Baltimore, MD (May 25, 2010) — Nominated as one of three finalists contending for the Independent Book Publishers Association's (IBPA) prestigious 22nd Annual Benjamin Franklin Awards® in the gift book category, Health Professions Press' remarkable book Facing Death: A Companion in Words and Images by Linda Watson (photography by Maggie Sale) was announced as the category winner at IBPA's Award Ceremony held on May 24, 2010, in New York City. The Benjamin Franklin Awards have recognized excellence in content and design in small and independent book publishing since 1987 and are among the highest national honors bestowed on publications from this dedicated and innovative field of publishers. Professionals all across the publishing industry, including librarians, book reviewers, designers, and editors, review submissions and select the top award winners from a wide field of contenders.

"To receive the Benjamin Franklin Award for this sensitive book designed to help people who are facing the most difficult passage of their lives — that is, their own death or the death of a loved one — is immensely rewarding," said Mary Magnus, Director of Publications. Exquisitely illustrated, Facing Death meets the unique needs of people approaching the end of life as well as those of their caregivers and loved ones. Its breathtaking nature photographs and brief inspirational text give individuals facing death the opportunity to confront the wide range of emotions, questions, and discoveries they experience. The book opens the door to important conversations with family members, friends, and caregivers who struggle with how to approach the subject of death. Pages are also provided for personalizing the book with notes, pictures, and mementos that imbue it with deeper relevance for the dying person and turn it into a valued keepsake after a loved one's death.

Written by a former pastoral and supportive care professional, Facing Death draws upon a variety of spiritual traditions and standard psychological approaches to enrich the final days and weeks of life.

For more information or to purchase Facing Death, please visit our website at www.healthpropress.com/facingdeath.

Health Professions Press, Inc. (Baltimore, Maryland) is a publisher of high-quality educational resources for professionals in the fields of aging, long-term care, and health services administration. Visit www.healthpropress.com to learn more about this independent company, its vision, mission, and ever-growing list of publications.