Oncology Social Services

The social work program in Oncology at Johnson City Medical Center continues to provide services designed to assist patients and their families in dealing with the psychosocial impact of illness, disability, and treatment. Social work provides consultation to the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic, Outpatient Oncology and Radiation Therapy Departments, as well as inpatients (both children and adults).

The role of the Oncology Social Worker is to provide psychosocial assessment, linkage to community resources, short-term counseling, and assistance with disability issues for patients and families. The social worker continues to administer the Circle of Hope program, financial assistance for patients under treatment in emergency circumstances, with assistance from the Oncology Services Director. The Oncology Social Work Program also manages a travel grant funded by the American Cancer Society to assist with travel expenses associated with Radiation Therapy.

Social work has begun offering a general Cancer Support Group for members of the community and continues to help facilitate Breast/Prostate Cancer Support Groups in conjunction with the American Cancer Society.