F uture O f R ussia Foundation
and his wife Elaine. The Mayor's Office in Cleveland also sent a representative. After dinner, Mr. Gorbachev was invited to share his Former President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail thoughts on post Cold War Russia, health care, and global Gorbachev, was in northern Ohio on November 13, 2002, security. "The threat of terrorism is increasing and it is to support the Future of Russia Foundation (FOR) and important to develop the partnership ... But you can't its central vision - the Balashikha Project. At the invitation fight terrorism with bombs alone. You also have to fight of attorney Thomas J. Murray, who founded FOR to help poverty," Mr. Gorbachev said. He mentioned his late wife, Russia build a sustainable modern maternal and child Raisa, who founded an organization to help homeless and health care system, Mr. Gorbachev spoke to over 300 sick Russian children. His daughter, Dr. Irena Virginskia, guests at Sawmill Creek Lodge in Huron about the clinic, who often travels with him, attended the event. She is a doctor with particular interest in orphaned children. FOR plans to raise an initial $10 million for the Balashikha Project. The first phase of the reform program includes remodeling and modernizing an old maternity clinic and a medical training program for Russian doctors, specialists, midwives, other health care professionals, and public health care providers. The facility to be constructed and renovated as a collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, was recently renamed the Moscow Region Perinatal Center. Mr. Gorbachev thanked the audience for considering donations. "It is important that people-to-people help is channeled through truly charitable organizations so that it gets to President Gorbachev and Thomas Murray in Sandusky, Ohio the needy and does not get wasted or health care policy in Russia, terrorism, and the need to misappropriated by entities that pursue their business focus on children. interests," he said. "I would like to confirm that I do indeed support Under the leadership of Mr. Murray, FOR, and a team this project," the 71-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner of American professional and business leaders together said. "A children's hospital in Balashikha will make it with their Russian counterparts through the Balashikha possible to improve the treatment of children in our Project addresses one of Russia's most serious problems: country." Gorbachev's Foundation in Moscow was the its declining population. first to make a donation to the Balashikha Project. The fund-raising gala, with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and a program Dr. Alfred Brann Jr., Blake McBurney, Thomas Murray, John C. Straub with Mr. Gorbachev, was a chance for Mr. Murray and the board of FOR to introduce people to the urgent needs of Russian women and children. Tom and Ann Murray, as well as many members of the Murray family, put up the money for the event. Blake McBurney, president of the Atlanta Chapter of Rotary International, pledged a major gift to support the Balashikha Project. Guests came from across northern Ohio as well as Erie County and southern Michigan. Over 15 judges were in attendance, as well as many attorneys, professionals, academics, and business people. Toledo's mayor Jack Ford and his wife Cynthia were there, as well as Dan Johnson, president of the University of Toledo,
Gorbachev Supports Balashikha Project
Future of Russia Foundation 1250 - 24th Street, NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20037
(202) 466-0585 Fax (202) 776-7764 www.futureofrussia.org
Balashikha Medical Education Program
In September 2002, six medical professionals traveled from Russia to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, for two weeks, to participate in the Balashikha Project's Medical Education Program. Funded by a grant from the Future of Russia Foundation, the program was carried out under the broad umbrella of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Reproductive Health (WHO/CC/RH) and is directed by Dr. Alfred W. Brann, Jr., Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. The program helps Russian health professionals acquire and implement advances in medical care for pregnant woman and their children. This medical education program "trains the trainers," who in turn will educate and train other health care providers for the Balashikha Clinic - now called the Moscow Regional Perinatal Center. Dr. Brann, who specializes in neonatal and perinatal medicine and child neurology, believes this collaborative effort will help improve maternal and child health care in Russia. "If they take the same key steps that the U.S. did in the 70s, 80s and 90s, we can help them make advances in a much shorter time," he said. The first few days of the course in Atlanta were devoted to studying the steps taken in the U.S. – specifically in Georgia – that improved perinatal health and reproductive outcomes. Following this review, Dr. Brann and his colleagues heard from the Russian professionals about the situation in Russia and discussed the differences and similarities in approaches to maternal and infant care. "Our similarity lies in the public manifestation of desire to put women and infant health care first," said Dr. Brann. "However, both countries have fallen short of putting the funds in the right places to make this happen." There are numerous key differences between the countries. Russia's difficult transition from a central economy to a market economy has had a significant impact on the allocation of funds for health care. "When we were putting money into fetal and neonatal advancement here in the U.S., Russia was putting its resources into their military," said Dr. Brann. "The Russian family was not a financial priority." In Russia, there is a marked difference in medical practices, deficiencies in early and complete detection of health problems in the mother and fetus as well as the monitoring of the fetus during labor and delivery. The "bedside manner" with which women and families are treated is much less sensitive and humane. Russia has also suffered from the lack of an effective system to evaluate the quality of clinical care. But Dr. Brann emphasizes that the intent of the program is not to have Russians directly adopt U.S. ways but to adapt them as they see fit. "We're committed to give information to these professionals that they may elect to adapt to their country's needs," he said. Not only is the Medical Education Program set up to focus on the front end of the problems in Russian maternal and child care, but built into it is an understanding of how to present the information and deliver the training. "Russians learned to live
