Richmond sends ambulance to Ukraine

Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Ambulances for Ukraine founder Christopher Manson and Richmond Ambulance Authority CEO Chip Decker at the announcement that RAA is sending an ambulance to Ukraine on Nov. 4, 2022. (Meghan McIntyre / Virginia Mercury)

A Richmond ambulance is on its way to Ukraine.

On Friday, the ambulance authority for Virginia’s capital city joined in on an initiative known as Ambulances for Ukraine that aims to send vehicles filled with medical supplies overseas to that country as it fights Russia.

“Throughout this war, the people of Ukraine have displayed incredible courage in the face of Russia’s unrelenting attacks,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said. “It is inspiring to see communities across Virginia step up and support the fight for democracy.”

Three state health systems — HCA Virginia, VCU Health, and the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System — coordinated with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Richmond Ambulance Authority to donate medical supplies for the ambulance.

U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine was launched in March 2022 by Illinois-based OSF HealthCare Vice President of Government Relations Christopher Manson.

Since then, the effort has sent 18 ambulances filled with medical supplies to the country and other medical equipment. The Richmond ambulance will be the 20th.

“With all of the problems and nuances in this country, we should never doubt for one moment that we are the good guys,” Warner said.

by Meghan McIntyre, Virginia Mercury

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