American Red Cross Launches Digital Training Program for Disaster Relief Volunteers

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today,the American Red Cross announced a new, technology-based training program for disaster relief volunteers that will allow them to access training programs remotely through mobile devices.

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The new program was developed in part through a $500,000 contribution from AT&T. The Red Cross and AT&T piloted the mobile technology-based training model with over 1,100 AT&T volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, in Dallas, Atlanta and Bedminster, NJ.  

"These new training alternatives have tremendous potential," said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO. "Until now, most Red Cross disaster volunteers have been trained in classroom settings. By working with AT&T, we've moved toward a technology-based module that allows volunteers to remotely access Red Cross training courses through mobile and other digital devices. This program is a vital step forward in our efforts to ensure the Red Cross actively engages a wider audience in disaster preparedness and relief."

"For the first time, thousands of AT&T employees will be able to access training that prepares them to work with the Red Cross through mobile broadband connections when disaster strikes," added Charlene Lake, chief sustainability officer, AT&T. "To the countless communities that will benefit from disaster volunteers, this is an important step in the evolution of the long-standing relationship between the Red Cross and AT&T."

By offering more flexible, mobile technology-based training options, the Red Cross will be able to attract a larger variety of volunteers than ever before, including those in remote locations. The new model will be flexible enough to match volunteers' learning preferences and will include self-paced, online training, live webinars, and mobile learning opportunities. The Red Cross expects to develop as many as 80 mobile technology-based trainings in the coming months, and will make the new volunteer training platform available to the public in early 2014.

The Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The organization responds to nearly 70,000 disasters annually, and volunteers make up 97 percent of disaster responders.

Over the past 10 years, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have contributed more than $6 million to the Red Cross for disaster relief efforts to support individuals and communities impacted by hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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SOURCE American Red Cross