By the University of Texas Medical Branch

UTMB’s annual holiday lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 tonight in front of John Sealy Hospital at Eighth and Markets streets. Come see the lights, hear the music and enjoy some hot chocolate.

For information, email the Office of University Events, events.oua@utmb.edu, or call 409-747-6735.

Health policy lunch

The “Role of academic health centers in addressing social determinants of health” will be addressed by Dr. Claire Pomeroy, co-chairman of the Blue Ridge Academic Health Group, at the next Healthy Health Policy lunch and lecture series at noon Wednesday in Room 1.206 of Research Building 6 (formerly Children’s Hospital).

The series is sponsored by the Offices of the President and Health Policy and Legislative Affairs, and co-sponsored by the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities and the UTMB student chapters of the American Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association.

For information, contact Becky Trout, drltrout@utmb.edu or 409-747-2734.

Lights of Love

The Ronald McDonald House hosts the eighth annual Lights of Love holiday celebration from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at 301 14th St. Guests include Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ronald McDonald and elves, with entertainment by local schools.

Diabetes group

“You’ve got to move it” is the topic for this month’s meeting of the UTMB diabetes support group Monday. The group meets from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in Suite 9 of the UTMB Multispecialty Center and Stark Diabetes Clinic, 2660 Gulf Freeway South in League City. To reserve a place, call 832-505-2300.

Zombie exercise research

Researchers are looking for volunteers, 18 to 69, for a study using a phone-based game to increase physical activity. Participants will exercise during the 12-week study using an audio game that tells a story about scavenging for supplies and escaping enemies after a zombie apocalypse.

For information, contact Eloisa Martinez, esmartin@utmb.edu or 409-266-9643.

Toy and book drive

The pediatrics department has launched its annual toy and book drive through Dec. 13. Specially requested this year are toys for babies and teens, along with children’s books.

For a wish list visit www.facebook.com/utmbpediatrics.

Bring new and unwrapped toys to Room 3.300 in Research Building 6.

For information, contact Tayna Vazquez, tavazque@utmb.edu or 409-772-5270.

Holiday blood drive

A holiday blood drive is underway through Jan. 10. Donors may give blood in Galveston from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, in Room 5.212 of John Sealy Annex. Donations also will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in League City at the UTMB Multispecialty

Center at Victory Lakes Town Center, 2660 Gulf Freeway South, Suite 4.

For information, visit www.utmb.edu/bb or call 409-772-4861.