HSS Raises More Than $70,000 For American Red Cross Tsunami Relief

New York, NY—March 4, 2005

At a ceremony today HSS President and CEO John R. Reynolds presented Theresa A. Bischoff, CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York with a check for $70,012 for the American Red Cross International Response Fund in support of relief efforts for the Southeast Asia tsunami victims.

"I am pleased that Hospital for Special Surgery was able to contribute to and support the indefatigable efforts of the American Red Cross as it seeks to aid victims of the terrible tsunami," said Mr. Reynolds.

The fundraising campaign, which began on January 5 and ended on February 9, gave employees the opportunity to donate via payroll deductions. HSS matched staff contributions dollar for dollar.

"On behalf of the Red Cross I am grateful to accept this generous donation from New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery," said Ms. Bischoff. "Whether it is half a world away for this devastating tsunami, across the country for the South Florida hurricanes or across town for a heartbreaking house fire, the Red Cross is there to reach out to provide caring assistance to those in need."

The American Red Cross, enabled by the generous donations of Americans, is fully engaged in working with and through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to assist those affected by this tragedy. Funds raised support the American Red Cross assistance plan to meet the immediate and long-term needs of tsunami victims. Relief efforts will focus on five key areas: food and safe water; healthcare and disease prevention; immediate family supplies; mental health counseling; and disaster preparedness and prevention measures. As of February 28, the American public has generously pledged more than $410.3 million to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for tsunami relief efforts.

Founded in 1863, the Hospital for Special Surgery is a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. Ranked No. 1 in the Northeast in its specialties by U.S. News and World Report’s, HSS was awarded Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. A member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of Weill Medical College of Cornell University, HSS provides orthopedic and rheumatologic patient care at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital at NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center. All HSS medical staff are on the faculty of Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Its Research Institute is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. The hospital is located in New York City.

The American Red Cross helps people avoid, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross in Greater New York responds to an average of eight emergencies a day such as fires, blackouts, water main breaks and building collapses. The Red Cross also offers a variety of health and safety courses on such subjects as First Aid and CPR. To attend a safety course, call 1-800-514-5103 or visit http://www.nyredcross.org. For general inquiries, call 1-877-REDCROSS.