Premier, Inc. Honors Program Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking and Violence with National Award and $100,000 Donation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 25, 2024) – CourageLIVES, a pioneering program dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking and other extreme forms of violence, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Premier Cares Award and will receive a $100,000 cash prize from Premier, Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), a leading technology-driven healthcare improvement company.

Sponsored by Premier and its alliance of more than 4,350 hospitals and health systems and approximately 300,000 other providers and organizations, the Premier Cares Award recognizes standalone community agencies and health organizations that are improving the lives of the medically underserved.

Founded in 2015 as a program of St. Andre Home in conjunction with the Good Shepherd Sisters, CourageLIVES was established as Maine's first residential program and safe house for survivors of human trafficking. Over the years, it has expanded to offer comprehensive outreach support for those affected by human trafficking, exploitation, sexual/domestic violence and other abuse. This evolution led to the full transition to and adoption of a community-based service model in 2023, which allows CourageLIVES to serve more individuals and families with enhanced behavioral healthcare and related support services.

"The intensity and complexity of the needs of those we serve require a robust support system," said Carey Nason the Executive Director of St. Andre Home. "We are deeply honored by the recognition from Premier, which will significantly bolster our efforts to provide essential services to survivors and help them rebuild their lives."

Central to the CourageLIVES program is a partnership between St. Joseph Hospital, Covenant Health and Yankee Alliance. CourageLIVES provides direct care and support, including mental health services, assistance with substance use disorders and practical needs, such as transportation and support for pets and their owners. CourageLIVES is committed to not turning anyone away, ensuring long-term support and building enduring relationships with survivors.

"Survivors of human trafficking and extreme violence often face monumental challenges in accessing the care and support they need," said Michael J. Alkire, President and CEO of Premier. "CourageLIVES provides a lifeline to these individuals, offering not only immediate safety, but also the comprehensive, compassionate care required for long-term healing and recovery. We are proud to honor their extraordinary work with the 2024 Premier Cares Award."

A panel of national healthcare leaders selects the Premier Cares Award winner each year. The program spotlights community-based healthcare initiatives and helps other organizations learn to replicate activities, as well as provides funding support to help winners advance their programs and services. To date, the Premier Cares program has provided more than $3 million to over 100 organizations nationwide.

Premier has presented the Cares Award annually since 1991, when it was created by Monroe E. Trout, M.D., former CEO of American Healthcare Systems, one of Premier's heritage organizations. The competition is open to nonprofit organizations that have been in existence for more than two years, are providing creative solutions to health status improvement, can provide documentation of outcomes and impact on a specific population, and have programs that can be replicated in other communities.

The CourageLIVES team will accept the Cares Award and the $100,000 cash prize on behalf of the program on July 25, 2024, during the closing keynote session at Premier's annual Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition.

For more information about CourageLIVES, please visit their website or call (207) 282-3351.