DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE FOR DECEMBER  Dear Al La Borde, Fellow Rotarians, This month is significant for many reasons, because it is the month that we celebrate Family month and also focus on our cause “Disease Prevention & Treatment”. It also represents a time of great celebration that many will not be able to afford and challenges our belief in giving and generousity. The late Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of Great Britain once said: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” Our organization’s two most recognizable names Paul Percy Harris and Arch Klumph were not from affluent homes but left for us a legacy of giving. The Rotarian, November 1921: “There is nothing intangible about Rotary: It is reality itself. To give is to receive; to lose oneself is to find oneself; to be happy is to serve. These are old truths...for the individual...and the mass, whether application be in the exchange of goods, toil, knowledge, or love.” Our strength is in our membership, let us use it to focus on the unique needs and concerns of our communities. This is the time to remember our Family of Rotary and involve them in our activities, finding innovative strategies to enhance our service delivery. A notable one as their signature project: -The Rotaractors of the Bahamas, doing a blood drive for the community in partnership with Toronto and Stabroek -Virgin Gorda Rotaract, public education on the debilitating consequences of Alzheimer Disease I wish you a happy Yuletide season as we continue to inspire our communities and empower our young generation. DG Patrick Adizua  This month DG Patrick Adizua sends his message from Nassau, while he was visiting Clubs hosted by Assistant Governor Mario Smith. FIGHTING DISEASES - ONE OF ROTARY'S MISSIONSMore than 100 million people are pushed into poverty each year because of medical costs. Rotarians aim to improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in underdeveloped areas.FIGHTING DISEASES More than 100 million people are pushed into poverty each year because of medical costs. Rotarians aim to improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in underdeveloped areas. They educate and mobilize communities to help prevent the spread of major diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Many projects ensure that medical training facilities are located where the workforce lives. Rotary's top priority is the eradication of polio, but members also take on far greater responsibilities to fight disease. They set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria. Disease prevention and treatment takes on many forms, from supporting studies to helping immunize people to improving drinking water and the sanitation infrastructure. The world relies on Rotary to tackle these global challenges, and to set an example for others to follow. ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS Rotarians with a special interest have formed themselves into Fellowships and Action Groups. There are two Fellowships with special interest in health matters. 'Doctors' and 'Fellowship of Wellness and Fitness Rotarians' (Chair: Marco Kappenberger, Samoa. kappenberger@gmail.com) ROTARIAN ACTION GROUPS There are a number of Rotary Action Groups which focus on health related challenges.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE In addition to what we do at a global level, there are also hundreds of health projects run by Rotary Districts and Clubs. One of Rotary's Board members would like to liaise with Rotary and non-Rotary groups to share experiences. If you are involved in a project to improve health care please contact Roger Meyer MD MPH (Portland Oregon) DATA BASE OF ROTARY'S HEALTH PROJECTS Rotary International would also like to compile a data base of health projects supported by Rotarians. Planning a health project? In the attachment, you will find Rotary's DISEASE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR GLOBAL GRANT FUNDING which is an excellent resource to learn about types of project and aspects to consider for a successful, long lasting impact in your communities. |