Abbott Supports Relief Efforts in Japan

Company's Philanthropic Foundation the Abbott Fund Provides $3 Million to Help People Affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami

ABBOTT PARK, Illinois, March 14, 2011 - Abbott (NYSE: ABT), through its philanthropic foundation the Abbott Fund,
is providing $3 million (245 million yen) to support immediate relief efforts
in response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The Abbott
Fund donation will be provided to the Japanese Red Cross through the American
Red Cross, and longstanding global relief partner AmeriCares.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the earthquake and tsunami in
Japan," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott.
"Abbott and the Abbott Fund are providing this support to help advance
immediate relief efforts."

As part of its commitment to responsible global citizenship, Abbott has a
long history of providing humanitarian relief around the world. Most
recently, Abbott and the Abbott Fund provided significant support for relief
efforts in Haiti and Chile.

About Abbott and the Abbott Fund

Abbott Japan has approximately 2,400 employees devoted to distribution
and marketing across all of its businesses. Abbott's main offices in Japan
are located in Tokyo, Fukui and Chiba.

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the
discovery, development, manufacturing 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 website at www.abbott.com.

The Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in
1951. The Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by
investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health
care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information on the Abbott
Fund, visit www.abbottfund.org.

Colin McBean, +1-847-938-3083, or Matt Bedella, +1-847-936-3394, both of Abbott