Three Local Health Systems Arlift aid to Ukraine

Operation Ukraine AirLIFT works constantly to transport lifesaving, hard-to-get humanitarian aid from the United States to Ukrainian hospitals and humanitarian aid hubs, coordinating with local partners to ensure they get exactly what they need. The Cleveland Clinic, Calvary Hospital, and Catholic Health alone reported donations of 25 pallets of medical equipment and $315,000 in medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for emergency airlift to Ukraine.

From U.S.-Ukraine Foundation hubs in Maryland, the supplies journey by plane to just outside Ukraine’s borders, from which they are then transported into Ukraine to where they are needed most. The entire process takes an estimated seven to ten days.

This batch of equipment and supplies included surgical supplies, clotting bandages, medical tape, slings, dressings, syringes, catheters, antiseptics, personal protective equipment, bandages and more.

“As a global organization, our care for the community extends around the world,” said Steve Downey, Cleveland Clinic’s chief supply chain and patient support services officer. “Health crises know no borders, and neither does our responsibility to support clinicians caring for those who are suffering.”

“Always guided by our Catholic Health mission and core values, we walk in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and pray for a swift and peaceful resolution to this violent and unwarranted incursion,” said Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Catholic Health President and CEO. Meanwhile, Diocese of Rockville Centre Bishop John Barres went on to authorize a voluntary special collection for Ukraine across the parishes of Long Island.

Born in Rivne—a Ukrainian city currently under attack by Russian forces—Calvary Hospital’s Irina Makarevich, shared a personal story. “We still can’t believe this is actually happening. My first cousin is a nurse in Ukraine. She reports medical personnel there are overwhelmed…They need sterile gauze, saline, and stocks of first aid material which are in real shortage and easily run out. This donation of first aid supplies is a tremendous sign of compassion and will help.”