SR 367: Polio Vaccination Campaign; 70th anniversary; commemorate

This resolution does not change any law. It marks the 70th anniversary of the 1954-55 Polio Vaccination Campaign, the historic public health effort that led to the eradication of polio in the United States. The resolution recounts Georgia's connections to the fight against polio, including President Franklin Roosevelt's treatment at the Warm Springs Institute and the role of Talmage Memorial Hospital (now Medical College of Georgia Hospital) as a regional center for iron lung devices used to treat paralyzed polio patients. The Senate formally commemorates the anniversary and salutes the scientists, physicians, public health personnel, parents, and others, including many Georgians, who contributed to eradicating the disease. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and the press.

• Formally commemorates the 70th anniversary of the nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign that began in 1954 and 1955.
• Recognizes scientists, physicians, public health workers, and parents, including many Georgians, for their role in ending polio in the United States.
• Highlights Georgia's historical connections to the fight against polio, including the Warm Springs Institute and Talmage Memorial Hospital.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

This resolution mainly affects the historical record and public recognition; it does not impose duties on any group of Georgians beyond directing the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

Because this is a commemorative resolution rather than a law, it does not change any rights, funding, or requirements. Its practical effect is symbolic: it publicly recognizes a major public health achievement and Georgia's historical role in it.

• The whereas clauses describe the history of polio, the 1954-55 vaccination campaign, and Georgia's connections to it, including Franklin Roosevelt's treatment at Warm Springs.
• The resolved clause formally commemorates the anniversary and salutes those who contributed to eradicating polio.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for public and press distribution.

1. 2025-03-11Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-10Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Randy Robertson (R, SD-29)Primary sponsor

• public health history
• polio vaccine
• Georgia history
• Senate resolution