UNION HOSPITAL

Union Hospital Partners With Caringbridge To Enhance Family-Centered Care

Free, Personalized Web sites Connect Loved Ones During Medical Crisis

Terre Haute, IN (July 6,2009) - Union Hospital today announced a partnership with CaringBridge, a nonprofit Web service that connects families and friends when someone is facing a serious medical condition, treatment or in recovery. A CaringBridge Web site provides a place for users to post journal entries and photos, and receive messages of hope and encouragement in a guestbook.

"This partnership enhances our patient and family support system," said Kristi Roshel, Union Hospital Public Relations Manager. "Having a CaringBridge Web site to post updates, instead of fielding numerous phone calls and e-mails, allows families to focus their time and energy on the person who requires healing."

More than 140,000 personal CaringBridge Web sites have been created, generating more than 880 million visits. The free service is funded by individual donations and hospital and collaborative partnerships. You can get to CaringBridge by visiting Union's website, www.myunionhospital.org, and click on the CaringBridge logo.

"Hospitals and facilities quickly see uplifted spirits and reduced call levels when CaringBridge is used for patient and family communication," said Judy Trucano, partnership manager, CaringBridge. "We're excited that Union Hospital has joined our mission to bring together a global community of care."

About CaringBridge

CaringBridge® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization offering free personalized Web sites to those wishing to stay in touch with family and friends when facing a serious medical condition, treatment or recovery. CaringBridge's mission is to bring together a global community of care, powered by the love of family and friends, in an easy, accessible and private way. The goal is to ease the burden of keeping friends and family updated while also providing a way for them to send their love and encouragement. CaringBridge connects more than 20 million families each year. For more information please visit www.caringbridge.org.