Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER /EMPIRE HEALTH SERVICES, Spokane, WA
American Cancer Society Resource Center

What is it?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) Resource Center was established at Deaconess Medical Center in May 2006, in partnership with Deaconess Medical Center Volunteer Services and the Empire Health Services administration team.  The ACS Resource Center is staffed solely by adult and college volunteers, who are specially trained to provide multiple services to newly diagnosed cancer patients and their family members.  Many of the ACS volunteers are cancer survivors.

Who is it for?
The American Cancer Society Resource Center provides service to the local community by utilizing trained volunteers who can provide materials, information on community resources, and immediate access to Cancer Specialists through a designated ACS hotline or by researching information on the American Cancer Society website.  The volunteers are also trained to assist cancer patients with wigs and scarves if requested, and may also visit patients in their rooms upon request through the Reach To Recovery program.

Why do they do it?
By partnering with the American Cancer Society, Deaconess Medical Center volunteers are providing a vital service to cancer patients and families, with a convenient location right inside the hospital.  They are able to service a greater number of people by providing them with a wide variety of resources and information specific to their diagnosis.  Because many of the volunteers are cancer survivors, they are able to provide comfort and encouragement to patients and their families, thus making a personal connection to the community while providing information on treatment options, early detection and risk reduction, and programs for cancer patients and their families available within the community.

Since it's opening in May 2006, the American Cancer Society Resource Center at Deaconess was recently ranked #1 within the organization's 12-state Great West division for having seen the most newly diagnosed cancer patients, serving over 124 patients in the 1st quarter of 2007 alone. It also ranked #2 in the division for the number of cancer patients and families served by the Society's programs and services.   Because of the tremendous success of this program at Deaconess, Volunteer Services is in the process of opening a second ACS Resource Center at Valley Hospital. 

Contact: Joey Frost
Manager of Volunteer Services
Empire Health Services
Telephone:  509.473.3767 or 509.473.5639
Email: FrostJ@empirehealth.org