Back St. Louis, Monday, July 17, 2006 – Approximately 1,000 children in Africa will receive measles vaccinations because of a recent $1,000 donation made by the Mound City Medical Forum to the American Red Cross Measles Initiative. The Mound City Medical Forum Executive Council chose to support this unique initiative following a Red Cross presentation that focused on the programs and services available through the St. Louis Area Chapter. “Measles is the single leading cause of death among children in Africa,” said Kathy Lass, International Services Director at the St. Louis Area Chapter. “Each measles vaccination costs less than one dollar, so Mound City Medical Forum’s donation enables the Red Cross to provide needed healthcare to over 1,000 children. This is a substantial contribution to international healthcare.”   About Mound City Medical Forum: Since its charter in 1920, Mound City Medical Forum has been dedicated to providing quality health care to all, educating and supporting physicians of color, removing barriers to obtaining adequate health care, and eliminating disparities in health care.  One of the ways the Mound City Medical Forum achieves this mission is by partnering with local professional organizations and medical societies. About the Measles Initiative: In December 2001, the American Red Cross officially launched the Measles Initiative, focusing on providing vaccinations to African children. This campaign is an international partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Foundation, and the World Health Organization. In November 2005, the Measles Initiative was expanded to include Asia and to prevent other diseases by providing insecticide-treated bed-nets (for malaria prevention), Vitamin A, de-worming medication, and polio vaccines. For more information about the Red Cross Measles Initiative, call the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2737, or log on to www.redcrossstl.org. About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter: Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and 100 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. # # #

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