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FROM THE FIELD

Many mental health institutions in Latvia do not have sufficient funding to provide personal care necessities and basic comfort items for their residents. Health supplies, warm clothing and bedding are all in short supply. The high cost of heating fuel keeps the hospitals cold and damp - resulting in flu epidemics and a host of other illnesses for patients.

With its partner, Bethphage, LWR is alleviating human suffering in Latvia by providing essential supplies. Clothing, quilts, blankets, soap and health and school kits were distributed to hundreds of children and adults living in three facilities. These photographs show how the material is used.

Ziedkalne, near Eleja, houses 150 young adults. They range in age from 18 to 30; one half are women.

Vegi, near Talsi, is home to 150 disabled children who receive material resources. They are ages seven to 18.

Baldone, near Riga, houses 250 children and young girls. Thirty of the children were new arrivals in 2000 and in need of clothing.

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