Seward Seaport Record

Dr. Lowell Stresses TB Seal Importance

In furtherance of the annual tuberculosis seal sale, Dr. L. M. Lowell, M.D., medical director at the Seward Sanatorium, has this to say:

"No Alaskan needs to be reminded that tuberculosis has been and continues to be our most serious health problem. The death rate continues to be high - in the native population about ten times that of the national average and in the white population about twice the national average. The establishment of medical and surgical facilities in hospitals and sanatoria, a function of our Territorial and Federal Governments, is progressing satisfactorily although funds continue to be inadequate.

"The National Tuberculosis Association, which is supported by the annual sale of Christmas Seals, has important work to do in Alaska in supporting the governmental agencies. On the local level we depend on the Alaska Tuberculosis Association for financial support of the annual x-ray survey, which is carried on in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Health. On the national level approximately $750,000 is spent each year by the National Tuberculosis Association on tuberculosis education and medical research. In our hospitals and sanatoria we depend on the NTA for educational aids not only for our patients but for our doctors and nurses as well.

"Your generous support of the 1949 Christmas Seal Sale is needed. Your support will help insure the continued functioning of the tuberculosis x-ray survey and other important work which will in turn help insure the continued health of yourself, your family, your friends, and your community."