American Cancer Society - South Atlantic Division

Imagine what it would feel like to learn that you or a loved one has cancer. Where do you go? Who do you see? How do you get care if you have no insurance?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has a signature program within their Cancer Resource Network that provides newly diagnosed, medically underserved cancer patients and their families with access to resources, services and information on managing their cancer called the Patient Resource Navigator (PRN) program. Currently, there are eight in Georgia, and with support from Healthcare Georgia Foundation, the South Atlantic Division of ACS recently implemented a new PRN program in Hall County at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

A Patient Resource Navigator is defined by ACS as either a social worker, nurse or other health professional who provides assistance to newly diagnosed cancer patients, families and caregivers. Patient Resource Navigators have been identified in the field of cancer control as effective and invaluable in reducing cultural barriers and facilitating early treatment. These individuals can serve as a lifeline by helping to navigate the health care system and offering emotional support to patients, families and caregivers. Patient Resource Navigators are ACS employees who work onsite at hospitals and medical facilities where cancer patients are diagnosed and treated.

The expansion into the north Georgia area is in response to the designation as a medically underserved area by the Georgia Department of Community Health and the growing needs of their Hispanic population. Many are uninsured and lack access to health care resources, especially when diagnosed with cancer. Cancer patients from underserved populations are more likely to face barriers to quality health care and treatment. Financial challenges, communication problems, language barriers, inferior health care services and transportation challenges lead to missed doctor appointments and emotional distress.

The Patient Resource Navigator in Hall County speaks fluent Spanish and is the first bilingual ACS navigator in the South Atlantic Division, which attracts patients and families from the community and has already helped numerous individuals find care through their partnership with the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Services provided range from assistance with coordination of transportation to a treatment facility, identifying treatment options, providing financial assistance and reducing language barriers. The PRN also works with the medical center to conduct community outreach to Hispanic community groups, churches, health centers, schools, and civic organizations in Hall County and the surrounding communities to ensure needs are met and patients have access to affordable quality care.

Special note: June 7th is National Cancer Survivors Day, which is an annual, worldwide celebration of life that is held to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a “survivor” as anyone living with a history of cancer- from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Celebrating its 22nd year in 2009, NCSD is one of the largest and fastest growing annual cancer survivor event. For more information, visit www.ncsdf.org.