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The San Bernardino Public Library (SBPL) has announced it is offering scholarships to residents 19 years and older looking to obtain an accredited High School Diploma and Career Certificate online at no cost.

The initiative, in partnership with Career Online High School (COHS), is part of the adult education program at the Library’s Jack L. Hill Lifelong Learning Center, which was designed to help adults gain the skills and credentials needed to advance in their careers or further their education.

The online program provides students with 24/7 virtual classrooms, personal academic coaches, and real-world career training.

“Libraries offer a safe, supportive environment to foster learning and community. Our online education program for adults is a natural extension of library services that empower adults to learn and grow,” said COHS Superintendent Dr. Howard Liebman.

To ensure students have the necessary resources to succeed, SBPL offers free public Wi-Fi at all its locations, and laptops are available for checkout at the Feldheym Library for use by cardholders in good standing.

Students that obtain their accredited high school diploma through COHS also receive a certification in their chosen career path along with a resume, cover letter, and other tools to start or advance their careers.

The initiative addresses a critical need in San Bernardino, where the U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 27% of adults over the age of 25 lack a high school diploma.

COHS has partnered with more than 1,800 library locations across the country and is accredited by Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC, and its diplomas are recognized by U.S. colleges and universities. The scholarship is covered by the State of California as long as the student maintains good standing with their work and assignments throughout the program.

To learn more about the diploma program, including how to enroll and available scholarship opportunities, visit https://sbpl.mycareerhs.com/.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide claims assistance to veterans in Barstow the third Thursday of every month beginning Feb. 20. This initiative, in partnership with the County Department of Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian (DAAS-PG), supports the County’s ongoing commitment to ensuring veterans receive the benefits they earned through service to our nation.

“The goal of bringing these resources to Barstow is to make it easier for veterans to access their benefits,” said VA Director Matt Knox. “Many of the clients served by DAAS-PG are veterans who may be on fixed incomes, so the additional veterans assistance will make a huge difference in their lives.”

Starting February 20, VA Veterans Service Officers will provide benefit claims assistance at the Barstow DAAS-PG office, located at 536 East Virginia Way, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. Staff is available to assist veterans with filing claims for U.S. Veterans Affairs disability, pension, job training, and educational benefits. There is no need to schedule an appointment, and veterans will receive assistance on a first come, first served basis.

“We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Veterans Affairs and the opportunity to expand comprehensive services to Barstow area veterans at a single, accessible location,” said DAAS-PG Director Sharon Nevins.

In addition to the new office hours in Barstow, veterans may also receive County VA claims assistance Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., by calling 909-382-3290.

San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARC) Josie Gonzales is pleased to announce the appointments of Aldair Jimenez as Interim-Assistant Assessor and Janis Maggs as Assistant Recorder. These appointments are part of the ongoing effort to strengthen the department’s leadership and provide excellent services to the residents of San Bernardino County.

The Assistant Assessor is tasked with oversight of key functions within the Assessor’s office, focusing on the accurate and timely assessment of property values, while ensuring the integrity of the property tax roll. The Assistant Recorder will oversee the Recorder and County Clerk operations, focusing on document recording, vital records issuance and copies of public official records, as well as oversight of the Administrative and Fiscal units.

“I am excited to promote two very talented individuals to help drive the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office forward,” said ARC Josie Gonzales. “Their expertise and dedication to public service will contribute to the continued success of our mission to provide efficient and accurate services to our county.”

Aldair Jimenez most recently served as the Public & Legislative Affairs Analyst for ARC, where he played an instrumental role in shaping legislative strategies and advocating for policies that benefited the department and the public. He was recently recognized by the California Assessors’ Association for his outstanding contributions to the Legislative Committee. Aldair has been with the department since 2019, following a successful career in procurement in both the public and private sector. His dedication to public service is evident through his achievements, including earning a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership from California State University, San Bernardino. Aldair is also a proud graduate of the San Bernardino County Management & Leadership Academy, having successfully completed the program in 2021.

Janis Maggs brings a wealth of experience in public service, having most recently served as the ARC Administrative & Financial Manager. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department’s financial operations, ensuring budgetary compliance, and streamlining administrative processes to enhance efficiency. Her expertise in budget management and operations has greatly contributed to the department’s ability to operate effectively and serve the public. Janis has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to improving organizational performance and supporting the goals of the ARC. She has been with the County for nearly 25 years, starting as a Child Support Officer and then serving as a Staff Analyst with several departments before coming to ARC, where she has spent the last 13 years. Janis holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from University of California, Riverside and completed MLA in 2022. She received the San Bernardino County Public Service Award for Excellence in 2022 for her role in the department’s COVID-19 response.

The Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office continues to strive for innovation and service excellence to meet the evolving needs of San Bernardino County residents. These key appointments enable the department to provide strong leadership and further its mission to improve service delivery in the community.

For more information about the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office and the services offered, please visit arc.sbcounty.gov.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra has welcomed three new Board Members and promoted two former Board Members to Emeritus status.

“We consistently seek leaders who have a heart for the arts and all it can mean to a growing urban area like the Inland Empire,” explained Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano. “As a regional Symphony, it is imperative that we involve leaders who are geographically representative, but even more so, that they bring diversity of thought and life experience to our decision-making processes.”

Since December, Minano and the San Bernardino Symphony Association’s Officers and General Board have officially welcomed Marla Matime, Kurt Weinmeister, and Dr. Scott Wyatt to the Board. Each will serve a three-tear term. The Association also promoted to Emeritus status former Board Members Dr. Judy Rodriguez Watson and Hon. Judith Valles who joined the Board in 2007 and 1999 respectively.

Nominated by Board President Elect Sonietta Brown, Marla Matime is is the founder and CEO of The MAR.M Agency LLC, a creative marketing, advertising, and communications agency serving Southern California.

She is the Consultant/Executive Director of the Black Elected Officials of California. She serves on the board of directors as President of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice and is chair of CCAEJ Action. She is also a mother of three and serves as Immediate Past President of the African American Parent Advisory Committee at Lake Mathews Elementary and is VP of Communications for the school’s PTA.

Nominated by Board Governance Chair Dr. Erin Keefe, Kurt Weinmeister recently retired from his role as Chief Operating Officer at St. Bernardine’s Medical Center in San Bernardino where he had served since 2017.

Previously, he was CEO of San Dimas Community Hospital and Executive Vice President/COO of St. Francis Medical Center.

The Upland resident, an avid biker, skier, and world traveler, has been involved in the arts for many years and is a longtime supporter of youth arts education.

Nominated by Board Endowment Chair Jeffrey Torres, Dr. Scott Wyatt is an elected Board Member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District where he has served since 2015. He is also the proud father of two children who attended District schools and from 2010-2011, he volunteered on the District Advisory Committee and was PTO president at Richardson PREP HI Middle School.

Dr. Wyatt has been an educator for over 20 years, serving as a teacher, lead teacher, principal and Area Director of Student Services. He has worked in K-12 Alternative Education programs, Juvenile Court School Programs, ROP/CTE programs, Special Education programs, and he supervised the Toyota Learning Center at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. He serves on numerous committees throughout the county and state including the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force where he is the Chair.

Emeritus Board Member Judy Rodriguez Watson is owner of Watson & Associates Development Corporation, located in Seal Beach California, along with her husband James R. Watson. The Company develops, owns and operates real estate and has been in business since 1972. Both Watsons have been involved in local philanthropy focusing on California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra for decades.

She was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from CSUSB in 2015. Much of Judy’s attention is now devoted to philanthropist activities.

Emeritus Board Member Hon. Judith Valles is a former two-term Mayor of the City of San Bernardino. In that role, she oversaw numerous community revitalization programs including renovating the City’s historic areas, increasing the number of neighborhood cluster associations, expanding youth programs, and bringing about greater support for the arts. She served as Symphony Board President from 2013-2015.

