Supporters of the Christmas Seal

SUPPORTERS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEAL By James H. Wallis, Executive Secretary Utah Public Health Association Any movement that enlists the interest and part- nership of the presidents of the country, the secretary of state and other cabinet members, General Pershing and the first lady of the land, as well as the Prince of Wales, Marshal Foch and other foreign visitors of note, must have back of it a great appeal. The little newsboy, also, whose enthusiastic sup- port has been enlisted is just as valuable, in his way, as a partner. Nobody could doubt that after reading the following incident. "Please ma'am, may I have a cent's worth of Christmas seals," said the dirty-faced little newsboy, as he ran up to a booth in the Post Office lobby. "You know I buy a cent's worth every day," he explained proudly. "My sister, she has the 'con.' and I tell you those people treat our family swell. If anybody wants to know what I think of the Christmas Seal, you can tell 'em that I'm back of it." Many of the supporters of the Christmas Seal have been distinguished men and women. They represent all professions and walks of life. Whether they are presidents, writers, actresses, newsboys or scrub-women, their desire to help has been equally inspirational and appreciated. They have all been partners in the educational campaign to get the best of tuberculosis. In 1918, the year we were in the war, when approximately 70,000 American soldiers, sailors, and marines were killed or died from various causes, over 150,000 men, women and children in this country died from tuberculosis. For twenty years the work of educating people in the ways of health has been steadily increasing, with the result that the death rate has been cut in half. Last year there were less than 100,000 deaths. The little penny Christmas seals have had a great share in this remarkable decrease. What have all these millions of supporters of the Christmas Seal helped to support? There are now over 600 hospitals and sanitoria (of which 17 years ago there were but 100) with nearly 70,000 beds; and over 600 clinics and dispensaries where persons may go for periodic physical examina- tions. Utah, however, has no place to which a person suffering with tu- berculosis can be taken. At least 10,000 nurses who are detecting the disease in the schools and homes are giving, not only treatment, but helpful health instruction to mothers and children. Research workers and statisti- cians are collecting data of untold value. Publicity experts in the past 17 years have distributed millions of pieces of printed matter and thousands of columns of newspaper and magazine articles have helped to appeal to all ages, types and classes of both native and foreign born. Other forms of publicity are lecturers, speakers, demonstrations and exhibits, motion pictures, health plays and pageants, posters and stories. The Modern Health Crusade with an enrollment of over 8,000,000 school children, has been teaching these boys and girls good daily habits of health. For those who are mal-nourished or predisposed to tuberculosis at least 3,000 open-air schools, preventoria and outdoor camps have been established. Dr. John A. Widtsoe has consented to act as State Chairman of the Christmas Seal Sale for Utah, and will have over one thousand men and women helping him. The sale commences Thanksgiving day and continues until Christmas Eve. Utah is called upon to raise $50,000. All have a chance to support the Christmas seal.