HEALTH NOTES
Autism center gets grant
The Oklahoma Autism Center received a grant to expand a program for teachers and others who work with kids who have autism spectrum disorders. The Arnall Family Foundation made the $220,000 grant so the center could offer technical support and leaning opportunities to more professionals. The type of assistance offered depends on the needs of each school district. For more information, go to AutismCenterOK.org.
Nurse practitioners elect officers
The Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners elected Margaret Rosales, of Tulsa, as its new president in January. Other officers elected were president-elect Leah Melton, Norman; secretary Cene’ Livingston, Oklahoma City; treasurer Tracy Langley, Ada; immediate past President Toni Pratt-Reid, Piedmont; legislative chair Mindy Whitten, Tulsa; and historian Tricia Butner, Waynoka. Regional representatives are Bryan Nutter, Alva; Trish Farmer, Talala; Cynthia Sanford, Quinton; Carl Laffoon, Tuttle; Damarcus Nelson, Oklahoma City; and Gus Canaday, Tulsa.
Nursing home group rebrands
The Oklahoma Association of Health Providers has renamed itself Care Providers Oklahoma. The group represents skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities, assisted living facilities and other long-term care providers.
SWOSU forms partnership
Western Technology Center and Southwestern Oklahoma State University agreed to a partnership to offer medical laboratory technician and radiologic technology programs at the center. The university currently has associate degree programs in both fields. Officials said the partnership will expand the programs into a larger area. For more information, go to www.swosu. edu or www.westtech.edu.