BBK Worldwide Mobilizes 7,000 Attendees of the Drug Information Association Annual Meeting to Be "Boston Strong"

BOSTON, June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BBK Worldwide, the global leader in patient recruitment, is empowering attendees of the 49th Annual Meeting of the Drug Information Association (DIA) to show their support for the host city in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon attacks. In the spirit of using "mobile for good" – and leveraging BBK's mobile platform – meeting attendees can demonstrate their unity and resolve by texting "Boston Strong" to 617-706-4000 from June 23 through June 27, 2013. "Boston Strong" has become the rallying cry for the city, nation, and beyond in the aftermath of the attacks, inspiring courage, compassion, and strength. For each text received, BBK and contributing companies will donate $5 to The One Fund Boston – a victim relief fund established by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to raise money for victims and families who were affected by the attacks. Meeting attendees who want to learn more about this text drive and other examples of how BBK is using "mobile for good" can visit booth #307 at the meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the DIA brings together more than 7,000 life science professionals who are involved in the discovery, development, and life cycle management of new treatment options. "The DIA members represent an industry whose scientific and medical achievements have played a tremendous role in advancing the way the survivors have been, and will continue to be, treated," commented Joan F. Bachenheimer, founding principal, BBK Worldwide.

Tufts Medical Center was among the Boston-area hospitals to be on the frontline treating the victims. "We treated 32 patients who were victims of the bombing. When they arrived at our emergency department, the medical personnel were in place," said Deborah Joelson, senior vice president, strategic services, Tufts Medical Center. "We witnessed first-hand the impact that advancements in emergency medicine and clinical research had on improving outcomes – both physical and psychological – for these patients."

BBK is inviting other exhibiting companies to donate to the effort and extend BBK's original goal of $10,000. "We are pleased to announce that Infinata has contributed $5,000, and that Pearson, their parent company, has matched that amount," said Bonnie A. Brescia, founding principal, BBK Worldwide.

"When we learned about BBK's effort to mobilize the DIA community in support of Boston and The One Fund Boston, we immediately wanted to contribute and rallied other companies to do the same," said Kristopher E. Sarajian, director of marketing and public relations, Infinata, which publishes BioPharm Insight™ and BioPharm Clinical™.

ERT and Valesta Clinical Research Solutions, a division of On Assignment, Inc., have also contributed to the effort. Once the current goal of $22,000 is achieved, attendees will be given the opportunity to donate on their own by going to www.OneFundBoston.org.

"As we assemble in Boston, we couldn't think of a more fitting tribute to honor the city and the victims of the Boston Marathon attacks," said Eric Rosen, manager, public relations, Drug Information Association. "We value the tremendous initiative BBK has shown by launching this effort and their extension of goodwill to our members. We will be furthering their effort by paying tribute to those affected by the Boston Marathon attacks with a video that will be shown during the plenary session on Monday, June 24."

The annual meeting is being held June 23-27, 2013 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

About BBK Worldwide (bbkworldwide.com)
Founded in 1983, BBK Worldwide is the recognized global leader in patient recruitment. The company is renowned for accelerating time to market for new and improved medicines and treatments. Through its partner companies, TCN Technologies and Agency320, BBK offers the industry the most sophisticated technology, creative, and media services. BBK meets accreditation standards of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and is certified as a Safe Harbor company.

SOURCE BBK Worldwide