October 27, 2010

Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions assistant professor and Alaska State nursing liaison Karyn Holt, along with the American Red Cross of Alaska, have been recognized by National American Red Cross for the Chapter’s work to enhance the network of nurses in Alaska.  The Susan Hassmiller Nursing award is part of the 2010 National Awards and Presidential Awards for Excellence, given by Gail McGovern, CEO for the American Red Cross. 

The award is one of five national performance awards that were presented at the Annual National Awards Ceremony in Washington DC on October 27, 2010.

The award comes with a grant of $5,000 that will allow Holt to expand Red Cross health services throughout the state of Alaska.  She will also work to increase the number of nurses in the Alaska Nurse Alert System (ANAS). Nurses in ANAS are trained in disaster health, disaster management, mass care and shelter operations. 

The award allows the system to grow and have more nurses trained in local communities and ready to respond when the need arises.  Training in remote communities is made available through the Alaska Ready project.  Holt and Mary Lowery, Disaster Preparedness & Response manager, traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the award on behalf of the Alaska Chapter.