Alabama health officials say ten health care facilities in the state received sterile injectable products from a pharmacy involved in a fungal meningitis outbreak nationwide.
The Department of Public Health said there is no evidence the products sent to Alabama were contaminated. But the Massachusetts-based company is voluntarily recalling all of its products, and the health department has instructed facilities to stop using them. Acting State Epidemiologist Mary McIntyre said Alabama is not one of the 23 states where people may have received the contaminated steroid shots. But she said Alabama residents who received treatment in another state may become involved and may be contacted by their health care provider or that state's health department.
Surveillance Video
The Mobile County Sheriff's Department played the security video for media Thursday. It was taken by a surveillance camera outside the University of South Alabama police station, moments before 18-year-old Gil Collar of Wetumpka was fatally shot last Saturday morning. Montgomery attorney Jere Beasley, who is representing Collar's parents, is disputing a report the slain student had taken LSD. Beasley said the video showed Collar never came within four feet of the campus policeman and the actual shooting occurred outside the view of the camera.
25th Homicide
Montgomery police are investigating the city's 25th homicide. MPD and Fire Medics responded to a report of a subject shot Thursday around 7 p.m. on the 1900 block of Marie James Drive. They found a 24-year-old man with a gun shot wound. He was transported to Jackson Hospital where he died. Police say a suspect is in custody and charges are pending.
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee University officials say former board chairman Andrew Brimmer died last Sunday. Brimmer was the longest-serving Tuskegee board member when he announced his retirement in 2010. He joined the Tuskegee University Board in 1965 and became chairman in 1982. Brimmer was 86 years old.
Hope Line
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley visited the Prattville Christian Academy today. There she joined members of the school's Key Club in donating used cell phones to Hope Line. Alabama State University also is holding events on behalf of Hope Line. It is an initiative sponsored by Verizon Wireless that collects wireless devices that will be refurbished and given to victims of domestic violence. The ASU Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and its members will collect old cell phones at Saturday's football game between the Hornets and Jackson State.
Fire Prevention
The top three causes of accidental fires in Montgomery last year were largely preventable. That is part of the message during this week's Fire Prevention Week in the city. Montgomery Fire Marshall Harold Bellinger used the example of putting flammable material too close to a space heater. All fire stations in the city this week will be open to the public from 10 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. daily for anyone wanting fire prevention information.