Valley Presbyterian Hospital to Host Communitywide Emergency Preparedness Fair

Business Wire, Jan 14, 2008

VAN NUYS, Calif. -- Valley Presbyterian Hospital (VPH) will host an all-hazards Emergency Preparedness Fair to bring first-responders together with the community at large. The first annual fair, at the hospital campus on Thursday, Jan. 24, will feature a decontamination tent. Sponsors include the Los Angeles Department of Health, ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County volunteer organizations, hazardous materials crews, and suppliers of safety equipment.

"Valley Presbyterian Hospital is a leader in community safety," said President and Chief Executive Officer Albert L. Greene. "Valley Pres was one of the first medical centers to comply with earthquake safety regulations by building a seismically compliant 188-bed patient tower four years ago. We continue to invest in safety by purchasing 'disaster preparedness' equipment, staff training, and inviting the community to learn more about being prepared."

The Emergency Preparedness Fair is a free public event that will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the north parking lot of the hospital campus. In addition to the sponsors, attendees include representatives from Los Angeles Emergency Management Services Agency, Van Nuys Neighborhood Council, Van Nuys and LAX airports, students from nearby Columbus Avenue Elementary School, neighboring residents and businesspeople.

About Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Valley Presbyterian Hospital is one of the largest acute care hospitals in the San Fernando Valley. The 350-bed facility offers leading-edge technology and medical expertise in maternal and child health, cardiac care, orthopedics, and critical care services. VPH has more than 500 physicians representing virtually every specialty and most sub-specialties. For more information, visit our website at: www.valleypres.org.