Premier Healthcare Alliance Launches National Search for Leading Community Health Programs.

17th Annual Premier Cares Award Application Period Now Open for Non-Profit Organizations Providing Support to Medically Underserved Communities

SAN DIEGO -- The Premier healthcare alliance has launched its annual search for non-profit community organizations providing commendable and innovative efforts to improve the health of the medically underserved.

The Monroe E. Trout Premier Cares Award provides an annual cash prize of up to $70,000 to six winning organizations. During the past 16 years, the Cares Award has presented nearly $3 million in funding to 96 non-profit organizations nationwide.

"The Cares Award underscores the core beliefs of Premier," said Premier President and CEO Richard A. Norling. "Our commitment to improve the health of communities is best represented by organizations that are making a real difference for patients, families and communities. The organizations that apply for this award deserve all the recognition and support we can provide."

The program recognizes winning organizations each year that have established innovative, replicable ways to improve the health of medically underserved communities. Award winners are encouraged to assist colleagues in other organizations to improve their programs.

To view award criteria and highlights of past recipients, as well as apply for the Cares Award, please visit www.premierinc.com/caresaward. Premier will announce award winners and finalists during its annual Governance Education Conference in January 2009.

Through ...