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for larger version       SJEH Doc "Calling" On Last week, The Wave featured a story on St. Johns Episcopal Hospital’s conference on bio-terrorism. Several doctors who specialize in the study of chemical and biological agents were highlighted in the piece, including Dr. Dee L’Archeveque. Although Dr. L’Archeveque has one of the most prominent positions at the hospital, as Chairman of Emergency Medicine, she also serves as the founder and director of Phones For Life, Inc. Phones For Life, Inc, is a not-for-profit entity that collects used cellular phones, programs them to dial 911, and then distributes them (usually by mail) to seniors in the tri-state area, and nationwide, as an emergency aide. The organization also visits senior centers within the area to personally deliver phones to more than 70 seniors at a time. "This is our favorite method because it allows for direct contact with the people we help, and it re-energizes us to continue our mission. So far, we have visited the JASA, Forrestview, Rockaway Boulevard senior centers, and countless others within the past year," said Heather Small, the organization’s Associate Director. Phones For Life, Inc. does not have a working budget or a sponsor, and this has made things difficult in terms of operating at full capacity. "Our cell phone supply is quickly depleting and will not be nearly enough to fulfill the request of more than 7,000 seniors on our waiting list. New request for service are made everyday, especially with the recent events that have taken place in our nation," stated L’Archeveque. The organization will be hosting a Thanksgiving give-a-way on Tuesday, November 20, 1 p.m., at the Police Athletic League Senior Center in Hollis. The goal of the event is to generate publicity about PFL that will invite cell phone donations and/or introduce them to a financial sponsor that will help them continue their mission. Small realizes the challenges ahead for PFL, but she believes that people have big hearts and hopes that many will come forward to help the organization meet its goal. "Our goal is to fulfill every request and need for a 911 cell phone. I am confident that people will help us in some way." If you would like to obtain more information about Phones For Life, Inc. you can call (718) 869-7224 or (718) 869-7695.
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