St. John’s Health announces pilot project for cancer survivorship

St. John’s Health is launching a pilot cancer survivorship program to help with the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of people who have completed or who are undergoing cancer treatment. Services include yoga, healing touch, massage therapy, wellness coaching, physical and occupational therapy, spiritual direction, acupuncture, speech therapy, nutrition services, Meals with a Mission, mindfulness, and an oncology support group.

“These services help patients heal from the challenges that can result from cancer and its treatment,” said Lynnette Gaertner, MSW, social worker at St. John’s Health Cancer Care. “We work with providers who have experience and training in the field of oncology, so that they can provide the best care possible to cancer survivors.”

Through financial support from St. John’s Health Foundation, the Oncology Survivorship Pilot Program is available at no charge to former and current patients, family members, and caregivers in Jackson and surrounding communities. Patients do not have to receive cancer treatment at St. John’s to be eligible for the program.

“Last spring, we surveyed individuals who had experienced cancer to see what they would like to see as part of our cancer care program, and they overwhelmingly said that survivorship services were important to their overall experience,” said John Goettler, President of St. John’s Health Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are pleased to be able to offer a pilot program that offers these services to cancer survivors, family members, and caregivers.”

The pilot project runs through February 28, 2021, after which St. John’s Health Foundation leaders will review data and work with the Cancer Care team to determine the future of the program.

For more information and to be connected with a survivorship service provider, call Lynnette Gaertner at 307.739.6190.

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Media contact: Karen Connelly, Chief Communications Officer, 307.739.7380, kconnelly@stjohns.health