Download 0-66298200-1384961717 - Community Oncology Alliance

Contacts:
Julie Chase
(202) 997-8677
[email protected]
Anita Weissman
(312) 850-0558
[email protected]
Chase Communications
CANCER PATIENTS AND NORTH SHORE HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES
MEET TO FORM A LOCAL CHAPTER OF NATIONAL ADVOCACY GROUP
Area Patients and Physicians Advocate for Access to Local Affordable Care for
All Cancer Patients
WASHINGTON, DC – November 20, 2013 – The Community Oncology Alliance
(COA) and its advocacy organization the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN)
together with North Shore Hematology Oncology Associates (NSHOA) launched a
New York-based chapter for community cancer patient advocacy. The CPAN
signature event “How to Become a Cancer Care Advocate” was held yesterday at the
practice offices in Setauket, New York. CPAN is a nationally recognized patient
advocacy group that utilizes the patient’s voice along with community oncologists,
nurses and healthcare professionals to advocate for access to local affordable care
for all cancer patients. Rose Gerber, COA director of communications and patient
advocacy, and representatives from NSHOA met with those interested in becoming
advocates.
Presentations by Rose Gerber and NSHOA staff, Dr. Jeff Vacirca, North Shore
Hematology Oncology Associates CEO, Michael Murray, director of development,
and Nicole Cardaci Gregory, director of marketing, covered such topics as the
advocacy role of patients, physicians and staff as well as an explanation of CPAN’s
message and how CPAN will support local cancer advocacy efforts.
“One of the most critical issues facing community cancer care providers and patients
is the survival of these providers who treat over 60% of all cancer patients,” said
Rose Gerber of CPAN. “Patients and physicians in Setauket and the surrounding
communities provide the local perspective on the impact of national healthcare
policy issues.”
“Our cancer patients realize too well how decisions made at the national level
impact their care,” said practice administrator Nicole Cardaci Gregory. “This
knowledge makes them strong advocates to protect access to affordable care for all
cancer patients.”
About Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
Celebrating its 10th anniversary during 2013, the Community Oncology Alliance
(COA) is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to community cancer care,
where four out of five Americans with cancer are treated. Since its formation, COA
has helped community cancer clinics navigate an increasingly hostile environment
by working together to become more efficient, advocating for their patients, and
proactively providing solutions to the Congress and policy makers. COA members
have testified before both chambers of Congress, authored cancer care
demonstration projects, and been instrumental in the passage of oral cancer drug
parity legislation, among many other initiatives. COA is leading a multi-stakeholder
group that is developing and implementing an Oncology Medical Home cancer care
model and is advancing payment reform for cancer care. More information can be
found at www.CommunityOncology.org.
The COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) was created in 2010 to advocate for
access to local affordable care for all cancer patients. More information can be found
at www.COAadvocacy.org.
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