She was born in San Bernardino and attended both San Bernardino High School and San Bernardino Valley College before seeking higher education. In addition to being San Bernardino’s first Latina mayor, she became the first Latina President of a large community college.

Since forming an Association in 1963 and incorporating in 1982, the San Bernardino Symphony’s leadership has included numerous notable names, including author and lecturer Frank Plash, newspaper publisher Gerald A. “Jerry” Bean, philanthropist Marilyn Karnig, Gresham, Savage, Nolan and Tilden partners Allen Gresham and Phillip Savage III, law professor and partner with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith Dean McVay, noted educators Dr. John M. Pfau, Dr. Jay Fiene, and Drs. Ernest and Dorothy Garcia, as well as many respected local business owners such as Mary Schnepp, Duke Hill, and Charles Obershaw.

She was born in San Bernardino and attended both San Bernardino High School and San Bernardino Valley College before seeking higher education. In addition to being San Bernardino’s first Latina mayor, she became the first Latina President of a large community college.

San Bernardino, CA — This February, in celebration of Black History Month, Healthy Heritage, is launching the Effective Black Parenting Program (EBPP), a nationally accredited program designed to empower parents with culturally affirming tools to raise confident, successful Black children.

Developed by the Center for the Improvement of Child Caring (CICC), the Effective Black Parenting Program is the first parenting skill-building program to respect and honor the unique history and traditions of people of African descent and to teach skills in a manner that is both culturally sensitive and culturally affirming.  Over the past 30 years, this program has educated thousands of parents in communities across the country. Healthy Heritage is honored to have been selected as a community-based partner by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools to offer this proven program to families in San Bernardino County, at no cost to participants.

The EBPP is a 15-session workshop series facilitated by licensed mental health therapists. It empowers families with practical tools to foster strong, healthy relationships and nurture the next generation of Black leaders. Healthy Heritage will offer the workshops both in person and online via Zoom, with classes beginning in February 2025. These sessions are free of charge and open to parents and caregivers residing in San Bernardino County.

“The Effective Black Parenting Program is a celebration of the Black family, both traditional and nontraditional. The program honors our resilience, culture, and legacy, and truly empowers parents to raise successful Black children,” said Phyllis Clark, Founder & Executive Director of Healthy Heritage. “As we honor Black History, we also have the opportunity to create history, and we want Black children and families of San Bernardino County to build strong foundations, embrace their potential for success, and lead healthy, thriving lives.”

Participants will learn evidence-based parenting strategies, including fostering positive communication, managing behavior, understanding child development, and building self-esteem, all rooted in cultural affirmation.

To sign up for the program, visit  https://bit.ly/sb-ebpp or call 951-293-4240 for more information.

As Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black communities, Healthy Heritage seeks to build on that tradition, empowering families and creating lasting impacts for generations to come.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Dameron Communications announced the addition of Vickie Davis, L.M.F.T., M.A., M.A.C., to their team as a Social Media Expert.

“Joining Dameron Communications allows me to merge my expertise with my commitment to uplifting our community. Being part of a team that values community engagement and strategic advocacy is a privilege. I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to amplify meaningful causes and create lasting impact.”

Davis brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and social impact to her new role. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, she has dedicated her career to uplifting historically disadvantaged communities through mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and community-based initiatives.

Beyond her clinical work, Davis is a passionate community organizer. She co-founded “Black on the Block,” now known as Rialto City Jam, and initiated the Juneteenth Jam in Rialto—both events celebrate heritage and support small businesses. She also spearheads an annual I.E. Tour of Toys, delivering joy to underserved families across the Inland Empire.

“Davis’s expertise in community engagement, combined with her deep understanding of social issues, will be invaluable to Dameron Communications as the agency continues to expand its social media offerings and help clients connect with their target audiences in meaningful ways,” said Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications. Dameron Communications is a diverse team of communications professionals founded in 1988.

