Russian-born OB/GYN Dr. Nina Olsen is leading Virginia Physicians for Women’s efforts to collect much-needed items for Lift Up Ukraine at all six VPFW locations.
If you’ve been feeling helpless as you watch Ukrainian families being torn apart and people fighting to defend their country amid the Russian invasion, you’re not alone. VPFW’s Dr. Nina Olsen, who hails from Siberia, Russia, has also been looking for a way to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering, fleeing, and/or fighting. She found one in Lift Up Ukraine.
“Having been born and raised in Russia, it is truly heartbreaking to see that my beloved home country has become an aggressor and initiated this senseless war,” said Dr. Olsen. “My heart goes out to all of the Ukrainian men, women and children who have to flee their homes or stay and fight for their country.”
Dr. Olsen is friends with one of the creators of Lift Up Ukraine, an initiative started by a community of caring Ukrainians and their friends living in Richmond to bring supplies and humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. She knew she wanted VPFW to get involved as well. “With the help of my work family, VPFW, I would love to contribute to the efforts to help with the humanitarian crisis that is ongoing in Ukraine,” said Dr. Olsen.
How to Donate
VPFW has already donated difficult-to-access medical supplies to the effort. Now its patients, staff, their families, and friends in the community have an opportunity to contribute supplies and/or monetary donations as well.
Drop Off Supplies at VPFW through April
Donate the following high priority items at any of VPFW’s six locations:
- First aid kits
- Non-perishable food (no glass containers)
- Diapers
- Thermal underwear
- Hygiene products (except sprays, perfumes, and products containing alcohol)
- Disposable flatware
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen (no prescription drugs)
- Candles
- Containers for water, fuel, and other liquids
- Waterproof marker (blue)
- Emergency/first aid blankets
*If they are not already clearly labeled, please label your items with a clear description of goods to help the team ship the supplies as quickly as possible.
Lift Up Ukraine will ship items to Ukraine within one to two weeks of receiving them from VPFW.
Donate Online or Purchase a T-shirt
You can donate online to help Lift Up Ukraine provide resources to the Ukrainian people. Or, you can show your support by purchasing a t-shirt. All proceeds to go towards serving Ukrainian refugees.
A Passion for Giving Back
Dr. Olsen, who attended William & Mary for undergrad and VCU for medical school, has a passion for both international health and volunteer work. She finds joy in giving back to the communities in which she works and lives. Prior to medical school, Dr. Olsen traveled to Ghana for a medical mission trip. While in medical school, she volunteered with the RAM clinic in Wise County. Dr. Olsen hopes to continue traveling and increasing her volunteer time in smaller health clinics within the state of Virginia. She sees patients at the Koger Center and Prince George offices of Virginia Physicians for Women.
