A message from Patrick Quinlan, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Clinic Foundation: This is a sad and humbling day for the staff of the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, and for the people of our great city of New Orleans. We at Ochsner are grateful to report countless acts of courage, incredible dedication and generosity by our staff, patients and families, and the citizens of New Orleans, Louisiana and this wonderful country. What we have directly witnessed reaffirms our faith in humanity. It is unfortunate that the thoughtless acts of a few have diminished the great work of so many citizens from all walks of life. Ochsner hospital remained open throughout this ordeal and continues to serve our community. The word written by employees with red garbage bags on the top of the parking deck for all to see speaks volumes: OPEN. This was our message to the city when all other communications failed. This feat is the product of incredibly dedicated, talented and selfless employees. I am deeply grateful to be associated with such an extraordinary group of people. Approximately 5,000 of our 7,000 employees are victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many of our people have severely damaged homes, or are completely homeless. In response to many requests to offer support, Ochsner has instituted the Ochsner Clinic Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund to benefit our employees and organization, both of whom have both suffered greatly in this disaster. Donations can be made payable to Ochsner Clinic Foundation and specified for the Ochsner Hurricane Relief Fund at the following address: Ochsner Clinic Foundation - Dept. #118 P.O. Box 4869 Houston, TX 77210-4869 Funds may also be wired to the following location: Hibernia National Bank 5718 Westheimer, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77057 ABA #113024915 Account #0623336615 Reference: Ochsner Clinic Foundation Hurricane Relief Ochsner is a 510(c)3 non-profit organization, founded on patient care, research and education. We are one of the country’s largest non–university based academic centers and directly care for patients throughout southeast Louisiana. We continue our mission, and will serve and rebuild New Orleans, with the help of our employees and our extended family. Ochsner Hurricane Relief Fund