Grant Funds Cancer Program

Duke Endowment to fund nurse navigator, equipment

By: From Staff Reports | McDowell News
Published: December 03, 2008

Cancer patients now have someone else on their side.
The Duke Endowment has awarded a grant of $515,065 to The McDowell Hospital to develop a comprehensive breast cancer care program. The grant will be paid over a period of three years beginning late this year.
The funds are earmarked for the creation of McDowell Cancer Care Partners, a coalition of The McDowell Hospital, the McDowell County Health Department, the American Cancer Society, Mission Health System, 21st Century Oncology and several McDowell County primary care physicians.
"The established partnership will enhance our patients' ability to have treatment options readily available through the collaborative efforts of our surgeons and the radiation and medical oncologists," said Edward J. Hannon, president and CEO of The McDowell Hospital. "This program will provide the women of McDowell County with a comprehensive team of local radiologists, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, primary care physicians, surgeons, nurses, psycho-social support and chaplain services to support patients as they journey through the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for breast cancer."
Gloria Coleman, director of radiology services at McDowell, said that some of the funds will be used to purchase a state-of-the-art digital mammography unit. The new unit will provide more precise detection. It will also make the mammography process quicker for patients, allowing more to be tested and seen.
A full-time nurse navigator will be hired by The McDowell Hospital to work with patients from diagnosis through support following their care, helping them and their families understand their options and what to expect during and after treatment.
In addition, support from several cancer services including Reach to Recovery; Road to Recovery; Look Good, Feel Better; and Hugs for Life will be available to all patients. These programs currently are sponsored by The McDowell Hospital with volunteers provided by the American Cancer Society.
The Duke Endowment, in Charlotte, seeks to fulfill the legacy of James B. Duke by enriching lives and communities in the Carolinas through higher education, health care, rural churches and children's services. Since its inception in 1924, the endowment has awarded more than $2.4 billion in grants.

Grant Funds Cancer Program

Duke Endowment to fund nurse navigator, equipment

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