Bristol Hospital Looks To Help Ukraine, Sends Supplies

By Justin Musyznkski, The Bristol Press

April 14, 2022

Bristol Hospital hasn’t forgotten about the struggle the people of Ukraine have faced since late February.

Though media coverage of the invasion launched by Russia on Feb. 24 has somewhat dwindled as the weeks have passed, hospital officials know the importance of making sure Ukrainians have enough supplies to withstand the attacks that have widely been condemned and protested around the globe.

“It seems like people got tired of it,” Kateryna Pushkar, of Maidan United, said of the diminished attention Ukraine has received as of late.

Pushkar was at Bristol Hospital on Wednesday to collect several boxes of medical supplies the hospital donated to the people of Ukraine.

“It’s important and it’s saving lives,” she said, sharing the story from her homeland of a woman whose life was saved by the use of three tourniquets.

Maidan United is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2014 with the goal of raising money and medical supplies for Ukrainians dealing with an ongoing struggle with Russia. Getting support to Ukraine by airplane comes at a steep cost, but Pushkar said it’s necessary for civilians affected by the invasion.

“It’s why we try to do fundraisers,” she said. “We’re trying to raise more money because we’re trying to pay for these shipments.”

For Pushkar, the Russian invasion has even more meaning than watching her homeland come under attack. She has family still in the country who have no intention of leaving.

“They’re sending me videos and photos of bombings,” Pushkar said, adding that some this graphic content has been taken right from their home.

She stated that “It’s unreal.”

“If you think about what’s happening in Ukraine now, with multiple cities being destroyed, it’s just surreal.”

Medical supplies, like the ones Bristol Hospital donated, are vitally important due to the number of hospitals that have been wrecked by attacks.

“I wish we could do more, honestly I do,” said Bristol Health President and CEO Kurt Barwis.

Barwis graciously saw the donations off and wished Pushkar and her family well.

“I can’t say thank you enough to the people who have helped,” Pushkar said.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.