Funding will provide transportation support solutions for local cancer patients in need
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently awarded Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute $15,000 in transportation grant funding to help alleviate the financial burden of transportation for cancer patients. The transportation grant will assist cancer patients in Detroit and throughout the Karmanos Cancer Network, which reaches patients in 46-counties throughout Michigan and Lucas County in Ohio. With this grant, Karmanos will be able to assist at least 200 cancer patients.
For cancer patients, lack of transportation creates a significant barrier to receiving life-saving treatment and contributes to disparities in cancer outcomes. Many people need daily or weekly treatment, often over several months.
“Family and friends can help get patients to their appointments, but they may not always have the time or resources to provide every ride, which can create a barrier to cancer treatment,” said Kay Carolin, MSA, RN, chief nursing officer at Karmanos Cancer Hospital. “This is the second year that Karmanos has received the ACS Transportation Grant. We are committed to providing resources for our patients to have access to the cancer care they need, and this grant assists to ease the stress of patients worrying about how they will get to their next appointment.”
ACS looks to increase access and remove barriers to timely, high-quality cancer care for patients and families. The transportation grant program provides funding directly to local health systems. This year, Karmanos is one of over 400 health systems selected to receive the grant.
“Some patients don’t have access to transportation or are too fatigued or sick to drive themselves,” said Kathy Goss, Ph.D., regional vice president of Cancer Control for the American Cancer Society. “The Society collaborates with hospital partners to reach individuals in areas with high burdens of cancer and limited or no access to transportation because even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there. ACS patient support initiatives, such as transportation grants, fill critical gaps and are aligned with the ACS goal of improving lives for patients with cancer, caregivers, and the community.”
Patients who need transportation assistance for appointments at Karmanos may contact their patient navigator by calling 1-800-KARMANOS.