Kidney Dialysis Treatment for Victims of the Armenian Earthquake

The earthquake disaster of December 7, 1988, in Spitak, Armenia, set in motion a series of events that led to the delivery of 36,300 kg (80,000 lb) of dialysis equipment and supplies and two teams of dialysis workers from the United States to Yerevan, Armenia. This effort provided insight into the commitment of private citizens and organizations, as well as the ability of U.S. and Soviet officials and citizens to work together in providing disaster relief. Requests for dialysis assistance came to the United States from the Soviet Union on December 10. That evening, Dr. Thomas Pence began a dialogue ….