Health and Community Services
October 9, 2015
Investing in the Health and Well-Being of Families and Communities
Approximately $60,000 Supports Individuals and Families Affected by Cancer
The Provincial Government has provided $60,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society-Newfoundland and Labrador for the operation of Practical Support Rooms across the province.
�Nearly every resident and family of Newfoundland and Labrador has been touched by cancer in some way. Since 2004, our government has allocated over $184 million for cancer programs and services, and by continuing to invest, we are providing families and communities with a supportive health care system. Funding will be used for the purchase of equipment for Practical Support Rooms, and will also contribute to meeting the emotional needs of those battling cancer.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
Practical Support Rooms are located in the regional offices of the Canadian Cancer Society-Newfoundland and Labrador, the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Clinic and Daffodil Place. Items such as wigs, turbans and breast surgery kits are distributed to patients through these rooms and staff members provide emotional support to visitors who have received recent cancer diagnoses. Services are provided free of charge to patients.
�Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society-NL Division distributed 6,248 practical support items free-of-charge to individuals diagnosed with cancer. We could not offer this essential program without donor and volunteer support. Thank you to the Provincial Government for this generous gift that will ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis for so many people throughout our province.�
- Matthew Piercey, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society - NL Division
Through Gaining Ground: A Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is committed to enhancing prevention and screening, as well as diagnosis, treatment and support. The strategy is available at www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/gaining_ground_provincial_cancer_control_policy.pdf.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has provided $60,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society-Newfoundland and Labrador for the operation of Practical Support Rooms across the province.
- In these Practical Support Rooms, items such as wigs, turbans and breast surgery kits are distributed to patients, and staff members provide emotional support to visitors who have received recent cancer diagnoses.
- Through Gaining Ground: A Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is committed to enhancing prevention and screening, as well as diagnosis, treatment and support.
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Media contacts:
| Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca |
Matthew Piercey Executive Director Canadian Cancer Society, Newfoundland and Labrador Division 709-757-8527 mpiercey@nl.cancer.ca |
2015 10 09 2:40 p.m.