Johns Hopkins University to name research building after Henrietta Lacks
The woman whose "immortal cells" contributed to some of the most important medical findings in history, including the polio vaccine, chemotherapy and in vitro fertilization, will receive a permanent memorial at Johns Hopkins University.
Officials there announced they plan to name the newest research building planned to be built on campus after Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman who was the unwitting source of one of the most important cell lines ever used in research.
“This building will be a place that stands as an enduring and powerful testament to a woman who not only was the beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to generations of the Lacks family, but the genesis of generations of miraculous discoveries that have changed the landscape of modern medicine,” Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels said. (The Washington Post)
Community Health Systems divests from hospital
Community Health Systems completed the sale of its 238-bed AllianceHealth Deaconess hospital in Oklahoma City, including its physician clinic operations and outpatient services, to an Integris Health subsidiary.
The deal was finalized Oct. 1. Kaufman, Hall & Associates, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Integris Health on the transaction. Community Health Systems affiliates continue to operate seven hospitals in Oklahoma. (Release)
Senator calls for CDC investigation into polio-like illness in Minnesota
After several cases of a rare, polio-like illness known as acute flaccid myelitis were reported among children in Minnesota since mid-September, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has called for help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As reported by the Washington Examiner, Klobuchar asked the CDC to share information by Oct. 16 about the agency's response, any ongoing research and additional resources that might be available to speed the response. So far this year, 38 infections have been reported in 16 states. This surpasses last year's total of 2017 but is still short of the 149 cases reported in 2016.
At least 362 patients have been infected with the illness since 2014. (Washington Examiner)