Statement: The Joint Commission enterprise stands with Ukraine
The Joint Commission enterprise is devastated by the horror of the crisis unfolding in Ukraine. The conflict is putting the health and well-being of millions in Ukraine at risk, and as of March 13, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified at least 31 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare organizations.
Attacks on healthcare are a violation of International Humanitarian Law, and The Joint Commission opposes these appalling actions.
The Joint Commission enterprise has shared with our staff how they can support the people of Ukraine as well as refugees who have sought shelter in new countries. If you are seeking to donate, these organizations are currently providing support in Ukraine:
- The U.S. Ukraine Foundation is a 30-year-old organization that supports the people of Ukraine in their quest for freedom, democracy, a free-market economy and human rights. The U.S. Ukraine Foundation has established a fund to provide financial support for humanitarian efforts, including covering the costs of sending medical supplies to Ukraine. The fund also supports refugees through the Kyiv Rotary Refugee Initiative.
In addition, the U.S. Ukraine Foundation is coordinating the distribution of donated medical supplies through its operation “Ukraine AirLIFT.” If you are interested in helping with the costs associated with delivering much needed medical supplies, please contact the AFYA Foundation, which is partnering with the U.S. Ukraine Foundation in this effort.
- United Help Ukraine is a nonprofit volunteer organization that distributes medical supplies, food, and donations to Ukrainian refugees and people on the ground in Ukraine, as well as offers support to Ukrainian families who have lost soldiers to war. Donations toward their current fundraiser will help provide emergency medical aid and humanitarian relief to those on the front lines.
- The Red Cross’s Ukrainian branch is accepting donations to go towards distributing vital aid and resources to Ukrainian civilians affected by the Russian invasion.
- Doctors Without Borders, or Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), has been in contact with Ukrainian hospitals that are receiving trauma patients wounded in the fighting. Many hospitals are also facing shortages of supplies, mainly for emergencies, trauma care, and surgery. Learn more about how Doctors Without Borders is responding to the war in Ukraine and make a donation.
To those who have donated money, supplies, time or expertise to the crisis: Thank you. The Ukrainian healthcare community needs our support now more than ever.
“The Joint Commission enterprise does not endorse any of the organizations listed. The list is only intended to provide examples of organizations that you can get involved with. These options have not been formally vetted by The Joint Commission. You should thoroughly research any organization that you plan to donate time or resources to.”