Letter from Richard S. M. Mitchell, Jr. of Merritt Island, Florida, to President Gerald R. Ford Regarding Swine Flu

ms 3 EXECUTIVE HEI HES May 18, 1976 Swine Flu FRey, Lovg(corg) Dear Mr. Mitchell: President Ford has asked me to thank you for your letter of April 15 in which you expressed your gratitude to him for launching a program to protect Americans against a possible swine influenza epidemic. The President appre- ciates your kind remarks and good wishes. The decision to initiate an unprecedented immunization campaign was based on the advice of the most noted health authorities in the field of influenza. The possibility of an epidemic this fall, based on available scientific evidence, is too real to ignore. A virus similar to that of the swine- like virus is believed to be the cause of the 1918-19 world- wide epidemic which resulted in over a half=million deaths in the United States alone. The effort to immunize almost all Americans this fall will require the marshalling of many resources, both public and private. The involvement of concerned citizens, such as yourself, will also be crucial to the success of this program. Again, on behalf of the President I would like to thank you for your support and understanding. Sincerely, Roland L. Elliott Director of Correspondence X Mr. Richard S. M. Mitchell, Jr. 6476 Colony Park Drive Merritt Island, Florida 32952 FORD LIBRARY & GERALD RECEIVED 2 MAY 19 1976 RLE HEW:JH:mgs DEMIRAL FILES PUBLIC DOCUMENT OFFICIAL BUSINESS Jon. M.C. My constituent requested that his letter to President Ford be delivered to him personally. Lou Frey, Jr. APR271976 FLORIDA. April 15, 1976 President Gerald R. Ford Dear Mr. President: I wish to say "Thank You" for your efforts to preserve and protect the lives of my family and myself from the horrible ravaging effects of the "SWINE FLU". Those persons who attempt to make a political football of your efforts, should all be made to stand last in line for their shots. I had a personal experience at the age of eleven. I laid next to my mother, in bed, in 1918, with this horrible disease. Both of us nearly choked to death. God in his mercy, helped us to survive. However, my wife's mother was not so fortunate. She died and left my wife motherless, at six months of age, to be raised by Grandparénts. Again, I say "MANY THANKS" and may God protect and bless you, and all your family. Your grateful constituent Richard S.M. Mitchell jr. FORD LIBRARY "if GERALD C.Mfg.E. 6476 Colony Park Dr. Merritt Island, Florida 32952 HEALTH. OF DEPART PARTMENT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY U.S.A. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201 MAY 14 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR THE HONORABLE ROLAND L. ELLIOTT In response to your request of May 5, 1976 enclosed is a suggested reply from you to Richard S.M. Mitchell, Jr., who wrote the President expressing gratitude for his decision to immunize the country against swine influenza. Executive Secretary to the Department Enclosure FORD & LIBRARY GERALD s OF EDUCATION MELIVERY AND HEALTH. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, and WELFARE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY U.S.A. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201 Final Mr. Richard S. M. Mitchell, Jr. DRAFT 6476 Colony Park Drive Merritt Island, Florida 32952 Dear Mr. Mitchell: President Ford has asked me to thank you for your letter of April 15 1976 in which you expressed your gratitude to him for launching a program to protect Americans against a possible swine influenza epidemic. The President appreciates your kind remarks and good wishes. The deci- sion to initiate an unprecedented immunization campaign was based on the advice of the most noted health authorities in the field of influenza. The possibility of an epidemic this fall, based on available scientific evidence, is too real to ignore. A virus similar to that of the swine- like virus is believed to be the cause of the 1918-19 world-wide epidemic which resulted in over a half-million deaths in the United States alone. The effort to immunize almost all Americans this fall will require the marshalling of many resources, both public and private. The involvement of concerned citizens, such as yourself, will also be crucial to the success of this program. Again, on behalf of the President I would like to thank you for your support and understanding. Sincerely, RLE FORD & LIBRARY GERALD RhE/HEN/ THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE REFERRAL To: The Secretary of Health, Education and Date: May 5, 1976 Welfare ACTION REQUESTED X Draft reply for: President's signature. X Undersigned's signature. NOTE Memorandum for use as enclosure to reply. Prompt action is essential 2 week's Direct reply. If more than ********* delay is encountered, Furnish information copy. please telephone immediately, Codex1450x Miss Pat Byrne, 456-6688. Suitable acknowledgment or other appropriate handling. Basic correspondence should be returned when Furnish copy of reply, if any. draft reply, memorandum, or comment is re- quested. For your information. For comment. REMARKS: Copy of letter forwarded by Congressman Lou Frey, Jr. Description: X Letter: Telegram; Other: To: The President From: Richard S.M. Mitchell, Jr., 6476 Colony Park Drive, Merritt Island, Fla. Date: 4/15/76 32952 Subject: Thank you to the President regarding the "swine flu" vaccine. WVA e 3rt By direction of the President: FORD is LIBRARY GERALD 7605060059 1218 R 10 61115:11 Roland L. Elliott Director of Correspondence RLE:JHH:PB:blh TRACER 43097 (Copy to remain with correspondence) EXECUTIVE us HEI April 30, 1976 Dear Lou: Thank you for your recent note forwarding the letter which Mr. Richard S. M. Mitchell, Jr. directed to the President thanking him for signing the "swine flu" act. I shall be happy to pass this message along to the appropriate officials for further handling. With kind regards, I am Sincerely, Charles Leppert, Jr. Deputy Assistant to the President The Honorable Lou Frey, Jr. House of Representatives Washington, D. C. 20515 FORD LIBRARY & GERALD CL/jm V bcc: w/incoming to Roland Elliott for direct reply to Mr. Mitchell, with copy to our office. 10