Cancer Resource Center signs agreement with YRMC

The American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Center will continue to deliver services to cancer patients under an agreement with Yuma Regional Medical Center.

The CRC had a previous agreement with Arizona Osteology Services and was housed in their facility. When the 10-year lease between AOS and the hospital came to an end, the center faced the possibility of having to relocate. But YRMC has decided to sponsor the center in its current location.

"We developed a mutual interest in serving the people in the community who are facing cancer," said Tracelyn Sutton, AOS quality of life manager, of the new relationship between her organization and the hospital.

She said the current location is crucial to patients, who would be burdened by an excess distance between the resource center and the cancer facility. Another concern was returning patients, who might have been confused by a relocation.

"The location is right in amongst the medical community. It makes sense for us to remain there. It makes it easier for patients to find us," said Sutton.

The CRC provides cancer patients with free resources from nutrition shakes and tracheostomy bibs to an assortment of wigs hats and scarves. The center's trained volunteer staff is available to assist visitors with information about cancer programs.

Sutton said patients can expect the same quality of treatment as before.

"There has not been any decrease in services. In fact, we hope to increase the number of services available."

The center is currently open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers can be reached at 336-4969.