Resources

Discover a variety of resources to accompany you on your cancer journey. If you’re aware of any additional resources that could benefit others, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 419-626-4548 or via email at CancerServicesPatients@gmail.com.

Advance Care Planning & Directives

Click here to learn more about Advance Care Planning and Advance Directives.

Click here for the State of Ohio Advance Directives Form. 

Additional Cancer Resources

211Provides information and referrals to local social services such as food assistance programs, shelter and housing assistance, utility assistance, mental health and counseling services, employment support, health care resources, child care resources, and legal aid in Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties in Ohio.  Dial 211

AARPAARP (American Association of Retired Persons) offers a wide range of benefits to its members, including discounts on travel, dining, entertainment, and insurance, as well as resources for financial planning, health and wellness, and advocacy.  888-687-2277

American Cancer SocietyWe are a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.  – 800-227-2345

Area Office on Aging The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. promotes the health, well-being, and safety of older adults, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers to foster independence.  419-621-0115

Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio– The mission of the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio (BCFOhio) is to help breast cancer patients survive the hardships of cancer treatments by providing emergency financial assistance.

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC is a coalition of organizations helping cancer patients manage their financial challenges.

Care & Share of Erie CountyCare & Share serves qualifying residents of Erie County, Ohio fairly and provides supplemental and emergency food (once per month) through the food pantry, clothing, linens, and housewares as available. If funding is available, may be able to help with prescription medication costs.  419-624-1411

Catholic Charities Ministries for Erie County residents include Crisis Navigation Services, Financial Education, Family Support and Guidance, Adult Advocacy Services, and a Furniture Ministry for qualified individuals and families. 419-625-7500 (Sandusky)

Catholic Charities of Huron County (Ottawa County also)Guardianship Services provide legal guardianship to individuals in Erie, Huron & Ottawa Counties age 55 and over who cannot make decisions for their medical care or estate. We provide help and companionship to these individuals through regular visits. Mental Health Guardianship provides legal guardianship services in Erie, Huron & Ottawa Counties to individuals aged 18 and older who are unable to make decisions for their medical care or estate. Adult Advocacy Services include personal consultations with families on available community resources, Elder Abuse Awareness presentations, and participation in county Elder Task Forces. Miriam House in Norwalk provides transitional housing for homeless women and their children, while the mothers learn needed skills to live independently. Community Emergency Services provides individuals living in Huron County with case management services. Rent and utility assistance are provided as funding permits for those struggling to maintain housing or utility shutoffs. 419-668-3073

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center – Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides complete cancer care enhanced by internationally recognized research efforts, offering the most effective techniques to achieve long-term survival and improve patients’ quality of life. – 419-626-9090

Columbia Gas Warm Choice ProgramNatural gas must be the primary heating source.  No major roof leaks, standing water, excessive mold or other factors that would impair safe and effective operation.  1-800-537-8210

Community Action Center (CAC)Social services programs offered to Erie County residents include food bank, personal care kits (toiletries), emergency rent assistance,  emergency utility assistance, and home repair. Huron County programs include Christmas in July, emergency rent assistance, emergency utility assistance, and home repair. Sandusky Office: 419-901-8927   Norwalk Office:  419-668-9823

Compass Point Senior Enrichment CenterThe Erie County Health Department’s Compass Point Senior Enrichment Center provides adult day services for individuals struggling with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The facility has Enhanced Certification from the Ohio Department of Aging, and can also provide Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapy to program participants. 419-502-1020

Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties. Inc. Community Action Agencies work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in their communities. They coordinate emergency assistance, provide weatherization services, sponsor youth programs, operate senior centers, and provide transportation.419-626-6540

CTS Disability AdvocatesCTS Disability Advocates is a reputable disability advocacy firm based in Sandusky, OH, dedicated to providing assistance and support to individuals with disabilities. 419-625-3002

Enrichment Centers for Huron CountyProvides food and clothing, shelters, housing, and utility assistance; provides counseling, support groups, drug and alcohol treatment, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources, health insurance programs for children, medical information lines, clinics, and hospitals. 419-668-0269

Erie County Health Department/Community Health CenterThe Erie County Community Health Center (ECCHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center, provides healthcare services to help support the needs of our community. Services are provided to individuals from birth through senior years and vary in accordance with individual needs. ECCHC strives to provide convenient access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care at multiple locations throughout Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties and also uses a Mobile Health Vehicle to provide health and dental services throughout the tri-county region. The Office of Epidemiology and Emergency Preparedness is responsible for safeguarding the health of Erie County residents through surveillance and preparedness activities.   The Environmental Health Division safeguards public health by preventing and controlling diseases transmitted through the environment. 419-626-5623

