News Release

June 21, 2005

Contact: Carolyn Pennington, 860-679-4864
e-mail: cpennington@uchc.edu 

UConn Resource Center Earns American Cancer Society Certification

FARMINGTON, CONN. – The cancer resource center at the University of Connecticut Health Center has met all of the criteria necessary for certification as an official American Cancer Society Resource Center.

“The accreditation of the resource center demonstrates the commitment shared by the UConn Health Center and the American Cancer Society to providing high quality cancer information to the community,” said Mary Ann Vanderjagt, ACS community executive for cancer control. The center is located at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and offers a private, convenient space for patients, their families and caregivers to tap into valuable resources and patient services aimed at easing the burden for those facing diagnosis.

“The importance of our relationship with the American Cancer Society is a shared mission in providing patients with accurate and timely information about their cancers and supportive services,” said Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and president-elect of the ACS. “This is, of course, in addition to providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical therapies. In doing so, we not only tend to their medical needs but also to their emotional well-being through support groups and ‘Look Good-Feel Better’ programs to name a few of the resources available,” said Dr. Runowicz.

Information and services at the resource center includes:

• Cancer Information Database: The information is updated regularly by physicians and includes treatments, risk factors, prevention and checkup guidelines.
• Community Resource Database: Access to resources and support groups in the community.
• Cancer Survivors Network^®: Connects with other survivors via phone or internet.
• Videos are available for loan.
• Printed materials and educational tools.

The resource center also provides a number of patient support programs:

• Look Good—Feel Better: Tips to look your best while undergoing cancer treatment, including makeup, scarves and wigs.
• I Can Cope^®: Education and support program for cancer patients, families and friends.
• Road to Recovery^SM: Transportation provided to necessary treatment appointments.
• Reach to Recovery^®: One-to-one support for women with breast cancer.
• Man to Man^®: Support for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“Additionally, volunteers from the ACS will help us launch our patient navigator program to help patients get through the maze of medical treatments by having a patient advocate for them and help them with appointments and necessary testing, as well as provide support through friendship,” said Dr. Runowicz. “It is a multifaceted program with benefits to the ACS and us as we share the same mission,” she added.

Earlier this year, the two organizations signed a collaborative agreement to create advocacy and outreach efforts throughout the community.

The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a full spectrum of cancer services, from education and prevention strategies to early detection services, innovative, state-of-the-art treatments, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and support services. In addition, patients can participate in a range of clinical trials and research studies. For more information, visit http://cancer.uchc.edu. 

Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the American Cancer Society has 14 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more lifesaving information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

Note: News professionals are invited to visit the Office of Communications homepage at www.uchc.edu/ocomm/ for archived news releases and other information.