New “DIA Cares” Initiative to be Launched at 44th Annual Meeting in Boston

Horsham, PA, USA (Vocus/PRWEB ) June 11, 2008 -- The Drug Information Association (DIA), a neutral global membership association that serves more than 30,000 professionals involved in the lifecycle management of pharmaceuticals and medical products, has selected Crittenton Women’s Union (CWU) as its local community partner for its upcoming 44th Annual Meeting in Boston. CWU is a Boston-based nonprofit organization devoted to helping low-income women and their families overcome poverty and attain economic independence.

At the DIA’s 44th Annual Meeting at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from June 22 to 26, DIA is launching its “DIA Cares” initiative with CWU as its inaugural local community partner. With more than 8,000 attendees and 360 sessions, the 2008 Annual Meeting is the signature event for professionals involved with discovery, development, regulation, surveillance, or marketing of pharmaceuticals and related products worldwide.

“We are excited to be introducing ‘DIA Cares’ in Boston. As a global organization, it is important for DIA to sustain and expand our commitment to social responsibility in all parts of the world, and by establishing partnerships with local nonprofit organizations in communities our meetings impact, we are pleased to be able to give back,” said Linda McGoldrick, Worldwide Executive Director of DIA. “We are delighted to partner with CWU, whose commitment to improving the lives of low-income women in Boston inspires us all.”

As a non-lobbying resource, DIA serves as a forum for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, regulatory and governmental agencies, and academia to come together to address areas of common concern in their quest to develop safe quality medicines that enhance health and well-being around the world.

During the Annual Meeting, CWU will staff a tabletop booth in the Exhibit Hall where meeting attendees can learn about the organization from CWU representatives, as well as make donations to CWU. CWU president and CEO Elisabeth D. Babcock will also make remarks at the opening night VIP reception on Sunday, June 22.

The funds raised at the DIA Annual Meeting will help CWU achieve its mission of helping low-income women and their families attain economic self-sufficiency. CWU emphasizes a comprehensive approach, investing in clients’ long-term growth and self-sufficiency through direct service programs, independent research, and public advocacy.

“We are delighted that DIA chose Crittenton Women’s Union as its first DIA Cares community partner,” says Elisabeth Babcock, president and CEO of CWU. “The support we will receive from the members and attendees at the Annual Meeting will help us to continue offering low-income women and their families safe places to live, as well as opportunities to acquire the educational, vocational, and life skills they need to build a better future.”

About the Drug Information Association (DIA)
The Drug Information Association serves more than 30,000 professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and regulatory industries worldwide. Through its domestic and international meetings, training courses, workshops and webinars, DIA provides a neutral global forum for the exchange of information critical to the advancement of the drug discovery and lifecycle management processes. Headquartered in Horsham, PA, USA, and with offices in Basel, Switzerland, Tokyo, Japan, and Mumbai, India, the Association is led by its volunteer-based Board of Directors and executive management team. For more information, visit www.diahome.org or call 215-442-6100.

About Crittenton Women’s Union (CWU)
Crittenton Women’s Union, a Boston-based nonprofit organization, combines direct service programs, independent research and public policy advocacy in its mission to transform the course of low-income women’s lives so that they can attain economic independence and create better futures for themselves and their families. Each year CWU helps more than 2,000 people through its safe housing, education and training programs, and family support services. For more information, visit www.liveworkthrive.org or call 617-259-2900.

Contact:
Joe Krasowski, DIA: 215-293-5812 or Joe.Krasowski @ diahome.org
Stephanie Nichols, CWU: 617-259-2946 or snichols @ liveworkthrive.org