Resources and Support Groups To Help Cancer Patients
Cancer treatment is taxing, but you and your family don’t have to go through it alone. At Penn Highlands, we have assembled a cancer support services team to take care of you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually along the way.
The cancer support services team at Penn Highlands believes no one should ever feel alone on their journey with cancer. Our services are available to you every step of the way, from diagnosis through cancer treatment and into survivorship. We are proud to offer cancer counseling, nutrition advice, behavioral health services, spiritual guidance and even transportation to and from treatment.
Cancer Support Services for You and Your Family
If you are receiving cancer care at Penn Highlands, we invite you and your family to use our cancer support services. Some patients benefit most from our cancer support groups, including our breast cancer support group, others need help from a nutrition expert to find foods they can keep down, and others need help getting connected to transportation or other community services. Whatever your needs, we’re here to help.
Accessing Cancer Support Services at Penn Highlands
Our cancer support services team is based out of Hahne Regional Cancer Center. The main number is 814-375-3535. Many of our support services, however, are available at other locations as well. Our spiritual care staff, for example, is available at all four of our hospitals. And our cancer support groups meet at various locations. Check our event schedule to find a support group according to cancer type.
A Team to Provide Cancer Support Services
Our cancer support services team is made up of licensed professionals who can provide the utmost knowledge and access to a variety of resources to help you and your family deal with your cancer journey. In addition to your Penn Highlands medical team, you’ll have access to our support team, which is made up of the following professionals.
Social workers, also called case managers, can assist you and your family by connecting you with resources both in the healthcare system as well as in the community, such as cancer caregiver support groups, agencies, and community foundations. Contact a social worker if you have difficulty affording your prescriptions, care, or living expenses while you’re in treatment.
Nutritionists work in collaboration with your medical team if you are at risk for malnutrition because of painful swallowing, nausea, malabsorption, or anxiety related to your cancer treatment. They will provide you with evidence-based nutrition guidance to help you eat enough to keep your energy up and improve your health during cancer treatment.
Our spiritual care staff consists of hospital chaplains along with a team of local pastors, ministers, and priests. You do not need to be religious to benefit from spiritual care. Our spiritual care team is here to listen and offer words of wisdom and encouragement.
Our Behavioral Health Services staff can help if you’re struggling with any number of emotional or mental problems, including intense worry, fear, depression, and anxiety. You’ll be screened for emotional distress at the start of your cancer treatment but may reach out to Behavioral Health Services at any time for emotional support and therapeutic intervention. Our goal is to help you have the best quality of life possible while going through cancer treatment.
Cancer Patient Transportation Help
Thanks to our generous donors, Penn Highlands has a fleet of vans and the friendliest of drivers to pick you up and take you to treatment if you don’t have a ride. If you live or are staying in the region and need transportation to Hahne Regional Cancer Center, call 814-375-3535.
