Social Work
Our social workers answer questions, solve problems and provide other services to enable those impacted by cancer understand, adjust and cope with the disease.
For social work services, contact:
Out Patient-Adult
Elena Bell, LISW-CP (all clinics at HCC + Radiation Therapy)
(843) 792-3346 Location: Hollings Cancer Center - Room 249
In Patient-Adult
Cherlyn Monroe, LMSW-CP (8 West, 10 East, inpatient Radiation Therapy)
(843) 792-7870 Location: MUSC Hospital - Room 837A
For other floors ask at the nurse’s desk to speak with a social worker.
In & Out Patient-Children
Joyce Rivers-Miller, LMSW (7B & Hematology-Oncology)
(843) 792-9460 Location: Children’s Hospital - Room 702
To contact any Social Worker by pager, dial the page operator 843-793-2123 and ask for the social worker.
The Social Workers associated with the Hollings Cancer Center collaborate closely with all the interdisciplinary medical teams to ensure high quality of care for patients in all settings. At Hollings Cancer Center, Social Workers help those affected by cancer in coping through the entire trajectory of their illness through prediagnosis, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and beyond.
Questions we frequently address:
- How can I pay for treatment?
- I used to be a work horse, now I’m tired all the time
- I need help in caregiving
- I’m afraid
- Will I be without hair the rest of my life?
- How can I get from Adams Run to radiation therapy every day for 6 weeks?
- This medication costs $1,000 a pill…how can I afford that?
- I can’t work any longer…how will I pay my rent?
- How will I survive my husband’s possible death?
- What do I tell my kids?
Social Workers begin with a thorough assessment of the client, situation, and available resources. They have much experience in locating and negotiating systems so clients get the services they need. All MUSC social workers hold a Masters Degree in Social Work – a 2 year degree with at least 900 hours of supervised field work in established agencies. All have extensive work experience (between 10 and 30 years).
Social Workers help the client and family understand and adjust to illness. They provide direct services - impart information, make referrals, screen and assess clients, provide short term counseling and intervene in crisis situations. They also are involved in advocating for the patient both within the hospital and community. They work with individuals, families, groups and the community. Social Workers facilitate support groups and provide community education.