"We encourage anyone with a cancer diagnosis, or their whanau, to find out more about the services we offer, which include accommodation at Domain Lodge in Auckland while they are being treated."
Te Hiku Hauora mobile nursing manager Angela Keung-Hobson said her organisation was excited to be offering much-needed services with the Cancer Society. Ki a Ora Ngatiwai Health Services CEO Lynette Stewart described the initiative as innovative and forward thinking, and providing a platform to address cancer statistics and poor health outcomes for Maori in Te Tai Tokerau.
"The strategy aims to reduce the barriers for Maori accessing health care, and in particular provides psycho-social support during a cancer diagnosis, which fully engages Maori and all clients in their own health journey," she said.
Cancer Society Auckland-Northland CEO John Loof said the partnerships represented a new approach for the society, its first regionwide partnership with Maori health providers, and the biggest increase in funding to Northland in years.
"Thanks to the generous support of donors and tireless efforts of our fundraisers, we're now able to direct more funding to Northland to try to put a dent in its high cancer mortality rate," he said. "The Cancer Society receives no government funding, and we ask people to dig deep and help us help those with cancer when they see our collectors on Daffodil Day (tomorrow).