurance or renew current insurance.  Staff will also be available to assist with Special Enrollment Period or SEP, for the Health Insurance Marketplace, for those who qualify.

Additionally, computers will be available for community members to use to enroll or renew their Healthy Michigan coverage.  Certified Application Counselors will assist with the enrollment process as needed.  Spanish assistance will also be available.