Jacksonville, FL, May 2, 2008 --  On April 29, leadership from St. Vincent's HealthCare joined more than 60 colleagues from Ascension Health hospitals around the country on a visit to Capitol Hill to advocate for 100% access to healthcare and 100% coverage. Currently, nearly 100,000 residents lack adequate health insurance in Jacksonville.

SVHC is a member of Ascension Health, the nation's largest Catholic and largest nonprofit healthcare system.  Consistent with a systemwide commitment to achieve 100% access to healthcare and 100% coverage, Ascension Health is encouraging others to become involved and vocal in the national dialogue around healthcare reform.  Ascension Health believes that healthcare reform should be the nation's number one domestic policy priority.

During their visit to Capitol Hill, SVHC officials met with Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez, and Representatives Cliff Sterns and Corinne Brown to talk about issues surrounding healthcare access and coverage.

For more information about Ascension Health's efforts in support of 100% access to healthcare and 100% coverage, visit www.ascensionhealth.org.