The National Association For Continence (NAFC) launched its inaugural "Continence Care Champion" award to members of the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA) at the 33rd Annual Conference of SUNA in Orlando, Florida. The award, given to Diane Kaschak Newman, RNC, MSN, FAAN, co-director of the PENN Center for Continence and Pelvic Health in the Division of Urology at the University of Pennsylvania, is accompanied by an unrestricted grant of $1,500 sponsored by Eli Lilly & Company.
       "Managing the complex equation of diagnosing, treating, and managing incontinence requires the skill sets of a team of talented providers working in partnership. Urologic nurses are front and center in this collaboration.
       "Diane Newman embodies the passion, dedication, and accomplishments of this entire organization in such a way that NAFC hopes this award will inspire the achievements of others," commented Executive Director Nancy Muller after presenting the accolade at SUNA's Annual Awards Luncheon on Monday, May 27, 2002, at the Hilton Walt Disney Hotel.
       "Diane Newman is one of the many deserving nurses in our ranks," said Donna Brassil, SUNA president. "She has given a tremendous amount of energy and attention to continence issues. This award helps SUNA to give incontinence the visibility it deserves, given that millions of patients today need treatment and education."
       The award is presented to a SUNA member who has excelled in three areas: 1) research or support of the role research plays; 2) clinical practice or enhancing the clinical practices of others; and 3) education of consumers as patients, professionals as peers, or both.
       Ms. Newman received her RN degree in 1975, completed her BS cum laude in nursing from LaSalle University, and earned her master's degree in nursing as an adult nurse practitioner in 1986. She has authored dozens of articles in peer-reviewed journals, served on numerous advocacy platforms to insure broader coverage for the care and treatment of incontinence, and participated in the development of models for continence care in both private practice and assisted living settings.
       NAFC is a national, private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with urinary incontinence. NAFC's mission is fulfilled through public education about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management alternatives for incontinence, the dissemination of information through collaboration and networking, and advocacy. In existence for 25 years, its national headquarters is in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
       For more information, contact Nancy Muller, Executive Director, National Association For Continence, at (864) 579-7900, extension 207.