Birmingham, AL, April 25, 2023 – The American Cancer Society recently awarded a twenty-thousand- dollar ($20,000) transportation grant to the Alabama Oncology Foundation to alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs for patients with cancer. The grant is one of 520 nationwide, totaling over $7.5 million awarded by the American Cancer Society in 2022. Based on assistance provided through previous grant funding, these grants will provide more than 328,000 rides to treatment for nearly 25,000 people.
For patients with cancer, transportation challenges can create barriers to receiving the treatment they need. Many people need daily or weekly treatment, often for several months. Family and friends often help, but they may not always have the time or resources to provide every ride.
“Transportation barriers can affect an individual’s access to health care services,” said Chris Barnes, Executive Director, Alabama Oncology. “These barriers may result in missed or delayed cancer treatment appointments, increased health expenditures and poorer health outcomes. The ACS patient transportation grant will allow the Alabama Oncology Foundation to improve access and support for patients that will ultimately improve outcomes and lower healthcare costs, particularly in areas where health equity is imbalanced. We are thrilled to partner with the ACS again this year to help cancer patients in central Alabama get the cancer care they need.”
In 2022, more than 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States. In a large national study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) in April, American Cancer Society researchers found U.S. cancer survivors who reported medical financial hardship had a higher mortality risk.
“The financial burden of cancer treatment directly contributes to disparities in cancer outcomes,” said Michelle Piccini-Edson of the American Cancer Society. “We are working to increase access and remove barriers to timely, high-quality cancer care. Providing these grants directly to local health systems and partners allows us to deliver assistance directly to patients when and where it is needed most.”
From 1991 to 2019, there has been a 32% decline in cancer mortality. The American Cancer Society can directly attribute declines in the overall cancer death rate to the investment of funds and resources in the areas of advocacy, discovery, and direct patient support. All people should have a fair and just opportunity to live a longer, healthier life free from cancer regardless of how much money they make, skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or where they live.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. We invest in lifesaving research, provide 24/7 information and support, and work to ensure that individuals in every community have access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. For more information, visit cancer.org.
For additional information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
About The Alabama Oncology Foundation
The Alabama Oncology Foundation is committed to improving the lives of patients and families throughout central Alabama through supportive services and resources to ease the burdens faced by those fighting cancer.
For additional information about the Alabama Oncology Foundation, please visit aocares.org.
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Name Chris Barnes
Phone (205)803-4333
Email chris.barnes@alabamaoncology.com