American Cancer Society Grant to Baptist Cancer Center-North Mississippi Helps Patients Overcome Transportation Barriers

Cancer patients undergoing treatment frequently require assistance getting to and from facilities, often creating a financial and logistical burden. That’s why the American Cancer Society has awarded a transportation grant to Baptist Cancer Center North Mississippi.

The grant is among 10 transportation grants totaling more than $65,000 across the American Cancer Society’s South Region to address the transportation needs of cancer patients.

An estimated 17,050 Mississippi residents will learn they have cancer this year and getting to their scheduled treatment may be one of their greatest roadblocks. To help patients get the critical care they need, American Cancer Society community transportation grants are awarded to health systems, treatment centers and community organizations.

These grants are available in select communities across the American Cancer Society’s South Region through an application process and focus on addressing unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing an unequal burden of cancer. The Society’s South Region includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas.

“As we lead the fight for a world without cancer, it is our responsibility to find new ways to collaborate, innovate and drive support for these patients,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society. “We’re proud to collaborate with community health partners to serve individuals in areas with higher 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.”

“We are excited to receive this grant from the American Cancer Society to help our cancer patients get the care they need,” said Daniel Lenard, director of the Baptist North Mississippi Cancer Center. “Our goal is to reduce stress for our patients and prevent missed appointments.”

The American Cancer Society is seeking investors to help fund additional transportation grants. Individuals interested in donating to support the American Cancer Society transportation program may contact Melissa Carlton, senior director of mission delivery, at 404.327.6508.

For additional information about the American Cancer Society call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Press release courtesy of Baptist North Mississippi