ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Compassus recently sent a team of 12 volunteers, including Chand Rohatgi, M.D., of Easton, to assist Living Hope, the company’s sister hospice program in Cape Town, South Africa. The Compassus interdisciplinary team, which included physicians, registered nurses, a hospice aide, social worker, bereavement coordinator, chaplain and corporate colleague, spent a week in Cape Town working side-by-side with Living Hope clinicians.
“The trip to Cape Town was a fantastic experience,” said Dr. Rohatgi, palliative care medical director for Compassus – Allentown. “I am reenergized by the work we did and can’t wait to return in the future.”
Through a partnership started in 2011, Compassus donates monetary aid, medical supplies and health care expertise to support Living Hope’s health care and hospice services in the impoverished township communities of Cape Town. Compassus matches voluntary employee donations to the dollar and last year raised more than $73,000 for the ministry-based nonprofit.
“The most impactful part of the trip was working together with Living Hope clinicians to care for individuals in such great need of health care services,” continued Dr. Rohatgi. “Witnessing the Living Hope team in action taught us how we can help others even with limited resources.”
Living Hope offers health care services, counseling and education to more than 200,000 underprivileged residents in Cape Town. Its programs focus on improving general health and hospice care, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and economic empowerment. Living Hope provides health care for more than 36,000 South Africans annually through in-home visits, medical clinics and a 22-bed inpatient hospice center.
“Compassus has a calling to deliver compassionate care not only in our local communities but around the world. Serving alongside Living Hope allows us the opportunity to live out this higher purpose,” said Tracy Mason, executive director for Compassus – Allentown. “We are so proud Dr. Rohatgi was part of this team and proud of their work for the people of South Africa. I hope it inspires others to join the effort to advance the well-being of those facing life-limiting illnesses.”
For more information, visit our Allentown location page or call (610) 336-8000.
