May 23, 2005

Medical, fire and law enforcement experts join together to promote a safe & sober Memorial Day weekend
St. Paul, Minn., May 23, 2005 - Each year lives are lost in motor vehicle accidents that could have been prevented. In 2002, there were 239 people killed in alcohol-related crashes; 229 people died not wearing seatbelts; 184 died in accidents when speed was cited as "illegal or unsafe" and another 137 died in accidents in which inattentive or distracted driving was a factor. The statistics remain high. [Stats per MN Dept. of Public Safety.]

Boating accidents are high, too, in an area where there are more than 370,000 boat owners in Minnesota alone. Alcohol was a factor in a 2001 boating accident on the St. Croix River that killed five people in a popular Stillwater/Hudson area.

WHAT: Regions is hosting a news conference to promote a safe and sober Memorial Day weekend. Medical experts will share first-hand accounts of what they treat from alcohol-related accidents and experts will provide safety tips to help ensure a safe holiday weekend.

WHO: Collaboration of Regions Hospital, St. Paul Police Department, St. Paul Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, LifeLink III and the Sheriff Offices of Dakota, Ramsey, St. Croix and Washington counties.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. until noon, followed by Q & A

WHERE: Regions Hospital next to the Helipad (weather permitting). If inclement weather meet in Regions main lobby at 11:20 a.m. for escort to conference room.

INTERVIEWS: Brent Asplin, M.D. Regions emergency department medical director
R.J. Frascone, M.D. Regions EMS medical director
Michael McGonigal, M.D. Regions trauma medical director
Tim Smalley DNR on boating and water safety
Others yet to be announced

VISUALS: LifeLink and Minnesota State Patrol choppers, patrol cars and a car involved in a drunk driving fatality will be available for viewing.

Contact: Jennifer Kovacich (651) 254-4726
(651) 629-0411 pager