The highest honor the American Red Cross presents to someone who saved another’s life

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 5, 2008 ) — The American Red Cross is pleased to announce that Mayor Lois J. Frankel with be presented with a Certificate of Merit on Monday, May 5 at 5 p.m. during the City Commission Meeting. This honor is being presented to Mayor Frankel for saving the life of her friend by administering the Heimlich maneuver, while dining at a downtown restaurant last year.

The Certificate of Merit is awarded to a nominated individual who saves or sustains a human life and successfully completes a Red Cross course in first aid, CPR, AED or aquatics prior to the performance of the lifesaving or life-sustaining act. This is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to an individual who saves or sustains a life by using the skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety services course. The President of the United States and the Chairman of the American Red Cross sign the award.

Previous recipients of this award include staff members at the Boca Raton Athletic Club, for saving the life of a patron and an Air Marshall who administered CPR to a traveler in the airport concourse, saved their life.

For more information about American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter CPR/First Aid classes please visit www.redcross-pbc.org or call 561-650-9110.

About the American Red Cross:
For over 90 years, the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, which includes Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties, has provided relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time and money to perform its humanitarian mission. To learn more about the work of the Red Cross in communities, or to make a donation, please call 561-833-7711 or visit our website at www.redcross-pbc.org.

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American Red Cross Contact:
Joseph Hansen
561-718-3527

City of West Palm Beach Contact:
Chase Scott
561-243-6631