The Southwestern Michigan Perinatal Association (SWMPA) recognized outstanding individuals in the perinatal health field at their annual spring conference on May 19, 2010 at the Fetzer Center at Western Michigan University. The winner of this year’s SWMPA Perinatal Excellence Award for the Community Health Center of Branch County is Holly Lyons. Holly was voted by her peers to receive the award for her caring and compassion as an OB nurse with many years of experience.

Holly’s skills in perinatal nursing are superior and enable her to provide safe and high quality care to the moms and babies on her watch. She treats all of her patients with dignity and respect. She is a very valued co-worker, especially when there is a newborn requiring resuscitation. Holly has taught her co-workers Neonatal Resuscitation for many years, and is very conscientious in ensuring that our OB nurses maintain their NRP Certifications for the safety of the newborns.

The Southwestern Michigan Perinatal Association consists of members from various disciplines such as nursing, medical social work, physical therapy, physicians, childbirth educators, public health, and more. Individuals are chosen to represent their institution from the various disciplines.

To be a recipient of the Perinatal Excellence Award, the person must demonstrate an energetic and positive attitude toward maternal/child health, successful implementation of new strategies for coping with maternal/child issues, sensitivity and understanding while delivering optimal care to maternal/child health families, and contributed to the knowledge base of the region by providing or assisting with educational opportunities with their setting and beyond. Each hospital in the region is given the opportunity to select one individual deserving of the award.

Holly is very deserving of the award and demonstrates the type of care that represents the SWMPA Perinatal Excellence Award. Congratulations, Holly, on a job well done.