Due to the economic downturn, more and more individuals and families are unable to avail themselves of preventative and life-saving care. One area impacted by this is childhood immunizations.
Over the past year alone, there has been a resurgence of many childhood diseases due to lack of immunizations. This is evidenced by the outbreak of mumps in New York and most recently in Los Angeles. Even Whooping Cough (Pertussis) has been declared as an epidemic in California. In response, Bikur Cholim has launched its Childhood Immunization Campaign a life-saving endeavor in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), without vaccines, epidemics of many preventable diseases could return resulting in increased and unnecessary illness, disability, and death among children. The decision not to immunize goes beyond effecting one’s own child and family, it directly impacts society. For example, children not immunized for Measles and Rubella who contract these diseases can place pregnant women, such as teachers and day care providers, and their unborn children at risk.
On August 23, 24, and 25, Bikur Cholim and the LA Department of Public Health will be providing free MMR combination immunizations (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) for all children ages 12 months – 18 years who are uninsured or if one’s deductible/co-pay is beyond their means. These events will be held at 3 separate sites centrally located within the Beverly/La Brea, Pico/Robertson, and North Hollywood areas. To encourage access and participation, vaccines are being provided at schools and synagogues, rather than a clinic setting. Additional details and a downloadable poster for distribution can be found at www.bikurcholim.net.
Childhood immunizations are the single most effective way to protect children and adults from these diseases. This is Bikur Cholim’s first campaign of this nature with a goal of augmenting its scope and breadth by including more locations and additional vaccinations in the future.
Under the stewardship of Rabbi Hershy Ten, Bikur Cholim has become the leading Jewish health care organization in Greater Los Angeles. In addition to their broad scope of Chesed programs, their partnership with City hospitals and public agencies has improved the lives of thousands whether it be through free immunizations and mammography, millions of dollars in blood products, the Bikur Cholim House, or any of their many other services.
This immunization campaign is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and community pediatricians.
Bikur Cholim is a nonprofit organization providing more than 30 life-saving social support and Chesed programs for children, adults, and families suffering from serious and life-threatening illness. Its devoted staff of health care professionals, social workers, patient advocates, and volunteers provides comprehensive family-centered care, whether at home or in the hospital. From arranging consultations with specialists, helping with the cost of treatment, Blood Bone Marrow program, bone marrow drives, direct donor blood, Bikur Cholim House, The Living Room, Volunteers, Meals, Kids Helping Kids, Challah Shel Bracha, Multimedia Library, Medical Equipment Free Loan (Gmach), to Free Mammography and Immunizations, Bikur Cholim is committed to getting patients and families the best care possible.
(Moshe Altusky – YWN)
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One Response
Excellent! Everyone with children who is in financial trouble should take advantage of this. There is NO reason any child should ever get measles, which can be fatal and has no treatment. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, the child can be born deaf. Mumps can cause abortions and sterility. Thank you, Bikur Cholim! (I hope they will be giving the pertussis vaccine as well.)