September was National Preparedness Month.

What does that mean for you and your ability to communicate with limited English speakers? Are you ready?

If you already have our interpreters just a phone call away, your organization is much better prepared than most.

This year the focus of National Preparedness Month (NPM) is to encourage citizens and organizations to take important preparedness steps:

• Get a Kit
• Make a Plan
• Be Informed
• Get Involved

Last year, NPM had a record number of more than 1,800 NPM Coalition Members who worked to create a culture of emergency preparedness in the United States.

NPM invites all of us to read the National Preparedness Month 2007 Journal to learn about some of the events and activities that took place across the country last year.

NPM hopes your organization will join them in spreading the emergency preparedness message this year - and every year! If you have any questions, contact NPM at Ready@dhs.gov.

...the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

"In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18."

"The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race.

"On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino." More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2000 Census.

Articles Include...

• Famous Firsts by Hispanic Americans
• Hispanic Americans by the Numbers
• Spanish Loan Words
• Cesar Chavez
• Countries of Origin
• Spanish Accents
• Hispanics in Congress
• Where Spanish is Spoken
• Hispanic Holidays
• and much more

Really interesting things to learn, and to pass along. Check it out here.

"In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16.

"The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15).

"America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean."

Read much more here

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization is comprised of several national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working in partnership to build breast cancer awareness, share information and provide access to screening services.

NBCAM and www.nbcam.org are a year-round resource for patients, survivors, caregivers and the general public.

If you or a loved one wonders about breast cancer, there are many forms of information on NBCAM's website. Here are just a few:

• About NBCAM and Q & A
• Breast Cancer Q & A
• Questions to Ask your Doctor, and
• Free downloadable breast self-exam cards at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website

Please note that the first three of the above links are downloadable documents

Before you order your Language LineŽ Phones, we want you to know that you have a choice.

A choice between our traditional beige dual handset phone and our "Speak Pink" version in support of the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

The "Speak Pink" phone operates exactly like our traditional phone, but has the distinctive pink color and ABCF pink ribbon logo to promote cancer awareness.

Each "Speak Pink" phone is just 25 cents more per month than the traditional dual handset phone. Part of the proceeds is donated to support the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

Join us in supporting breast cancer awareness for all people, regardless of language or ethnicity. Demonstrate how your health facility cares about breast cancer awareness through communication by displaying the "Speak Pink" phones.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month though we can communicate in all languages the importance of breast cancer awareness year round.

Tell us you want to "Speak Pink"!

Order your special "Speak Pink" Language Line Phones here.

For more information, see press release "American Breast Cancer Foundation and Language Line Services Team Up To Fight Cancer".

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