American Cancer Society Transportation and Lodging Grants

Funder: American Cancer Society (awarded to Essentia Health-Fargo Foundation)

Geographic Scope: Fargo, North Dakota area and service region

Award Details (2025 Award):

• Total: $30,000
• Transportation Assistance: $20,000
• Lodging Assistance: $10,000

Purpose: Help alleviate financial burden for patients undergoing cancer treatment by providing transportation and lodging assistance

Background

Part of a nationwide investment of $9 million from the American Cancer Society expected to provide nearly 63,000 eligible patients with almost 800,000 transportation and lodging services.

Focus Areas

Impact of Access to Transportation and Lodging:

• Removes critical barriers to care
• Allows patients to focus on healing rather than worrying about treatment access
• Reduces missed appointments and treatment interruptions
• Decreases delays in follow-up care
• Improves cancer outcomes

Research from a 2023 Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) study found that delayed care due to lack of transportation is associated with increased emergency room use and mortality risk among adults with and without a cancer history.

Service Location

Essentia Health-Fargo Cancer Center:

• Located at the Essentia Health-South University Clinic
• Accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program from the Commission on Cancer
• Accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
• Service area: approximately 84% rural
• Offers comprehensive cancer care services at four cancer centers in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Mobile mammography services to several rural communities

Funder Background

Essentia Health-Fargo Foundation:

• Mission: Improve the lives of patients and families
• Dedicated to supporting people through their journey to a healthy life and ensuring health care remains local and accessible to everyone who needs it