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| Patricia McQuilkin, MD, was among the UMMS faculty recognized by the Red Cross for efforts to fight Ebola in West Africa. |
UMass Medical School faculty members were among those honored at the annual American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts Heroes Breakfast at the College of Holy Cross on Wednesday, April 8.
The Red Cross’ Britney Gengel International Humanitarian Award was presented to Ebola-survivor Rick Sacra, MD, assistant professor of family medical & community health; Moses Makor, of the Liberian Association of Worcester County; and to the Academic Consortium Combating Ebola in Liberia (ACCEL), led by UMass Medical School, for its efforts in the Ebola crisis.
Dr. Sacra, of Holden, was a missionary physician in Liberia when he contracted Ebola last year. Makor, of Worcester, was recognized for his work with the Liberian Association of Worcester County for raising money and organizing panel discussions on Ebola. ACCEL members have been working to support and rebuild the Liberian hospital system. In less than three months, the group has delivered $1.9 million in protective gear to 22 hospitals in Liberia, thanks to a grant from Paul G. Allen Foundation.
“It’s a humbling experience to be in the company of such people. I hope our work will be of lasting importance for the people of Liberia,” said Steven Hatch, MD, assistant professor of medicine, who accepted the honor with fellow UMMS faculty members Patricia McQuilkin, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics and Jeffrey Bailey, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, on behalf of ACCEL.
Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito emceed the event and shared the podium with heroes honored for their work locally. Compelling videos were also played during the ceremony of the honorees speaking about their acts of heroism, including Kaitlin O’Connell who donated a kidney to Richard Finlay and Mark Leary for pulling an unconscious man out of a burning home.
The annual Red Cross event began as a way to honor the heroes of September 11, 2001, and celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism by honoring local individuals who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character through their acts of heroism.
Related links on UMassMedNow:
UMMS Ebola Relief effort launched with $7.5M Paul G. Allen Family Foundation grant
Ebola free, Rick Sacra continues call for prayers, support for his ‘adopted country’
UMass Medical School partners to send Ebola relief to Liberia
UMMS installing modern technology at Liberia’s only med school
Gilroy teaches anatomy in Liberia: Working in brand new lab at the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine
UMMS faculty form strong bonds with Liberia
Library projects lending order to chaos in Liberia
Medical School team rebuilding health care in Liberia
