In March 2009, the American Cancer Society has chose St. Vincent as its first Montana site to place an ACS Cancer Patient Navigator, Sarah Rachac. She has access to information regarding virtually all cancers, the available surgical and treatment options, and what patients can expect during the recovery process. Some of the other assistance Rachac is able to provide includes:

Referring patients to support groups, classes and/or community resources;

Helping patients find resources for financial assistance, lodging, medication needs, education, home-health care, transportation and other concerns; and

Providing information and materials on coping with the disease.

"With everything the program has to offer the cancer patient when they walk through the door, the most valuable is the Patient Navigator's willingness to listen to their questions, concerns, even, fears," says Rachac. "This is something they have never experienced and they have every right to be apprehensive. The Patient Navigator program is here to help them cope with the stress that comes with a diagnosis."

To schedule an appointment at the American Cancer Society/St. Vincent Healthcare Patient Navigator office, or for more information about the program, contact Sarah Rachac at 237-3084 or email her at sarah.rachac@svh-mt.org.

Additional Support Services

Support Groups:
Breast Cancer Support Group, Caring Connections Cancer Support Group, Prostate Cancer Support Group
For information call 237-3950 or visit www.svhclasses.org

Cancer Resource Center -
Located in the Mansfield Health Education Center inside the Health Sciences Library, the center is a joint effort between St. Vincent Healthcare, the American Cancer Society, Hematology Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies, and Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center. Staffed by volunteers, the Cancer Resource Center offers patients and families access to information on cancer, research, and treatment options. Call 406-237-8640 for more information.