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Resources for breast cancer patients
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Lisa Bridges is a breast cancer patient navigator for the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The Patient Navigation program provides a continuous presence from diagnosis to completion of treatments with patients. - photo by Scott Rogers
The Longstreet Clinic Cancer Support Group 

What: Support group for all cancer patients, caregivers and survivors

When: 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month 

Where: Longstreet Cancer Center waiting area, 725 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville

Breast Cancer Faith-Based Support Group 

What: Support group for breast cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. 

When: 2 p.m. the fourth Saturday of every month 

Where: Flat Creek Baptist Church, 5504 Flat Creek Road, Oakwood

More info: Call Robyn Chambers at 770-401-4893 to attend 

Northeast Georgia Health System Oncology Patient Navigators

What: Provides cancer patients with guidance and support throughout their cancer journey, including helping to navigate the health care system and any challenges that may impede treatment. 

When: Navigators can be reached from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More info: Registered nurse Lisa Bridges assists patients with breast cancer. Call 770-219-5857 or email Lisa.Bridges@nghs.com

American Cancer Society local assistance

Jennifer Roberts, patient navigator with American Cancer Society, provides access to programs and services. Call 770-219-5812 or email Jennifer.Roberts@nghs.com

Cancer Rehabilitation

What: Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s cancer rehabilitation services treat the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and other common treatments of cancer. Patients can consult with the staff to verify insurance benefits for specific plans. 

More info: 770-219-8200, www.nghs.com/cancer-rehabilitation

Clinical trials

What: Northeast Georgia Medical Center partners with many national oncology groups to provide patients the opportunity to participate in nationwide clinical trials sponsored by National Cancer Institute and other established cancer institutions. 

More info: 770-219-8820, www.nghs.com/clinical-trials

Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Financial Assistance 

What: Helps patients apply for public health coverage programs, discounts, payment plans or free care to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients for medically necessary care.

More info: 770-219-1898, www.nghs.com/financial-assistance

Cancer State Aid 

What: Provides financial assistance for cancer-related diagnostic testing, evaluations and treatment planning support, as well as cancer treatment support for patients whose prognosis and planned treatment are medically eligible for program funding. 

More info: Contact Lisa Hunsbusher at 770-219-1734 for eligibility requirements or visit dph.georgia.gov/cancer-state-aid-2

Cancer Foundation 

What: Assists patients in Northeast Georgia with rent/mortgage, prescriptions not covered by insurance, utility bills, nutritional assistance, durable medical equipment and gas cards ($500 cap per patient each year). 

More info: 706-353-4354, www.cancerfoundationofnega.org

Glory, Hope and Life 

What: Assists cancer patients, caregivers and families with a variety of financial, physical and emotional support services through resources, programs and activities. 

More info: 770-533-4705, www.gloryhopelife.org

Salvation Army Project SHARE 

What: Provides utility assistance for people affected by illness, job loss or other unfortunate circumstances. 

More info: 770-534-7589, projectshareinfo.com/where-to-apply

Chaplain services

What: Northeast Georgia Health System offers chaplain visits, contact with personal pastors, devotional literature and Sunday chapel services. 

When: Chapels are available 24 hours a day, seven day a week. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Where: NGMC Braselton and NGMC Gainesville

More info: Gainesville office: 770-219-5077, after-hours 770-219-1873; Braselton office: 770-848-4928, after-hours 770-848-0735

Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center

What: Provides inpatient and outpatient hospice services 

More info: 770-219-8888, www.nghs.com/hospice

HealingStrong

What: Support group focused on natural strategies to heal and stay strong. 

When: First Tuesdays of the month

Where: Natural Juice Cafe, 2480 Limestone Parkway, Gainesville

More info: www.healingstrong.com, christine@healingstrong.com

Look Good Feel Better

What: American Cancer Society program that teaches beauty techniques to help women cope with some of the physical changes they may experience. 

More info: lookgoodfeelbetter.org, 800-395-5665

Team Maggie for a Cure

What: Helps women fund fertility treatments and egg retrievals. 

More info: www.teammaggieforacure.org