AT&T Helps Red Cross Prepare for Emergencies during Olympics

American Red Cross
Tuesday, 12 February 2002

The XIX Winter Olympic Games have begun here in the shadow of the Wasatch Range - the torch has been lit, Opening Ceremony has been held and the athletes from around the world are competing for medals.

And thanks in large part to the generosity of AT&T Wireless, the American Red Cross is in place to help ensure the safety and security of the hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents set to enjoy the Olympic experience.

AT&T Wireless' generosity made it possible for the Red Cross to blanket the Salt Lake City region with more than 700 volunteers who are manning first aid stations, staffing emergency operations centers, and standing by with pre-positioned disaster supplies that can be distributed immediately in the event of a major crisis.

"AT&T Wireless has once again distinguished itself as a compassionate corporate citizen by making the largest investment of any donor contributing to the Greater Salt Lake Area Red Cross Chapter's First Aid services during these Olympics," said Susan Sheehan, chapter CEO. "Thanks to their generous support, the Red Cross is able to provide 15 First Aid stations to protect the well-being of Utahns and our visitors."

With AT&T Wireless' support, the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter has been preparing for the Games for several years. Among its efforts were training exercises held in conjunction with other emergency management agencies such as the Salt Lake City Police and Fire Departments, FBI, and FEMA.

In addition, the Chapter has been actively involved in educating the public about preparedness in the event of a major snow storm, earthquake or terrorist attack during the Games. And the public has responded many joining in the effort to help the region during the Games.

Before Olympic preparations began, the Chapter had 60 trained First Responders - the highest level of First Aid instruction offered by the organization. More than 600 are now certified and will staff the First Aid stations across the region, as well as rove the crowds at venues to respond immediately to any emergency, from cuts and bruises to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

"(The first aid stations) are just one example of the many generous gifts of kindness that AT&T Wireless makes possible," Sheehan said. "From free cellular communications in times of emergencies to gracious financial support, AT&T Wireless helps us ensure that 'Together, we can save a life.'"

Among the other volunteers from the Salt Lake area for the Games are: 252 disaster responders; 44 trained nurses; 194 mental health specialists; 65 clergy trained in disaster spiritual care; and 33 public affairs specialists.

AT&T Wireless has been a strong supporter of the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter in the past, sponsoring its Heroes Awards Breakfast in 2001 and the Chapter's popular golf tournament in 1999 and 2000. Nationally, AT&T Wireless has been a strategic supporter of the Red Cross. AT&T Wireless has an ongoing statement of understanding to donate phones nationally and locally during times of disaster. They offer their employees ARC First-aid/CPR training at no charge, actively encourage volunteerism and have created -- "Kids Call" -- a program in which AT&T Wireless and Red Cross chapters to teach young people how to recognize an emergency and call 911.

Following September 11, AT&T Wireless employees donated more than $200,000 as a part of the AT&T employee matching gift program and donated thousands phones and free service for ARC's relief efforts nationwide. They have also sponsored a fourth-quarter 2001 cause marketing promotion in which they invited their customers to donate rebates to the Red Cross. We are anxiously awaiting the results, but have gotten initial feedback that it has been a great success.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org