VOICES SUMMER 2021
New York, NY | vellorecmc.org
“
of VELLORE
It was very heartening to note that the whole CMC community joined in one accord to fulfil its motto, ‘Not to be ministered unto, but to minister.' — Dr. J.V. Peter
”
CMC Director
FOUNDATION DONORS SET NEW STANDARD IN RESPONSE TO INDIA'S SECOND COVID-19 WAVE
to address the oxygen shortage and ensure equitable distribution of oxygen across the country. Locally, CMC was designated as the main referral hospital for 4-5 neighboring districts, treating a
S
tarting in March 2021, the
pay. The requirement to train medical
number
COVID-19
personnel quickly and adequately to
cases in India began to rise
treat COVID-19 patients (particularly
rapidly. The outcome was that the total
those with the most severe symptoms)
number of people testing positive for
was immense, and most importantly,
the coronavirus quickly rose to and
there was a need to quickly acquire
exceeded 15 million. During this period,
and administer the COVID-19 vaccines
hospitals in every part of the country
– Covishield and Covaxin – that are
began to exceed their capacity to treat
approved for emergency use in India.
new patients. The Christian Medical
Over the course of just three months
College of Vellore (CMC) was no
and building on its experience from
exception. When the second wave hit,
the first COVID-19 wave in 2020,
there was a lack of adequate equipment
CMC once again became the beacon of
(ventilators and oxygen concentrators)
hope for thousands of people affected
to provide proper respiratory therapy.
by the virus. CMC led modeling and
There was an overwhelming need
predictions that helped with planning
for personal protection equipment
and preparedness not only at the CMC
(PPE). Additionally, there was the
level, but at the district and state levels
need to create access to patient care
as well. CMC’s scientists were called
regardless of a patient's ability to
on to serve on a National Task Force
of
new
total of over 5,000 patients across its three campuses and over 600 patients monitored
through
a
nurse-run
telehealth program.
(continued on page 4)
2021 ANNUAL MEETING Vellore CMC Foundation held its annual Corporation meeting on June 30, 2021. Learn more about the highlights on page 3.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends of CMC and the Vellore CMC Foundation, Greetings! The Spring of 2021 brought with it both the unexpected and the extraordinary! India, and consequently CMC, was faced with one of the most unprecedented public health crises in modern history, which resulted in the tragic loss of life in rapid fashion. Too difficult to grasp the
UPCOMING EVENTS
true magnitude of COVID-19’s impact on India’s population and healthcare
AUGUST 27: "LEADERSHIP IS A SERIES OF BEHAVIORS RATHER THAN A ROLE FOR HEROES"
system, I am left only to imagine while trying to comprehend how significant CMC’s role was in
A virtual lecture presented by Dr. Ramya Raman, Deputy Chair of Royal Australia College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Western Australian Council. Dr. Raman was recently awarded the RACGP WA GP of the Year for 2020 and is the host of a medical talk show that airs on ABC Radio nightly.
its general wards, create a home care program to support the treatment needs of more than 500
APRIL 2022: PLEASE SAVE THE DATE FOR THE FOUNDATION GALA We’ve postponed the Gala from Nov 2021 to April 2022. We hope to see you there!
staving off the viral and deadly effects of the virus’s delta variant’s and its rate of infection. What I can confirm, however, is that in just a matter of weeks, CMC was able to double the number of its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, quadruple the number of COVID treatment beds in COVID patients, increase its respiratory therapy capacity through the installation of three new oxygen generators and the acquisition of hundreds of oxygen concentrators, provide sufficient personal protection equipment (PPE) to meet the daily needs of its frontline workers, and initiate a self-funded and administered COVID vaccination program targeted at the most marginalized people in the Vellore region of Tamal Nadu. Unexpected and extraordinary! Here in the United States, the Foundation too has experienced both the unexpected and extraordinary! As the world observed and then reacted to India’s need for assistance as its healthcare system struggled to manage the onslaught of COVID cases that manifested themselves during its “second wave”, there was an immediate and most generous response. CMC alumni, the faith-based community, members of the Scudder family and individuals from all walks of life with a deep affection for all that CMC represents came to their aid. The Foundation in kind, immediately sent every dollar and every in-kind gift received to CMC in rapid fashion to support each aspect of CMC’s emergency response. In this addition of Voices of Vellore, we pay tribute to every donor, prayer group, frontline worker,
CMC FOUNDATION AWARDED 4 STARS FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR We are pleased to share our recent news that Charity Navigator has awarded us their highest rating of four stars.
