News Release: October 24, 2008

Presbyterian Healthcare Services will officially mark 100 years of service to New Mexico with a birthday celebration that will happen simultaneously at 26 Presbyterian locations across the state this Friday, October 24, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate its founding and honor today's employees and caregivers. Presbyterian is New Mexico's largest not-for-profit healthcare system.

In 1908, the Reverend Hugh Cooper founded the Southwestern Presbyterian Sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. It was a tiny, five-bedroom cottage in Albuquerque where Presbyterian Hospital on Central Avenue still stands today.

Congresswoman Heather Wilson will be on hand for the 100th Anniversary celebration at Presbyterian Hospital, joining Presbyterian employees, community volunteers and Presbyterian’s president and CEO, Jim Hinton. All babies born at Presbyterian Hospital that day will receive a special Centennial teddy bear.

"This will be a very exciting day for Presbyterian as we celebrate 100 years of serving and caring for New Mexico," said Jim Hinton, Presbyterian president and CEO.

WHAT: Presbyterian's 100th Anniversary Celebration
WHEN: Friday, October 24, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Presbyterian Hospital: 1100 Central Avenue Albuquerque, NM

Following the commemorative program at each Presbyterian location across the state, senior executives will serve lunch for 9,500 employees in appreciation of the care they provide to 700,000 New Mexicans every day.