Caitlin O’Reilly introduced Jamie Probst from Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPC). Mr. Probst has been with Hospice since 2006 and currently serves as Director of Family Support Services and directly oversees CHPC’s Bereavement Department. He also serves as the Compliance Officer and Quality Assurance Program Improvement Manager. Jamie has a private practice with a specialty in grief and trauma therapy. In 2011 Jamie organized and was a member of a six person team from Hospice who traveled to Tanzania to work with community partners at the Karatu Lutheran Hospital (KLH). In 2017 Jamie organized a second trip to Tanzania leading a team of four Hospice clinicians who helped provide on-site support to the KLH’s palliative care team.
Jamie introduced Dr. Herieli Zacaria who joined us by Zoom. Here is a synopsis of Dr. Zacaria’s presentation.
CHPC’s Partnership with Karatu Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania
Since 2010, Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care (CHPC) has collaborated with Karatu Lutheran Hospital (KLH) in Tanzania to enhance access to palliative care. This partnership began through the efforts of our former Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Hartwig, who connected CHPC with KLH to support their palliative care program.
A History of Connection and Growth
- 2011: A team of six CHPC staff visited KLH to understand their needs and observed challenges such as limited medical supplies, medications, clean water, and transportation for patient care.
- 2014: Members of the KLH Palliative Care Team visited CHPC in Chautauqua County, learning about our hospice care model, shadowing staff, and connecting with community partners.
- 2018: Four CHPC staff members returned to Tanzania to provide education, support patient care visits, and strengthen global relationships
Current Challenges at KLH
Dr. Heriel, representing KLH, shared details about the hospital’s struggles:
- The hospital serves approximately 100 beds with only one shared vehicle, limiting the ability to provide home visits—the primary location for palliative care.
- Medications, while affordable by U.S. standards (e.g., $0.80 for extra-strength Tylenol), remain difficult to obtain.
- The five-member palliative care team faces resource constraints but makes a significant impact with limited means.
Why Community Support Matters
Jamie Probst, CHPC’s Director of Family Support Services, emphasized how small contributions can make a meaningful difference. For instance, $5 could have provided vital care to a breast cancer patient in Tanzania, and even $1 can go a long way in supporting KLH’s efforts.
To support this impactful program, contact Jamie Probst at 716-338-0033 or send a check to CHPC, 20 W. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750, noting “Tanzania” in the subject line.
President Marion thanked Jamie for his presentation and gifted him with inoculations for polio eradication.
