May 31, 2002

STATE 4-H CONFERENCE: MENINGITIS UPDATE
At the close of the school year, Washington State University handled several cases of meningitis. The 4H staff has received several calls from 4-H parents who are planning to send their children to State 4-H Conference in June, and had questions about this infection and any risk there might be in going to campus. To address any concern, Jennifer Hope has talked with the Health and Wellness Center on campus (509) 335-3575. Please feel free to call them or refer any concerned parents to this Center.

Jennifer was assured that there is no need or requirement for the 4-H youth to get a vaccine before coming to State Conference. Due to the fact that they will be on campus for such a short period of time, the risk of contracting any virus is low. However, meningitis is most common among youth ages 15-24 who smoke. If a parent prefers to have their child vaccinated, it is not a bad option, and their local doctor can better help them determine how at risk that particular child is. We will encourage our State Conference delegates not to share cans of soda, lipsticks and lipbalms with one another as an extra precaution. Again, we have been assured that the Health and Wellness Center is not requiring vaccines for youth coming to campus this summer, and they are saying it is likewise "not necessary".

We hope this helps address any questions that may come your way. For more about meningitis, the website for the Center for Disease Control has information: www.cdc.gov

Source: Jennifer Hope, Adolescent Program Coordinator, WSU Puyallup

SACNAS CONFERENCE SLATED FOR SEPTEMBER
The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) hosts a national conference in September. SACNAS' mission is to encourage Chicano/Latino and Native American students to pursue graduate education and obtain the advanced degrees necessary for research careers and science teaching professions at all levels. Registration is available online now for the 2002 SACNAS National Conference and K-12 Teacher Workshops providing an opportunity for science, mathematics, technology and engineering students, educators and professionals to build networks on a national level.

2002 SACNAS National Conference & K-12 Teacher Workshops
September 26-29, 2002, Anaheim, California

For further information, preliminary agenda, registration and financial aid application materials, and travel and hotel information, visit www.sacnas.org/NationalConference.html

JUNE 5 NATIONAL HUNGER AWARENESS DAY
The first National Hunger Awareness Day is on June 5. The day was created to focus attention on the increasing number of hungry Americans and highlight the many ways people can help relieve hunger in their own communities. Hunger in America is a shocking reality for millions of children, adults, families, the elderly, and many others who never imagined they would be dependent on food banks, pantries, shelters and school lunch programs. America's Second Harvest reports that 80 percent of its affiliated food banks and food rescue organizations have seen an increase in demand for food assistance in their communities. It is important to raise public awareness on this important issue and get involved. You can do your part on National Hunger Awareness Day, as well as throughout the year, by calling 800/771-2303 or visit www.secondharvest.org.

SCHEDULE
The week of June 3 through 7, Mike will be in Pullman Monday, and Wednesday through Friday, and Linda will be in Pullman all week.