Anyone listening to or reading the news knows Iowa has had more that its share of unusual and devastating natural disasters this year. If you live in an Iowa county that has been declared a federal disaster area and you or a loved are dealing with cancer, there is help available.
George Weiner, MD, medical oncologist, hematologist, and director of Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about High Ground for Cancer Patients:
Tell us about High Ground for Cancer Patients. Why was the initiative developed?
The initiative was developed jointly by a group of organizations interested in doing what we can to decrease the burden of cancer. We realize that it’s hard enough to go through cancer therapy without having to deal with the devastating effects of our recent natural disasters. We got together to develop a way to support those people who are having to deal with both of these very difficult problems at the same time.
Who is collaborating to create this initiative?
The initiative is being coordinated by an organization called the Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control. This is a group of 50 organizations across the state of Iowa, working together to decrease the burden of cancer. The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center here at The University of Iowa is providing administrative support, and we’ve had fantastic support, as well, from the American Cancer Society, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and the Iowa Department of Public Health. So it really is a very broad initiative with multiple groups working together.
Who qualifies to participate in High Ground for Cancer Patients?
This initiative is designed to help support cancer patients who live in Iowa and are currently receiving cancer therapy and also experienced difficulties related to our natural disasters.
Does every cancer patient living in an Iowa county declared a disaster area qualify, even if they suffered no loss from flooding or tornado damage?
We believe this initiative should be for those who have suffered a loss from the floods or tornadoes, as well as those who have had a much harder time getting their cancer therapy because of these disasters. One of the things we’re supporting is transportation costs to help people get back and forth to the doctor when they don’t have a way to do so. This has been more difficult because bridges are out or roads are closed.
Do the cancer patients need to be seen at UI Hospitals and Clinics to qualify?
No, this is a statewide initiative. Cancer patients can receive their care anywhere. Any cancer patient in Iowa who’s in a disaster area and has suffered damage from the flooding or tornadoes is eligible.
What benefits will qualified patients or families receive through this initiative?
We’re providing funds to help with:
- Housing
- Transportation to and from the doctor
- Other needs related to these disasters that impact on the ability to receive cancer care
How long will this initiative last? Is there a date the initiative will end, or a cap on money that is available to assist?
The plan is to have the initiative open for two to three months. We’ll see what the needs are and how long the funds will last, and base the amount of time it’s open on those factors.
If someone would like to learn more or sign up for this program, what steps should they take to apply for High Ground for Cancer Patients?
It’s a very simple, two-page form. They have been distributed to most of the cancer doctors in Iowa, so speaking to your doctor is one way to get this information.
To Apply for High Ground for Cancer Patient Funds
Eligible cancer patients can apply for High Ground funds by downloading the forms.
Both forms, the Provider Verification Form from your physician, and the Patient Information from you, must be completed and faxed to 319-353-8988 (Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center).
If you have questions about the forms, call 319-353-8620. Please mark ATTENTION: HIGH GROUND FOR CANCER PATIENTS on both forms before faxing them.
For eligibility information or to learn more about the support available through this effort, call the American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345, or visit American Cancer Society. Cancer information specialists are available to answer calls 24-hours a day, seven days a week. |
