Measles Initiative Pins and Postcards!

Hi Everyone!

Until recently I, like most people I have talked with here in the United States, thought that Measles had been taken out, and that there really wasn't anyone dying from it anymore. It was just something that everyone was vaccinated for before they could start school.

I was absolutely shocked to read on the Measles Initiative website (http://www.measlesinitiative.org/) that "Measles is one of the leading killers of children worldwide. An estimated 540 children die each day from the disease."

I had no idea! And I was especially surprised to find out that it takes less than $1 to vaccinate a child, and save their life. Just $1. I spend that on snacks from the vending Machine at work!

The Goal of the Red Cross Measles Initiative (in partnership with other organizations such as UNICEF, the UN Foundation, and the CDC) is to reduce the number of deaths due to Measles worldwide by 90% by 2010. We are so close! Between 2000 and 2007, measles deaths fell by 74% globally and by 89% in Africa alone.

Now we need your help! Our chapter has recieved Measles Awareness Pins and Postcards (picture attached). For each dollar that you donate to the Measles Initiative, you will recieve your choice of a Pin or a Postcard. You can proudly point to your pin, or mail out your postcard and tell people that you "Saved a life"! It's truly a Win-Win situation!

Pins and Post Cards are available at the Springfield Office, wherever Luke happens to be, or by sending in the order form (available at http://www.redcross-ozarks.org/measlesorder.pdf) If you would like a Pin or Post Card to be mailed to you, please make a $2 dollar donation for each (to cover postage) so that the full dollar donation can go to help the Measles Initiative. If you have any questions, please let me know! :)

Thanks everyone for all that you do!

Luke

DirectorVolunteerServices@RedCross-Ozarks.org