Erie County Job & Family ServicesProvides medical transportation, food assistance, housing, employment assistance, and medical insurance. 419-626-6781

Erie County Metropolitan Housing Authority – Erie Metropolitan Housing Authority operates 227 public housing units.  This program has a wide variety of sizes and styles of housing units available to low-income families and individuals.  Depending on the type of housing assistance that is available, eligibility requirements may vary but can include annual gross income, elderly household status, disability status, and U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status.  Erie Metropolitan Housing Authority will deny admission to any applicant when appropriate screening reveals a history of behavior that could have a detrimental effect on the other tenants, staff, or the development’s environment. 419-625-0262

Erie County Senior CenterThe Erie County Senior Center is a multi-faceted service and activity center providing opportunities for the senior citizens of Erie County. Educational and recreational programs are provided for active individuals and essential services to home-bound seniors. 419-626-2560

Erie County Veteran Service OfficeProvides temporary financial assistance to a veteran and/or a dependent of a veteran in Erie County for 90 days, may be eligible for temporary funds for food, housing, and utilities.  Unemployed veterans must be actively seeking employment or must provide medical evidence of their inability to work.  The Veterans Service Commission operates a van to transport veterans of Erie County to the Cleveland area VA Medical Centers. Home pick-up is available Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. We also provide commercial transportation to the Sandusky VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. The Erie County Veterans Service Commission and Office will assist you with establishing benefits from the following sources: Department of Veterans Affairs; Service Connected Compensation; Non-Service Connected Disability (wartime service only); VA Healthcare Enrollment; Death and Burial Benefits; Vocational Rehabilitation; Summary of VA Benefits for Veterans and Summary of VA Benefits for National Guard & Reserve Personnel. 419-627-6660

Father’s Heart MinistryFather’s Heart Food Ministry weekly produce and monthly food giveaway. 419-609-0110

Firelands Cancer Center/Seidman Cancer CenterThe University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center provides cancer patients and their families with hope. Designed from a holistic perspective, the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands artfully merges the most advanced approaches to the treatment of cancer with a beautiful healing environment. 419-557-7480

Firelands Habitat for Humanity – The Firelands Habitat For Humanity ReStore sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials. All items are sold at a fraction of the cost of retail stores. All proceeds help build Habitat for Humanity houses. Firelands Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts donations of almost any household items except clothing. You can drop off your donations at the ReStore during normal business hours, Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM – 4 PM, or you can call for us to pick up your larger items such as furniture or appliances. Due to liability issues, they cannot enter your house. Please have your donated items on the porch, in the garage, or driveway. Call 419-621-2207 for pick-up. The ReStore resells your new or used items (as well as corporate donations) for 50% to 70% off retail prices. All profits from ReStore sales go into Habitat’s building program, helping provide adequate housing for Huron and Erie County families. The ReStore now sells EcoTone recycled paint and we will recycle your old latex, acrylic or water-based paint for $2 per can! EcoTone paint is just $16 per gallon or $75 for a 5-gallon bucket and comes in a variety of colors. 419-621-2207

First Health Hospice – Provides palliative and Hospice care in Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties. 419-214-1003

Fisher Titus Medical Center Prescription Assistance Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s Prescription Assistance is a community benefit program of Fisher-Titus Medical Center. We have several programs that may assist you with your medications. 419-660-2521

Good RX – GoodRx is a healthcare platform that provides tools and resources to help individuals save money on prescription medications. It offers discount coupons that can be used at participating pharmacies to get discounts on prescription drugs, a price comparison tool that allows users to compare prices for medications across different pharmacies to find the best deals, telehealth services with consultants with licensed medical professionals for certain medical conditions and prescription drug information including side effects, dosage, and potential interactions.  Good Rx is not an insurance plan, but it can be a useful tool for people who are uninsured or have high out-of-pocket costs for medications.  It can help individuals find lower prices and save money on their prescriptions. 855-268-2822

Great Lakes Community Action (GLCP)  Great Lakes Community Action Partnership is a non-profit community action agency that provides programs such as Head Start preschool, utility assistance, home repair, community development, senior support, homeless assistance, and other services. We are here to help communities thrive, one neighbor at a time. For the quickest possible service, please refer to our website (glcap.org) and submit a contact form for the service you are seeking, or call 1-800-775-9767. If you are calling during non-business hours, please leave a message and we will reach you as soon as we are able.”  800-775-9767

