USA: American Society on Ageing Annual Awards Event Slated For March 27-30, In Washington DC

SAN FRANCISCO (American Society on Ageing), February 15, 2008:

The Healthcare and Aging Network (HAN) of the American Society on Aging (ASA), in collaboration with Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative, has announced its ninth annual Healthcare and Aging Awards recognizing outstanding programs and services in healthcare and aging.

This year the awards will be given to organizations that have demonstrated high-quality, innovative programs that enhance the health-related quality of life in older adults. Although the risk of disease and disability clearly increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Proven effective strategies to prevent chronic disease, disability and functional decline exist, but they have not been widely used.

These include models that integrate care and take a holistic approach to the health of the older person. ASA and Pfizer will recognize outstanding intervention programs developed in recent years to improve the health and healthcare of the aging. Model programs can include, but are not limited to:

- Wellness/health promotion programs
- Community-based care
- Dementia care
- Mental health/behavioral healthcare
- Caregiver supports
- Medication management
- Chronic illness care
- End-of-life care
- Programs that expand access to underserved groups of older adults.

WINNING PROGRAMS
Winning programs will be presented at the 2008 Aging in America Conference , to be held in Washington D.C. on March 27-30, 2008. Up to six programs will receive:

- A cash award of $2,500
- One-night's lodging for one person at the conference
- A complimentary conference registraiton
- A one-year complimentary membership to ASA and the Healthcare and Aging Network.

In addition, winners may use the statement Recognized for Innovation and Quality in Healthcare and Aging, 2008, American Society on Aging in conjunction with the winning program or service. Descriptions of the winning programs will be featured on the ASA website and become part of a publication distributed to members of ASA's Healthcare and Aging Network and other interested parties.

For additional information, please contact:
Nancy Ceridwyn, American Society on Aging,
E-mail: nancyc@asaging.org
Valerie Jones, Awards Committee
E-mail: awards@asaging.org
Copyright © 2008 American Society on Aging