"The March of Dimes MCH Nurse of the Year Awards will put a spotlight on the outstanding work being done in Western Washington by these caring and dedicated professionals,” said Julie Wehmeyer, Director of Women’s & Children’s Services at Overlake Hospital Medical Center and a member of the Nurse of the Year selection committee. “We’re expecting to receive dozens of nominations of deserving nurses."

The nomination process is open to patients, friends, co-workers, and other health professionals in Western Washington. Nomination forms are available at area hospitals and online at www.modimes-wa.org/nurse.htm  Nominees will be accepted in the following categories: neonatology, pediatrics, perinatology, and “Distinguished Maternal and Child Health”- -a lifetime achievement award. Nomination criteria and additional information on the categories can be found on the nomination form. The Nurse of the Year nomination fee is $10 per nomination. Completed ballots are due by November 12, 2003.

A volunteer committee of nurse professionals will evaluate the nominations and make “blinded” selections. The winners will be announced at a special awards breakfast on Wednesday, December 3rd at the Bellevue Club. Net proceeds from the event will benefit March of Dimes maternal and child health programs in the community. Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available through the March of Dimes at (206) 624-1373.

The March of Dimes is a voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies.

In January of this year, March of Dimes launched a five-year $75 million Prematurity Campaign to increase awareness of preterm birth and to reduce the rate of prematurity through public education and research. More information is available on the March of Dimes website at www.marchofdimes.com.