[February 13, 2013]

Connections for Cardiovascular HealthSM Announces $191,955 Grant to Cornerstone Assistance Network

The AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation's Connections for Cardiovascular Health^SM program today announced a grant of $191,955 to the Cornerstone Assistance Network of Fort Worth in support of the Cardio CAN Outreach initiative. This is the third consecutive year in which Cornerstone Assistance Network has received a grant from the Foundation, totaling $526,955.

The Cardio Cornerstone Assistance Network (CAN) Outreach program provides guidance for uninsured and low-income families to become more independent while leading healthier lives. Now in year three, the program intends to build on four key initiatives that in concert change lifestyles: a medical home for the uninsured and low income, health education, healthy cooking classes and fitness. They will also expand these key elements to offer more youth initiatives.

In 2012, Cornerstone tracked more than 400 patients after receiving funding from the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation. At least 30 percent of the participants reduced their glycated hemoglobin (A1c) measures by 10 percent or more. At least 20 percent of those participants reduced their low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride measures by 20 percent or more.

"Cardio CAN will continue to see a growing number of new patients and monitor overall improved health of current patients," said Mike Doyle, CEO, Cornerstone Assistance Network. "The program will be able to extend its reach to even more of those undersrved in Tarrant County. Through the program's services, including Cornerstone's fitness facility and nutrition classes, patients will have access to the tools necessary to help them maintain a healthier lifestyle. Cardio CAN will also be able to more closely monitor and communicate patient data with its new electronic medical records. We are grateful for the continued support of the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation and will continue to expand upon our mission with this partnership."

"Cardiovascular disease continues to be the nation's No. 1 killer, which is why we must work to decrease the risks of this devastating disease," said James W. Blasetto, M.D., MPH, FACC, chairman of the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation. "The AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation is proud to provide funding to innovative, grassroots programs like Cornerstone Assistance Network's Cardio CAN program, which work to help prevent and control the effects of cardiovascular disease in their community."

The Connections for Cardiovascular Health program awards grants of $150,000 and up to US-based non-profit organizations that are doing innovative work in the field of cardiovascular health. This year, the Foundation has awarded more than $4.4 million in grants to 22 organizations. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $11 million across the United States to help improve cardiovascular health.

Organizations can learn more and apply online for a Foundation grant at www.astrazeneca-us.com/foundation. Applications must be submitted online no later than 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 28, 2013.

About Cornerstone Assistance Network

In 2011, Cornerstone Charitable Clinic treated more than 500 patients in the areas of primary care, endocrinology, rheumatology, dermatology, neurology, and through our newest addition, radiology as part of the Cardio CAN program. The clinic has also expanded its healthcare reach by utilizing electronic medical records for all services provided, ensuring accuracy in tracking and monitoring patient data and outcomes.

About the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation

Established in 1993, the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation is a Delaware not-for-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3) entity organized for charitable purposes including to promote public awareness of healthcare issues, to promote public education of medical knowledge and to support or contribute to charitable and qualified exempt organizations consistent with its charitable purpose. Connections for Cardiovascular Health was launched in 2010 through a charitable contribution of $25 million from AstraZeneca.

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