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Integra Foundation Awards Grant to Association of Perioperative Nurses Foundation

PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 3, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Integra Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Integra LifeSciences Corporation , announced today that it has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Association of Perioperative Nurses (AORN) Foundation, to assist perioperative nurses in attending the AORN 55th Congress.

Founded in 1991, The AORN Foundation's mission is to support registered nurses in achieving optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. The surgical environment is witnessing ever-changing roles and responsibilities, steady advancements in new technology, complex procedures requiring masterful skills and technical education, and an ever-present need to operate cost-effectively. As front-line providers, perioperative nurses must acquire the talents and knowledge to focus on, and respond to, these demands while still addressing the needs of the individual patient as a whole. Perioperative nurses, today and into the future, must meet the challenges and make a difference in the lives of surgical patients. AORN membership consists of 40,000 RNs, students, and associates in the health care profession. AORN is the global leader in promoting excellence in the perioperative nursing practice.

"We are delighted to be able to help nurses attend this very valuable conference and further their educational goals," said Gianna Sabella, Executive Director of the Integra Foundation.

The Integra Foundation is dedicated to advancing innovative medical and healthcare research and education, primarily in the areas of neurosurgery, reconstructive and general surgery, that lead to improved outcome and quality of life for patients and their communities. It is funded by Integra LifeSciences Corporation, a leader in developing and marketing high quality surgical instruments, as well as innovative devices and bio-products, for use in neurosurgery, reconstructive and general surgery and soft tissue repair.

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CONTACT:  Integra Foundation
          Gianna Sabella, Executive Director
          (609) 936-2389
          gsabella@Integra-LS.com
          www.integra-foundation.org