FLOWER HOSPITAL EARNS CULTURAL COMPETENCY CERTIFICATION

One of only two hospital's in the U.S. to gain achievement

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Brian Clifford, 513-503-0504

SYLVANIA, Ohio, October 10, 2006 - Toledo's Flower Hospital is now the second hospital in the United States to be certified as a culturally competent healthcare provider.

The certification was announced today by the Center for Multicultural Competency in Healthcare Organizations (CMCHO). This achievement recognizes FlowerHospital as a leader in delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) to diverse patient populations.

Flower Hospital is a member of ProMedica Health System. ProMedica services more than 2.25 million patients annually in Northeast Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

"Diversity is crucial to fulfilling ProMedica values," said Jewell Lightner, director of corporate diversity. "Attracting and retaining the best employees who deliver culturally sensitive care to all patients is fundamental to our mission. Obtaining CMCHO's certification in multicultural competency at Flower Hospital will further enhance our treatment of the diverse populations that are such a significant part of our service area."

CLAS consists of 14 standards developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. CMCHO uses these standards to rate healthcare organizations treatment of various multicultural groups, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. CMCHO's comprehensive certification validates the capabilities and capacities of hospitals to meet the unique health care needs of these patients.

"Achieving cultural certification proves FlowerHospital is committed to delivering quality care to all patients," said Lawrence W. James, CMCHO president and CEO. "FlowerHospital sought outside examination and critique in order to enhance services for its' diverse patient base. This latest certification is more proof of the need and desire of healthcare providers to improve care for increasingly more diverse patient populations." 

About CMCHO

The Center for Multicultural Competence in Healthcare Organizations (CMCHO) is a Cincinnati-based independent company that rates healthcare organizations on multicultural competence. Using the standards developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, CMCHO conducts on-site evaluations of leadership attitudes, beliefs and behaviors; current policies and procedures; and resulting clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.cmcho.com.