The French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation received a $7,500 grant today from Bank of America in support of the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC). This grant will allow the HCRC to expand its outreach efforts for low-income Latino families throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Greg Bland, Bank of America’s Senior Vice President, was on hand to present the check to FHMC President and CEO Alan Iftiniuk. “We are grateful for the generosity of Bank of America and appreciate their passionate support in helping provide these invaluable resources to our entire community, all without cost to the client,” says Iftiniuk. See photo (left to right): Alan Iftiniuk, FHMC President and CEO; Julia Cook, Bank of America San Luis Obispo Branch Manager; Greg Bland, Senior Vice President at Bank of America.
The HCRC has already established its first Spanish-language peer support group and trained a local group of 18 bilingual community health advocates, or promotoras, to provide cancer outreach and support in community settings. The HCRC will use this grant to expand Latino outreach activities and support groups, maintain ongoing training efforts of the promotoras team, implement cancer prevention education and screenings for the Latino population, and translate educational materials.
The Hearst Cancer Resource Center provides free supportive and educational services necessary for cancer patients to understand their disease, tolerate treatment, and maintain dignity and quality of life throughout all aspects of their cancer experience. The HCRC collaborates with its community and physician partners to bring San Luis Obispo County a comprehensive epicenter of knowledge and empowerment. It is staffed by oncology professionals, houses the latest information on cancer treatment options, nutrition, pain management and stress reduction.
In the year since the HCRC has opened its doors to the community, it has experienced more than 9,000 visits from cancer patients and family members, as well as many community organizations, free of charge. Without public support, the HCRC could not provide such comprehensive programs and services to the community.
Bank of America has maintained philanthropic efforts for over 200 years. Its goal is to create a positive impact in its communities by partnering with local organizations, identifying critical issues in the area and investing in organizations that address those needs. Since 2006, Bank of America has donated more than $50,000 to the FHMC Foundation in support of its programs and services.
For more information on the HCRC, or to make a donation, please call the Foundation Office at 805.542.6496 or e-mail Debby.Nicklas@chw.edu.
