Catawba Valley Medical Center's Community Cancer Resource Center, with its primary location at the Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall in 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 10 a.m. to 6 p.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 the Radiation Oncology Center at CVMC. Access may be obtained through the outside entrance to the Center 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 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday and 9 am to 12 noon on Friday.

These staff volunteers 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.  While visiting, individuals can search the Internet – either with the help of a volunteer or unassisted – 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 Center, contact a volunteer at 828-326-2175 or Peggy Messick, Cancer Resource Nurse, at 828-485-2300 or by e mail at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .