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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2002
Contact: Hon. Michael
Berry
713.247.2006
"SAVE HOUSTON MEDICAL TASK FORCE" MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW Houston, Texas - The "Save Houston Medical Task Force" announced today they have received over 20,000 visitors to their web site, and well over 3,000 letters of support from viewers across the nation and around the world in the past six days alone. Last week, the Task Force, chaired by Houston City Councilman Michael Berry, launched the website www.savehoustonmedical.com, to provide a forum for viewers to express their support, to provide updates on patients from the show, and to share why the show and its people were important to them. "These overwhelming results are a testament to the hope and inspiration that this show provided to America," he said. "The staff and the patients of Houston Medical demonstrate the real courage and hard work that occurs daily in hospitals around the country." The website also allows viewers to send messages to the patients. Hundreds of letters have poured in with messages of support and hope. Many have been inspired by Dr. Marnie Rose's "spirit" and "determination". Others were driven by Mary Sharkey's "courage" and "fortitude". Some have come from children inspired by the stories to pursue careers in the medical field. In just six episodes this summer, against tough competition, Houston Medical demonstrated growing national viewership and strong ratings. Some 7.1 million people watched episode six, for example, which also produced the network's highest summer ratings among women 18-34 in four years, as well as the network's best summer results among adults 18-49, both male and female, in two years. ABC and New Screen Concepts, Connecticut-based producers of the show, are currently discussing whether the show will return. A decision is expected in the next few weeks. #
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