Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) today pledged its support and participation in the USA Freedom Corps, an initiative outlined by President George W. Bush in Tuesday night's State of the Union address. Specifically, the company will work with the administration to facilitate volunteer opportunities for its approximately 20,000 U.S. employees and more than 8,500 retirees.

"Our goal is to help facilitate our nation's ability to quickly mobilize the expertise required in the event of future bioterrorist attacks or other significant public health crises," said Sidney Taurel, Lilly chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "Many of our employees and retirees have medical backgrounds and organizational expertise. We support the president's call for an organization in which we can quickly save lives and limit the impact of bioterrorists."

"President Bush wants to tap the tremendous talents of our citizenry, particularly in times of need," said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. "We have so many talented scientists, medical personnel and civic-minded citizens who want to help in a time of crisis, and the Freedom Corps will allow us to marshal our vast human resources for the common good. We appreciate the employees of Lilly, who are always willing to step up and volunteer to answer the call to serve others. Their leadership serves as a shining example of the best America has to offer."

As a part of this effort, Lilly has offered the use of its U.S. sales representatives to support the efforts of the Office of Homeland Defense by disseminating information to health care professionals regarding bioterrorism threats. The company has already sponsored a web-based continuing education program for health care professionals on how to identify, diagnose and treat bioterrorism threats. The program was developed by the University of Wisconsin Medical School and the Professional Education Services Group.

"As a company, we have an important opportunity and obligation to respond to our nation's call for service," said Taurel. "The president has rightfully recognized that now is not a time to rest but a time to do more. Lilly wants to contribute by connecting our most valued asset -- our employees -- with this critical national effort."

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

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