American Cancer Society and Bronson Methodist Hospital Team up to Open Cancer Resource CenterFebruary 06, 2009 Cancer Resource Center Aims to Help Ease the Burden of Cancer for Patients, Caregivers and Families For people in Michigan diagnosed with cancer this year, emotions will run high and questions will need answers. The American Cancer Society and Bronson Methodist Hospital understand that dealing with cancer is difficult, and are working together to make finding help easier. On February 9, Kalamazoo’s first American Cancer Society Resource Center opens on Bronson’s south campus at 601 John St. A newly diagnosed patient may need information about treatment options, help talking to his or her family, or even assistance in navigating the health system. There are many practical considerations as well, such as what treatment will be like, how to handle financial concerns, or how to get to and from appointments. Through the Cancer Resource Center at Bronson Methodist Hospital, the Society will offer Kalamazoo area residents community programs and services that address the needs of those touched by cancer. The Center is located adjacent to Bronson HealthAnswers on the first floor of the Medical Office Pavilion at Bronson. “At the Cancer Resource Center, we will do everything we can to ensure patients, family members and caregivers have their questions answered and are supported through every step of the process following a cancer diagnosis,” said Jean Thompson, American Cancer Society community program manager. “Whether it’s providing an introduction to cancer.org, connecting them with clinical trial information, helping with the management of treatment side effects, organizing rides to medical appointments, or helping with insurance and financial questions, the Cancer Resource Center’s trained volunteers offer help and hope throughout the cancer experience.” Many different forms of support are available, both online and in person. The Society provides ways for patients and caregivers to connect with survivors and other volunteers – one on one or in groups – to share experiences, learn about cancer, and gain encouragement. “Bronson is very pleased to partner with the American Cancer Society to make additional resources and information available to those who need them,” said William Mayer, M.D., Bronson vice president for medical staff clinical quality. “Now patients and families who are already at Bronson for oncology services – whether for diagnostic tests, surgery or medical treatments – can stop by the Resource Center to get more information and access to community resources.” Cancer Resource Center volunteers guide patients and their families through every step of the cancer experience, helping them understand the range of options and make the most out of their care. These programs and services meet needs that may arise from the day of a diagnosis through years after completing treatment. Beginning February 9, the Bronson Methodist Hospital Cancer Resource Center will be open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking is available in the ramp at the corner of Vine and S. Burdick streets. Anyone seeking additional information about the Cancer Resource Center can do so by calling 269-349-8719 or 1.800.227.2345 or by visiting www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit cancer.org. About Bronson Methodist Hospital Bronson Methodist Hospital, located at 601 John St. in downtown Kalamazoo, Mich., is the flagship of Bronson Healthcare Group, a not-for-profit healthcare system serving all of southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. With 380 licensed beds and all private rooms, Bronson Methodist Hospital provides care in virtually every specialty—cardiology, orthopedics, surgery, emergency medicine, neurology, oncology—with advanced capabilities in critical care as a Level I Trauma Center; in neurological care as a Joint Commission certified Primary Stroke Center; in cardiac care as the region’s first accredited Chest Pain Emergency Center; in obstetrics as the leading BirthPlace and only high-risk pregnancy center in southwest Michigan, and in pediatrics as one of only six children's hospitals in the state. The hospital is the recipient of the 2005 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest presidential honor for quality and organizational performance excellence, and was recognized as one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals for cardiovascular care in 2008 by Thomson Reuters. Bronson Healthcare Group is one of Kalamazoo’s largest employers and has been ranked for six consecutive years by Working Mother magazine as one of the nation’s 100 best companies to work for. Annually, Bronson provides more than $83 million in community benefits through outreach and charitable care for the un- and under-insured. Bronson also serves the largest percentage of Medicaid patients of any Michigan hospital outside of southeast Michigan. ###
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