This is a First Presidency statement published in the January 30, 1957, edition of the Deseret News. The statement endorses the fund drive of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The missive also urges Latter-day Saints to be vaccinated against polio. (See the original article.)
We have been deeply impressed by reports submitted to us as to the urgent need for funds to support the well organized campaign against polio. We have been moved by the instances of generous and effective care accorded by the Polio Foundation to victims of this dread disease. Much of this care, we are informed, will go forward for many years to come.
We are grateful that there is assurance and hope in the prospect of universal protective vaccination. We commend all our citizens, particularly the women, who are giving so generously of their time and effort in the support of the campaign.
We have no hesitancy in urging all members of the Church and other citizens to support the campaign now in progress by giving as generously as each can afford, and by making sure that all members of families, unless exempted on doctors’ orders, receive Salk vaccine inoculation.
The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
David O. McKay
Stephen L Richards
J. Reuben Clark Jr.