Cindy Carlson led the meeting today for President John Johnson, who had a business conflict.
Our guests today were Brian Novak and former MBMV Rotarian Charlie Hall.
The New Brighton Historical Society is hoping to provide a digital archive of its records on a self-hosted website. The New Brighton Lions Club is providing major funding but there may be opportunities for us to contribute toward this initiative.
Our speaker today was Ted Houley, offering an update on the Senitizo Medical Clinic in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) which we helped to fund through a Rotary Global Grant as well as a District Grant. Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world with an average daily income of just $1. With poverty comes health problems, especially for pregnant mothers and children. One of every 100 women die in childbirth and 13 of every 100 children die before age 5.
Senitizo means “Health of the People” in the local tongue, and every effort is made to ensure that the local community plays a major role in running the clinic. The local community meets monthly to make decisions and all staff (except for Ted) are from C.A.R.
In addition to treating disease, Senitizo focuses on community health education, clean water, vaccinations and a comprehensive maternal health program. The maternal health program includes prenatal counseling, 4 prenatal visits and nutritional counseling. Senitizo also has a top-notch midwife. So far, 60 babies have been born in the clinic but, when there is an obstetric emergency, they have an ambulance that can get the mother to the hospital with a kit of supplies and medication in case hospital supplies are not available. Eight mothers have been transported to the hospital so far and all have delivered safely. Since the clinic opened in December of 2021, the clinic has seen over 20,000 patients.
An article on Senitizo appeared in the October 15th Pioneer Press. Follow the link below to read the article. https://www.twincities.com/2023/10/15/stillwater-native-is-helping-bring-modern-health-care-to-central-african-republic/
Ted and Cindy are shown below.
Brian Novak was here on behalf of Scout Troop 412 in search of a large storage solution for Troop and Pack materials. If you might have a solution, please contact Brian at 651-324-2541 or brian.novak414@icloud.com
Upcoming Dates
- November 7 - Noon Meeting at Exchange
- November 11 – TRF (Foundation) Dinner, 5:30 @ The Marriott NE in Roseville
- November 21 - Noon Meeting at Exchange
- January 6 - D5960 midterm @ Hamline U
- April 19, 2024 – Gold Plate Dinner at Mounds View Community Center