Canadian Public Relations Society Names Catherine Whitnall 2016 Joan Hollobon Award Recipient

TORONTO, May 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is pleased to announce that Catherine Whitnall is this year's recipient of The Joan Hollobon Award.  Catherine is the health beat reporter at Kawartha Lakes This Week in Lindsay, Ontario.

The Joan Hollobon Award recognizes a member of the media whose work has contributed significantly to the public's understanding of health care.  The award is named in honour of Joan Hollobon, who worked as a medical reporter for The Globe and Mail for 25 years until her retirement. 

In their remarks, the judges noted: "Catherine's stories showcase local programs and services, while building connections between the community and the health system. She champions Ross Memorial Hospital's successes, but also doesn't shy away from negative or more difficult stories. Catherine's work is making an impression and draws attention to the significant impact that local community newspapers can have on local health care."

Previously, the Joan Hollobon Award was presented by the Health Care Public Relations Association (HCPRA). HCPRA recently integrated with the Canadian Public Relations Society, and CPRS is pleased to continue this annual tradition of recognizing Canadian media who work closely with health care communicators.

About CPRS

Founded in 1948, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is a not-for-profit organization whose members are engaged in the practice, management or teaching of public relations. Members work to maintain the highest standards and to share a uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. CPRS is a federation of more than 1,800 members across 14 Member Societies based in major cities or organized province-wide.  For more information, visit our website: cprs.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Public Relations Society

Karen Dalton, Executive Director, CPRS National, 416-239-7034, [email protected]