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Indigenous & Rural Patient Navigation Program

Providing support and guidance to our Indigenous and rural communities

Cancer care is not an easy journey, but we can help clear the path and walk alongside you. Our Indigenous & Rural Patient Navigation Program is a free, non-clinical service to help you get the cancer care you need — from cancer screenings to survivorship services. A patient navigator is like having a personal cancer guide, someone who understands cancer healthcare, who can connect you with services and resources, and who will be a neighborly voice checking in on you and supporting you during this difficult time.

How we can help

Our patient navigators are trained and qualified community members who are caring and knowledgeable and will be there for you in confidence. We offer:

  • Assessments to determine which cancer screenings you may need
  • Connection with screening services and follow-up appointments
  • Support during and after a cancer journey
  • Information about cancer topics
  • Referrals to other necessary services
  • Resources for ongoing health and wellness

Screening and prevention assessment

How to start

Call 1-888-RPGUIDE (1-888-774-8433). A team member will talk with you to learn about your concerns and assess your needs. If you’d like to meet in person, our navigators can meet you closer to your home at the following federally qualified health centers:

  • Community Health Center of Buffalo (locations in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls and Lockport, NY)
  • The Chautauqua Center (locations in Dunkirk and Jamestown, NY)
  • Universal Primary Care (Olean, Cuba, Houghton and Salamanca, NY)

Or in your community at:

  • Indian Health Service - Lockport Service Unit
  • Seneca Nation Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories

Meet our navigators

Rural communities team

Alyssa McNulty, BS, MPH
Alyssa McNulty, MPH
Patient Navigator Coordinator
Laura Brady, PhD
Laura Brady, PhD
Community Patient Navigator
Kelly Standage, MS
Kelly Standage, MS
Community Patient Navigator
Chelsea Redeye
Chelsea Redeye, BA
Community Patient Navigator
Walker River Paiute Tribe from the Cattaraugus Seneca Reservation
Rena Phearsdorf, MLS
Rena Phearsdorf, MLS
Community Patient Navigator
Seneca/Deer Clan

Indigenous communities team

Whitney Henry, BS
Whitney Ann Henry, BS
Patient Navigator Coordinator
Tuscarora/Deer Clan
Nancy Carrier, BS
Nancy Carrier, BS
Community Patient Navigator
Mohawk/Turtle Clan
Marissa Haring, BS
Marissa Haring, MS
Community Patient Navigator
Seneca/Wolf Clan
David Silverheels, MSW, BS
David Silverheels, MSW
Community Patient Navigator
Seneca/Heron Clan