The Maryland Department of Health donated 50 Astral portable ventilators to hospitals in Ukraine.
According to a news release from Gov. Larry Hogan, the ventilators are donated by the Paul Chester Children’s Hope Foundation, a Dickerson-based grassroots medical organization that helps care for people in developing countries. These ventilators will be used during treatment for those wounded during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“The State of Maryland continues to stand in solidarity with President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine,” said Governor Hogan in the news release. “We are proud to make this donation to help save lives and aid the Ukrainians in the fight against Russian aggression.”
“Contributing medical equipment to help treat wounded Ukrainians in this great time of need is the least we can do,” added Department of Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “I commend Dr. [William] Chester and his team for all their efforts to help Ukrainian doctors and nurses provide critical medical services to the citizens of Kyiv, Lviv, and other war-torn areas.”
“I am beyond grateful for Governor Hogan, Secretary Schrader, Delegate [Nicholaus] Kipke, and the Maryland Department of General Services for their generosity and kindness,” said Chester, PCCHF co-founder. “Without the help of truly dedicated individuals in the state and the assistance of the Maryland Society of Anesthesiologists, this would not have been possible. These ventilators will save lives during and after this terrible, senseless crisis.”
The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) provided logistical and other support. The portable ventilators are scheduled to depart the United States Monday and should arrive at front-line hospitals throughout Ukraine later in the week.
The PCCHF works in cooperation with its Polish counterparts and the Ministry of Health in Lviv to send medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. It also has an in-country logistics team and directly supports hospitals with supplies and equipment, according to its website.
PCCHF located wound treatment machines and surgical and resuscitation supplies to help at the Lviv Hospital and refugee aid centers on Ukraine’s western border as well as hospitals in Eastern Ukraine.
The State of Maryland is donating 50 portable ventilators to treat patients at front line hospitals in Ukraine.
We will continue to stand in solidarity with President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine.
Details: https://t.co/KKbM0xCQBR
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 21, 2022
