Sutter Health Donates $500,000 to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina

SACRAMENTO, Calif., August 31, 2005 – Sutter Health, a family of not-for-profit hospitals and physician organizations serving more than 100 communities throughout Northern California, today announced a donation of $500,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, following the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina.

"Each day, caregivers across our network work together to improve the lives of families throughout Northern California," said Sutter Health President and CEO Patrick Fry. "The destruction brought by Hurricane Katrina compels us to look beyond our regional community to the overwhelming needs of our national community. We hope our donation will help our fellow Americans in their time of need."

"In the days ahead, our hospitals and physicians will be working together to send additional resources including critical medical supplies and personnel to help those communities in need," said Fry.

"We know the next several days, weeks and months are going to be overwhelming for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this devastating storm," said Fry.

"We hope this contribution on behalf of Sutter organizations across Northern California will encourage other businesses to get involved in the relief effort any way they can," concluded Fry.

Sutter physicians and hospitals share a common commitment to creating healthier communities through programs and services that respond to community needs. In 2004, the network invested $814 million in these programs as well as charity care.

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Contact
Karen Garner
Communications Manager
916-286-8297
garnerk@sutterhealth.org