In celebration of World Radiology Day, we’re pleased to bring you an update on the incredible impact of the First Read Initiative (FRI) over the past six months. FRI has continued to expand, bringing vital imaging resources and training to underserved communities around the globe. We’re able to equip more healthcare providers, support more medical missions, and enhance care for countless patients, thanks to your donations.
Let’s look at what we’ve accomplished together.
Ukraine:
- Critical Ultrasound Support for Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital
The bombing of a children’s hospital in Kyiv in July 2024, killed two, injured many more, and critically impacted the hospital’s capabilities, including ultrasound. FRI partnered with UMANA (Ukrainian Medical Association of North America) and MedGlobal to deliver seven portable ultrasound probes. This equipment helps the radiology team at Okhmatdyt provide urgent care to children affected by the ongoing conflict. - Thanks to AuntMinnie for this story, bringing much needed attention to both the needs in Ukraine, and FRI’s assistance at Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital.
- Three more portable ultrasound probes will be delivered in mid-November to frontline providers in Ukraine to assist in triage, regional nerve blocks and emergent care of casualties.
Togo:
- Training Midwives in OB Ultrasound
In partnership with the Humanitarian Radiology Development Corps, FRI provided portable ultrasound probes to Togo to help train midwives in delivering basic prenatal care. Before the HDRC project, over 80% of pregnant women in rural areas had no access to prenatal ultrasound.
Ghana:
- High-Resolution Monitors for 37 Military Hospital
FRI donated three high-resolution monitors to Accra’s 37 Military Hospital, a vital 500-bed tertiary care and teaching facility. This equipment supports the hospital's capacity to care for thousands of patients.
Gabon:
- Replacing Essential X-Ray Equipment
At Bongolo Hospital in Gabon, FRI funded the replacement of a digital x-ray detector, restoring the hospital’s ability to conduct x-rays for patients.
Northern Macedonia:
- Ultrasound for Trauma and Training
FRI provided portable ultrasound probes to Northern Macedonia’s Department of Traumatology, enhancing emergency care and training for residents.
Looking Ahead
- Thailand: HCC and Cholangiocarcinoma Screening
In Northern Thailand, FRI is partnering with Chiang Rai Medical School faculty to establish a screening program for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma among Hmong mountain communities and refugees from Myanmar. - South Sudan: Lung Ultrasound for TB Diagnosis
FRI is sending three ultrasound probes to South Sudan to support lung ultrasound in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), an essential diagnostic tool gaining traction in sub-Saharan Africa. The research will hopefully change current TB treatment protocols. - Goldberg-Reeder Travel Scholarship Sponsorship
Thanks to the vision and hard work of vRad’s Dr. Mary Huff, former Goldberg-Reeder scholarship recipient, FRI is now an official sponsor of the ACR Foundation’s Goldberg-Reeder Travel Scholarship. This grant enables radiology and radiation oncology residents and fellows to volunteer in developing countries, supporting global health and inspiring service among future medical professionals. - Ethiopia: Maternal Care in Tigray
Multiple ultrasound probes will be deployed to the Tigray region in Ethiopia, supporting maternal health efforts in collaboration with the HPN4Tigray organization. This area has been ravaged by an ongoing civil war, and your contributions will improve care for thousands of women and children.
Expanding Collaborative Efforts
Word is spreading. FRI is continually approached by organizations eager to bring imaging resources to underserved areas. Health4theWorld, MedGlobal, Imaging the World, and the Sudanese American Physician Association are only a few of the organizations looking to FRI for funding of immediate high impact projects.
We are improving lives. You are improving lives. Your continued support is appreciated by more people than you could ever imagine. vRad is leading the way in global radiology philanthropy and the First Read Initiative program is setting the standard for the radiology community.
One X-ray a Day Can Make a Difference
vRad radiologists can sign up on RadHQ or contact their liaison at any time. If you’d like to help by donating directly, please visit our donation page through Charity Vest.
To get involved or share project ideas, reach out to education@vrad.com
