TIPS AND TECHNOLOGY KEEP WEST PHILLY SENIORS SAFE

Phones for Life Emergency "9-1-1" Cell Phones To Be Distributed

University of Pennsylvania Specialists Provide Guidance for Senior

"What is an Emergency" and "What Happens When You Call Philadelphia 9-1-1"

University of Pennsylvania come together with Friends of 40 th Street and Phones for Life to teach seniors how to use free emergency "9-1-1"cell phones, Thursday, October 27, 2005, 11:00 a.m. at the Community Room, 3901 Market St., Philadelphia.   Capt. Joe Fischer of the University of Pennsylvania Police and Anne Mitchell of the School of Nursing will provide tips on "What Happens When I Call 9-1-1?" and "What is an Emergency?" Dr. Dee L'Archeveque MD FACEP, CEO and Founder of Phones For Life.

Phones distributed at this event have been collected in an Emergency Phone Drive conducted by students and faculty at University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. All cell phones collected for Phones For Life are used to put cell phones directly in the hands of seniors. Ph ones for Life programs used cell phones to provide access to one-button dialing of 9-1-1 emergency services at no cost, and distributes them to seniors or adults with significant medical conditions or disabilities.

"The response of Philadelphia to this University effort has been fabulous," states Emergency Medicine Doctor Dee M L'Archeveque.   "Seniors get an instant sense of security, knowing that they can travel within their community with emergency help one button away if needed." Dr. Dee further explains, "Research shows that seniors who are more active in their home and community are more physically fit and socially engaged which promotes improved health and quality of life."

Dr. L'Archeveque is available to comment on the research demonstrating the quality of life impact that Phones for Life brings to seniors. Capt. Fischer is available to describe Philadelphia 9-1-1 system, and Ms Mitchell is available to discuss emergencies that warrant a 9-1-1 call.

Phones For Life, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization serving senior citizens 65 years and older, mainly retirees who live alone and are dependent on social security or have limited economic resources. For information about Phones For Life, or to donate phones or funds, visit www.phones4life.org.

WHO:             West Philadelphia Seniors, University of Pennsylvania and Phones for Life

WHAT:           Senior Citizens Receive Phones for Life Emergency "9-1-1" Cell Phones

WHEN:           THURSDAY OCTOBER 27 11:00  

WHERE:        Community Room,3901 Market St., Philadelphia

WHY:              Tips and Technology Save Lives and Give Seniors a Sense of Security