The local chapter of the AARP will receive a preview Thursday of the new Wound Healing Center at Scotland Memorial Hospital when Director Paula Davis, RN, B.S.N. addresses the group at Scotland Place at 2 p.m. Davis will present information on the new hyperbaric chambers that will be utilized for patient treatments when the new center opens to the public May 4.

"I will be discussing the healing process, basic hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and who should seek treatment at the Wound Healing Center, among other subjects," Davis said.

According to Nan Johnson, publicity chair for AARP chapter 5391 of Scotland County, the question of how to make the most of life after age 50 is one of the goals of the AARP. Formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, the national organization provides "unique benefits, special products and services" to their members, a practice true of the local chapter as well.

"Providing speakers who bring valuable information and offer answers to your questions is an important part of our agenda," she said.

Johnson related two examples of those she knew personally whose lives could have been improved by treatment at the Wound Healing Center.

"One example was Sue, who was 68 when she broke an ankle stepping off a curb. Until her death at 87 the ulcerated area on her lower leg refused to heal completely. The other was Tony, who was diabetic. A blister on his great toe was the beginning of several surgeries that eventually took his entire leg and ultimately his life. These are but two of the many who suffer chronic, non-healing wounds. Proper medical treatment coupled with hyperbaric oxygen therapy could have been effective in relieving the pain and agony suffered by Sue for almost 20 years and most certainly would have offered Tony added years of quality life."

Davis invites everyone to attend Thursday's lecture to learn more about the new center.

"Anyone who has a non-healing wound or knows someone who does should consider attending this informational session with the AARP," Davis said. "This would be a good way for someone to learn what options are available to them."

The Wound Healing Center is located in the Community Health and Rehabilitation Center on the campus of Scotland County Memorial Hospital. An open house will be held May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Scotland County chapter #5391 of the AARP welcomes all members and potential members to meetings held the third Thursday of each month at Scotland Place on Turnpike Road.

"We are a community based chapter of a national organization representing the interests of older people and rooted in the spirit and challenge of service," according to Johnson.