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Proclamation recognizing and commending the University of Pittsburgh, Doctor Jonas Salk, and the entire polio vaccine research team for their impact on this community and its citizens.
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WHEREAS, Allegheny County has been fortunate enough to have been the site of truly momentous events such as the development of the Salk polio vaccine, an achievement which has had profound effects on enhancing the quality of life in our community, the nation, and throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Doctor Jonas Salk, M.D. and his team, through dedicated study and skilled research, were able to take the first steps to virtually eradicating a disease that had affected millions of lives worldwide and, in the process, came to symbolize faith in science, the medical profession, and humanity's ability to triumph over the predations of disease for generations of individuals throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, the University of Pittsburgh provided an environment in which Dr. Salk's research was encouraged and nurtured, and in which he was immeasurably assisted by a highly skilled research team in state of the art facilities; and
WHEREAS, the University and Doctor Salk's team brought hope that there would never again be 13,000 to 20,000 individuals, mostly children, paralyzed by polio each year in the United States alone; and
WHEREAS, the last cases caused by the wild polio virus occurred in the United States in 1979, and the disease could be wiped out worldwide by as early as the end of this year; and
WHEREAS, April 12, 2005 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the approval of the Salk vaccine for public use;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize the University of Pittsburgh, Doctor Jonas Salk, and the entire polio vaccine research team for their sweeping impact on this community and its citizens. As we reflect upon their lifesaving achievement and selfless commitment, we cannot help but note that the tea...
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