CALL FOR VRA 2008 AWARD NOMINATIONS

Is it too early? NO! It is time to think about recognizing your colleagues, businesses, and successful customers for their award winning EXCELLENCE? YES!

This year, in an effort to get more nominations as well as nominations in all categories, the Awards Committee will be accepting nominations from January 1, 2008 – August 22, 2008. The award categories, descriptions of each, and nomination form are located within your NewsNotes. Take the time right now and each month to nominate someone you feel is deserving of an award.

Nominations can be submitted by email/mail to:
Eleanor Williams
c/o DRS – Internal Audit
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, Virginia  23229
Phone:	804-662-7075
Email:	Eleanor.williams@drs.virginia.gov     
		

Presidential Ponderings, by Amy Miller

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) will sponsor up to 30 Travel Awards for substance abuse treatment practitioners to attend the 2008 College on the Problems of Drug Dependence meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico from June 14-19, 2008. The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), formerly the Committee on Problems of Drug Dependence, has been in existence since 1929 and is the longest standing group in the United State s addressing research issues and problems on drug dependence and abuse. The focus of this year's CSAT satellite session will be racial and ethnic health disparities in HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. To be eligible, candidates must hold full-time employment as a director or clinical supervisor in a substance abuse treatment program and not be an employee of the federal government. Only one award will be given to any specific program. Previous CSAT travel award recipients are not eligible to apply

To apply, send five collated copies of the following:

1. An up-to-date resume or vitae including contact information, previous travel fellowships, if applicable, work experience and academic experience.
2. A one page letter of application on institutional letterhead indicating interest in receiving an award and including a statement as to how this conference will benefit your work in your current position.
3. A letter of support on institutional letterhead from your direct supervisor stating should you be selected that you will be allowed to attend.

Complete, collated applications must be received on or before January 25, 2008. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are required to arrive prior to 4:30 PM on June 14, attend a networking session sponsored by CSAT in the evening on June 14, the CSAT-sponsored satellite session June 15, a breakfast sponsored by CPDD for the awardees on June 16, and remain for the entire CPDD meeting. Materials should be mailed to:

Dr. Alison Oliveto, Chair, CPDD Travel Awards Committee, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 843, Little Rock, AR 72205. For inquiries call: 501.686.7929.