Stafford County Recognizes World Polio Day with Local Rotarians

Deborah Newman

4 days ago

2 min read

North Stafford Rotary joined fellow Rotarians at the October 20 Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting to receive a proclamation recognizing October 24 as World Polio Day in Stafford County, Virginia.

Jim Batton and Andrea Hornung represented North Stafford Rotary, alongside Jake Almborg of Stafford Rotary. Their presence brought together two local clubs in support of a shared goal: a world free from polio.

The county’s recognition connects our community with an international effort that has spanned decades. Stafford County’s October agenda materials included the proclamation recognizing World Polio Day, highlighting an opportunity to raise awareness locally about Rotary’s global mission.

Rotary’s commitment to ending polio began with a project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. In 1988, Rotary became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. According to Rotary International, the initiative has helped reduce polio cases worldwide by 99.9 percent. Rotary members have contributed more than $2.9 billion in PolioPlus grants, along with countless volunteer hours, to help protect children from the disease.

World Polio Day, observed each year on October 24, is an opportunity to recognize that progress and renew the commitment to finishing the job. Rotary emphasizes that continued support for immunization and disease surveillance remains essential to achieving a polio-free world.

For North Stafford Rotary, this recognition is a reminder that local service can contribute to lasting change far beyond Stafford County. Raising awareness, supporting fundraising, and keeping the conversation going all help sustain the effort.

We thank the Stafford County Board of Supervisors for recognizing World Polio Day, and Jim Batton, Andrea Hornung, and Jake Almborg for representing our Rotary community at the presentation.

Join us in supporting Rotary’s commitment to ending polio. Visit EndPolio.org to learn more and find ways to help.