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Patients to benefit from ACS grant

MIDLAND — Cancer patients will benefit from a recent grant awarded to MidMichigan Health Foundation from the American Cancer Society. The $7,500 grant will help alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs for MidMichigan Health cancer patients who face transportation barriers to attend cancer-related appointments between now and the end of 2021.

“Lack of transportation creates a significant barrier to receiving lifesaving treatment and is known to contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes,” said Joan Herbert, Pharm.D., oncology service line director for MidMichigan Health. “We are pleased to receive this grant to help alleviate the stress of transportation so our cancer patients can focus on their health.”

The ACS grant is part of a $2 million national transportation investment provided to health systems across the country. During 2020, the ACS transportation program provided more than 71,000 rides. But a gap remains in many communities for cancer patients for whom transportation is a challenge.

“ACS patient support services — such as these transportation grants — fill critical cancer gaps and are aligned to the ACS goal of improving lives of patients and their families,” said Kathy Goss, Ph.D., regional vice president of Cancer Control at the American Cancer Society.

“Patients have delayed life-saving screenings due to the pandemic which may result in more advanced cancer diagnosis and the need for additional services,” said Herbert. “We know our patients live in rural areas and may struggle with transportation to physician appointments and treatment. This fund is available for any of MidMichigan Health cancer patients who may need assistance with transportation.”

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