NEWS

Irvine Health Foundation Appoints Margarita Pereyda, M.D., to Board of Directors.

Accomplished Doctor and Volunteer Blends Local Non-Profit Experiencewith Medical Expertise

Irvine, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2006) — The Irvine Health Foundation (IHF) announced the appointment of Margarita Pereyda, M.D., to its Board of Directors — the first such addition to the IHF Board in more than 15 years.

Dr. Pereyda is no stranger to Orange County or the needs of its citizens, having served as Medical Director of the Share Our Selves Free Medical and Dental Clinic since 2004 (Share Our Selves is an IHF grantee). She is involved in all aspects of the clinic, from overseeing budget and administrative functions to direct care and case management. She is also a member of (Newport Beach-based) Hoag Hospital?s Department of Community Medicine, which is a direct offshoot of Share Our Selves? Community Benefits Program.

"We are obviously delighted to have Dr. Pereyda join our Board of Directors, many of whom have been with our Foundation since we started more than 20 years ago," said IHF President Ed Kacic. "She adds 'on the ground' experience that will help keep us in touch with the needs of our community, as well as great insight and skills in non-profit operations and medical services delivery."

Added IHF Board member Gerald B. Sinykin, M.D.: "Dr. Pereyda knows IHF through her experience with Share Our Selves, and therefore knows what we look for in making our grants. She will be an incredible resource and addition to our Board."

Prior to coming to Orange County, Dr. Pereyda was Medical Director for the South County Community Health Center in East Palo Alto, Calif., where she again was involved in all aspects of medical care and management, as well as fundraising, from the federally qualified health center's inception. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine, Dr. Pereyda performed her residency at Stanford University Hospital, where she later worked with residents on community based projects.

In addition to her Director position with IHF, Dr. Pereyda is a member of the Orange County Medical Reserve Corps, and member of the Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics.