According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two polio-endemic countries (nations that have never interrupted the transmission of wild poliovirus). So when the idea of promoting a local polio and abilities awareness program came to be, little did District 5150 organizers know that suddenly the U.S. would be thrust back into the conversation. Since 1979, no cases of wild polio have originated in this country. Then on July 21, a young adult with Polio paralysis was confirmed in Rockland County, and on August 4, Polio is found spreading in Rockland County wastewater.
"Walk in Their Shoes" is the polio and disability awareness expo being held on Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Lander Hall on the Touro University campus in Vallejo. Sponsored by Sanofi and PDG Russ and Kathy Ketron, the interactive experience will allow attendees to see what it is like to have accessibility challenges. The expo will also feature post-polio syndrome education as well as other helpful resources.
Scheduled speakers include:
Dr. Michael Greenberg, Sanofi Pasteur, Poliomyelitis and Importance of Childhood Vaccinations
Dr. Carol Vandenakker Albanese, U.C. Davis, Post-Polio Syndrome Update
Russ and Kathy Ketron, Polio Survivor and Rotary International District 5150 PolioPlus Chair
Bob Rogers, Polio Survivor and Rotary International PolioPlus Chair
Sarah Sweitzer, PhD, Provost, Touro University Medical School
For more information and to register, please click here: https://rotarydistrict5150.regfox.com/polio-alternate-page