Education and Support
Cancer care goes beyond treatment—it’s about supporting the whole person. Education and support services play a vital role in helping you and your loved ones navigate each step with confidence. From support groups that foster connection and shared experiences to financial counseling that helps ease practical concerns, these resources are designed to help you feel supported, resilient and better equipped to move forward.
The Summa Health Cancer Institute has a licensed behavioral health counselor on staff, Dr. Jessica Moeller, who is focused on the treatment and care of cancer patients and their loved ones.
Physical concerns of cancer patients, such as pain or fatigue, can worsen emotional and relationship distress. Likewise, feelings of sadness, anger, fear or confusion can worsen physical problems. Sometimes our usual way of handling life's challenges does not work like it used to. We may feel overwhelmed, lost or uncertain how to help ourselves (or our loved ones) to survive. Sometimes we need assistance to navigate around the road blocks life puts in our way.
Counselors apply knowledge about the behavioral and psychosocial aspects of health to help patients and their families have fulfilling lives. Behavioral health services are known to decrease stress and increase quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Any adult impacted by a cancer diagnosis can access these services at any of our locations: Cooper Pavilion, Parkview Pavilion or at Medina Medical Center. Resources and referrals are available for families to assist children who are struggling with a loved one's cancer diagnosis.
Physical concerns of cancer patients, such as pain or fatigue, can worsen emotional and relationship distress. Likewise, feelings of sadness, anger, fear or confusion can worsen physical problems. Sometimes our usual way of handling life's challenges does not work like it used to. We may feel overwhelmed, lost or uncertain how to help ourselves (or our loved ones) to survive. Sometimes we need assistance to navigate around the road blocks life puts in our way.
Counselors apply knowledge about the behavioral and psychosocial aspects of health to help patients and their families have fulfilling lives. Behavioral health services are known to decrease stress and increase quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Any adult impacted by a cancer diagnosis can access these services at any of our locations: Cooper Pavilion, Parkview Pavilion or at Medina Medical Center. Resources and referrals are available for families to assist children who are struggling with a loved one's cancer diagnosis.
In addition to an individualized care plan, cancer patients balance the financial management of treatment. To reduce this additional burden, our patients have full access to free financial counseling at all of our locations.
During your initial consultation, the Oncology Patient Financial Advocate will provide you with guidance about health insurance, government programs, financial assistance programs and advocacy if needed. For qualifying uninsured patients, we offer assistance through state and local programs as well as through the Summa e-Recovery Program to help reimburse the cost of medications given during your treatment.
During your initial consultation, the Oncology Patient Financial Advocate will provide you with guidance about health insurance, government programs, financial assistance programs and advocacy if needed. For qualifying uninsured patients, we offer assistance through state and local programs as well as through the Summa e-Recovery Program to help reimburse the cost of medications given during your treatment.
Good nutrition is essential to keep patients strong to allow cancer treatment to continue uninterrupted. To assist, a registered dietitian is available through patient self-referral for consultation and meal plan development. Call 330.375.4578 for more information.
Summa Health offers a Smoking Cessation Program for anyone looking for help in quitting the use of tobacco products.
Patients and their family members have access to licensed social workers who specialize in the practical care and service of cancer patients. Our social workers help patients and their loved ones adjust to the changes caused by a cancer diagnosis, such as emotional support, education and referrals to other resources within Summa Health Cancer Institute and the greater community.
Our social workers help patients and their families adjust to and cope with the many changes a cancer diagnosis can bring. A social worker is available to assist you with the emotional, social and practical concerns related to your illness. A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and involve a wide variety of reactions. Cancer affects not only the patient but the family and close friends as well. A social worker can provide emotional support and help patients work through these reactions and family matters.
In addition, our social workers will offer resources to help patients manage their day to day challenges of living with cancer. Services provided might include assistance with transportation, hair loss, Advance Directives, talking with your children and grandchildren about the illness, education about community resources and financial information. A social worker is an important member of your healthcare team who is concerned for your quality of life throughout your cancer journey.
Our social workers’ goal is to help you and your family manage your cancer-related issues and wants you to have the best possible experience at Summa Health Cancer Institute.
Our social workers help patients and their families adjust to and cope with the many changes a cancer diagnosis can bring. A social worker is available to assist you with the emotional, social and practical concerns related to your illness. A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and involve a wide variety of reactions. Cancer affects not only the patient but the family and close friends as well. A social worker can provide emotional support and help patients work through these reactions and family matters.
In addition, our social workers will offer resources to help patients manage their day to day challenges of living with cancer. Services provided might include assistance with transportation, hair loss, Advance Directives, talking with your children and grandchildren about the illness, education about community resources and financial information. A social worker is an important member of your healthcare team who is concerned for your quality of life throughout your cancer journey.
Our social workers’ goal is to help you and your family manage your cancer-related issues and wants you to have the best possible experience at Summa Health Cancer Institute.
Libraries
Area residents are welcome and encouraged to become regular patrons of our medical libraries. The libraries provide cancer patients and their families with additional information and resources, whether it is to seek more information about combating cancer’s side effects or free internet use for patients to do their own research.Locations and Hours
Susan Deveny Pavloff Resource LibrarySumma Health System – Akron Campus
330.375.7280
Jean & Milton Cooper Pavilion
161 N. Forge St, Ground floor, Akron, OH
Summa Health System – Barberton Campus
Parkview Pavilion
The Community Health Library
330.615.3105
1st Floor
155 Fifth St NW
Barberton, OH 44203