Ottawa, September 30, 2009 – The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) are now inviting local newspapers and broadcasters to submit their health-related stories for consideration to the 2010 Media Awards for Health Reporting.

Again this year, the two organizations will honour outstanding Canadian journalism that enhances understanding of health, the health system and the role of health professionals. As in past years, organizers are encouraging submissions in the "Excellence in Local Reporting" category, which recognizes work by print and broadcast journalists working in local media outlets. Full details on who is eligible to enter this category are available at the media awards web site under Award categories and criteria, general rules and eligibility, FAQ at www.mediawards.ca.

Each entry will be judged by a selection committee composed of volunteer professionals from across Canada consisting of representatives from the nursing, medical, health-sector and journalism fields.

To be considered, stories must have been printed or aired between November 7, 2008, and November 10, 2009, inclusive. Entries must be received by November 10, 2009. The awards will be presented at a gala event on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau.

For full rules and more information, on how to submit an entry, please visit: www.mediaawards.ca

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For more information:

Paul Watson
Canadian Nurses Association
Tel. (613) 237-2159 ext. 283
E-mail: pwatson@cna-aiic.ca

Lucie Boileau
Canadian Medical Association
Tel. (613) 731-8610 ext. 1266
1-800-663-7336 x1266
E-mail: lucie.boileau@cma.ca