Mitchell Cancer Institute receives $22,000 to help patients with lodging, transportation
The grant is part of the American Cancer Society’s nationwide investment of $9 million that is expected to provide nearly 60,000 eligible patients with an estimated 700,000 transportation and lodging services.
By Amanda Gibson
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The Mitchell Cancer Institute has received a $22,000 grant from the American Cancer Society to provide transportation and lodging assistance to people with cancer during treatment. The grant is part of a nationwide investment of $9 million that is expected to provide nearly 60,000 eligible patients with an estimated 700,000 transportation and lodging services.
“There are times when an oncology patient must travel from out of town to receive treatment, and the financial expenses can be a barrier to care,” said Sheila McElhany, BSW, associate manager of patient support care services for the MCI. “Helping patients with lodging and transportation can reduce financial burden and make it easier for them to get the life-saving treatment they need.”
Access to high-quality cancer treatment impacts cancer outcomes. A lack of 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 Arif Kamal, M.D., 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.”
Since 2021, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $50 million in transportation and lodging grants to health system partners across the country. By the end of 2027, this investment is expected to provide more than 370,000 patients with over 4.3 million transportation and lodging services.
