The Missouri Chapter of March of Dimes is gearing up to honor nurses who exemplify an extraordinary level of patient care, compassion and customer service. Whether serving as health care provider, educator, researcher, chapter volunteer and/or advisor – nurses play a critical role in advancing the mission of March of Dimes.

March of Dimes will accept nominations for its inaugural Missouri Nurse of the Year gala event from May 30 to August 1, 2012.  Exceptional nurses employed in the state of Missouri and Illinois counties of Jersey, Madison, St. Clair, Clinton, Monroe, and Randolph are eligible.  A selection committee comprised of health care professionals will review the confidential nomination forms.  Twenty nurses in all will be honored at a special awards gala on November 10, 2012 at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, MO.

Mary Elizabeth Grimes, Director of the Missouri Chapter of March Dimes, said, “The Nurse of the Year event is an opportunity for March of Dimes, and the community, to say thank you to these wonderful caregivers who make such a difference in our lives.  This first ever gala will shine the spotlight on the men and women who work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of their patients.”

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of all babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The Nurse of the Year initiative supports this mission while recognizing exceptional nurses throughout the state, celebrating the profession, and creating awareness of the strides made in this growing field.

Nomination forms will be available on the March of Dimes website:  marchofdimes.com/missouri

For additional information contact Lynsey Skinner (314) 513-9962 or lskinner@marchofdimes.com

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes invests more than $3 million annually in Missouri for research and programs to help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.  It is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, 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/missouri

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