CHICAGO, IL, September 04, 2012 —

The March of Dimes will honor Illinois healthcare leaders at its 15^th Annual Jonas Salk Health Leadership Awards luncheon at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25 at Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago.  The honorees have shown exemplary leadership in maternal and infant health in the areas of nursing, medicine, research, and public and community health. ABC 7 Chicago Anchor Kathy Brock will serve as emcee.

The awardees are:

·         Alan M. Peaceman, MD, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Physician award

Peaceman has been practicing high-risk obstetrics at Northwestern for 23 years, and has been the Chief of Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine since 2003.

·          Angela C. Rodriguez, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Nurse award

Chair of the Chicago Maternal Child Health Advisory Committee, also active in regionalized  Perinatal Center education and quality improvement efforts. Longtime volunteer for the March of Dimes’ annual perinatal nursing symposiums and conferences.

·         Barbara L. McFarlin, PHD, CNM, RDMS FACNM, UIC College of Nursing, Research award

Dr. McFarlin has been developing and testing a new ultrasound technology to predict preterm cervical ripening leading to preterm birth. An assistant professor at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, McFarlin has 30 years of experience conducting research in midwifery, women’s health and ultrasound.

·          Larry J. Goodman, MD, CEO of Rush University Medical Center, Healthcare Management award

Goodman was named CEO of Rush University Medical Center and president of Rush University in Chicago in 2002. Under his leadership, Rush University Medical Center’s Perinatal Center physicians and staff have been instrumental in strengthening the regionalized perinatal system in Illinois.

·         HealthConnect One, Rachel Abramson accepting, Public and Community Health award

Abramson is a master's-prepared nurse and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. As co-founder and Executive Director of HealthConnect One, she has provided leadership in maternal and child health since 1986.

·         Marleta Reynolds, MD, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Lifetime Achievement award

Dr. Reynolds is Head of the Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago specializing in general and thoracic pediatric surgery, in particular developmental anomalies of the lung, diaphragm, intestines and abdominal wall.

About the Jonas Salk Health Leadership Awards:

In an effort to defeat polio, the March of Dimes provided complete funding to Dr. Jonas M. Salk for the development of the Salk vaccine.  After successful field trials in the 1950’s, this vaccine was proven to be safe and effective.  To celebrate his accomplishments, the March of Dimes Illinois Chapter recognizes health care professionals who have made significant contributions and demonstrated excellent leadership.  Honorees were selected by a March of Dimes Advisory Council.   To participate in this event or make a donation in honor of these stellar professionals, contact Amy Beck at: 312-765-9033.

About the March of Dimes:

The March of Dimes is the champion for all babies, and has protected their health for 70 years, beginning with funding the research that led to the prevention of polio.  The March of Dimes is the first and only organization that has found the cure for which it was established and the first health organization to host a nationwide walk.  Founded in 1938 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the organization was originally called the National Infantile Paralysis Foundation.  After funding the research that led to the cure for polio, the organization changed its focus to prematurity.

Today, more than half a million babies are born too soon, or about 1 in 8 babies. Premature birth is the leading cause of death for infants in the first month of life. 

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.