Essentia Health donates medical supplies to rural clinics in Ghana

At Essentia Health, supporting and enhancing rural health care sometimes stretches beyond our service area. Fr. Peter Akudugu, a priest at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virgina, Minnesota, recently reached out to Essentia about donating supplies to rural clinics in his home country of Ghana. Essentia was happy to help.

“Essentia Health is proud to give back to communities in need, whether it’s close to home or abroad,” said Luke Eastep, who has overseen Essentia’s Vision Northland project that resulted in a replacement St. Mary’s Medical Center. “We believe in the importance of bringing quality health care to all corners of the world and are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in underserved communities. Together, we can make a difference and strive toward a healthier future for all.”

Supplies that did not have a home in the new St. Mary’s Medical Center will be shipped to Ghana to support nearly a dozen rural clinics, including a new maternity/birthplace facility. Donated supplies include lab equipment, IV syringes, blankets, towels, gowns, gloves, thermometers, blood pressure equipment, a hospital bed, and warming cabinets.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Holy Spirit Catholic Church to combine our missions of providing essential health care services,” said Eastep. “Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that transcends borders and unites us in our shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all people.”

“We’re appreciative of the donation from Essentia; it will go a long way in serving the needs of about a dozen clinics in the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, which is located in rural northern Ghana,” said Fr. Peter. “Not only will it help with basic needs, but it will help some clinics provide additional care and treat more illnesses and health conditions.”