Catawba Valley Medical Center's Community Cancer Resource Center, with its primary location at the Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall, Hickory, provides a respite and a source of information for patients, families and friends of those with cancer. The Community Cancer Resource Center is stocked with brochures, magazines, books and videotapes. Visitors may relax and review videotapes or printed materials in a private consultation room at the Health First Center location during its hours of 10a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For the convenience of our patients and their families, a satellite Cancer Resource Center is located in the lower lobby of Radiation Therapy at CVMC. Access may be obtained through the outside entrance to Radiation Therapy or by calling a resource center volunteer at 828/326-2175 to gain an escort from within the hospital. Specially trained volunteers staff the satellite Cancer Resource Center from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9a.m. to 12noon on Friday.

These staff volunteers would be pleased to provide assistance in locating area support groups and programs for cancer patients. They also operate the Center's Phone Pal system, a one-to-one support system for people who are diagnosed with cancer. Phone Pal provides the opportunity for participants to talk with someone who has had cancer, providing empathy and support after having dealt with the disease firsthand.

Learning via cyberspace is also an option at either location of The Community Cancer Resource Center during their respective hours of operation. Individuals can search the Internet-either with the help of a volunteer or unassisted--while visiting to seek out additional information about a specific cancer, its treatment or clinical trials.

A database of cancer resources, including sources for mastectomy supplies, ostomy supplies, wigs and other medical equipment is available for visitors. Information about community programs and services to assist the cancer patient with paying for treatment, obtaining supplies and transportation are also in the database.

To learn more about the Catawba Valley Medical Center Community Cancer Resource Centers, call a volunteer at 828/326-2175 or Peggy Messick, Cancer Resource Nurse, at 828/326-3127 ext. 6202 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .