On March 15, the Upper Eastern Shore Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society (UESONS) presented its Commitment to Caring Award to Pamela Black, LCSW-C, OSW-C, an oncology social worker for the Shore Regional Cancer Program.
This award recognizes an individual who is not necessarily a nurse or a member of UESONS but who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to caring for patients with cancer. Recipients of the Commitment to Caring Award demonstrate exemplary care for cancer patients, recognize the impact of cancer across the community, and advocate for individuals, groups and community residents. The candidate must balance advocacy and support with self growth while fostering independence for patients and their families.
Black was nominated by a member of the chapter, who acknowledged her for wearing “many hats in providing services to cancer patients.” As a social worker at the Regional Cancer Center and a group facilitator of the Cancer Support Community of Delmarva, Black is involved in many cancer programs. She has been a cancer support group facilitator for over thirty years, the last six years in Easton, helping patients during their cancer journey. Black recognized the need for ongoing care beyond the cancer treatment experience and was instrumental in starting the Cancer Transitions program, a six-week program that helps patients make the transition from treatment to survivorship.
Seeing that there were support groups and other resources in place for cancer patients during and after treatment, Black noted that a void existed at the beginning of the process. She developed the “Welcome Group,” a program for patients newly diagnosed with cancer. These groups began meeting in the fall of 2010 to introduce newly diagnosed cancer patients to resources available to help them and to help them adjust to their cancer diagnosis.
In addition to her group programs, Black works with individual patients and families providing social work services. Her nominator comments, “Pam is always going the extra mile to help patients obtain the services and resources they need.”
Speaking on behalf of UESONS, President Robin Ford, MS, RN, OCN, says, “Pam is a very dedicated social worker who leaves no stone unturned when trying to assist or advocate for a patient. Pam works with local churches, businesses and a multitude of agencies to provide comprehensive social work care. She is so very deserving of this award and UESONS is proud to recognize her and partner with her in caring for cancer patients in our community.”