St. Mary's Health System in Maine Receives Prestigious $100,000 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Communi...( CHICAGO Jan. 13 /- In honor of it...),Health

CHICAGO, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In honor of its broad-based efforts to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of its community, St. Mary's Health System in Lewiston, Maine, is the recipient of the prestigious 2008 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, one of the most esteemed community service honors in health care.

Each year, this $100,000 prize is presented to a health care organization that provides innovative programs that significantly improve the health and well-being of its community. The Foster G. McGaw Prize is sponsored by the American Hospital Association (AHA), The Baxter International Foundation and the Cardinal Health Foundation.

Named as finalists for this year's award and receiving $10,000 each are Bon Secours Baltimore Health System in Baltimore, Md., Denver Health in Denver and ThedaCare in Appleton, Wis.

"The Foster G. McGaw Prize recognizes health care organizations that serve as role models for improving the health and well-being of the people in their communities. This year's winner and finalists exemplify what it takes to meet the unique needs of the diverse communities they serve," said Susan Manilow, chair of the Foster G. McGaw Prize Committee. "Through strong leadership, innovative collaboration and partnerships, and unwavering commitment, these organizations provide a wide array of programs and services that positively impact people's lives."

This year's McGaw Prize winner, St. Mary's Health System, is a member of Covenant Health Systems based in Lexington, Mass., and provides health care services in central and western Maine from its 16-acre campus in Lewiston. Operating in a federally designated medically underserved area, St. Mary's Health System includes a 233-bed acute care hospital; a rehabilitative care facility; a 128-apartment independent living facility for low-income elderly and disabled community
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