UNC Cancer Outreach Program Nurse Navigators to Assist Dare County Residents
Read article in The Virginian Pilot about the Nurse Navigators in Dare County.
Nurse navigators, funded by the University Cancer Research Fund, are part of a pilot cancer outreach program in Dare County.
Dr. Thomas Shea, UNC Lineberger associate director for outreach, explained, "The UNC Cancer Outreach Program is providing both the community and individual patients with an invaluable resource in their efforts to make the best decisions possible regarding the diagnosis, treatment and follow up care for their disease."
"Most navigator programs are based at individual hospitals but these community-based positions represent a different option that we hope will become a model for many communities who wish to augment their cancer services."
The nurse navigators will provide patient education about risk factors and screening guidelines. They are also partnering with community organizations to offer educational programs about cancer and cancer prevention as well as to organize screenings.
Navigator services are provided at no cost. Their office is in the Medical Office Building behind the Outer Banks Hospital campus in Nags Head. Patients and families may contact the nurse navigators directly; in addition, the nurses will also receive referrals from physicians, other health care professionals, and health departments.
UNC Cancer Outreach Program
The UNC Cancer Outreach Program was developed in 2008 to enhance the existing cancer care in Dare County. UNC is partnering with Dare County to ensure all patients receive the care needed during their fight with cancer regardless of where and from whom they are already receiving medical care. This program is designed to focus on all newly diagnosed cancer patients, irrespective of their personal resources or distance from medical care. The Dare/UNC partnership will also provide community cancer screenings, and cancer prevention programs with the Dare County Public Health Department.
The cancer clinic is located in the medical office building behind the Outer Banks Hospital. 4810 S. Croatan Hwy., #112 Nags Head, NC 27959, but much of the patient contact takes place in physician offices, oncology center, the hospital, or within the community setting.