Paulina (Polly) Perez, RN, BSN, today received the Excellence in Community Service Award from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) at AWHONN’s annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Perez was honored with the Award for her commitment and contributions to promoting the health of women and newborns and family-centered care during childbirth. Currently in private practice, Perez has acted as an advocate for childbearing women and their families for more than 35 years.
Perez has taught classes for families that address such topics as Lamaze preparation, breastfeeding, cesarean birth and the emotional and sexual aspects of pregnancy. In the early 1970’s, Perez coordinated the research and implementation of a cesarean birth program at The Women’s Hospital of Texas in Houston. She also coordinated the opening for one of the first family-centered maternity units in Houston. Perez has worked as a production assistant on films to teach families about family-centered childbirth, and she contributed to a Comprehensive Guide to Health Services for pregnant women in Houston. In 1990, Perez wrote the first book on the role of doulas in labor and birth. In 2000, that book was revised and updated in its third edition.
More than 2,000 nurses are attending AWHONN’s four-day convention, which features educational sessions, workshops and exhibits that address the health of women across their lifespan and newborns. At the convention, AWHONN is recognizing the achievements of several of its members. Four nurses, including Polly Perez, received AWHONN Awards of Excellence. The Awards of Excellence are given annually to AWHONN members who have excelled in Community Service, Education, Practice and Research.
“Polly Perez has been and continues to be an outstanding advocate and activist for childbearing women and their families,” said AWHONN Executive Director Gail Kincaide. “Through all her endeavors working in the community, conducting research and helping to educate women about their childbirth options Polly continues to set the standard for excellence in community service.”
Comprised of 22,000 health care professionals, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) promotes the health of women and newborns. Through dynamic programs, services and community outreach, AWHONN strives to enrich not only the health and well-being, but the lives of women and newborns.