New Support for Cancer Patients in Monroe County
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowBLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Cancer patients in Monroe County now have free, emotional support as they battle with the disease amid the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Bloomington Health Foundation, Cancer Support Community Central Indiana, and IU Health South Central Region are coordinating efforts to provide free virtual psychosocial services.
The services are being provided by CSC Central Indiana, offering licensed and credentialed programming. The organization says the support is especially vital right now as many patients are socially distancing at home.
“Social isolation is challenging enough for so many after a diagnosis and the impact of the COVD-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this concern,” said Eric Richard, CSC Central Indiana president and chief executive officer.
CSC says those seeking services can self-refer or receive referrals from IU Health physicians and staff. The program offers a variety of services, including virtual support groups, education programs, and even a monthly cooking class.
“That is why it is especially exciting to be partnering with the Bloomington Health Foundation and IU Health Bloomington Hospital to provide unique and critical virtual support services to those who need it from the comfort of their homes and all completely free of charge,” said Richard.
Funding for the programming will be provided by the Bloomington Health Foundation, in part from their annual 5k fundraiser Hoosiers Outrun Cancer.
The foundation says Hoosiers Outrun Cancer has raised nearly $4 million over the past 20 years in support of cancer patient needs beyond clinical care.
Because of COVID-19, the run will be held virtually this year. It is scheduled for September 26.