The Foundation has demonstrated a committment to removing the barriers that impede access to cancer information. To that end, they have created an inviting and stress-free environment in which patients and their families feel at home; comfortable seating, a beverage bar, warmly decorated rooms, and friendly staff greet each visitor.

As with all CancerHelp sites, the use of the customized screen saver and Plexiglas signs are helpful but not always sufficient to advertise CancerHelp. The Rio Grande augments these efforts with volunteers. When visitors stop by, when a new support group starts, or when an outside group visit their centers, volunteers feature CancerHelp as part of a tour.

The Foundation also raises awareness of CancerHelp with a variety of printed materials including in-house brochures, their annual report and use of the El Paso Physician magazine. Finally, when someone new to the center calls or comes in to the center, staff print materials directly from CancerHelp to include as part of an informational packet that can then be mailed or handed out directly.

Because of their groundbreaking work, Foundation staff are often asked to give presentations about their center to community groups and at health fairs. Staff make sure to highlight the important role of CancerHelp in meeting their education objectives.

Through this combination of internal and external promotion, the Rio Grand Cancer Foundation moves towards it mission of serving their community by providing access to important cancer patient information.

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