President Kikwete of Tanzania thanks Bob Kasworm, Operations Leader of Alegent Health–Tanzania, and Ken Lawonn, Senior Vice President of Alegent Health, for Alegent’s support at the dedication of the Orthopedic Center at Machame Lutheran Hospital.
Alegent Health
Alegent Health is a nine-hospital, 9,000-employee health system centered in Omaha, Neb. Alegent began its involvement in Tanzania at the request of the Nebraska Synod in January 2001. It began with modest projects supplying surplus goods and equipment. Then other projects including a medical tourism program under which 70 Alegent staff and friends have visited Tanzania.
In 2004 Alegent, through its Community Benefit Trust, provided a grant of more than $400,000 to raise its efforts to a higher level. It also relocated longtime executive Bob Kasworm to Tanzania to lead the work there. In 2007, Alegent made a decision and commitment to continue its efforts and support for the work in Tanzania for at least five more years.
Beth Llewellyn, Alegent Vice President of Mission Integration, visits with a nurse in front of the Lemira dispensary.
Alegent projects include the development of the Orthopedic Center at Machame Lutheran Hospital, initial hospice and palliative care projects in Machame and Marangu, a village outreach program to identify and get treatment for people with physical handicaps in West Kilimanjaro, and more. Alegent is also partners in the joint programs with the Nebraska Synod which include Adopt-a-Dispensary, providing medicines to rural church dispensaries in Northern Tanzania, and Houses for Health which builds basic houses for people whose health is compromised by seriously substandard housing.
“What is truly significant in our Tanzania outreach is the fact that we can see our mission positively affecting lives of people beyond our hospital walls, our community and even our country…. We are excited about this work and pledge to do whatever is successful to God’s glory and in service to humankind.” –Wayne Sensor, Alegent CEO
Alegent Health
6901 N. 72nd St.
Omaha, NE 68122
402.572.2121
www.alegent.com