News Archives 2004

Contact: Mary Miller
American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter
(503) 528-5633 or (503) 705-2584

American Red Cross and Qwest Partner to Train Disaster Volunteers
$240,000 Qwest Contribution to Train Volunteers in 14 States;
Qwest Employees to Join Red Cross Volunteers in Response to Disasters

PORTLAND, Ore., — May 26, 2004 — The American Red Cross and Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced a major 14 state program to offer special disaster training to Qwest employees and members of the general public. The $240,000 grant will assist in the training of volunteers to better respond in times of crisis and natural disasters. In addition to the training assistance, the company will also distribute one million “Emergency Checklist” fliers that provide information that every family should be equipped with in case of an emergency. Qwest will distribute the checklists through numerous channels, including having technicians leave them with customers on installation and maintenance calls.

“We are thankful for the many business, organizations and individual donors that support Red Cross disaster relief for local house fires, wildfires and other life threatening situations,” said Bert Kile, executive director for the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. “Even before disasters strike, the Red Cross needs to take steps to be prepared to respond. Qwest has recognized the importance of these steps through funding volunteer training so we can stand ready to help our fellow Oregonians. Qwest is making a significant investment to better prepare our community through Red Cross volunteer recruitment and training.”

This important education program will offer training in 13 chapters of the American Red Cross in Utah, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Iowa, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, Nebraska/South Dakota and Oregon. Initial training introduces Red Cross disaster relief services to course participants, and once completed, participants can choose additional education and disaster training of interest or importance to them.

“Qwest is proud to partner with such an outstanding organization and help create a whole new corps of first responders,” said Judy Peppler, Qwest president for Oregon. “Every day, our employees demonstrate the Spirit of Service in Action by supporting and strengthening the communities where they live and work. We look forward to enhancing these efforts through the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts.”

Qwest employees regularly work to restore key services to communities after natural disasters. Whether it’s providing temporary phones for evacuating customers during Rocky Mountain wildfire season, assisting earthquake relief efforts in Seattle or repairing cable cuts during Minnesota’s brutal winters, Qwest employees are there. Qwest is keenly aware of the need for a quick, coordinated response in delivering disaster relief to an affected area, making the partnership with the Red Cross a natural fit.

Volunteers are critical to Red Cross disaster response efforts. The first team responding to a disaster scene is trained to identify the needs of victims and assist first responders in determining whether there is a need for shelters or temporary housing. Shelter managers then are deployed to coordinate shelter, food and clothing for victims as well as provide mental health and medical support. They also notify allied agencies that can assist with the shelter and care for large and small animals. Other volunteer roles include public affairs and information, client services, government liaison, record keeping, and damage assessment.

The first step in the process of becoming one of the specially trained volunteers is taking the Introduction to Disaster Services course. This course will be offered on June 17, 2004 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter building located at 3131 N. Vancouver Avenue in Portland. Contact Rodney Rogers at (503) 528-5617 for more information. The disaster training program is open to all Qwest employees, their families and the general public, but space is limited. Dates and locations for programs in the other states will be announced at a later date at www.qwest.com.

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2004 Archives

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.PrepareOregon.org