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When a picture is actually worth a thousand words
By Suma Pathy
Monday, November 20, 2006 — Five continents, 180 countries and initiatives ranging from public health to disaster preparedness has led one 9-year-old to a million smiles.
Winning Entry
Honorable Mention
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The Diversity Committee at the Greater Alleghenies American Red Cross Blood Region held a poster contest during summer 2006 and asked children in the fourth through sixth grades to draw an image using the theme "Red Cross at Work around the World," In addition to engaging the schoolchildren, the contest was a fundraiser for the Measles Initiative.
Greater Alleghenies Blood Region employees could determine the prize-winning entries by purchasing vote tickets available at $1each or six for $5. Cash prizes were offered--$100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third place--in addition to Honorable Mention awards. Participants were asked to create an image showcasing the American Red Cross international services. The contest also marked the relocation of the Greater Alleghenies Region, American Red Cross Blood Services headquarters. The artwork serves to decorate the first floor hallway.
"The Blood Region employees had fun recognizing the student artists and felt that they helped the Red Cross and its partners reduce the incidence of this deadly disease," said Marianne Spampinato, public relations manager and chair of the Diversity Committee.
First-place honors were earned by Gabrielle Neuhof of the Johnstown Christian School. The next two most popular entries were by Barbie Custer and Evan Gretok of the Johnstown Christian School. The contest was an opportunity for the children to showcase their skills while helping other children around the world. For Barbie, it was more personal.
"My best friend moved to Africa to help people who are sick," she said. "I am glad I could help the American Red Cross keep the children in Africa from getting sick."
The Measles Initiative has been called by public health leaders "one of the most successful public health campaigns in recent years." Since its inception in 2001, the Measles Initiative has supported more than 43 African countries in the vaccination of 217 million children, saving 1.2 million lives. The Initiative has been a crucial factor in contributing to the 60 percent reduction in measles deaths since 1999. However, despite significant gains, there is still major ground to be covered with about 410,000 children under the age of 5 dying globally of measles each year. Considering the fact that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease and that each vaccine costs less than a dollar per child, a little help really does go a long way.
The Measles Initiative is a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. Launched in 2001, the Initiative—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—provides technical and financial support to governments and communities on vaccination campaigns worldwide. To date, the Initiative has supported the vaccination of more than 500 million children in 50 countries helping reduce measles deaths by more than 68% globally and 91% in Africa (compared to 2000). To learn more or make a donation, visit www.measlesinitiative.org.
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