Cheers

Tue, May 13 2008

—

o ... To the hundreds of people who participated in the recent Relay for Life event at the State University College at Oneonta. The American Cancer Society fundraiser brought in more than $46,000.

Besides students and staff members from SUCO, there were participants from Hartwick College.

Relay for Life events have become almost ubiquitous in recent years, and it's easy to see why.

It's an event based on community, whether it be the overnight hours, the joining of cancer survivors and their supporters or the team effort of participation and fundraising. It takes the problem of cancer and makes it something to concern all of us.

It's not just a problem for unhealthy people, or old people, or men, or women. It's a societal concern, one that can be greatly mitigated if only we help.

We hope those who were involved can make cancer-prevention and -education efforts something that is part of their lives year-round, not just at Relay time.

o ... To the State University College of Technology at Delhi students who spent a week at an eye clinic in the Dominican Republic.

Eight nursing students were part of a weeklong medical program, tending to nearly 1,000 patients and participating in 278 surgeries. They were part of an effort by 48 American medical workers and Peace Corps volunteers.

The trip introduced a humanitarian aspect to the field, allowed an upclose internship experience and made diplomatic and cultural strides between a part of our nation and a nearby neighbor.

Those efforts bolster the mission of any school, and it is to SUNY Delhi's credit that it rewards students with four credit hours. It is a working trip, after all, not a vacation, and the experiences appear to be quite deserving of tangible recognition.

College is an opportunity to shape perceptions, and such trips bring only positives. If nursing students see the needs outside our own country now, they will be more likely to support such efforts later. We encourage the continuation of such programs in all majors.

o ... To the work of citizens who help prevent criminal activity. Specifically, we refer to the recent aiding of Delaware County efforts to bust sales of prescription drugs. Officials credited the CVS pharmacist in Walton for keeping an eye out.

Make no mistake _ illegally re-selling prescription drugs is not condonable. It can harm people and fuel addiction. It may also increase costs and inconvenience for people with legitimate needs for the drugs.

Not everyone may feel comfortable openly reporting criminal activity, regardless of what kind.

However, most law-enforcement agencies have anonymous tip lines for just those situations, so that citizens may help keep each other safe.