Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan; Supporting the Social, Emotional, and Financial Needs of Patients and Caregivers Impacted by Blood Cancer Diagnosis

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Presenter:
Melissa Schultz, LMSW, CNM, ACSW
Director of Patient Support
Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan

Dan Layman, MBA
Community Liason Manager
Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan

Target Audience:
Michigan Tribal Health Centers

Description:
Please join the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and your colleagues from Tribal Health Centers across Michigan to get a better understanding of blood cancers, and improve health literacy and knowledge of resources available from the Michigan Blood Cancer Foundation. The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan supports patients and caregivers impacted by nearly 200 types and subtypes of blood cancer and potentially malignant blood disorders. The most common diseases related to blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, aplastic anemia, and myeloproliferative disorders.

I. Strengthen understanding of blood cancers and potentially malignant blood disorders       
A. Types of blood cancers & disorders       
B. Common Symptoms       
C. Types of treatment and duration       
D. Population data and occurrence       
E. Health disparities

II. Improve health literacy and knowledge of available resources for American Indian patients facing blood cancer       
A. Role of Patient Support Specialists       
1. Access to emotional, financial, and social resources for blood cancer patients and caregivers       
B. Community resources and referral services

III. Heighten awareness of available resources and ongoing education for Tribal clinics supporting blood cancer patients in Native populations       
A. Educational and resource materials       
B. Clinic visits; coffee break discussions and lunch and learn opportunities