News Release #12-014 August 1, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Krista A. Kittle, SMC (315) 785-4504 Natalie Burnham, CAH (315) 493-0114

CARTHAGE AREA HOSPITALS CAPE VINCENT HEALTH CLINIC TO BECOME SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTER FACILITY IN AUGUST
Cape Vincent, New York ----- Carthage Area Hospital has operated the primary healthcare clinic in Cape Vincent since 2002, relocating to a new facility in 2011. In August, the clinic is expected to change hands as Samaritan Medical Center steps in to operate the clinic as part of its Family Health Network. The transfer of our Cape Vincent clinic to SMC is another example of Carthage Area Hospitals intent to streamline operations to best serve the communities in and around Carthage, explains Adil Ameer, Carthage Area Hospital Chief Executive Officer. We are grateful to the Cape Vincent community and leadership for the tremendous support they have given us over the past ten years. Additionally, we appreciate Samaritans efforts to assume the clinic operations to ensure continued access to healthcare services within the Cape Vincent community. Village and Town leaders in Cape Vincent approached both hospitals to consider the idea of transferring the clinic operations from CAH to SMC to ensure that the clinic remained in the community for years to come. Town Supervisor Urban Hirschey and Village Mayor Tim Maloney led these efforts after concerns were raised about the long-term viability of the clinic. We recognized that the clinic was a strain on Carthages finances, especially being outside its primary service area. So we proposed the idea to each of the CEOs, both of whom graciously agreed to consider, explains Mr. Hirschey. We are delighted with their decision to move forward with the transition. Carthage has served this community exceptionally well, and we are grateful. With Samaritans depth of services and proximity to the clinic, their willingness to step in is greatly appreciated. The clinic is expected to formally change hands in August; however, both facilities are still awaiting approval from the Department of Health for their respective requests. Once approval is received, Samaritan will assume all operations of the clinic, including maintaining the same staffing and providers. This should be a seamless transition for the current patients of the clinic, states Thomas H. Carman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Samaritan Medical Center. The Cape Vincent location will complement nicely with our Clayton-based clinic. Both facilities have excellent people caring for the residents who live in and around their communities, and this will ensure that we continue to do so. The Cape Vincent health clinic is located at 782 East Broadway Street in the Village of Cape Vincent. ###