[MPWG] Fw: PRESS RELEASE - ABC Launches Second Online Training and Certification Course

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

----- Forwarded by Patricia De Angelis/ARL/R9/FWS/DOI on 12/05/2005 03:38
PM -----

AMERICAN BOTANICAL COUNCIL
Phone: 512-926-4900 x114; Fax: 512-926-2345
Contact: Gayle Engels, Education Coordinator
Email: gayle at herbalgram.org
Web site: http://www.herbalgram.org/

Editor’s Note: Mark Blumenthal and Gayle Engels are
available for interviews. Please contact Nancy Moon at
512-926-4900 x121 or nancy at herbalgram.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Release

American Botanical Council Launches Second Online Training and
Certification Course for Herb Retailers and Health Practitioners

AUSTIN, Texas. (Dec. 2, 2005) – The American Botanical Council (ABC) has
launched Course Two in its Herbal Information Course. The training and
certification program is available on the Internet (www.herbtraining.com)
and is designed for anyone who discusses herbs and related dietary
supplements with customers or patients.

Course Two is a recertification course for those having already taken
Course One. Upon completion of all three modules in Course Two, the
participant receives a new certificate which renews his or her status as an
Herbal Information Specialist (HIS) for another year and a window decal
stating that an ABC-certified Herbal Information Specialist is on staff.
Independent or chain natural food retail stores that participate in the
online course for their employees can also request a formatted press
release that can be used to promote to their community that they are
qualified providers of credible information on medicinal herbs.

The ABC Herbal Information Course will provide training for retail staff
members, multi-level marketing distributors, dietary supplement sales and
customer service staff, those who sell herbal products, and those who
advise patients. Licensed healthcare practitioners can take the course and
receive an ABC certification in addition to their own licensure.

"In the current climate of consumers taking more responsibility for their
own health, it is imperative that retailers and healthcare providers be as
knowledgeable as their customers and patients regarding science-based
information on the herbs that are currently being sold in the U.S. market,”
said Mark Blumenthal, ABC Founder and Executive Director. “These courses
are designed to help fill that need and help businesses establish
credibility, build consumer confidence in these products, and help ensure
that they will be used responsibly.”

Course One, launched in 2004, provides an overview of herbs and dietary
supplements, and general information on 29 popular herbs. Course Two
provides additional information on safety, standardization, market data,
legal and regulatory issues, added information on the herbs in Course One,
and on more herbs, including detailed therapeutic data on elder berry.

Participants paying by credit card may register online for either course at
www.herbtraining.com. To pay by check or money order or for quantity
discounts, contact Janet McCombs at 800-452-6854. ABC Sponsor members who
want to purchase quantities of the course should contact Wayne Silverman
PhD at 512-926-4900 x120 or wayne at herbalgram.org.

The courses are provided by ABC and are hosted by National Training
Institute (NTI), a division of Virgo Publishing that develops and provides
online training and certification programs in a variety of industries.


About the American Botanical Council

The American Botanical Council is the leading nonprofit education and
research organization disseminating science-based information promoting the
safe and effective use of medicinal plants and phytomedicines. Founded in
1988, ABC works to educate the public, healthcare practitioners,
researchers, media, and government agencies on the safe and effective use
of medicinal plants and phytomedicines. ABC publishes HerbalGram, a peer
reviewed quarterly journal, and HerbClip, a twice-monthly group of
summaries and critical reviews of recently published clinical, scientific,
regulatory, and market literature dealing with herbs, phytomedicines, and
other plant-based preparations. More at www.herbalgram.org.


About Virgo Publishing

Virgo Publishing produces the trade magazines HSR: Health Supplement
Retailer and Natural Products Industry Insider, as well as the SupplySide
East, SupplySide West, and Focus on the Future trade shows and conferences.
More at http://www.vpico.com/.

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