Giving Thanks for Our Nation, Our Freedom and Our Caregivers

On Tuesday, we will celebrate the 247th birthday of the United States. Many people will do so with picnics, barbeques, fireworks and other hallmarks of our Fourth of July celebrations.

While these occur, the dedicated team members who work at America’s hospitals and health systems will be doing what they do best — caring for patients and families.

Health care workers embody the best in human nature. They are the front-line angels, the reminder of the good that comes when people recognize their common humanity and care for one another.

Their calling to help others knows no national boundaries. As Americans celebrate our cherished freedoms during this holiday, the people of Ukraine are fighting to preserve theirs — a reminder that freedom should not be taken for granted.

Chris Manson, vice president for government relations at OSF HealthCare in Illinois, is a health care professional who is doing all he can to aid the fight for freedom in Ukraine by supporting the health of its people.

He was driven to get involved by his concerned young daughter’s simple question, “What can we do to help the people of Ukraine?” Chris began locating, refurbishing and shipping older U.S.-made ambulances to Ukraine for new service in its battered cities and hospitals.

OSF HealthCare supported Chris from the start, adding medical supplies of their own to his shipments of the badly needed ambulances.

More than a year into the mission, Chris’ efforts so far have transported 38 ambulances to Ukraine, plus six fire engines. In mid-July, he will send another 12 ambulances, two fire engines and five SUVs, with more donations in the works.

“What it starts with is with the generosity of people in the United States,” he says.

Often, the donated life-saving vehicles will be sent along with handwritten notes of goodwill to the Ukrainian people, urging them to stay united in the cause of freedom, as Americans experienced themselves so long ago. Such messages often bring tears to the eyes of the men, women and children in Ukraine.

For Chris, the supplying of ambulances to war-torn Ukraine is the most meaningful cause he could envision.

As he says, “If you were to ask someone in Ukraine, what are you fighting for? It's very simple. We just want to be free.”

The AHA has been supporting Chris’ efforts from the outset. For more information, including a video feature that ran on CNN and how hospitals and individuals can get involved, please visit AHA’s webpage.

This Fourth of July, it is worth reflecting on our good fortune to live in a country that, despite its challenges, remains a land of hope, opportunity and promise.

So, as we celebrate America’s birthday, let us all also give thanks for our nation’s uniformed service members who work to keep our nation free, and our health care workforce, the people who remind us each day that we all can do our part in helping our nation and our world live up to its highest ideals. v

As a reminder, on Tuesday, please tune into this year’s "A Capitol Fourth" concert, the nation’s longest running live Independence Day celebration airing on PBS. The AHA is one of the sponsors of this year’s concert, which will feature a tribute to health care workers and all they do to keep this country healthy and safe. See our Member Advisory for more details and digital resources to participate virtually.

The American Hospital Association extends best wishes to all our members and their families for a safe and happy Fourth of July.