An important first step for most cancer patients upon diagnosis is the need to gain a basic understanding of their particular type of cancer and the treatment options available. This need for health information is the foundation for The Green House – J. Leighton Green, Jr. Cancer Resource Center. The Green House first opened its doors in October of 1999. The principle function has been the provision of cancer information for patients, their loved ones and medical professionals. The center operates as a public lending library featuring books, videotapes, audiotapes, CD ROMs, computer information systems, health-related newsletters, pamphlets and periodicals.

Beyond cancer information, library patrons will find materials that seek to offer comfort and acknowledge the emotional as well as the practical concerns of a cancer diagnosis. Shelf subjects contain information regarding alternative treatments, coping and inspiration, care giving, food, diet and nutrition, stress management, humor as a tool for coping, music as therapy, spirituality, grief and dying and much more. The resource center has grown to include four locations, the Four Seasons Beauty program that offers free wigs to cancer patients and the Wellness Workshop series as a further means for the delivery of health information.

All four locations have been treated to a physical design that lends itself to peaceful introspection through the combination of soft lighting, sumptuous furnishings, life affirming plants and greenery making this library a welcoming safe haven for patients during the sensitive quest for knowledge and personal insight.

It is understood that patients with cancer may have other health concerns that affect their treatment; with this in mind, the center has opened new sections on issues such as Diabetes, HIV and AIDS, Heart Health, Multiple Sclerosis and Hormone Replacement Therapy. An essential component of healing asks that a patient assert a sense of control over the process. Through the availability of access to information at no cost to the community, The Green House is part of a powerful patient service that eases fear, presents choices and fosters patient self-direction. The Green House stands as a solid partner in the community of those affected by cancer. It is with our services and future projects that we continue our stead to provide Light, Hope and Help.

Green House Information Topics

• After Cancer Treatment
• After Diagnosis
• AIDS and HIV
• Alternative Treatments
• Aging
• Biographies
• Bodywork Therapies
• Bone Marrow Transplants
• Breast Health and Cancer
• Colorectal Health and Cancer
• Cookbooks
• Coping and Inspiration
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Fitness and Exercise
• Financial Concerns
• Food, Diet and Nutrition
• Grief and Dying
• Health and Wellness
• Heart Health
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Humor
• Juvenile (materials for children affected by cancer)
• Living with Cancer
• Medical Conditions
• Meditative and Contemplative Practice
• Men’s Health
• Mind and Body
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Pain Management
• Prevention
• Prostate Health
• Psychology
• Relationships
• Smoking Cessation/Tobacco
• Spirituality
• Stress Management
• Teens and Adolescents
• Treatment of Cancer
• Types of Cancer
• Using the Health Care System
• Women’s Health

• Books
• Video Tapes
• Audio Tapes
• CD-ROM's
• Aging
• Pamphlets
• Newsletters
• Periodicals
• Wellness Workshop Series
• CancerHelp Net™ an NCI Touch Screen Computer Information System
• The Health Upfront Internet Search Engine