TEMA, Ghana--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2006--Alcoa Foundation announced today $68,000 funding for Mercy Ships creation of a new youth health and recreation center in Ashaiman, Ghana, a sub district of the Tema municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Mercy Ships, a global charity, is the leader in using hospital ships to deliver free world-class health care and community development services to the forgotten poor.

Alcoa Foundation is working in partnership with Mercy Ships and Ghana Health Services, the Ghana government health agency, to establish the new center. Alcoa Foundation funding will support Mercy Ships, who will manage the construction of the center and equip the center, which will be staffed and managed by Ghana Health Services.

"We are thankful for Alcoa Foundation involvement in the development of this multi-purpose facility to create an enabling environment for youth, health and development within Ashaiman," said Dr. Glenn Strauss, vice president International Programs for Mercy Ships.

The new center will be constructed on land adjacent to an existing small clinic in Ashaiman, which has not expanded to meet the needs of the growing population and is limited in services. "The needs and services required by the youth of Ashaiman can't be met by the existing community health clinic," Strauss said.

The planned youth-friendly center will offer young people improved access to health facilities, raise health and hygiene awareness, provide family planning and consultation services, and a recreational unit. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

"This new center will address some of the critical needs of the youth in the community and create an environment where they are encouraged to access healthcare and support services relevant to their needs. It will be a welcoming place for them to meet and socialize in a safe environment," said Meg McDonald, President of Alcoa Foundation.

Alcoa's presence in Ghana is through Volta Aluminum Company (Valco), a joint venture with the government of Ghana, and the Alcoa-Ghana Bauxite and Alumina Project. Valco provides aluminum ingot from its smelter in Tema to Alcoa customers around the world.

About Alcoa Foundation

Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa's ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

About Mercy Ships

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has performed more than 1.5 million services valued at over $600 million and impacting more than 1.7 million people as direct beneficiaries. Some of the more notable statistics include: Performed more than 26,000 surgeries such as cleft lip and palate, cataract removal, straightening of crossed eyes, orthopedic and facial reconstruction. Taught nearly 14,000 local health care and professional workers, who, in turn, trained many others in primary health care. Trained local medical professionals in modern health care techniques. Completed more than 800 community development projects including construction of schools, clinics, orphanages, water wells and agriculture programs. More information can be found at www.mercyships.org.

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

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