March 31, 2005, St. Louis, MO--Yvonne Tisdel, SSM Health Care (SSMHC) vice president – human resources and system diversity, received the Woman of Distinction Award, from the Professional Organization of Women (POW), Inc.       The event, sponsored by A. G. Edwards, recognizes African-American women for trailblazing achievements in their professional fields and in the community. Tisdel was recognized for her exemplary leadership and dedication to the community through professional and civic endeavors.       At SSMHC, Tisdel uses her strong commitment to diversity in the workplace to oversee the health care system’s diversity goals. In her free time, she helps young women achieve their goals by serving on the board of the YWCA.       “Yvonne has been an inspirational leader on our journey to expand the inclusiveness of the SSM culture,” said Steve Barney, SSMHC senior vice president-human resources. “Her efforts have touched our patients, our employees and our suppliers. She’s tremendous.”       This is the third year POW has presented the Woman of Distinction Award. Pier Alsup with the Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union; Valeria Patton with the St. Louis Business Diversity Institute; and M. Denise Thomas with AT&T Solutions were also honored.       “I’m humbled to be included with such a prestigious group of African-American women,” said Tisdel. “Their professionalism in their work and in the community is a great example for all to follow.”       POW is a non-profit organization whose members share a vision and commitment to enrich the professional, social and community aspirations of St. Louis African-American women in entry and mid-level management positions.       Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary and based in St. Louis, MO, SSM Health Care is one of the largest Catholic systems in the country and is the first health care recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s premier award for performance excellence and quality achievement.       The system owns, operates and is affiliated with 20 acute care hospitals and three nursing homes in four states: Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. For copies of news releases and additional information about SSM Health Care, please visit SSMHC’s web site at www.ssmhc.com.