The agency offers a wide range of public relations, advertising, media research, community relations, and government relations services. Dameron Communications has a proven track record of success, and itswork has won numerous awards and client accolades.

About Dameron Communications

Dameron Communications is a full-service communications agency that combines unsurpassed relationships with proven advertising and public relations methods. The agency’s experienced professionals are dedicated to delivering winning and measurable results for its clients.

SACRAMENTO, CA– Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson and fellow Assembly Democrats moved with urgency on Monday to protect our economy, vulnerable Californians and immigrant workers in the face of threats from the White House and Republicans in Washington.

Democrats voted overwhelmingly to pass two bills:

• Alegal defense fund that allocates $25 million for the California Department of Justice to protect California taxpayers and the state’s economy from hostile action in Washington, including the recent “Republican Freeze.”
• Funding for immigration Legal Aid and Servicesorganizations, which assist veterans, students, renters, families, victims of domestic violence and law-abiding immigrants who pay more than $130 billion annually in state and federal taxes and contribute over $1 trillion yearly to the California economy. In a letter of direction, the Legislature stated that this bill’s funding does not go to legal defense for people convicted of violent and serious felonies.

The legislation will strengthen California’s ability to fight unlawful and unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration. The bills pass on the heels of President Trump’s reckless attempt to freeze Congressionally approved federal funding, loans and grants last week, which jeopardizes funding for small business loans, schools, housing assistance, nonprofit grants, wildfire protection and Southern California wildfire relief, and health care and research.

What Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson Says About The Bills

“Today’s vote reaffirms our commitment. Every person deserves the right to dignity and self-determination. In the face of forces seeking to spread chaos and hate, we must stand up for our communities. I will work with my colleagues to use every available resource to protect those targeted and ensure that common-sense governing prevails over political noise. Our focus remains on lowering the cost of living and building opportunities so that everyone in California can thrive.”

What Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas Says

“At a time when Washington is being dragged-down by unprofessional, chaotic behavior, here in California we are focused on results. This year, our priority is cost of living and housing. But Californians are being threatened by an out-of-control administration that doesn’t care about the Constitution and thinks there are no limits to its power. That is why we are delivering legislation that will allocate resources to defend Californians from this urgent threat. We are here today because we do not trust President Donald Trump.”

What Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel Says

“While we always hope to collaborate with our federal partners, we also have a responsibility to protect California taxpayers and to defend the fundamental rights of all Californians. For that reason, we cannot – and will not – stand idly by if the Administration breaks the law or violates the U.S. Constitution. Californians should rest assured that we will vigorously protect both their fair share of federal dollars and their fundamental constitutional rights.”

How These Bills Work

• SBX1-1would amend the 2024 Budget Act to include a State Litigation Fund, allocating $25 million to the Department of Justice to assist in protecting California residents and taxpayers. For instance, if the federal government withholds emergency aid after a natural disaster, such as the L.A. firestorms, the fund will allow the DOJ to pursue legal recourse to secure the emergency aid from the federal government, providing California taxpayers with billions of dollars.
• SBX1-2amends the Budget Act to add funding for Legal Services, including $25 million for legal assistance for Californians and immigrant communities. Our Assembly’s direction is crystal clear and in writing: This funding goes toward supporting free legal services for especially vulnerable Californians, including veterans, people with disabilities, unhoused youth, those facing eviction, seniors, and victims of domestic violence, wage theft and human trafficking. Per the Legislature’s direction, funding will not be used for legal services defending those convicted of a violent or serious felony.

What California Community Leaders Say About a Legal Defense Fund to Protect Our Economy

“We applaud the Senate, Assembly and Governor for acting to ensure California has the resources necessary to act if federal policies will negatively impact Californians. The recent memo from the Office of Management and Budget raised serious questions of the potential impacts of abrupt cuts in federal funding, which could have consequences for healthcare delivery, disaster recovery, emergency response, and other critical government functions. This action is not about antagonizing the federal government but instead being prepared to protect our residents if policy action taken at the federal level has intended, or unintended, negative consequences on the communities we serve.” 

