Support Services

At the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial Health University Medical Center, we want to empower you to achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. To help us reach that goal, we offer a number of support services:

Community Support Groups
Educational Programs
Insurance Assistance
Resource Room
Oncology Interdisciplinary Care Coordination Team
Oncology Social Workers
Patient Advocacy
Support Line
Wellness Services
Spiritual Care
Pediatric Services

Community Support Groups

Cancer Challenges is a discussion and support group for cancer survivors and their loved ones. Participants are encouraged to share their concerns about cancer treatment and life with cancer. The group meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the ACI Conference Room located in the Center for Advanced Medicine building on the Memorial Health campus. Each month, healthcare experts meet with the group to discuss different topics. For more information about the next meeting, call 912-350-7845.

Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma Support Group is for individuals who have leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma and their loved ones. The group meets at Summit Cancer Care office the second Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about the group, call 912-350-7845.

Lung Cancer Support Group is for individuals who have lung cancer and their loved ones. The group meets at the Summit Cancer Care office the fourth Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about the group, call 912-350-7845.

Ostomy Support Group addresses the unique needs of individuals who have colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies. The group meets once a quarter and focuses on topics such as nutrition, coping with ostomies, and new products to make life easier with an ostomy. For more information call 912-350-7845.

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group is for individuals who have pancreatic cancer and their loved ones. The group meets once a month to discuss concerns specific to pancreatic cancer. For more information call 912-350-7845.

Educational Programs

Join us once a quarter for educational programs that focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of individuals with cancer. Topics include coping with chemotherapy, bone health, lymphedema, and nutrition. For information on the next program, call 912-350-7845.

I Can Cope addresses the unique concerns of individuals who are newly diagnosed with cancer. This series of classes addresses treatment-related side effects, nutritional health, spirituality, pain management, coping skills, and relaxation techniques. For more information call 912-350-7845.

Insurance Assistance

An oncology social worker can help you apply for medical insurance. Memorial Health University Medical Center is the only hospital in Southeast Georgia to participate in the Georgia Cancer State Aid Program. The Cancer State Aid program can help cover medical and pharmaceutical expenses for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. For more information, call 912-350-3109.

Resource Room

The cancer Resource Room is located on the fourth floor of Memorial Health University Medical Center and is open to the community. The Resource Room includes educational materials about cancer treatment, side effects, complementary therapies, and emotional health. The room is equipped with Internet access for individuals who want to look for cancer information on the Web.

Oncology Interdisciplinary Care Coordination Team

This team consists of oncology professionals from the fields of nursing, clinical nutrition, and case management. Together, they develop new programs to further support the needs of people with cancer and their families. The support team is responsible for planning all patient activities and programs for caregivers. If you have any questions or suggestions for the team, please call 912-350-7845. For more information, click here.

Oncology Social Workers

Oncology social workers are an integral part of the cancer care team. They are available to help patients and families cope with the disease process. Social workers also help patients by arranging for services such as home nursing care or home medical equipment, and by helping patients contact outside agencies for financial assistance when necessary. Throughout the treatment process, social workers are ready to assist with issues involving health insurance, transportation, and expenses associated with medications or household utility bills. Call 912-350-3109 for more information.

Patient Advocacy

Patient relations representatives are available to assist you whenever necessary. The patient relations department at Memorial Health serves as a liaison between patients and the hospital to ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care. To reach the patient relations department, call 912-350-8581, or write to:
Patient Relations Department
Memorial Health University Medical Center
P.O. Box 23089
Savannah, Georgia 31403-3089

Support Line

This phone line is for cancer patients who are having difficulty coping with their diagnosis, treatment, or other aspects of their illness. An oncology social worker is available to answer questions and provide support. Call 912-350-7845 for assistance.

Wellness Services

Art Therapy programs are offered at the patient bedside and in group settings. Programs include activities such as creating journals, decorating memory boxes, designing scarves, and various other therapeutic art activities. For more information, please call 912-350-7845.

Harvest of Hope Retreat is an annual event that brings together cancer survivors of all ages and their families for a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. The retreat includes educational programs, massages, art therapy, music, and time to connect with other individuals who have cancer. The retreat takes place each October at the beautiful New Ebenezer retreat facility in Rincon, Georgia. For more information on attending or volunteering at the retreat, call 912-350-3988. To have information and an application mailed to you, click here.

Heal In Style is a day of pampering for cancer survivors. It is sponsored by the ACI and international hair and make-up artist, Loren Laney. The event takes place once a year in November at the Vixen Salon on the corner of 60th Street and Habersham. During Heal In Style, individuals receive a free makeover, hair cut and style, manicure, facial, massage, and a special gift bag. Each participant can bring along one caregiver. To schedule your appointment, please call Jennifer Currin at 912-350-7845.

Journey through Journaling: Voices from Within is a monthly support meeting that delves into the creative expression of one's experience with cancer through journaling and craft activities. The group is free and open to all who have had cancer and their loved ones. For more information call 912-350-7845.

Look Good, Feel Better is a program that teaches women how to overcome skin changes and hair loss due to cancer treatment. Licensed cosmetologists provide free makeovers and beauty tips for skin care, wigs, and turbans. This program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association and the National Cosmetology Association. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Massages are offered two days a week for cancer patients hospitalized at Memorial Health University Medical Center. A licensed massage therapist provides gentle touch massages for patients in their rooms to promote wellness and relaxation. Individuals may also receive massage therapy at The Center for Holistic Healing at Memorial Health. For more information, please call 912-350-7845.

Pet Therapy gives hospitalized patients the opportunity to enjoy the love of a pet and feel a little more like being at home. Certified pet therapy dogs visit with patients twice a month and offer hugs, kisses, and companionship. For more information call 912-350-7845.

The Center for Holistic Healing at Memorial Health offers techniques to help people reduce stress, take charge of their health, and live more fulfilling lives. For more information, click here or call 912-236-2131.

Spiritual Care

Spiritual and religious care at the ACI is provided by the hospital's Department of Spiritual and Religious Care. This department provides ministry, literature, and worship services at both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Chaplains are available to talk with families about their cancer experience and offer prayer and spiritual counseling to those in need. To speak with a chaplain, please call 912-350-8335.

Pediatric Services (Offered Through Backus Children's Hospital)

Pediatric Oncology Patient and Parent Support (POPPS) provides education, emotional support, and interaction for young people with cancer and their families. Monthly activities include recreational outings, psychoeducational topics for caregivers, and support activities for the caregivers. The group meets on the third Monday of the month. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 912-350-5616.

Relief Parent Support Group is for parents who have a seriously ill child receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment. Social workers facilitate the group meeting and a child life specialist provides arts and crafts activities. The meetings serve as a distraction and break, and provide a safe place for parents to interact and support each other. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 912-350-5616.