Sept. 26, 2005

PORTLAND, Ore. - More than $500,000 in financial relief will be sent to hurricane victims in the Gulf Coast and Texas thanks to the fund-raising efforts of Providence Health System employees, physicians and volunteers. Providence is also pitching in via numerous other ways - with employees serving as medical or other volunteers in the region, or raising money and providing supplies for additional support.

The people of Providence raised $201,541 in individual contributions. That amount will be matched by the health system, and Providence Health Plans is donating another $100,000. The combined total - more than half a million dollars - will be sent to Catholic Charities USA, which is working on the scene of the disasters to assist devastated families and communities.

“The generosity and compassion of our employees - whether through their financial support or personal time and efforts - are truly indicative of the Providence mission to reach out to those in need,” said Russ Danielson, chief executive, Providence Health System - Oregon.

There are many other examples of Providence efforts and support:

· Multiple Providence Health System medical and nursing staff have already served or volunteered to serve for future duty as health care providers.

· Emergency medical triage/treatment tents recently ordered by Providence were diverted to the Gulf Coast region and other medical supplies have been sent as well.

· Numerous Providence employees hosting or supporting mini fund-raising drives to provide supplies or raise funds for human service organizations. Just one example is Providence Medical Group Newberg Family Medicine’s Denise Marecki, R.N. Marecki is printing images of her daughter’s paintings of New Orleans people and streets on cards, and selling them four for $10, with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity of New Orleans. To date, she’s already raised several thousand dollars.

· A handful of Providence staff who also serve in the U.S. military reserves have been deployed to the region or have been called up to serve soon.

· Providence facilities across the state have held prayer vigils and services for those impacted by the disaster.

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Contacts:
Gary Walker Sara Wurfel
503-215-7567 503-216-7190
gary.walker@providence.org sara.wurfel@providence.org

Providence Health System in Oregon, ranked as the second most integrated health care system in the nation, offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its seven hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With nearly 14,000 employees, Providence is the state’s second-largest private employer. Visit www.providence.org/oregon.