The Cancer Nutrition and Personal Items Pantry at LifeCare Alliance is for people who are dealing with cancer. Services are provided free of charge to qualified patients. To get started, ask your social worker or nurse navigator at the hospital where you're receiving cancer treatment to send an application on your behalf. Once the application is received, a Health Care Manager will reach out to you directly to talk about what services you qualify for.
You may also send a proxy to pick up items for you if you can't come in person.
The pantry provides nutritional supplements such as Ensure, Ensure Plus, and Glucerna. You can also find personal care items, feminine hygiene products, paper products like toilet paper and paper towels, and household cleaning supplies. For those with pets, the pantry carries pet food. Adult incontinence supplies and durable medical equipment are available as well.
The pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Limited delivery is available upon request. You can also choose a proxy to pick up items on your behalf.
LifeCare Alliance Cancer Services offers much more beyond the pantry. The Cancer Screening and Support Center at the same location provides free or low-cost mammograms and a full range of cancer screenings including clinical breast exams, 3D mammography, breast biopsy, Pap exams, prostate screening, and colon cancer screening. The center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance, and provides services regardless of ability to pay. Interpretation services are available.
For patients who need extra help, the Health Care Support program offers nutritional supplements with a prescription, transportation to medical appointments, medication assistance, wigs and head coverings, breast prosthetics, medical supplies, referrals to community services, and one-time emergency financial assistance when available.
LifeCare Alliance also has a wig room where cancer clients can try on gently used wigs, hats, and head scarves at no cost, and a medical supply room stocked with donated durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and more.
LifeCare Alliance accepts monetary donations, in-kind item donations, and stock gifts. You can donate online at the LifeCare Alliance giving page, by phone at (614) 278-3130, or by mail to LifeCare Alliance, Attn: Development, 1699 W. Mound St., Columbus, OH 43223.
For the pantry specifically, the most-needed donation items are Ensure, Ensure Plus, and Glucerna; feminine hygiene products and personal care items (unscented or for sensitive skin); paper products; and household cleaning supplies. You can also shop from the Amazon Wish List or call (614) 437-2840 to make a donation or arrange a collection drive.
Donations of gently used wigs, hats, head scarves, and medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers are always welcome for the support programs.
LifeCare Alliance welcomes volunteers in many roles, including Cancer Services Office Help, Meals-on-Wheels delivery, kitchen support, and one-time group activities. To apply, fill out the online volunteer application at LifeCare Alliance's website. A criminal background check will be run from the information you provide. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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