John Muir Health Receives $50,000 Grant - Funds to Support Breast Cancer Programs

On December 19, 2008, John Muir Health was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Safeway Foundation. The one-time funds will be used to enhance breast cancer service programs as well as fund mammograms for underserved women in the community.

"We are very honored to be receiving these funds," says Brenda Carlson, executive director of Oncology Services for John Muir Health. "This support will allow us to reach out to more members of the community through education and prevention screenings, and provide follow-up care. We are grateful for Safeway's commitment to helping us provide care for everyone in our community."

Specifically, the funds will support three breast cancer initiatives: community outreach efforts, the Every Woman Counts Program and a new survivorship program.

• Community outreach efforts include health fairs, prevention information and targeted outreach.
• The Every Woman Counts Program is a cancer detection program that provides medically underserved women access to screening and diagnostic services for breast cancer.
• A new survivorship program will help those who have been diagnosed by providing follow-up surveillance, addressing issues of rehabilitation, promoting healthy habits and reducing risk for recurrence.

Breast cancer is the largest women's health issue of our time and the Safeway Foundation is determined to make a difference. During the month of October, Safeway's Breast Cancer Research and Awareness campaign raised more than $18.6 million for breast cancer research and prevention programs.

"Safeway's month-long campaign is dedicated to raising funds to further breast cancer research, raise awareness and help breast cancer patients find the best resources available to address their specific needs," said Karl Schroeder, president Safeway Northern California Division. "John Muir Health has identified specific needs in the community and thanks to the customers and employees at Safeway we can work together and provide funding for three innovative programs in support of breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment."

About John Muir Health's Oncology Services
As a leading provider of cancer care for both adults and children, John Muir Health offers technologically advanced screening and diagnostic tools, treatment capabilities and a cancer care team dedicated to individualized care and support at both our Walnut Creek and Concord campuses. As an extension of our commitment to serving the community, we also offer a wide range of cancer-related public services that promote awareness regarding prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. Visit johnmuirhealth.com for more information.

About Safeway
Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, operating 1,738 stores in the United States and western Canada. The company supports a broad range of charitable and community programs, including cancer research, education, food banks and programs focused on assisting people with disabilities. Safeway is also committed to environmental responsibility and has implemented leading-edge energy-saving strategies throughout its operations. Additional information about the company and its programs can be found at www.Safeway.com.

(Posted December 23, 2008)