Cancer patients undergoing treatment frequently require assistance getting to and from facilities, often creating a financial and logistical burden. That is why the American Cancer Society has awarded an Emergency Lodging Grant to the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. These funds will be used to address the lodging needs of cancer patients in Birmingham.
"Many patients have to travel long distances for daily cancer treatment," said Jordan DeMoss, vice president for Clinical Operations at UAB Hospital. "And many of them are too fatigued or sick to drive themselves to treatment each day and cannot afford to pay for lodging in the city where they receive treatment. 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. Lodging programs are vital for these patients to get the treatments they need and deserve."