Cancer Support

El programa de apoyo para latinas DIVAS ayuda a mujeres de habla hispana en Hartford a vivir sin cáncer

El programa DIVAS, el único en su clase en Connecticut, salva vidas, ayudando a pacientes de cáncer de habla hispana a obtener el cuidado que necesitan.  A través de visitas al hogar, transportación, interpretación médica, educación y apoyo social, el programa asegura que latinas entiendan la enfermedad y continúen con un plan de cuidado.
     El programa ayuda a las mujeres a navegar el sistema de salud y superar los problemas como la falta de seguro médico, la amenaza de perder el trabajo, vivienda inestable, la inseguridad alimentaria, problemas familiares, y otros factores que pueden llevar a las latinas a retrasar su tratamiento contra el cáncer.

El programa fue presentado recientemente en PostLatino/TV. Haga clic aquí para ver el informe completo.

 

Posted in
2382010-05-11 15:32:25

As Demand for Cancer Support Grows, Funding is Scarce

See full report on our News page.

Posted in
1882010-01-15 11:58:44

Comprehensive, Compassionate Support for Latinas with Cancer

 

divas_2_560

About 15 years ago, a nurse called the Hispanic Health council searching for a Spanish-language support group for a patient diagnosed with cancer. It was then that the Hispanic Health Council recognized the tremendous gaps in support for Latino residents of Greater Hartford diagnosed with cancer. In 1999, with leadership from the council and grassroots community support, the DIVAS “Damas Informadas, Valientes y Airosas Superando el Cancer” or “Informed, Brave, Lively Women who are Overcoming Cancer” started with only enough money for a 10-hour-a week consultant to run the only Spanish-language support program for Latinas diagnosed with all forms of cancer. Sotera Dávila, the patient who pointed out the gap to her cancer nurse a few years earlier, was a charter member.

The DIVAS Latina Cancer Support program has since grown from the Hartford area’s only Spanish-language cancer support group into a comprehensive case management program that includes patient education, transportation, medical interpretation, social support, and referral to other medical services for impoverished Latinas diagnosed with cancer.

divas_group1_560

Over the years, the DIVAS program has cultivated strong relationships with the region’s three large cancer centers: Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital; Saint Francis/Mount Sinai Regional Cancer Center; and The Carole and Ray Neag Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Recognizing that early detection offers the best chance for long-term survival, DIVAS also has established a formal agreement with the Partnership for Breast Care at Hartford Hospital which enables the HHC to offer mobile mammography in its building – a location that is comfortable and convenient for its target population. For the past two years, the HHC also has coordinated early detection care for women referred by the Malta House of Care, a mobile health clinic that provides free care to the uninsured and underinsured in Hartford’s lowest-income neighborhoods.

 

Posted in
1402009-11-12 18:34:20

You Can Help

The coordinator of the DIVAS Cancer Support program reports that low-income women undergoing chemotherapy often have difficulty affording high-quality products they need to make them feel more comfortable during treatment. Donations of the following products would be greatly appreciated:

Camisoles (with built-in shelf bra) (sizes medium to extra-large)

Ensure nutritional supplements

Hot/cold packs

Herbal tea

Eucerin hand lotion

Gentle baby shampoo

Wig shampoo and conditioner

Donations must be new and may be delivered to the Hispanic Health Council, 175 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106, or contact Awilda Maldonado awildam@hispanichealth.com to make arrangements.

For a more complete list of donation opportunities please go to our Donate page.

Posted in
1362009-09-23 17:14:57

Helpful Links

In English

American Cancer Society Cancer Facts and Figures for Hispanics/Latinos 2009-2011

 

En Espanol

National Cancer Institute

Medline Plus

Posted in
1412009-08-10 18:38:42