Dear Friends,
We are thrilled to share with you that the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) was recently awarded a significant grant by Gilead Sciences, Inc. to expand its navigation services for cancer patients receiving care in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. This is the largest grant in WCRC’s 37-year history.
The expanded program, which builds upon existing WCRC services, will help address barriers to care and social determinants of health by increasing patient navigators, cultural competency training, and services combating barriers such as transportation.
“Our community-based navigators work in partnership with patients, their families, and their medical teams to ensure that patients have the knowledge to make informed decisions about their care, and have access to additional resources such as transportation and financial assistance,” said Amy Alanes, Executive Director at WCRC. “We aim to improve outcomes for patients from marginalized populations by breaking down barriers in access to treatment and care, and meeting the unique and individual needs of each person. This transformational grant from Gilead will allow us to continue our efforts to advance equitable cancer care for all.”
WCRC’s Navigation Program provides immediate needs assistance and connections to further care. Navigating the health care system is not an easy task, and harder still when patients do not fit within a “one size fits all” treatment plan. Patient navigation and supportive care systems that address the specific needs of the individual have been proven to be successful ways to address disparities in cancer care.
“This grant allows WCRC to increase its service delivery because we are able to hire two client navigators who will work closely with BIPOC and other marginalized individuals,” explained Dolores Moorehead, Community Engagement Director and Client Support Clinician at WCRC. “The support from the navigators will validate clients' experiences with the medical system, improve understanding of their diagnosis, and increase their access to community resources.”
