Contact Us

As one of Southern California’s most respected and technologically advanced hospitals, the media often looks to St. Jude Medical Center as a source of information and insights on healthcare. If you are a member of the media looking for a story idea or a source, use the links below to keep current, to establish contact, or to understand our guidelines for access.

Communications & News Media Contacts

24-hour media contact: 714-871-3280

St. Jude Medical Center 
Dru Ann Copping, VP, Public Affairs and Marketing 
Office: 714-992-3000, ext. 3761 
Mobile: 714-732-2012 
[email protected]

Interview, Photography & Live Shot Requests

Public Affairs must approve requests for interviews and photographs with patients, physicians or employees at St. Jude Medical Center before scheduling. Public Affairs will request written consent from the interviewee and accompany news media at all times in St. Jude facilities. For more information, please contact:

Dru Ann Copping, VP, Public Affairs and Marketing 
Office: 714-992-3000, ext. 3761 
Mobile: 714-732-2012 
[email protected]

Patient Condition Reports

A patient condition report describes a patient's medical condition in general terms. The term “stable” is not an accurate description of a patient’s condition and therefore should not be used.

• Undetermined - Patient is awaiting physician assessment or is currently being evaluated by a physician.
• Good - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
• Fair - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
• Serious - Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
• Critical - Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
• Death - Patient's death can be released only after the family is notified and after permission is granted from the family's legal representative.

Patient Information Requests

Under HIPAA*, news media must provide the patient's name before the release of any patient information. Our responsibility, first and foremost, is to our patients, and this responsibility includes protecting a patient’s privacy. Public Affairs will not release information about:

• Patients who request that no information be released.
• Patients who are involved in domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, child/elderly abuse, chemical dependency or attempted suicide.
• Patients in danger as determined by law enforcement officials.
• Patients who are under age 18, without a parent or legal guardian's written consent.
• Patients discharged who have not given written consent.

*All policies are in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's privacy rule and the American Hospital Association's "Guide for the Release of Information on the Condition of Patients."