In Brief: Allegiance To Affiliate With UM Health; Cardinal Foundation Grants $350,000
University of Michigan Health, Allegiance Plan To Affiliate
The University of Michigan Health System and Allegiance Health have signed a letter of intent to affiliate, with the latter joining the UMHS network.
Allegiance, which is based in Jackson, Mich. in the southern-central portion of the state just west of Ann Arbor, operates a 480-bed hospital and a variety of medical offices in the region.
Terms of the transaction were not immediately disclosed. The two entities said they would disclose more details of their planned collaborations in the near future.
“In UMHS, Allegiance Health has found a partner that shares our commitment and vision. By joining one of the state's premier healthcare systems,” said Georgia Fojtasek, Allegiance's chief executive officer. “Allegiance Health is building on our long-standing commitment to become a more effective and efficient organization, resulting in even higher quality and cost-effective healthcare for our community.”
Cardinal Health Foundation Grants $350,000 For Prescription Drug Abuse
The Cardinal Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of medical chain supplier Cardinal Health, has granted more than $350,000 to 29 non-profits to help prevent the spread of prescription drug abuse.
The grants, which ranged from $5,000 to $15,000, were given to organizations located in communities where a large number of Cardinal Health employees live and work, or where the community is closely focused on prescription drug abuse.
"We understand the critical role community-based education plays in combating this growing public health epidemic, and we believe that local, nonprofit organizations are key in the effort to prevent prescription drug abuse," said Betsy Walker, community relations manager for Cardinal Health.
Deaths from prescription drugs in the United States eclipsed deaths from illicit drugs several years ago. The Cardinal Health Foundation has been focused on fighting prescription drug abuse since 2009, working in conjunction with the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy to develop materials and programs related to the effort.
