Local

Bon Secours Mercy Health raising funds for Ukraine relief efforts

By Mahoning Matters staff
Women and children sit on the floor of a corridor in a hospital in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, on March 11.
Women and children sit on the floor of a corridor in a hospital in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, on March 11. (Evgeniy Maloletka | AP Photo, File)

Bon Secours Mercy Health has established a fundraising site to help support Ukraine relief efforts.

According to a news release, 100% of donations will go toward emergency relief.

“It is clear that financial resources are most needed at this time, and by working with trusted partners, we can ensure that the needed supplies will be purchased and delivered directly to those who need it,” John Starcher, CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health, said in a news release. “We are also in the process of securing specific goods in the U.S., which will be sent as soon as transportation is finalized.”

Bon Secours Mercy Health will work with Medical Help Ukraine, a group of Ukrainian doctors working in Ireland to give medical aid, and Polish Rescue Organization, an independent, nonprofit founded by doctors who are purchasing medical supplies for Ukraine. The groups will secure supplies in Europe and transport them to Ukraine, the release states.

Bon Secours Mercy Health has pledged $500,000 toward the effort, in addition to the nearly $200,000 already provided by Bon Secours Ireland and BSMH Global Ministries to Catholic Relief Services, Americares and Medical Help Ukraine, the release states.