FARMINGTON – A three-part volunteer training for those interested in becoming volunteer patient navigators is planned for January at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

A new American Cancer Society program for Franklin County, the navigators are trained to help newly diagnosed cancer patients find their way through the health care system. Finding resources for cancer patients and their families, navigators help more than 8,000 Maine residents living with cancer cope with the challenges of treatment.

The navigator’s role can include finding resources for transportation or day care, supportive listening and providing information about treatment and referrals.

The American Cancer Society is bringing the training to Farmington on Jan. 15, 22 and 29 from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

Volunteers must be older than 21, have knowledge of or willingness to learn cancer-related resources and be willing to dedicate five to 10 hours a month for a six-month commitment.

To register for the sessions, contact Michelle Perkins at 433-7615 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Cancer information, connections to local resources or the chance to talk with a caring person is available by calling 1-800-ACS-2345, 24-hours a day.