Protect Every Child: Free Film Screening and Panel

Once an American parent’s worst nightmare until effective vaccines were developed in the 1950s, polio – a virus still paralyzing children in parts of the world today – is on the verge of global eradication. Yet, until completely gone, all unvaccinated children remain at risk. As parents in California are increasingly opting out of vaccinating their kindergartners, children are now contracting a number of preventable diseases, including more than 9,000 infected with pertussis in 2014.

To help raise awareness of what is being done to tackle these public health threats, Rotary will screen two documentary films and host a panel discussion with local and global public health experts. Invisible Threat produced by Carlsbad High School students explores the immune system in relation to the debate on vaccine safety in the United States; and The Final Punch covers the current effort to eradicate polio - highlighting the challenges in Pakistan related to its surge in outbreaks. The panel will include:

WHO:

Dr. Peter Salk, Vice President and Scientific Director, Jonas Salk Foundation

Dr. Hamid Jafari, Director of the Global Polio Eradication Initiatipove, World Health Organization

Dr. Eric McDonald, Deputy Public Health Officer, County of San Diego

Lisa Posard, producer of the film, Invisible Threat

WHEN: Thursday, January 15, 2015

6:30 p.m. – Reception (drinks and appetizers)

7:00-9:00 p.m. – Film screening/Panel discussion (coffee and dessert)

WHERE: Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, University of San Diego

The Rotunda - 5998 Alcalá Park – (West Entrance to USD campus)

San Diego, CA

*Complimentary Visitor parking permits are available for guests at the nearest kiosk

Free Registration:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/protect-every-child-film-screening-and-panel-tickets-15036978006