Local Resources
The South Puget Sound community benefits from a wide array of outstanding health care and non-profit organizations available to patients, their families, and friends looking for information about breast care, breast health, breast cancer and support groups, wigs, prosthetics or treatment options.
Below is a list of local resources, each with links to additional information:
The South Sound CARE Foundation (CARE) helps patients in the South Sound region battle cancer by providing cutting-edge clinical trials right here in our community.
American Cancer Society
Local searchable database for cancer resources
First Look Voucher Program
This program is now being offered by the Carol Milgard Breast Center under the name First Look Voucher Program. This program provides financial assistance for women ages 39 and under or men of any age – who are uninsured, low income, experiencing breast problems and in need of diagnostic breast imaging services.
(253) 301-6616 Click here for a First Look Voucher Program Application.
Breast, Cervical & Colon Health Program
This is a program for uninsured or underinsured low income patients; for women between 40-64 years of age (limited openings are available for women between 35-39) and men between 50-64 years old. It is early detection program for breast, cervical, and colon cancers. The program helps to provide a primary care provider for a wellness exam, as well as funding for screening exams. Representatives can help patients determine if they qualify over the phone.
Citrine Health manages this program for Pierce County.
(888) 651-8931
Cancer Lifeline + Harmony Hill
Harmony Hill is in the process of integrating with Cancer Lifeline. For now, you can still access the website Harmony Hill Retreat Center. Eventually, all information will be available in one place at CancerLifeline.org.
Stay informed during the transition by sign up for the Cancer Lifeline newsletter to receive updates and news as the integration progresses.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Breast Cancer Education
Health system breast cancer information
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Cancer Care Center
Health system cancer program
VMFH Spirituality & Cancer Support Group | emmet.hutchinson@commonspirit.org
VMFH welcomes all individuals to join us for a support group to explore spirituality as it changes through their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond. Email emmet for monthly schedule.
Franciscan Health System
Health system overview including hospitals, clinics and health care providers
Korean Women’s Association Breast Cancer Navigator Program
Breast Cancer Navigators help save lives by increasing early detection of breast cancer in medically underserved minority women. Women diagnosed with breast cancer receive one-on-one services from navigators who provide practical and emotional support in managing the disease as well as help them find and connect to timely, high-quality medical care.
(253) 535-4202
Leaders in Women’s Health (LIWH)
A group of volunteers deeply committed to changing the narrative for African American women regarding breast health in our local community. They work strategically with other organizations to think about training, education and early outreach in the African American and medical communities.
Our breast center also partners with the LIWH SistahFriends Program. The SistahFriends Navigators help to identify women in the community who need a mammogram and help them to schedule their screening mammogram at one of the breast center’s screening events.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a twelve-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors. The program fulfills the important need of supporting the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life or their “new normal.” The program is conducted outside of medical facilities to emphasize that the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not disease.
(800) 872-9622 x 8897
MultiCare Cancer Institute Support Group | betsy.allen@multicare.org | 253-403-3169
This objective of this cancer support group is to provide nurturing and positive environment with strength-based approach to help participants process emotions and develop effective coping skills while engaging with peers. Email or call Betsy for meeting schedule and more information.
MultiCare Breast Cancer Education
Health system breast cancer information
MultiCare Health System
Health system overview including hospitals, clinics and health care providers
MultiCare Regional Cancer Center
Health system cancer program
Ovarian & Breast Cancer Alliance
Seattle area non-profit organization providing ovarian and breast cancer information and support.
Pierce County Cancer Survivorship Info & Conference
This is an annual event held the first Wednesday of June at the University of Puget Sound. Their mission is to support cancer patients, survivors and caregivers by providing education and resources.
Pierce County Community Connections
Connecting low-income families with a variety of local county services, including: family caregiver support, care-related events, and workshops and transportation services.
Pacific Islander Health Alliance NW (PIHA-NW)
After recognizing a need for healthcare outreach and education for Pacific Islanders in Washington state where there is a growing population of Pacific Islanders and an increase in health disparities, PIHA-NW offered to assist in Tacoma providing a variety of health care support services.
PIhealthallianceNW@gmail.com
Sisters of Hope/Brothers of Faith Cancer Support Group
The support group’s mission is to provide a safe, comforting environment for spiritual, emotional, sisterly and brotherly support for people diagnosed with cancer.
(253) 572-2683
Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Puget Sound Affiliate
Komen Puget Sound is the largest private funder of mammograms for low-income underserved women in Washington state. The organization exists to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate within our community and find a cure for the disease.
(206) 633-0303
Bras, Prosthetics, Wigs & Head Coverings
MultiCare Complimentary Wig Program | (253) 697-4899 | milleta@multicare.org
MultiCare’s Good Samaritan Cancer Resource Center is pleased to offer a complimentary virtual wig program for any woman in the community undergoing medical treatment for a cancer diagnosis.
MultiCare Good Samaritan Cancer Resource Center in Puyallup
MultiCare’s Good Samaritan Cancer Resource Center is pleased to offer a complimentary virtual wig program for any woman in the community undergoing medical treatment for a cancer diagnosis. No prescription is necessary. Our wig program provides one new high-quality wig, which includes custom color matching, wig liner, and stylish head covering accessories.
Did you know the Dr. Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Resource Center offers other complimentary services. For more information, click here.
Virtual wig consultations are available:
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm & Friday 9-11am.
Contact: Tamara Miller | (253) 697-4899.
For more information click here.
Nordstrom Prosthesis Program
Skilled Nordstrom Prosthesis Coordinators are trained and certified to fit women who have recently undergone mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other reconstructive surgery. Nordstrom stores offer a wide choice of prostheses, bras and related specialty products. Nordstrom is a provider for selected insurance companies and its coordinators provide Medicare claim filing assistance. In Washington, Oregon and Alaska, contact the local Nordstrom Lingerie Boutique to find out more.
(253) 475-3630, ext. 1240 (Tacoma)
Resource Library
Through support from our founding donors, the Carol Milgard Breast Center offers a Resource Library that is free and typically open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Our resource library offers consumer-friendly, health-oriented brochures, pamphlets and internet access to breast health information.