Contact:

Tyree G. Wilburn
Chairman, President, and CEO
Merit Health Systems, LLC
502-753-0890
                                                           

MERIT HEALTH SYSTEMS NAMES VICE PRESIDENTS

LOUISVILLE, KY (February  17, 2006) - Merit Health Systems, LLC (Merit), the Louisville, Kentucky-based private hospital management company which owns and operates urban community hospitals, announced today that Hal E. Clark has joined the company as Vice President, Operations - Finance.  In addition, Todd A. Coke has been promoted to Vice President, Accounting and Finance.

"We are delighted to have Hal supporting our operations and the future growth of the company," said Tyree G. Wilburn, Chairman, President, and CEO of Merit.  “His experience in reimbursement and financial operations for healthcare facilities will contribute greatly to our expanding team.”

Prior to joining Merit, Mr. Clark co-founded and served as principal for three Louisville-based companies, Insight Solutions LLC, MA2 LLC, and Rehab Concepts LLC.  Beginning in 1999, he co-founded these entities to assist long-term care and hospital providers in the areas of third-party reimbursement, financial reporting, operational management, and clinical oversight.  His career also includes management positions with Vencor, Inc. (currently operating as Kindred Healthcare), Columbia/HCA, and Humana.

Merit also announced the promotion of Todd A. Coke to Vice President, Accounting and Finance.  In addition to overseeing all accounting and audit functions at Merit, Mr. Coke’s responsibilities include cash management, budget and financial projections, and the management of decision support systems for the company’s facilities.

Prior to joining Merit in 2004, Mr. Coke most recently served as Director of Treasury Operations for Louisville-based Atria Senior Living Group, a for-profit multi-state assisted living company.  Before joining Atria, he served as Senior Financial Analyst for Vencor, Inc. and worked for national accounting firm Ernst & Young, LLP, with an emphasis in healthcare and SEC reporting clients.

About Merit Health Systems:
Merit Health Systems is a private hospital management company which owns and operates urban community hospitals.  Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the company was founded specifically to address the significant and growing needs of community hospitals in larger urban markets.  For more information, please visit www.merithealth.com.