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NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

A bill broadening so-called conscience protections and the number of employers who can refuse to provide contraception services in health insurance coverage has been approved by a North Carolina House committee.

The bill approved Wednesday allows any medical professional to refuse to participate in an abortion and allows any business to refuse to provide contraception coverage on religious or moral grounds.

The bill expands so-called conscience protections beyond doctors and nurses to include people such as pharmacists and technicians.

The contraception provision expands existing law that exempts religious organizations to any private or nonprofit company.

The bill also outlaws health care plans that include abortion services from future online marketplaces of private plans offered under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Opponents say the bill tramples women's rights.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

Walk/Run to fund lung cancer research

Walk/Run to fund lung cancer research

The Levine Cancer Institute and Carolinas Imaging Services are presenting their Free to Breathe 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk this weekend.

Those who participate in the fundraiser help to raise awareness and fund vital research programs dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival.

Runners and walkers can join the fun at Park Road Park, located at 6220 Park Road in Charlotte, Saturday May 18, from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Online registration is $10 for children ages 12 and younger. For all others, the cost is $25.

5k fundraiser supports breast cancer outreach

5k fundraiser supports breast cancer outreach

Shirley's Angels is hosting its 1st Annual Check Your Headlights 5k this weekend.

Proceeds go to Shirley's Angels, a non-profit organization focused on promoting breast cancer research and outreach, including providing education and breast cancer support.

Awards are given to the first male and female in each age category, as well as the overall male and female top finishers.

Participants are encouraged to wear pink, as the male and female with the best pink ensemble can expect to receive prizes.

Registered runners can join the race at Huntersville Business Park, located at East Reese Boulevard in Huntersville, Saturday May 11, at 8 a.m.

The cost is $25 per runner. Click here to register. The first 300 participants receive a t-shirt and swag bag.

For more information on the Race, call 704-516-0586.

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is hoping the public can help them click their way to a grant from Walmart by voting for them in the "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative.

This initiative is a national campaign where money is awarded to programs that get the most votes for their innovative and effective programs that help alleviate child hunger. The public will decide what organization will receive the grants through a voting campaign at www.facebook.com/walmart that includes more than 300 different hunger relief organizations from across the country.

The more votes a Feeding America food bank or partner agency gets, the better chances they have of winning the money.

The campaign kicked off April 1, and ends 11:59 pm ET on April 30.

Fundraising walk to benefit 45,000 lupus sufferers

Fundraising walk to benefit 45,000 lupus sufferers

The Lupus Foundation of America is holding its annual fundraising walk this weekend.

Walk To End Lupus Now is the most critical fundraiser for the Foundation's North Carolina Chapter.

Proceeds from the Walk go toward helping the 45,000 North Carolina residents living with lupus.

Lupus strikes without warning, has unpredictable and sometimes fatal effects, and has no known cure.

Symptoms range from fatigue to seizures and virtually everything in between.

Walkers are to meet on the King's Green (the Overcash Building's lawn) at Central Piedmont Community College, located at 1201 Elizabeth Avenue in Charlotte, Sunday April 28, at 2:15 p.m.

CPCC launches new diploma program

CPCC launches new diploma program

Responding to the requests of Mecklenburg County ophthalmologist groups and practices, Central Piedmont Community College will open a new diploma program to train ophthalmic medical assistants in August 2013. Kathleen Rodgers, formerly of Horizon Eye Care in Charlotte, will serve as program chair and instructor.

The one-year program will prepare students for positions in ophthalmologist and optometrist offices. Upon completion of the program, students will take the national Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam. CPCC’s program will be only the third ophthalmic medical assistant program offered by a North Carolina community college.

Officials say that given the Charlotte region’s aging population, eye physicians have a growing need for ophthalmic assistants. According to U.S. Dept. of Labor information, ophthalmic medical assistant is of the 30-most rapidly growing occupations in the nation.

Shirley's Angels "Check Your Headlights" 5K steps off May 11th

Shirley's Angels "Check Your Headlights" 5K steps off May 11th

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - After losing her mother to breast cancer, a local Charlotte woman started Shirley's Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money and providing hope.  This year, the group hosts its inaugural Shirley's Angels "Check Your Headlights" 5K Charity Run/Walk...and encourages runners and walkers of all levels to participate.  Funds raised will help support those in our community with breast cancer, from diagnosis to survivor-hood.  Participants will receive a performance t-shirt and swag bag.  Prizes will be awarded for the top finishers and the best PINK ensemble.