Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Union Hospital’s Richard G. Lugar Center for Rural Health was awarded a Health Resources and Services Administration Grant to establish a network of community, and healthcare providers to study the landscape of cancer survivorship and the support survivors have access to in the Wabash Valley. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer regardless is considered a survivor according to the American Cancer Society.
The Illiana-Survivor Milestones Improving Lives Everyday (I-SMILE) network will bring stakeholders from healthcare, philanthropy, and community organizations together to learn directly from cancer survivors about gaps in care, services, support, and opportunities for collaboration.
Cancer survivors are more likely to have poorer health outcomes in rural areas compared to urban communities due to fewer healthcare providers, poor healthcare coordination, and fewer resources. Latest numbers from the American Cancer Society estimate that there are over 290,000 cancer survivors living in Indiana.
“The best way to identify ways to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors in the Wabash Valley is to build a network of providers and partners.” Dr. Jim Turner, Medical Director for I-SMILE.
“The library is honored to partner with the Lugar Center and their mission to better serve cancer patients of Clark County.” Alyson Thompson, Marshall Public Library Director
The Founding members of the I-SMILE network are from Parke, Sullivan, and Vigo Counties in Indiana and Clark County in Illinois and consist of PINK of Terre Haute, Sullivan Public Library, Marshall Public Library, Clark County Health Department, Union Family Medicine Rockville, Cork Family Medicine, and the Lugar Center for Rural Health. Additional organizations are invited to join this collaborative effort.
The network will work to hear directly from cancer survivors in the identified counties by scheduling focus groups, listening sessions, and interviews with community stakeholders about cancer survivorship care and resources in their community. Ultimately, I-SMILE will utilize the information gathered and pair it with up-to-date data to produce an actionable plan ready for implementation.
The first focus group will be held at the Marshall Public Library on November 15th at 6:00. Cancer survivors are invited to bring a support person with them. Contact the Marshall Public Library for more information or to save a seat at 217 826-2535.
“This is an exciting opportunity to sit down with individuals across both the healthcare community and rural stakeholders to understand what work is needed to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors and their families. Our hope is to hear from many cancer survivors about their experience and identify strategies to solve problems.” Dan Hardesty, Project Director.
About the Lugar Center
Its mission is to advance rural health through education, innovation, and collaboration. Learn more at www.LugarCenter.org or by contacting Dan Hardesty, at 812-238-7479 or dhardesty@uhhg.org.
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