The New England Division of the American Cancer Society, with funding
from AstraZeneca, and in cooperation with Fletcher Allen Health Care,
welcomes Jessica Denton as the patient navigator for Fletcher Allen
Health Care. As an American Cancer Society patient navigator, Denton
will connect patients and caregivers with the most appropriate programs
and services to help assist individuals in negotiating the health care system.
Denton received her Master of Social Work in May of 2009 from the
University at Albany, State University of New York and was most recently
employed as a social worker at the Glens Falls Hospital, Center for
Children and Families. She comes to the American Cancer Society with
experience as a family advocate and mental health counselor.
Whether it is getting patients and caregivers the information they need
to make treatment decisions and better understand their disease, helping
them deal with the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer, such as
transportation and insurance issues, or connecting them with community
resources such as support groups, American Cancer Society patient
navigators can provide help throughout the disease continuum ? from the
time of diagnosis, through treatment, into survivorship. Furthermore,
navigators are able to increase treatment compliance and follow-up care.
"This position allows me the unique opportunity to assist people
affected by cancer; to provide a link to resources, to be involved in
supporting the individual and the family as they progress through their
cancer journey," said Denton, "and to increase awareness and utilization
of the outstanding programs and services provided by the American Cancer
Society."
"We're pleased to have Jessica on site at Fletcher Allen to reach cancer
patients in their time of need." said Vice President of Health &
Advocacy Initiatives Kelly Stoddard. "A cancer diagnosis can be
overwhelming. The patient navigator assesses barriers for treatment and
connects patients to the services that will promote healing and recovery."
About the American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program
The American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program provides guidance
for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers to help them navigate the
cancer experience, with a focus on eliminating barriers to cancer care
for the medically underserved. Formally launched in 2005, the Patient
Navigator Program, in collaboration with community-based hospitals and
cancer centers, links those affected by cancer to patient navigators who
serve as personal guides for patients as they face the psychosocial,
emotional and financial aspects of their unique cancer experience.
Patient navigators receive national-level training through the American
Cancer Society, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute
Patient Navigation Research Program, as well as localized training and
opportunities for ongoing education.