Just a few days from now, on 11 August, we will mark a tremendous milestone: one full year without a single case of polio caused by wild poliovirus in Africa.
The magnitude of this achievement can hardly be overstated. A polio-free Africa has been within sight, so near and yet so far, for over a decade. The hard work and commitment that have brought us to this point have been nothing short of heroic. Tens of thousands of health workers reached hundreds of millions of children with vaccine, in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. Together, we have done what once seemed impossible: We have stopped polio in Africa.
Yet this progress, momentous as it is, is still fragile. As long as polio exists in the two remaining endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan, the virus still has the potential to spread and to spark new outbreaks. Now, more than ever, we need the power of all of Rotary to carry us through to the end: not just a polio-free Africa, but a polio-free world.
Wherever you live, whether your country has just conquered polio or has been polio-free for decades, we need your voice, and your help. I ask all of you to read and use the materials in this tool kit to find ways to raise awareness in your community, and beyond. We need every Rotarian, in every Rotary club, to be talking about polio: making sure that media outlets report on our progress and our elected officials see polio eradication as a global priority. Your grassroots work helps drive the increased media coverage we have seen in the past year, which in turn drives global backing of our work to eradicate polio. Together, we will keep polio front and center in our communities and on our national agendas, keeping up the energy and the momentum that will push us through to the finish.
The battle in Africa has, for the moment, been won, but we need the strength of every Rotarian to help us win the war. Together, we will End Polio Now and truly Be a Gift to the World.
Warm regards,
K.R. Ravindran
President, Rotary International
The Dexter Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at the American Steakhouse. If you are interested in speaking or joining Rotary let us know. Please call Dee Loflin, Rotary President at 614-4804.
Please tell us something interesting about yourself:
“My career in real estate began in 1977 and I enjoy helping young couples find their first home. I had my own company, Flowers Realty, but now I am currently a broker/salesperson for Trammel and Son Realty. I am also still involved with my son's and grandson's fish farms and farming operations. I was married for 51 years to Bill Flowers, and now my children and grandchildren are the highlight of my life. I am expecting my first great grandchild in November.“
What made you choose our agency to provide your home health care?
“In the past, I had outpatient physical therapy and cardiac rehab at Southeast Hospital in Dexter and was pleased with their services so I chose Southeast Home Health.”
What do you enjoy most about home health therapy?
“The exercises make me feel better and stronger after I do them. The therapist motivate me to do better and continue my exercises when they are not there..”
Please share some of the goals you have for the future and how therapy might help you reach those goals:
“I would like to be more active and strong enough to not use a walker and to be able to work a few days each week in my office. '
The Home Health Spotlight is a courtesy of the caring professionals of Southeast Health! You have a choice in who will provide your home health services. Remember to request Southeast Home Health of Dexter or contact us at (573) 624-3511 for additional information.
Eligible blood and platelet donors are encouraged to choose their day to donate blood or platelets this summer.
There will be a blood drive at the Bloomfield High School on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The school is located at 301 West Missouri Street.
Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals.
Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.
Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.
To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Cape Girardeau, Missouri - SoutheastHEALTH has received The Society Award for its support of Relay for Life, which annually raises funds for the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.
SoutheastHEALTH representatives, who are actively involved in the fundraiser, presented Southeast’s check for $10,000 to the Cancer Society.
Pictured from left at the Southeast Cancer Center: Mitzi Richter of the Southeast Cancer Center, holding the award; Kelli Behrle of the American Cancer Society; Scott Givens, manager of HealthPoint Fitness in Jackson; and Kim Thorwegen and Kasie Jones-Holder, both of the Cancer Society. Not pictured is Pam Buchheit of Southeast’s Social Services Department.
About SoutheastHEALTH
At SoutheastHEALTH, the region's premier healthcare system in southeast Missouri, our patients receive excellent care of the highest clinical quality, close to home. Within our network are more than 50 care locations in 14 communities, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and extending care for patients in a four-state area. Learn more at SEhealth.org.
That’s why the American Red Cross is asking for your help. By letting community members know about the need for blood during the summer, you can give hope to patients in need.
Eligible blood and platelet donors are encouraged to choose their day to donate blood or platelets this summer.
The Bank of Advance will host a Blood Drive at their Advance location on Friday, July 17th from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Bank of Advance is located at 105 East Gabriel Street.
Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals.
Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.
Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.
To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