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa CountyHabitat for Humanity of Ottawa County Ohio offers affordable housing opportunities for low-to-moderate income families, builds and renovates homes, and operates a ReStore for home improvement materials and furniture. (419) 734-7074

Heartland Home Health & HospiceWe’re here to walk alongside you. To ease your burden. To offer you clarity, comfort, and companionship. It’s our honor to be with you on your journey, helping you make the most of every moment and reminding you that this is your life, on your terms.  – (419) 824-7529

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill. 800-282-0880

Homestead Property Tax Discount – Must be 65 or older or totally and permanently disabled.  Applicants must own and occupy their home or mobile home or at least have an ownership interest such as a land contract or lease purchase in Erie County, Ohio.  419-627-7746

Huron County Department of Job & Family Services – Huron County Dept. of Job & Family Services (HCDJFS) is here to help! We are a one-stop shop with a variety of programs that can assist you with everything from cash assistance to finding employment to obtaining child support to keeping children safe. 419-668-8126

LA Spa of Hope La Spa Of Hope is a full-service boutique focused on helping women feel their best throughout their cancer journey. La Spa of Hope is a one-stop shopping concept with trained professionals who can help women maintain their appearance during critical times. LA Spa Of Hope provides an intimate, comfortable atmosphere where women can select important products relating to their cancer treatment and to their personal needs, including bras, prostheses, and wigs. On-site Aesthetician, Massage therapist, Nail Technician & Cosmetologist to help with any other concerns. The goal at LA Sap of Hope is to help women feel & look their best-before, during and after cancer treatment. 419-639-2010

Lifeline SupportLifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount. 614-466-3016

LincareLincare is a provider of in-home respiratory care. We offer a wide variety of home health care services that can be delivered at home.  419-499-1188

Locks of Love – Anyone can cut your hair.  Locks of Love encourages all donors to go to a salon they are familiar with to ensure their comfort when donating.  Locks of Love is not a manufacturer of any type of hair replacement system or hair care product. As a charity and strictly a charity, they purchase the custom prostheses they provide free of charge to our recipients.  Visit the Locks of Love website to learn more about donating your hair or applying for a wig.

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, providing hope, strength, and joy, and impacting their mental and physical health. 216-241-3670

Marina Medical – Marina Medical offers a variety of products so customers can continue to live safely and comfortably in their homes. 419-625-4312

Meals On Wheels Nutritious lunches are delivered to homebound senior citizens who need temporary or permanent assistance.  Meals can be delivered hot and ready to eat or frozen, to be heated by the recipient.  Both the hot and the frozen meals are prepared in the Senior Center kitchen and meet the dietary guidelines for senior citizens established by the Department of Aging. 419-626-2560

Norwalk Area Food PantryThe Norwalk Area Food Bank is a non-profit organization that serves the residents of Huron County. 419-660-1144

OHgo Mobile Food Pantry Distributes food, books, holiday gifts, and other resources. 419-602-0856T

Ohio Connectivity ChampionsAssists with locating affordable internet services. 844-644-6512

Ohio Public Utilities CommissionThe Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) offers consumer protection by regulating utility services, resolving disputes, ensuring safe and reliable service, and providing information and assistance to customers, while also regulating rates for services where there’s little to no competition.  They regulate providers of all kinds of utility services, including electric and natural gas companies, local and long-distance telephone companies, water and wastewater companies, and rail/trucking companies. 800-686-7826

Ottawa County Job & Family ServicesCounty residents may apply for public assistance benefits such as Food Assistance, Medicaid, Subsidized Child Care, and Ohio Works First Cash Assistance by completing an application. The Ottawa County Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program offers no-cost home repairs and rehabilitations to income-eligible Ottawa County homeowners. Repairs may include roofs, water heaters, furnaces, electrical, insulation, ADA modifications, plumbing, and more. 419-898-3688

Ottawa County Senior ResourcesOttawa County Senior Resources is your major resource of Senior Services for Ottawa County Seniors, their families, and caregivers. 419-898-6459

Piggyback FoundationThe Piggyback Foundation in Norwalk helps families facing serious illnesses maintain a sense of normalcy by providing assistance to meet the emotional, educational, and physical needs of children, including supporting family togetherness and extracurricular activities. 419-577-1932

Portage ResaleCome in and shop in our 10,000+ square foot facility for gently used clothing, furniture, housewares, small appliances, toys, and children’s items, books, antiques, and many more unique treasures. We are constantly getting new items in, so stop back often! All our items are carefully inspected and cleaned, so we bring you only the best items. We provide great items at prices anyone can afford. 419-732-1780

Project Lifesaver Project Lifesaver is the premier search and rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies and is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely responses to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition.

