Abbott Included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for Six Consecutive Years in Recognition of Leading Corporate Citizenship Performance

Abbott Leads the Industry in Environmental Management and Climate Policy, Responsible Marketing Practices, Standards for Suppliers, Innovative Philanthropy

ABBOTT PARK, Illinois, September 9, 2010 - Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that it was included on both the Dow
Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index for the sixth
consecutive year. The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) recognize the
leading companies in each industry sector for responsible economic,
environmental and social performance.

Abbott was named the industry leader in several categories, including a
score of 100 percent in environmental management and climate strategy, key
areas of focus in the company's comprehensive effort to safeguard the
environment. Abbott also led the industry in responsible marketing practices,
standards for suppliers, innovative philanthropy, and employee health and
safety.

Abbott is one of only two U.S.-based companies in its industry sector to
be listed on both the North America and World Indexes. The company's overall
score of 84 percent is significantly higher than the average score of 53
percent for other companies in the sector.

Abbott's scores increased in 19 of 23 categories compared to the previous
year, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in
citizenship and sustainability. This included significant improvement in the
company's efforts to improve patient health outcomes, and strengthen risk and
crisis management.

"The environments in which we operate - natural, social, economic and
political - are particularly sensitive and challenging, requiring companies
like Abbott to be more thoughtful than ever about the ways we operate our
business," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott.
"We believe that Abbott has met that challenge, across the spectrum of its
business activities."

As a member of the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Index,
Abbott is among the top 300 of the 2,500 largest companies worldwide in terms
of sustainability. The DJSI annual review considers sustainability leaders
from each industry on a global and regional level, and involves thorough
analyses of corporate governance, risk management, branding, climate change
mitigation, supply chain standards, labor practices and related citizenship
issues.

About Abbott's Approach to Citizenship

Global citizenship is an integral part of Abbott's mission to improve
people's lives, focused on four key areas: innovating for the future,
enhancing access to health care, protecting patients and consumers, and
safeguarding the environment. Working in partnership with others, Abbott
leverages its core business expertise and resources to create sustainable
solutions in countries around the world.

In addition to being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes,
Abbott ranked sixth overall on the global "100 Best Corporate Citizens List
2010" compiled by Corporate Responsibility magazine. The company was named
one of the top three "2010 Best in Class" companies in its industry sector by
Storebrand Investments, a leading socially responsible investment (SRI) firm.

FORTUNE magazine also named Abbott the No. 1 Most Admired Company in its
industry sector in 2010, in part for the company's strong performance in
social responsibility. In addition to these global honors, Abbott has been
recognized for its sustainability efforts in countries around the world,
including Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico,
Singapore, Tanzania and the United States.

To learn more about Abbott's sustainability initiatives and to read or
download the company's 2009 global citizenship report, please visit
www.abbott.com/citizenship.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the
discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and
medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The
company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than
130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the
company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

Media, Scott Davies, +1-847-938-8898, or Citizenship Community, Tracey Noe, +1-847-936-9751, or Financial, Liz Shea, +1-847-935-2211, all of Abbott