In September 2025, the Rotary Club of La Crosse-Valley View was privileged to host a delegation of information technology leaders from Ukraine to educate them on U.S. approaches to the creation of a safe and secure national healthcare information system and veterans registry. This project was part of the Open World Program, administered by the U.S. Congressional Office of International Leadership.
The delegation stayed in the homes of club members so they could experience American life, see the area’s beautiful part of the country, and develop lasting relationships while learning ideas and techniques they could take back to their own country. Valley View Rotary hosted social activities during the weekend of their arrival to introduce them to club members and the broader community.
The delegation’s time Monday through Friday was spent on an educational curriculum that the club arranged, which involved experts from UW–La Crosse, Epic (the global leader in healthcare information systems), Viterbo University, Western Technical College, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Tomah VA, Emplify Health, the Mental Health Coalition of Greater La Crosse and the YMCA Wellness Warriors Program.
Most of these strong and resilient delegates reside in Kyiv, where they are challenged daily by bombs, drone attacks, power interruptions, and air raid sirens – all while continuing to work and striving to keep their families safe and fed. February 24 (2026) will mark the fourth anniversary of Putin’s declaration of war on Ukraine, and Ukrainians continue to be in dire need of support. President Zelenskyy established UNITED24 as the official fundraising platform of Ukraine. Readers are encouraged to learn more and support Ukraine if they are able: UNITED24 - The initiative of the President of Ukraine.