Illumination of U.S. Landmarks Highlights the Urgent Need to Reach Zero Ebola Cases

SEATTLE, March 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, eight national landmarks across the United States will be lit with the colors of West Africa to revitalize public and private commitment and action towards an achievable goal: Zero cases of Ebola.

The urgency to reach zero cases of Ebola was underscored recently with several discouraging setbacks: 18 U.S. healthcare workers were medevaced home for treatment and monitoring after exposure to the disease; Liberia reported its first Ebola infection after several weeks without a case; and the overall volume of new cases is on the rise again.

Even when zero cases are achieved, time has shown that half of communities that experience Ebola outbreaks see another outbreak within two years. While the cases have slowed since last fall, this epidemic is still ongoing.

Tackle Ebola is focused on ensuring continued global commitment on all fronts to get to zero cases in this current Ebola epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ebola is one of the deadliest viruses known to humankind, and the current outbreak is the largest in history, with more than 24,600 confirmed cases and more than 10,100 deaths.

In addition to the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Tackle Ebola coalition brings together the World Food Program USA, actor and founder of the Ebola Survival Fund, Jeffrey Wright, NBA basketball star Luc Mbah a Moute and soccer star Kei Kamara to mobilize public, corporate, humanitarian and political support for getting to zero cases of Ebola.

About the Landmarks
Notable landmarks in eight cities across the U.S. will be lit in colors inspired by West Africa:

• CenturyLink Field, Seattle: The arches of CenturyLink Field in downtown Seattle will be lit red, green, yellow and black. The stadium is the home of the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders FC.
• The LAX Gateway pylons, Los Angeles: The 1.5-mile lineup of tempered glass columns of increasing height along Century Boulevard will be lit red, green and yellow. The pylons are a symbolic gateway of Los Angeles International Airport.
• The Mid-Hudson Bridge, upstate New York: The suspension bridge that carries U.S. Routes 44 and 55 across the Hudson River will be lit green and yellow.
• The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, Milwaukee: Also known as the Mitchell Park Domes, the world's only conoidal glass houses will be lit green.
• Moda Center, Portland, Ore.: A multi-purpose arena that serves as the home of the Portland Trail Blazers and part-season home of the WHL Winterhawks will be lit red, green and yellow.
• The Niagara Falls, Niagara, N.Y.: The Niagara Falls Illumination Board will light Niagara Falls, the collective name for the three waterfalls (American, Bridal and Canadian Horseshoe Falls) connecting Canada and the United States, red, green and yellow.
• One Liberty Place, Philadelphia: The 61-story iconic Trophy Tower that redefined the skyline of Philadelphia will be lit green.
• Wells Fargo's Duke Energy Center, Charlotte, N.C.: The home of several of Charlotte's most prestigious businesses will be lit red, green and yellow.

To join the effort to Tackle Ebola:

• Visit the lit building in your city and share your personal photos on social media using #TackleEbola and #ZeroCases
• Donate to support efforts on the ground in West Africa through www.TackleEbola.org
• Demonstrate your support on social media by sharing the following messages:
  • US landmarks lit coast to coast to #TackleEbola and reach #ZeroCases. Join the effort! TackleEbola.org
  • Keep up the efforts to #TackleEbola! US landmarks lit with W. Africa colors to show support. Donate & share to reach #ZeroCases
  • The Ebola crisis isn't over. RT to show your support! #ZeroCases #TackleEbola

In addition to the building lightings, the Tackle Ebola efforts will be supported through a statement on the Senate floor calling for continued U.S. leadership in the efforts to stop Ebola. Also this week, Tackle Ebola awareness ribbons will be distributed at the March 24 Portland Trail Blazers vs. Golden State Warriors game in Portland. Fans will be encouraged to spread the word and donate to the cause.

For more information about the efforts to Tackle Ebola and to learn more about the crisis visit www.TackleEbola.org.

About Tackle Ebola
Tackle Ebola is a coalition formed and funded by philanthropist and entrepreneur, Paul G. Allen to mobilize public, corporate, humanitarian and political support for getting to zero cases of Ebola worldwide. The coalition is comprised of celebrities, sports stars, health and advocacy organizations, governments and corporations. Together, we can #TackleEbola.

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SOURCE Tackle Ebola

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http://www.TackleEbola.org