MGH Institute Receives Public Service Award

Online, November 15, 2012 (Newswire.com) - MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston's leading health sciences graduate school, has received the 2012 Public Service Award from the Center Club in recognition of the assistance its nursing students have provided over the past year.

The award was presented at a November 8 event at the mental health social service agency's 53rd annual Open House, held at its 31 Bowker Street location in Government Center.

"The relationship between the Club and the MGH Institute is mutually beneficial," said the organization's director, Mary C. Gregorio. "Students gain hands-on experience working with members in a community mental health setting, and the Club is able to improve our health and wellness support services using the knowledge of these student nurses, while aiding in the development of these health care professionals."

Led by School of Nursing Clinical Instructor Tom Dolan, MSN, MPH, RN, three groups of students have provided such support as creating a wellness journal for members to track doctor's visit, health concerns, and wellness goals; holding a weekly blood pressure clinic; and creating a walking group as a smoking cessation tool.

Assistant Professor Margaret Ann Mahoney, PhD, RN, the course coordinator for this community health experience, is also on the Club's Advisory Board. Daniel Awad, one of the first nursing students at the Center Club, accepted the award on behalf of his peers, and spoke about how meaningful this experience was for the students.

Cammie Townsend, MS/MBA, RN, the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education for the IHP who also was involved in developing this clinical site for the school, was present to receive the award.

The Center Club, a program of Bay Cove Human Services, is the oldest and largest clubhouse in New England for people with psychiatric disabilities. Members attend on a voluntary basis, participating in management, policy development, and the day-to-day operation as part of the Club's peer and partner model.

MGH Institute of Health Professions is celebrating 35 years of educating health care students in nursing, physical therapy, and communication sciences and disorders. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital in 1977, the school has more than 1,200 students enrolled in graduate level and certificate programs. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).[/url]