American Cancer Society
Patient Resource Program
10528 Kentshire Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
1.800.ACS.2345

Community Resources (CRD) - The Mid-South Division collects and provides referrals to local resources that address the needs of patients, their families and caregivers. If we are unable to identify a resource or develop a resource to meet a patient’s need in a timely manner, a patient would be eligible to apply for financial assistance from the American Cancer Society.

National Cancer Information Center (1.800.ACS.2345) -The American Cancer Society’s national cancer information and resource service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 1.800.ACS.2345. Specially trained cancer information specialists are available to answer questions and connect callers to local resources.

American Cancer Society Web Site (www.cancer.org) - The American Cancer Society’s Web site is an important extension of the Society’s mission to provide lifesaving information to the public.

Cancer Survivors Network - Many times cancer survivors long to connect with someone who can understand their experience. Through the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, survivors and caregivers can share information and find much needed support. Survivors and caregivers can participate in live chats and discussions with others, as well as listen to and read pre-recorded discussions. This service is available by calling 1.877.333.4673 (HOPE) or by linking through www.cancer.org.

Support, Visitation, and Education Resources - Programs and services that are designed to address a variety of issues that cancer patients face, including:

Reach to Recovery - A volunteer visitation program that matches breast cancer survivors with anyone who has a concern about breast cancer. To register for the Reach to Recovery program, call 1.800.ACS.2345.

Look Good…Feel Better - A program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment by teaching them beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self-image. Participants are given a complimentary box of make-up and shown how to wear wigs and turbans. Programs are offered on Mondays at facilities across Baton Rouge. Call 1.800.ACS.2345 to register.

Man to Man - A prostate cancer education and support group that offers education, discussion and support to men with prostate cancer. Sessions are offered the first Monday of each month at Mary Bird Perkins, the next to last Monday of each month at the American Cancer Society office and various times at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. No registration is necessary.

I Can Cope - A patient education program designed to help cancer patients and their loved ones deal with their cancer experience. Sessions include information on cancer, cancer treatment, pain control, nutrition, managing finances and other related topics. Sessions are scheduled throughout the year. Call 1.800.ACS.2345 to register.

Support Groups - These groups help cancer patients and their families deal with the physical and emotional stress of coping with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Current support groups include: Ostomy and New Voice Laryngectomy.

Financial Assistance - This program assists patients with financial needs when all other resources are exhausted. The program is designed to help meet the immediate need of the patient while developing a pool of resources that will allow us in the future to better assist patients with similar circumstances.

Transportation Grants Program - The Mid-South Division will provide funds, in the form of a grant, to social service departments of qualifying hospitals or freestanding treatment centers who provide radiation therapy. The funds are to be used to assist cancer patients with emergency recurring/chronic transportation needs, when no other assistance is available.

College Scholarship Program - The Mid-South Division has established a scholarship program that awards $1,000 scholarships to young cancer survivors pursuing higher education. Students who were diagnosed with cancer before age 21, maintain a 2.5 GPA, and have been accepted to an accredited university, college or vocational school may apply for this competitive scholarship.