By: Jodi Omear, MA, Chief Operating Officer  

What is your organization’s mission? 

Triage Cancer® is a national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources. 

Our mission reflects the reality that a cancer diagnosis brings not only medical challenges, but also complex decisions related to health insurance, employment, finances, and legal rights. These non-medical issues directly affect access to care and long-term stability. 

We bridge this gap by delivering clear, accurate, and actionable information that helps people make informed decisions, protect their rights, and move forward with greater confidence. 

Tell us about the communities you serve. 

We serve a national community that includes individuals diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers, and the professionals who support them, such as social workers, nurses, patient navigators, advocates, and human resources professionals. 

Our work supports people at different points along the continuum, from accessing prevention and early detection services, to navigating treatment, to managing long-term financial and legal considerations. 

A distinguishing feature of our approach is that we do not serve individuals in isolation. By also educating professionals who are on the front lines of patient support, we amplify our impact and extend the reach of accurate, practical information. 

With the launch of Triage Health, we expanded this model to support individuals facing a broader range of chronic and serious medical conditions, recognizing that many of these challenges are not unique to cancer but are systemic across the health care landscape. 

What are your organization’s main programs or the issue areas you focus on? 

Triage Cancer focuses on the practical drivers of health outcomes, specifically the financial, legal, and access-related challenges that can determine whether an individual is able to receive and maintain care. Our core issue areas include health insurance navigation, employment rights, disability benefits, financial toxicity, and practical planning. 

What differentiates our work is how we deliver this information. We specialize in translating complex laws and policies into clear, plain-language education that emphasizes real-world application. 

Our programming includes national conferences, live and on-demand webinars, and a library of guides, blogs, and podcasts. We also offer our Legal & Financial Navigation Program, which provides direct support to individuals and caregivers, along with professional training opportunities for health care teams and advocates, including our Insurance & Finance Intensives and Community Health Worker Trainings. 

How does your work relate to the National Health Council’s mission and the work of our members? 

Our work aligns closely with the National Health Council’s mission, particularly in advancing patient-centered care and improving access across the health care system. 

Triage Cancer contributes a complementary perspective by focusing on the practical realities that shape the patient experience outside of clinical settings. While many organizations focus on research, treatment, or disease-specific support, we address the cross-cutting barriers, rooted in the law, that affect individuals regardless of diagnosis. 

Our role is to equip individuals and professionals with the knowledge to navigate these systems effectively. In doing so, we help strengthen the broader work of National Health Council members by ensuring that patients are not only informed about their care options, but also able to access and sustain that care. 

We see significant opportunities for collaboration in advancing shared priorities, particularly around health equity, access to coverage, and reducing financial burdens. 

What would people be surprised to know about your organization?  

People are surprised by the extent to which non-medical factors shape health outcomes. While a cancer diagnosis is often viewed through a clinical lens, issues such as insurance coverage, employment protections, and financial stability play a critical role in determining access to care and overall well-being. 

People are also surprised by how complex and constantly evolving these systems are. Laws and policies change frequently, and even small updates can have meaningful downstream effects if they are not understood or addressed. 

Triage Cancer focuses on making these systems understandable and actionable. We aim to reduce confusion and give individuals the confidence to navigate challenges that are often overlooked but deeply impactful. 

What accomplishment is your organization most proud of? 

We are most proud of establishing Triage Cancer as a trusted, national leader in delivering practical, accessible education on the legal and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. 

Over the past 14 years, we have developed a comprehensive suite of programs and resources used by individuals and professionals across the country. Our ability to serve both audiences has allowed us to extend our impact beyond direct service and influence how support is delivered across the health care system. 

We are also proud of maintaining accessibility while addressing complex topics. By consistently providing clear, unbiased, and actionable information, we have become a reliable source of guidance during some of the most challenging moments individuals and families face. 

Triage Cancer is a new member of the National Health Council. For more information on NHC membership, please email membership@nhcouncil.org.