HARRISBURG, March 9, 2006 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione was welcomed by a grateful group of emergency medical professionals today after helping secure a pair of grants for Temple University Hospital’s Episcopal Campus.

        The Department of Community and Economic Development grants went to Temple Transport Team, and the emergency department at Episcopal.  Each received $25,000.

        “Senator Tartaglione has long been a friend to the North Philadelphia community and to Episcopal Hospital.  These grants further demonstrate her commitment to the health and well being of the residents of our neighborhoods,” said Kathleen Barron, executive director and CEO at Temple-Episcopal Campus.

         Tartaglione visited the hospital today to talk to the staff and tour the emergency department.

         “It’s inspiring to be in the company of these caring and competent professionals,” she said. “They are a vital asset to our community and I’m proud to do what I can to help them help others.”

          The grant for the Temple Transport Team was aimed at updating equipment.

          “Thanks to these funds, the Temple Transport Team was able to purchase a new set of vital medical pumps for our ambulances,” said Dr. Gerald Wydro, Temple Transport Team’s program director.  “This state-of-the-art equipment is helping save lives and is used almost every day by our team.” 

More than 50 people were on hand in the hospital’s auditorium at a reception where Tartaglione presented a pair of over-sized checks.

“Senator Tartaglione’s support is very much appreciated by the entire Emergency Department staff,” said  Dr. Ari Schwell, the medical director in the emergency department.  “The equipment we have been able to purchase thanks to this grant is vital to our work treating critically ill patients.”

Tartaglione, who has provided free flu shots at her office, hosts an annual Senior Expo to address health issues, and helped attract a new cancer treatment center to Philadelphia, said she will continue to work for quality healthcare and improved access for Philadelphians.

“Health and happiness are strongly tied together,” she said. “And it’s a priority of mine to make sure we continue to make improvements.”