1932 Convention Report

              E I G H T E E N T H A N N U A L REPORT 23
R E P O R T ON C H I L D W E L F A R E A N D P U B L I C H E A L TH
Mrs. S. F . O'Brien, Berwyn, Convener.
It is with a feeling of deepest admiration for the Institute members who
have accomplished so much in the field of public health in one of the most
trying years in the history of our country, that I present, this report.
Maternal Welfare
The special five year plan of the F. W. I. C. to reduce maternal mortality
is drawing . to a close but now with so many mothers so keenly affected by
present economic conditions, the situation has become more acute and will
necessitate increased endeavors if we are to attain our objective. Awakening
the mothers of rural communities to the fact that this question rests largely
with themselves will be an important step towards this end. We can do this
very effectively by a more widespread distribution of pre- natal letters and
Dr. Helen McMurchy's blue i book, " Lowering the Maternal Death Rate."
Eighteen branches report distribution of the above letters and blue book as
well as the Canadian mother's book and Alberta mother's book. Fourteen
branches report papers and discussions on maternal welfare. Eight branches
report donations of layettes to needy mothers. Two branches gave milk to
babies and another branch had as their objective the supplying of milk and
prepared food to undernourished babies at an average cost of six dollars
per month. An outstanding feature of the work of one of our northern
branches was . that of arranging with two local girls to relieve mothers with
babies and small children so that they could get out for an occasional visit.
More could/ be done along this line by individual Institute workers as well as
the branches. A short change from the work and worries of a home does
much to improve the physical as well as the mental health of a mother. One
branch assists in maintaining a home for district nurse. One branch supports
a local maternity home. Two branches own and operate a hospital where
pre- natal and post- natal clinics are held.
Baby Clinics
With very few exceptions all branches of the Institute sponsored a baby
clinic. Thirty- seven branches• report 1040 babies and pre- school children ex­amined;
of this number 643 had defects.' Surely a very strong argument in
favor of our annual baby clinic.
Other Clinics
Four branches report preventive medicine clinics ( three immunization
for diphtheria, one immunization for scarlet fever); three branches held a
dental clinic; one reports government dental clinic; two had the government
travelling clinic visit their district.
Medical Examination of Schools
One is likely to hear the argument that a medical examination is more or
less a case of taking family history, noting defects and shelving the card,
that today in rural districts' there are no funds for follow up treatment. So
often we think only of infected tonsils and adenoids, while these are a detri­ment
to a school child' yet there are many other ailments that are equally as
great a handicap, and when they are noted require very little, if any, expense
for necessary treatment. Let us " find our local doctor" and in co- operation
with him and the school trustees have this question discussed at the annual
ratepayers meeting. We shall - find our doctor, or doctors, very willing to
assist us and the school board glad of the opportunity of extending this ser­vice
to their pupils. In a district where the school board is unable to pay