The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently awarded $20,000 to KRMC’s WL Nugent Cancer Center to provide transportation assistance to people with cancer during treatment. The grant is part of a nationwide investment of $9 million that is expected to provide nearly 63,000 eligible patients with nearly 800,000 transportation and lodging services.
Gena Potter, case manager at KRMC’s cancer center said, “The American Cancer Society transportation grant is making a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Many of our patients say the gas vouchers have alleviated some financial stress—without them, patients may not make it to their treatments. This support helps patients continue receiving the high-quality cancer care they deserve.”
This marks the fifth time the American Cancer Society has awarded a patient transportation grant to KRMC’s WL Nugent Cancer Center. In the past year alone, the grant enabled a remarkable 1,808 trips, ensuring cancer patients could consistently attend their appointments.
“We are grateful for the generosity and continued support from the American Cancer Society,” said Diana Lalitsasivimol, Sponsored Funds Program manager. “It is crucial that we collectively tackle health-related social needs, like transportation insecurity, to improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable communities.”
Access to high-quality cancer treatment impacts cancer outcomes. A lack of the transportation and lodging needed to receive quality care can lead to missed appointments, treatment interruptions, and delays in follow up care. In a 2023 Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) study, American Cancer Society researchers found that delayed care due to lack of transportation is associated with increased emergency room use and mortality risk among adults with and without cancer history.
“Transportation obstacles or the cost of a hotel room should not be barriers that determine the survival of those needing cancer treatment,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society. “Partnering with health systems and organizations across the country to provide funding to deliver the direct assistance needed helps to fill these equity gaps and improves cancer outcomes.”
The American Cancer Society believes all people should have a fair and just opportunity to live a longer, healthier life free from cancer regardless of how much money they make, skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or where they live. In addition to providing transportation and lodging funding to health systems and organizations, the American Cancer Society runs a Road To Recovery program that provides free rides to and from treatment and over 30 Hope Lodge communities that provide a free place to stay during treatment.