NATIONWIDE INSURANCE AND THE NATIONAL LATINO CHILDRENS INSTITUTE JOIN FORCES TO SAVE CHILDRENS LIVES

Contact:

Michelle Chippas, Nationwide Insurance
   (616) 677-7768
   
Noemi Ricalo/Daniela Tutino, SiboneyUSA
   (214) 521-6060
   
NATIONWIDE INSURANCE AND THE NATIONAL LATINO CHILDRENS INSTITUTE JOIN FORCES TO SAVE CHILDRENS LIVES

CORAZON DE MI VIDA"

You are the center of my life and I love you so much, that I will:
. . . Put you in a car seat."
. . . Put you in the back seat."
. . . Wear my own seat belt."

San Antonio, TX -- February 8, 2000 -- Nationwide Insurance in conjunction with the National Latino Childrens Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration introduced today, Corazon de mi Vida," a national program designed to educate the public about child safety in the car.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the leading cause of death for Hispanics through the age of 24. The biggest problem is lower seat belt and car safety seat usage. In 1996, over 60% of children, age 14 and under who died in motor vehicle crashes were unrestrained.

Corazon de mi Vida," is underwritten by an $80,000 grant from Nationwide Insurance to the National Latino Childrens Institute. The grant monies will be used for programs that directly impact childrens automobile safety. This includes making car seats available to needy Hispanic families, car seat inspections and safety demonstrations.
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The word corazón means heart" when translated literally from Spanish, but like many Spanish words the cultural meaning is more complex. Corazón is an endearment used among family members and loved ones. Corazón de Mi Vida carries the message deeper . . . it means, You are the center of my life."

Corazon de mi Vida," was presented to the media as well as business, civic land community leaders at a press conference held in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, February 14, 2000 kicking-off National Child Safety Week.

Corazón de Mi Vida" utilizes the cultural strengths of the Latino community as the foundation for passenger restraint education. Aimed at young Latino parents and their extended family, Corazón de Mi Vida emphasizes the valuable role children play in the lives of their families and society.

According to Kathleen D. Ricord, Vice President Marketing, Nationwide Insurance, Corazón de Mi Vida" will play an important role in helping to increase awareness about child safety seats and ultimately reduce injuries and fatalities on the roadways.

Nationwide is proud to fund this unprecedented program. We are committed to working closely with our partners at the National Latino Childrens Institute," said Ricord.

We are very appreciative of the confidence that Nationwide and NHTSA has placed in us. This partnership has given us the freedom to communicate with the Latino community, culturally, in the way we know best. We are certain that this program will touch peoples hearts to make better decisions about their children," said Rebecca Maria Barrera, President, National Latino Childrens Institute.

This partnership shows how a non-profit organization, private industry and the federal government can come together and save our children," said NHTSA Regional Administrator, Georgia Chikaris.

Nationwide Insurance was founded in 1926 at its present headquarters of Columbus, Ohio as the "Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company." In 1955, the company changed its name to "Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company." Nationwide Insurance is part of Nationwide, a Fortune 500 company with more than $100 billion in assets, providing a full range of insurance and financial services.

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