Judge Pamela Alexander, President of Council on Crime and Justice, Joins Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Board

MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota today announced that former Hennepin County District Court Judge, Pamela Alexander, has joined its board of directors.  Alexander is the president of the Council on Crime and Justice, a non-profit agency that works on issues related to criminal justice reform, and runs programs to address the causes of crime and violence in the community.

Alexander has had first-hand experience with Children's.  Her daughter, who is now 22 years old, has had severe asthma since the age of two.  Initially Alexander took her daughter to an adult hospital for care.  She found the physicians were uncomfortable treating such a young child and often didn't have equipment small enough for her daughter.  Eventually Alexander was referred to Children's and she said the difference was night and day.

"Finally my daughter was in a place where her youth didn't work against her," said Alexander.  "The doctors and nurses knew exactly how to care for her, and to relate to her.  We knew we were in the right place, and they took great care of us."   

Alexander said her experience with Children's made her want to do something extra to help the organization. 

"It is a place that deeply cares about kids, and doesn't turn any child away," said Alexander.  "They have done a great job renovating and expanding the hospital and making changes that are focused on the family.  I want to do what I can to help them continue to provide phenomenal care."

Alexander has been active on numerous boards aimed at improving the lives of children, so she has a great understanding of the many issues children and families face.

"Judge Alexander will bring great perspective and passion to our board," said Alan L. Goldbloom, M.D., president and CEO of Children's of Minnesota.  "She understands the importance of making sure the best possible care is available to all children in our community and she is going to help us fulfill that mission."

Alexander grew up just blocks from Children's Minneapolis campus and she said she's been excited to see Children's continue to invest in that neighborhood.  She said she's proud to join an organization that has been a great asset to the community.

About Children's:
Serving as Minnesota's children's hospital since 1924, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health care organizations in the United States, with 340 staffed beds at its two hospitals in St. Paul and Minneapolis. An independent, not-for-profit health care system, Children's of Minnesota provides care through more than 12,000 inpatient visits and more than 200,000 emergency room and other outpatient visits every year. Children's is the only Minnesota hospital system to provide comprehensive care exclusively to children.

SOURCE Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota