Bridging the Gap for Communities in Need

As a patient navigator for Susan G. Komen and the Stand for H.E.R. — a Health Equity Revolution program, Patrina Williams is exactly the kind of person you want by your side during a breast cancer diagnosis. Warm and empathetic, Patrina radiates compassion. She is also a wealth of knowledge and resources for her patients, who often don’t know where to start during a stressful and overwhelming time.

CaringBridge sat down with Patrina to discuss her role and the important role the organization plays for people going through breast cancer treatment.

Tell me about your role as patient navigator for Susan G. Komen and Stand for H.E.R.

My role encompasses being able to provide information and resources about breast cancer screening, treatment options, and financial, emotional, and practical support that’s available. I connect patients with the resources they need.

When I first started in this role, one of my colleagues compared us to a navigation system in your car. You tell the navigation system where you want to go and it gives you the information. So that’s how I look at my role. And sometimes I need to pull out of them what they need. You have to know your patients, to know which questions to ask to get the information you need to be able to help them.

There’s so much information because it’s such a life-changing situation. It’s about being the support they need, holding their hand throughout the process, and meeting them where they’re at.

What brought you into this role, and how did you decide that this is what you wanted to do?

Before Susan G. Komen, I was a community health navigator. I ended up becoming a manager at one of our brand-new clinics, and I realized that I didn’t feel the connection anymore. When I was working at the front desk, I was able to have conversations with patients, sometimes helping them talk through certain situations. Even though that wasn’t my role, it was what they needed in the moment.

I decided to shift to be more in the community space, to be able to help and be the boots on the ground. I wanted to help these communities, because there’s a lot of distrust and people are scared of doctors because of things that have happened in the past.

I wanted to be part of something that would help the people in the community become healthier individuals, not only in their bodies, but in their mind and their soul.

It’s a good feeling to be able to be there for somebody else at the worst time in their life.

What are some of the important qualities for being successful in your role?

One of the best attributes needed is to be an active listener. A lot of times, patients just need to vent. They need to get it out, and being able to listen without always responding is important. They appreciate someone listening to them, allowing them to free themselves of their emotions.

It’s so hard to not say, “I’m sorry you’re going through this.” They don’t want to hear that. I don’t know their exact situation, but I can still show empathy by meeting them where they’re at.

We serve all types of breast cancer patients from all different types of communities, so it’s important to adjust and know the differences in different communities. It all goes back to active listening and empathy in your interactions.

You also need to be resourceful for your patients. A lot of times they don’t know what to look for, which keywords to Google, where to go for help. I serve a lot of rural communities in the South where there’s nothing, no support, no financial resources. Sometimes it’s just helping fix the smallest thing, like helping someone find a refrigerator. A refrigerator may be the best support you can give them, but it helps take some of the stress off of them.

Why is Stand for H.E.R. important to Black women with breast cancer?

Stand for H.E.R. encompasses patient support, education, advocacy, and public policy. But I believe it’s especially important for the Black community, because not only is there a lack of support and resources, but there’s also distrust when it comes to the healthcare system.

I grew up in the South, and I live in those same communities. I understand how it feels. It’s important for patients to have somebody that’s not only able to identify what they’re going through, but to also understand because they live the same life as you. I’m able to help them navigate through the resources and help empower them to know where to go, what to do, who to talk with.

Stand for H.E.R. is monumental, but it’s just one of the ways that Komen, and we, as patient navigators, support a lot of other marginalized communities as well, including rural populations, Latino and LGBTQ+ communities, and so many more.

How has the program been received? What do you hear from those who have benefitted from it?

They appreciate that we’re here and they are grateful for the support, for the personal relationship we have with them. They feel comfortable and confident in the support they get from us.

A lot of organizations have stipulations or require you to be in active treatment, but not with Susan G. Komen. Our patients appreciate that they’re able to contact us, that we have someone on the phone that’s not only there to support you, but also understand what you’re going through and help you navigate.

If someone wants to learn more about the program, how do they do so?

The Komen Patient Care Center can help meet the needs of anyone impacted by breast cancer. Our navigators offer free, personalized navigation services to patients, caregivers and family members, including breast health and breast cancer information, access to services and resources, emotional support and more. Get connected with a Komen navigator at 1-877-GO KOMEN or helpline@komen.org

Resources are not only available to patients, but to caregivers and loved ones as well. To learn more about Komen’s Patient Care Center or the Stand for H.E.R. program, visit Komen.org/patientcarecenter and Komen.org/standforher.

How important is it for breast cancer patients to have support from their family and friends during this time?

It is vital. Who wants to go through a life-changing diagnosis with no support?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of patients who don’t have anybody. If you don’t have any support, you’re left feeling alone, which makes it feel like you don’t have a reason to fight.

They need to be able to talk to somebody, they need to have practical support to help make it to appointments and coordinate other things like transportation. Having that extra help and support is monumental.

But when they don’t have anybody, I have them.

Do you refer patients and their family caregivers to CaringBridge and if so, how have you seen it improve patient well-being by being connected to loved ones for support?

Yes. My colleagues and I have referred many patients to CaringBridge. Our patients love the fact that they’re able to notate what their plans are, and coordinate help for things like appointments. Their family is able to see what they need and tell them, “I’m going to pick this day to take you, and this person will take you this day,” and so on. They love the positive messages they receive on CaringBridge, and that they’re able to connect with loved ones on a different level. It provides a connection to and for everyone.