The Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP) has raised over $160,000 to help Croatian hospitals purchase medical equipment and supplies after the March 22 earthquake in Zagreb amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

The first installment of funds was transferred on Tuesday to a bank account managed by the Croatia Against Coronavirus charity fund established by the Croatian government.

“We understand that help is needed – and needed now – especially for newborns and those most vulnerable… These are difficult and uncertain economic times for everyone, including members of ACAP. The show of unity and support across all parts of the United States has been extraordinary,” ACAP vice-president, Steven Pavletic, said, adding that they had received more than 400 individual donations.

The campaign has been coordinated with ACAP’s Zagreb chapter, which is chaired by Don Markusic, an Australian lawyer of Croatian descent.

“We have been in daily contact with hospitals in Zagreb and Croatia’s Health Ministry to identify what is most critically needed, and at this stage that appears to be a new neonatal incubator for Petrova Hospital,” he said.