Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO of Heritage Provider Network was the master of ceremonies of the Grand Opening of Sierra Medical Group's new facility in Palmdale. Numerous City officials were in attendance and part of the ceremony including The Honorable James Ledford, Mayor of Palmdale, many members of the City Council and Chamber of Commerce.

The new 20,000 square foot facility located at the Palmdale Corporate Center, is state-of-the-art, completely technology driven, integrating electronic medical records with fully integrated electronic vital sign measurements, lab testing, radiology and e-prescribing, all to ensure fully coordinated care. This gives SMG the edge and opportunity to collect and consolidate records, allowing the primary care provider to have quick access to years of information, in essence, empowering them to become the family doctor that patients deserve, but is sadly disappearing from the medical practice sector.

"The SMG facility is tangible evidence of our dedication to the High Desert community dating back decades," said Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO of Heritage Provider Network "We are committed to supporting the population of Palmdale and Lancaster with cutting edge healthcare, including creating new jobs at SMG for the community. We have built a facility where some of the best doctors can serve the community and improve life for the citizens of Antelope Valley," he continued. "We are very proud of our staff at SMG for stepping up to the plate taking SMG in 20 short months after acquisition from an operation with no technology to a totally technology driven accountable care organization serving the great city of Palmdale."

"This new facility is fabulous," said The Honorable James Ledford, Mayor of Palmdale. "This creates an opportunity for you to grow with us, this building represents the new synergy that is developing in our area." Ledford noted it is part of an emerging grouping of medical offices and services popping up around the new Palmdale Regional Medical Center, a $200 million, 127 bed hospital expected to open later this year.

"The key to healthcare is to connect with the patient," said Dr. Tuan Phan, SMG's Medical Director. "This building facilitates that connection."

Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO of Heritage Provider Network, will present a commemorative award to two generations of Co-Captains from Olympic Gold Medal Basketball Teams on February 18th, 2010 at the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets Game to help raise awareness and money for prostate cancer research.

Oscar Robertson and Jerry West, co-captains of the 1960 United States Olympic gold medal basketball team, and 2008 United States Olympic gold medal basketball team co-captains, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, will be honored in a pregame ceremony at center court at the Quicken Loans Arena just prior to tip off and it will be televised by TNT.

"I am thrilled and delighted to raise money and awareness for such an important men's health issue -- prostate cancer," said Dr. Richard Merkin. "I look forward to a day when prostate cancer is no longer a crisis for any family on the planet, moments like these help spread that message."

2010 marks the 50-year anniversary of the gold medal won by the United States men's basketball team at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. The 1960 squad put on one of the most dominant basketball performances in Olympic history and finished a perfect 8-0, outscoring their opponents by an average of over 42 points per game. Robertson averaged 17.0 points per game and West averaged 13.8 points per game.

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, the United States men's basketball team also went 8-0, defeating their opponents by an average of over 27 points on their way to another gold medal. James averaged 15.5 points per game and Anthony averaged 11.5 points per game.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation, over its lifespan, has raised over $370 million for research. It has supported globally over 1,500 investigators, scientists and doctors throughout 200 research institutions working on prostrate cancer. The Foundation has been active with two great partners. The National Cancer Institute -- in trying to push scientific frontiers to a point with venture philanthropy, where NCI dollars can leverage and continue to drive new treatment and diagnostics. Another essential partner has been the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Effort. Over the last decade, it's had an enormous impact on our ability to start to translate science into the lives of prostate cancer patients.

Marina Del Ray, CA. Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO of Heritage Provider Network is pleased to announce he is sending much needed assistance to the Haitian earthquake victims through the Haiti Endowment Fund.

A team of 25 doctors and staff are leaving Jan 25 & 26. The fund will house 200 people on their on site compound. They will be able to treat hundreds of patients a day at their clinic. The Haiti Endowment Fund plan is to rotate teams of medical personnel in and out of their compound over the next 2-3 months.

"It's vitally important that we address the critical needs of the Haitian people during this devastating disaster," said Dr. Merkin. "I'm deeply touched by their resilient strength and spirit and want to be supportive in any way we can. HPN recognizes their critical health care needs and we are responding in kind."

The Haitian Endowment Fund has announced its most immediate needs are for finances for medical supplies, medications, food and water.

Marina del Rey, California - Lakeside Medical Organization and CEO Dr. Richard Merkin have been honored by the Burbank Chamber of Commerce for outstanding community outreach.

Gary Olson, President and CEO of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, honored Lakeside in recognition of "its outstanding contributions to continuing the healthcare and wellness needs for seniors and outreach to the community."

Lakeside Medical Organization is part of the Heritage Provider Network family of medical groups that are highly regarded by health plans and regulatory agencies for the quality of medical care provided to their members. HPN has been selected as one of only ten "elite" medical groups in California by the California Association of Physician Groups. Operating since 1996, HPN's medical groups comprise one of the largest networks of IPAs in California extending throughout Kern County, San Louis Obispo, Lancaster/Palmdale, Victor Valley, Barstow, Palms Springs, Indio and Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside and Ventura Counties.

"Lakeside Medical Organization is a vital member of the HPN family and our work in the Burbank community is a key element to our overall success," said Dr. Richard Merkin, CEO of HPN. "This honor by the Burbank Chamber of Commerce recognizes our contributions to its seniors and we look forward to continuing our efforts in the community."

Lakeside was also recently honored by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for similar community advocacy. "The Burbank and Glendale community leaders have recognized our dedication to outstanding health care and wellness issues for all, especially our seniors," said Keith Richman of Lakeside. " I want to thank our dedicated staff for their ongoing efforts and hard work."

Marina del Rey, California- Lakeside Medical Organization and CEO Dr. Richard Merkin, have been honored by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for significant community outreach.

Judee Kendall, President of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, honored Lakeside in recognition of "outstanding contributions to the community, innovative healthcare, senior outreach and commitment to patients and quality care."

Lakeside Medical Organization is part of the Heritage Provider Network family of medical groups that are highly regarded by health plans and regulatory agencies for the quality of medical care provided to their members. HPN has been selected as one of only ten "elite" medical groups in California by the California Association of Physician Groups. Operating since 1996, HPN's medical groups comprise one of the largest networks of IPAs in California extending throughout Kern County, San Louis Obispo, Lancaster/Palmdale, Victor Valley, Barstow, Palms Springs, Indio and Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside and Ventura Counties.

"I'm especially pleased to be honored by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for the critically important work Lakeside Medical Group has contributed to the community," said Dr. Richard Merkin, CEO of HPN. "As we move forward, our dedicated Lakeside team of doctors, executives and support staff will continue to focus on quality healthcare for patients, integrating our values and dedication to members of the Glendale and surrounding communities."

Lakeside was also honored by Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero for Lakeside's generous sponsorship of Glendale's 21st Annual Great American Clean-Up. The Clean-Up campaign teamed Lakeside employees who volunteered their time with City staffers, to remove graffiti, pickup trash and litter. Lakeside volunteers planted over 185 new plants to keep the community surroundings looking green and healthy, contributing to what Quintero called "making Glendale a great place to live." DreamWorks and Disney were also among those honored with Lakeside.

"It is vital to us to give back to the communities where we live and work," said Keith Richman of Lakeside. "I'm very proud of our dedicated staff who have worked vigorously as a team to represent us and delighted Glendale has recognized our efforts."