Kosovo is one of the strongest US allies in the Western Balkans. Since it declared independence in 2008, the United States has worked closely with Kosovo to help it grow as a country by promoting development, stability, and regional security. In this period in Kosovo’s continued transition and growth, the strengthening of institutional services offered by the Government of Kosovo is critical. Maintaining the population’s confidence in their ability to provide essential services, including those in the medical and emergency response sectors, will be important to the continued growth and healing of ethnic divides and promotion of unifying nationalism in the fledgling country. One US Army team in Kosovo is working with first responders from diverse ethnic groups to improve their capabilities by providing advanced medical training to Fire Brigades from across the country.

SoA’s Chris Clary in Kosovo examining one of the trauma kits that are needed for the Kosovo Fire Brigades.

The team reached out to Spirit of America after identifying several Fire Brigades that were extremely short on medical supplies and trauma management training. The US Army team can provide the training but are unable to fund the supplies needed for the first responders to provide medical care during real-world emergencies. The US Army team’s medic has identified a backpack-sized trauma kit that will fill the critical medical supply gap as well as leave a tangible, relevant remainder of the benefits of a strong relationship with the United States. Your support will allow the local first responders to operationalize their training to meet the needs of the population. It will also help the US Embassy continue to build relationships with community leaders and partner forces in Kosovo in order to keep the country on track toward continued peace and stability.