3M Health Care is pleased to announce the Bertha Yanis Litsky, Ph.D. Educator of the Year Award. The recipient of this award must be an Active Member of IAHCSMM, an Approved Instructor, or an individual who has demonstrated dedication to the advancement of education in the CS profession.

The recipient of this award will receive $1,000 toward expenses to attend the Annual Meeting to accept this award.

About Bertha Yanis Litsky, Ph. D.

Dr. Bertha Litsky was an environmental microbiologist, researcher and educator at the University of Massachusetts. Her passion, commitment and dedication to her profession propelled her to the status of an international legend and pioneer in health care infection control. Dr. Litsky was a consultant to many hospitals, food service entities, manufacturers and suppliers of medical devices, throughout the world. She worked with many institutions, corporations and municipalities, to improve sanitation and promote public health and safety. Bertha became a strong advocate and mentor for the Sterile Processing Profession and was an active participant in IAHCSMM, ASHCSP, AAMI, and AORN. Her expertise and contributions blazed the way to the establishment of many principles and standards of practice relative to infection control, reprocessing, packaging and sterilization. She published several, articles and books on relative topics. Dr. Litsky became a sought after speaker and educator throughout the world. Her wit and humor allowed her to deliver her lectures and messages in a manner that reached her students leaving an everlasting impression to guide their future behaviors. She would frequently utilize marionettes dressed as bacteria, skits, humorous stories and other props to emphasize her message. The closing words of all her lectures, delivered with the loud BANG of a starter pistol, still resonates throughout the sterile processing profession: “An unsterile item used in surgery is as dangerous as a loaded gun”.

Selection Criteria is as follows:

Contributions to the Profession:

The recipient of this award will have demonstrated significant contributions to CS education in the calendar year preceding the award. Nominees are eligible for consideration if they have contributed to CS education in at least 5 of the following 8 categories:

• IAHCSMM CE Approved Presentation at a National Conference
• IAHCSMM CE Approved Presentation at a Local/Regional Meeting
• Published Article in a National Publication
• Published Article in a Local Publication
• Teaching an IAHCSMM Certification Course
• Teaching Healthcare Facility In-services
• Other CS/MM-related Educational Projects
• IAHCSMM Committee Membership/Support for Association Programs

Personal Accomplishments:

• Personal accomplishments related to educational endeavors, citations or acknowledgements, etc. Submissions should include a completed copy of this nomination form, a narrative explaining why the nominee should receive this award, and documentation to substantiate the nominee’s educational contributions for the previous calendar year (see criteria above).

Download 3M Health Care Bertha Yanis Litsky, PH. D. Educator of the Year
Award Application

Award an outstanding paper on the challenges and developments to the Central Service progression, sponsored by IAHCSMM.

About Ruth Anne Brooks, RN, Past President

Ruth Anne Brooks, RN, CRCST served as IAHCSMM President from 1993-1995. Ruth Anne served on the IAHCSMM Board of Directors for many years and was President of the Delaware Valley Chapter. Ruth Anne was Director of Material Central Service at the Medical Center of Delaware in Newark, Delaware until her death in 1997. In 1994 while serving as IAHCSMM President, Ruth Anne worked with Robert Mood, ASHCSP President, to oversee a
committee that formulated and published the first joint position paper entitled “Reprocessing Medical Devices.”

The Award provides the following: One thousand dollars ($1,000) toward expenses to enable the winner to attend the immediate Annual Meeting to accept this award.

Criteria for Applicants:

1. Authors must be Active Members of IAHCSMM
2. Previously published papers will not be considered for this award

Criteria for Papers:

1. Papers must contain original work
2. Topics must relate to the healthcare setting. Research undertaken by the author is desirable, and must be performed within the same calendar year
3. Successful submissions for Fellowship may be considered for this award
4. Papers must be presented in essay form

Format:

1. Papers must be not less than 2000 words in length
2. References must be given in standard citation form
3. Paper may be typed, double-spaced on 8½ x 11 inch, white bond paper, with one inch margins,or sent on PC compatible disk with printout
4. The author’s name, address and telephone number must appear on the title page; author’s initials must appear in the lower left-hand corner of all other pages. Pages must be numbered
5. All submissions must include a vitae sheet on the author

Judging:

1. All papers will be judged by the past President’s Committee of IAHCSMM
2. The winner will be informed by IAHCSMM prior to the Annual Meeting
3. Receipt of all submissions will be acknowledged by IAHCSMM headquarters

Download Ruth Anne Brooks, RN, Past Presidents's Award Application

This prestigious award is dedicated in honor of two outstanding leaders in the field of Central Service / Sterile Processing who have contributed extensively to our profession.

