Application period opens for DUH M.L. King Jr. Community Caregiver Award

posted August 31st, 2009

The application period for the second MLK Community Caregiver Award begins Sept. 1 and closes on Sept. 30, 2009.

The award was introduced in January 2009 to honor King's legacy of service by honoring physicians and staff who work at Duke Hospital and who also use their personal time and talents to serve an even broader community.

The winner receives an etched crystal award along with $5,000 for the community organization for which she or he volunteers.

The following criteria apply:

• A single winner will be chosen based on demonstrated level of commitment to service in the community during the prior year as well as impact on the community.
• Community will be defined as local, national and international arenas.
• The committee will take into account service history.
• Winner must have been a Duke Hospital, School of Medicine, Ambulatory Services or PRMO employee for 12 months prior to the September 30 cut-off date.
• Cannot be work for which the employee receives direct financial compensation for services.
• Work performed cannot be a direct component of his or her primary job function.
• Nominees may be nominated only once per year by one person, but multiple employees can submit separate application packets for a single candidate.
• Any Duke Medicine employee can nominate an employee.
• Prior winners/nominees must wait three years after each nomination to be eligible for the award.
• Applications will be posted on the intranet and will be available in the Duke North and Duke South PRT lobbies.

To download an application, and to read the inspirational stories of last year’s winner and nominees, visit the following Web site from any Duke Hospital-based computer: http://staff.dukehealth.org/mlk_award.html