equipment supplier, volunteer and benefactor who gave so selflessly to support CMC’s efforts to save lives and battle the effects of the coronavirus. We also highlight the good community outreach works of Drs. Rita Isaac and Madelon Finkel, while welcoming the Foundation’s newest board members as well as it’s newest employee. As always, it is my sincere hope that you find the contents of this newsletter timely, meaningful, and most of all informative.
With much appreciation and my warmest regards,
John A. Riehl VelloreCMCFoundation @VCMCFoundation 2
VOV | SUMMER 2021
(continued from page 1)
2021 Vellore CMC Foundation Annual Meeting
O
n June 30th, 2021, the Vellore
education and research. But the
advisors, CIBC, and 2020 Audit by
CMC Foundation held its
transformation of the Foundation is in
Marks Paneth. The Foundation also
annual Corporation meeting,
the depth and the breadth of our vision
honored and celebrated a group of
with board members and institutional
and our capabilities. It is both radical
"Devout Donors" who have been
members gathering virtually. Board
and sustainable, and we are building on
supporting CMC and the Foundation
Chair, Dr. Philip Ninan opened the
our past successes.”
for forty (40) or more years!
meeting with a heartfelt statement
Dr. Ninan’s overview of the year
The
that set the tone for a gathering
were substantiated by presentations
gratitude for the support and service
that
from: 1) Dr. J.V. Peter, CMC Director
of board members whose terms are
and success in the face of the many
on
combat
ending: Dr. Thomas Philips, Dr. Albert
challenges faced over the last year. Dr.
the COVID-19 pandemic and its
Johnson, and Dr. Raj Narayan; and
Ninan stated: “the word that I would
accomplishments; 2) Mr. John Riehl,
welcomed four newly elected members
use for this year in reporting to the
Foundation President on the impact
onto the Board: Anindya Dutta, MD,
Foundation is the word ‘transformation’.
of
COVID-19
PhD, Bibhuti Mishra, MD, Susan Taylor,
We are going through a profound
campaign and a comprehensive three-
MD, and Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar.
transformation, and one does not use
year strategic plan that seeks to expand
We also welcome Bethany Memorial
the word lightly because transformation
the Foundation’s capacity to better
Reformed Church, based in NY as a new
implies a fundamental change. We have
serve CMC; and 3) Mr. Binu Varughese,
Institutional Member of the Foundation.
not changed our mission. Our laser
Treasurer, Board of Directors, on the
focus continues on our support of
In the highlight below, our new board
financial health of the Foundation,
CMC in her sacred delivery of services,
members shared their thoughts on why
with additional reports from financial
they chose to serve on our Board.
celebrated
CMC's
resilience
CMC’s
the
activities
unprecedented
to
Foundation
expressed
their
The Impact of Serving on the CMC Foundation Board "Ever since I heard about the visionary ministry of Dr. Ida Scudder and as I witnessed the missionary zeal of the graduates of CMC Vellore, I wanted to serve in some manner, directly or indirectly, of the ministry and mission of CMC. Naturally, I am excited, thrilled and eager to serve on the Foundation’s board to the best of my ability to promote this great institution.” — BISHOP SUDARSHANA DEVADHAR “Being admitted into CMC Vellore as a medical student at the age of sixteen was a life-changing event for me. I would not be the physician-scientist and person I am today without the education (both in and out of class-rooms) that I received at CMC. Joining the Foundation Board allows me to pay back some of that debt of gratitude to my alma mater.” — DR. ANINDYA DUTTA “In 2017, Dr. Anna Pullimood and I signed an affiliation agreement between CMC and the Medical College of Wisconsin to facilitate educational exchange opportunities. It is my hope that I will be able to better facilitate the development of similar partnerships between CMC and other institutions incorporating the resources and talent of the Vellore CMC Foundation.” — DR. SUSAN TAYLOR VOV | SUMMER 2021 3
(continued from page 1) CMC’s fight against COVID-19 was
•
fueled by its spirit of innovation,
The permanent installation of one (1) new Oxygen generator
excellence, and steadfast commitment
•
The purchase of more than 9,000
to its surrounding communities. It’s
doses of the Covishield vaccine
success in rapidly and efficiently
in support of CMC’s “Vaccinate
setting up the infrastructure to handle
Vellore” initiative.
