SGR Learns of Mongolian Health Issues

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was at his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3774th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" in honor of the New Orleans Saints win over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV (or 44 for us non-sports fans). Jeff Eggertz invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Jeff Morby asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Reed Noble conducted a profitable Horseplay while Shar Heitkotter collected fines on behalf of the Washington County School District’s Sterling Scholar Program.

President Ken noted the date for the Guatemala trip is set for April 23-30. The estimated cost is $1700-$2600. Club members planning to travel with Dan Strobell must commit by mid-February.

President Ken read a letter from Wally Brown which noted "we are very, very close to Rotary International’s goal of eradicating polio from the earth. In 2009, there were only 388 new cases of polio in Nigeria. In India, only 732 . . . and there have been no new cases in either country since January 5, 2010!!!"

Greg Basso asked members of SGR to consider donating wheelchairs to new amputees in Haiti. A small case contains 110 chairs, a large case contains 280. There is an immediate and pressing need for help in the country ravaged by a deadly earthquake last month. Chairs can be purchased at a cost of $75 each. For more information, see Greg.

Jeff Morby announced Les Stoker is recuperating at home from open heart surgery following a heart attack. He would welcome cards or phone calls.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Marta Heap, a Rotarian snowbird from the 12-member Star Valley, Wyoming Rotary Club who has traveled several times to Rumania and Mongolia to share her medical expertise as an RN. Her particular specialty is OB/Gyn. She shared her experience in Mongolia, noting neo-natal care is 50-60 years behind the times. In a 600-bed hospital, which specializes in childbirth and female health issues, "they are still using equipment which was developed in the 1700's." She also noted jaundice is a particularly deadly to newborns in that country where the infant mortality rate is approximately 20 per 1000 live births (compared to 63 a few years ago). She also reported medical education is about the equivalent of an associates degree in the United States and the nation’s "top health experts are hungry for education, information and supplies of any kind."