Project Lifesaver of Erie County OhioWhen children or adults afflicted with autism spectrum disorders, Down’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive disorders wander from the safety of their caregivers, your Sheriff’s Office is called to action.  419-625-7951

The Salvation ArmyAssistance available for general living expenses,  rent, utilities, and other basic needs.          419-626-3862 (Sandusky)

The Salvation Army Assistance available for general living expenses rent, utilities, and other basic needs.            419-433-0500 (Huron)

The Salvation ArmyAssistance available for general living expenses, rent, utilities, and other basic needs.           419-722-2769 (Port Clinton)

The Salvation Army –  Assistance available for general living expenses, rent, utilities, and other basic needs.       440-967-5446 (Vermilion) 

Save The Dream Ohio Mortgage AssistanceAssists eligible homeowners to help avoid mortgage foreclosure. The maximum amount of assistance $25,000.  Homeowner or spouse must have been laid off or disabled on or after January 1, 2014, AND determined eligible fo unemployment or disability benefits such as Social Security Disability, and short/long-term disability through private insurance.  1-888-404-4674

Serving Our SeniorsServing Our Seniors is dedicated to helping Erie County Seniors maintain their independence. Serving Our Seniors provides numerous services and programs to help Erie County residents, aged 60 or older to maintain their health and functional independence.  Services include education and advocacy, reporting financial elder abuse, Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia, dental care services, hearing aids, medication assistance, nutrition/home-delivered meals,  transportation to out-of-town healthcare appointments, medicare education, home ramps, handyman services and weekday transportation 419-625-1856

Social Security AdministrationThe Social Security Administration (SSA) is a U.S. federal government agency that administers Social Security, a social insurance program providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits and issues Social Security numbers.  866-588-7397

Stein HospiceStein Hospice has provided palliative and end-of-life care, caregiver support, and grief services throughout Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties. 800-625-5269

Stevens HairStevens Hair in Sandusky, Ohio, specializes in hair replacement services, offering a wide variety of wigs, hairpieces, extensions, and lace fronts, as well as hair treatments, for various needs, including male pattern baldness, alopecia, thinning hair, and chemotherapy patients.  419-625-0772

Stride Mobility Stride Mobility is a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Company specializing in customized complex rehab wheelchairs. We serve children and adults across Northern and Central Ohio by working in coordination with home care, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and private individuals. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art custom wheelchairs, scooters, and adaptive seating to meet your physical and lifestyle needs. 419-616-6017

The Compassionate Friends of Ottawa CountyWhen a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family. 419-308-4690

The Ottawa County Family Advocacy CenterProvides one-on-one mentoring and friendship to a senior citizen being identified as “at-risk.”  These mentors make at least weekly contact to provide friendship and companionship to a senior who is isolated and lonely.  These seniors are at high risk for exploitation and abuse and the program’s goal is to lessen that possibility.  419-301-0225

The Restore ShopThe Firelands Habitat For Humanity ReStore sells new and gently used furniture, appliances and building materials. All items are sold at a fraction of the cost of retail stores. . 419-621-2207

The Salvation ArmyAssistance available for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. 419-335-4090 (Norwalk)

When Pigs Fly: Helps with making memories for children whose parents have life-threatening illnesses in Huron and Erie Counties in Ohio..  Focuses on families from all walks of life, that are not receiving services elsewhere and need help to maintain normalcy for all of the children in a family.– 419-660-1932.

Wigs for Kids Wigs for Kids in Westlake, Ohio provides free, hand-tied hairpieces to children under 18 experiencing medical hair loss, helping them regain confidence and self-esteem.  Wigs for Kids’ mission is to help children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions such as cancer, burns or alopecia by providing them with free, custom-made hairpieces.  440-333-4433

Zari’s Beauty Supply – Zari’s Salon and Beauty Supply in Sandusky, OH, offers a wide variety of beauty products, including hair products (weaves, wigs, hair bundles), clothing, accessories, and jewelry, catering primarily to female clientele. 419-502-1006