Applicants sought for innovation awards programs

Two health-related innovation awards programs are now accepting applications.
Quality Partners of Rhode Island is inviting health care providers to apply for the 2009 Advancing Innovation in Healthcare awards, which recognize Rhode Island-based organizations for achievements and innovations in health care quality improvement.
The theme this year is effective communication strategies. An award will be given in each of four categories: physician office practice, nursing home, home health and hospital.
Award winners will receive $1,000 to support quality improvement efforts, be featured in Quality Partners publications and on the Web, and get support to promote the award in the media.
Applications are available on the Quality Partners Web site, www.riqualitypartners.org, by clicking on “Healthcare Awards.” The submission deadline is Aug. 21; applications will be judged by an independent review panel.
Separately, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri and the R.I. Department of Health are seeking applicants for the 2009 Governor’s Awards for Wellness Innovation, which recognize creative or innovative ways that local businesses, schools and organizations are promoting healthy lifestyles for their employees, students, customers or members.
The wellness innovation awards were created in 2007, after Rhode Island was recognized as the first “Well State” in the nation by the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA).
Organizations eligible to apply for an award include work sites, schools, health care organizations, municipal governments, community and faith-based organizations, labor groups and unions, state agencies, media outlets and food service establishments.
Awards will recognize programs and policies that address one or more of these areas: tobacco control, seat belt use, healthy weight, physical activity, and nutrition/healthy eating. The program is a component of the Governor’s Wellness Initiative.
Descriptions of winning programs will be publicized to allow other organizations to learn from them. The application deadline is Aug. 31. For more information or to apply for an award, visit www.health.ri.gov/wellnessaward.