Journalists who cover health issues are invited to compete for the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism, organized by the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ). Early bird deadline: December 17.

The competition will award prizes in 11 categories in broadcast, print and online media. Winners will receive US$500 plus free registration and lodging for the association’s next annual conference, scheduled for April 16 to 19, 2009, in Seattle.

Works must have been published or aired between January 1 and December 31, 2008. Entries published in languages other than English are allowed but must include a translation, along with a letter from the news outlet certifying its accuracy and the translator’s name and contact information.

Contestants must pay an entry fee of US$55 (US$30 for AHCJ members) or US$75 (US$50 for members) after December 17. The regular deadline is January 26.

For details and to apply, visit http://www.healthjournalism.org/awards-entryFormRules.php or e-mail contest@healthjournalism.org.