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Oklahoma
State Senate
For Immediate Release: February 10, 2009 Sen. Eason McIntyre Authors Bill to Help Cancer Patients Being a breast cancer survivor, State Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre is all too aware of the confusion that faces many cancer patients when trying to learn about their illness or find help. For this reason, she has authored Senate Bill 434 to authorize the State Department of Health (OSDH) to create a cancer patient navigation program. "It's scary enough being diagnosed with a disease like cancer, but then you add on top of that the utter confusion of where to turn for answers and help, and it's almost unbearable," said Eason McIntyre. "I want cancer patients to have a one stop shop where they can get all the help and information they need, so that they can focus all of their energy on beating their cancer." The program would provide education about the management of cancer as well as assistance. Citizens would receive help getting access to health care, financial and legal assistance, transportation, psychological support and other related issues. The Tulsa democrat hopes that the program would initially serve breast and cervical cancer patients statewide who have been identified by the Department's breast and cervical cancer early detection program known as Take Charge!, and would then expand to include all other cancer types as the program developed. Eason's new program would be part of an existing cancer service agency not affiliated with a particular health care institution, so that clients of the Take Charge! Program could be treated at any affiliated cancer health care facility in the state. SB 434 was approved by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services last week and is now awaiting consideration by the full Senate. For more information contact:
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