American Cancer Society awards $22,000 to USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute to provide transportation and lodging to patients during cancer treatment
“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., MBA, MHS, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society.
By Jessica Jones
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The American Cancer Society recently awarded $22,000 to the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) to provide transportation and lodging assistance to people who travel to receive 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 transportation and lodging grant has been a lifeline for patients during one of their most difficult times in life,” said Sheila McElhany, associate manager of patient supportive care services at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. “Traveling to cancer treatments is not only physically exhausting but financially overwhelming. Thanks to this support, patients no longer have to worry about how to get to their appointments or where they will stay. Patients can focus on healing, knowing they are not alone in their fight against cancer.”
The MCI is home to the region’s only active and comprehensive cancer prevention program, and its mission is deeply rooted in bringing education, resources and cutting-edge care directly to the Gulf Coast community. As part of USA Health, the MCI combines academic expertise with a patient-centered approach, addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for individuals within the community. Through partnerships and programs that increase access to care, the MCI continues to lead efforts in reducing the burden of cancer across the region.
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., MBA, MHS, 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.”
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.
To learn more about the MCI and its cancer care, visit usamci.com.
