Cancer Hope Network and Atlantic Health Expand Cancer Peer Support Collaboration

On Aug 16, 2024

Cancer Hope Network and Atlantic Health System made progress on a partnership to provide Atlantic Health System cancer patients and caregivers access to peer mentor volunteers. Beginning in September 2024, trained peer mentors who’ve been treated at Atlantic Health System will be available onsite for patients and caregivers at all five Atlantic Health System oncology facilities. This will include Chilton Medical Center, Hackettstown Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center, Newton Medical Center, and Overlook Medical Center.

The collaboration between Cancer Hope Network and Atlantic Health System, first announced in March, connects cancer patients and caregivers with trained peers who have been through a similar cancer experience and can relate. Originally focused on the breast cancer community, the expanded program is now open to those impacted by all cancer diagnoses and is a pathway to hope that is available at any point in the care journey.

It also offers a platform for cancer survivors to give back to their community by volunteering as peer mentors. With 22 trained peer mentors from the Atlantic Health System community now accessible, Cancer Hope Network and Atlantic Health System continue to expand the program by recruiting, onboarding, and training new volunteers. These peer mentors are available at each of the Atlantic Health System oncology locations to share information, talk about their experiences, and help patients and caregivers access the program. In addition to the Atlantic Health trained mentors, Cancer Hope Network has approximately 500 peer mentors across the country.

The program reflects the two organizations’ shared commitment to holistic cancer care and community empowerment, and is an important part of a whole-person, patient-centered approach to cancer care. The program also leverages the expertise and resources of both organizations, bringing together a multidisciplinary team comprising Social Work, Breast Nurse Navigators, Integrative Support Services, Oncology Managers, Community Volunteers, and Cancer Hope Network staff.

“A cancer diagnosis not only impacts our physical health but also takes a tremendous toll on our mental, emotional, and social wellbeing,” said Beth Blakey, executive director & COO of Cancer Hope Network. “Our collaboration with Atlantic Health System allows us to reach cancer patients and those who love them where they are to address the psychosocial aspects of their experience and help in getting them through it, with people who have been there. We’re thrilled that this program is progressing to the point of offering onsite volunteers at all Atlantic Health System oncology locations, helping to realize our vision of a world in which no one faces cancer alone.”

Cancer Hope Network provides personalized, supportive connections for patients and caregivers based on their diagnosis and treatment, as well as their mental, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs, individual lifestyle choices, and other personal circumstances. For over 40 years, Cancer Hope Network has been training peer mentors to constructively and safely share their experiences, offer practical advice, and answer questions with a goal of inspiring hope and confidence.

“Atlantic Health System has a commitment to be there for patients at every step of their cancer care journey,” said Lydia Nadeau, RN, Executive Director, Atlantic Health System Cancer Care. “We look not just at delivery of medical care but at the bigger picture: providing the psychosocial and emotional support patients need. Cancer Hope Network has for decades been a leader in this approach to care, and we’re proud to be getting this program into full operation this September.”

Atlantic Health System and Cancer Hope Network provide ongoing training to ensure volunteers can provide effective support to newly diagnosed cancer patients. Each Atlantic Health System site has a designated lead to supervise, provide direction, troubleshoot issues, and offer support to volunteers. Atlantic Health System also continuously monitors and evaluates the program’s services to identify areas for growth to further enhance patient support.

Atlantic Health System cancer survivors who’d like to give back by supporting someone currently impacted by cancer can signup here to become a peer mentor. Current Atlantic Health System cancer patients and caregivers can reach out for support here to request a free, confidential match.

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