Statement by United States Commissioner of Education Earl James McGrath

STATEMENT Poliomyelitis again touched the lives of many people in the United States- in 1951. The hardest hit were those least equipped to understand--the nation's children. But polio struck adults too--many of them. In their grave concern about this disease, people everywnere want to know, "hat should I do if polio comes to my home or community?" How to prevent polio is still unknown, but and more facts about the disease are being uncovered yearly. In case polio.comes, intelligent action based on, reliable information is or vital importance. Teachers play a leading role in bringing this knowledge to youngsters and their parents-- to help them understand. For several years they have assisted in distribution of the aninual message of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The 1952 message about polio precautions, e.ititled "Polio Pledge," has been made available to all schools in the country. I recommend that administrators and teachers give all possible helo to the National Foundation and its chapters in this school and community health program. *1952 Pol Lo Message by Earl James McGrath, U. S. Commissioner ol Education, Federal Security Agency, Washington, D. C.