The Franciscan Health Foundation was recently awarded $45,000 by the American Cancer Society to provide transportation and lodging assistance to people undergoing cancer 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.
The two grants received by the Franciscan Health Foundation underwrite transportation ($10,000) and lodging ($35,000) costs for cancer patients and their families.
“We have many patients and caregivers who travel long distances to receive our services, and they often need to find lodging for a night or sometimes even longer,” said Tom King, administrative director of oncology for Franciscan Health in Central Indiana. “The cost of fuel and hotel stays add up quickly, making the importance of these funds even greater. We are very appreciative of the American Cancer Society providing these grants.”
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 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 funding is especially helpful for at-risk populations, particularly the needy. If a patient cannot get to treatments and appointments, it poses a significant impact on their health outcomes.
Transportation funds will provide gas cards for patients, as well as providing Lyft rides. The lodging grant covers expenses for hotel stays at several facilities near the Franciscan Health Cancer Center, located on Indianapolis’ far south side. Franciscan staff coordinate reservations and patients/caregivers are not billed for their stays.
Recipients do not have to provide proof of financial need to qualify for assistance, as the goal of the program is to help patients stay consistent with treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.
The American Cancer Society and Franciscan Health have partnered on programs before through similar grants.
Click here to learn more about services at Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indianapolis. Click here to learn more about the American Cancer Society.
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