McLeod Health Foundation Awarded $12,500 from the American Cancer Society to Provide Transportation to Patients During Cancer Treatment

The McLeod Health Foundation was recently awarded $12,500 from the American Cancer Society (ACS) to provide transportation assistance to cancer patients who have difficulty getting to and from treatment. The grant is part of a nationwide investment of $9 million by ACS that is expected to provide nearly 60,000 eligible patients with an estimated 700,000 transportation and lodging services. 

“We are grateful to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society,” says Elizabeth Jones, executive director of the McLeod Health Foundation. “Ensuring that our most vulnerable patients have access to transportation services is a crucial part of our mission to provide excellent, accessible cancer care to the entire Pee Dee region.” 

The McLeod Health Foundation was established in 1986 as an independent not for profit tax exempt charitable organization whose mission is to generate philanthropic and community support to perpetuate medical excellence at McLeod Health. Thanks to the generosity of this region, the Foundation has raised in excess of $130 million and has provided support for hundreds of programs at McLeod Health.

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.