GWCI announces new collaboration with National Institutes of Health Federal Credit Union

The National Institutes of Health Federal Credit Union (NIHFCU, www.nihfcu.org), one of the largest credit unions in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and the nation's largest serving the healthcare and biomedical industries has proudly announced a new collaboration with the George Washington Cancer Institute (GWCI). The initiative recognizes the NIHFCU as the lead partner for GWCI's Center for the Advancement of Cancer Survivorship, Navigation and Policy (caSNP). This includes a five-event lecture series and an online training series that will reach approximately 500 health care providers, including program executives, clinicians, and students. caSNP is committed to improving institutional acceptance and integration of patient navigation and cancer survivorship programs at a local, regional, and national level.

"The George Washington Cancer Institute is pleased to work with the premier credit union for health care professionals in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to promote patient-centered care practices for a growing number of cancer survivors," said Mandi Pratt-Chapman, Associate Director of Community Programs for GWCI. "With the support of the NIHFCU, the GW Cancer Institute will provide skills training to patient navigators to guide newly diagnosed cancer patients through a fragmented health care delivery system; train program leaders to build patient-centered initiatives that best support survivors and their families; and launch an e-learning site for primary care providers to improve the infrastructure of survivorship care. We look forward to a long-term collaboration with the NIHFCU to serve health care professionals at all levels in the D.C. area."

"The NIHFCU recognizes the wonderful contributions the GWCI is making in the area of cancer treatment. We are honored to be aligned with such a fine organization focused on training those who are working so tirelessly on making the world a healthier place," said Juli Anne Callis, NIHFCU President and CEO. "As the nation's largest credit union serving the biomedical industry, we are committed to providing access to affordable loans to help these dedicated professionals succeed throughout their careers. In just the past year, we have lent millions to local medical businesses and practices. Our partnership with the GWCI will help us to continue spreading the word about our support of today's biomedical professional and banking solutions designed to finance and maximize their professional pursuits.

The initiative runs from May 15, 2012 to May 14, 2013. Other partners include the Pfizer Global Health Partnership Program, the DC Cancer Consortium, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Cancer Society.