Conspicuously absent from the signee list are any major trade or labor union, 51 of 52

qualified MA Health Centers, the MA Hospital Association, the Council of Community

Hospitals, the Council of Boston Teaching Hospitals and the MA League of Community

Health Centers.

It has been more than seven months since the review process began. During that time

there have been six public hearings and time for comment from every health related

organization in the state. There has been ample time for review of all of the information.

During the review process, the proposed sale has been supported by the entire US

Congressional delegation that represent Caritas communities (5 Representatives),

Senators Kerry and Brown, the mayor or town manager of every community Caritas

serves and approximately 60 state and local officials. The sale was also supported by

dozens of local community groups.

The financial survival of Caritas Christi and the welfare of our 12,000 employees, 13,000

pensioners and patient population is dependent on the approval of this transaction.

Without the capital provided by this sale, Caritas Christi cannot remain viable. In New

York City, a Catholic hospital system roughly the size of Caritas Christi closed within a

five year period due to lack of capital and unsustainable debt levels. A similar outcome

in MA would be devastating to health care access in the community.