SALVIA, the only organization in Greece dedicated to burn injuries and burn survivors, was established in 2021 as a legacy of the experience of two residents and volunteers from Mati, supporting the 60 burn survivors of the tragic 2018 wildfire.
SALVIA serves as a safe haven for every burn survivor, offering support, care, and hope. At the same time, it acts as a guiding light for prevention through educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community outreach.
With knowledge and action, SALVIA empowers society, contributing to a safer world. The organization develops initiatives to address challenges in burn care and rehabilitation—advocating for the establishment of a National Burn Registry, ensuring coverage of supplies and therapies by the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY), improving Burn Units within the Greek National Health System (ESY), and providing specialized training for healthcare professionals. At the same time, SALVIA conducts continuous burn prevention campaigns, placing particular emphasis on vulnerable populations through Informational Seminars and “Burn Prevention Guides.”
The grant supports the initiative “Shield of Life – Safe Islands: Burn Prevention, First Aid, and Health Empowerment in Small Islands.” Burns are among the most severe injuries, requiring immediate medical intervention and specialized care. Small and remote islands often lack healthcare facilities capable of responding adequately. The initiative aims to immediately strengthen the skills of residents and healthcare professionals in fire prevention, burn management, and first aid.
Through hands-on training workshops, the program fosters self-protection and enhances the ability to respond promptly in critical situations. It seeks to reduce vulnerability, enhance safety, and build local resilience by cultivating a culture of prevention and practical skills for the immediate management of burn risks—a vital component for safeguarding public health and sustainability in remote island communities. The estimated number of beneficiaries over the course of the donation is approximately 600 individuals.
This initiative is implemented with a grant from the Athina I. Martinou Foundation as part of the “Points of Support ” Program, under the thematic focus: “Strengthening Island and Other Coastal Local Communities.”