At Deaconess, our oncology social workers are knowledgeable about individual and family coping styles, resources, clinical interventions, and use a myriad of skills and connections to help patients and families manage the multi-dimensional (emotional, financial, and physical) impact of a cancer diagnosis throughout their cancer journey. This management can range from distress and depression screenings to assisting with transportation issues.
These services can encompass educating patients (and their caregivers) about stress management and self-care. Our social workers can help patients with how to talk about cancer and their needs in an age-appropriate way with children, family, or friends. Our social work support can also extend to finding community resources to assist with various concerns. And, at times, it is sitting with a family facing the loss of a beloved family member.
Meet the Social Workers
Katie Omohundro, LCSW
812-842-2704
As an Oncology Social Worker, I am here to help patients through the rollercoaster that is cancer. I work closely with Nurse Navigators and other providers to assist patients who have been referred to me for assistance. Whether it’s talking through the anxiety that goes along with cancer or assisting patients with getting to oncology appointments, I am here to support our patients in ways that work for them! I like to think outside of the box and am open to discussing what needs a patient may have in feeling comfortable during their care with Deaconess Cancer Services. Want a visit to the Infusion Center before your first day of chemo, for example? Let me know! I’d be happy to discuss ways to make your time with us as pleasant as possible. I am available to refer patients to community resources that may help them as well.
I graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2006 and received my Master of Social Work degree in 2007. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has worked in schools, social work management, inpatient mental health and other medical settings. As a proud Deaconess oncology patient, I can empathize with our patients when they hear they have cancer. This can be a scary journey and if there’s anything I can do to make the process easier for our patients, I’d love to help! Feel free to ask for me at any of your future oncology appointments. I would love to meet with you!
Allyson Hoffman, LSW
812-996-5747
Lange-Fuhs Cancer Center
You can connect with our Licensed Clinical Social Workers through any of your oncology providers or your oncology nurse navigator.
The websites below can connect you to Deaconess and community resources available locally. If any paperwork requires documentation or assistance from your oncology team, please contact Katie.
- Deaconess Financial Assistance Website - information to apply for financial assistance at Deaconess
- The Well Fund Website - assists individuals with medical insurance coverage needs.
- United Way 2-1-1 Website - nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing free and confidential information and referrals to Hoosiers across Indiana. They provide referrals to people in need of a wide variety of services, which include but not limited to: shelter, food, legal aid, clothing, education, counseling, utility assistance, and health care
- Cancer Care Website - Professional oncology social workers provide free emotional and practical support for people with cancer, caregivers, loved ones, and the bereaved
- TOUCH, Inc. Website - Provides non-medical financial support to cancer patients who meet specific criteria for costs such as Transportation, Out-of-pocket expenses, Utilities, Child care, and Housing.
- IWIN Foundation Website - for breast cancer patient individual services that relieve emotional, physical and financial burdens
- Pink Fund Website - financial support to help meet basic needs, decrease stress levels, and allow breast cancer patients in active treatment to focus on healing while improving survivorship outcomes
- Cleaning for a Reason Website a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free home cleaning to cancer patients in the United States and Canada
- Karen's Wig Shop Website provides free wigs and accessories for women who have experienced hair loss due to cancer treatments.
- Fighting Pretty Website - a non-profit community resource aimed at supporting women feel confident, strong and supported through their journey of cancer
- Deaconess Advance Directives Website If you are interested in signing our advance directive form, please reach out to our oncology social worker.
- Deaconess Behavioral Health Website - connect with the Deaconess Behavioral Health team to access mental health support services
- Cancer Pathways Midwest Website - local community resource aimed at supporting cancer patients and their families
- Medication Assistance Program - assists with connecting patients to resources for medications; including cancer treatments
- FMLA Paperwork Requests for Deaconess Medical Oncology