students saw the differences between lungs during an asthma attack and after applying albuterol , a medication often used in inhalers .
Fourth-day lectures included information on how monoclonal antibodies are used to treat COVID-19 and how medications , known as SSRIs , work . Campers played a form of tag that showed how SSRIs block reuptake receptors in the brain , allowing them to be used in the treatment of disorders such as depression .
Campers researched a medication of their choice to prepare for a showcase to be live streamed to families and friends and to members of the WVSOM community . On the camp ’ s final day , students paired up to offer presentations on how the drugs Prozac , Bactrim , Oxycontin and Narcan work and the conditions they are used to treat .
Votel and Robinson say Just Say KNOW serves as a way to nurture an interest in science and medicine among young people .
“ It exposes them to scientific ideas that are more advanced than they ’ re going to get in high school , and it opens their eyes to how diverse the world of medicine is and how those things can be used to help people in their communities ,” Votel says . “ The idea is to open them up to possible careers they might be interested in . We teach from a position of medicine , but we also expose them to concepts involved in fields such as research , nursing and community service .”
Just Say KNOW to Drugs was sponsored by the WVSOM Rural Health Initiative and the WVSOM Foundation .
Bunn Joins Babst Calland
Babst Calland recently announced that West Virginia Attorney Joseph Bunn has joined the firm ’ s Charleston , WV , office as a shareholder and member of its Corporate and Commercial and Energy and Natural Resources practice groups .
Bunn focuses his practice on financial transactions , mergers , acquisitions and divestitures . He also counsels clients in other strategic areas such as corporate governance issues and miscellaneous contracts . Over the course of his practice , Bunn has negotiated and drafted numerous transactions for buyers and sellers ranging in size from approximately $ 10 million to $ 325 million .
“ Joseph Bunn is well-known in the industry in West Virginia and across the country . We ’ re very pleased to have him as part of our team ,” says Don Bluedorn , Babst Calland ’ s managing shareholder . “ His proven experience in working with clients in the energy industry is a great fit for our firm and , most importantly , for our clients .”
Bunn earned his Juris Doctor from West Virginia University and received his undergraduate degree from William & Mary . He is a member of the American Bar Association and chairman of the coal subcommittee of the West Virginia State Bar .
Prior to obtaining his law degree , he worked for a Fortune 500 company and a middle market company where he served numerous roles involving strategic planning , capital raises and acquisitions and divestitures .
“ I am excited to be joining a wellrespected legal team in West Virginia representing such a wide range of clients in West Virginia and throughout the country ,” Bunn says .
Visit Mountaineer Country CVB Working to Enhance Visitor Experiences
The Visit Mountaineer Country Convention & Visitors Bureau ( VMCCVB ) is seeking to build relationships with the area ’ s nontraditional lodging property owners and hosts to best promote and sell the Mountaineer Country destination . The VMCCVB will be contacting Airbnb , Vrbo , HomeAway and other short-term rental property owners and hosts in its service area of Monongalia , Preston and Taylor counties in the coming weeks .
“ As the destination management and marketing organization for North Central West Virginia , it ’ s crucial that we personally connect with our area lodging providers to ensure they have the visitor resources needed to provide a five-star stay and a positive guest experience ,” says Susan Riddle , president and CEO of the VMCCVB . “ We already have great working relationships with our area hoteliers , and with nontraditional , experiential stays on the rise , this was the logical next step .”
By working with the VMCCVB , individual property owners can have access to free marketing tools such as a listing on the VMCCB website : VisitMountaineerCountry . com . “ We are all better when we work together ,” Riddle says . “ We rely on our lodging properties , local businesses and attractions to showcase the best and brightest of Mountaineer Country . Mountaineer hospitality is our secret sauce . Anything we can do to provide resources and support to our tourism partners is a win for our entire destination . We are hopeful that our area property hosts will be eager to work with our organization .”
West Virginia American Water Donates $ 125,000 to YWCA Charleston
YWCA team receiving the West Virginia American Water donation .
West Virginia American Water recently announced its donation of a multi-year pledge totaling $ 125,000 to support the YWCA Charleston ’ s Racial Justice Endowment Campaign . The campaign , which seeks to raise $ 500,000 to match an anonymous donor , will further expand the YWCA ’ s training and education opportunities through the creation of additional job opportunities and the establishment of a training center to support racial equity and inclusion initiatives .
“ Inclusion , diversity and equity are a central focus for West Virginia American Water . We know that when our employees feel encouraged to come to work as their true selves , it makes for a safer , stronger and more caring environment ,” says Robert Burton , president of West Virginia American Water . “ Supporting the YWCA Charleston ’ s Racial Justice Endowment Campaign was a clear fit for us , and we look forward to the progress that will be made through the Racial Equity and Inclusion Program .”
The Racial Justice Endowment Campaign will provide operating funds for the new YWCA Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion at its former second seating
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