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Editorials - 04/12/01Support March of Dimes WalkAmerica April 21 |
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Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver last week signed a proclamation that officially declares Saturday, April 21, as March of Dimes WalkAmerica Day in Sylva, which is a fitting tribute to an effort that deserves the support of every local citizen.
March of Dimes has clear goals - the prevention of birth defects and infant deaths that result from birth defects, our nation's number one child health problem. Every day some 411 babies in the United States are born with a birth defect; 18 infants die daily as a result. Throughout its 63-year history, the March of Dimes has been instrumental in saving millions of babies from death or dismemberment. The organization has been a pioneer in preventing birth defects through its programs of research, community service, education and advocacy. WalkAmerica, initiated 31 years ago, has become the March of Dimes flagship fund-raising event. Walks are held each spring in communities throughout the nation and have to date raised more than $1 billion for the group's lifesaving programs. Sylva's event will be Saturday, April 21, and will begin at the downtown First Union Bank parking lot at 10 a.m. More than 45 businesses and individuals have already signed up to participate, and everyone is welcome to join the fight to improve the health of babies. Western North Carolina's March of Dimes is justifiably proud of the more than $1 million it has awarded to various agencies and health organizations during the past three years. Jackson County alone has received more than $47,000 through grants to Harris Regional Hospital, Jackson County Department of Public Health and REACH. Locally and nationally, the March of Dimes financially supports prenatal care programs, domestic violence prevention programs, adolescent health services, adolescent pregnancy prevention programs and women's health services. Feature film star Nick Searcy, a Cullowhee High graduate, has lent his name and endorsement to this worthwhile effort by agreeing to serve as the local event's honorary chairman, and Fairview teacher Joe Smith is overseeing Jackson County's effort. Joe's grandson, Justin Elliot, is the Jackson County WalkAmerica ambassador child. For information or to become a sponsor, call Smith at 586-2819. Last year's local effort netted $15,000; organizers hope to increase that to at least $16,000 this time around. We'd like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to do all they can to make this year's local WalkAmerica the best and most successful ever.
Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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