the exponential increase in COVID-19
CMC ALUMNI
cases is owed not only to its effective leadership and exceptional healthcare
CMC alumni once again rallied to
workers, but also to the extraordinary
support their alma mater during times
support
of
CMC's
friends
and
New 12-bed ICU set-up at Kannigapuram
supporters throughout the world.
of urgent need. For the second year in a row, their support helped to provide
The following provides a snapshot of how
a significant supply of non-invasive
Director, Dr. J.V. Peter, put out an
our supporters helped CMC.
ventilation equipment and oxygen
urgent global call for help. In response,
FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY
the Vellore CMC Foundation Board of
PARTNERS
As cases began to rise in India, CMC’s
Directors set an unprecedented goal
concentrators,
PPE
supplies,
and
patient care support. In addition to their financial support,
Through the financial support of
CMC alumni lent their time and
nationally recognized institutions such
expertise
as American Baptists International
response efforts in India. Alumni like
Ministries,
Gospel
Dr. Madhukar Pai (PG Alum) and Dr.
Missions of India, Paul J. Sumanth
Priya Sampathkumar (Batch ‘85) joined
Ministries Inc., Reformed Church in
India COVID SOS, a global coalition
America (RCA), Samaritan’s Purse, and
ignited into collective action by the
United Methodists Committee on Relief
unprecedented surge of COVID-19
(UMCOR) as well as local parishes that
In a concerted effort with CMC, as well
cases in India. The volunteer group
included Bethany Memorial Reformed
as through the efforts of our Board,
of
Church,
Christian
alumni, faith-based community, loyal
policymakers, community organizers,
Church, Grace Trinity United Church
friends and more than 600 newfound
and industrial partners have been
of Christ, and New Dover United
donors, the Foundation had raised
building,
Methodist Church, the Foundation
$1.41 million by the end of May, and as
evidence-based solutions for low-
made significant contributions towards:
resource settings and working alongside
•
The addition of two (2) twelve-bed
communities to mitigate the COVID-19
ICU pods
crisis.
to raise $1.25 million in just four weeks to help CMC acquire critical equipment and
provide
essential
COVID-19
care. As John Riehl, President of the Foundation stated, “what has occurred since has been nothing short of extraordinary – perhaps better stated, nothing short of ‘a miracle’!”
of August the total has surpassed $2 million. From GoFundMe fundraisers and church collections to large first-ever
Bloom
Country
India,
Club
to
scientists,
support
clinicians,
sharing
and
COVID-19
engineers,
deploying
grants and in-kind contributions, the Foundation has so far contributed $2.23 million to CMC for its capacity building, free COVID-19 care for patients, and their efforts to “Vaccinate Vellore”. The collective generosity of hundreds of friends across the country changed the landscape of CMC’s response to the second wave of the COVID pandemic. Practical tip sheets to support management of COVID-19 at home for adults, developed by Team India COVID SOS, available in all major Indian languages. 4
VOV | SUMMER 2021
(continued from page 4) FRIENDS OF CMC The humanitarian crisis caused by COVID-19 throughout India reverberated across the world. As people saw daily cases surpass 400,000 and roadside crematoriums become a constant image for weeks, there was a strong desire to help, and the Foundation saw hundreds of people focus on CMC as a reliable and effective institution that could make a real difference during this crisis. New individual donors, companies, and medical institutions contributed their time, funds, and equipment to support CMC’s response to the pandemic: •
Several individuals created GoFundMe fundraisers or sent out personal appeals on behalf of CMC to their family and friends
•
A private financial firm, Fairfax International, fully funded the installation of one oxygen concentrator.
