FAIRFAX, VA (March 23, 2011) — People all across the country attended lifesaving trainings from the American Red Cross during “Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday” on March 19, 2011. The event served 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 in the National Capital Region provided training to nearly 300 people in the D.C. metropolitan region. On March 19th four training sessions open to the public were offered at the National Capital Region’s Headquarters, and on March 18th the same training was provided to employees of the NASA Goddard Space Center at the request of Congressman Steny Hoyer.

The nationwide program was offered through the generous support of Walgreens and Safeway. The local Safeway also provided refreshments for the “Save-a-Life Saturday” participants and the volunteer and paid staff. Gregory A. Ten Eyck, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Safeway Inc./Eastern Division, attended the event and was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Linda Mathes, the CEO of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region.

Across the country, colleagues of Congresswoman Giffords also participated in the event. Congressman Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (VA-11) attended the event in the National Capital Region in support of Congresswoman Giffords.

Erwin Stierle, the Director of the Health and Safety Department of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region stated, “We put forth a lot of effort that was rewarded with a tremendous turnout by the public. Nearly every session was full and the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. We are pleased to have achieved our objective of teaching the basic first aid skills that helped save Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ life back in January of this year.” One event participant commented, “This was probably the best investment of one hour that I have ever put towards any type of class.”

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 click here to register for lifesaving courses.

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Cheryl Kravitz
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