University of Iowa News Release

Nov. 3, 2009

UI delays fundraising consent process

University of Iowa Health Care officials announced on Tuesday, Nov. 3, that the UI will delay plans to begin asking UI Hospitals and Clinics patients for their permission to be contacted by the UI Foundation about their interest in learning more about our programs and supporting UI Health Care priorities. Such permission from patients would allow the UI Foundation to send them information about specific philanthropic opportunities within the clinical area they are visiting. Patients would not have been asked for donations; rather, they would have been asked to simply consider receiving information about opportunities to provide support.

In announcing the program’s delay, Vice President for Medical Affairs Jean Robillard said, “We want to take additional time to hear from staff and others who have concerns, and to listen to suggestions for how we might improve the program and attain UI Health Care’s philanthropic goals.” No timeline has been set for refining or resuming the process.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa Health Care Media Relations, 200 Hawkins Drive, Room E110 GH, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1009

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Moore, 319-356-3945, thomas-moore@uiowa.edu