Beach drill
UTMB will participate in a drill later today that is being coordinated by the Galveston Island Beach Patrol. The drill, scheduled for 5 p.m., will simulate a collision between the replica paddlewheel boat Colonel and another vessel in Offatts Bayou near 61st Street. Some of the “injured” will be taken to UTMB’s emergency room as a part of the drill.

Memorial Day closures
UTMB schools, business areas, administrative offices and most clinics will be closed May 26 for the Memorial Day holiday. John Sealy Hospital and the emergency room never close. For more information about UTMB clinics and patient services, including pediatric urgent care clinic hours, visit www.utmbhealth.com or call the UTMB Access Center at 409-772-2222.

Award for HIV research
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded almost $2 million over three years to Massoud Motamedi, professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Gracie Vargas, associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, to develop new, image-based methods for assessing the non-vaccine biomedical prevention products aimed at blocking transmission of HIV. In addition to their expertise in imaging and bioengineering, this collaborative project will include Kathleen Vincent, Nigel Bourne, Gregg Milligan and Erik Rytting.

Brain injury conference
The Robert L. Moody Prize for Distinguished Initiatives in Brain Injury Research and Rehabilitation was presented to Dr. Ross D. Zafonte, chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School. He is currently directing several large clinical treatment trials and his research focuses on understanding mechanisms of recovery after brain and spinal cord Injury. The Moody prize is given to honor and recognize significant contributions in applied brain injury research and rehabilitation, as well as increase awareness of the need to expand research and improve treatment for persons who have experienced traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related central nervous system insults. The 14th annual Galveston Brain Injury conference was held May 7-9.

Senior accolades
Senior volunteers received accolades from the mayors of Galveston, Texas City, Tiki Island and Bayou Vista as part of National Service Recognition Day. Members of UTMB’s RSVP senior volunteer program were honored for the positive impact of their service to their communities. Seniors interested in participating in the UTMB senior programs should contact Ritchie Adoue, director of the RSVP senior volunteer program and coordinator of UTMB’s new Sealy Center for Aging Resource Center, at 409-771-3044 or raadoue@utmb.edu.

Silent Angels
The UTMB Silent Angel award honors a licensed nurse, non-nurse, and a unit or group whose compassion, caring and advocacy made a difference in the life of a patient, family or friend. This year nurses John Patrick, Amanda Chavarria and Kathleen Lund were honored. Student nurse Doreen Phillips was honored and Joyce Piangenti was recognized in the non-nurse category. The cardiothoracic/vascular surgery unit at John Sealy Hospital was honored in the group category.