Friends of Russian Orphans - Supporting Yaroslavl's children

A nonprofit organization for the support of Russian orphans

Medical facilities upgrade at Frunzensky Orphanage

Project description

Equip a medical center within Frunzensky Orphanage that will provide medical examination, physical treatment, herbal treatment, a clean microclimate and relaxation.

Rationale

Better equipment leads to healthier kids at Frunzensky In January 2003, this orphanage was reclassified as a special correctional institution serving mainly orphans who are mildly retarded. Such children are particularly susceptible to upper respiratory infection. This center is designed to improve the physical and psychological health of these children by increasing their bodies' ability to fight infection.

As a result of this project the orphanage administration and staff anticipate:

A reduction of sickness amongst the children,
Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, especially of upper respiratory infections, through the use of ionizing air conditioners, water purifiers, and other equipment
Improvement of physical, psychological and intellectual development

Project cost

This project consisted of the purchase of several items, of which the total cost amounted to $3,000. The items included the following:

Cosmetic repair of treatment room: $350
Four-place quartz 'tubus': $230
Examination table: $100
Medical tables (2): $130
Standing screens: $130
Quartz lamps (2): $160
Inhalers (3): $190
'Bioptron' for herbal treatment: $270
Ionization air conditioner: $1,440

The FRO Board of Directors enthusiastically support this proposal. They were impressed by the warmth, energy, and patience of the staff and by the openness of the children. The directors have adjusted well to the especially challenging children whom they now have in their care. As in most orphanages in Yaroslavl, the administration has few resources for the maintenance and repair of their buildings. The need for excellent therapeutic equipment to improve the health of these children, especially those with upper respiratory disease, is obvious. The cost is quite small relative to the predictable benefit.

Sam and Betsey Harding on Russian television Project status

In the summer of 2003, Friends of Russian Orphans fully funded this equipment with an appreciation for its impact on the health of children as well as its moderate cost. Upon visiting the facilities later that year, FRO president Sam Harding noted that the air in the new treatment room was markedly improved and clear.

Further complementing the new facilities, FRO is also helping extend the capabilities of the Frunzensky staff so they can better respond to the special needs of its children. With FRO's support, Assistant Director Nathalia Barantsova is now pursuing a two-year advanced degree in the treatment of retarded children.