While all of Italy is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, Irpinia is also seeing its share of cases. As of this post, there are 369 cases of COVID-19 in Irpinia, with the region’s hotspots being Ariano Irpino and Lauro. To date, there have been 128,948 confirmed cases in Italy, which means that cases in Irpinia make up less than one percent of the national total. However, due to Irpinia’s diminishing population, the amount of COVID-19 cases in the area account for more than the populations of the towns of Cairano (298 residents) and Peturo Irpino (347 residents). Montaguto, which features heavily in Mike J. Pilla’s book, “Goodbye Irpinia,” has 398 total residents.

Given these numbers, it is clear that, although Irpinia’s total number of COVID-19 cases isn’t earth shattering when compared to national levels in Italy, the number of cases is still devastating enough to the region to potentially wipe out entire towns. What makes combating COVID-19 even more difficult is the gross disparity between hospitals in Northern Italy versus those in the South. Southern Italian hospitals are often left with less sophisticated equipment and structural inadequacies.

Criscuoli Hospital in Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi is one of the hospitals that is caring for Irpinia’s COVID-19 patients; however, it, too, is seeing the effects of improper equipment. A fundraiser to help the hospital has already raised nearly $52,000 (48,000 Euros), but more funds are needed. The funds raised have already helped the hospital purchase one defibrillator with a pacemaker, two mobile ventilators (including cart, humidifier, and masks), and one ventilator for intensive therapy.

The next round of fundraising will help the hospital purchase a multi-use color ultrasound machine for both vascular and cardiac issues so that they could continue to closely monitor COVID-19 cases. Most recently, a female doctor ministering to patients at Criscuoli has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Parish of Sant’Antonino Martire in Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi has launched an international campaign to help Criscuoli raise these much-needed funds. Those interested in donating can do so by writing or wiring as stated below:

PARROCCHIA SANT’ANTONINO MARTIRE
C/O SEDE PARROCCHIALE
SANT’ANGELO DEI LOMBARDI (AV)
IBAN: IT 89 A 05387 75810 000000000795
BIC: BPMOIT22