Ascension Health, Mo.'s new and existing notes are issued on parity with Ascension's outstanding debt ('AA' long-term rating). Salomon Smith Barney Inc. is the dealer, and the Bankers Trust Co. will act as the issuing and paying agent. Liquidity support for the series B notes is provided directly by Ascension Health ('A-1+' short-term rating), through its short-term and long-term investment pools. Standard&Poor's has assessed both the credit quality and the liquidity of fixed-income assets held in the short-term and long-term funds. The credit-quality profile is high and reflects the high credit-policy standards established by Ascension Health, which call for all fixed-income securities to be rated 'A' or better. Ample liquidity is provided through the monies held in cash
