KDMC recognized for service to community

By TIM PRESTON - The Independent

ASHLAND January 10, 2008 10:46 pm

— King’s Daughters Medical Center has been named a national finalist for the 2007 Foster G. McGaw Prize, earning the health care facility a $10,000 award.
The Foster G. McGaw Prize, recognized as one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for excellence in community health care service, is sponsored by the American Hospital Association, the Baxter International Foundation and the Cardinal health Foundation. King’s Daughters was recognized because of broad-based efforts to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of the community.
“The Foster G. McGaw Prize recognizes health care organizations that set a high standard for improving the lives of people in their communities. The winner and finalists this year are wonderful examples of the things that are happening in healthcare today,” said Susan Manilow, chairwoman of the prize committee. “Through innovative leadership and partnerships, sustained commitment, and wide-ranging initiatives that achieve striking results in community health and vitality, these organizations truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
KDMC President and CEO Fred Jackson said the hospital was honored to be selected as a finalist.
“Access to health care is one of the most critical issues facing our patients. King’s Daughters recognizes the importance of taking healthcare beyond the walls of a hospital to reach those with limited access,” Jackson said. “Earning the Foster G. McGaw recognition validates that our programming has a positive and measurable impact on the health and well being of the communities we serve.”
KDMC was recognized for several leadership positions including: tobacco cessation and education programs for adults and children; efforts to battle cardiovascular disease through comprehensive heart and vascular screenings as well as education programs; free health services, screenings, education and community presentations at local libraries, stores and schools; the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program which provides services to needy families in five counties, including access to food and clothing; and education programs designed to prevent unintentional injuries to children younger than 14.
“King’s Daughters Medical Center is committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents in all areas of its community,” Manilow said. “Through its programs to eliminate the use of tobacco and the incidence of heart disease, its free community screening and education programs and its partnerships with other community services to make them more accessible, King’s Daughters Medical Center continually strives to make its community a healthier, better place to live.”
The winner of the $100,000 2007 Foster G. McGaw Prize is Harborview Medical Center of Seattle.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.