— Brian K. Rice, President, California Professional Firefighters

“Federal funding and programs are critical to helping safety net providers be a lifeline for millions of Americans. We can’t play politics with people’s lives. We thank the State of California for acting swiftly to put the necessary resources in place to respond to any threats to our federal programs and funding.”

– Louise McCarthy, President & CEO, Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County

“This $50 million funding package is about survival for the small and minority-owned businesses that form the backbone of our local economy, many of which face steep challenges in accessing capital, contracts, and protections. The Trump administration’s freeze on federal funds has only deepened this uncertainty. We are grateful to the legislature for taking action to help ensure these businesses have the resources they need to thrive.”

– Pepi Jackson, President & CEO, Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce

How a Legal Defense Fund Protect California’s Businesses, Workers and Families

• It is estimated that the Department of Justice spent approximately $40 million on legal defense to protect billions of dollars for California between 2016 and 2021 (according toCalMatters). Successful defenses included:
• California ensured the Department of Energy could finalize efficiency rules, generating more than $8 billion in savings for ratepayers (NRDC)
• DOJ secured nearly $60 million in federal public-safety grant reimbursements (SacBee)
• According to CalMatters: “Trump lost about two-thirds of cases filed against his administration” between 2016 and 2021

Economic Impact of California Immigrant Workers

• California immigrants pay nearly $130 billion annually in state and federal taxes (USC CA Immigrant Data Portal 2021)
• 88% of farmworkers in CA are immigrants—that’s 880,000 people. Approximately half are undocumented. (JBS International for the US Department of Labor)
• Immigrants hold one-thirdof all tourism and hospitality jobs in California. (LA Times Analysis of 2022 US Census Data)
• We must rebuild LA and increase affordable housing. Neither will happen without immigrants, who make up 41% of the construction workforce. (National Association of Homebuilders 2023)
• 50% of certified nursing assistants in CA nursing homes are immigrants. (Health Affairs 2021), and about 40% of child day-care workers. (LA Times Analysis of 2022 US Census Data)
• California immigrants contribute $715 billion in gross domestic product. (CA Immigrant Policy Center 2016)

Wildfire Protection and Prevention

This year during Special Session, Assembly Democrats already approved into law a $2.5 billion package to provide immediate aid for L.A. wildfire recovery. The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support, is a first step to deliver billions in state funding for wildfire response and recovery that will accelerate cleanup of impacted neighborhoods, and fast-track the rebuilding of schools and homes.

Assembly Democrats have made historic investments in wildfire protection and prevention in recent years including:

• Between 2014 and 2024, the number of positions dedicated to fire protection increased from 5,756 to 10,275 at CalFire, an approximately 80% increase.
• The LAO estimates that CalFire’s total base wildfire protection budget has nearly tripled over the past 10 years (from $1.1 billion in 2014-15 to $3 billion in 2023-24).
• The 24-25 budget included $199 million and 338 new positions to CalFire to begin implementing a shift to a 66 hour workweek. This will eventually rise to $770 million on an ongoing basis and 2,457 new permanent positions by 2028-29. These positions are dedicated to fire protection across the state.
• In the historic 2021 and 2022 climate packages, the Legislature invested more than $2.8 billion in Wildfire and Forest Resilience, including fire prevention efforts, across multiple budget years. The 24-25 budget maintained 93% of that funding or $2.6 billion.
• The 24-25 budget also avoided cuts and approved several fund shifts from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) for various wildfire resilience programs. These include:
  • $20 million for the prescribed fire liability pilot program
  • $82 million for Fire prevention grants
  • $26 million for Unit Fire prevention projects
  • $10 million for Tribal Wildfire and Forest Resilience
  • The 24-25 budget maintains $200 million through 2028 for prevention programs focused on prescribed burns, fuels reductions, fuel breaks.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA–– For the past three weeks, staff members from the San

Bernardino Animal Services Department have been assisting their counterparts in Los Angeles following the devastating fire that hit the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas.

