apy, integrative medicine, and pain management, all of which can help them develop strategies to maintain their quality of life as cancer survivors. In addition to providing vital support, the survivorship program at Engle- wood Health ultimately wants to help patients take ownership of their future health and well-being, and to enjoy full and productive lives after their cancer treatment has ended.
Physician Network and a primary care physician. “By identifying the challenges these survivors face, we can support them every step of the way.”
One example of this method in ac- tion is a recent initiative undertaken by Englewood Health to reengage patients who were overdue for their annual mammograms. Englewood Health introduced a program that employs two-way text message (SMS) reminders for patients to schedule their breast screenings. These reminders not only serve as a nudge to schedule an appointment but also provide a convenient way for patients to book a screening at a location near them. Still in its ear - ly stages, the initiative has already prompted nearly 2,000 patients to schedule their mammograms. “This success demonstrates the power of technology and commu- nity outreach in addressing health- care disparities and ensuring that no patient is left behind in their preventive care journey,” says Hil - lary Cohen, MD, MPH, senior vice president of medical affairs at En- glewood Health. Shifting from a traditional “sick care” model to a proactive wellness model is at the heart of Englewood Health’s vision for the future of healthcare. By prioritizing preven - tive measures, health education, and accessible healthcare services, the focus shifts to providing care that transforms the health of indi- viduals and communities. “Today, our impact extends to the prevention of disease with a focus on wellness and access to
care for our diverse communities,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “Our communities deserve a team they can trust, one that listens to them and partners with them to reach their optimal health.”
Steven T. Brower, MD, FACS, med - ical director of The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center and chief of surgical oncol- ogy at Englewood Health, adds, “Cancer care is not just about treat - ing the disease at the time of diag- nosis; it’s about supporting our pa-
tients as they navigate their health throughout their entire lives. This holistic approach ensures that can- cer patients receive the best possi- ble outcomes and care that encom- passes their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.”
Care Designed for How We Live, Work and Engage Today In an era defined by technological advancements and changing life- styles, Englewood Health has rec- ognized the need to reimagine care for how we live, work, and engage today. This reimagining involves a strategy to engage patients, make care accessible, and leverage digi- tal technology to enhance the pa- tient experience. One of the cornerstones of this ap- proach is the expansion of imag- ing centers, urgent care centers, and outpatient facilities, strategi- cally placed within communities to ensure that essential services are available locally. Englewood Health has also em- braced “digital transformation,” an approach that promises to make healthcare interactions simpler and easier for patients and healthcare workers. Whether it’s scheduling an annual exam, getting test results, or consulting a specialist, the goal is for patients to do so with just a few clicks from their personal devices.
Financial Navigation Program Alleviates Burden on Cancer Patients “Caring for others brings Program and The Alice Youngman Fund for helping ease the stress of ongoing medical bills so she can fo- cus on getting well.
ment restores hope for survivorship by helping navigate financial obsta- cles to high-quality cancer care. We want to continue building on a leg- acy that began with our father who helped champion a comprehensive cancer care program for our com- munity that is truly second to none.” The program also serves as a stew- ard for The Alice Youngman Fund, established by Bruce Youngman in memory of his late wife. This fund underwrites the cost of unreim- bursed medicines, treatments, ser- vices and other needed therapies. “Even during her own fight against cancer, Alice continued to care for and raise up those in need,” says Bruce Youngman. “She was an inspi - ration to all who knew her. The Alice Youngman Fund will perpetuate her loving and giving spirit by supporting cancer patients throughout their dif- ficult journey.” Through the generosity of Engle- wood Health Foundation donors, we are continuing to address the urgent need for cancer treatment, support services, counseling resources and educational programs – renewing hope for countless cancer patients and their families.
new cancer patients treated* 6,549
me true joy. I suppose it is why I chose to be a hospice nurse. I never thought ahead to a time when I might need care myself,” explains Engle - wood Health cancer patient Carmen. That time came one evening at work with excruciating abdominal pain. Days later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer. “It was all so unexpected and over - whelming,” she recalls. As a nurse, Carmen knew of Engle- wood Health’s reputation for clinical excellence and patient safety, as well as its renowned bloodless med- icine program. This was important to Carmen. As a Jehovah’s Witness, a blood transfusion was not an option. “After chemotherapy, a complete hysterectomy and several months of immunotherapy, I optimistically closed this chapter,” she recalls. Al - though it did not stay closed for long. A year later, the cancer returned and she began immunotherapy treat- ment again. Despite this grueling journey, Carmen says she is blessed and grateful to The Jonathan and Robyn Lefcourt Financial Navigation
Cancer patients are living longer thanks to early detection, advanced therapies and technology, and sur- vivor wellness programs. Yet too many patients are unable to afford the cost associated with life-sav- ing treatment. Studies indicate that outcomes are significantly worse for underinsured and uninsured patients who face an excessive financial bur- den from care. This burden impacts a patient’s ability to maintain an op- timal treatment plan and focus on what is most important – their health. The Jonathan and Robyn Lefcourt Financial Navigation Program sup - ports patients from diagnoses through survivorship by helping them better plan for and manage the cost of care. The program helps patients understand insurance cov- erage, interpret bills, and identify fi- nancial resource opportunities from external partners and organizations. “The cost of cancer care is too often an insurmountable barrier to treat- ment,” says Jonathan and Robyn Lefcourt. “Our goal is that this invest -
Reimagining Survivorship
Research suggests cancer survivors may be at increased risk for diabe- tes and heart disease, which means that their primary care physicians need to monitor them for these and other health conditions. In addition, smoking cessation is a vital component of primary care for cancer survivors who are active smokers. Tobacco use has been linked to the reduced effectiveness of certain chemotherapies, as well as an increased risk for treatment complications and disease recur- rence. “Advances in medical treatments have helped cancer survivors live longer, sometimes decades lon- ger,” says Stephen Brunnquell, MD, president of the Englewood Health
Warren Geller
Dr. Stephen Brunnquell Dr. Hillary Cohen
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