News release from the American Red Cross:
Red Cross Trains Thousands on ‘Gabrielle Giffords Save-a-Life Saturday’
People learn first aid, CPR to honor those affected by the tragedy in Arizona
(March 24, 2011) – People all across the country came out over the weekend to take lifesaving training from the American Red Cross during “Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday,” held to honor all those affected by the January 8 tragedy in Arizona.
Preliminary reports show more than 11,000 people received free Red Cross training in hands-only CPR and first aid at more than 100 different locations across the United States. The American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana offered the lifesaving training to over 50 people.
The nationwide program was offered through the generous support of Walgreens and Safeway. Four local Walgreen’s representatives volunteered for the event and provided all the training materials including gauze pads, disposable gloves, and disinfectant wipes as well as bottled water and pens.
Several bystanders in Tucson the day of the shooting were trained in CPR and first aid and helped save the lives of many of the victims, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “Save-a-Life Saturday” was held to remind people how important these skills are. Her office encouraged people to learn first aid and CPR.
Locally, more than 50 people were trained during the “Save-a-Life Saturday” event held at Glenbrook Square Mall on March 19. Mayor Tom Henry was trained during the first session of the day and thanked attendees for their participation in making our community safer. “We are honored to host this training in our community to help honor those affected by the Arizona tragedy and ultimately train more community responders. Trained responders truly can save lives.” Kay Ostrum, Executive Director.
Across the country, colleagues of Congresswoman Giffords participated in “Save-a-Life Saturday”. In Evansville, Indiana, Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08) thanked attendees for recognizing the need to know lifesaving skills. Congressmen Joseph Courtney (CT-02) and David Cicilline (RI-01) participated in the training in Farmington, Connecticut. In Akron, Ohio, Congresswoman Betty Sutton (OH-13), a friend of Gabrielle Giffords, participated in a class and gave a heartfelt testimonial about the value of the training. Congressman Tim Walz (MN-01) told attendees in Mankato, Minnesota that he would encourage his staff members to become certified.
The Red Cross offers training in first aid, CPR and the use of automatic external defibrillators (AED); teaches people of all ages how to swim and be safe around the water, and provides training for babysitters, nurse assistants and family caregivers.Those unable to attend the Save-a-Life Saturday trainings can visit the Red Cross web site or contact their local chapter at 260.484.9336 for information on upcoming Red Cross classes.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana serves seven counties: Allen, DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley Counties in Indiana and Williams County in Ohio. For more information, call (260) 484-9336 or 1-800-513-2599, or visit www.redcrossofnei.org.
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