Published: March 28, 2008 11:56 am      

Local students raise money for autism research

ADA — Pontotoc Technology Center’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and Heath Careers Class are asking area businesses for donations to support autism research.

This year’s HOSA theme is support for the Autism Speaks organization. Pontotoc Technology’s HOSA team, Nurses on a Mission, are raising money for the 2008 Autism Speaks “Walk Now for Autism” event in Okahoma City in June. The donations through Pontotoc Technology Center’s administrators, teachers and school will be used to sponsor Nurses on a Mission in the walk.

“By HOSA’s participation in this project, we hope to raise awareness in our community and school about the significant and rising prevalence of autism, as well as to provide the necessary means to fund important research for this disease,” said Shanell Armstrong, president of the January class of nursing students.

According to 2003 US Department of Education data on autism prevalence, one out of every 370 school age children (6-22 years of age) in Oklahoma have some form of autism. Autism Society of America says autism occurs in one in 150 births and is the fastest growing developmental disability.

Currently there is no cure for autism. However, evidence shows that early intervention results in positive outcomes for children with autism.

Walk Now for Autism Oklahoma 2008 takes place Saturday, June 7, at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City.

Anyone wishing to donate to Pontotoc Technology Center’s HOSA fundraiser for autism may contact Shanell Armstrong, Marisa Ryan, Angel Hatton or Synona Going at (580) 310-2260.