Advancing the Health of Our Community
Originally established as an auxiliary by nurses returning from service in WWII, the goal was to encourage and help Nevada students pursue a career in nursing. A sponsored event raised funds for the first AWCMS nursing scholarship, awarded in 1949. In 1951, the first "Doctors' Wives Rummage Sale" was held to ensure the continuation of the scholarships.
In the 1970s, AWCMS established the Community Action Fund (CAF) Committee which awarded local non-profit grant applicants with funding for their health and service related endeavors. Since 1949, AWCMS has awarded over $300,000 in nursing scholarships and $2 million to community organizations in Washoe County.
Looking to the future, AWCMS will continue its proud tradition of partnering with the Washoe County Medical Society (WCMS) to advocate for sound government health care policy and better community health. Through fundraising and volunteerism, we will continue to support local non-profit organizations to improve the health of Northern Nevadans. We are proud of our past accomplishments and look to the challenges of the future with confidence that we will continue to have a positive impact on the health of our fellow citizens.
By-laws Chairman Mary Gainey, Co-president Katy Mann, Treasurer Laura Pinto and Co-president Carole Hess presented a check for $2,000.00 to Jen Robinson of Awaken at the October Membership Luncheon. Awaken works to get girls and women off the streets, into more normal lives.