Ukrainian Village of Warren continues its support of Lviv hospital (01/17/99)

Ukrainian Village of Warren continues its support of Lviv hospital

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

WARREN, Mich. - Medical officials at the Lviv Oblast Clinical Hospital (LOCH) and the Henry Ford Hospital Neonatology Division, recently reported that more than 500 newborn and sick infants weighing less than two pounds have been saved from certain death since the LOCH/HFH partnership began. Some of this extraordinary success statistic can be directly attributed to the Ukrainian Village Corp. (UVC) of Warren, Mich., and its perennial fund drives for the Lviv hospital.

The UVC, in a united spirit of humanitarian dedication, has been playing a lead role in this charity for the past four years.

During the weekend prior to Thanksgiving Day, the Ukrainian Village's 14th anniversary LOCH fund-raiser attracted a capacity audience. The program began with opening remarks by Justine Malaniak-Nelligan, UVC first vice-president, who was recently chosen as Ukrainian of the Year for 1998 by the Ukrainian Graduates of Detroit and Windsor.

Stephania Dub, UVC second vice-president, welcomed those assembled and introduced Stephen Wichar, UVC president, as the master of ceremonies.

In outlining the goals and objectives shared by the UVC and the Henry Ford Hospital, Mr. Wichar said, "UVC fund supporters are keenly aware of corrupt agencies in Ukraine that intercept diaspora medical equipment and divert them into the black markets. The donors want a fail-safe shield for proper and direct delivery system."

The LOCH/HFH has been able to provide such guarantees, he added. This was substantiated with evidence that almost all equipment is delivered in person, that pictures and videos are developed for examination, and extensive reports are prepared on seminars, medical conferences and the like. "Even invoices of purchases are given to UVC officials," Mr. Wichar concluded. The aforementioned methods have established a high credibility so that the UVC's capability of raising funds has been enhanced.

The emcee called on Dr. Sudhakar Ezhutachan, head of neonatalogy at Henry Ford Hospital, and Christine Newman, neonatal nursing specialist, to offer their assessments of the partnership with the Lviv Oblast Clinical Hospital. In their presentation, these medical experts provided a general overview of what began as an impossible task several years ago. In recapping four years' work Dr. Ezhutachan and Ms. Newman focused on their efforts to establish a Premature Infant Unit. They had to do this through education, clinical training of staff, and provision of equipment and supplies.

Both doctors and nurses had to develop a system to quickly and safely transport sick infants from maternity hospitals throughout the oblast to the LOCH. A completely equipped transporter was desperately needed. "This item was purchased by the Ukrainian Village Corp. and an ambulance was donated by the Ford Motor Co.," stated Dr. Ezhuthachan. To ensure proper care for the infants, the Neonatal Resuscitation Program was developed. Neonatal centers similar to Lviv's now operate in Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv, supported by a variety of organizations utilizing public and private funds.

Unfortunately, Ms. Newman commented, the U.S. funding was terminated on September 30, 1998. Although there has been a one-year sustainibility grant, it will be a competitive process among all partnerships. This means only 30 percent will be funded. At this writing, it is not known whether Ukraine will be a recipient.

Dr. Ezhuthachan made it clear that a Premature Infant Unit at LOCH will be established as a center for education for western Ukraine. This will provide for a continual training of physicians and nurses from other hospitals at the LOCH unit. "Assistance for funding this project," the doctor commented, "has been promised by the Children's Medical Foundation in California." Additional help will come from the Quality Assurance Project in Bethesda, Md. In addition, the LOCH has also established a Foundation for the Premature Infant Unit.

Later in the afternoon, Mr. Wichar asked on Dr. Ezhuthachan and Ms. Newman to accept a donation towards the project. "On behalf of the Ukrainian Village board of directors, its management staff, community donors and anniversary participants," Mr. Wichar declared, "we would like to present $15,000 for your immediate needs at the LOCH." A spontaneous, standing ovation followed. The funds have been earmarked for two isolettes (infant incubators) for the hospital.

The banquet ended with a performance by the Zoloti Dzvony (Golden Bells) ensemble under the direction of Olga Dubrivny-Solovey.

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