The American Cancer Society Awards $20,000 to Citizens Medical Center to Provide Transportation to Patients During Cancer Treatment
The American Cancer Society recently awarded $20,000 to Citizens Medical Centerto provide transportation assistance to people with cancer during treatment. The grant is part of a nationwide investment of $9 million that is expected to provide nearly 60,000 eligible patients with an estimated 700,000 transportation and lodging services.
“Transportation is one of the most common challenges our patients face during treatment,” said Terri Low, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Citizens Medical Center. “This grant allows us to remove that barrier for those who qualify for the program, helping ensure patients can focus on what matters most, their care and recovery. It provides them with reliable access to life-saving treatments without the added stress or financial strain.”
Citizens Medical Center’s oncology program provides comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care, including navigation services that guide patients through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The Oncology Nurse Navigator works closely with patients to establish and coordinate care, connect with resources, and address barriers such as transportation, financial and insurance concerns, and access to support services. This funding will enhance the hospital’s ability to ensure patients receive timely, uninterrupted treatment.
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 (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 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.”
Since 2021, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $50 million in transportation and lodging grants to health system partners across the country. By the end of 2027, this investment is expected to provide more than 370,000 patients with over 4.3 million transportation and lodging services.
The American Cancer Society believes 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. 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.
Patients who may need help getting to cancer treatments are encouraged to reach out to Terri Low at Citizens Medical Center at 361-582-5717 to learn more about available transportation assistance and support.
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 110 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 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. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.