ACS closes local office to cut costs and better serve clients

Marcie Lawson, community manager of health initiatives with the American Cancer Society, begins unpacking some of the wigs which will be available at the Cancer Resource Center, located inside Missouri Delta Medical Cancer and Infusion Center, 1126 N. Main St. The Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, and Friday. Patients may also schedule appointments outside the center's regular hours of operation, by calling the Center directly at 471-4312. Jill Bock, staff

SIKESTON -- In an effort to cut costs and better serve its clients, the American Cancer Society is making some big changes in Sikeston -- including closing the local office.

"We're trying to work more efficiently and do a better job of using our donor dollars," said Julie Aycock, regional director of development. "It's just more economical at this time to do home-based offices."

As the ACS staff typically works in the communities it serves anyhow, some will now be more centrally located, and they'll be able to perform their jobs just as well outside of the office, officials said.

For patients and caregivers who seek support and resources, those will continue to be available locally, as the Missouri Delta Medical Cancer and Infusion Center has partnered with the ACS.

On Monday, the Cancer Resource Center will open at 1126 N. Main St. There, cancer patients will have access to free wigs, turbans and other personal care items.

In addition, the Center's staff can provide patients and their caregivers information on cancer, as well as guidance to identifying the resources needed to help ease the day-to-day cancer burden, such as transportation and lodging assistance, according to a news release.

For more pictures and stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.