 Local Red Cross International Services
Receives National Recognition for Measles Initiative Fundraising
More than 12,000 children received life-saving measles vaccinations because of local fundraising efforts
St. Louis, Wednesday, October 8, 2008 - The American National Red Cross recently recognized the St. Louis Area Chapter for organizing the most successful 2008 Measles Initiative Fundraising Campaign in the country. The Measles Initiative is an international effort committed to reducing measles deaths globally by providing technical and financial support to governments and communities for vaccination campaigns. Partners include the American Red Cross, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
Each year, Measles Initiative partners, financial contributors and technical advisors attend the Partners for Measles Advocacy Meeting in Washington, D.C. The American National Red Cross asked Kathy Lass to represent the St. Louis Area Chapter during this year's meeting. Lass lead the Chapter's successful fundraising campaign as the Director of International Services until her retirement in August, 2008. "I was both surprised and honored when I received the call to represent the St. Louis Area Chapter for our efforts in raising awareness and funds for the Measles Initiative," Lass said.
The Partners for Measles Advocacy Annual Meeting is an opportunity for the organizations and countries involved in the Measles Initiative to discuss opportunities, challenges and successes in fundraising and reaching the goal of cutting measles deaths by 90% by 2010 compared to 2000. This year, the American National Red Cross recognized Red Cross Chapters who were among the leaders in Measles Initiative fundraising and awareness efforts. The St. Louis Area Chapter received top accolades for raising more than $12,000 through community partner donations and the Roses Campaign, a fundraiser involving the assembly and distribution of 3,500 chocolate roses. Local businesses, schools and organizations sold the roses for $2 during the weeks surrounding Valentine's Day. Because each measles vaccination costs less than one dollar, the St. Louis Area Chapter's fundraising efforts led to more than 12,000 children receiving life-saving vaccinations.
"The Chapter's success is a reflection of the St. Louis Community's generosity," said Lass. "When we tell the stories of the 600 children who die each day from Measles because their families can't afford one dollar for one vaccination, the St. Louis community understands the need, wants to give and gives generously." Although now retired, Lass continues to volunteer with the Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center and was recently asked to become vice-chair of the program's Advisory Council.
For More Information:
To volunteer for or learn more about the Measles Initiative, the public is encouraged to contact Michael Braueninger at the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2737, or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.
About the Measles Initiative:
Each year, measles - a disease that has virtually been eliminated in the Western Hemisphere - kills nearly 242,000 people globally. Of those, most are children under the age of five. Measles is a leading vaccine-preventable childhood killer, and millions of children remain at risk. The good news is that measles can be prevented with a simple vaccination that costs less than one dollar per child.
The Measles Initiative was launched in 2001 as a collaborative effort led by the American Red Cross, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. By 2010, the initiative has set an ambitious goal of cutting measles deaths by 90 percent. Already, the Measles Initiative has made a significant impact. The campaign has led to the vaccination of more than 500 million children, predominately in Africa.
From 2000 to 2006, measles deaths in Africa alone dropped by 91%, from 396,000 to 36,000 largely due to the support provided by the Measles Initiative and the international community. Building on its success in Africa, the initiative has expanded into South Asia.
The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter coordinates local education and fundraising related to the Measles Initiative, frequently offering presentations to community organizations. St. Louis Area Chapter Measles Initiative programming and outreach are supported in part by generous funding from Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 91 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 402,000 times each year. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors 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 proud 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. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
 Kathy Lass |