In September 2010, destructive floods disrupted the lives of many southeast Minnesota residents, including Mayo patients and employees. Mayo Clinic responded with $300,000 in donations to help local relief organizations. Mayo employees donated time, supplies and another $1,500 that was matched by Mayo Clinic Health System in Lake City, Minn.

All patients deserve access to and benefits from high-quality, affordable health care. That's why The Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center advocates for patients locally and regionally, facilitates national dialogue and action, and contributes to health policy reform. The center's goals for reform follow these four cornerstones:

• Create value.
• Coordinate care.
• Reform payment.
• Provide health insurance for all.

Mayo Clinic partnered with the Rochester Public Library and more than 53 community organizations and businesses to bring the interactive, traveling museum exhibition "RACE: Are we so different?" to Rochester, Minn. The exhibit was offered free to more than 37,000 visitors, including 8,500 K-12 school students from 40 schools representing 26 regional communities. The American Anthropological Association and the Science Museum of Minnesota developed the RACE exhibit to tell stories of race from biological, cultural and historical points of view. The RACE exhibit will also appear at science museums in Arizona and Florida in 2011 and 2012.

Whether it's raising money, raising spirits or providing care to those who need it most, Mayo employees and students give it their all when it comes to volunteering. In 2010, Mayo employees, medical students and volunteers donated their time, talents and resources to hundreds of community and humanitarian efforts, including Mayo-sponsored United Way campaigns, regional flood relief efforts, international medical outreach programs, and local community service organizations. Employees who participate in Mayo Clinic Volunteer Programs also provide help and comfort to patients and their families in our hospitals and clinics.

Ongoing support of Mayo Clinic patients, friends and other grateful benefactors bring music, art and other creative expression to hospitals and clinics throughout the Mayo system. Ongoing programs like "Arts at the Bedside" and the "Atrium Music Series" help patients and their loved ones reflect and heal. Humanities in Medicine also brings musical performances, art exhibits, workshops, lectures and film series to Mayo Clinic patients, staff, visitors and the community.

More than 1,000 people attended "Upbeat Pink: A Musical Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivorship" in October 2010. Mayo Clinic sponsored the free event to honor cancer survivors and their caregivers while raising community awareness about advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The University of North Florida Music Department provided entertainment featuring its Wind Symphony and Chorale.

Mayo Clinic supports downtown planning activities with the city of Rochester, Minn. By working in partnership with local nonprofit organizations and businesses, Mayo enhances access, services and sustainability of downtown Rochester for all residents and visitors.

Wabasha Port Authority, an economic development group, recently recognized Mayo Clinic Health System in Wabasha, Minn. — for its contributions to the city's economic health and quality of life with a Founders Legacy Award.