One Cause, Two Continents: Commit to a new friend in Africa

NHPCO's affiliate organization, FHSSA, counts its partnership initiative among its most valuable programs. The organization (originally known as the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa) has successfully created more than 90 partnerships between US hospice programs and organizations providing care in 15 different African nations. Partners provide technical assistance, support and friendship. They are working collaboratively to expand access to hospice and palliative care services in sub-Saharan Africa, a region where the need is great and resources are few.

Yet, more than 20 African palliative care programs in 11 African nations are anxiously waiting to be matched with a US hospice program. It is estimated that these 20 African care providers serve more than 13,200 patients and 66,000 family members.

To meet this need, FHSSA has launched the campaign, One Cause, Two Continents: Commit to a new friend in Africa, at a special event in San Diego celebrating current partners.

In recognizing the accomplishments of current FHSSA partners, it was noted that in 2010 alone, partners in this country:

• Sent $450,000 to African partners;
• Donated $122,000 in medicines and supplies;
• Supported nearly 3,000 staff and 4,000 volunteers who served 60,000 patients and 300,000 family members in African communities.

“Our current partners say over and over that becoming a partner was transformative for each staff member involved as well as for their program as a whole,” said J. Donald Schumacher, FHSSA president and CEO.

“By committing to a partnership in Africa a hospice in this country has the opportunity to broaden its vision of compassion, further its reach in the community it serves, and help a community in Africa,” Schumacher added.

For more information about the One Cause, Two Continents campaign, visit the FHSSA website.

FHSSA shares an article about the benefits of partnering that’s available online (PDF).

Hospices interested in partnering should contact:
Erinn Nanney
703-647-6684