On January 15, the City received a formal request for animal control assistance from the City of Los Angeles in response to the Palisades Fire.

The San Bernardino Department of Animal Services joined teams from Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Mission Viejo by sending animal control officers to the area affected by the fire to search and rescue pets and wild animals that were lost, left behind, or injured.

“Helping other jurisdictions in need following a disaster is not only the right thing to do, but our staff gain crucial skills that can help San Bernardino’s residents if something were to happen here,” said San Bernardino Animal Services Director Kris Watson.

City of San Bernardino Animal Services Supervisor, Arianna Gonzalez, Lead Animal Control Officer, Eduardo Alvarez as well as Animal Control Officers Patrick Galvan, Jasmine Torres and Estevan Barajas worked in shifts travelling to Los Angeles to assist in the effort.

“Seeing the devastation was heartbreaking and the conditions were difficult, but locating lost pets and returning them to their grateful owners was very rewarding,” said Animal Services Supervisor Arianna Gonzalez. “The appreciation from local residents, including comedian Jay Leno, made the hard work worth it.”

The Animal Control officers would start the day with a list of addresses and pet owners hoping to either find or receive an update on pets they had to leave behind.

In one case, the San Bernardino team was able to let a relieved homeowner know that the 28 fish in one of her koi ponds had survived the fire. Although her house was destroyed, staff were able to locate and evacuate the fish from the disaster area, and they are now recovering in a pond at DreamWorks Studios.

“She was so happy that their fish were ok,” added Gonzalez. “It gave them hope in what was a terrible situation. The City of San Bernardino will be reimbursed for staff time by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer John Salley was the Grand Marshal of the 46th Annual San Bernardino Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, February 1. making a memorable appearance alongside this year’s Black Rose Award winners.

“It was an honor to participate in the San Bernardino Black History Month Parade. Whenever I can celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Black individuals, I do so with pride. This parade allows me to honor past visionaries and those actively advocating for our rights today,” said Salley.

The San Bernardino City Police Department proudly led the annual parade with its dedicated motorcycle officers, showcasing their commitment to community engagement and public service.

The Department’s esteemed Mounted Unit joined the procession, adding a unique touch to the event. Police Chief Darren Goodman participated by driving a striking convertible Corvette, symbolizing leadership and community spirit. Captain Nelson Carrington also contributed to the festive atmosphere by cruising in a convertible Corvette.

The parade celebrated our community, emphasizing safety, unity, and the invaluable service provided by our police officers.

Parade coordinator Russel Ward noted, “Five marching bands performed during the event. The Cardinal Marching Band from San Bernardino High School led the parade, followed by San Gorgonio High School, Indian Springs High School, and Arroyo Valley High School marching bands, who concluded the parade and directed everyone to Arrow Vistas High School for the festival.”

Last year’s Black Rose Award winner, James Baker, designed an exceptional float. The float featured Grand Marshal Salley and his daughter, alongside Black Rose Award winners: Dr. Shene Bowie, Dr. Teri Davis, Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit, Dr. Arlington Rodgers Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles “Chuck” Singleton, Richard Wallace, Lawrence Hardy, and Deborah Franklin.

COLTON, CA— On January 30, 2025, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) awarded Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) with its Gold Beacon Award for Excellence. The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this award with gold, silver or bronze designations meet national criteria consistent with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

The Gold Beacon Award for Excellence, earned by ARMC’s 4-North Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), signifies an effective and systematic approach to policies, procedures and processes that include engagement of staff and key stakeholders; evaluation strategies for continuous process improvement; and performance measures that meet or exceed relevant benchmarks. The 4-North team earned a gold award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria:

• Patient Outcomes
• Work Environment
• Nursing Workforce

Established in 2003, the Beacon Award for Excellence offers a road map to help guide exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater overall patient satisfaction. U.S. and Canadian units where patients receive their principal nursing care after hospital admission qualify for this excellence award. To learn more, visit www.aacn.org/beacon or call (800) 899-2226.