The program encourages African-American church members in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky to change their lifestyles.

The Friday session will take place at Christ Hospital, 2139 Auburn Ave., Mount Auburn. An orientation and kickoff meeting will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the hospital, where churches will get an overview of several workshops planned throughout the year.

The association is working through black churches to present a faith-based heart disease and stroke prevention program, said Candace Alexander, health initiatives manager for the American Heart Association.

Rochelle Morton and Tyronne Stuckey are co-chairs of the American Heart Association's Cultural Cardio & Cerebrovascular Health Awareness Taskforce.

"Our mission is to spread the word and raise awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention among communities of color," Morton said.

Surgeon back from Cuba

Dr. Robert Kersten, better known as the "flying eye surgeon," has recently returned from Manzanillo, Cuba, where he performed surgery on patients aboard the Flying Eye Hospital, a fully equipped surgery center and teaching facility inside a DC-10 airplane.

He has traveled with a group of international ophthalmologists for the last 15 years with ORBIS, a nonprofit humanitarian organization dedicated to saving sight and eliminating avoidable blindness worldwide.

The doctors also teach the local doctors in the latest ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and orbital surgical techniques.

Nancy Korman benefit

Most Northsiders still remember Nancy Korman as the friendly owner of Korman's Corner.

She is suffering from lung cancer and needs smiles to come her way.

The Sunrise Athletic Club is holding a Nancy Korman Benefit from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Mount Healthy Eagles, 1620 Kinney Ave., Mount Healthy. Information: 923-4750.

Giving back: Blood donors

James R. Broomall of Covington headed the list of honorees who reached the level of donating 10 gallons or more of blood and platelets between April 1-15.

Broomall was recognized along with others by the Hoxworth Blood Center. He hit the 44-gallon mark.

Donald C. Wesley of Delhi Township was a close second with 38 gallons. Carl J. Heck of Cold Spring, Ky., reached the 24-gallon level, and Ralph B. Vanderman, Westwood, reached 23 gallons.

Morris Walsh, Dent, and Richard T. Specker, Bridgetown, each reached the 21-gallon level, while John T. Gallenstein, Harrison, joined the 20-gallon club.

Four people reached the 17-gallon level. They were Kevin G. Williams, Batavia; Mary C. Schlosser, Springfield Township, Hamilton County; Harold E Pietz, Forest Park; and Virginia L. Brezinski, Sharonville.

Carroll J. Heidrick, Fort Wright, reached the 16-gallon level.

To donate blood, call 451-0910. To organize a blood drive, call 558-1280.