Catholic Healthcare West Applauds Nomination of Dr. Regina Benjamin as Surgeon General

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Jul 13 (MARKET WIRE) --
Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) congratulates Dr. Regina Benjamin on her
nomination by President Barack Obama as Surgeon General of the United
States.

"I am delighted that President Obama has selected Dr. Benjamin for this
important position," said Lloyd Dean, president/chief executive officer of
CHW. "As national health care reform continues to move forward in our
nation's capital, she will be a strong voice for efforts to improve the
health and well being of all in need."

Dean said he has worked with Dr. Benjamin in national organizations to
promote health care reform and was encouraged that her appointment would
help focus on the need for wellness and disease prevention programs.

"Dr. Benjamin has achieved national recognition for her accomplishments,
and I am pleased that she will be able to use this position to articulate
and advocate on behalf of better health," Dean said.

Dean noted that in addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Benjamin
also demonstrated a keen social conscience in her work with underserved
populations both in the U.S. and through missionary work.

"Catholic Healthcare West is committed to expanding access to health care,
improving quality, and constraining the cost of care," Dean said. "Dr.
Benjamin will be an effective champion for these important principles."

About Catholic Healthcare West

Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) is the eighth largest hospital system in
the nation and the largest not-for-profit hospital provider in the West.
Founded in 1986, the CHW network of more than 10,000 physicians and
approximately 53,000 employees serve a population spanning 22 million
people at 41 hospitals across California, Arizona, and Nevada. CHW is
committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable healthcare
services with special attention to the poor and underserved. In 2008, CHW
provided $967 million in community benefits and care for the poor
(including the unpaid cost of Medicare). For more information, please
visit our website at www.chwHEALTH.org.

Contact:
Tricia Griffin
(415) 438-5524

185 Berry Street, Suite 300
www.chwhealth.org
San Francisco, CA 94107
415.438.5500 direct
415.438.5723 fax

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