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Q. I have a friend with a recent diagnosis of cancer. She works in Michigan in a hospital as a phlebotomist, and she's still working. I am looking for assistance/programs/information about what she can do to stop working while the COVID-19 pandemic is in full effect. Any guidance is appreciated.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. I would recommend that she speak with her medical team to better understand the risks that COVID-19 might pose for her, and to better understand what precautions she should take if she continues to work. If she stops working, she can apply for unemployment benefits online through the government and can apply to receive financial assistance from some cancer organizations which I’ll provide contact information for below:
- CancerCare COVID-19 Grant: 800-813-4673
- PAN Foundation COVID-19 Grant: 866-316-7263
If you or she have any further questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 800-813-4673 to speak with an oncology social worker directly for additional resources and support.
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Answered by
Lauren Bronstein, MSW, LCSW, LSW