Published on September 30, 2022
The American Cancer Society recently awarded a $10,000 transportation grant to the Phelps Health Delbert Day Cancer Institute (DDCI) to alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs for patients with cancer.
The grant is one of 520 nationwide grants 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 may help, but they may not always have the time or resources to provide every ride.
“We are incredibly grateful to be awarded this grant from the American Cancer Society,” said Rhonda Teague, director of the Phelps Health DDCI. “This grant will help ensure our patients can access the cancer care services they need, in addition to easing their concerns about how to get to their appointments.”
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 Nikki Leake, of the American Cancer Society. “We’re 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’s 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 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 Phelps Health
Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and is overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs more than 1,900 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 242 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics located in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville, Missouri. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org.
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.
Learn More
For more information about this program, please contact Susan Buhr, oncology social worker at the Phelps Health Delbert Day Cancer Institute at sbuhr@phelpshealth.org or (573) 458-8339.
