Press Release

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July 15, 2003

For the next two months, Spanish-speaking residents in parts of the East Bay will have an unusual chance to tune into important information about how to protect themselves during disasters and from serious health problems.

Contra Costa Health Services in conjunction with Contra Costa Television (CCTV) will present ¡Vida Sana en Vivo!, a five-part emergency preparedness series beginning August 7 through August 29. The show will run Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. and Fridays at 5 p.m. with a new show every week. The series will repeat in September. The 30-minute Spanish language talk show will focus on First Aid, Home Preparedness, Post Traumatic Stress, Helping Children Cope, and How Agencies Prepare for Disasters. (More information is available online at http://cchealth.org)

"Disasters can occur quickly and without warning and how we react can be a matter of life or death. It is important that all members of the community are able to function during disasters. That is what this series is about," said Vicky Balladares, Contra Costa Health Services' coordinator of the ¡Vida Sana en Vivo! show.

Balladares pointed out that during disasters, emergency personnel may be overwhelmed and it may be necessary for individuals to provide first aid and other help until fire and police response teams can arrive.

"If families take the time to prepare for disasters now, when an emergency does occur, they will be more confident and better equipped to deal with the situation. On the shows we will explain how that can be done," said Balladares.

With five active fault systems in Contra Costa, the nation at an elevated threat advisory and a number of refineries, Contra Costa residents have reason to prepare.

"Although a terrorist attack is possible, it is not likely, but we want families to be prepared for all emergencies, whether it is a refinery fire or an accident," said Balladares.

¡Vida Sana En Vivo! can be seen on Contra Costa Television, the county's public access cable TV station on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. and Fridays at 5 p.m. (In the Danville/Blackhawk area, channel 10; in Clayton and Concord, channel 15 and 18; in Oakley and Bethel Island, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, channel 19; in Antioch, Bay Point, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Concord, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, Rodeo, and San Pablo, channel 27. With Astound Cable, channel 32.)

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