FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Theresa Mulkins, Director of Public Relations
OFFICE: (845) 483-6418
FAX: (845) 475-9740
tmulkins@health-quest.org   

LaGrangeville, NY –Health Quest at Taconic Crossings in LaGrange, NY has received CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ accreditation, recognizing the organization’s extraordinary commitment to the health of their employees and their families.

Christopher A. Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi, chairs the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, a nonprofit organization of cancer-fighting CEOs who created the CEO Cancer Gold Standard™, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, many of its designated cancer centers, and leading health non-profit organizations and professionals. Today, 3 million employees and family members are benefiting from the vision and leadership of employers who have chosen to become Gold Standard accredited.

“Health Quest is proud to be one of the over 25 health care organizations who have received the CEO Gold Standard Award,” according to Michael Weber, President and CEO of Health Quest. “As an organization, we want to be an employer of choice.  A big part of that commitment to our employees is ensuring access to high quality health care and wellness programs.  We are glad to be recognized for our efforts to provide these services for our employees.”

Health Quest joins Vassar Brothers Medical Center in earning the award. In 2011 Vassar Brothers was only the second hospital in the state to receive the recognition.

The CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ calls for companies to evaluate their health benefits and corporate culture and take extensive, concrete actions in five key areas of health and wellness to fight cancer in the workplace. To earn Gold Standard accreditation, a company must establish programs to reduce cancer risk by discouraging tobacco use; encouraging physical activity; promoting healthy nutrition; detecting cancer at its earliest stages when outcomes may be more favorable; and providing access to quality care, including participation in cancer clinical trials.

Health Quest is the Mid-Hudson Valley's largest healthcare system providing the highest quality care across a broad spectrum of services. Offering the full range of hospital services, pre-hospital emergency care, homecare and nursing home care, the Health Quest system provides immediate and caring service to the one million people who reside in the New York counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Putnam and northern Westchester.

Health Quest Affiliates include Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.

About The CEO Roundtable on Cancer

The CEO Roundtable on Cancer was founded in 2001, when former President George H.W. Bush challenged a group of executives to "do something bold and venturesome about cancer within your own corporate families." The CEOs responded by creating and encouraging the widespread adoption of the CEO Cancer Gold Standard, a comprehensive program designed to combat cancer from every angle by focusing on prevention, early detection and quality care.  For more information on the CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ and the web-based accreditation process and support, please visit www.CancerGoldStandard.org.

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 For more information:                                                                                    

CEO Roundtable on Cancer

John Dornan, Executive Director

P: 919-531-0966

 John.Dornan@CEORoundtableOnCancer.org