•
Montefiore and NYC Health & Hospital provided $580,432 worth of in-kind equipment, such as PPE and non-invasive ventilators.
Donations of in-kind contributions arrive at CMC
The Way Forward – "Vaccinate Vellore" On June 1st, CMC launched a new initiative called “Vaccinate Vellore” with a goal of fully immunizing 70,000 people in underserved communities through their community health department programs, such as Community Health and Development (CHAD) and the Department of Rural Unit of Health and Social Affairs. CMC is looking to purchase the vaccines needed for the program at a cost of $11 (USD) per vaccine, resulting in a total program cost of $770,000. At the request of CMC, the Foundation has shifted its fundraising focus to support this new vaccine program. As was learned here in the U.S., a successfully implemented vaccination program is the only real permanent solution to this global COVID pandemic.
Prayers take place at a vaccination clinic
Learn more and donate here: vellorecmc.org/covid-19-emergency-response VOV | SUMMER 2021
5
Spiritual Inspiration and International Collaboration: Building on Historical Relationships
T
he Foundation held its third Annual Ecumenical Leadership Forum on July 23rd, 2021.
Thought leaders from a broad spectrum of Christian faith communities brought forth insightful presentations on how partnership with the Vellore CMC Foundation has strengthened their organizations and taken on new meaning in accomplishing God’s mutual priorities
of the Reformed Church in America,
Kibuuka, Associate Director, Seventh-
for the past, present and future.
referred to Dr. Ida as an “innovative
day Adventist Church, emphasized the
leader who changed the landscape of
power of collaboration to accomplish
medicine and medical care in India”,
God’s mutual priorities and inspired
calling on church leaders and all of us to
us with his statement, “educating the
seek out challenges and be innovators
soul is primarily knowing the One who
who change the world for the better.
desires to make us whole.”
In an overview of the mission of the Christian Medical College (CMC), Dr. Thomas Ram, Associate Director for Missions, highlighted the fact that the historical interdependence and
faith-based
Reverend Dr. Benjamin Chan from
communities with CMC has enabled the
collaboration
of
the American Baptist International
subsequent generations to carry on Dr.
Ministries and Reverend Dr. Paul
Ida S. Scudders’ mission of service. Dr.
Rajashekar, Director, Asian Theological
Ida’s address to medical students 100
Summer
years ago resonates even louder as we
examples of faith in action. Rev. Dr.
are faced with a global pandemic: “You
Chan spoke about training programs
will not only be curing diseases, but also
offered by International Ministries,
battling [and preventing] epidemics…
bringing together Christian leadership
Face trials with a smile, with head erect
from all over the world to collaborate
and a calm exterior”. Dr. Ram stated that
in discussing new and better models
through the support of partners around
of global ministry. Through Rev. Dr.
the world, CMC projected calmness
Rajashekar, we also learned about
and became a leader in the response to
the Evangelical Lutheran Church’s
the COVID-19 pandemic.
endeavors to provide complete health
Our guest speakers inspired us with
Institute,
both
shared
and wholeness globally.
their stories of partnerships in action
Rev. Dr. Rajashekar also highlighted
and global ministry. Roland Fernandes,
that faith in action and healthcare for
CEO of United Methodist Committee
all are shared endeavors, principles
on Relief (UMCOR) spoke about “New
followed by CMC through the “Healing
Beginnings” in terms of a renewed
Ministry of Christ.” This is especially
partnership between CMC and the
witnessed in CMC’s work of bringing
United Methodist Church, and also
God’s dignity and building sustainable
reminded us that the partnership dates
communities in the entrenched Jawadhi
back to their funding of Dr. Ida’s vision
Hills region near Vellore. Dr. Hudson
of a medical school. Scott Engelsman 6
Read Scott Engelsman’s reflections on the RCA-CMC historical partnership in our newly launched, PASSAGES newsletter. Visit vellorecmc.org/newsroom/passages
VOV | SUMMER 2021
You can read about the new Maternity, Obstetric and Neonatal Care Hospital Project in the Jawadhi Hills here: Jawadhi Hills Maternity Hospital.
