Humanitarian Efforts Know No Borders
Access to health care, medical professionals and the myriad of equipment necessary to tend to medical needs is often taken for granted. Imagine a world where this kind of health care access is not typical, where equipment and supplies are in short supply. That’s the reality for many third world and developing countries.
So how do we extend a helping hand to those in need? Look no further than the recent outreach efforts of a group from Delta College in Michigan who have made it their mission to send some much-needed supplies to hospitals in Kenya, Africa.
Dr. Jean Goodnow, president of Delta College, believes outreach is a vital part of the humanitarian equation, and she is proud of the efforts of her students and thankful for the Dow people who willingly lent their expertise. “I have often reflected on how fortunate we are to be living in a country that is rich in people, resources and opportunities. So, when I learned of a pressing need in Kenya for dialysis machines, I knew we had to do something,” said Goodnow. “The challenge was how to get the equipment from here to Africa.”
Engaged and Dedicated
Knowing that Dow is well-versed in the complexities of global shipping, Goodnow contacted Earl Shipp, Dow’s vice president for Michigan Operations, to get advice. “When Jean approached me, I knew exactly how we could help,” said Shipp. “I called Chuck Thomas, our site logistics operations director, and asked him if he and his team could help Dr. Goodnow make the donation happen.”
Thomas and a group from Dow’s leveraged shipping facility – Greg Wallace, Gary Maxwell, Jason St. John and employees from Menlo Logistics – took action immediately. Since last October, they have been overseeing a variety of tasks to ensure the shipment was ready for the March voyage.
“The folks in our shipping department understand how complex a marine shipment can be, and they jumped right in to help – from customs and documents for shipping equipment between countries to ensuring the appropriate packing and crating of materials,” said Thomas.
When the team received the freight container, they realized there was room for Delta to expand the range of items it was sending. “During the winter months, more items have been amassed and the container now holds 20 dialysis machines – some refurbished and some that will be used for parts – a variety of durable medical equipment, 40 boxes of medical textbooks, 51 pairs of crutches, 60 walkers, 10 wheelchairs and 11 canes,” said Wallace. “It’s a pretty fantastic assortment, and there’s tremendous satisfaction knowing we are helping to make a difference by helping Delta.”
The cargo was delivered in early May, where it was met by Dr. George Ngatiri, director of the Kenyan Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, on behalf of Delta’s sister institution, Tracom College.
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| Local families at a health clinic in Kenya, Africa, who now have access to better health care because of the Delta College donation delivered by Dow |