April 7, 2020
Chicago, IL – MedGlobal is seeking ventilators and other medical equipment and supplies for immediate use at Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, as marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, are being hit hardest by COVID-19 in Chicago. Saint Anthony Hospital is an independent, non-profit, community hospital that primarily treats medically-underserved communities of immigrants, people of color, and those facing economic hardship.
As the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects marginalized and underserved communities around the world, MedGlobal physicians are committed to addressing the health needs of the most vulnerable communities globally – beginning with Chicago, the city in which we are headquartered.
In Chicago, African Americans account for more than half of all COVID-19 and 72% of deaths, despite making up 30% of the population. Historically, Chicago’s black communities have been disproportionately affected by issues that influence this health disparity including poverty, environments with greater pollution, structural segregation, and barriers that limit access to medical care. Immigrant communities face similar barriers to health and are less likely to receive government assistance.
“Racial health disparities are widespread in the United States. Now, we are seeing underserved communities and immigrants disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,” said Dr. Hena Ibrahim, MedGlobal Executive Director and physician at Saint Anthony Hospital. “Most of our patients at Saint Anthony’s are low-income, racially and culturally diverse, and speak a primary language other than English. We at MedGlobal are partnering with Saint Anthony’s to increase the accessibility and quality of COVID-19 treatment services available for marginalized populations.”
Saint Anthony has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing extreme financial and staffing challenges. In support of Saint Anthony Hospital, MedGlobal is fundraising for a PCR machine, which will enable COVID-19 testing, along with monitors, ventilators, pulse oximeters, and beds needed to treat patients.
“At MedGlobal, we are committed to a world without healthcare disparity. That begins right here in Chicago,” said Dr. Zaher Sahloul, MedGlobal President and physician at Saint Anthony Hospital. “In light of COVID-19, we are renewed in our commitment to supporting communities who need quality health services most, from displaced Syrians to Rohingya refugees to the communities in Chicago who are hit hardest by coronavirus.”
DonateFor media inquiries, contact MedGlobal’s Advocacy Advisor Kat Fallon at fallon@medglobal.org.