For its leadership and dedication in serving victims of spina bifida in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky, the Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati has received a national award.

        The Spina Bifida Association of America gave the association the Media (Group Member Generated) Award during a ceremony at the group's 29th annual conference in Orlando, Fla., last month.

        “The Cincinnati Association has done a great job in generating media presentations,” said Mary Johnson, director of communication for the national office. “The Cincinnati group has worked closely with members of the community to encourage and support efforts to prevent spina bifida and promote public awareness to enhance the quality of life for those affected.”

        The award was based on an education video produced by the Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and WKRC Channel 12.

        “The video explains about the disease and how it affects people and what the local association does,” said Judy Albert, treasurer of the local association. “A lot of people don't know anything about the disease. The video is designed to alert people about symptoms of the disease, how and where to get treatment.”

        For information on the video, call 923-1378.

        Mrs. Albert said the local association serves about 250 families.

        Spina bifida causes full or partial paralysis, hydrocephalus, depression, complications with bladder and bowel function and learning disabilities.

        Keep Cincinnati Beautiful will begin a lead contamination containment program, using a $5,000 grant it received from the Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation.

        “Basically what we will be doing is working in areas that are contaminated with lead or areas that are contaminated with oil from cars,” said Heather Harlow, communication manager for KCB. She said the funds will be used to purchase a dense low-growing ground cover to plant on vacant lots in high lead-contaminated areas.

        “This will keep the lot from being disturbed by mowing and will prevent dust from being tracked into homes and businesses,” she said.

        KCB is a not-for-profit organization promoting litter prevention, recycling, and community improvement and beautification.

        The Phi Psi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. contributed $3,000 to the Lincoln Heights Health Care Connection's Building Fund, money the chapter raised from a jazz brunch and silent auction.

        The sorority has made a commitment to help ensure quality health care for minorities, the uninsured and the underinsured.

        More than 250 guests attended the event, held at the Marriott Hotel North in West Chester.

        The chapter also plans to establish a scholarship fund for minority students.

        Other funds from the event will be used to expand the chapter's services in Forest Park, Woodlawn, and Lincoln Heights.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, e-mail ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.

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