TETERBORO, N.J., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced that it has given $250,000 to the American
Red Cross International Response Fund to help in its effort to aid victims in
the aftermath of the tsunami affecting much of South Asia and Eastern Africa.
"As the tragedy continues to unfold, its impact is unfathomable," said
Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Although we
do not have operations or employees in the affected region, we want to provide
whatever assistance we can to the relief effort."
The American Red Cross, in partnership with the International Federation
of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is rushing to provide specialized
relief and financial assistance to Asian and African countries suffering the
devastation from last week's tsunami. On December 31, the American Red Cross
announced an initial $30 million in aid was on its way to the affected areas.
Of this, $25 million will help pay for relief food supplies and the other $5
million will be used for nonfood relief items like hygiene kits and tents.
Thirteen American Red Cross workers are currently in or en-route to affected
areas such as Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia, with expertise to support
relief efforts in three primary areas: water sanitation services, family
linking and reunification, and relief supply distribution.
How You Can Help
You can help those affected by this crisis by making a financial gift to
the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide
immediate and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and
other support to those in need.
Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Donations can also be
mailed to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box
37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make secure online credit card
donations by visiting http://www.redcross.org.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of
diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable
healthcare professionals to make decisions that improve health. The company
offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its national
network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive
consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest
Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based
medical testing, and provides advanced information technology solutions to
improve patient care. Additional company information is available at:
http://www.questdiagnostics.com.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
-0- 01/07/2005
/CONTACT: Laure Park (Investors), +1-201-393-5030, or Gary Samuels
(Media), +1-201-393-5700 /
/Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com
http://www.redcross.org /
(DGX)
CO: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; American Red Cross
ST: New Jersey
IN: HEA MTC
SU: ASI
AA
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0468 01/07/2005 08:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com