News Release #12-011 June 5, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Krista A. Kittle (315) 785-4504

SMC SEEKS NAME IDEAS FROM COMMUNITY FOR NEW SENIOR VILLAGE PROJECT
Watertown, New York ----- Samaritan Medical Centers new senior care facility needs a new name, and someone in the community may have just the right one. From now through June 16th, SMC is asking individuals or groups in the community to submit their suggestions for the name of the new 288-bed facility on Outer Washington Street. Ever since the idea for this project was introduced, the community support it has received has been tremendous, explains Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. The Senior Village Board of Trustees knew that its current name did not do justice to the unique and special environment that is being created within the walls of this facility. With that in mind, and to keep the community engaged, we felt strongly that the name should come from the people who will benefit most from this project the residents of Jefferson County. The Samaritan Senior Village name was created quickly in August 2010, when the Community Assisted Living Corporation voted to move forward with a community solution to address the long-term care and assisted living needs in Jefferson County. The plan called for the addition of 168 skilled nursing home beds and 180 assisted living beds. In order to make the plan a reality, it was necessary to apply for a HEAL 20 grant through the New York State Department of Health, the deadline for which was less than a month from the original announcement. The Samaritan Senior Village name was utilized in order to submit the HEAL 20 grant and to begin the many necessary steps to move the project forward, continues Mr. Carman. Now that construction is nearing the half-way mark and can be seen from most locations within the City, we felt the timing was right to begin the search for a new name. We are seeking imaginative, creative ideas that capture the essence of this new facility and highlight its place within our community. Additional details, rules and guidelines for submitting ideas for the renaming contest are available on Samaritans website (samaritanhealth.com). Submissions are being accepted through June 16th and can be completed on-line or mailed to Samaritan Medical Center, ATTN: Community Relations Department, 830 Washington Street, Watertown. The 2-5 final name selections will be presented to the community for voting from June 24-30. The new name, and its creator(s), will be announced during a Topping Out ceremony at the project site in mid-July. Questions can be directed to the SMC Community Relations Department at 785-4504. ###