Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition Announces Community Cancer Care Grant awards

ALBANY, Ga - Hundreds of southwest Georgia cancer patients will receive help with needs associated with their treatment and survivorship thanks to $29,795 in grant money awarded this month by the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition.

Five non-profit southwest Georgia organizations were awarded Community Cancer Support Grants from the organization out of proceeds from its 2007 RiverFront Run. Over $102,500 has been awarded since the grants were established in 2006, providing funding for medication, transportation, wigs, and other needs often felt by cancer patients throughout the Cancer Coalition’s 33-county region.

"We are so pleased to be able to provide funding to local organizations that assist cancer patients in their communities," said Diane Fletcher, CEO of the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition. Non-profit community-based health or advocacy organizations that directly support cancer patients were encouraged to apply for the grants.

This year’s recipients are Health Care Advocates of Berrien County, Grady County Help Agencies Inc., The Survivorship Program of Pearlman Cancer Center, The Partnership Cancer Fund of Lowndes County, and John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital.

With an award of $5,000, Health Care Advocates of Berrien County (HCABC) will expand their existing program to serve even more cancer patients, including transportation to regular medical appointments, general medical supplies, food for patients and their families, cancer education and support group materials, and personal items such as prosthetics and wigs. Established in 1990 by The Berrien County Collaborative, Berrien County Health Department and Berrien County Hospital, the volunteer-based HCABC has thus far provided ongoing services for approximately 288 cancer patients in their community.

Grady County Health Agencies Inc. was established in 1984 as a collaborative effort among churches and service organizations who sought to provide help for needy citizens. They currently serve over 300 clients per month and will use their $5,000 award to assist cancer patients with food, clothing, rent, medication and travel costs, and work closely with the Cancer Care Center located in the public library in Cairo.

Pearlman Cancer Center, part of Southwest Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, will use their $4,725 award to develop a tool kit to assist community cancer centers in Southwest Georgia in implementing quality care for cancer patients following treatment. The Survivorship Program Kit will include resources, templates, books, brochures, modules and more designed to help community hospitals in the 33-county area better serve their cancer survivors.

The Partnership Cancer Fund is a service of Lowndes County Partnership for Health and provides funds to assist cancer patients with approved medically related expenses. They will use their $5,000 award to help continue this program, which since its inception in 2003 has awarded $64,235 to local cancer patients.

John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville will use their $10,000 award to continue the delivery of direct support for cancer patients and their families through provision of transportation to care sites, cancer education, timely delivery of treatment and effective disease management from diagnosis through end of life care. These services are extended to cancer patients at Archbold’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center as well as at their affiliate hospitals - Brooks County Hospital, Early Memorial Hospital, Grady General Hospital and Mitchell County Hospital.

Contact:
Mandy Flynn, Communications / Project Coordinator
Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition
229-312-1700
email Mandy Flynn

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