Officials collect twice as many unwanted meds as expected during event at Augusta Health

Expired medications and illegal drugs will be accepted anonymously and without question for safe disposal Saturday at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

“Our goal is more than 50,000 doses,” said Doug Holroyd, director of pharmacy services at the hospital. “To destroy meds in regular trash, it can either get into the water supply or into the hands of somebody you don’t want them to ... dogs ... kids.”

FISHERSVILLE – Karen Bess could not move her arm or perform basic tasks such as bathing or brushing her teeth after suffering a series of strokes four years ago.

But Bess said Tuesday that the work of therapists and other professionals at Augusta Health allowed her to return to a relatively normal life that today includes travel.

FISHERSVILLE – More flu infections are likely as the result of the new strain known as swine flu, but the effects are expected to vary little from the seasonal variety, local health officials said Wednesday.

4 men are sent to Augusta Health

Augusta Health officials said Tuesday that the hospital has treated six people, all younger than 17 for H1N1, or swine flu, in the last two weeks, but none of those cases has been verified by the state.

Community Health Fair continues

Gray clouds persist in spreading ethereal gloom, but not in blocking the sun, which shines again today over the central Valley oblivious to conditions meteorological and economic. This time, the light emanates from a familiar source, the Augusta Medical Center, now known as Augusta Health. The regional hospital, which long has prospered in the vanished wake of a clash over its emergence, is on the move.

FISHERSVILLE – The Augusta Medical Center unveiled a new name and logo Wednesday, accelerating an evolving push to elevate its brand and market presence.