SOME E-MAILS AND COMMENTS FROM READERS
We'd like to share a few of the e-mails we've received since this project was started in 1997. 
We invite your comments at alvra@fghi.com .

DATA:
From Aug. 99 to Dec. 99 we sent out 792 plates.
From August 98 to August 99 we sent out 2060 plates.
From the start up in 97 to August 98 we sent out 2000 plates.
We estimate that over 5000 students have participated in this project since inception.

E-mails:
"I am a nurse for preschoolers and kindergartners.  I have done the handwashing experiment in several classrooms. The germs they grow before handwashing compared to the amount they grow after they've washed their hands has really made an impression on them. Telling them may do some good, but when they see the actual germs, WOW!!! what a difference it makes. Thank you so much for offering this."
M.M.,RN
Sikeston, MO

"I am writing to you as Associate Producer from 3 Roads Communications, Producer of the weekly PBS medical show, "Frontiers of Medicine".  I am currently looking into producing a story on your hand washing program/study."
B.R.

"Your website is fantastic.  It was printed in our local newspaper and I've been looking thru it for an hour already! "
B.C.
Beloit,WI

"I am impressed. I think the time is ripe for you to make big changes in the lives of everyday people both with this particular study and your "outreach" efforts to schools.  Besides my volunteer work in the schools, I'm a full-time science and health writer.  I'll pass along your press release to my editors at Parenting magazine, where I'm a regular contributor."
JAS.
Alphabet, GA

"I am the person that you sent the agar plates to for the science fair project and I am writing to let you know how I did.  I received a superior rating on my project and a perfect score."
Jessica
Athens, OH

"I am a physics professor at the university of Perigee in Italy, just stopped by your web. Nice page!"
PL
Perigee, Italy

"Congratulations to you on a wonderful experiment. Not only did you improve the health of the Children but showed them first hand -- science at work.  It would be interesting to see in years to come how many of these young minds have been triggered to medicine and/or research because of this "Hands On" experiment."
W.F.

"I am a Health Promotion Officer in Queens land, Australia.  I have recently visited your handwashing site which was excellent."
L.R.
Queensland, Australia

"Found your site thru yahoo.com.  Excellent information on Handwashing!!  Great study with great practicality too. Thanks for your effort-they show.
A.P.

"I was so glad to see that you have tried to start something to change the habits of our youngsters.  Keep it up., please."
S.W.
Walterboro, SC