Leonard A. Leipus

The Leonard A. Leipus award was established to honor the memory of the first elected ASHCSP President. Len was instrumental in establishing ASHCSP as a powerful voice for CS professionals. Len, as he preferred to be called, was Director of Central Supply and Services for the University of Minnesota Hospitals in Minneapolis for more than 20 years. Len was a member of the Executive Committee of the Central Service Management Association and was an active conference speaker until his untimely death in 1971. The first award recipient was Dr. John Perkins, renowned sterilization scientist. Dr. Perkins received the award posthumously in 1974.

Brenda J. Sexton

The Brenda J. Sexton award was established to honor the memory of IAHCSMMS’ 2001- 2003 Past President. Brenda Sexton attended Phyllis Smith’s certification course, which became a life altering experience for her. After receiving her certification, she dedicated her time and energy to promoting the Central Service profession at the local and national level.

Brenda was the first certified instructor in Houston, and she taught multiple classes, certifying an endless number of technicians. When the HCCSP became affiliated with IAHCSMM Brenda served as a chapter representative to the executive board. In 1999 Brenda was elected President Elect for IAHCSMM. She took office in May 2001, and served as president until her death in February 2003. Brenda was Manager of the Central Service Department for the Houston N.W. Medical Center of Houston, Texas. She touched the lives of many with her gentle, caring spirit and her admirable commitment to the Association, its members. The Association is honored to have her as Past-President.

Award Eligibility and Criteria

All Leonard A. Leipus / Brenda J. Sexton award candidates are selected by the IAHCSMM Executive Board and selected Ad Hoc Committee.

To be considered for this award, the candidate must meet at least three of the following criteria but not limited to that noted below;

1. Been an Association member for a minimum of (3) years; comparable service in other associations may be substituted, when appropriate, for service in IAHCSMM
2. Prepared a formal in-service or program on a topic related to Central Service
3. Published a central service topic in a recognized journal, newsletter or other recognized source
4. Established, assisted in the development of, or taught an academic program for central service professionals
5. Served on a committee as chairperson or member, or served on the Board of Directors
6. Contributed to the development of a product or service that has impacted the healthcare
   industry field
7. Completed a research project or study that benefits the central service profession
8. Has demonstrated exemplary service to the central service profession

Documentation should include a copy of this form and a narrative explaining the contributions of the nominee.

Download Leonard Leipus/Brenda Sexton Award of Honor Application

The Peggy Ryan, RN, Technician Achievement Award is presented to an active member of IAHCSMM to recognize outstanding achievement by a central service/sterile processing technician.

About Peggy Ryan, RN

Margaret J. (Peggy) Ryan, RN, graduated from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Denver, Colorado and has had extensive experience in Emergency Room, Operating Room, Delivery Room, Central Service and Materials Management. She has worked at several hospitals in the Denver area and served as a hospital consultant for many years. She has been active in AORN and a past president of ASHCSP. She has won numerous awards and has served as a nurse consultant for several companies. She is the author of many articles, including what many consider to be the definitive article on implementing a CS/OR case cart system, as well as a renowned lecturer.

AWARD ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Candidates for this award must be nominated by their central service department director, manager, supervisor, or coordinator.

1. Nominee must be an active IAHCSMM member in good standing for a minimum of one year;
2. Must have been employed in the field of CS/SPD for a minimum of three years at the time of nomination, documented by a letter from human resources or the department manager;
3. Have developed, instituted and exhibited a workable, documented concept that has improved central service functions and operations;
4. Documentation must include statement of what positive outcomes occurred as a result of this concept and how other departments and/or facilities may utilize this program.

The award recipient receives $1000 to be used to defray costs to attend the IAHCSMM Annual Conference, an engraved plaque, and a no-cost membership renewal for the next membership year. The winner will be formerly presented with the award during the Awards Luncheon at the Annual Conference.

