On July 17, 2008 Healthfirst contributed over $25,600 to the Tzu Chi Foundation for assisting in Sichuan Earthquake Rebuilding Efforts. Pat Wang, Healthfirst President & CEO, presented the check to Ricky Wong, Northeast Regional Deputy Executive Director of Tzu Chi Foundation at a press conference Flushing, Queens. The donation represented Healthfirst employee donations as well as matching company contributions. Attendees included media from eight Chinese newspapers, TV and radio stations and members of the Healthfirst senior staff.

This disastrous earthquake occurred on the afternoon of May 12, 2008, and measured 7.9 on the Richter scale-a magnitude described as causing major damage over large areas. It devastated the Sichuan Province, a mountainous region in Western China leaving nearly 70,000 casualties and 18,000 remain missing. Healthfirst's generous gift comes as the province begins its reconstruction work. As of July 22, soldiers from China's People's Liberation Army are being demobilized from the region-a symbol of shifting from short-term recovery to long-term rebuilding efforts.

Founded in 1966, Tzu Chi is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with more than 5 million members worldwide and chapters in over 45 countries. Tzu Chi has partnered with Healthfirst in the Asian community, particularly since the establishment of Tzu Chi -Elmhurst Clinic in Flushing.

Healthfirst Executives and Tzu Foundation Members

Tzu Chi Director

Tzu Chi Check