Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to Staten Island University Hospital to express thanks for the support of medical providers since Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy came to the United States to address Congress and the United Nations, but he also made another stop in New York.
Zelenskyy visited Northwell Health’s Staten Island University Hospital Tuesday, and he checked in on wounded Ukrainian soldiers who have received treatment, including prosthetics.
He also presented Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling a citation for the system’s support of Ukraine’s medical providers and soldiers since Russia’s invasion.
Northwell has donated medical supplies and also provided telehealth services to Ukraine’s medical providers.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Northwell’s clinicians for caring for their soldiers and providing them with the chance to one day go back to their home.
Dowling said that Northwell was proud to help, according to a news release from Northwell Health.
“What happens in Ukraine, is important to all of us. This is not an issue for just over there, it’s an issue that affects us here. And as you said on television last night, this is a protection of democracy and a western way of life, so we thank you for everything you’re doing,” Dowling said.
Staten Island University Hospital has been working with Kind Deeds, a nonprofit organization that helps arrange treatment for Ukrainian soldiers who have been wounded in the invasion.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has battered the nation’s healthcare system. Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, described the impact of the invasion in a video message at the HIMSS Conference in April.
Hundreds of medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged since Russia’s invasion. Some hospitals have been destroyed and looted, Markarova said in the spring.
Dowling received Ukraine’s Order of Merit. Eugene Holuka, vice president of physician development and outreach, and senior physical therapists Rebecca Gonzalez and Peter Leone also received the citation for their efforts.
Zelenskyy is expected to visit the White House and Congressional leaders Thursday as he makes the case for more federal aid to combat Russia’s invasion.
Hospitals continue to struggle with IV fluid shortage, with some still delaying surgeries
November 25th 2024Some health systems have developed conservation strategies, and Baxter International has resumed production at its North Carolina plant. But some facilities are still facing serious challenges.