INDIANAPOLIS – The Franciscan Health Foundation was recently awarded $45,000 by the American Cancer Society to provide transportation and lodging assistance to people undergoing 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 two grants received by the Franciscan Health Foundation underwrite transportation ($10,000) and lodging ($35,000) costs for cancer patients and their families.
“We have many patients and caregivers who travel long distances to receive our services, and they often need to find lodging for a night or sometimes even longer,” said Tom King, administrative director of oncology for Franciscan Health in Central Indiana. “The cost of fuel and hotel stays add up quickly, making the importance of these funds even greater. We are very appreciative of the American Cancer Society providing these grants.”
Access to high-quality cancer treatment impacts cancer outcomes. A lack of the 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 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 Dr. Arif Kamal, 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.”
The funding is especially helpful for at-risk populations, particularly the needy. If a patient cannot get to treatments and appointments, it poses a significant impact on their health outcomes.
Transportation funds will provide gas cards for patients, as well as Lyft rides. The lodging grant covers expenses for hotel stays at several facilities near the Franciscan Health Cancer Center, located on Indianapolis’ far south side. Franciscan staff coordinate reservations and patients/caregivers are not billed for their stays.
Recipients do not have to provide proof of financial need to qualify for assistance, as the goal of the program is to help patients stay consistent with treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.
The American Cancer Society and Franciscan Health have partnered on programs before through similar grants.
Learn more about services at Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indianapolis.
Learn more about the American Cancer Society.
###
About Franciscan Health
The Franciscan Alliance healthcare ministry began in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1875. Today, Franciscan Alliance is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest with 12 hospital campuses, more than 19,000 employees and a number of nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence. Hospitals include: Franciscan Health Carmel; Franciscan Health Crawfordsville; Franciscan Health Crown Point; Franciscan Health Dyer; Franciscan Health Indianapolis; Franciscan Health Lafayette; Franciscan Health Michigan City; Franciscan Health Mooresville; Franciscan Health Munster; Franciscan Health Olympia Fields (Illinois); Franciscan Health Orthopedic Hospital (Carmel) and Franciscan Health Rensselaer.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345.