We're "this close" to eradicating polio.
Lima Rotary Club member Dr. Susan Hubbell spoke to the club on October 21st about polio. Rotary International has been engaged in the worldwide effort to eradicate polio for 30 years. She reported that in 1988 there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries. Presently there are 66 cases reported in only two countries. Susan noted that once the disease is eradicated, vaccinations will still need to be administered for a decade. She spoke of how a global population is still at risk because we travel. Susan also explained how polio affects the spinal cord and nerves and that each case can manifest itself differently.
Susan invited guest, 82-year-old Loren Hughes, to the podium to talk about his life-long affliction with the disease. He explained how he contracted the disease at age four. He talked about how as a young man he had been trained up as a sheep shearer – handling 100 sheep per day. Professionally he enjoyed a career as a mechanical contractor. Since people can contract polio at any age, Loren strongly advocates the importance of vaccinations – “everyone needs the vaccine, no ifs ands or buts!."
Vice President of Lima Rotary Club reminded the members today that our Polio Plus Fundraising Campaign aims to see 100% of our membership make a donation, and we are well on the way to reaching that important goal!
During Fellowship Time, Marc Bowker reported that October 21 was National Check Your Meds Day. He encouraged members to clear out outdated and unneeded medications they have at home. Beth Seibert added that proper disposal of these unwanted meds can be done by leaving them in their original containers and dropping them off in a secure receptacle at either St. Rita’s Hospital Emergency Room or the lobby of the Allen County Justice Center. Both locations are accessible 24/7.