Download The Peggy Ryan, RN, Technician Achievement Award Application

This award recognizes a central service supervisor or manager who has made significant contributions to their facility and in advancing the C.S. profession.

AWARD ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Candidates for this award must be nominated by an IAHCSMM member, an affiliated chapter member, or an administrator in their facility.

1. Candidate must be an active member of IAHCSMM in good standing for a minimum of five years and must have been employed in the field of CS/SPD for a minimum of 10 years.
2. Must have consistently demonstrated contributions to:
   
   • Customer relations;
   • Facility wide operational/financial performance;
   • Overall value of Central Service as a profession;
   • Education and training;
   
   
3. Have attended an IAHCSMM annual conference in the last three years;
4. Documentation must include a typewritten narrative explaining why the candidate is deserving of this award, no more than three single-sided, double-space pages.
   
   • Narrative must contain examples of how candidate consistently demonstrated contributions to customer relations; facility wide operational/financial performance; overall value of CS as a profession; or other educational training.
   
   
5. Provide at least two but no more than three letters of support and recommendation from peers, community health professionals, former or current central service employees, managers or administrators. Letters should be two pages or less in length.
6. Include candidate’s resume (maximum of 2 pages)

The award recipient receives $1000 to be used to defray costs to attend the IAHCSMM Annual Conference, an engraved plaque, and a no-cost membership renewal for the next membership year. The winner will be formerly presented with the award during the awards Luncheon at the Annual Conference. In addition, a press release acknowledging the award winner and an announcement letter will be sent to the award recipient’s hospital administrator, and the winner will be recognized in the IAHCSMM bi-monthly magazine Communiqué.

Download CS Supervisor/Manager of the Year Award Application

The Golden Slipper Award is sponsored by Case Medical, which provides an opportunity for a Central Service professional (technician, supervisor, manager) who is committed to "Service Excellence" to receive formal recognition, an award, and a check for $500. Service excellence is built on positive attitudes, compassion, and constantly striving to meet and exceed the wants and needs of our customers.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• demonstrating a caring, compassionate attitude
• offering a creative, helpful solution
• going beyond the technical requirements of the job
• being a role model for the department

Individuals who wish to participate must:

1. Complete the application form below.
2. Submit a typed, one page essay of 500 words or less, or a brief audio-tape describing why you believe service excellence is important in today's healthcare environment and your participation/contribution(s) relative to service excellence in the healthcare setting, i.e., an individual contribution that "made the difference" or how customer service was improved through a process.
3. Provide a letter of reference from your immediate supervisor.

Download Golden Slipper Award for Service Excellence Application

Healthmark is proud to award an active IAHCSMM technician with the Anne Cofiell award on decontamination. This award carries $500 toward attending the IAHCSMM Annual Meeting.

About Anne Cofiell

Anne Cofiell, CRCST, FCS was an active member of IAHCSMM until her retirement in 2006. Anne served as the IAHCSMM representative to AAMI where she chaired numerous working groups. Anne also authored many articles and spoke on CS topics at IAHCSMM conferences and at numerous educational programs around the country. She was well connected in Washington D.C. and was an advocate on behalf of the CS industry for the regulation of reuse of single use devices to include the importance of proper cleaning instructions.

Criteria for Selection:

8. Author must be a technician who is an active member of IAHCSMM
9. The topic of the paper must focus on Understanding the Importance of Decontamination in their workplace environment
10. Previously published papers will not be considered for this award
11. The paper will be 1000 words or less in length
12. Standard format for the paper should be used sighting all references
13. A vitae on the author must also be submitted with the paper
14. All papers will be judged by Anne Cofiell or her designee
15. The winner will be informed by IAHCSMM prior to the Annual Meeting
16. Receipt of all submissions will be acknowledged by IAHCSMM Headquarters

*Applicant grants permission to Healthmark Industries, Co. and IAHCSMM to reprint and distribute this submission to healthcare personnel.

Download Healthmark - Anne Cofiell - "Decontaminator" of the Year Award Application

The William B. Dennis Humanitarian Award was established by the former ASHCSP in honor and memory of Bill Dennis, who passed away in January 2001. It’s an award and tradition that IAHCSMM is pleased to continue and offer to its members.

