Oxygen concentrators are needed as Juarez’ Covid patients increase

During this pandemic year of 2020, needs of all kinds have been increasing dramatically.  From the need for food, help to provide warm clothing, school supplies and toys, Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) has been partnering with churches, companies, civic groups, individuals, and other non-profit organizations to bring much needed relief to people in El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico.

It was dedication to helping, even though restrictions caused difficulties, that drew a donor especially interested in bringing help to people in Juarez.  “I know what it’s like to grow up in poverty,” she shared during the first phone call with one of YLM’s missions’ facilitators after learning how YLM serves in Juarez, “I want to help as many people in Juarez as possible, especially during this pandemic time.”

This donor, who asked to remain anonymous, was an answer to a prayer for much needed medical equipment and supplies, such as oxygen tanks and machines, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), in medical institutions in Juarez.

PPE is scant throughout healthcare systems, especially for those with limited funding like the Red Cross in Juarez

“I knew of the need, but didn’t know where it was the greatest,” Rev. Dr. Karl Heimer, CEO of YLM, explained after a conversation with the donor, “So YLM became the bridge between our donor and a non-profit organization in Juarez.”

The Pedro Zaragoza Charitable Fund (the Foundation) has partnered with YLM over the years to bring large in-kind donations, such as school furniture and pallets of beans and rice, into Mexico, where it gets distributed to schools, clinics, churches, and other service-oriented places.

The connection YLM made between the donor and the Foundation resulted in excitement over how her donation could make a difference.  “I’m so grateful YLM helped me find a way to help so many people,” she stated the day she dropped off the last part of her donation, “I know my donations to YLM will help, not only change lives, but possibly even save lives.”

Through the donations made, three oxygen concentrators were purchased and donated to three medical institutions in Mexico with limited funds: The Mexican Red Cross, one of the General Hospitals in Juarez, and the Health Services of Chihuahua.

Along with those concentrators, PPE such as face shields and masks, disposable gowns and booties, and body suits, were distributed among the cleaning and medical personnel at the Region 66 General Hospital of Juarez.

These donations will help the medical institutions meet the needs of their fellow citizens during this critical time of COVID.  As the year comes to an end, YLM continues to be dedicated in working alongside its’ partners to help meet needs of those who are the most vulnerable.

You too can donate here for Medical-COVID needs or help continue changing lives through simple acts of kindness by making an End-Of-Year gift.