For children in Stanislaus County who have Tuberculosis or T.B. infection, a small toy is making a big difference.

The Volunteers of the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency recently donated two dozen Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls to the Department of Public Health as part of their program to help combat Tuberculosis in Stanislaus County. The dolls are given as incentives to children who are receiving treatment to help them battle active cases of T.B. or T.B. infection.

Children who have active T.B. complete a 9 – 12 month treatment regimen and those with T.B. infection must complete a six-month program where they receive daily medication to combat Tuberculosis. The children receive their choice of Raggedy Ann or Andy at the end of their treatment process.

R.J. Moriconi, a volunteer for the Health Services Agency, has been involved with the gifts to the Tuberculosis program for several years. "We are truly honored to help support this program. Some of these young children are in treatment for up to twelve months, and it helps give them a reason to complete the treatment they need."

HSA volunteers have now donated dolls to the Public Health Tuberculosis Program over the past several years and the Public Health Nurses are appreciative as well. "We give the children stickers each month when they come in to receive their injections," said Lily Wood, a registered nurse with the Public Health Department. "But they really look forward to receiving their doll at the end of the process."

Children as well as adults are at a higher risk for Tuberculosis: if they are born outside the U.S. in a country that has a higher Tuberculosis rate; if they live in shelters; if they have been exposed to someone with active T.B.; if they are housed in crowded living conditions; or if they have HIV.