Mary Washington nurse wins honor

BY JIM HALL

A Mary Washington Healthcare nurse has received a national award for her work with victims of sexual violence.

Gail Perkins, a registered nurse, has been named the 2012 National Spirit of Women Healthcare Hero.

 Perkins, a forensic nurse examiner, helped found the hospital’s sexual assault nurse examiner program.  She leads a team of people who treat sexual assault victims when they arrive at the hospital.

 She was also one of the founders of the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center in Spotsylvania County, where children who have been abused are interviewed and examined.

Perkins was a regional winner of the Spirit of Women Healthcare Hero award, which made her eligible to compete for the national award. A panel of judges selected her last week. She will receive the award next month in Boca Raton, Fla.

The Spirit of Women award is an annual program that honors those who contribute to their communities through their work and service activities.

Jim Hall: 540/374-5433

jhall@freelancestar.com

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