The ACS had a need to provide a social support system for cancer survivors and their caregivers regardless of location.

We were asked to design, develop, and evaluate a means to do this that uses both the Internet and telephones. The result is the Cancer Survivors Network, a telephone- and Internet-based service created to provide cancer survivors and their caregivers a nationwide community support system at http://www.acscsn.org. Consumers can listen to or read talk-radio-type programming ("shows") that specifically address their concerns. Users can browse or choose material matched to specific demographics and types and stages of cancer.

In addition to listening to cancer survivors in a prerecorded, menu-accessible program, users have the option of connecting with others who are registered users. The goal is to create connections among survivors and caregivers so they can give and receive needed support.

Navigation

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has established ambitious challenge goals of a 50 percent reduction in the age-adjusted cancer mortality rate, a 25 percent reduction in the age-adjusted cancer incidence rate, and measurable improvement in the quality of life of cancer survivors and their families by the Year 2015. Efforts to study and understand the navigational needs of those affected by cancer have been underway for several years. Based upon this research, the ACS has developed a new intervention system that provides case management, referral, and support services to individuals and their families through the cancer experience. The NewSof Group is providing the ongoing evaluation of this new system. This project is being done in collaboration with the Group Health Cooperative Community Health Foundation.

Creating Healthy Schools
www.creatinghealthyschools.org

The goal of Creating Healthy Schools is to create a community where school health practitioners, organizations, parents and advocates can meet on a common platform to further the school health education movement. Its purpose is to create a community for those passionate about school health advocacy and implementation, providing a place to learn, build relationships and secure resources. The NewSof Group has designed and built and will maintain this service.