The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) announced its new charity initiative, called Caring Through Sharing. For 2008, AWHONN has adopted the House of Ruth in Los Angeles, the host city of its June 2008 Convention. AWHONN members and staff will donate items such as strollers, clothes, toys, towels and other household goods to help the women and children at the House of Ruth.

"Nurses make a difference in the lives of so many people in clinical settings. I am proud that we will be giving back to the community in which we are holding our annual convention" said AWHONN President Barbara Moran, PhD, CNM. "I've worked closely with battered women and their families, so our collaboration with the House of Ruth is especially meaningful to me." The House of Ruth is one of the only safe havens for homeless and battered women with children in greater Los Angeles. It is a homelike environment that protects mothers and their children. It also offers services such as case management, crisis intervention, child care, health screening and education, life skills training, shelter, permanent housing placement, and move-in assistance.

"Homeless women with children continue to be the fastest growing segment of the U.S. homeless population. Sadly, more than one-third of America's homeless women are fleeing domestic violence," said Moran. "We must do more to help these families."

To contribute items to the House of Ruth, AWHONN has established a public registry through Target Lists. Items purchased from the list will be sent directly to Los Angeles, and will make a difference in the lives of the families in this shelter. Make a donation online.

About AWHONN

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is the foremost nursing authority that advances the health care of women and newborns through advocacy, research and the creation of high quality, evidence-based standards of care.

AWHONN's 22,000 members worldwide are clinicians, educators and executives who serve as patient care advocates focusing on the needs of women and infants.

A leader in professional development, AWHONN is the first and only association to be awarded the designation Premier Provider by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for innovation and excellence in Continuing Nursing Education.

AWHONN was founded in 1969 as the Nurses Association of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The association became a separate nonprofit organization called the Association of Women's Health and Neonatal Nurses in 1993.

Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses