Spectrum Health Foundation Receives American Cancer Society Grant to Reduce Barriers to Care

Cancer, Women's Health

Spectrum Health Foundation Receives American Cancer Society Grant to Reduce Barriers to Care

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 28, 2022 - Cancer patients undergoing treatment sometimes travel far from home to receive the right cancer care, which can create a financial burden. That's why the American Cancer Society has awarded a $25,000 lodging grant to Spectrum Health Foundation. These funds will be used to cover lodging for cancer patients receiving treatment in Grand Rapids.

An estimated 62,150 Michigan residents will learn they have cancer this year and finding lodging near their treatment center may be one of their greatest roadblocks. To help these patients, particularly those from historically underserved populations, American Cancer Society awards lodging grants to health systems and treatment centers. The American Cancer Society grant is expected to help 350 patients and their families.

"A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming," says Emily Mumford, LLMSW, oncology social worker with the Spectrum Health Cancer Program. "The details and cost can be daunting. The ACS grant means our patients won't have to worry about the cost of lodging. Patients have been relieved and grateful to know that this is one less thing they must be concerned about."

For additional information about the American Cancer Society, call 800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org.

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Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children's Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation's third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan. People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.

Contact:
Beth Cranson
Media Relations
Office: 616.391.2603
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