As part of our commitment to open dialogue and involvement in our communities, Merck's "Neighbor of Choice" program aims to build trustworthy and sustainable relationships with neighbors and key individuals and groups in locations where Merck facilities are located.

Merck's Neighbor of Choice program is based upon three fundamental principles.

• Establish relationships of trust with community institutions and individuals.
• Identify the community's essential needs, issues and concerns.
• Respond appropriately to the community's needs, issues and concerns.

Our Neighbor of Choice program has helped Merck identify the needs of many communities in plant locations worldwide and decide how best to utilize company resources for the common good. We also have established effective working relationships with the communities in which we operate through strong environmental communications and sound community actions, including the establishment of Community Advisory Panels in conjunction with our neighbors.

Examples of our work in this area include:

• The Giant Heart at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is the focal point of an interactive exhibit that highlights human anatomy, physiology, health and wellness. The Merck Company Foundation and the contributions committee at Merck's West Point, Pa., site contributed $2 million to renovate the heart and fund the new exhibit.
• In Hunterdon County, NJ, The Merck Company Foundation provided funds to the Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation, Inc. to support a quality care initiative for the Emergency Care Department and Intensive Care Unit.
• In Harrisonburg/Rockingham County, Virg., a grant from The Merck Company Foundation supports the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic, which provides outpatient health services to the uninsured. The grant specifically supports the Pharmacy and Medication Assistance Program, which provides free medications and supplies to all Free Clinic patients.