Cancer Hope Network, together with Atlantic Health System, are making progress on a previously announced partnership to provide Atlantic Health System cancer patients and caregivers access to peer mentor volunteers.
Beginning in September, trained peer mentors who’ve been treated at Atlantic Health System will be available onsite for patients and caregivers at all five Atlantic Health System oncology facilities. This will include Chilton Medical Center, Hackettstown Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center, Newton Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center.
Originally focused on the breast cancer community, the expanded program is now open to those impacted by all cancer diagnoses and is a pathway to hope that is available at any point in the care journey.
The program also offers a platform for cancer survivors to give back to their community by volunteering as peer mentors. With 22 trained peer mentors from the Atlantic Health community now accessible, Cancer Hope Network and Atlantic Health continue to expand the program by recruiting, onboarding and training new volunteers. These peer mentors are available at each of the Atlantic Health System oncology locations to share information, talk about their experiences and help patients and caregivers access the program. In addition to the Atlantic Health System trained mentors, Cancer Hope Network has approximately 500 peer mentors across the country.
“A cancer diagnosis not only impacts our physical health, but also takes a tremendous toll on our mental, emotional and social wellbeing,” Beth Blakey, executive director & chief operating officer of Cancer Hope Network, said. “Our collaboration with Atlantic Health System allows us to reach cancer patients and those who love them where they are to address the psychosocial aspects of their experience and help in getting them through it, with people who have been there. We’re thrilled that this program is progressing to the point of offering onsite volunteers at all Atlantic Health System oncology locations, helping to realize our vision of a world in which no one faces cancer alone.”
Cancer Hope Network, based in Chester, provides personalized, supportive connections for patients and caregivers with regard to their diagnosis and treatment, as well as their mental, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs, individual lifestyle choices and other personal circumstances.
“Atlantic Health System has a commitment to be there for patients at every step of their cancer care journey,” Lydia Nadeau, executive director, Atlantic Health System Cancer Care, said. “We look not just at delivery of medical care, but at the bigger picture: providing the psychosocial and emotional support patients need. Cancer Hope Network has for decades been a leader in this approach to care, and we’re proud to be getting this program into full operation this September.”
