Williamson County Rotary Clubs Collaborate to Increase Early Childhood Immunizations

Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, today announced that the Williamson County Health Department and the five Rotary Clubs of Williamson County have developed a partnership and received a $10,000 grant to increase the level of immunizations of children under the age of 2 in the county. 

“Because of our strong program of infant immunization in the United States, Americans over the last century have seen at least a 98 percent decrease in the number of cases of measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, rubella and birth defects cause by rubella and HiB meningitis,” Cooper said. “However, our current victories are not permanent, and the promises of the new vaccines are not assured. They can only be secured by continuing efforts to ensure that all newborns and toddlers are properly immunized on time.” 

The clubs — Brentwood, Brentwood Morning, Cool Springs, Franklin Breakfast and Franklin Noon — each contributed $1,000, which was then matched with $5,000 from the Blane Immunization Grant program of Rotary International’s Foundation, named in honor of Jack Blane, a former district governor from Illinois. Under the program, Rotary clubs must initiate or work as part of a diverse coalition in their community to educate and assist underserved and under-immunized people of all ages.  

“Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ and securing the Blane grant to provide immunizations to children in our community was just another opportunity to bring Rotary’s motto to life,” said Mindy Tate, district secretary for Rotary District 6760, which includes Middle and West Tennessee with the exception of Shelby County. “By banding together as a group, the five clubs in Williamson County will undoubtedly be able to accomplish more than as individual clubs or members. As a service club made up of business men and women, Rotarians are able to focus their efforts on local issues, but also to respond to international health concerns, such as the eradication of polio. We believe that continued attention to immunizations will stop the spread the disease around the world, creating greater peace and prosperity.” 

After meeting with Health Department officials about the health needs of county residents, the Rotary clubs asked to concentrate their efforts on increasing the level of fully immunized children under the age of 2.  

“The state’s goal is to immunize at least 90 percent of children under 2 on time. We monitor on-time immunization of children against 10 diseases with an annual survey of 24-month-old children,” said Williamson County Health Director Becky Brumley. “Our 2006 survey showed that 82.4 percent of 24-month-olds statewide and 81.8 percent in the Mid-Cumberland Region that includes Williamson County had been fully vaccinated on time against all 10 diseases.” 

This effort has culminated in an Infant Immunization Week kickoff event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, April 21, at the Williamson County Health Department, located on West Main Street in Franklin. County residents who visit the Health Department that day will be able to visit a variety of booths set up by area human services agencies and organizations such as the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation and the AT&T Telecom Pioneers, which will provide immunized children a handmade bear from their program, Shots, Bears and Books.  

Franklin Trolleys will provide special transportation to the Health Department to residents inside the Franklin city limits, while Rotarians will transport residents from outlying areas to the Health Department from predetermined locations in advance of the patient’s scheduled appointment time. 

The local program is being coordinated by Rotarians Tom Andrews and Mindy Tate of the Cool Springs Club. Additional sponsors are being solicited for participation in the April 21 event. Vendors interested in participating can call (615) 799-2389, ext.112 for more information. To schedule an appointment for immunizations, call the Williamson County Health Department at (615) 794-1542.

In addition to providing primary care for uninsured adults, which began in January 2006, the Williamson County Health Department offers the following services: for children – immunizations, Well Child/EPSDT screens, WIC nutrition services, children’s special services care coordination, prenatal and child care coordination and clinical dental services; for adults – prenatal and child care coordination, breast and cervical cancer screening, family planning services, HIV counseling and testing and sexually transmitted disease control. Basic medical services for uninsured adults are offered on a sliding fee scale based on income, with a $5 minimum fee for each visit.

For more information about the Tennessee Department of Health visit the Web site at http://tennessee.gov/health/.