duplicitously – having to hide and deny things. Specifically, attitudes and mindsets regarding the accuracy and usefulness of data for health planning must change," explained Dr. Brann. "We are seeing the desire to do just that in the health professionals with whom we are working." In late March 2003, the next part of the program will take place in the Moscow Oblast and Balashikha. There, the training will be focused on skills and medical practice. Dr. Brann says it's important to train the professionals in their own environment so they can see that if they acquire advanced strategies and interventions, they can implement them relatively inexpensively and make changes to their own health care situation. Another aspect of the medical education program is to help facilitate a better health care policy in Russia. Good public health care management means that problems such as the need for iodine in salt, and for more effective public education about the harms of smoking and alcohol, can be addressed. Next year, if there is adequate funding, a medical doctor or credentialed pubic health professional will be on-site in Balashikha to administer the program under Dr. Brann's direction. Training programs in both countries will continue with a wide range of health care professionals who work in neonatal and perinatal care: pediatricians, gynecologists, nurses, nurse midwives. statisticians, public health professionals, public policy/legal experts, and health economists. "The Future of Russia Foundation feels it has a true partnership with the Moscow Oblast and its Ministry of Health. The Leadership of the Oblast has stepped forward with additional budgetary support," said Dr. Brann. "This is a key to moving forward to ensure that the desired outcomes for pregnant women and their children become a reality and are sustained."
“Every child is a miracle”
Phase One Renovation
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Balashikha Clinic Renovation
from the desk of John Straub Monday, November 18, 2002 Balashikha, Russia We arrived in Balashikha today - Dr. Al Brann, Medical Director of the Balashikha Project, and I - to check on the progress of the clinic. The Moscow regional government has renamed the facility to" The Moscow Regional Parental center." We toured the center with managers from the construction firm to inspect the remodeling that's been done to date. The clinic, due to be completed in mid-December, seemed to be progressing satisfactorily. Other aspects of construction are yet to be determined and will be discussed at our reporting meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health. We were also able to meet with the new Director of the Center, Dr. Uri Yermilov, an impressive and credentialed obstetrician. Tuesday, November 19, 2002 Moscow Dr. Brann and I spent our morning at the Russian Academy of Sciences Pediatric Research Hospital. The purpose of our visit was to establish a relationship between the leadership of the pediatric specialists of Russia and their counterparts in the U.S. There was great enthusiasm for this objective among the professionals here. The afternoon found us at a maternity hospital outside Moscow where we were most impressed with the woman who runs it. Dr. Fatiyana N. Melnik is doing new things at this hospital - something you don't always find in Russia. At this clinic, there are private family suites so husbands and family members can stay with the mothers and newborns. We were able to view the suites for ourselves, meeting some of the families along the way. Wednesday, November 20, 2002 Moscow Today we met with the building contractor of the Center to make final decisions about the interior. We chose bright, cheery colors for the walls and tiles in mosaic styles. We set the ground rules for the final inspection of the building. American architect, Byron L. West, will be visiting to sign off on the building in midDecember. Everyone at today's meetings at the Ministry of Health concurred that things are progressing satisfactorily. Conversations turned to the equipment for the facility and our Russian partners prepared an extensive list of needs. The state-of-the-art medical equipment to be ordered will be reviewed in depth and prioritized with benefactors in United States during the month of December. Thursday, November 21, 2002 Moscow We met today with the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Gayane Tamazyn, members of the Center's Advisory Board, the construction contractor of the clinic, and the consultant from the Ministry of
Construction. We discussed plans for phase two of the clinic renovations: the construction of two birthing suites. The design was critiqued and cost estimates were discussed. Everything seems to be within the guidelines established for the project. Friday, November 22, 2002 Moscow Today's meeting with the Advisory Board, [comprised of members from the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Oblast, the Russian Federation, and the Future of Russia Foundation], lead by Academian Boris N. Topornin, was a success. We have their commitment from Governor Gromov to fund the completion of the project - the entire transformation of the Balashikha Hospital. The Ministry had originally committed to begin the project and spend $1 million of its own money. But now they've committed their financial resources to renovating the rest of the hospital and FOR is dedicated to helping them move toward this. Later, after our meeting, we dined with Minister of Health, Dr. Vladimir Semenov, and Deputy Minister, Dr. Gayane Tamazyn. Minister