According to Government Technology magazine, the U.S. House of Representatives, by a vote of 381-0, passed H. Res. 537 recognizing the importance of 9-1-1 education and directing the Administration to establish a National 9-1-1 Education Month.

The resolution, sponsored by Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and John Shimkus (R-IL) and 56 House co-sponsors, puts Congress behind a national effort by seven national organizations dedicated to advancing public safety.

The seven organizations that have joined together to advance 9-1-1 education are:

• the E9-1-1 Institute;
• the National Emergency Number Association (NENA);
• 9-1-1 For Kids;
• the National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA);
• the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO);
• CTIA - The Wireless Association; and
• COMCARE Emergency Response Alliance.

Each of the groups recently adopted similar resolutions establishing April as National 9-1-1 Education Month.

They are calling upon public safety officials, schools, government officials, and industry leaders to engage in a national effort to educate children, seniors, and the general public about the importance of, and appropriate use of, 9-1-1.

During the month of April, these organizations will conduct special outreach to build on existing state and local 9-1-1 education efforts in an attempt to raise the issue of 9-1-1 education to a national level.

The groups praised the efforts of Representative Eshoo and Representative Shimkus for their consistent bi-partisan leadership in passing the resolution.

"9-1-1 is a life-saving service that everyone should know how to use, especially children and senior citizens," said Eshoo. She added: "I'm very proud to have these dedicated national organizations join with me to expand 9-1-1 education for all Americans."

Read the rest of this Government Technology article here >>

Photo by David Ward/Flickr

You may have already heard about The Language LineŽ Phone.

Hundreds of Language Line Services' clients (police departments, banks, retail services, and many others) swear by this dual handset, pre-programmed telephone.

If our phones are new to you, here are a few reasons why your staff will find them very popular:

• Better hygiene - Both parties have a personal handset, safeguarding against contagions that can be spread through a single handset.
• Security - Sensitive information can be shared confidentially, without using a speakerphone.
• Simplicity - Your access number to Language Line Services is already programmed into the phone, making it easier than ever to reach your interpreter. No special user training is needed.
• Speed - Without having to pass a phone back and forth between you and your customer, efficiency and customer care improves!
• Convenience - Direct dial buttons provide a quick and easy connection to a professional interpreter.

If you're already a client of Language Line Services, and you find yourself scurrying for language help when a limited English speaking customer comes to your desk or checkout stand, consider the Language Line Phone.

The phones themselves are free of charge to you, with a modest monthly maintenance fee. Each phone is preprogrammed with our toll-free number and your unique client identification number.

Just press a single button, request a language, and you're connected with a courteous, professional interpreter within seconds.

The maintenance fee ensures any necessary replacements and maintenance. It also guarantees you receive all future upgrades without an increase in fee. Order as many phones as you need just by competing the order here.

If you're not already a customer, contact us at healthletter@languageline.com and we'll get right back to you.

PS: If defeating breast cancer is one of your passions, see our "Speak Pink" phone (pictured). With all the features of our traditional phones, and a distinctive pink color and pink ribbon logo.

Also, Language Line Services has recently introduced the "Relating in Red" AIDS awareness dual-handset phone program.

As part of this fund raising program for HIV/AIDS awareness, you can order a red version of the popular Language Line Phone,

A portion of the proceeds from the order of "Relating in Red" phones will benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and AIDS Education Global Information System (AEGiS). Order the new AIDS and/or Cancer Awareness phones right he

Language Line Services Sponsors "Beyond Hispanic". Eric Munz, Language Line Services' Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing, will speak to the opportunities multilingual advertising and sales hold for local, national and international organizations.

California Health Plans Have Just to Comply With Language Assistance Program Requirements of Senate Bill 853

Second Annual National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum To Be Held May 1, 2008, in Portland, Oregon

More news here >>

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