Bill was an active member of his local central service chapter, the North Carolina Hospital Central Service Association, and director of sterile processing at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. A member of ASHCSP for more than 20 years, Bill served as president and on the board of directors, and was a nationally recognized leader in the central service field. He was on numerous committees and spoke at various conferences, and was the 1983 recipient of ASHCSP’s highest honor – the Leonard Leipus Award. In 1982 he received the Dr. John J. Perkins Award for his contributions to the field.

Bill also had a deep commitment to humanitarian causes. He actively provided humanitarian aid through church organizations, traveling to Panama and Cuba to distribute much needed medical supplies. In the mid-70s, Bill encouraged African-Americans and women to move into prominent positions within his department, far beyond the conventions and expectations of the time.

Friends and coworkers described Bill as modest, generous and always ready to crack a joke. He was committed to his vocation and to his outside philanthropic endeavors. Much like Bill, the recipient of this award exemplifies a deep commitment to humanitarian issues and the central service field.

William B. Dennis Humanitarian Award

This annual scholarship, now being awarded by IAHCSMM, is intended to promote professional development by assisting in ongoing education, and can be used to fund an IAHCSMM member’s annual conference attendance or other educational activity leading to professional development and certification.

Award Eligibility Criteria:

Members can apply directly or nominate another member for this award.

1. The candidate must be an IAHCSMM member in good standing for at least one year.
2. The candidate must be involved in humanitarian causes at the local, state or national level.
3. The applicant or nominee must submit a one-page statement detailing the nominee’s humanitarian efforts; including their years of participation (supporting documentation of humanitarian efforts is required).

Note: IAHCSMM members may receive this award one time only.

The award recipient will be reimbursed $500 to participate in the IAHCSMM annual conference. The winner will be presented with a framed certificate during the Awards Luncheon at the IAHCSMM Annual Meeting.

Download William B. Dennis Humanitarian Award Application

IAHCSMM and Purdue University join together to offer two different scholarships.

The purpose of these awards is to provide financial assistance to those individuals who wish to continue their educational and individual growth.

Three categories have been established for these awards:

1. Central Service Technicians
2. Central Service Managers/Supervisors

One winner in each category will receive a free registration and all course materials for the respective Purdue/IAHCSMM correspondence course. (These awards are not transferrable, and all other course requirements must be met for successful completion.) If a suitable applicant is not found in a category, that award will not be given until the following year.

Scholarship Criteria:

Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria from the completed application, personal essay, and letter of reference from an immediate supervisor.

1. Financial need
2. Interest in pursuing educational and individual growth goals.
3. Participation in activities (Association, hospital department, community).
4. Years of service in Central Service

Scholarship Procedures:

Applicants must complete the approved application and send it, along with their personal essay and a letter of reference to:

Stacey L. Coar
Continuing Education, IAHCSMM-Purdue Scholarship Awards
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
128 Memorial Mall, 116 Stewart Center
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2034

All applications will be reviewed by a representative from IAHCSMM and Purdue University. The winners will be announced at the Annual Meeting in May. All decisions of the panel will be final.

Download IAHCSMM – Purdue University Scholarship Awards Application

The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) is pleased to announce the Annual Chapter of the Year Awards, sponsored by the STERIS Corporation. A committee will meet to determine the most outstanding IAHCSMM Chapter among two categories (larger size chapters and smaller sized chapters), both of which contributed to the advancement of the profession during 2008. Determination of the Outstanding Chapters is made on a point system along with displayed originality and creativity of communication materials.

All Chapters wishing to compete for the STERIS Chapter of the Year Prize must first recharter with IAHCSMM (BLUE FORM of the Recharter, detailed above in this memo). To submit your chapter as an entry in the contest, you must also complete the Official Entry Form (GREEN FORM of the Recharter).

Chapter of the Year categories are based on the total number of IAHCSMM members who are also members of your chapter. Chapters with over 50 IAHCSMM members will compete in the Larger Size Chapter category, and those with under 50 IAHCSMM members will compete in the Smaller Size Chapter category.

The winning prize for each category (1 winner each per category): a plaque designating your successful bid as Chapter of the Year, plus a $1,500 check from STERIS to help defray the costs of accepting your award at the Annual Meeting in Orlando, May 3-6, 2009.

All submissions must be received with your Annual Recharter Form, no later than March 1, 2009. Please note, to ensure fairness, a chapter may not be a winner for two consecutive years. An interruption of one year will be required.

Download Chapter of the Year Awards Application