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
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