LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lafayette nurse practitioner volunteers his services in Ukraine


Nurse practitioner Ryan Anson records a patient's medical history with the help of an interpreter/medical resident at a community health center in Kropivna, Ukraine Photo courtesy Ryan Anson

When Global Care Force was seeking medical volunteers for service in war-torn Ukraine, Lafayette resident Ryan Anson answered the call. Having been a nurse practitioner for nearly 10 years, he was eager to make a difference in the lives of many whose medical care had been abruptly altered.

Based in Olathe, Kansas, Covid Care Force was founded in March 2020, as a response to the growing Covid-19 pandemic. It's purpose was to mobilize health care professionals and send them to areas with critical healthcare staffing shortages. In 2022, the name evolved to Global Care Force, with the same premise of sending volunteers to underserved locations.

Anson volunteered between May 6 to 19 in various areas of Ukraine. "This was my first trip," he explained. "I first heard about them [Global Care Force] in March. I volunteered for a variety of reasons. I studied photo journalism in school and watched Putin's rise to power in Chechnya. After becoming a healthcare worker, I gained a new skill set that if partnered with the right organization, I could help. When Russia violated Ukraine's self-determination and began bombing its cities, the brave response of Ukrainian leaders and everyday citizens was inspirational."

On the day of the invasion Anson wanted to go to Ukraine, but his son was experiencing some health issues, and Anson didn't want to leave until he was stable. "Around the second year, with the siege of Mariupol, I felt the urge all over again. Putin wasn't going to stop. I couldn't stand by and do nothing. As a healthcare provider, I can't do anything about bombs and bullets, but I can play a small role in providing medical care to displaced, wounded, and traumatized communities. That is why I volunteered with Global Care Force and its Mobile Medical Team in May, to help maintain continuity of care in war-affected regions of the country. Two weeks of clinical service was a drop in the bucket compared to existing needs. It's something though."

Global Care Force Director of Marketing and Communications Brenda Poor explained that medical volunteers were "deployed monthly to the same nine to 11 villages throughout eastern and southwestern Ukraine with no access to a doctor, nurse, or medicine. The clinics provide continuity of care and free medications for residents in these locations and are often their only source of healthcare."

Poor added, "Several clinics are held in villages previously under Russian occupation or where refugees fled to escape the war. Patients tell heartbreaking stories of the atrocities they experienced, including being tortured or starved, and the heavy toll the war continues to take on them. Many live in homes still without water or electricity."

Three other volunteers from the United States joined Anson in Ukraine: William Markle, MD from Pennsylvania; Chris May, MD from Arizona; and Alex Gamez, RN from Los Angeles. Thomas Day, a paramedic, joined them from London, England.

The volunteers did not speak Ukrainian, but interpreters, such as Yevhenii Onofriichuk, were provided and pitched in to help. "Our Ukrainian team leader was Svetlana Kleshchar, and Luibov Halisevych, a pharmacist, handled our 2,000 meds for two weeks. I had the same roll as a physician," said Anson. "I worked in established health clinics and provided basic EMT needs. We would come with medical supplies and set up in the clinics. Bill would even do some home visits for those patients whose health was an end-of-days issue."

"Patients receive treatment for common but life-threatening health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, digestive, and cardiac disorders," stated Poor. "Other serious health issues such as cancer have also been diagnosed. To date, Global Care Force medical teams have provided medical care to over 5,900 patients and over $100,000 in free medications thanks to volunteers like Ryan Anson."

When asked how Ukrainians responded to their efforts, Anson replied, "The gratitude was incredible. They were extremely grateful."

There was an occasion while traveling when a missile struck a nearby car dealership. "There was the unpredictability of missiles coming down left and right. Several roads had signs that warned of landmines. Once the war stabilizes, I'd like to return."

Anson added, "I grew up in Kenya and lived in the Philippines. I've been to 30 countries, and when I was a photo journalist I worked in countries with dangerous situations, but this was my first medical journey. I hope that the American public continues to pay attention to the needs of Ukraine and Europe, and have everyone's interests at heart, and continue to be a leader in smart and strategic ways."

For more information visit: globalcareforce.org.