Breast Health Navigator Guides Alton Memorial Patients

Malea Nowland is the new breast health navigator at Alton Memorial Hospital. The position focuses on physical needs as well as the mental and emotional side of things.

"I serve as a liaison between the doctors, radiologists and patients," says Nowland, who spent five years with the Illinois Breast and Cervical Program at the Jersey County Health Department. "After there's an abnormal test result, we want to help women know exactly what the process will be leading up to a diagnosis. The time I spend with patients depends upon their particular situation."

Nowland, a Jerseyville native, knows what it's like to be on the other end of such situations. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

"I've always been an advocate for women's health, and that came into focus when my mother was diagnosed. She came to Alton Memorial and received excellent treatment, so I'm very glad to be here."

Nowland earned her LPN at F W Olin Vocational School of Practical Nursing, Alton, Illinois and then bridged to the RN program at Lewis and Clark Community College, Alton. She also has worked at Saint Anthony's, Christian Hospital and the Illinois Department of Corrections, Grafton.

"Our goal is to make things as clear and easy as possible for our patients. No matter what we do, the needs of the patients will always come first."