KINGMAN – The American Cancer Society recently awarded a $15,000 transportation grant to KRMC’s WL Nugent Cancer Center.
For patients with cancer, transportation challenges can create barriers to receiving treatment. 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. For some patients who come from rural areas of Mohave County for treatment, this burden is even more pronounced.
“We want to be able to help our patients to the best of our abilities from the beginning, and we see many patients where transportation is a barrier to the care needed.” said Gena Potter, BS/CM, a case manager at WL Nugent Cancer Center who helped renew this year’s funding. “We are extremely grateful for transport grant from the American Cancer Society which allows us to help alleviate some cost and provide our patients with a way to get to and continue high-quality cancer care.”
This is the fourth transportation grant ACS has awarded KRMC’s WL Nugent Cancer Center. Last year, the grant helped provide 2,914 rides to local patients receiving treatments.
Access to high-quality cancer treatment impacts cancer outcomes. Lack of transportation and lodging needed to receive quality care can lead to missed appointments, treatment interruptions, and delays in follow-up care. In a 2023 study by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 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.”
