With the recent wave of concern over the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, I’m sure many of us find ourselves swaying between concern for what it means for us on one hand and information overload on the other. Clearly we have health concerns close to home, but taking precautions can help us fight the flu.

However, around the world, there are still thousands of children who die every year from an all too common and very manageable disease – the measles. This loss of life is made all the more tragic as this is a vaccine preventable death, with the vaccine costing less than one dollar. But to these children and their families, one dollar is one too much.

That’s where the Measles Initiative comes in. It’s a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally and is led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

Here in St. Louis, our Chapter is doing its part to help fight this global disease. Just in time for Mother’s Day, buy a chocolate rose (or a dozen). Each rose is just $2 and not only shows your mom you care, but also helps provide 2 lifesaving measles vaccinations. They must be picked up by 5 p.m. on Friday at our Chapter building in Creve Coeur.

Looking for another way to support this great cause? We are happy to help organize, support, and even help fund any event that you, your organization or business would find fun and rewarding to support the Measles Initiative. Direct donations by cash, check, or online are also greatly appreciated.

The Measles Initiative is very close to meeting its 2010 goal of reducing measles related deaths around the world by 90%. We’ve made this far with the generosity and concern of people like you. With continued support, we’ll make it the rest of the way! But there is still so much to be done.

Please feel free to contact me at 314.516.2737 or mbraeuninger@redcrossstl.org any time with questions about the Measles Initiative or international services and programs offered by the St. Louis Area Chapter.

Thank you for your support.

-Michael