Health Hope Network is western Pa.’s New Champion in Action

Agency receives $25,000 grant, volunteer and promotional support

Jul 11, 2007

PITTSBURGH-- Citizens Bank and WPXI-TV today named Health Hope Network as its third quarter Champion in Action^SM under the category of community healthcare. Health Hope Network, which provides support for stroke survivors and their families, will receive a $25,000 grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation and extensive volunteer and promotional support from Citizens Bank and WPXI-TV.

"Citizens Bank is pleased to join WPXI-TV in naming Health Hope Network as our newest Champion in Action," said Ralph J. Papa, president of Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. "Under the leadership of Executive Director Dotti G. Bechtol, this tremendous organization strives to create environments that foster hope, professionalism, opportunity and excellence that enhance the quality of life for seniors and at risk populations."

"As an organization committed to the community, WPXI-TV is proud to partner with Citizens Bank to honor Health Hope Network" said Ray Carter, WPXI-TV’s general manager. "On behalf of WPXI-TV, I congratulate the leadership, staff and volunteers of Health Hope Network on this honor and thank them for all they do to support stroke victims and their families in our community."

Through Champions in Action, Citizens Bank and WPXI-TV recognize and support non-profit organizations for the contributions these groups make to communities in the Pittsburgh region. A new Champion in Action is selected each quarter among a range of social service areas.

As a Champion in Action, Health Hope Network receives:

• A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from the Citizens Bank Foundation.
• Media coverage from WPXI-TV, including public service announcements and TV profile.
• Volunteer support from Citizens and WPXI-TV employees.
• Extensive public relations support.
• Promotional support, highlighting the organization in all Citizens Bank branches.
• Exposure on both Citizens Bank and WPXI-TV Web sites.

What makes Health Hope Network a Champion in Action?

• Through the Stroke Survivor Connection program, the organization takes a leadership role in addressing the healthcare needs of seniors and at-risk populations.
• Provides free therapy and support to stroke survivors and their caregivers at 30 sites in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Their program meets for three hours, once a week, and provides a holistic approach to helping stroke survivors enhance their daily lives.
• Through FLU B-GONE, Health Hope Network is the leading provider of flu shots to Allegheny County. Staffed by volunteer nurses, Health Hope Network sets up annual clinics throughout southwestern Pennsylvania to ensure that the vaccine is available and affordable to those who need it.

"We are honored to be recognized as a Champion in Action," said Dotti Bechtol, executive director for the Health Hope Network. "At Health Home Network we are positively impacting the quality of life for stroke survivors and their families by creating programs that enrich the mind, body and spirit."

In addition to the Health Hope Network the following organizations have been selected as Champions in Action since the program was introduced in 2004: Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, Aliquippa Alliance for Unity and Development, Beginning with Books, The Neighborhood Academy, HEARTH, Human Services Center Corporation, Washington Community Arts and Cultural Center, Rainbow Kitchen Community Services, Sojourner House MOMS, Little Sisters of the Poor and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.

For more information about the Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com or www.wpxi.com . To learn more about Hope Health Network located at Two Parkway Center Suite 101, call 412-937-8350 or visit www.healthhopenetwork.org.

About Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania
Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania is a $34 billion state-chartered bank with dual headquarters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It has approximately 400 branches, more than 660 ATMs throughout Pennsylvania. It also operates 13 retail branches and 26 ATMs in southern New Jersey and a commercial loan office in Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $161 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,600 branches, approximately 3,100 ATMs and more than 25,000 employees. It has a13-state retail branch network plus non-branch retail and commercial offices in about 40 states. Citizens is the eighth-largest commercial banking company in the United States ranked by deposits and ninth in assets as of September 30, 2006. Citizens is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc). Citizens’ Web site is citizensbank.com.