My military service showed me firsthand what war does to people. The television images of the faces and reactions of the Ukrainian people bring back bitter memories of what I saw as a doctor in Vietnam.
Volunteers Karen Mooney, left, and Barbara MacLeod sort medical supplies at Partners for World Health in Portland in April 2021. Visit partnersforworldhealth.org to contribute to the nonprofit. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
I believe that we, living in our protected world, must help the Ukrainian people. I volunteer at Partners for World Health, an experienced, trusted nonprofit that originated in and works from Portland. They gather from a large number of New England hospitals perfectly good medical supplies and equipment that would otherwise be discarded. These are then sorted, repackaged and shipped to needy and crisis places throughout the world.
As soon as this crisis arose, supplies for Ukraine were assembled and are already en route. More will be sent and continue as long as supplies and funds to do so last.
Pathways in Ukraine and neighboring countries to distribute the aid are in place. I encourage anyone who can to contribute to Partners for World Health via their website at partnersforworldhealth.org or to any organization that can reliably and effectively help these people.
Vincent Oliviero, M.D.
Cape Elizabeth
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