Hilton Head Island’s Brian Julius wins Rotary International Award

The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island member Brian Julius has been awarded Rotary International’s distinguished Service Above Self Award.

This award is given annually to 100 Rotary International’s members.

Julius was recognized for his “Speaking Books” program to carry the messages of polio eradication and healthy living to illiterate populations of the world.

Julius has produced more than 60 educational books in 30-plus languages on topics such as maternal child health, immunizations, hand-washing, HIV, suicide prevention and teaching literacy. By pressing a button to the corresponding illustrated page, users are able to listen to the messages recorded in their own languages.

Rotary International’s PolioPlus Program to eradicate polio became a new focus for “Speaking Books” in 2014.

Working with Rotary, the World Health Organization and UNICEF, Julius began targeting Pakistan and Nigeria, the only two countries where polio still existed. Community workers and health professionals use the books to educate families on the steps to prevent polio and to dispel the fear of necessary immunizations.

The Service Above Self Award was given to Julius at the annual Rotary District 7770 Conference in Columbia last month.

Other honors presented to the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island included:

• “Best House of Friendship Display,” created by member Ron Farsetti

• Club Leadership Citation

• Presidential Citation

• One of three finalists for Club of the Year.

This story was originally published April 4, 2016 at 9:29 AM with the headline "Hilton Head Island’s Brian Julius wins Rotary International Award."