IN Millcreek Summer 2017 | Page 61

King says they keep the units manual because power sources are unreliable in most hospitals they work with. “We have learned in our over 48 years that keeping it as simple as possible is best,” says King. The same concept is applied to Chosen IMA’s surgical tables. Not being electronic makes them easier to fix and simpler to maintain for hospitals and clinics that rely on volunteer labor that comes and goes. It’s become increasingly hard for Chosen IMA to find a surgical table that is not electric these days. No one manufactures the manual surgical tables anymore. Thankfully, they have partnered with a company who specially makes both surgical tables and surgical lights for their purposes. Technology has not completely been a foe. In terms of lighting, the LED light bulb has been a great gift. The wattage usage on an LED is so low they can actually be run off solar power. They are far lighter in weight than traditional bulbs, making surgical lighting units more versatile for installation purposes. Less solid structures can now handle the weight of a set of lights. While Chosen IMA keeps costs nearly 50 percent less than comparable commercial medical equipment, the organization never wants to see a healthcare facility in need go without because of budget limitations. So they work closely with the hospitals to make it happen any way possible. In years where the ministry does very well, they use the extra revenue to gift equipment to clinics whenever possible. Chosen IMA works with a wide range of philanthropic groups and charities like Samaritan’s Purse and Raising Malawi. In fact, Raising Malawi, Madonna’s personal charity organization, purchased five sterilizers and nine sets of surgical lights for two new hospital wings that Madonna donated to a facility in Malawi. A team from Chosen IMA traveled to the hospital in May to install the new equipment. The organization does not just work internationally. They are working locally in Millcreek and Erie County to meet medical needs in our community. Right now they are giving almost 130 pieces of home healthcare items like shower chairs, canes, walkers, wheelchairs and bedside toilets away each month to individuals who need these items for rehabilitation purposes but cannot afford them. For those random crutches, old walkers or wheelchairs people have sitting in attics, garages or basements, Chosen IMA will happily accept donations of these items. They also work with Ramps of Hope to install wheelchair ramps around the area. Chosen IMA recently assumed another ministry and now organizes short-term medical and non-medical mission trips. “In March we sent 19 medical professionals from UPMC Hamot’s orthopedic residency program and 13 Mercyhurst students to San Lucas Clinic in Valladolid, Mexico, where they performed surgeries and physical t herapy,” says King. “It’s pretty cool that a local hospital is involved in a local ministry and helping people internationally.” n Millcreek | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 59