A group of Phoebe employees, administrators and board members were in Washington D.C. the week of May 4, 2004 for the formal presentation of the 2003 Foster G. McGaw Prize during the annual meeting of the American Hospital Association. Regarded as one of the most prestigious national honors in the healthcare field, the Foster G. McGaw Prize is awarded each year to an organization that demonstrates a commitment to providing its community with innovative programs and services that expand access to care.

Phoebe President/CEO Joel Wernick accepted the award at a press conference held January 22 in the Wetherbee Lobby of the main campus. American Hospital Association (AHA) Board member Al Stubblefield gave the main address. Also in attendace was Lt. Governor Mark Taylor.

The award, named after Foster Glendale McGaw the founder and guiding force of the American Hospital Supply Corporation, is awarded to the organization that best demonstrates a committment to providing its community with innovative programs and services that expand access to care. The award is sponsored by the American Hospital Association, the Baxter International Foundation and the Cardinal Health Foundation.

Each year since the award's inception in 1986, hospitals across the nation are evaluated to be among four finalists for the award. Three are selected as finalists, and one as the nation's winner.

A blue ribbon panel of eight judges visited the Phoebe campus on October 28, when more than 60 people - including members of the Phoebe family, Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, community representatives and Phoebe partners, gathered to tell the story of Phoebe's leadership in community health initiatives.

Here is what Dr. Susan Manilow, chair of the Foster Prize Committee, had to say about Phoebe: "The 2003 Foster G. McGaw Prize winner and finalists are inspirational organizations that truly reflect the best in health care today. These outstanding examples of community outreach are improving the health of their communities and making a real difference in people's lives."

"The programs of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital exemplify the best in what can be achieved by a health care organization. The hospital is an exceptional leader in shaping community coalitions and initiatives that go beyond addressing immediate health care needs to tackle the problems that contribute to poor health. This is a model for community action that reaches out across diverse needs to improve the health of all citizens."

Phoebe won the 2003 Foster G. McGaw Prize for its commitment to providing and supporting innovative community health programs and services that expand access to care. The projects highlighted in Phoebe's application included the Arcadia Project, Teen Dads and the Middle School Nurse Porgram to name a few.

In May, Phoebe received this award at the AHA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.