FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASH Katrina Relief Program Receives
ASAE's 2006 Associations Advance America Award of Excellence
(WASHINGTON, July 5, 2006) – The American Society of Hematology (ASH)
Katrina Relief Program has won the Award of Excellence in the 2006 Associations
Advance America Awards program, a national competition sponsored by the American
Society of Association Executives (ASAE). This prestigious award recognizes
associations that propel America forward with innovative projects in areas such
as education, skills training, and community service among others.
When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, ASH was forced to move its
20,000-attendee annual meeting from New Orleans to Atlanta. At the same time,
the Society saw a need for leadership and reacted by establishing the ASH Katrina
Relief Fund to support those affected by the disaster. Society members, meeting
attendees, exhibitors, vendors, and the city of Atlanta showed their support
by contributing a total of $433,000 to the Fund.
"As soon as we heard the news about the damage Hurricane Katrina had left behind,
we, at the American Society of Hematology, just knew we had to do our best to
provide help. We consider ourselves privileged to be able to support the people
of New Orleans through ASH's Katrina Relief Program," said Kanti R. Rai, MD,
ASH President.
In recognition of the economic impact that losing a citywide convention has
on the host city, ASH committed $225,000 to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors'
Bureau Employee Relief Fund and the New Orleans Tourism Workers Relief Fund
to help displaced workers rebuild their lives and businesses. The Society has
also pledged to return to New Orleans in 2009 for its 51st annual meeting.
As part of the Katrina Relief Program, additional funds have been disbursed
to aid hematology training programs at Tulane University and Louisiana State
University. The Society also supported hematologists in affected areas by waiving
member dues; providing free meeting registration, housing, and travel; and re-issuing
ASH educational materials.
"The ASH Katrina Relief Program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations
Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this
activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to
advance American society," remarked John H. Graham IV, CAE, President and CEO,
ASAE.
The ASH Katrina Relief Program is now eligible to receive a Summit Award, ASAE's
top recognition for association programs, to be presented this September at
ASAE's Seventh Annual Summit Awards Dinner.
The American Society of Hematology is the world's largest professional
society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Its mission
is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders
affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular
systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy
in hematology.
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