Debra L. P. Cowan, Pharm. D., BS. Pharm, D, FASHP, of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and Angel Medical Center, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award for Inpatient Care Practitioners.

In part, because of her contributions to ASHP on behalf of small and rural hospitals, the Small and Rural Hospital Section was formed. She has served on and chaired many ASHP committees and has promoted ASHP's PPMI (Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative) in North Carolina via its state professional society.

“On behalf of her leadership team, I want to thank Debby for serving Angel Medical Center and her profession with distinction. She is certainly deserving of this honor, and we are proud to have her on our team of caregivers,” said Angel CEO, Jim Bross.

Western Carolina University’s School of Nursing is the recipient of nearly $700,000 in federal grant funding to help address a shortage of primary health care providers in Western North Carolina.

The Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $349,877 annually over a two-year period to increase student enrollment in WCU’s specialized master’s degree program for family nurse practitioners.

The funding will be used to support second- and third-year graduate students in the university’s FNP program by providing up to $11,000 annually to each student to help defray the cost of education, including assistance with the cost of tuition, fees, books and reasonable living expenses.

It’s the beginning of the New Year, and resolutions abound for many. Losing weight, exercising more frequently, and eating more healthfully are common goals. What if you could do all of the above and save a few dollars at the same time? This January, consider the following strategies from TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, to create flavorful, nutritious meals that won’t hurt your wallet.

Eat In More and Out Less

While they require more planning, home-cooked meals are an excellent way to minimize your grocery bill, and they are typically healthier than the options you may find when dining out.

Pie, mashed potatoes, cookies, and carved ham – these are just a few of the popular seasonal dishes we tend to consume more of during the holidays. According to Katie Ferraro, M.P.H., R.D., C.D.E., nutrition expert for TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, the holidays don’t have to sabotage your healthy meal planning.

“Use parties and family get-togethers as an opportunity to try out new, healthy recipes and incorporate several of the following tips into your upcoming celebrations,” says Ferraro. “Special holiday recipes prepared healthier with simple substitutions can add nutrition and won’t break the calorie bank.”