FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2009

Contact:
Cheri Russum, 425-304-0591, cheri.russum@providence.org

Premera Blue Cross $100,000 Grant Supports Heart Attack Education

The Cardiac Level I Network, a regional collaborative focused on improving both the quality and clinical outcomes for people experiencing a heart attack,  recently received a $100,000 grant from Premera Blue Cross in support of the their regional cardiac community education and outreach program.

Premera’s grant will fund a part-time community educator for one year to develop strategies, messages, and materials to educate communities in Snohomish, Island, Skagit and San Juan counties regarding the Cardiac Level 1 Network.  The Cardiac Level 1 Network is a collaboration of hospitals and emergency services providers who have developed streamlined processes to ensure that heart attack patients get the best coordinated care within the shortest amount of time.  The education focuses on calling 911 at the first signs of heart attack as every minute counts in preserving heart muscle.

“Premera’s grant reflects their overall commitment to funding important health care initiatives in our region,” says Mark Donaldson, CEO of the Northwest Cardiovascular Network, a founding sponsor of the Cardiac Level 1 Network. “It’s this kind of collaboration among healthcare providers and insurers that make our region the state’s leader in quality cardiac care.”

Providence General Foundation sought the grant from Premera to support regional community education and outreach efforts in concert with the Cardiac Level 1 Network.
“Providence and members of the Cardiac Level 1 Network are working together to deliver the best care possible for our community members who experience a heart attack,” said Rich Maturi, senior vice president of Health Care Delivery Systems at Premera.  “We’re pleased to support their community education and outreach efforts.”

About Premera Blue Cross
Our mission is to provide peace of mind to our members about their healthcare coverage. We provide health insurance and related services to more than 1.5 million people. Premera Blue Cross has operated in Washington since 1933, and Alaska since 1957. Premera Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Premera Blue Cross is a member of a family of companies based in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, that provide health, life, vision, dental, stop-loss, disability, and other related products and services.
Premera Blue Cross leadership serves on the Metro-Puget Sound board of directors for the American Heart Association.