Wednesday, March 26, 2003

CPR Saturday called 'huge success'

1,336 receive free training

The American Red Cross 21st annual free CPR Saturday was called a "huge success" by the South Metro Service Center Director Ruben Brown. According to Brown, 1,336 people were trained at the three South Metro area sites.

Brown attributed the event's success to the outstanding volunteer team. "We are grateful for the wonderful work of our volunteers," he said. "Thanks to them, many more of our friends and neighbors are now equipped to save lives. Together we have made a difference."

In all, 6,365 participants were certified at 15 metro-area sites, including Fayette County High School. The event kicked off Red Cross Month and was particularly timely because recent public interest in family readiness and preparedness. In response to the increased public interest, the Red Cross recently launched its "Together We Prepare" program, that urges citizens to have a disaster response plan, create a disaster preparedness kit, give blood, volunteer for community service and get training such as CPR and first aid. CPR Saturday provided a free outlet for people to receive life-saving training and increase their level of personal preparedness.

The training was free thanks to Kaiser Permanente, who served as the title sponsor for the seventh straight year. Other sponsors included Publix, Mellow Mushroom, Coca-Cola, AT&T Wireless, Federal Home Loan Bank of America, Boise Cascade Office Products, Atlanta Coffee Time and Atlanta Vending.

For more information on the Red Cross and future events like free CPR Saturday or to learn more about disaster preparedness, visit www.redcrossatlanta.org.