Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and Clinics and Gordon C. James Public Relations win national award for communications program

PHOENIX (August 1, 2006) – The Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and Clinics (CTHVAMC&C), in conjunction with Gordon C. James Public Relations (GCJPR), was recently awarded third place out of sixty seven entries by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for its special events program “Camaraderie Creates Endearing Opinions for Veterans” in the 2006 VHA Excellence in Public Affairs Awards Program.

“Camaraderie Creates Endearing Opinions for Veterans” was created to institute a united front to improve the public perception of the CTHVAMC&C, Veterans Medical Leadership Council (VMLC) and area veterans. Key strategies included: coordinating Veterans Day events and activities between the CTHVAMC&C, Arizona State Veterans Home and the VMLC to ensure each event complimented the other; enhancing the image of the CTHVAMC&C and VMLC through special events centered on Veterans Day; and enhancing the image, fundraising, public relations and event management of the VMLC “Heroes One and All” luncheon.

A total of five events were planned, each focusing on different aspects of honoring veterans. A luncheon was held to honor the Parade Grand Marshals; World War II and other veterans decorated parade floats with special attention paid to Rosie the Riveters; an Essay winners breakfast was held to announce the winners of the Annual Veteran’s Day Essay Contest; the VMLC luncheon which featured Ann Jillian and Triple Ave Fighter Pilot Bud Anderson and the ninth annual VA Veterans Day Parade. Attendance and media coverage at these events surpassed any prior year’s efforts. The luncheon raised a total of $130,000 for the VMLC.

About Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and Clinics
The Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Clinics has been serving veterans in Maricopa County since 1951. We are a level one tertiary care facility that offers a variety of services to more than 65,000 veterans. We currently have 150 inpatient beds for medical and surgical patients, 90 beds for nursing home patients and 40 inpatient beds for mental health patients. We are actively involved in training new medical and surgical residents to become certified physicians and are committed to medical research to help find cures for illness and disease. Our five core values are trust, respect, excellence, commitment and compassion. We are honored to serve our veterans who have paid the price for us to enjoy our freedoms.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Rose
Gordon C. James Public Relations
602-274-1988