ETMC Cancer Institute receives outstanding achievement award
Special to The Monitor
ATHENS–The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has granted its Outstanding Achievement Award to East Texas Medical Center Cancer Institute along with a small select group of accredited cancer programs that were surveyed in 2011.
“We are very pleased to have received this recognition for providing the highest level of quality cancer care,” ETMC Cancer Institute vice president Todd Sigmon said.
“The award is granted to facilities that demonstrate a high level of compliance with established standards in areas such as leadership, cancer data and clinical management, research, community outreach, and quality improvement,” he added.
Only around 20 percent of the cancer programs surveyed in 2011 received this award.
Accreditation by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have committed to providing the highest levels of quality cancer care.
“This means we undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of our performance every three years,” Sigmon said.
“Nationwide only 30 percent of all hospitals are CoC accredited cancer programs. For the physicians, providers, and administrators at ETMC to make the commitment to offer this level of care is a great resource for cancer patients wishing to stay in East Texas from diagnosis through treatment.”
In 1990, ETMC’s Cancer Institute became the first oncology program in East Texas to be certified by the CoC, placing it among the elite hospitals in the nation with approved cancer programs.
In 2011, ETMC was granted another three-year accreditation with commendation to the cancer program.
Receiving care at a commission-approved cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:
• comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment.
• a multispectral team approach to coordinate the best treatment options.
• information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options.
• access to cancer-related information, education and support.
• ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.
• quality care close to home.
For more information, go to www.etmc.org. 
 

 

Rotary issues $12,145 in grants to area businesses
By Robyn Wheeler
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–Rotary Club of Cedar Creek Lake members discussed finances at the business meeting April 27 at Vetoni’s Restaurant.
The April 20 Golf Tournament at Kings Creek Country Club raised more than $8,000 with 22 teams competing for big prizes. None of the players scored a hole-in-one.
Overall, this year’s operating expenses have totaled $28,400 which is $1,600 below last year’s expenses.
Members heard the proposed grant requests and unanimously approved all 13, totaling $12,145.
Recipients, the amounts received and reason for the grants are as follows:
• Community Food Pantry, $1,000, a new freezer.
• Eustace ISD, $1,600, four iPads.
• Family Resource Center, $1,200, fans for the elderly.
• First UMC Mabank, $1,000, Youth Work Camp.
• Henderson County Children’s Advocacy, $500, waiting room furniture.
• Henderson County HELP, $500, upgrading call center computer.
• Kemp Housing Authority, $600, four picnic tables.
• Library at Cedar Creek Lake, $2,000, subscription to the Learning Express Library, an innovative, web-based learning solution that provides patrons of all ages, with a comprehensive collection of test preparation tools, skill-building materials, and career resources.
• Mabank Intermediate, $1,600, outdoor classroom.
• Rotary Interact, $200, direct youth exchange.
• Tri-County Library, $1,845, audio books.
• Senior Citizens at the Ballpark, $200, landscaping.
In other news, Rotarians:
• discussed a membership drive at Vetoni’s in the upcoming months to encourage others to join Rotary and their causes.
• heard the Mabank High School Panther Edition Choir will perform at the May 11 meeting at Vetoni’s.
• voted for Rotarian of the Year.
• heard several Rotarian members interviewed 40 students from Kemp, Eustace and Mabank ISDs for scholarship donations. That list was narrowed down to 12.
• heard a book give-away will take place at two Mabank Schools May 18.

 

Come Adopt Us At The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake

We have many animals at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points in dire need of a good home. Please call or stop by the Humane Society today and rescue one of these forgotten animals. The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is located on 10220 County Road 2403 in Seven Points. For more information, please call (903) 432-3422 after 11 a.m. We are closed on Wednesday.

For further information visit our website at petfinder.com