The Day after the Emmys, Save the Children Launches The REAL Awards

Second Annual Awards Program to Recognize Health Worker Honorees in the United States and Around the World

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Sep 23, 2013, 12:01 ET

WESTPORT, Conn., Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The day after honors were conferred to stars of the small screen, Save the Children and the Frontline Health Workers Coalition are launching the second annual REAL Awards, a unique global awards program designed to develop greater respect and appreciation for health workers and the lifesaving care they provide globally, as well as in the United States.

Starting today, the American public is encouraged to nominate an inspiring health worker in their own backyard from the following categories:

Nurse Practitioner
Nurse
Doctor
Hospice Worker
Midwife
Physician's Assistant
Community Health Worker
Pharmacist
Public Health Officer
General Health or Other

"Last night, many of us tuned in to see which of our favorite television personalities took home an Emmy," said Mary Beth Powers, campaign chief for Save the Children's Newborn and Child Survival Campaign. "While we appreciate the men and women who entertain and enlighten us, it's high time we recognize and celebrate the people who save our lives — health workers."

By some estimates, the world is short more than 5 million health workers, including 1 million frontline health workers. In the developing world, where well-equipped doctors and hospitals are scarce and distant for many people, frontline health workers are the first and often only point of contact to the health-care system for millions of people.

"Being part of the inaugural class of the REAL award recipients was a tremendous honor," said 2013 winner Dr. Beth DuPree, a breast cancer surgeon from Pennsylvania. "The common thread that we all possess is a passion for our individual purposes and a burning desire to make a difference with every breath we take."

The public can nominate a health worker in the United States at www.theREALawards.com until Oct. 25, 2013. Winners will be announced on Jan. 12, 2014, during a time when much of the American public is tuning in to traditional entertainment awards shows, such as the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.

About The REAL Awards

The REAL Awards was created by Save the Children and the Frontline Health Workers Coalition, with the help of presenting sponsors Merck Company Foundation and Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare. The REAL Awards is also supported by a number of national health-worker organizations, including the Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses (AWOHNN), American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), National Physician's Alliance (NPA), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN), the Catholic Health Association of the USA (CHA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

About Save the Children

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Related Links
The REAL Awards
Save the Children

Video with caption: "The REAL Awards -- Who is your REAL inspiration?" Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56_Xv-sGyyQ

Image with caption: "The 2013 REAL Award honorees. Save the Children photo." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130923/MM83536

SOURCE Save the Children