THE CANADIAN RURAL HEALTH CONSERVATION CONTESTSource: Canadian Public Health Journal, Vol. 29, No. 10 (October, 1938), p. 512Published by: Canadian Public Health AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41977675 .

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512 Canadian Public Health Journal

five phage preparations, supplemented by a second test with phages Bt and Dj when types B and D are recognized, are required to identify the types which form 98.6 per cent, of the strains, it would seem to be unnecessary to test for all types in the first instance. This restriction of the tests necessary in the case of the majority of strains is an important consideration from the point of view of the routine laboratory.

The authors do not speak of the significance of their findings in relation to the preparation and use of typhoid vaccine. During the past four years this sub- ject has been studied intensively by those responsible for the preparation of typhoid vaccine in Great Britain and other countries. The findings of Craigie and Yen will permit of a new approach to the problem of obtaining a preventive vaccine of the greatest value. In the field of serum therapy these observations may make possible important advances. In the past, conflicting results have been reported regarding the treatment of typhoid fever patients with sera from immunized animals. Information as to whether these types are of immunological importance as well as of epidemiological importance will be awaited with interest. Craigie and Yen's types may also prove of interest to the clinician if they exhibit significant differences in virulence. From many angles the establishing of specific types of the typhoid bacillus may be a contribution of major importance.

THE CANADIAN RURAL HEALTH CONSERVATION CONTEST

THE steady movement

progress. for

Seven full-time

new rural units

health have been

services established

in Canada this

is year.

making In steady progress. Seven new units have been established this year. In

several of the provinces, however, only a start has been made. In contrast, more than two-thirds of the rural population of the province of Quebec are pro- vided with health services on a full-time basis. The Canadian Public Health Association believes that through its Committee on Rural Health Services valu- able assistance may be given in advancing the movement for full-time rural health services. The success of the first Canadian rural health conservation con- test, conducted last year by the Association with the co-operation of the American Public Health Association and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, is ample evidence of the interest and support of the provincial departments of health and of the administrative officers of the rural health units in this effort of the Association.

The value of the contest is twofold: it affords to the medical officer the opportunity for reviewing critically his program ; and it fosters in the community an intelligent understanding of the health department through the appointment of a representative local committee of lay persons who, in performing their duties, learn at first hand of the achievements and needs of the health organiza- tion. The members of the Grading Committee study the analysis made by the medical officer and transmit to him their findings. This report and the visit made to the unit by a representative of the Grading Committee, have proved very helpful in the development of better local health services.

There is every reason to hope that practically all the eligible health units will participate in the second Canadian rural health conservation contest. The fact- finding schedules are to be returned as soon as possible after the close of the calendar year, but not later than March 15, 1939.

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