Residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties who are pursuing degrees related to health care may be eligible for financial assistance through the Martin Memorial Health Systems Auxiliary Scholarship.

Applications are available online at mmhs.com under the News and Events heading. The deadline for submission is Jan. 29, 2010.

Scholarships are available to high school seniors graduating from schools in Martin or St. Lucie counties in 2010 and verifiable residents of both counties seeking undergraduate degrees in health-related fields, or business fields related to health care delivery. Adults interested in returning to school to further their educations, as well as previous scholarship recipients, may apply if they meet eligibility requirements outlined in the application.

A committee determines which candidates receive scholarships and in what amount. Amounts awarded vary and are based on grades, residency, need, other financial assistance being granted and other criteria. Funds may be used to offset any costs associated with the pursuit of a degree in healthcare.

For more information, call Rachel Raos at (772) 288-5896 or e-mail her at rraos@mmhs-fla.org.

In 2009, the Martin Memorial Auxiliary provided $50,000 in scholarships with 56 recipients earning assistance. Since 1980, Martin Memorial has awarded $1,093,000 in scholarships to 777 residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties.

The Martin Memorial Auxiliary includes more than 800 members, who volunteer nearly 170,000 hours across the health system.

Martin Memorial Health Systems is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare organization. It offers a continuum of care including preventative, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer and cardiac care, wellness and rehabilitation services. Its approximately 2,900 Associates and 375 affiliated physicians operate 12 different locations serving Martin and St. Lucie counties. To learn more, visit mmhs.com.