Semenov delivered a proclamation naming the renovated Phase I consultation clinic after its sponsors; The Thomas and Ann Murray Clinic. We completed our discussion of long-term plans for the project. Dr. Brann and I are pleased with how the many counterparts in this mission are working together in true partnership. P.S. On page 2 is a photo of the Phase I renovation completed in December 2002. The Balashikha Project, conceived by Thomas J. Murray, represents a fruitful interaction between two important movements. One is commonly called "globalization," a process fueled by the global economy and internet access, which sharpens our awareness of the essential unity and interdependence of the human family. The other is a reaction, a new kind of tribalism which seeks the company of kindred souls and appreciates the particular, concrete realities of life. Tom Murray has learned better than most how to make tension between globalization and tribalism fruitful. Solidly rooted in his own religious convictions and supported by his wife, Ann, he has opened his mind and heart to the Russian people in a mutual process of giving and receiving. From them, he has received spiritual gifts which have expanded his vision and nourished his soul. In response, he has found a creative way to help Russian mothers and children in a very concrete way. Balashikha represents not only specific person to person encounters, but also much broader hopes that this modern clinic will become a model for other hospitals; a catalyst for systematic change in the medical system; a new way of envisioning foreign aid and; a concrete example that former adversaries can work together in common cause. Remarks by, Rev. James J. Bacik Nov. 13, 2002
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WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Dear Friends, In the span of barely a decade Russia has become one of our most important allies in a period of history in which both nations face new and daunting challenges to their peace and security. One immediate and crucial question for America is how to forge a solid relationship with Russia as she struggles to establish a market economy buttressed by enduring democratic institutions. At the very heart of this drama is the stark fact that Russia is a dying population. Today in Russia, only one baby for every two live births is born healthy. Infant mortality is several times that in the United States. On average, a Russian woman has three abortions. Many women are not well enough to bare healthy children and neonatal care is extremely poor. At the other end of the spectrum, the average life expectancy of men is about 20 years less than the United States. The result is a net annual population decline that is estimated at 750,000. This tragedy poses a grave danger to world peace and stability. When I first visited Russia 20 years ago, I found a warm hearted, earthy and generous people who, despite the Cold War conditions, harbored genuine respect and admiration for America. After the Cold War ended, I asked an old friend, Boris Topornin, director of the prestigious Institute of State and Law and co-chairman of the Committee on Law and Medicine of the Russian Academy of Sciences, what Americans could do to help Russia in her struggle toward a genuinely democratic society. He responded simply, "help us to help our children survive." That plea gave rise to the Future of Russia Foundation, an American based not-for-profit, whose primary mission is to help Russia bring healthy children into the world. The Balashikha Maternity Clinic is FOR's pilot project. Located just east of the Moscow city line, Balashikha, a city of 163,000, is home to a maternity clinic built during the Soviet era. Typical of what is available to Russian women and babies, it's decrepit, lacks basic equipment, and the staff is grossly underpaid. Through a working partnership with the government of the Moscow Region, the Balashikha Hospital is being transformed into the first state of the art public maternity clinic in Russia. When it is finished, it will serve as a model of systemic and sustainable change for public maternity care throughout the length and breadth of this country. To complete our part of the hospital renovation and equip it, we need to raise an additional $3 million. To honor the generosity of those who contribute to this historic project, a permanent memorial listing the name of each contributor will be placed near the entrance to the new facility. Sincerely, Thomas J. Murray
In Russia . . . There are more deaths than births. Fertility in women is falling. A large percentage of pregnancies end in stillbirth. 50% of newborns are reported sick at birth. Of those over half will die within a week. Of those who survive, a high percentage develop cerebral palsy or mental retardation. Over half of the Russian military recruits are too ill to serve. PLEASE GIVE TO THE BALASHIKHA PROJECT.
Officers and Trustees
Alfred W. Brann Jr., M.D. Medical Director, Trustee Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine Edward J. Burger Jr., M.D. Sc.D. Trustee President, Institute for Health Policy Analysis Harvey L. Frutkin Esq. Secretary, Trustee Cavitch, Familo, Durkin & Frutkin Dean David T. Link Trustee President, International Centre for Healing and the Law Thomas J. Murray Jr., Esq. Founder, Chairman, Trustee Senior Partner, Murray and Murray John C. Straub President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee MaryAnn Didion Administrative Director
Advisory Board
Harold J. Berman Emory University School of Law, Woodruff Professor of Law James W. Curran, M.D., MPH
“In every child who is born, under no matter what circumstances and no matter what parents, the potentiality of the human race is born again and in him . . . to once more, and of each of us, our terrific responsibility towards human life.” – James Agee,
Let Us Now Praise Famous Men
Emory University, Dean, Rollins School of Public Health Lawrence O. Gostin Professor of Law, Georgetown University School of Law, John Hopkins Center for Law and Health Blake McBurney President, McBurney Corporation
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