Last week, while visiting the doctor for flu-like symptoms, Safe Routes Partnership director Deb Hubsmith was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This type of leukemia comes on very quickly, and Deb's doctors caught it early and started treatment right away. She will be in and out of the hospital over the next couple of months while going through chemotherapy. Once treated, AML has a good remission and survival rate. Her doctors fully expect remission following her treatment course. 

The 7^th Annual Southern Obesity Summit (SOS) is being held in Nashville, Tennessee. From November 17 -19, 2013, hundreds of participants from sixteen southern states will meet to share strategies in the fight against obesity.

Safe Routes to School Programs and activities have unique opportunities and needs in rural areas. At the Safe Routes Partnership Annual meeting in August, several advocates from rural areas shared their creative ideas to creating thriving programs in rural areas.

After Congress and the President were unable to agree on a deal to continue funding for federal agencies and programs through the annual appropriations process, the federal government was shut down and non-essential employees were sent home. The shutdown is now in its second week, and there is no sign of progress towards a resolution.