NATHAN LITTAUER HOSPITAL LEADS EFFORTS WITH AREA BUSINESSES TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE WHILE DRIVING Collaboration brings nationally known Don’t and Text and Drive Crusaders to our region Gloversville, NY…

Nathan Littauer Hospital, and their partners, Fulton Montgomery Community College Foundation and Frontier Communications today launched a comprehensive campaign dedicated at reducing distracted driving. The three entities have launched the initiative to teach local teens and adults about the dangers of texting and driving. The campaign will proudly bring to the region the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation”, organized by the family of teenager Alex Brown who tragically lost her life while texting and driving. The family has been featured on the TODAY Show, Oprah and Extreme Home Makeover. The father, mother and younger sister will be addressing the crowds. “The importance of educating the community about the dangers of distracted driving cannot be over-emphasized.” said Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Jeanne Brown, Alex’s mother said, “We are looking forward to making our first New York appearance with Nathan Littauer Hospital in the great Northeast. We are thrilled to travel to New York to make sure people hear first-hand about the dangers of distracted driving. Along with Nathan Littauer Hospital we also congratulate Frontier Communications and Fulton Montgomery Community College for supporting our New York State debut. These organizations along with the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board should be applauded for their commitment to a safe community. We hope our message and our story about Alex resonates with residents in the area.”

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will help kick off the event in Fulton County. “We know that distracted driving is a serious epidemic and young drivers need to be aware of the potential life-threatening consequences,” said Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Assistant Commissioner Chuck DeWeese. “The GTSC commends Nathan Littauer Hospital for its thoughtfulness in planning these events for teens.” The Brown family resides in Texas and this will be there first New York appearance- having come at the hospital’s request. The Brown family will be delivering six presentations to the region at Johnstown High School, Gloversville High School, Broadalbin Perth Central Schools and Northville High School. Fulton Montgomery Community College will host two presentations, one to the students and one to community.

The community is welcome to attend the 6pm presentation at the Student Union at Fulton Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, NY

The multi-platform campaign started in the spring with the Hospital encouraging its own employees to take a pledge not to text and drive. Littauer also has carried their message to post prom parties and public events. They asked people to take the NYS “Put It Down Pledge” and thumb bands were given to serve as a reminder to drivers. Now, the culmination of the campaign includes school assemblies, social media campaigns, a billboard; and finally a visit from the family of Alex Brown. Frontier’s General Manager, Todd Rulison said, “Frontier is proud to partner with Nathan Littauer Hospital and FM in promoting the “Don’t Text and Drive Campaign”. Driving an automobile requires total attention and we need everyone to put their cell phones down and drive safely. Don’t become a statistic.”

In addition to Nathan Littauer Hospital, the FM Foundation and Frontier Communications, the following entities have also supported the efforts: Fulton County Traffic and Safety Board, Holiday Inn of Johnstown- Gloversville. Main Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram, the Leader Herald Newspaper and Lamar Advertising. Chair of the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board, Maggie Luck stated, “The TSB is excited to be apart of this project because safety on our roads starts with education and awareness.” According to police-reported data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the National Automotive Sampling it was found that show that: “The proportion of fatalities reportedly associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent in 2009. During that time, fatal crashes with reported driver distraction also increased from 10 percent to 16 percent.” It is a statistic which prompted Nathan Littauer Hospital to embark on an awareness campaign.

The Remember Alex Brown Foundation has gained national attention especially after Justin Beiber became a spokesperson for the organization. “As a 17-year-old driver, I am aware of the countless distractions that we teenagers face on the road, and texting is one that is preventable,” said Justin in a press release. “There are too many young people, like Alex Brown, whom we’ve lost because of texting while driving,” said Justin Bieber recently about the Alex Brown Foundation. He stated he wishes to raise awareness of this issue and create safer conditions for everyone on the road. “It’s clearly time to bring this issue to the forefront,” said Jennifer Hing-Wainwright of Nathan Littauer Hospital. She added, “A tremendous amount of work has gone on behind the scenes since mid-May. Knowing that so many people in our region will hear this important message is extremely gratifying.”

“Preventing injury and death due to distracted driving is consistent with our mission. We frequently see the results of car accidents in our Emergency Department. This issue is timely, important and needed.” said Dr. Todd Duthaler, Director of Emergency Medicine at Nathan Littauer Hospital. XXX About Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home: Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home located in Gloversville, NY. Littauer provides the finest in state-of-the-art technology and a caring, dedicated staff of health care professionals. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities we serve. The hospital The Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities.