JACKSON—Methodist Rehabilitation Center has been recognized by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi for excellence in the field of public relations.
The Jackson hospital received the association’s top honor, its Best of Show Award, at its annual meeting in Jackson. Methodist also received two PRism Awards, five certificates of excellence and one certificate of achievement.
Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s Downhill Derby, a fundraiser for the Andrew Jackson Council of Boy Scouts of America, was singled out as the overall winner, receiving the prestigious Best of Show Award. Judges selected the event—designed, planned and coordinated by the hospital’s public and media relations department—as the best overall entry from more than 250 entries.
"We put so much time and effort into the Derby," said Jim Albritton, director of public and media relations at Methodist. "It’s great to be recognized by your peers. This awards means so much to all of us."
The Downhill Derby also was honored in the special events category, receiving a PRism Award. A logo designed for the Downhill Derby also received a PRism Award in that category.
The hospital’s magazine, Ways & Means, and its Web site, methodistonline.org, received Awards of Excellence as did an overview brochure of the hospital’s programs and services and a program for a board of trustees retreat. Operation Restoration—the hospital’s effort to establish an amputee clinic for Iraqi civilians in Baghdad—also was honored with an award of excellence.
Dateline Methodist, the hospital’s employee newsletter, received a Certificate of Achievement.
The annual Prism Awards competition is held each year and is open to any individual, company or organization engaged in public relations, community education or public affairs.
Methodist’s public and media relations staff includes graphic designer Jason Lott, Think First coordinator Lauren Fairburn, assistant director Susan Christensen and director Jim Albritton. Lisa Uzzle Gates also worked in the department as special events and communications manager. The public and media relations department plans special events, writes news releases and feature stories, works with the media and produces numerous publications.
Since 2000, the department has received 35 awards from PRAM, six from the Southern Public Relations Federation and 20 for the Mississippi Hospital Association.