Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lisa Salamon
         610-444-8433



                  NeighborCare Inks Deal to Purchase Pharmacy Company


BALTIMORE, MD--(October 8, 2001)--NeighborCare Pharmacy Services, Inc., a
subsidiary of Genesis Health Ventures, Inc., today announced that it has signed
an agreement to purchase the assets of American Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
(APS), a subsidiary of Mariner Health Group (MHG) and Mariner Post-Acute Network
(MPAN), for approximately $42 million plus up to $18 million in deferred
payments contingent on performance. The sale is subject to several conditions
including, US Bankruptcy Court approval of an overbidding procedure, followed by
a competitive bidding process and final court approval of the prevailing bid in
the MPAN and MHG chapter 11 cases.

The intent to enter into the asset purchase agreement was previously announced
in US Bankruptcy Court as a part of the Genesis' plan of reorganization which
was confirmed September 20. Genesis emerged from bankruptcy October 2.

NeighborCare expects to consolidate operations with APS following closure of the
sale. NeighborCare is the third largest institutional pharmacy provider in the
US and serves 250,000 long-term care beds. APS is the fifth largest long-term
care pharmacy provider in the US and operates 33 institutional pharmacies in 15
states that serve 60,000 beds. APS also operates three retail pharmacies and
four respiratory therapy sites.

"The APS acquisition gives NeighborCare the opportunity to increase revenue by
expanding operations in existing markets as well as seven new states," said
NeighborCare President and COO Bob Smith. " Acquisition synergies and cost
savings will enable NeighborCare to build a stronger network from which to serve
long term care providers nationwide."

NeighborCare operates retail and long term care pharmacies, medical supply
centers, infusion services and home medical equipment facilities for over
250,000 customers in long term care settings and for more than one million
covered lives in home care settings in 41 states. NeighborCare is an integral
part of the Genesis ElderCare Network and is a subsidiary of Genesis Health
Ventures, Inc. (GHVEV) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. NeighborCare is
headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.


Statements made in this release, and in our other public filings and releases,
which are not historical facts contain "forward-looking" statements (as defined
in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and
uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. These forward-looking
statements may include, but are not limited to statements containing words such
as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may" and
similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially include, but are not limited to, the following: risks associated with
operating a business, our substantial indebtedness and significant debt service
obligations; adverse developments with respect to our liquidity or results of
operations; our ability to consummate or complete development projects or to



profitably operate or successfully integrate enterprises into our other
operations; our ability or inability to secure the capital and the related cost
of the capital necessary to fund future growth; our ability to attract
customers; our ability to attract and retain key executives and other personnel;
the impact of health care reform, including the Medicare Prospective Payment
System ("PPS"), the Balanced Budget Refinement Act ("BBRA") and the Benefit
Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 ("BIPA") and the adoption of cost
containment measures by the federal and state governments; the impact of
government regulation, including our ability to operate in a heavily regulated
environment and to satisfy regulatory authorities; the occurrence of changes in
the mix of payment sources utilized by customers to pay for services; the
adoption of cost containment measures by other third party payors; competition
in our industry; and changes in general economic conditions.

The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control. We caution
investors that any forward-looking statements made by us are not guarantees of
future performance. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to
announce publicly the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking
statements to reflect future events or developments.


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