OPERATION ROUND UP FOUNDATION MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES

As a cooperative, Pioneer Electric counts community support as one of its guiding principles. Operation Round Up showcases the power of people coming together to create positive change. We are proud to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.

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$190,835 in total grants awarded since 2021

Recent grants

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• Hope Inspired Ministries: $10,000 for transportation, enabling them to enhance their services.

• Beloit Community Emergency Grants: Aid provided to seven families affected by the January tornado, helping them rebuild their lives.

• Lineworker Scholarships: Two scholarships worth $5,000 each, supporting aspiring lineworkers in their career journeys.

• Traditional Student Scholarships: Five scholarships worth $1,000 each, assisting students in pursuing their educational goals.

Assistance for community groups and individuals $48,100 individual grants $142,735 organization grants $15,000 in scholarships

• Full program guidelines and applications can be found at pioneerelectr ic.com/ operation-round-up.

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• Applications must be received by July 14 to be considered at the next board meeting.

The Operation Round Up Foundation funds worthy causes, big and small — from house repairs to medical equipment to travel expenses for cancer treatment. The foundation accepts applications in the following areas:

• Food assistance programs

• Shelter and housing initiatives

• Healthcare services and access

• Education and scholarships

• Public safety programs

Play it safe at the beach this summer

One of the highlights of a beach trip is water recreation. But the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds everyone to be mindful of safety around water this season.

Never swim alone. Stay in groups, and don’t drift too far from shore.

• Don’t swim near piers, pilings and platforms.

• Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Avoid swimming in areas where schools of fish are present.

• Use extra caution when water is murky. Avoid being in the water during nighttime hours.

• Rip currents are most prevalent when the waves crash perpendicular to the beach, rather than at an angle. Look for gaps between the waves; a small patch of calm water surrounded by waves is often a rip current. And look for discolored water near the shore. Rip currents tend to drag large amounts of sediment back out to sea; they’re identifiable by a noticeable flow of sand extending away from the shore.

• Heed beach warning flags, which are posted at all public beach areas in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. For more on summer safety, visit alea.gov.

Alabama launches statewide action plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2033

Alabama ranks third in the nation in the incidence and deaths from cervical cancer, and the burden is even worse in rural counties. To address the problem, the state Department of Public Health, primary care providers and several other health and advocacy groups have launched “Operation Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Alabama.”

The action plan will use evidence-based strategies to promote vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), encourage cervical cancer screenings, and ensure follow ups when a screening indicates abnormal results.

HPV vaccinations help protect children and adolescents before they are exposed to the virus. Cancer screenings among women ages 21 to 65 detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which can lead to cancer. And appropriate follow-ups improve the chance of recovery from cervical cancer.

For more information on the statewide action plan, and to find out how you or your organization may get involved, visit alabamapublichealth.gov

Take us along!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving. coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.