With the Russian invasion of Ukraine showing no signs of easing, violent assaults continue to wreak havoc and devastation on civilians in Ukraine and refugees in neighboring countries. In an effort to help those who are suffering, the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library is working with the Franciscan Bridge of Help to deliver desperately needed medical supplies to hospitals in Lviv, Ukraine.
Father Norbert M. Siwinski of St. Michael’s Parish of Bridgeport, Connecticut, created the Franciscan Bridge of Help after he connected with Bishop Edward Kawa in Lviv, which is near the border with Poland. The initiative establishes a direct path between Bridgeport and Lviv to help those affected by Russia’s military operations. All donated medical supplies are sent, with the help of a Polish shipping company, to Lancut, Poland, where the supplies are then transported to Bishop Edward in Lviv.
On March 7, a donation box was placed near the Medical Library’s circulation desk and, in just two days, three boxes were filled with donated medical and surgical supplies. Student worker Anna Baker, YC ’22 translated medication labels into both Ukrainian and Russian so those overseas could read the ingredients and dosages, while Thomas Shao, YSPH ’22 helped pack boxes.
“I am glad my language skills were able to come in handy here,” said Baker. “This war feels deeply personal to me and while it feels like nothing I can do could be enough, I hope that this helps at least some. I also hope that this medical supplies drive is an opportunity for others who feel powerless to do anything to help.”
The first shipment of supplies was sent to Lancut, Poland, on March 10. The medical library will continue to collect medicines, gauze, and other medical supplies until the atrocities end.
This war feels deeply personal to me and while it feels like nothing I can do could be enough, I hope that this helps at least some.
Anna Baker YC '22
St. Michael’s Parish is also collecting monetary donations for Ukrainian relief efforts through Venmo: @stmichaelbpt
Items Needed:
- sterile gauze, sterile packing materials, different kinds
- nitrile gloves
- IV catheters, large gage- G18 or close
- tourniquets
- nasopharyngeal airway
- Chest seal (asherman, halo, other)
- decompression kit (chest air release system)
- CPR face shield
- IV kits
- surgical needles, and suture material
- medical scissors
- antibiotic creams
- Acetaminophen 1000mg dose
- Meloxicam 15mg dose
- Antibiotics: gatifloxacin 400mg or other oral antibiotics for trauma use
- Tylenol for Adults and Children
- Ibuprofen
- Neosporin
- Bandages
- Aspirin 325mg