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.
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.
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 providing 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.