For Immediate Release:
May 19, 2004

For Further Information:
Scott Kramer
(702) 691-7204

Las Vegas, NV-The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Aging Awareness Media Award will be presented today at the Venetian Hotel at the Society's Annual Scientific Meeting. Created this year, the annual award honors reporting that meets high journalistic standards and provides the public with informative and in-depth coverage of geriatric health care issues.

Winner Alice Dembner of the Boston Globe was recognized for her well-rounded beat reporting in geriatric medicine in a six-part series from late 2003 covering such vital topics as end of life care, nursing home quality, prescription drug prices and cognitive decline. Ms. Dembner deftly incorporated the views and experiences of geriatric care providers as well as patients and caregivers to tell compelling stories, influence public policy and raise awareness among her readers.

Madge Kaplan of WGBH in Boston received honorable mention for "Fear of Falling," a segment that ran on National Public Radio's Morning Edition in November 2003, as did Deborah Harkins of the New York Daily News, whose ongoing "For Seniors" column in the Sunday paper has provided a service to the community for years.

"The submissions for the 2004 AGS Media award represented outstanding examples of local and national reporting on topics important to the health and well-being of older adults," according to Gregg Warshaw, MD, a professor of geriatric and family medicine at the University of Cincinnati and a member of the expert panel that tapped Ms. Dembner for the award. "The U.S. health care system is very complicated and reliable information on complex health topics, policy issues, and care giving challenges is invaluable to older adults and their families."

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices in geriatric medicine.