FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date: December 29, 2008

 Contact:   Anthony Stahl
                 Director HR/Marketing
                 Howard Memorial Hospital
                 707-456-3101

Willits - Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital’s telemedicine experience was shared at an FCC policy meeting. The summit was held in San Jose California, and attendees included: FCC chairman, Kevin Martin, FCC commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate, as well as senior members of the governor’s office.

Dr. Ace Barash, along with a local patient and his mother, were also present through telemed technology. Dr. Barash was able to address the audience through video teleconferencing. He was asked to share his thoughts about how telemedicine has impacted his practice in Willits.

“Collaboration with specialist is very powerful” commented Dr. Barash. “We are truly supported by outstanding specialist in the most critical moments when advice is needed.” Telemedicine connects HMH to specialist at UC Davis through a broad band network. Local physicians can see and speak with specialist at UC Davis.

“I know that telemedicine assisted in saving my sons life,” stated Mrs. Kilmer. “Telemedicine is truly a wonderful program.”

“We are pleased that our work with telemedicine and UC Davis was featured at this important forum,” stated Kevin Erich, President and CEO of Howard Memorial Hospital. “We look forward to continued cooperation in providing the very best care to our community.”