News reports from Loma Linda University Health, the Jewish-Adventist Friendship Center, Southern Adventist University, Haiti Adventist Hospital and Centerville, Ohio’s Spring Valley Academy:

From a Loma Linda University Health press release:

Loma Linda University Health has been awarded on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Physical Rehab Centers 2021. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry-ranking provider. The awards list was announced today and can currently be viewed on Newsweek’s website.

Darryl VandenBosch, CPA, interim vice president/administrator of Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) East Campus and Surgical Hospital, said this recognition is a testament to the entire rehab team and their dedication to their patients and this organization.

“Our team of board-certified doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff help our patients reach maximum recovery and provide customized care to meet their unique needs,” VandenBosch said. “It is our mission to continue providing the best care to every patient we serve.”

From the APD (an Adventist news agency in German-speaking Europe): Dr. Richard Elofer, head of the Jewish-Adventist Friendship Center (WJAFC) will retire at the end of August. Elofer, who is himself a Jew, has headed the Friendship Center for more than 21 years and has “repeatedly reminded the Adventist Church how important this mission is and how important it is to deal with its people in a respectful and informed manner,” writes Gary Krause, director from “Adventist Mission” of the world church leadership, and: “His voice will be missed.”

Richard Elofer was born in Casablanca, Morocco, to an Orthodox Jewish family and joined the Seventh-day Adventists when he was living in Paris at the age of 19. He then worked for 15 years as a sales representative for the Adventist publishing house and as a parish pastor before becoming church leader in the Israel field. In 2000, while serving in Israel, he was appointed director of the “Jewish-Adventist Friendship Center.” In 2012 he and his wife, Liliane, moved to France, where he was able to devote himself entirely to his work as head of the center.

Graduate Counseling Program at Southern Adventist University Provides Free Service to Community:

Community members are invited to sign up for free counseling sessions through the Southern Center for Counseling and Emotional Wellness at Southern Adventist University. The service is provided by graduate students in the university’s Professional Counseling program, and each session is strictly supervised by licensed professionals.

“The things I love most about counseling are the connections I make and seeing people grow emotionally and mentally,” said Katie Cramer, a master’s student in the Professional Counseling program, completing a dual specialty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. “Counseling is an art to learn, and not every session will go the same way. It helps people realize different perspectives in their life and start the healing process.”

During the school year, approximately 15 counselors are available to help clients with issues such as mental health, relationship conflicts, and more. Housed in the School of Education and Psychology, the program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

“In addition to helping the community, these services benefit our counselors-in-training,” said Ileanna Freeman, PhD, professor and director of Graduate Studies in Professional Counseling. “The counseling practicum prepares students to practice counseling after graduation and teaches them to be responsible professionals, including how to follow the code of ethics and the normal procedures of counseling centers.”

Clients may schedule as many counseling sessions as needed. In-person or virtual appointments can be made by calling 423.236.2492.

From a LLUH press release:

Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) officials are responding to help residents of the Caribbean nation of Haiti whose lives have been severely impacted by a recent earthquake and tropical storm.

LLUH maintains an ongoing collaboration with Hôpital Adventiste d’Haïti (Haiti Adventist Hospital) and has over the years sent doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to serve there through its partnership with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A response team of LLUH and Adventist Health International providers arrived in Haiti last week to assist local staff.

According to American School & University, Adventist-owned Spring Valley Academy in Centerville, Ohio, is building a 15,000-square-foot addition to its high school. Enrollment at the school has reached capacity at 500 students and the $6.4 million expansion will add six classrooms that will open into an atrium. So far, $4 million has been raised for construction.

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