Cancer Center receives grant

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center received a $25,000 grant from the Putnam County Community Foundation.

The Cancer Center grant will be awarded over a three-year period for a total of $75,000. Support groups for patients and their family, physical therapy, nutrition education -- just to name a few -- will continue with the funding.

"We are very excited," said Linda Mann, manager of the Cancer Center.

The Putnam County Hospice endowment, founded by Mary Louise Miller, was the resource for funding. The hospice fund's intent is to sustain county programs that serve the terminally ill and their families.

Miller taught at DePauw University for 32 years. She was a major donor to the Community Foundation. Miller passed away in January of 2007, but her memory and legacy continue through her charitable gift.

The Cancer Center came to Putnam County in 1985 through Dr. William Dugan, medical director and founder/president of Community Cancer Care in Indianapolis. Dr. Dugan started the cancer care program in 1983 with Sara Edgerton, MS.

Today, they have formed more than 20 partnerships with Indiana hospitals -- including Putnam County -- and provide them with state-of-the-art oncology care for their patients, the CCC Outreach Web site stated.

A single dose of certain medications can cost patients approximately $4,000 to $5,000, said Dennis Weatherford, executive director of PCH.

Help for the uninsured or underinsured patient is provided through the Pharmaceutical Association. The association grants 75 to 80 percent of patients who apply, the assistance they need.

"The hospital picks up the other 20 percent," said Mann.

No individual is denied treatment. They served 329 patients in October.

The Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons.

"We are evaluated every three to four years," Mann said.

The community can make a contribution to the Cancer Center through PCCF by calling 653-4978.

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