(Hattiesburg, MS) – (January 24, 2011) – The American Cancer Society and Forrest General Hospital have officially unveiled the new Cancer Resource Center. The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Resource Center offers cancer patients in Hattiesburg a new place to turn for the most up-to-date cancer information, services and programs.
The ceremony took place Friday, January 21, at 11 a.m. at the Forrest General Cancer Center. The opening ceremony featured a ribbon cutting by medical staff and guest speakers. The Cancer Resource Center is a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Forrest General Hospital.
Forrest General and American Cancer Society administrators, representatives and volunteers joined together on January 21 to cut the ribbon on a new Cancer Resource Center at the Forrest General Cancer Center.
“The Cancer Resource Center is an important way that the programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society are brought to where the patient is,” says Janet Watson, Mississippi Health Initiatives Director for the American Cancer Society. “Cancer Resource Centers provide a personal connection to the patient and the community in such a user friendly way.”
The American Cancer Society recruits and trains local Cancer Resource Center volunteers. These volunteers are trained to navigate the American Cancer Society website and the Society’s Community Resource Database. Volunteers provide patients with information for understanding cancer, managing each day through treatment and recovery, and finding emotional support they need.
“This Cancer Resource Center will not only supplement and compliment what a patient’s treatment will do, but also provide emotional support from the volunteers to the patients and their families,” says Watson. “We at the American Cancer Society know that providing an informational and supportive place is so very important in the journey through a cancer diagnosis. This is what Cancer Resource Centers are all about.”
Wigs, hats and scarves are also available for patients undergoing cancer treatments and facing partial or total loss of hair.
“Forrest General is excited to partner with the American Cancer Society to bring this valuable resource to our patients and community,” said Forrest General Oncology Service Line Leader Janet Gallaspy. “We are eager to be able to provide additional assistance for our patients through the new Cancer Resource Center.”
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 Divisions and local and millions of volunteers across the United States. For cancer information anytime day or night, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
For more information on the Forrest General Cancer Center, visit forrestgeneral.com or call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445.