Spine Health Foundation, Inc. and Alpha Natural Resources Collaborate to Help the Disadvantaged Who Suffer from Spinal Disorders

Bristol, TN, September 11, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Spine Health Foundation, Inc. (SHF), is pleased to recognize Alpha Natural Resources as presenting sponsor for its Inaugural Event. The event took place on Sept. 10, 2011, at the Olde Farm in Bristol, Va. "This event marks the official beginning of the Spine Health Foundation, Inc. and we are honored to have the support of Alpha Natural Resources, America’s leading producer of coal," said Founder and Executive Director, Carol Conduff. Alpha Natural Resources recognizes that pain related to spinal disorders can wreak havoc on people’s lives. They recognize the problem and want to be a part of the solution. If left untreated, chronic back pain associated with spinal disorders is devastating.

The Spine Health Foundation, Inc. is innovative in its approach as a non-profit dedicated to helping the disadvantaged. It recognizes that it must treat the whole person to make a difference. SHF offers a full-range of resources that include psychological support and resources, education, and specialized medical professionals to help individuals find viable solutions with their spinal disorders. Its mission is to provide education, encouragement and healing solutions.

Alpha’s generous support will help lend a helping hand to those in need throughout our region. For the uninsured, the risks of ongoing, chronic back pain are high. Chronic back pain can lead to depression, pain medication addiction, loss of employment, social isolation, divorce and much worse. “We are inspired and motivated to help people regain enthusiasm for life, one life at a time,” said Carol Conduff, Founder and Executive Director of the Spine Health Foundation, Inc.

“The full range of support that the Spine Health Foundation provides to help those most in need in our community is a noble undertaking,” said Kevin S. Crutchfield, CEO of Alpha Natural Resources. “Chronic back pain can be so debilitating, especially if the person does not have the wherewithal to get the help he or she needs. This new organization deserves community support as it begins its mission to help disadvantaged people who suffer from spinal disorders.”

The Spine Health Foundation, Inc. celebrated its launch in February 2011 and has since helped five area residents receive specialized medical care so they can return to work, family and the activities they enjoy. SHF is proud to recognize the physicians who have helped fulfill its mission, in just the last 6 months: Dr. Morgan Lorio, Dr. Timothy S. Smyth, Dr. David Pryputniewicz and Dr. David Wiles. For a full listing of the Spine Health Foundation, Inc. supporting physicians, please browse our website at www.spinehealthfoundation.org.

Back pain is one of the nation’s costliest health conditions exceeding $100 Billion annually. The socio-economic impact of chronic low back pain is massive.

About Alpha Natural Resources
Alpha Natural Resources is one of America's premier coal suppliers with coal production capacity of greater than 120 million tons a year. Alpha is the nation's leading supplier and exporter of metallurgical coal used in the steel-making process and is a major supplier of thermal coal to electric utilities and manufacturing industries across the country. The Company, through its affiliates, employs approximately 14,000 people and operates approximately 150 mines and 40 coal preparation facilities in Appalachia and the Powder River Basin. More information about Alpha can be found on the Company's Web site at www.alphanr.com.

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