POTSDAM -- Nominations for the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Board of Directors’ 2015 Service Award are being accepted.

The award, presented annually, recognizes exceptional service to Canton-Potsdam Hospital and the community. Winning criteria include a person, group, or organization that makes significant contributions to the community through time, actions, and/or dedication.

Nominated individuals or organizations should serve as a role model, exemplify compassion and service, and be striving to make the community a healthier, safer environment in which to live.

The 2014 recipient was Clarkson University’s Health Professions Programs. Clarkson’s Physician Assistant program, launched in 2012, graduated its first class in May, 2014. The class has completed clinical rotations at CPH and three members of the graduating class have accepted invitations to join the medical staff. In the face of increasing reliance on mid-level healthcare providers due to physician shortages and healthcare reform, the PA program at Clarkson fills a critical niche in ensuring the sustainability of primary healthcare in our region.

Others honored since the award was established in 1982 have been United Helpers; 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; and Karen Easter.

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 by Monday, February 16, 2015.