With 10 years of war and 2.5 years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, I know every one of us has been affected by the violence brought upon our beloved Ukraine. Territory is important but it’s the people – our family, friends, colleagues and the talented musician on the street – who are suffering and losing the most. People are why most of us chose to practice medicine in the first place. As members of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America, we are in a special place to fulfill our duties as physicians and uphold our culture as Ukrainians. I am proud to be a member of UMANA and see the impact we have all made in this horrendous war already. However, the war persists, and we cannot stop now. On behalf of the Michigan Chapter, I am asking for your support in our goal of raising money for a mobile medical clinic.
I spent a year in Ukraine as a volunteer, and these mobile clinics are certainly one of the most beneficial and concrete initiatives I’ve seen aimed to combat Russia’s targeted destruction of healthcare facilities across Ukraine. Units are easily mobile, self-sufficient (generator, heating/cooling and water filtration system) and designed to support anything from emergency services to general medical and dental care. The production and optimal deployment of these units is a project of Rotary Club Lviv International, an ambitious club that has done much for Ukraine. They have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health to staff and supply the units. Demand is coordinated with local health officials and units are prioritized to areas that need them the most, with some units being sent towards the front line to function as stabilization points. Units are manufactured in Lutsk and can be ready for deployment in 45 days. Statistical data over 4 months from the units stationed around Kherson have them facilitating medical care to over 5,700 people. They are needed and worth it!
I know there is “donor fatigue” and it is a hefty fundraising goal of $51,500 for a full unit, but I am confident that we can achieve this through our collective actions and support. Many of you have been donating and helping in tremendous ways since the beginning. Ukraine needs us now more than ever and, together, we can make a significant difference. Let’s continue our efforts and save Ukrainian lives!
Слава Україні!
Andrew Loginsky, DO
UMANA Michigan is collecting Donations for Mobile Medical Clinics.
