To expand the variety, frequency, and the number of cancer patients and family members who receive support with needs beyond clinical care, Bloomington Health Foundation (BHF) has granted $260,000 to Cancer Support Community Central Indiana (CSCCI) to establish Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana. The new satellite program will be headquartered in Bloomington and serve patients throughout the 11-county region including Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Brown, Orange, Greene, Daviess, Martin, Washington, Jackson, and Lawrence counties.
The grant provides one-year startup funding for two personnel positions and will offer in-person programmatic services when they can be safely held, potentially in late 2021. Last year BHF, CSCCI, and IU Health South Central Region collaborated to bring virtual versions of these services to the area amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Those services are ongoing and can be accessed through the CSCCI website.
Funding for the grant comes from past monies raised through the annual community event Hoosiers Outrun Cancer. Also included in the agreement is 3-year licensure of the event, which will fund the program moving forward.
“It is wonderful to witness after 21 years of incredible community support for Hoosiers Outrun Cancer, that this beloved event will have even a broader vision for supporting those impacted by cancer,” said BHF Interim President and CEO Heather Robinson. “We are honored to partner with CSCCI to bring critical services beyond clinical care to our area that will be free to cancer patients and their families.”
Cancer Support Community is a global non-profit network consisting of 175 locations, including the 26-year-old affiliate in Indianapolis. Their centers provide support through wellness classes, counseling, a toll-free helpline, educational resources, and more.
“We have cared for tens of thousands of Hoosiers in Central Indiana for more than 25 years and it is our honor to work alongside local leaders like BHF to continue that legacy and expand our services to our friends in South Central Indiana,” said Eric Richards, President and CEO of CSCCI.
Mary, a current program participant in Indianapolis, said, “What happens every week I walk into a group is pure magic. I find spiritual strength when treatment has drained me of physical strength. I am refueled and re-energized through my support group and through the wellness activities and the education programs and the people. The whole place is magical.”
A local advisory committee comprised of seven individuals, three selected by BHF and four appointed by CSCCI, will oversee operations of the South Central program. Additionally, CSCCI is currently working to establish relationships with regional healthcare leaders for further program expansion. Those details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Cancer Support Community Central Indiana will be hiring a full-time Program Manager and full-time Development Manager to support its efforts. Qualified and interested individuals can learn more or submit their resume to eric@cancersupportindy.org.
The 22nd Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k walk/run is set for September 25th. Registration will soon be available at HoosiersOutrunCancer.org.
###
About Bloomington Health Foundation
Bloomington Health Foundation has been the local philanthropic expert for improving community health for more than 50 years. BHF invests support in partnership with the people and organizations of our community by convening, seeking input, and leveraging existing assets to implement innovative, evidence-based solutions to our community’s health needs. Since 2018, BHF has committed over $3 million to impact health in Bloomington and beyond.
Learn more about joining the movement for a healthier tomorrow at bloomhf.org.
About Cancer Support Community Central Indiana
Cancer Support Community (CSCCI), servicing Central Indiana for the past 26 years, was founded as The Wellness Community-Central Indiana in 1995. Operating from the Paulsen Family Center, 5150 W. 71st St., Indianapolis, CSC is a member of a global organization that provides the highest quality social and emotional support for people impacted by cancer through a network of 50 licensed Affiliates, more than 120 satellite locations and vibrant online and telephone communities, touching more than one million people each year worldwide.
Like what you’re reading?
Recent Comments