French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) which along with Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH) and Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC), are Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals, is pleased to be the recipient of a grant in the amount of $100,000 from the proceeds of the 12th annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
With the support of the Avon Foundation, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) at FHMC will be able to enhance the many services it offers to the community. Specifically, the grant will support the addition of a bilingual lay patient navigator who will provide outreach and guidance to Hispanic-Latina women in the community. This will complement the comprehensive care already provided by the existing nurse navigator. The HCRC will also offer bilingual educational tools about breast cancer, and increase the number of free mammography clinics, provided at no charge to local low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women. In addition, the grant will help provide transportation services to patients in remote parts of San Luis Obispo County.
Over 2,000 participated in the 39.3 mile Avon walk, which took place in Santa Barbara on Sept. 6. The event raised awareness and $4.6 million dollars for breast cancer research and education. Ten Southern California breast cancer organizations received grants from the earnings. HCRC Advisory Committee member, Katie Lichtig, accepted the check on behalf of the hospital.
“We are very thankful for Avon’s financial support,” said FHMC President and CEO, Alan Iftiniuk. “With this funding we are able to provide a continuum of safe, culturally sensitive community outreach and educational services to a population that increasingly needs medical assistance.”
The HCRC collaborates with community and physician partners to provide the supportive and educational services necessary for cancer patients to understand their disease, manage treatment, and maintain dignity and quality of life throughout all aspects of their cancer journey. Staffed by oncology professionals, the HCRC houses the latest information on cancer treatment options, nutrition, pain management and stress reduction. The HCRC features a Resource Library and an Appearance Center, as well as hosting everything from laughing classes and yoga, to lectures and support groups.
For more information on making a donation to the HCRC, please contact the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation at 805.542.6496.
French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, is rated one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the nation and one of the Top 50 Cardiac Hospitals in the nation by Thomson Reuters. The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provide the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology on the Central Coast. The hospital’s current modernization and redesign project is an example of the commitment to meet the growing needs of the community with lifesaving advancements in medicine coupled with excellent, compassionate care. The hospital is home to the unique Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. French is a Dignity Health member of the Central Coast which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA. Dignity Health of the Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services including primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities.