POGO is actively monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We are doing our best to keep our teams healthy and informed, and to ensure continuity of our work on behalf of children with cancer, their families, survivors and the childhood cancer care system. Healthcare teams working in our partner hospitals and within POGO Satellite Clinics, POGO AfterCare Clinics and in the POGO Interlink Program are following the guidelines of their respective institutions and keeping POGO updated about any modifications to their practice. Families registered in the POGO Financial Assistance Program should continue to submit their claims as usual. While the precautionary measures being made at this time may not be convenient, we appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding and cooperation.
For the latest information about the Coronavirus:
– Toronto Public Health
– Ministry of Health – Ontario
– Public Health Agency of Canada
POGO Office Staff Now Working Remotely
In line with the advice of public health authorities in response to COVID-19, and to ensure a safe and secure environment for POGO staff, clients and partners, all POGO staff have now shifted to remote work and POGO’s office at 480 University Avenue will remain closed until further notice. Alternative arrangements will be made to replace in-person meetings. During this time, POGO staff can be reached by email. Please refer to the POGO Staff List.
POGO School and Work Transitions Program Continues to Operate
POGO Counsellors are dedicated to supporting their clients through this challenging time and The POGO School and Work Transitions Program is continuing to operate with some modifications. POGO Counsellors are available by phone or email as follows:
- In most cases, POGO Counsellors will not be travelling to their offices so will not have immediate access to all of their resources. This may mean a delay in getting information to you.
- To practice social distancing, in-person meetings will be temporarily unavailable. However, POGO Counsellors will continue to be available by phone and email in addition to Skype or FaceTime, as available (counsellor/client dependent).
- In keeping with hospital directives, POGO Counsellors may not be in attendance at POGO AfterCare Clinics. We ask that you please be patient when awaiting a response and know that your POGO Counsellor will get back to you as soon as possible.
Donations
The need to raise funds in support of our programs and services is no less great during this challenging time. As always, it is possible to make a secure, online donation to Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario at this link. Thank you for your consideration.
Click here for more COVID-19 information.