SOUTHEAST MISSOURI HOSPITAL WINS STATEWIDE EDUCATION AWARD

Southeast Missouri Hospital earned first-place recognition in the Missouri Community Education awards this week. The hospital was nominated by Cape Girardeau schools Superintendent Dan Tallent.

The Outstanding Community Education Organization Award recognizes an agency, organization or institution that operates exemplary programs benefiting statewide community education.

Administrator James Wente, marketing and communications director Nancy Bray and marketing staff member Maggie Friend accepted the award Monday during a statewide Community Education Conference at Osage Beach. Tallent was also on hand for the ceremony.

In making his nomination, Tallent said, "Southeast Missouri Hospital's commitment to community education is part of its overall mission of service to 300,000 area residents." He said this is evident on a daily basis through hundreds of informational programs and services appropriate for all ages and interest groups.

He commended the hospital for establishing its Generations Family Resource Center as a new avenue for community information. In just its first eight weeks, the center has made available 690 pieces of medical information and offered classes, screenings and programs to more than 1,000 people.

Tallent also praised the hospital for its active role in helping the local school system improve programs at the high school and area vocational school for both students and adults.

Community Caring Council executive director Shirley Ramsey, in her letter of support, recognized the hospital for its active role with the Caring Council.

"A large number of hospital staff take leadership roles in council committees, events and activities," she said. "Each year the Caring Council holds an annual conference which brings in participants from all across Southeast Missouri. Southeast Hospital has provided support for this major conference as well as other workshops and seminars."

Of most significance, said Ramsey, is the fact the hospital provides community support with "people" help, in addition to financial support when needed.

Southeast formalized its commitment to community health and wellness almost 30 years ago when it became the first hospital in the region to formally establish a Fitness and Wellness Department.

Today, the hospital offers hundreds of health education and wellness classes and activities, including poison prevention programs for more than 3,000 preschool and elementary-age children at their schools every year.