Healthy Acadia Welcomes Sara McConnell as Cancer Patient Navigator for Washington County

We are thrilled to announce that Healthy Acadia’s Sara McConnell has taken on a new role as part-time cancer patient navigator in the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program. Launched in late 2016 in collaboration with the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program serves patients and their family members across the continuum of care, at all stages of their cancer journeys. The program was established to respond to the high cancer incidence, high rates of mortality, and limited access to care for residents of Washington County. Navigators help patients and their families to navigate the complex healthcare and social service systems and access appropriate diagnostic, treatment, recovery, support, and financial services. The project focuses on prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship planning, working to reduce cancer incidence, mortality, and barriers to care. 

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center is committed to reducing the burden of cancer and advancing health equity by creating a framework that encourages everyone to take action. Ongoing collaboration between Healthy Acadia and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center through the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program enhances each organization’s ability to support vulnerable populations across the entire continuum of care—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and financial assistance.

Sara joins the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program as the newest Cancer Patient Navigator servicing Washington County, housed within Healthy Acadia, and in affiliation with Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center. Sara comes to this role with a deep passion for helping patients navigate their cancer journey, coordinate their cancer care, and offer a guiding hand for support and understanding. As a cancer navigator, Sara will assist patients through and around barriers in the complex cancer care system to help ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and support. This support is critical to early detection and survival. Sara will continue to spend half of her time as Healthy Acadia’s Downeast Partnerships for Success Coordinator, focused on youth leadership and substance use prevention. 

To make a referral to the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program, or to access patient navigation services and resources, email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org, or call 207-664-0339, or fill out the intake form on www.bethwrightcancercenter.org.

Maine Cancer Foundation’s grant is offered as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Maine. They have invested over $15 million since 2015 in support of cancer prevention, early detection and screening, and access to care for all Mainers. To learn more about Maine Cancer Foundation, visit www.mainecancer.org, or contact Katelyn Michaud, katelyn@mainecancer.org, 207.773.2533.