The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VALTOCO® (diazepam nasal spray) as an acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from a patient's usual seizure pattern in people with epilepsy 6 years of age and older.

Tennessee is expecting severe weather this weekend, beginning on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. A threat of damaging winds, tornadoes, hail and heavy rainfall are all expected to cause issues for the region from Jan. 10 through Jan. 11.

In the face of this year's disasters, hundreds of thousands of people turned to the American Red Cross for food, shelter and recovery support in Tennessee and across the country.

Nashville-based Montecito Medical, the nation's top privately held acquirer of medical real estate, has expanded its growing team with the addition of Jennifer Price as data manager.

During the Tennessee Hospital Association's 81^st Annual Meeting, James Ross, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at West Tennessee Healthcare, Jackson, was installed as chairman of the THA 2020 Board of Directors.

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP has appointed John Webb as deputy commissioner for operations.

Last month, the Center for Medical Interoperability announced the launch of C4MI Verified™ - a testing program to accelerate the availability of connected technology solutions in the healthcare industry.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, TriStar Health joined more than 65 HCA Healthcare hospitals and local law enforcement agencies across the country to provide an opportunity for community members to properly dispose of unused opioid medications anonymously, with no questions asked.

Franklin-based American Health Partners has recently announced two new senior staff members to the team.

Awards, Honors, Achievements

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. recently announced FDA Orphan Drug Grant funding for a new Phase II clinical program.

Founded more than 50 years ago in Huntsville, Ala., Fourroux Prosthetics recently opened their newest full-service patient care facility in La Vergne to provide prosthetic services to amputees in Nashville and surrounding communities.

Franklin-based ObjectiveGI, an integrated research and technology services platform company, announced its 10th "Center of Research Excellence" last month.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center recently welcomed Emily Peoples Neely, MD, to TriStar Medical Group - The Frist Clinic. Neely is board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and has been practicing in the Nashville area for the past eight years.

Acadia Healthcare, a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services, and The Jason Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on youth suicide awareness and prevention, have partnered to provide professional guidance and support services to assist schools in dealing with a crisis or traumatic event affecting the student body.

Last month, Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics welcomed Brian Dierckman, MD, to their practice and opened a new office at Southern Hills. Dierckman, a board certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip, knee and shoulder, will primarily see patients at the new location.

Cumberland Emerging Technologies, Inc. (CET) has announced the appointment of Jim Stefansic, PhD, as CET's development director.

TriStar Centennial Women's Hospital recently announced the opening of a Milk Bank Depot for moms to donate frozen breast milk.

Community behavioral health provider Centerstone recently announced the promotion of Carol Bean to vice president of finance and assistant treasurer.

Ascension Saint Thomas has launched its Ascension Online Care platform, giving consumers 24/7 access to care.

Recognizing health happens in the community and that social determinants have a dramatic impact on wellness and well-being, Tennessee Titans All-Pro Safety Kevin Byard joined employees of UnitedHealthcare to distribute new shoes, socks and other daily essentials to students at Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary last month.

The number of opioid-exposed infants who were connected, along with their families, to outside resources upon discharge from the hospital surged in a recent six-month pilot.

Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) recently announced the addition of several members to his staff.

In late August, the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) announced Wendy Long, MD, MPH, has been selected as the association's next president and CEO and will succeed long-time leader Craig Becker, who is retiring after 26 years of service. Long, who will step into her new role in mid-October, was selected after a seven-month national search.