In the final reflections, Reverend Dr. Chandra Soans, Senior Pastor, Grace Trinity United Church of Christ shared his deep connections with CMC and highlighted CMC as a place of honesty, transparency, dignity, excellence and godliness where we can experience God’s living presence and expect great things from God.
Fostering a Spirit of Entrepreneurship in Rural Vellore through RUHSA
T
he concept of a “Livelihood
Design program for women. In the
Incubation Centre” has become
spirit of Dr. Ida’s vision for women's
a focus of the Department of
empowerment, this program enables
Rural Unit of Health and Social Affairs
women to become financially self-
(RUHSA) with the goal of empowering
dependent. Mrs. Sukanya, a mother
low-income
communities.
of two with overbearing debts, was
Providing skills in business development
one of 25 rural women enrolled in the
and marketing across a variety of
program. Over the course of six months,
activities from agriculture to fashion,
she attended workshops on business,
RUHSA is helping these communities
accounting, and computer skills while
become socially and economically self-
also learning a variety of apparel types
sufficient.
and designs. Mrs. Sukanya has been
One of the programs developed by
putting her new skills to practice as a
RUHSA included a six-month Fashion
tailor for her village and has been able
rural
to start clearing her debt.
Mrs. Sukanya, a participant in RUHSA's Fashion Design Program for Women
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit India in March 2020, the 25 women in the Fashion Design program used their new skills to make cloth masks for local police departments, Government Child Development workers, RUHSA and CMC Staff. During the month of May 2020, the women produced 1,500 cloths masks to be distributed to the urban slum community in Vellore. In total 3,000 masks were produced by the women. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected many of the socio-economic programs RUHSA had planned, they have continued to care for the rural communities surrounding Vellore. More recently, RUHSA has been responsible for the roll-out of a vaccination drive to protect vulnerable communities.
Skills training in embroidery
Cornell-CMC Partnership Extends Preventive Care Services to Low-Resource Communities in India Prof. Rita Isaac, CMC, in collaboration with Prof. Madelon This project is the continuation of a 16-year partnership and Finkel, Weill-Cornell Medical College, and Prof. David Weller, friendship between Prof. Finkel and Prof. Isaac. Last year they University of Edinburgh, were recently awarded with a grant spoke to the Foundation about how it all started and the impact from Prevent Cancer Foundation to assess the feasibility of of their collaborative work on the lives of rural women in India using low-cost HPV testing approaches in low-resource settings and globally. in India. The group has developed an international profile in extending preventive health care services to underserved populations in India and has an ongoing commitment to this work, contributing to WHO's global strategy to accelerate the
Watch the interview with Dr. Finkel and Dr. Isaac here: Establishing models of care for non-communicable diseases in low-resource settings in India.
elimination of cervical cancer. VOV | SUMMER 2021 7
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 725 New York, NY 10115
Join Us in Welcoming the Newest Member of the Vellore CMC Foundation Team – Ms. Veni Manickam, Director of Grant Acquisition and Research Development Veni is an ardent advocate trained in corporate law and a committed public interest volunteer, with a particular emphasis on Christian ministry and a heart for the marginalized, vulnerable and disadvantaged. She deeply admires CMC Vellore's mission and work, especially in how these are built on the strong foundation of faith-filled women like Dr. Ida S. Scudder and Mary Verghese who identified an urgent, unmet need and sought to personally fulfill it, despite sizeable obstacles. Veni’s Christian faith continues to grow as she educates children through Bible Study Fellowship International. Veni received her J.D. from Fordham Law School and her BA in Literature, with distinction, from Yale University. Welcome, Veni!
The Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 725 New York, NY 10115
P.O. Box 22423 New York, NY 10087-2423 *This address is for donations only.
www.vellorecmc.org foundation@vellorecmc.org