POTSDAM -- Nominations for the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Board of Directors’ 2016 Service Award are being accepted.

The annual award recognizes exceptional service to Canton-Potsdam Hospital and the community. Award criteria are that a person, group, or organization makes significant contributions to the community through time, actions, or dedication. Nominees should be seen as role models exemplifying compassion and service, and striving to make the community a healthier, safer place in which to live.

The 2015 recipient was Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, a not-for-profit community organization that provides home visits, pain management, 24-hour assistance and advice, assistance to family caregivers, emotional and spiritual support, and education to those at the end of life. Hospice collaborates with Canton-Potsdam Hospital in the provision of care to those for whom hospitalization is appropriate at the end of life.

Others honored since the award was established in 1982 have been Margaret Vining; Dr. Susan Badenhausen; Dr. Jon Kay; Betty Bradley; Ron Scott; JoAnne Scott; George Maclean; the Rural Medical Education Program (RMED) of SUNY Upstate Medical University and Canton-Potsdam Hospital physicians; SUNY Canton; the police departments of Canton, Norfolk and Potsdam; St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House; Constance Belgarde; Patricia Fanning; Rev. William Cuthbert; Chris J. Theodore; Bill Sloan; Morris Pinto; Canton-Potsdam Hospital volunteers; Kathryn Hayes, R.N.; the men and women of MAST; Ann P. Davis; Dr. Stuart Winning; Sister Kathryn Healy of Hospice; Ellen Claffey, R.N.; Dr. Marshall Stevenson; Frank and Anne Piskor; the E.J. Noble Guild and Potsdam Hospital Guild; area rescue squads; and Crouse Irving Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Donald Thompson; Peter and Becky Van de Water; Karen Easter; United Helpers; and Clarkson University’s Health Professions Programs.

Community members are encouraged to submit nominations by letter to Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Administration Office, Attn: Kimberly A. Smith, 50 Leroy Street, Potsdam, New York 13676, or by e-mail to kasmith@cphospital.org. The deadline is Monday, March 28.