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Monday, June 30, 2008

UMC CHILDREN’S CENTER RECEIVES $60,000 WORTH OF TOYS

University Medical Center will be holding a ceremony on Tuesday, July 1 at 2 p.m., in celebration of a toy donation from Kids Wish Network and UnitedHealthcare. The program will be held in the Children’s Playroom located on the second floor of the UMC Trauma and Children’s Center Building.

The UMC Children’s Center has received approximately $60,000 worth of toys from the Gift Bank program of Kids Wish Network, a national charity. UnitedHealthcare, a diversified health and well-being company, covered the shipping costs. As part of the ceremony, toys will be given to UMC pediatric patients.

“Kids Wish Network is committed to its mission of bringing joy to sick children everywhere. We are truly honored to be able to bring this special program to the brave kids at University Medical Center,” said Anna Lanzatella, director of development for Kids Wish Network.

“We are extremely pleased to support the important work of the Kids Wish Network,” said Peter O’Neill, regional vice-president for public and community relations for UnitedHealthcare. “Bringing a little extra cheer and comfort to the children at UMC make it all worth it.”

Some of the donated toys will be utilized by UMC’s Child Life Specialists. These therapists focus on the emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients. They explain to them what is happening during their hospitalization. The specialists use play, among other communication methods, to reduce any anxieties that a child may experience as a patient.

“It is a pleasure to be associated with an organization like Kids Wish Network. Through this program we can help put some much needed smiles back on our children’s faces. said Cathy Coleman, UMC child life specialist. She continued, “We are so blessed to have this great program at University Medical Center.”

About Kids Wish Network
Kids Wish Network’s “Holiday of Hope” Gift Bank is an uplifting, gift-giving program that brings cheer to children admitted to the hospital for treatment. The Gift Bank provides emergency rooms, pediatric units, and other children’s care facilities with age- appropriate toys that offer a welcome distraction to young patients from upsetting and often-traumatic medical experiences. For more information on Kids Wish Network’s programs and upcoming events, and for information on how you can get involved in helping to make dreams come true for these courageous kids, please visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org.

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealth Group is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to making health care work better. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through seven operating businesses: UnitedHealthcare, Uniprise, Ovations, AmeriChoice, OptumHealth, Ingenix and Prescription Solutions. Through its family of businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves more than 70 million individuals nationwide. Visit www.unitedhealthgroup.com for more information.

About UMC
UMC is the only public, non-profit hospital in Clark County and operates the state’s only Level I Trauma Center, Level II Pediatric Trauma, and Lions Burn Care Center. The hospital offers the highest level of care in a 10,000-mile radius. UMC is affiliated with the University of Nevada School of Medicine and serves as the state’s major clinical campus. Through its affiliation with the School of Medicine, residency programs in emergency medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, family practice, general surgery and pediatrics are offered at UMC. UMC operates several Quick Care and Primary Care clinics around Clark County. UMC is home to several specialty service lines including orthopedics, pediatrics, neonatology, cardiology, neurology, and oncology, among others. Visit www.umcsn.com for more information.

Contact Information:
Tammy McMahan
(702) 383-3617
tammy.mcmahan@umcsn.com
University Medical Center
1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102