The Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House received a $36,000 grant from the Arkansas Cancer Coalition to Enhance the Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors through Patient Navigation Services.
The Reynolds Cancer Support House Navigation Program works to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent individuals from getting the right care, at the right time, and by the right person. Whether the need is access to health insurance, working with physicians and pharmacies to identify less expensive generic drugs, finding transportation to treatment, helping a person access information about treatment options, or connecting to a support group, the Agency seeks to help cancer survivors reduce the communication, information, financial, and psychological barriers that threaten their chances of receiving the care they need.
Proceeds from the grant will benefit cancer survivors who reside in Fort Smith and the surrounding counties. The Reynolds Cancer Support House helped more than 7,700 people during 2013, and provided direct support to more than 1,300 Cancer Survivors, (600 newly diagnosed). The center also offers 11 weekly support groups (2 groups for adolescent cancer survivors and children of cancer fighters), 2 fitness and 4 art classes – for adult and adolescent survivors.
In addition to grant funding, the Cancer Support House hosts several fundraising events annually to ensure all of the services offered by the Support House are provided free of charge. The partnerships with volunteers, community agencies, healthcare providers, donors, corporations, foundations and other funders allows the center to provide services at no cost to cancer patients.
The Arkansas Cancer Coalition’s mission is, “To facilitate and provide partnerships to reduce the human suffering and economic burden from cancer for the citizens of Arkansas.”