Care Continuum Alliance and URAC Announce Finalists for 2011 International Health Promotion Awards

Industry-Leading Programs to be Honored at the 2011 International Health Promotion Awards Symposium, Dec. 5 to 6, 2011, in Rome, Italy

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Twelve programs that demonstrate innovation and success in improving health in community and workplace settings around the world were named today as finalists for 2011 International Health Promotion Awards (www.aihpa.org).

The awards, presented by two leaders in health promotion, the Care Continuum Alliance and URAC, will be presented during a symposium in Rome, Italy, Dec. 5 and 6.

"These programs represent some of the best ideas in community and workplace health promotion currently being implemented with successful results," said Alan P. Spielman, President and CEO of URAC. "Through this symposium, we are striving to be a voice for these programs, sharing them throughout the health care industry. Our hope is that others can learn from and replicate these innovative ideas to bring health advances to people around the world."

An expert panel of judges comprising health care professionals from around the world chose the IHPA finalists, who were evaluated based on their online submissions and who will present their programs during the IHPA Symposium.

"These awards honor two important settings for improving population health," said Tracey Moorhead, President and CEO of the Care Continuum Alliance. "Community health promotion programs on every continent meet the vital needs of access and care for populations in need, and workplace wellness has become central to the delivery of preventative and chronic care. Recognizing these innovative programs underscores the importance of community and workplace wellness initiatives."

Final awards will be given in two categories:

International Community Health Promotion Awards

These awards honor organizations whose ideas in health promotion and disease prevention have made significant contributions to improving individuals' lives and well-being in local communities. To help continue these efforts, the top three programs will each receive a $5,000 award. The finalists are:

• The Banyan, Changing the face of Mental Health across India, India
• HCF and Healthways Australia, MyHealthGuardian, Australia
• International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, Initiate-Build-Operate-Transfer: A Strategy for Establishing Sustainable Tele-Health, United States
• Lembaga Pembina Anak Bangsa (LPAB), Anti-Smoking to Children Under 18, Indonesia
• Riders for Health, Building a Healthier Future through Reliable Transportation, Africa
• University of Miami, Florida Telemedicine Trauma Network, United States

International Workplace Health Promotion Awards

These awards honor health promotion programs that optimize and maintain overall health and mitigate disease risk in the workplace. The finalists are:

• Apparel Lesotho Alliance to Fight AIDS, ALAFA, Lesotho
• BJC HealthCare, Help for Your Health, United States
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, LiveWell Program, United States
• Hao2.eu, People with Autistic Spectrum Condition Making a World of Difference, United Kingdom
• State of Rhode Island, Office of Employee Benefits, Rewards for Wellness, United States
• Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Telecare to Remote Areas, Brazil

URAC and the Care Continuum Alliance congratulate all the award finalists. For more information on the International Health Promotion Awards Symposium, go to www.aihpa.org.

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About the Care Continuum Alliance
The Care Continuum Alliance represents more than 200 organizations and individuals and aligns all stakeholders along the continuum of care toward improving the health of populations. Through advocacy, research and education, The Care Continuum Alliance advances population-based strategies to improve care quality and value and to reduce preventable costs and improve quality of life for individuals with and at risk of chronic conditions. Learn more at http://www.carecontinuum.org.

About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation, education and measurement programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.