Interstitial Cystitis Association Wins 2011 National Health Information Awards

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) was selected as a winner of three awards in the 18th annual National Health Information Awards. This program recognizes the nation's best consumer health information programs and materials.

Two articles and a special issue of the ICA's quarterly magazine, the ICA Update, earned 2011 honors. "You've Come a Long Way IC Treatment" in the Fall 2010 issue won gold, and the article "How to Talk So Your Doctor Will Listen" in the Spring 2010 issue won a merit award. The Winter 2010 special issue, "Stopping the Pain," took bronze in the associations division for a magazine series. ICA Update Editor Penny Allen authored the winning articles and Kotowski Design designed and produced the issues.

This awards program is organized by the Health Information Resource Center, a clearinghouse for health information programs. Nearly 1,000 entries were submitted; the gold awards represent the top five percent of all entries.

"The ICA Update is about hope. It is a way to keep members and donors informed about the latest treatment and research news," said Barbara Gordon, ICA Executive Director. "To truly help our community, it's imperative that we do that well," continued Gordon. "Three awards for quality health reporting are a wonderful confirmation that we are achieving that goal."

"Those articles and the special issue were all aimed at empowering people with interstitial cystitis to overcome the obstacles in their way and get the best care possible. I think the judges likely recognized just how critical that is. I'm so proud of the awards, but the best reward for me is hearing that these Update articles really did help readers get better treatment and a better life with interstitial cystitis," said Allen.

About Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) affects more than 4 million Americans—of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. IC is pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort related to the bladder is typically associated with a persistent urge to void or urinary frequency. Although there is no cure, there are effective treatment options.

About the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA)
The ICA advocates for IC research dedicated to discovery of a cure and better treatments, raises awareness, and serves as a central hub for the healthcare providers, researchers and millions of patients who suffer with IC. To learn more visit www.ichelp.org.

Contact:
Barbara Gordon
301-610-5300
[email protected]

SOURCE Interstitial Cystitis Association