News Release: November 15, 2006

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Presbyterian Hospital was awarded the Medal of Honor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for working to significantly raise its organ donation rates for eligible donors.

Mark Reifsteck, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, was presented the HHS Medal of Honor. Presbyterian's donation rate was 77.78 percent for 2006, up from 66.70 percent in 2005.

"Presbyterian is honored to be among those in the nation who continue to make organ donations a priority, and work to improve donation rates every year," said Reifsteck. "Every donation brings hope to our patients and their families."

Hospitals with eight or more potential organ donors during the 26-month award period ending in June 2006 were eligible for Medals of Honor. All winning hospitals had to achieve and maintain a donation rate of 75 percent or more from among eligible donors.

Presbyterian serves to improve the health of individuals, families and communities. Presbyterian Healthcare Services was founded in New Mexico in 1908, and is the state's only private, not-for-profit healthcare system. Presbyterian offers seven hospitals, a statewide health plan, and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Presbyterian employs more than 9,000 people throughout New Mexico.