FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Beth Schlueter, Executive Director
Telephone: 314-440-8375
Email: bschlueter@signaturefoundation.org
Website: www.signaturefoundation.org

Signature Healthcare Foundation presents $5,000 to the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

(St. Louis, January 20, 2011) Signature Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the presentation of $5,000 to the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. The award will fund a workshop for individuals, families and professionals to share information about future demand and trends for long-term care and how the Affordable Care Act will impact such services and funding. Funds are designated for staff time, room cost, invitations and programs and speaker honoraria.

According to Herman Noah, member of the Signature Healthcare Foundation Board, "The Foundation is pleased to be able to support the efforts of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. It gives us great pleasure to support this fine organization." Nonprofit organizations attending the Foundation's Annual Health Policy are eligible to receive grants as a result of the event. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is receiving this grant from the October 2010 Forum.

The Signature Healthcare Foundation was formed in 2002 by Signature Health Services, Inc with a vision to "be a recognized leader in the local and national health care dialogue and spearhead physician leadership in improvements and efficiencies in the health care delivery system." The mission of the Foundation is to "utilize physician leadership to improve the quality, efficiency and affordability of health care in the St. Louis area and nationally."

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is part of a nationwide effort which began in 1971 in response to public concern over abuse and neglect in nursing homes. The program protects the rights of residents who reside in long-term care facilities and is the state's most comprehensive resource in providing counseling and support to individuals and families on long-term care needs.