Methodist Hospital Receives American Cancer Society Grant To Help Patients Overcome Transportation Barriers

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has awarded a grant to Methodist Hospital to address the transportation needs of cancer patients in the region.

These grants are available to health systems, treatment centers and community organizations in select communities through an application process, and they focus on addressing the unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing an unequal burden of cancer. 

“Disparities predominantly arise from inequities in work, wealth, income, education, housing and overall standard of living, as well as social barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection and treatment services,” said Angie Rolle, an ACS vice president of regional cancer control. “Transportation programs are vital to help patients get the treatments they need and deserve.” 

The oncology social workers at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (MECC) work with cancer patients on a variety of issues throughout their cancer journeys. These can include caregiver stress, financial issues, practical barriers to care and transportation needs.

“It’s the job of our social workers to make sure nothing stands in the way of our patients receiving the cancer care/treatment they need,” said Chandy Lockman Hoke, team leader of support services at MECC. “A cancer diagnosis is challenging enough for patients as well as their support system. Not all of our patients have dependable transportation services, or perhaps family are not available to accompany them to an appointment/treatment. We want to take any of the guesswork out of the situation.”

The $15,000 grant will provide transportation services to those who need assistance getting to and from appointments, procedures for their cancer care. Other grant funds dollars will be used to provide an extra boost of encouragement for those undergoing treatment.

The oncology social workers at MECC are available during regular clinic/treatment hours. They can be reached by calling (402) 354-4213 or (402) 354-5893. More information is available here: https://bestcare.org/specialties/cancer-care/cancer-support-services

For additional information about the American Cancer Society, call (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.