Singing River Cancer Center Receives American Cancer Society Grant to Help Patients Overcome Transportation Barriers along the Gulf Coast

GULF COAST, MISSISSIPPI – MAY 3, 2021 – Cancer patients undergoing treatment frequently require assistance getting to and from facilities, often creating a financial and logistical burden. That’s why the American Cancer Society has awarded a transportation grant to Singing River Health System Cancer Center. These funds will be used to address the transportation needs of cancer patients along the Gulf Coast.

An estimated 18,500 Mississippi residents will learn they have cancer this year, and getting to their scheduled treatment may be one of their greatest roadblocks. To help patients get the critical care they need, American Cancer Society community transportation grants are awarded at a local level to health systems, treatment centers, and community organizations. These grants are available in select communities through an application process and focus on addressing unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing an unequal burden of cancer. 

“Disparities predominantly arise from inequities in work, wealth, income, education, housing, and overall standard of living, as well as social barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection and treatment services,” said Beth Dickson-Gavney, MA, American Cancer Society. “The Society collaborates with community health partners to reach individuals in areas with higher burdens of cancer and limited or no access to transportation because even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there.”

Beth Dickson-Gavney, MA, American Cancer Society

“Some patients don’t have access to transportation at all or are too fatigued or sick to drive themselves,” said Chip Ginn, Director of Operations, Singing River Cancer Center. “Access to care is a big problem in our country, with low-income people of color and those living in rural communities suffering the most from disparities. Transportation programs are vital for these patients to get the treatments they need and deserve.”

Chip Ginn, Director of Operations, Singing River Cancer Center

Singing River Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society will host a ceremonial check presentation for the transportation grant on May 4, 2021, at the Pascagoula Cancer Center at 2:30 pm.

For additional information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.