Good Samaritan Health System named 1995 Foster G. McGaw Prize finalist for excellence in community service.

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(HealthWire)--July 10, 1995--Good Samaritan Health System of San Jose, Calif., has been named a finalist for the 1995 Foster G. McGaw Prize.

The system is being recognized for its progressive approach to delivering health-care and related services to the ethnically, culturally and economically diverse population of the Santa Clara Valley.

Now in its 10th year, the Foster G. McGaw Prize is presented annually by The Baxter Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., and the American Hospital Association to a health-care organization that demonstrates commitment to community service through a range of innovative programs that expand access to health care. The coveted prize, which first was awarded in 1986, is one of the most significant honors in the health-care field. It will be presented Aug. 21 at the AHA's 1995 convention in San Francisco.

As a finalist, Good Samaritan Health System will receive a $10,000 award.

``We are truly honored to be named a McGaw finalist,'' said Michael Guthrie, M.D., chief executive officer of Good Samaritan Health System. ``We strive to do the best we can for our community, so it's gratifying to get this objective evaluation of our efforts. It's a credit to everyone who contributes to our programs that Good Samaritan community service is considered among the best in the country.''

The Good Samaritan Health System (GSHS) got its start in 1985 when three hospitals merged to become the first integrated health-care system in Santa Clara Valley. The not-for-profit system now includes four hospitals; the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), the largest home health-care provider in the area; and a physician network that links a medical group practice and an independent practice association with a hospital group -- the first of its kind in the U.S. As such, the GSHS provides a full range of primary, acute and preventive care to the community of San Jose and south Santa Clara County, which includes the high-tech manufacturing area known as ``Silicon Valley'' as well as the surrounding agricultural valley.

More than 1.5 million people reside in the area served by GSHS. This number reflects a patient population that has changed dramatically in the past two decades. While access to health care is generally available to those with the financial ability to meet their needs, health insurance is less common among minorities and new immigrant arrivals. One in four area residents was born outside the United States. While the influx of new foreign residents is expected to slow, the birth rate among recent immigrants is expected to outpace that among the longer-term resident population.

The last five years have seen increases in the prevalence of juvenile gangs and related violence. At the same time, significant reductions in state and county services have reduced the ``safety net'' that has traditionally existed to protect the health and well-being of indigent residents and the working poor.

The programs for which GSHS has been named a McGaw finalist are the result of an ongoing dialogue and partnership with the community to identify and address problems and concerns in the delivery of health care. They include the School Health Centers, Planetree Health Resource Center, Outreach Medical Group, Trauma Support Services Program, and the Flu Prevention Program.

The winner of the $75,000 1995 Foster G. McGaw Prize is Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, N.J. In addition to the Good Samaritan Health System the other 1995 finalists are Mercy Hospital in Detroit and The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.

``When so many of the nation's poor are not getting the care they need, it's vital that our urban hospitals find ways to reach out to them,'' said Arthur Staubitz, president of The Baxter Foundation. ``In addition to addressing the physical health of the community, Good Samaritan Health System strives to make a difference in non-traditional areas such as trauma support services. We salute them for their vision and compassion.''

The AHA, a not-for-profit organization, is a national advocate for hospitals, health networks and the patients they serve; provides education and information for its members; and informs the public about hospital, health systems and health-care issues.

The Baxter Foundation was established in 1981. Last year it awarded 155 grants totaling more than $3.4 million. Approximately two-thirds of the committed dollars supported health-related programs. Baxter International, through its subsidiaries, is the leading manufacturer and marketer of health-care products and services in nearly 100 countries worldwide. The company concentrates research and development programs in biotechnology, cardiovascular medicine, renal therapy and related medical fields.

CONTACT: Bozell Worldwide Inc., Chicago

Larry Macke, 312/988-2359