Kimberly-Clark Professional Provides Scholarships for ASHES Members

ROSWELL, Ga. -- Kimberly-Clark Professional will be providing scholarships for members of the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) to take the Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) Examination.

"We`re excited to be able to support the professional development of environmental services directors across the country and help more ASHES members become certified," said Mark Fuglsang, healthcare segment marketing manager for Kimberly-Clark Professional.

Five grants will be available to qualified ASHES members for the remainder of 2003. Kimberly-Clark Professional plans to expand and continue the program in 2004.

"CHESP is the vehicle by which environmental services professionals can really demonstrate competency and mastery of their body of knowledge," said Patti Costello, executive director of ASHES. "Kimberly-Clark's support of the certification program demonstrates its commitment to our members and the profession."

The Kimberly-Clark grants will also assist ASHES members in a difficult economic climate.

"Many hospitals have cut back on educational funding and no longer pay for certification exams. By establishing this scholarship fund, Kimberly-Clark Professional will open the door for more environmental services professionals to become certified," said Weston Thiss, CHESP, president of ASHES and director of environmental services at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Va. "As more members achieve certification, the more knowledgeable the profession becomes as a whole. That's valuable intellectual capital for healthcare facilities."

The American Hospital Association (AHA) Certification Center launched the professional certification program for healthcare environmental services in 2000. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria and successfully complete a qualifying examination are designated Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professionals (CHESP). The Kimberly-Clark educational grants are available only to ASHES members.

For more information about the Kimberly-Clark educational grants, contact ASHES at (312) 422-3860 or visit the Web site at http://www.hospitalconnect.com/ashes/education/chespcert.html

Kimberly-Clark Professional provides tissue and towel products, skin care products and industrial wipers for workplace settings.

Source: Kimberly-Clark