The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) was recently awarded a South Dakota Department of Health Cancer Coalition grant focusing on the Better Choices, Better Health® (BCBH) SD Cancer: Thriving & Surviving program.
The program will serve those with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers residing in the designated 13-county target area of western South Dakota from January 1 through December 31, 2020. Participants will learn ways to improve quality of life and cope with the effects of cancer treatment through tools and resources shared over a six-week course.
Nancy McDonald, director of quality improvement for SDFMC explained, “Cancer is a chronic illness and survivors and their families face high demands for managing care. Along with care and treatment from the healthcare and oncology team, each survivor must coordinate self-management and lifestyle changes.”
Better Choices, Better Health® chronic disease workshops use an evidence-based model to enable and empower individuals. The resources, skills, and action planning address both the physical and emotional aspects of cancer and offer a greater sense of control over living with cancer. The Cancer: Thriving and Surviving programs support an individual’s journey to manage their health through every phase of care using strategies they prefer.
SDFMC will be working collaboratively with the South Dakota State University Extension and Monument Health to recruit participants and train new leaders. They are excited to begin this work and help those living with cancer.
McDonald added, “Whether just starting a cancer treatment journey or having completed it, these tools will provide an opportunity for participants to live life to the fullest.”
For more information on the program or to participate, please contact:
Vicki Palmreuter
Program Manager
vicki.palmreuter@sdfmc.org