2020 Maine Session Summary
Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care.
News
ACS CAN Nebraska Volunteer Letter of Support For Palliative Care Legislation In Lincoln Journal Star
February 27, 2017
As a social worker at the Callahan Cancer Center, I spend my days with patients who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and the families who help them through treatment. I facilitate support groups for cancer survivors and their caregivers. We all share a common goal: to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free, giving them the best chance of survival. We need the Legislature’s help to help those in need: Nebraskans need palliative care.
Palliative care is a growing field of specialized medical care that focuses on relieving pain, stress and other often debilitating symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care specialists work with a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists to provide patients an extra layer of support. This type of care not only eases a patient’s treatment, but also the distress of their support network. Patients need pain management and coordinated care. Families and friends need support as they care for their loved ones.
Our lawmakers can help increase access to and awareness of palliative care by supporting LB323 to create an advisory board that would focus on where the needs are and how to meet them. Palliative care needs to be readily available to help Nebraska’s patients and their loved ones.
Nan Hynes, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, North Platte
http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letter-support-lb/article_24...