FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2001

NetDay AmeriCorps Members Promote Public Health Safety on Make a Difference Day

"Every day NetDay is working in Detroit schools to improve the learning environment and to increase access to technology for students. Today, we had an opportunity to look beyond our mission and provide information and support to community members on health issues impacting their daily lives," explained Jennifer Fisch.

At the NetDay health awareness campaign, community members were able to check their blood pressure; consult with the mobile dentist about taking care of their teeth and understanding the importance of regular check-ups; and gather tips on how to select over-the-counter medications for colds, flu and allergies. As part of the event, NetDay AmeriCorps members distributed general health information, which included brochures on the components of a healthy diet and maintaining personal hygiene. NetDay AmeriCorps members also provided the community with basic information about anthrax and gave participants a list of online health sites and search engines to answer questions on staying healthy.

"Make A Difference Day was a great event for me and the other NetDay AmeriCorps members because it allowed us to give the public information about current health related issues, including Anthrax. Since my night job is at the post office, I personally wanted to learn more and share what information I found with others. Our health fair was just the beginning for good things to this community with support from our program," Patricia Williams, NetDay AmeriCorps Member.

Leading up to "Make a Difference Day," NetDay led a concentrated effort to bring additional Internet connections to the Poe Developmental School. Utilizing donated wire from 3Comm, NetDay partnered with the National Society of Black Engineers to wire the entire upstairs of this 19th Century building. NetDay also brokered the donation of three IBM computers and a laser printer to be installed in the newly wired facility.

"This increased access means the school can provide parents and community members with public access to the Web allowing them to continue their education," said Poe Elementary School Principal, Jacqueline Elam.

The NetDay's AmeriCorps Bridge Program in Detroit began in June with a partial grant for the Corporation for National Service and is currently in place at four (4) schools - Poe Developmental School, The Detroit Day School for the Deaf, Murray Wright High School and Edmonson Elementary School. The goal of this program is to provide selected Empowerment Zone communities with facilitated access to technology resources. In Detroit, many of the NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge members were parents and community members who had little experience using technology.

The NetDay AmeriCorps program (http://www.netday.org/comm_nab.htm), which is a strategic partnership between NetDay and the Corporation for National Service programs. Schools involved in this program work with NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge members who serve as program facilitators and teach constructive and educational technology-based programs both during school hours and through after school programs. NetDay (www.netday.org) is a national education technology nonprofit headquartered in Irvine, CA. NetDayÕs mission is to connect every child to a brighter future by helping educators meet educational goals through the effective use of technology.

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