Swannanoa business facilitates aid for Ukraine

PSA Pharmacy sells medical supplies at cost to assist embattled nation

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 4, 2022

PSA Pharmacy in Swannanoa is selling medical supplies at cost to assist people impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo by Fred McCormick

A Swannanoa business is providing an opportunity for area residents who wish to assist people impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

PSA Pharmacy, located at 2294 U.S. 70, is partnering with its suppliers to sell critical first aid supplies at cost. The items will be collected and delivered to Poland, which shares a border on the western side of the embattled nation, by Asheville-based nonprofit organization Morning Star Missions. 

The effort was coordinated by an employee of PSA Pharmacy and member of the Slavic Revival Fellowship Church, which is collecting donations for the Morning Star Missions initiative. Members of the nonprofit organization will leave, Monday, March 7, to deliver the supplies.  

PSA Pharmacy compiled a list of medical supplies needed in Ukraine, which declared a nationwide state of emergency last week as Russian troops launched a series of assaults on the neighboring country. Resources to treat the growing number of military and civilian casualties are in high demand as the conflict enters its second week. 

PSA Pharmacy, which has operated in Swannanoa for nearly 50 years, is partnering with the Slavic Revival Fellowship Church and Morning Star Missions to collect medical supplies for Ukraine. Photo by Fred McCormick

PSA Pharmacy will continue to collect monetary donations and supplies for the duration of the crisis, according to employees of the business that’s operated in Swannanoa for nearly 50 years.   

“People can come in and buy the supplies, and once we’ve collected them, we will take them to the church,” said Cierra Clayton. “We will also accept unopened medical supplies that are brought into the store.”

The response from the public has been “great,” Clayton added. 

Dozens of medical supplies, including gauze, bandages, tourniquets, thermometers, diapers, hydrogen peroxide and ibuprofen, are needed.