Project HOPE Donation to Benefit Infants at University Children’s Hospital in Krakow

Project HOPE President visits UCH to unveil new technology for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Krakow, Poland(August 28, 2007) – For more than 33 years, University Children’s Hospital in Krakow and Project HOPE have worked together to address a variety of health topics in Poland – with a focus on meeting the health care needs for children and infants. Today, the partnership continued its lifesaving work when John P. Howe III, M.D., President and CEO of Project HOPE, announced the arrival of new medical technology that will benefit newborn babies in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Valued at more than $150,000 USD, the new medical equipment included infusion pumps and incubators, sometimes called baby warmers. Project HOPE obtained the equipment from Cardinal Alaris and GE Medical Products, respectively.

“Newborn infants, especially those who are most vulnerable to disease and complications, will now have access to new lifesaving technology at UCH as a result of Project HOPE’s donation,” said Dr. Howe. “Project HOPE has a rich history with the people of Poland and UCH. We are honored to continue this relationship, as well as have a positive influence on the health of Poland’s future generations.”

In 2008, Project HOPE will celebrate its 50th anniversary. As a part of its 50th anniversary celebration, Project HOPE has designated UCH as one of its Centers of Excellence. As a Center of Excellence, Project HOPE plans to help enhance the Pediatric Neonatal Unit at UCH. In addition, Project HOPE will prepare UCH to serve as a training platform to improve the neonatal and other pediatric capabilities of selected hospitals in Central and Eastern Europe.

Project HOPE began its relationship with the people of Poland in 1974 when the international health education and humanitarian aid organization was invited to assist the Polish-American Children’s Hospital – now University Children’s Hospital of Krakow – to create education programs for health professionals serving a the hospital.

In 1975, Project HOPE assisted in the completion of a medical research facility adjacent to the hospital. In 1988, Project HOPE helped to complete a 240-bed rehabilitation center. In 1990, Project HOPE established a 16-bed center for newborns – including a four-bed intensive care unit for premature infants. Six years later, Project HOPE and UCH celebrated the opening of the Clement J. Zablocki Ambulatory Care Center and Pope John Paul II visited and consecrated the facility.

More recently, Project HOPE has been involved in a breast cancer awareness education campaign for physicians, nurses, educators, psychologists, social workers and breast cancer survivors. And, Project HOPE has assisted in the development of a Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic through the training of gastroenterology specialists.

Founded in 1958, Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) is dedicated to providing lasting solutions to health problems with the mission of helping people to help themselves. Identifiable to many by the SS HOPE, the world’s first peacetime hospital ship, Project HOPE now conducts land-based medical training and health education programs in 30 countries across five continents. For more information, please visit www.projecthope.org.