Cancer Society receives grant for patient resources at GMC

By Staff (89634)

Tuesday, August 16, 2011
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH — The American Cancer Society recently announced that it has received a $37,500 grant to support its patient resource navigation program at Gwinnett Medical Center.

The grant from the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta will help fund the program that provides information and assistance to cancer patients, particularly newly-diagnosed ones.

“Our patient navigators provide much-needed support for cancer patients and their families and resolve issues that can prevent patients from receiving regular cancer treatment,” said Phylecia Wilson, the chair of the Gwinnett PRN Fundraising Cabinet. “This United Way grant helps ensure that we can continue to assist those who need it most in Gwinnett and surrounding counties.”

Patients navigators are specially trained American Cancer Society staff members who work in hospitals to provide support and link cancer patients, survivors and caregivers to needed information and resources throughout the cancer journey. They are able to refer patients to ACS programs and services, link them with clinical trials and provide assistance with issues like finances, housing and transportation.

Since the program began at Gwinnett Medical Center in 2008, patient navigators have served more than 1,000 cancer patients. More than 40 percent were uninsured or under-insured.

Receiving similar grants were Northside Hospital, DeKalb Medical Center and Grady Memorial Hospital.

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