HOWLAND - The Trumbull County Medical Society Alliance - a group of spouses of people in the medical profession - is marking its 70th anniversary of supporting public health and safety activities of the Trumbull County Medical Society.
Carol Olson, Alliance president, said, "The alliance is made up of physicians' spouse volunteers who donate time, talent and money to help make our community a better place in which to live."
The alliance society presented the program "No Bullies, No Victims" to 12 to 15 schools, in addition to programs provided on drug abuse, anti-violence in dating and elderly abuse.
For the anniversary gathering held at Leo's Ristorante, members shared their memories and remembrances. Carol Sankovic, state president of the Medical Alliance Auxiliary and from the Mahoning County Medical Alliance, was guest speaker.
Sankovic shared that on the national level, a plan is being developed to help physicians and medical students affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Olson said she spent several months reviewing the society's archives and found the society over the years has donated to 26 community organizations and agencies. Donations since 1975 have totaled more than $305,000.
Jean Schlect, a past president, said the alliance started the Trumbull Mobile Meals program, which gets meals to local residents.
"This group has always been interested in doing things for the community," she said.
The National Alliance American Medical Association Alliance was started in in 1922 and the Ohio State Medical Association Alliance was started in 1940.
In 1942, Trumbull County Medical Society Alliance was formed with Mrs. W.G. Drown as its president. Two TCMSA presidents became state presidents - Margaret Bauman and Eileen Loria, who also served on the national level as North Central Regional Health Education Chairman.
The health promotions committee, currently under the leadership of Marjorie Dangaran, has focused on health education fairs, nutrition, safety, sex respect, drugs and alcohol, self esteem issues, parenting, violence in the media, domestic and teen violence, obesity and bullying.
The alliance was instrumental in establishing the Domestic Violence Task Force in 1994 and in the development of posters on violence, teen and adult, and elder abuse.
Victor and Eva Bell, who spearhead the project of gift giving to children of prisoners, were guests. The alliance members brought gifts and the Bells distribute the gifts.