12/28/2007

Dublin, Ohio, December 3, 2007- To increase the number of rural and public hospitals participating in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) 5 Million Lives Campaign, the Cardinal Health Foundation announced today it is granting $537,000 to 37 hospitals that enroll and report their data to IHI. Hospitals will receive an average of $15,000 each to help deepen their commitment and ability to implement IHI initiatives, aimed at protecting patients from medical harm.

Cardinal Health worked with The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH) to oversee the application process and review grant applications. Both associations will administer the grants.

"Chesterfield General Hospital will focus its grant monies on developing a Rapid Response Team, training clinical personnel and purchasing the necessary equipment for the team. The goal of a Rapid Response Team is to quickly respond, assess and implement actions needed to improve patient outcomes in emergency situations," states Jeff Reece, Chief Nursing Officer and coordinator of the grant.