Ten
years ago we helped start a new service for children in Santa Monica. We teamed
with St. John’s Hospital and the County of Los Angeles in giving free
vaccinations against six deadly diseases. The County donated the vaccines. St.
John’s sent doctors and nurses (volunteers) to jab the needles and write the
records. We sent members to set up signs and furniture and stow everything
afterward, meanwhile shepherding the waiting kids and keeping them happy with
balloons and cookies and other goodies.
The
operation took place on a church playground in the southern part of town,
because some foreign-born families feared taking their children into a hospital.
We spread word via radio stations, church bulletins, and whatever other media
would help. About twenty kids got shots that first time.
Every
two months since, the needlework mission has been repeated and expanded. After a
while, as families lost fear, operations were shifted into St. John’s
cafeteria, easing work for the hospital and for Rotarian helpers.
Other
organizations throughout the country have started similar projects. More than 80
per cent of pre-schoolers now get five of the six recommended immunizations.
Donna Shalala, Health and Human Service Secretary, told newspapers ,
“We have seen a breathtaking decline in most vaccine-preventable diseases.”
But
the job never ends. “Each day 11,000 babies are born, and their immunization
coverage starts at zero,” says the director of the Center for Disease
Control’s immunization program.
In
Santa Monica, we help give shots to as many as 100 children at each bi-monthly
session. We’ll do it again on Saturday morning, January 27th. As
usual, nine Rotarians will be needed for the simple manual chores and friendly
atmosphere they provide. We need them in crews of three, for two-hour periods
starting at 8:45 and leaving by noon. Will you come and help?
If you will, please phone Joe Gonzales at 451-0910 (office) or 393-8820 (home). You can park free (courtesy of Monika White) behind the Center for Healthy Aging at 2125 Arizona. Drive to it through the parking lot on 22nd Street. And thanks for being part of a huge, lasting service to children.
By Keith Monroe
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| Joe Gonzales helps in the set up of our Immunization clinic
at St. John's Hospital
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| Chairman Jim Reidy, St John's Volunteers, mom and first immunization baby of the day. |
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| Lorraine Jossel, Bill Bullock, Harris
Levey, Hal Quigley, Jim Reidy, and Joe Gonzales look on as
Barbara Hopper has her face painted
for being such a good girl! Our resident face painter is our newest member
Cena Abergel.
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