BCHS Partners with American Cancer Society on Cancer Resource Center
"You have cancer." When you hear these words, and you leave the doctor's office, where do you go for help? If you are near The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System you can visit the American Cancer Society 'Cancer Resource Center' located in the newly expanded cancer center.
Jean Thompson, community program manager for the American Cancer Society says,
"Our goal is to empower cancer patients by providing up-to-date, valuable information to help them make decisions that will impact their cancer experience. This resource center will provide information on cancer diagnosis and treatment options, early detection and risk reduction, programs and services for cancer patients and families, research, local activities and events, healthy lifestyle tips, and volunteer opportunities."
Jayme Carrico, director of The Cancer Care Center contacted the American Cancer Society before construction began and shared his vision of this service. "An initial cancer diagnosis has an inherent fear factor," says Carrico. "Having this ACS resource center on site has the ability to lessen that fear by providing in-depth information at time of diagnosis."
The resource center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. Patients will have access to the ACS web site, its 800 number, and information on programs and services available in the Calhoun County area. "Newly diagnosed patients may have several needs such as help with transportation, support groups, financial help, and most of all, specific information for their diagnosis," says Thompson. "Helping them navigate through the process can lower the stress factor and help them concentrate on their treatment plan."
Battle Creek Health System, the Calhoun County Cancer Coalition, and the American Cancer Society have partnered on several fronts to begin addressing the cancer burden in Calhoun County.
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons recognizes Battle Creek Health System as the only Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. This approval is the highest awarded and held by fewer than 10% of hospitals nationwide. BCHS is the only hospital in Southwest Michigan to hold this designation.
Approval by the Commission on Cancer is awarded only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performances. In order to maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs must also undergo an on-site review every three years.
Receiving treatment in a Commission on Cancer-approved program ensures that a patient has access to quality care close to home.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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