PARKERSBURG — The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department marks National Readiness Month in September with classes open to the public.

“This year’s theme is ‘Healthy Communities are Prepared Communities’.” Community Health Director Malcolm Lanham said: “The best thing you can do to prepare for an emergency is to stay healthy.”

Classes are scheduled most Saturdays in September, with one class per week.

* Amateur radio classes will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on September 3rd. For new licenses, candidates must bring two sets of ID, including one with a photo. The test is $14 and can only be used with a calculator. To upgrade the license, the owner must bring a copy of the license and the original. If you have a certificate of completion that requires credit, you must bring a copy and the original. The test is $14 and only calculators are allowed. For more information or to sign up, call Ken Harris (WA8LLM) 304-481-3840 or email wa8llm@yahoo.com.

*Two classes will be held on Saturday, September 17th at the Main Office at 211 Sixth Street. The second, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, is a weather spotter class to train participants in identifying and reporting severe weather. To register for the Stop the Bleed class, call her Amanda Lyons at extension 304-485-7374. Call 175 or email amanda.l.lyons@wv.gov. To register for the Weather Spotter Class, call Christine Hamilton at extension 304.485-7374. Call 181 or email Kristine.l.hamilton@wv.gov.

* The Step Up to a Healthy Life class will be held on Saturday, September 24th. This class will focus on the Department of Health’s community health initiative to teach new healthy lifestyle skills to the community, including nutrition, exercise and more. Seating is limited and registration can be done by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2p9279u3 and selecting the date and number of seats required.

* On Wednesday, September 28th, there will be a triage event at the Judge Black Annex in the Fort Boreman Room at 317 Market Street in Parkersburg from 9am to 5pm. Lunch will be provided. To register, please contact her Kristine Hamilton at extension 304.485-7374. Call 181 or email Kristine.l.hamilton@wv.gov.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department serves Wood, Wirt, Calhoun, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Roan counties. Our office is open from 8am to 4pm. For more information, call 304-485-7374 or visit our website movhd.com.