SAINT ALPHONSUS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER NAMED
LIVESTRONG® COMMUNITY IMPACT PROJECT WINNER
Funds new music therapy program dedicated to helping cancer patients
and survivors, made possible by the votes of Treasure Valley residents
Boise, ID - Today, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center's long-awaited music therapy program – The Jeffrey Frank Wacks Music Therapy Program – will become a reality, as the cancer care center has been selected a beneficiary of the LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project. The music therapy program will be funded with $15,600 from LIVESTRONG to help implement the program - one of three proven cancer support programs included in the 2014 Community Impact Project selected by the LIVESTRONG Foundation. The finalist organizations for the Community Impact Project were determined through an online voting campaign that accumulated more than the 100,000 votes over an 18-day period. Saint Alphonsus was chosen (along with 12 other organizations) amongst over 100 organizations across the U.S. as a recipient of the LIVESTRONG grant.
"We are so blessed to have been given the funds to carry out the music therapy program," said Jill Aldape, Saint Alphonsus Foundation Director. "I'm proud of our community's support in voting for Saint Alphonsus during the campaign - we couldn't have done this without the support of every single person that voted. Our patients will see immediate benefits from a music therapy program, and we can all feel good knowing that these funds will help those who are facing tough challenges with their health."
The Jeffrey Frank Wacks Music Therapy Program has become an essential component of the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center's integrative approach to caring for cancer patients. The program's overarching goal is to facilitate relaxation, decrease anxiety and stress, enhance wellness, improve pain management, and provide comfort and support for cancer patients and their caregivers. Music therapy is proven to reduce stress and pain levels associated with illness and hospitalization. Clinical music therapy services are provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, with two part-time music therapists conducting sessions with patients either at the bedside or in common (environmental) areas of a cancer care center.
In addition to the Foundation’s financial support, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center will receive various materials including facilitator manuals, participant materials; training and support from the model program’s staff; and access to additional tools and resources.
About Saint Alphonsus Health System
As a faith-based Catholic ministry and not-for-profit health system, Saint Alphonsus Health System reinvests in the communities we serve, through charity care and other benefits. Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of people by emphasizing care that is patient-centered, physician-led, innovative and community-based. Saint Alphonsus Health System serves the people of southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada through these facilities: Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center - Boise, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City, OR; and, Saint Alphonsus Medical Group with primary and specialty care providers at 58 clinic locations, all of which are members of the Saint Alphonsus Health Alliance, a network of over 1400 employed and independent providers. To find out more go to: www.saintalphonsus.org
About the LIVESTRONG Foundation
The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. Created in 1997, the Foundation is known for providing free cancer support services and advocating for policies that improve access to care and quality of life. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.5 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $500 million to support cancer survivors. One of America's top non-profit organizations, the Foundation has been recognized by industry leaders including Charity Navigator, the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.
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