OhioHealth and Cancer Support Community Central Ohio Partnering for Newly Diagnosed Support Group Series

OhioHealth and Cancer Support Community Central Ohio are partnering on a free series of virtual support groups for newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families.

The six-week sessions will run six times during 2021 and will cover a variety of topics including:

• First Steps After You’re Diagnosed: Learning a New Language
• Resources to Partner with Your Healthcare Team
• Communicating with Your Family Through Cancer
• Coping with Side Effects
• Proper Nutrition and Staying Active
• Managing the Emotions of Cancer

Participants are welcome to join the group at any point and can join missed sessions during another series. The groups are led by a licensed social worker from Cancer Support Community Central Ohio with the support of an OhioHealth cancer nurse navigator.

“We are thankful to Cancer Support Community Central Ohio for partnering with us to provide this important service to our cancer patients,” said Lisa Ahonen, MHA, BSN, OhioHealth system program director, supportive cancer care. “Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an emotional experience that comes with many questions for the patient and their family. Joining a support group, such as this series, can help them find answers and connect with people who are experiencing the same thing they are.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with OhioHealth to provide this series of support and education programs for newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families,” offered Bev Soult, president and CEO, Cancer Support Community Central Ohio. “The best cancer treatment combines medical treatment with support and education to help address with the emotional and behavioral concerns that accompany a cancer diagnosis. We applaud OhioHealth for its commitment to delivering exceptional care for cancer patients and their families to achieve a better quality of life.”

The series is free, but those interested in joining must register to get a secure Zoom link for each event. Registration is available by visiting https://cancersupportohio.org/ohiohealth/ or calling (614) 884.4673.

About OhioHealth

Based in Columbus, Ohio, OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church.  

Serving its communities since 1891, it is a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 12 hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health, medical equipment and other health services spanning a 47-county area. It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” 14 times since 2007. 

OhioHealth hospitals include OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital, OhioHealth Grove City Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Berger Hospital. For more information, please visit our website at www.ohiohealth.com.  

About Cancer Support Community Central Ohio

Cancer Support Community Central Ohio is an affiliate of Cancer Support Community, the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide. It is dedicated to ensuring all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Cancer Support Community conducts cutting-edge research on the emotional, psychological, and financial journey of cancer patients and advocates at all levels of government for policies to help individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer. The organization is advancing innovations that are becoming the standard in complete cancer care so that no one faces cancer alone.

Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes emotional and social support, Cancer Support Community Central Ohio offers its services at no cost to all people living with any type or stage of cancer, from diagnosis though survivorship. The organization delivers a comprehensive menu of personalized and essential services including support groups, educational workshops, stress management, cooking and nutrition classes, and social activities for the entire family. During the current pandemic, all programs are being offered on a virtual platform without interruption, so cancer patients and their family members, friends and caregivers can continue to find the support and community they need during this challenging time. For more information, go to CancerSupportOhio.org.

-30-