The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD), in collaboration with other local organizations, will encourage youth to take a stand against big tobacco companies and educate their peers about the importance of not smoking on Kick Butts Day, Wednesday, March 20.

Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism which empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against big tobacco companies. Health officials want to raise awareness of the tobacco problem, encourage youth to stay tobacco-free and urge strong action to protect kids from tobacco.

Representatives from the health department will be at the following locations on Wednesday, March 20, to distribute information and tips on smoking cessation:

• Benjamin Hooks Library
3030 Poplar Ave.
10 a.m. to noon

• University of Memphis-University Center
499 University
1 p.m.

Hospitals across the Memphis area are competing in the second annual 'Show Me Your Heart' Competition on Valentine's Day.

The Mid-South Transplant Foundation is sponsoring the competition where 14 hospitals compete to sign up people to the organ donor registry, and see how many hospital staff members and visitors are currently registered donors. 

The hospital with the most registered donors and the hospital who registers the most new donors that day will each receive trophies from Mid-South Transplant Foundation.

A booth will be set up in each hospital in the lobby or cafeteria. MSTF staff members and volunteers will be at the booth to answer any questions.  They will also offer a heart shaped candy to all who show their heart or organ donor on their driver’s license or register as an organ and tissue donor during the event that day.

Here's this list of participating hospitals:

Make A Difference, Inc. will celebrate a grand opening and ribbon cutting on January 25, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2606 Corporate Ave. E., Suite 237 (near I-240 and Airways).

M.A.D., Inc. is a non-profit licensed outpatient treatment program, and is geared to assist adult ex-offenders suffering from severe mental illness, chronic addictive disorders, and HIV.

Memphis has one of the highest co-occuring and HIV populations in the U.S.  

This targeted group is responsible for 70% of area crime, utilizes 50% of local emergency care, makes up 80% of the homeless population, and is growing at a rapid rate.

For more information on M.A.D., Inc., contact Betty Lawson at 901-345-2444, or via email at lawsonb10@yahoo.com.