Survivorship Task Force

Survivorship

GOAL: Improve quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer.

From the time of cancer diagnosis a person is considered a survivor and continues to be one for the remainder of their life. Partners working together on the Survivorship Task Force have a goal to improve Nevada cancer survivors’ quality of life through increased awareness, education, and access to survivorship resources and services, as well as palliative care, while also increasing knowledge of both survivorship and palliative care among health care professionals. This goal along with objectives and proposed strategies is outlined in the Nevada Cancer Plan.

Quality of Life Objectives:

• Expand clinical and non-clinical supportive resources available to survivors.
• Increase educational opportunities for current and future health care professionals and other support personnel to learn about best practices in survivorship.
• Increase equitable access to palliative care services in hospitals.

Staff Lead and Co-Chair:

Amy Thompson, Cancer Survivorship Programs Manager
Dr. Danielle Bello, Director of Behavioral Health and Long-Term Survivorship Clinic, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

Meeting Schedule:

• February 15, 2024, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
• May 16, 2024, 3-4:30 p.m.
• August 15, 2024, 3-4:30 p.m.
• November 21, 2024, 3-4:30 p.m.

Oncology Patient Navigation Network

Recognized as a Local Navigation Network by AONN+, this group is a networking group that meets every other month to discuss barriers, brainstorm solutions, share resources and network.
Staff Lead: Valerie Martinez, Cancer Outreach Coordinator

Task Force and Collaborative Resources:

Survivorship Task Force Resources

Task Force Accomplishments:

• Identified support resources for survivors and created a statewide resource list for "Life after Treatment - Survivorship."
• Held provider and allied health professional webinar to improve communication/assist with having difficult conversations.
• Developed Project ECHO Cancer Survivorship Series for Primary Care Providers.
• Developed and launched ThriveNV program and website:  
  • Patient navigation service began May 1, 2020 offering free navigation with a focus on rural communities. The program collaborates with statewide partners to help people overcome barriers to accessing cancer care and resources - aimed at filling a gap in our state.
  • Formed the Oncology Navigation Network in August 2020 to bring together those working in oncology navigation and case management in Nevada, increasing collaboration, support, and statewide resource sharing. Network membership increased in 2022 to nearly 100.
• Built statewide peer-to-peer support program in April 2021 in partnership with Imerman Angels.
• In 2022, launched statewide advertising and promotional campaign for ThriveNV to increase visits to website and calls for navigation services.

Members & Organizations: