AH&LA and Roche Diagnostics Offer Members Discounted Drug Testing Programs and Services

WASHINGTON, DC (August 17, 2001) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and Indianapolis, Indiana-based Roche Diagnostics Corporation recently formed a strategic partnership providing members with discounts on drug-related programs and services, including products, legal support, policies, and employee educational materials.

The partnership addresses the lodging industry's commitment to promoting safe and drug-free work environments. Each year, hoteliers face several drug-related incidents at their properties including: accidents involving innocent co-workers, guests, and others; stolen items; or worker's compensation claims.

"This strategic partnership with AH&LA fits our desire to communicate with the entire lodging industry," said Randy Cole, Roche Diagnostics Corporation director of sales & marketing, DAT (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Point of Care. "Roche is committed to working with AH&LA to create and add value to the industry's drug testing needs."

In addition to safety and liability, several hotels have been concerned about the high cost associated with drug-testing programs. Through this alliance, AH&LA members receive discounts on various Roche Diagnostics products and services with an average savings of up to 50 percent -- with mark down prices ranging from $5.50 to $14.00 per test.

"We're pleased to provide our members with this fantastic and economically-priced service by Roche Diagnostics, the U.S. leader in drug testing," said 2001 AH&LA Chairman John Russell. "This joint venture allows hoteliers to benefit from a properly structured drug testing program that maximizes the value of their properties - as well as potentially saving $170,000 annually."

The 2000 Lodging Industry Drug Testing Survey found that 84 percent of the nation's lodging properties now test prospective employees for illegal drug use, and 46 percent of those surveyed considered substance abuse to be a "significant problem."

For more information on Roche Diagnostics programs and discounts, contact Taffy Davies, AH&LA director of industry & member state relations, at (202) 289-3103 or tdavies@ahla.

The American Hotel & Lodging (AH&LA), is a 91-year-old federation of state lodging associations throughout the United States with some 11,000 property members worldwide, representing more than 1.4 million guest rooms. AH&LA provides its members with assistance in operations, education, and communications, and lobbies on Capitol Hill to provide a business climate in which the industry can continue to prosper. Individual state associations provide representation at the state level and offer many additional cost-saving benefits.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-oriented healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and vitamins. Roche's products and services address prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, thus enhancing well being and quality of life. Roche sells its products in over 170 countries. Roche's Diagnostics Division supplies a wide array of innovative testing products and services to researchers, physicians, patients, hospitals and laboratories worldwide. Roche Diagnostics Corporation, based in Indianapolis, Indiana is the North American headquarters for the diagnostics business of the company.