Securing Strategic Partnerships that Improve Access to Cancer Care
Assisting underserved patients is an ongoing challenge for many cancer centers across the country. Two institutions on the front lines of achieving health equity have demonstrated creative solutions that improve access to cancer care for underserved patients in a tangible way. The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center is able to provide smart phones for patients to monitor symptoms and remain in close contact with their care team at no added cost. The Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System has secured several reliable transportation options for their patients. Both organizations have leveraged key partnerships with for- and not-for-profit organizations looking to serve the public good.
In this webinar, representatives from both sites will share their journey of securing and maintaining their partnerships, illustrating how they can enhance patient-centered cancer care. This includes:
- Starting the process of building a partnership: tips for reaching out
- Navigating implementation and overcoming organizational barriers
- How partnerships improve patient-centered cancer care
- Overcoming the most frequent challenges to an enduring partnership
This event is open to all organizations that are looking to improve health care outcomes for underserved cancer patients.
What: Alliance to Advance Patient Centered Cancer Care Webinar – Securing Strategic Partnerships that Improve Access to Cancer Care
When: Thursday, October 24th 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Register by: Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019
Cost: The webinar is free for all attendees
Sahirah Khabeer, MPA, MHRM
Patient Resource Navigator
American Cancer Society at the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System
Sahirah Khabeer is a Patient Navigator for the South East Division of the American Cancer Society. In her role, she matches patients from the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System (GCCE) with supportive care programs offered by the American Cancer Society, including the “I Can Cope” patient education workshop and the “Road to Recovery” transportation program. Sahirah has over 18 years of experience in Mission Delivery. She began her career with the American Cancer Society as an Information Specialist (CIS) before transitioning into her role current role.
During her career with the American Cancer Society and Grady Health System, Sahirah has been called to participate in a number of speaking engagements surrounding the topic of ACS Navigation. She has also assisted health workers from two separate regions of India with establishing a navigation program in their native country. Sahirah provided information, materials, and personal guidance. To recognize her efforts, former Grady Health System Director Adriene Kinnaird nominated Sahirah for the 2011 WNBA Inspiring Woman award, which she graciously accepted. Sahirah is a member of the Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia. She obtained her Masters of Public Administration and Human Resources Management degrees in 2007 and 2011 from the Keller Graduate School of Management.
Jennifer Moon, MPH, CCRP, CHES
Program Manager
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Jennifer is a Program Manager in the Population Sciences division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center. She manages the daily operations of the Alliance to Advance Patient-Centered Cancer Care Program at OSU titled “Using Technology and Navigation to Address Patients’ Symptoms and Needs During Cancer Treatment.” Once a month, participants receive a survey link via text message or email to gauge symptoms (for example pain, fatigue, quality of life, depression) during and beyond cancer treatment. Severe symptoms are reported to the oncology team to address. Non-clinical problems are routed to a patient navigator to follow up and assist the patient. For patients who do not own a smart phone, the program provides an iPhone for one year at no cost through a partnership with Verizon Wireless.
Makeeta Rayton, MSW
Oncology Social Work Supervisor,
Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence
Makeeta is the Oncology Social Work Outpatient Supervisor for the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System (GCCE). She has been working at Grady for 20 years, with 18 focused solely on serving the needs of Grady’s Oncology patients and staff. Part of her duties include coordinating ridesharing services with Common Courtesy, Inc, a non-profit that works to bridge the gap between users and Uber and Lyft, scheduling rides and ensuring that riders have a smooth transportation experience.
Makeeta started her experience with Grady as an Emergency Room Social Worker. She then transitioned to Oncology Outpatient Social Worker, a position she held for 13 years. She was part of the team that assisted with the creation of the Grady Cancer Center for Excellence in 2003 and was promoted to her current supervisory role in 2015. She is a member of the Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW) and has delivered several presentations at the AOSW and other Oncology conferences on Oncology Social Work. She is the founder and facilitator for the New Beginnings Oncology Breast Cancer Support Group. She is the Psychosocial Coordinator for the Grady Cancer Committee. She currently works with the Breast Oncology and Surgical Oncology clinics and is on the Oncology Administrative team. She holds a MSW from North Carolina-Chapel Hill and a BSW from Clark Atlanta University. She is passionate about Oncology care and loves being a part of the Grady Cancer Center team.