RiverBend physicians with ties to Nepal rally support in wake of natural disaster

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Fifteen caregivers at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with strong ties to Nepal are raising funds to help support recovery efforts after devasting floods tore through their home country roughly a month ago leaving widespread destruction and loss of life.

A major rock-ice avalanche and glacier collapse on Aug. 26 triggered catastrophic flooding and debris flows that killed more than 1,400 people and left more than 5,000 missing. The disaster destroyed countless homes, roads, buildings, bridges and other critical infrastructure, displacing thousands of residents across the affected region.

"This crisis is deeply personal to all of us, as many of our immediate family members and friends in Nepal have been directly affected by this massive disaster," said Dr. Binod Dhungana, medical director of Utilization Management at RiverBend, who has helped lead the fundraising effort.

Upon learning of the devastation, the group of Nepali physicians and caregivers quickly mobilized, organizing fundraising efforts and coordinating support for affected communities.

"We're close together, like a family," said Dr. Kantee Karki, a hospitalist at RiverBend. "When something like this happens back home, we feel a responsibility to help in any way we can."

The caregivers' commitment to Nepal extends far beyond this latest disaster. Many have participated in medical missions and humanitarian relief efforts throughout the country over the years.

Dr. Dhungana traveled to Nepal in 2015 to assist recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake that caused widespread destruction across the country. Coincidentally, he is scheduled to return to Nepal later this month for a trip planned before the recent disaster and stands ready to help however he can.

The group has a longstanding history of supporting healthcare and humanitarian initiatives in Nepal. In 1996, Dr. Karki's father helped establish The America Nepal Medical Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing healthcare in Nepal and providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and other emergencies. Many members of the Nepali physician community have remained actively involved with the foundation's work over the years.

Drawing on those longstanding connections, the caregivers are working not only to provide immediate relief but also to help communities begin the long process of rebuilding.

For the RiverBend caregivers, the effort represents more than a fundraising campaign. It is a way to support family members, friends and fellow citizens facing unimaginable hardship.

"Even though we are thousands of miles away, Nepal remains home for many of us," Dr. Karki said. "We want people to know that their support can make a meaningful difference for families who have lost so much."

The Nepali caregivers are also working to generate additional support for recovery efforts and help communities begin rebuilding after one of the most destructive natural disasters in the region's recent history.

How to help

For those wishing to contribute, several trusted organizations are collecting funds for food, clean water, medical care and shelter:

• America Nepal Medical Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Many of those within the Nepali physician community are involved with the foundation. Donations can be made through the ANMF Donation Page and are tax deductible.
• Caritas is a global Catholic humanitarian network supporting relief and recovery efforts in Nepal. It is accepting donations here.
• Donations can be made directly to the government of Nepal through the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, which is supporting national relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by the flooding: Government of Nepal Disaster Relief Fund

About PeaceHealth:  PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a nonprofit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission.

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